Where metal nuts or wing nuts are used, depending on how old they are they might be very corroded and can be a nightmare to remove. If this is the case, soak them in WD40 or a similar easing fluid. As there are many different types of adjustable top fixing hinges you will need to refer to the manufacturers instructions included with the kit on how to adjust correctly. The method is to fit the rubber grommet into the pan holes and tighten the screw that engages with the nut and as one tightens, the nut is drawn up by the screwing action that expands the rubber grommet, making it tighten within the hole in the pan. The most common type of toilet seat found in homes across the UK is the plastic toilet seat due to it’s ease of cleaning and cheap cost both to produce and buy. The big advantage that the top fixing method has is that they are much easier to fit and also maintain.

There isn’t a single universal toilet seat size in the UK. Lots of different toilet seat sizes are available but the most common sizes tend to be between 350mm and 500mm. Toilet seats vary by both size and shape so it’s important to know which size you need before investing in a new one. What Size Toilet Seat Do I Need? Fitting a new toilet seat is basically a reversal of the removal process. Make sure that the nuts are secure but not overly tight, as the plastic screws will not take a lot of punishment before they give way and strip the threads or snap. When working with toilets, health and safety must come first! The toilet is obviously a place that can harbour harmful germs and is a source of potential infection therefore precautions should be taken before starting the job. Although most seats and fittings are adjustable so that they will fit the most common toilet bowl shapes, you still need to ensure it’s the right size.

How to Remove a Toilet Seat

The top fixing method for toilet seats tends to be more modern and due to this is generally featured on modern toilet seats. It is quite fiddly as grub screws face the cistern and therefore one cannot see these grub screws once the seat is in position. Slow Automatic Closure Toilet Seats Finally, slip the vinyl or plastic washer over the stud and slide it up to the hinge plate. This sits between the hinge plate and pan and protects the pan from scratching. Step 2 – Adjust the Hinges There are two types of toilet seat fixings: Bottom Fixings and Top Fixings. Top fixing toilets seats work by feeding two bolts into the pan which are then tightened from the top. Bottom toilet seat fixings are fitted from the top and then tightened from underneath, often with wing nuts.

If your studs and wingnut or nut are plastic then, as we have said, don’t over tighten them as you can easily strip them. D-Shape: These seats tend to be modern so suit modern bathrooms and toilets and they are a little larger than more traditional toilets Some manufacturers utilise a metal fixing that uses a barrel nut positioned under the pan and the bolt is screwed down from the top.

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Aside from the 2 most common types of toilet seat fixings stated above there are several others, although not that common, if the methods above don’t seem to fit the seat you have then read on below as you may have one of these. Toilet Seat with Hinge Bar and grub Screws Toilet seats are generally made of one of 2 different materials: wood or plastic. Depending on the style and longevity you are going for will depend on what type of seat material is best suited to your needs. Wooden Toilet Seats The only solution to fix this is to remove the seat and tighten this properly. Most people forget to do this in the excitement of fitting their new seat! Step 4 – Fit Seat and Fixings The fixing itself normally works in the same way as a wall plug. A plastic sleeve pushes down into the hole in the pan and then a screw or bolt screws down in. As it screws in the sleeve expands and grips tightly in the hole holding it firmly in place. With these measurements you can then make sure that you get the right sized toilet seat. Safety Precautions When Working Around Toilets

When replacing a toilet seat you have to be absolutely sure that you are replacing the old one with one of exactly the same size so that all supports on the base of the ring sit flat on top of the panPlastic seats are more common. They are cheaper, more malleable and easy to clean. The main types of plastic used are Thermoplastic and Thermoset, although plastic resin is another option. Thermoset is slightly more expensive as it’s more scratch resistant, but all three types are durable. Resin toilet seats can be made in any colour, and items or pictures can be embedded into the surface of the seat. This makes them great in a kid’s bathroom. The main issue with plastic seats is they can get cold in winter - not something you should have to endure first thing in the morning! Wooden Toilet Seats

However if the hinges you have feature adjustment then they will need to be positioned and adjusted correctly so the seat sits in exactly the right place on top the pan before the screws are tightened. For the purposes of this guide we are going to run through fitting a seat using bottom fixing bolts. Step 1 – Fit Studs to Hinge Plate Toilet seat fixings tend to be slightly different between manufacturers and due to this there are quite a few, however despite this they can all be broken into 2 different types; bottom fixing and top fixing. Bottom Fixing Toilet SeatsPointed Nose: One of the most common types of toilet seat and used for more traditional toilets, they are comfortable to use but are slightly larger than rounded seats Available in a vast range of different styles, wooden seats are both comfortable and warmer than plastic in the cold. As we have mentioned the first job should be to have a clean around and wipe away any dirt and grime to make the working area safer and a bit more pleasant to be in. Rounded Nose: The traditional shape of toilet seat and due to this probably the most common, they are also smaller than other designs so ideal for smaller bathrooms Fine adjustments can be made by rotating the hinge plate; this ensures that the fixing bolts can be adjusted so both will go into their respective holes in the toilet bowl