In this helpful and easy to follow guide, we explain how to replace your old toilet seat. Small changes can make a huge difference and help to turn your bathroom into a sleek and relaxing space – and fitting a new toilet seat is a quick and simple way to refresh the look.

Whether your old seat has broken or you’re simply ready for a change, we walk you through the steps you need to take to replace the toilet seat in your bathroom.

Replacing your toilet seat

Replacing a toilet seat is fairly quick and simple. It requires only basic DIY skills and, as long as you have the right equipment, it can easily be done by a novice

The tools you will need to complete this job are:

• A slot or crosshead screwdriver
• Pliers
• Your brand new toilet seat

Please note: The process may vary, depending on the new toilet seat you have chosen and the type of toilet you have. It’s always best to consult the installation manual before carrying out any work.

To replace your toilet seat, you’ll need to:

Clean your existing toilet and toilet seat

Toilet seats are often a host to germs, and as you’re going to be touching your toilet a lot during this process it’s important to make sure you’re doing so in a safe and hygienic manner. Don a pair of rubber gloves and, using disinfectant and cleaning products, thoroughly clean your toilet and your existing toilet seat.

Remove your old toilet seat

This process will depend on what kind of toilet seat you have. Some modern toilet seats come with a button in between the hinges that connect the seat to the toilet. If your toilet seat has this button, simply press it and lift the seat off.

If you have a standard toilet seat, you’ll need to unscrew the bolts with a screwdriver while holding the nut underneath with pliers. These bolts are located at the back of the toilet bowl where the seat connects to it. Once you have done this, you should be able to lift your existing toilet seat right off.

Install your new toilet seat

Again, this process will depend largely on what type of toilet and toilet seat you have. For some types of toilet, you will have to remove the cover plate and then unscrew and remove the old hinge bracket before putting the new hinge bracket in position over the seat fixing holes. To install the new toilet seat, thread the new nut and retainer through the holes in the toilet pan, and then tighten them with a screwdriver before fitting the new toilet seat.

With more traditional types of toilets, simply place your new toilet seat over the two existing holes in the toilet pan and then insert the bolts and tighten the nuts by hand. After this, hold the nuts in place with pliers and tighten the bolt heads with a screwdriver.

Ensure that you do not over-tighten the bolts at this stage, or you could end up cracking your new seat. Next, you can pop the plastic bolt head covers back in place on the bolts, and your new toilet seat should be fitted securely.

That’s really all there is to it! Your brand new toilet seat should now be in perfect working order. If you feel like you could use some inspiration when it comes to choosing the perfect toilet seat to go in your bathroom, you can take a look at our toilet buyer’s guides. With an assortment of both traditional and ultra-sleek toilet seats on offer, we’re sure you will find the perfect fit for your bathroom.