Loose toilet seat hinges can make your bathroom experience quite uncomfortable. Read the HomeQuicks article to learn how to choose and replace the hinges with ease.
These hinges are an essential component of your toilet seat. They are attached at the back of the seat, on either sides. Many times, you’ll find a single component which runs at the back of the seat along with a supporting bar, or there are 2 separate hinges that require individual fitting. In older models, you can easily see these hinges when the seat is lifted or resting at the back. However, the newer models have an improved design that conceals the hinges. You will also find that there are more modern designs that have stainless steel or metal finishing on the hinges.
When the Hinges Wobble…
Now you must be wondering why am I talking about the design and the variations you can find in the hinges. The point I’m trying to make is that many times, either one or both the hinges can break or shift from its original location. In such cases, going to the bathroom can become dangerous, especially for kids and seniors. It’s vital that the hinges hold the seat in place when it is placed down. Risking any mishaps with a wobbly seat is something we all should keep away from.
Choosing the Hinges
While shopping for hinges, it can bring a little bit of frustration. How, you ask? For starters, there are different types of hinges available in stores, and in various colors―white, black, or chrome. On top of that, you can choose from either single bar hinges or the removable kinds. A good way to begin your search is by narrowing down the choice of material you’d like to have. Would you prefer the plastic kind or the metal kind? The plastic ones come in the single, supporting bar design which can be easily attached to the seat or the cover. Although you can install one in a jiffy, repairing it may be a nightmare.
On the other hand, the metal hinges come separately. They can also be easily attached to the seat or the cover with screws. There’s another pin which holds both the hinges with one another. They are easy to install, remove, and replace. So keep all the factors in mind while you shop for them.
Replacing the Hinges
- Gather the tools―new hinges (same model as the old ones), pliers, screwdriver, petroleum jelly, and a small hammer.
- First we need to remove the seat and the cover. To do so, you need to use the screwdriver and loosen the screws near each of the hinges.
- Next, remove the nuts from the bottom of the bowl. After this, you can easily lift and remove the seat along with the cover off the bowl.
- Place the seat and cover on the floor so you can remove the old hinges. To do so, use the screwdriver to loosen the screws (4 total screws), and remove the hinges from the seat completely.
- If there is a main pin connected to the hinges, you need to remove that as well. Here, you will require a nail punch.
- Place it in the middle of the pin and strike the end with the hammer; the pin should come out without any tension.
- Next, place the mouth of the pliers on the pin. You need to pull the pin out of the broken or damaged hinges.
- If the hinges are stiff and won’t let the pin budge, you can apply some petroleum jelly over it to help smooth things along.
- Once the pin is out, you can replace the old hinges with the new replacements. Place the pin back into the hinges and put the screws back on.
- Lastly, reattach the seat and cover on the bowl. Your toilet is ready for use.
The replacement steps mentioned above work well for stainless steel, plastic, or any other metal hinges. And as we already discussed earlier, select the hinges which fit perfectly with the old ones. For selections, visit your nearest home center stores.