They say if you can install a roll of toilet paper, you can install a new toilet seat. It’s true—this is one of the quickest DIY projects you’ll ever tackle.
Though it's doubtful any home renovation has ever started with the dream of a new toilet seat, you’d be surprised at what a difference it can make to how fresh the room feels. And it’s easy—you only need pliers, a screwdriver and a few minutes of your time.
Step 1.
With the lid up, measure your current toilet seat from the front of the toilet bowl to the center of the bolt holes and buy a replacement with the same specifications. Standard shapes are round (about 16½ inches) and elongated (about 18½ inches). Delta's slow-close family seat, pictured here, closes quietly and prevents slamming; it's also equipped with NightLight technology for nighttime navigation.
Step 2.
Remove the current seat. Using a screwdriver, unscrew the two bolts holding the seat in place as you hold the nuts on the underside of the bolts with pliers. Some toilets come with plastic bolt caps that cover the bolts; if yours does, you’ll have to lift the covers with a flathead screwdriver before removing the bolts.
Step 3.
Lift the seat off and discard (toilet seats cannot be recycled).
Step 4.
Wash around the holes with a toilet-bowl cleaner. Dry the area before installing the new seat to avoid moisture and prevent the growth of mold.
Step 5.
Place the new seat on top of the bowl, lined up over the bolt holes. Insert new bolts and nuts (they'll come packaged with the toilet seat). If you’ve got bolt covers, press them back down into position. You’re done!