Toilet seat hinges can get rusty or broken due to continuous use, which is quite true for plastic hinges. Seating on a toilet seat with the hinges broken will definitely cause discomfort as you might have to hold on the seat to prevent slipping. Although falling down from the seat might not happen but we definitely cannot deduct the possibility there. On the other hand, rusty toilet seat hinges might damage your seat as the rusty stain might stay on it permanently.
You can either replace the toilet seat hinges or get an entire new toilet seat and hinges replacement set. That is, however, not economical wise; unless that you want to have a brand new toilet seat with latest design and/or different color.
Before heading out to your local hardware store to get your pair of brand new set toilet seat hinges, you must first figure out what type of toilet seat that you are using. For most branded toilet seats such as Kohler and Bemis, they might come with special hinges that only fit with the particular models and thus, it is very essential that you buy only the same model toilet seat hinges. Retailer that carries the particular toilet brand that you are using would most probably have them in store. Some branded toilet seat manufacturers even have warranty against any defect on their product and this includes the toilet seat hinges. You can claim directly from the manufacturer if your toilet seat set is still under warranty.
If you are using standard toilet with no brands, getting those toilet seat hinges is extremely easy. You can find them at just any hardware stores and depending on your need and preference, toilet seat hinges is available in plastic and metal material. Metal toilet seat hinges is best fitted with wood toilet seat while white plastic toilet seat hinges is suitable for just any plastic toilet seats; you definitely would not go wrong with it.
One good thing about plastic toilet seat hinges is the bar that runs between the two hinges housings can be cut to suit the different distances between the hinges on a variety seats. Some seats are thicker than others and for that the bar is usually made longer to accommodate all size. The head of the bolts would slide into one of the two groves in the seat and then into the hole of the ceramic bowl. The light rubber washer that comes together with the hinges helps prevent the seat hinge housings from sliding when bolted into place.
Steps to follow when replacing toilet seat hinges:
1. Removing the old toilet seat hinges
The first thing that you need to do is to remove the broken toilet seat hinges from the toilet. Remove any screws securing the hinges to the toilet lid. You can find them at the base of the seat. After that, you will need to pry open the two protective caps on the other side of the hinges (the toilet-base portion). After removing the caps, you will now need to remove the plastic bolts beneath them. Each bolt is held in place by a nut which could be found on the underside of the toilet. You will need to hold the nut while unscrewing the bolt. When done, remove the hinges.
2. Attaching the new hinges
Just as the step in removing the hinges, you will also need to attach the new toilet seat hinges back to the seat first. Do not forget to tighten the screws. When done, align each hinge with the bolt holes on the toilet base, this is adjustable. Now insert a bolt with the washer into each of the bolt holes. Screw tightly the nut onto the bolt at the underside of the toilet. Put on the cap and you are now all done!
Can you now see how easy it so replacing your broken toilet seat hinges! We hope that this step by step guide will be beneficial for you.