The toilet seat is a fundamental element for the comfort and use of the toilet. Its integrity but also the shape and ergonomics are indispensable for the comfort and use of sanitary ware.
In the same way, mathematical, however, it is very common to want to replace the toilet seat with a better and newer model.
Before starting the guide, let's see together what the main situations are in which there is a need to change the seat of one's toilet:
- Cracks or chippings: this is one of the most common reasons and makes the replacement of the seat absolutely necessary. This is because even small chippings or cracks in the ceramic could cause a sudden breakage at the first impact and also be dangerous
- Yellowing of the seat: in this case it is preferred to change the seat for an aesthetic matter. After a few years of use, the ceramic can become stained and cause those typical unsightly halos.
- Shape and ergonomics: another very common cause, especially for those who have recently moved, is the shape and general sensations given by the toilet seat.
Once you understand that it is necessary to replace the toilet seat, you will be ready for the next step. Arm yourself with a tape measure because now we will see how to correctly take the measurements of the toilet to best choose the toilet seat.
Replacing the wall-hung toilet seat: how to prepare
Before replacing the seat of a wall toilet, it is necessary to first carry out a measurement step.
Taking the tape measure, you will have to measure three lengths:
- The distance between the holes where the pins of the seat will be inserted
- The distance that goes from the center of a hypothetical line joining the two holes to the front end of the toilet
- The distance that goes from one side to the other of the toilet bowl
Once these measurements are obtained, you will be ready to choose the suitable toilet seat model and replace the old one. Make sure to choose a toilet seat that is of the same shape as the toilet and manages to best cover the toilet bowl.
How to correctly choose the new toilet seat
The choice of a new toilet seat cover is fundamental for our comfort and for this reason it must be made in an intelligent way. Even though toilet seats might seem very similar to each other, there are some elements that must be taken into consideration to make the right choice.
Materials
Toilet seat covers are produced in materials very different from each other, each with its own specificities and suitable for different types of sanitary ware and bathrooms.
Among the most widely used materials are resin and thermoplastic, which feature a very high level of resistance. In the same way, however, there are also wooden models that are not suitable for very humid environments.
Make sure to carefully evaluate the material suitable for your situation, taking your needs into consideration.
Shape and access of the screws
The shape of the toilet seat cover plays a very important role in its use. It is important that it is of a shape that manages to give you the right comfort and that convenience and ergonomics are not put in second place with respect to design.
Furthermore, it is fundamental that the toilet seat cover follows the shape of the toilet so as to be harmonious.
The attachment of the screws
Make sure that the attachment of your toilet seat cover is suitable for the type of sanitary ware you have at home. On the market there are different types of attachments, including open vertical or horizontal attachments that feature wing-nut pass-through screws, but also accesses with a closed vertical attachment with which an expansion screw must be used.
Once the right seat is found, proceed with the replacement
Proceed with the replacement of the toilet seat after having found the right product. Very often a small error in this phase could lead to small assembly and mounting problems which, however, after some time, tend to make themselves felt a lot, such as for example wobbling or instability of the seat or a wrong alignment with the toilet.
The first step consists in unscrewing the old screws of the pins. These screws might be covered by plastic covers.
Make sure to lift and subsequently access the underlying bolts.
In case you cannot manage to unscrew the nut, you can use some lubricant, waiting for it to take effect; in this way you will succeed in removing the screws and lifting the old toilet seat.
Make sure to gently lift the toilet seat and make sure that it comes out of the hinges
Make sure to correctly clean the toilet before proceeding
Once the old toilet seat is lifted, make sure to correctly clean the toilet from any residue of dirt.
This is because it could create some problems for you in the correct application of the new seat.
Even if it could be difficult to understand how to clean limescale from the toilet, make sure to do a deep cleaning and eliminate any halo or stain left by the previous seat.
Once the toilet is prepared at its best, you will be ready for the installation of the new seat.
Correctly screw in the new seat and check the hinges
Once the old toilet seat is disassembled and the toilet is cleaned, you are ready for the installation of the new seat.
Position the new toilet seat and make the holes coincide with the hinges of the new toilet seat cover.
Once the fittings are positioned, make sure they are well aligned; subsequently, you can calibrate how much the bolts must be tightened and adjust any play.
Make the final tests and check if the toilet seat is positioned correctly
Once the new toilet seat is positioned, make sure that the screws and the pins are correctly assembled and screwed in so as not to cause instability and wobbling.
In case you will have to decide to tighten or, on the contrary, loosen the screws, make sure to use a "C" wrench without applying excessive force.
Now you just have to best dispose of the old toilet seat.
