Toilet seats come in two forms: traditional and ones with hidden fixings. They are labeled as such because the bolts are not visible under a toilet pan. If you’re wondering how to replace toilet seat with hidden bolts, there are several steps in removing and replacing a toilet seat with hidden bolts. However, the process isn’t very complicated.
To replace toilet seat with hidden bolts, you will need a screwdriver, adjustable wrench, tongue and groove pliers, basin wrench, and a crescent wrench. First, remove the bolts, holding the nut in place while unscrewing. You may need to use a basin wrench if you’re working in a tight space or unscrew wingnuts, depending on the style.
Remove the old toilet seat, then place the new one with the bolt holes in the proper position, securing it in place one side at a time.
How do you tighten a toilet seat with concealed fittings?
How do I change the hidden bolts on a toilet seat?
1. Removing the Bolts
In removing the seat, hold the nut in place while unscrewing a bolt. Be sure to do this activity one at a time. Ensure your screwdriver is big enough to fit snugly into the bolt groove. If your screwdriver is too small, it won’t grab the bolt groove.
It will end up stripping the bolt. Other loo seat attachments can contain a wingnut securing the bolt head. Sometimes you can reach under the seat. Hold the wingnut and unscrew the bolt. A crescent wrench or tongue and groove pliers will hold the nut while unscrewing the bolt.
2. Basin Wrenches Can be Used for Tight Spaces
For tight spaces, you can use a basin wrench. When holding the nut in place, use the basin wrench to unscrew the plastic bolt or seat bolt or remove the plastic caps.
3. Removing the Existing Toilet Seat
When you remove each fixing bolt, the toilet or bidet seat should easily come off.
Older toilet seats may have metal screws and hardware with a protective cap. To remove them, unscrew the plastic nut from the metal bolt. A challenge may exist if they are corroded from years of use. These are harder to remove.
To remove them, utilize a socket wrench and a long socket to unscrew the nut. It won’t move; it may need to be cut off.
Protect the bowl by putting a putty knife by the bolt and under the location that you are cutting. By utilizing a small hacksaw, cut through the rusted bolts on the top of the toilet. Ensure the putty knife is always between the toilet and the hacksaw to prevent you from porcelain damage.
4. Attaching the New Toilet Seat
Place the new toilet seat hinges in the proper position, and place a screw inside the hole with the new bolt and washer underneath. Use the power driver or screwdriver to fasten the toilet bolt and screw.
Repeat on the other side.
Close both housing and toilet lid. Now your toilet seat has been installed!
Why is my toilet seat always loose? Is there a tool for tightening toilet seats?
A loose toilet seat is a common issue caused by repeated seat movements from open, sitting, and closed. After a while, the toilet seat bolts loosen.
To tighten the seat, open the housing over the bolts. Use a screwdriver to open it if it’s stuck. If the bolts are slotted, tighten them by turning the screwdriver clockwise.
If the bolt just spins, use the pliers to grip the nut that is threaded into the mounting bolt from below. Tighten the bolt above by using a screwdriver.
You can tighten the mounting from underneath the toilet tank. By going underneath the bowl, turn the nuts from the seat clockwise until tight. Use a ratchet wrench containing a deep socket. This is the simplest way to tighten the bolts. You can also use an adjustable wrench.
If the bolts refuse to tighten or break, you can find replacements at a hardware store or home improvement center. You can cut frozen bolts by using a hacksaw blade.
Use only hacksaw blades as opposed to a hacksaw. They are thin and fit easily under the bolt’s head, so you can cut the nail without scraping the porcelain finish.
Is There a Kit for Tightening Toilet Seats?
You can purchase a toilet tightening kit at home improvement stores. They include rubber washers that go under bolts to remove extra space. A tiny specialty wrench is usually included.
The removal of a toilet seat should be a straightforward job. However, depending on the age of your toilet bowl seat, the hardware, and space, this may not be as easy as the user may want.
Old toilets can pose several issues when removing them to install a new seat. Sometimes, depending on the age of the toilet, everything may need to be replaced, including the wax ring or toilet flange at the toilet base. Plus, however vintage your tastes may be, replacing it may be the best option.
Also, there are many classical styles still available to suit your tastes.
Overall, the process should be easy, and installing a new toilet seat should go flawlessly. If the seat is just loose, opening the housing and tightening the bolts offer a quick solution to the existing problem. The best part is that there is no cost involved, and you don’t even have to break out the duct tape!
