How to install a toilet seat?

Reading Time: 3 minutes

For a change of scenery or to replace a worn-out model, it is sometimes necessary to replace the toilet seat. Rest assured, you don’t have to be a master handyman to do this. A tape measure, pliers or a spanner and a screwdriver are all you need to install a toilet seat. Hang on, iSi breaks down the steps for you.

Abattant WC Standard Ideal Standard Eurovit Ovale Avec couvercle — Standard toilet seat from Ideal Standard Eurovit

Step 1: Choose your toilet seat

Before starting to install a toilet seat, it is important to choose it properly. It is therefore crucial to measure the size of your toilet bowl. Use a tape measure to measure the distance between the two holes in the bowl. This will ensure that you don’t make a mistake about the circumference of your new toilet seat.

In addition to the size, be careful in choosing the colour and material of your toilet seat. If you don’t want to take any risks, match the colour of your toilet. If you are not afraid of the colour, then choosing a seat that matches your furniture or decoration is also a possibility.

Abattant WC Frein de Chute Allibert BOREO Vert de Gris 824424 — Alibert Soft Close toilet seat Boreo

The right technologies

Soft Close, Quick-release, Rimless… It is sometimes difficult to find your way around all the technologies surrounding toilet seats. In order to find what you are looking for, a short introduction is necessary.

Quick-release

This technology allows you to easily remove the toilet seat using a hinge mechanism.

L’attribut alt de cette image est vide, son nom de fichier est image-8.png. — Toilet seat Soft Close Villeroy and Boch Vicare

Soft-Close

Soft Close toilet seats close slowly and quietly to prevent noisy slamming. This means you don’t have to worry about nightly trips to the toilet, as this model shows.

Step 2: remove the seat

On the surface of your toilet bowl, near the cistern, you can see the bolts that hold the toilet seat. These can be hidden under caps, which will need to be removed.

You must remove the nuts from the bolts with your pliers or spanner. Then remove the bolts from the previous seat to be able to remove the toilet seat.

Step 3: Place the new seat

Place the seat, making sure that the hinges are over the corresponding holes. Thread the bolts through the holes in the hinges, then screw the nuts onto the bolts. Screw clockwise by hand and then with your spanner. Once you have done this, check that your seat is secure by closing and opening it a few times. If you feel it is unstable, tighten your bolts a little.