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How to replace a toilet seat

This guide will take you through removing your old toilet seat and installing a new one. It's best to read the manufacturer's instructions before you start this project as installation and fixings can vary. Ensure you are wearing protective clothing, including goggles and gloves, to protect against exposure to chemicals, dust, or flying debris.

Equipment:

 

1. Measure the toilet

Measure from your toilet seat fixing point to the lip and then the width to find the dimensions needed for your new toilet seat.

Using a tape measure to measure the width of a toilet from one edge to the other.
 

2. Remove old toilet seat

For a back-to-wall toilet, your seat may have hidden fixings. Start by taking the seat off the hinges, levering off the cover plates, and remove the brackets.

Person pressing a button on the bottom of a toilet seat so it can be released from the fixings.
 

3. Disinfect the area

Once you've removed the seat, clean the toilet area with disinfectant. Dry thoroughly to avoid any mould forming.

Person wearing gloves using a spray bottle to spray disinfectant on the area where a toilet seat is mounted to a toilet.
 

4. Put the nuts in place

Now you can unpack your new seat and fixings. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions. Drop the nuts through the holes in the toilet and use the screwdriver to tighten them in place.

Person using a screwdriver to screw toilet seat top fixings onto a toilet.
 

5. Replace the covers

Push the stainless steel covers over the brackets.

Pushing a stainless steel toilet seat fixing cover over the top of a toilet seat bracket.
 

6. Finish installing the seat

Slot the seat into place.

Person pushing down on the top of a toilet seat to push it into its brackets.