To remove a toilet seat, follow these general steps:
- Locate the Bolts and Caps
Most toilet seats are attached with two bolts at the back of the seat, usually covered by plastic caps. Use a flat-head screwdriver to gently pry off these caps to expose the bolts
- Unscrew the Bolts
Underneath the toilet bowl, you will find nuts or wingnuts holding the bolts in place. Hold the nut firmly with pliers while unscrewing the bolt from above with a screwdriver. If the nuts are plastic wing nuts, they might be tight or stuck, so you may need to use more force or tools like locking pliers or a wrench
- Access Difficult Areas
For toilets with skirted designs or tight spaces, use a phone camera or mirror to see the nuts. If nuts are difficult to reach or turn, cutting them off with a utility knife or diagonal cutting pliers may be necessary
- Remove the Seat
Once the bolts and nuts are removed or loosened, lift the toilet seat off the bowl. Some seats have quick-release buttons that you press to remove the seat easily; check for these if present
- Clean the Area
After removal, clean the toilet surface before installing a new seat
If your toilet seat has a different mechanism (like hidden fixings or quick- release buttons), consult the manufacturer's instructions or look for buttons or covers that release the seat
. In summary, removing a toilet seat involves prying off bolt covers, unscrewing bolts and nuts underneath, and lifting the seat off. For stubborn or hard-to-reach nuts, tools like pliers, wrenches, or cutting tools may be required
