Share
It's easy to replace your toilet seat. The upgrade can make your toilet cleaner, more comfortable and look like new again.
The Bunnings team has shared some expert tips on how to choose a new toilet seat.
Determine how damaged your seat is
Zweli Khoza, Bunnings team member and plumbing expert, says the first step is to examine your seat to see whether the fittings have worn out or the seat is damaged.
"The usual suspects tend to be the toilet seat hinges and the bolt and nuts that are usually found in rear and underneath the toilet pan," Zweli says. "You might also need to replace your toilet buffers if your seat starts to rock to the sides too much."
If the seat is old, has visible cracks or dirt which can no longer be cleaned, then the entire seat will need to be replaced.
Determine your requirements
Zweli says it is important to think about your needs such as whether you want a soft-close seat or need to potty train a child. This will help you determine the type of seat best suited for your needs.
Other important factors include your budget, whether you want a bidet seat, accessibility features (such as a raised toilet seat or a standard seat) and ease of installation. "Buying a seat that is easy to install can save you the trouble of hiring a plumber or handyman," Zweli says.
How to measure your toilet seat
Measuring your toilet seat is essential before replacing it to ensure you get the perfect fit for your toilet. Check out the Bunnings guide How to replace a toilet seat for details on how to measure a toilet seat and determine its shape.
If you're unable to measure the seat at home, Zweli suggests bringing the seat to any Bunnings store so team members can measure it and provide recommendations that match those dimensions.
Most toilet seats are attached by screws fixed underneath, explains Bunnings Workshop resident D.I.Y. expert Eric Lara (@EricL). “Look underneath your toilet pan and you’ll likely see butterfly screws,” he says. “Remove these to detach the seat. Disinfect and clean the seat before bringing it to a Bunnings store”.
The Bunnings Workshop community is here to help if you need more help with repairing or replacing your toilet seat. Don’t hesitate to ask a question.
