How to replace a toilet seat
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Measure your toilet pan before buying a replacement seat — the two common shapes are standard (round) and elongated (oval). Also measure the distance between the hinge bolt holes.
Lift the plastic caps covering the hinge bolts at the back of the seat — these usually flip up or unclip.
Unscrew the fixing nuts from underneath the pan — they may be plastic thumb nuts or require a spanner. They are often stiff due to limescale.
Lift the old seat and hinge assembly off.
Position the new seat, feed the fixing bolts through the pan holes, and tighten the nuts from underneath. Don't overtighten — hand tight plus a quarter turn is enough to avoid cracking the porcelain.
Snap the plastic caps back into place and test the seat opens, closes, and sits flat.
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Frequently asked questions
Do all toilet seats fit all toilets?
No — you need to match the shape (round vs elongated) and the fixing hole centres. Most UK standard toilets use 150mm or 180mm centres. Always measure before buying.
Should I use a soft-close toilet seat?
Soft-close seats are very popular and cost £25–£60. They prevent slamming and tend to last longer. Highly recommended.