Changing the seat on an American Standard toilet is a surprisingly easy process that takes only a few minutes. First, you’ll need to gather the proper tools and materials, including a flat head screwdriver, a Philips head screwdriver, a bucket, a cloth, and a replacement toilet seat.
Next, lay down the cloth under where you will be working so that you can catch any dirt or debris from the process and make cleanup easier. With a flat head screwdriver, gently pry up the plastic caps on the underside of the seat and remove the two screws with a Phillips head screwdriver.
Carefully lift the existing toilet seat off, and carefully place it in the bucket to avoid any mess.
Next, line up the new seat with the holes in the toilet bowl, making sure that the hinge mechanism is on the correct side so it will be easy for you to lift the lid for use. Position the new toilet seat and place the screws in the elongated holes in the underside of the seat.
Gently apply pressure and tighten the screws, making sure not to over tighten them. Finally, press the plastic caps back in place on the underside of the seat.
That’s all it takes to easily change the seat on an American Standard toilet.
How do you tighten American Standard toilet seat with hidden bolts?
The American Standard toilet seat with hidden bolts can be tightened by following a few easy steps.
First, you’ll need to locate the two hidden bolts that secure the seat. These should be underneath the seat and screwed into the bottom of the bowl. If they are not immediately visible, they may be covered with a decorative trim piece that needs to be unscrewed in order to gain access to the bolts.
Once the bolts are found, use a philips head screwdriver to loosen the nuts. You may need to apply pressure to one bolt to keep the other from also turning. When the nuts are loosened, you can lift the entire seat and cushion from the toilet bowl to reposition it as needed.
Once the seat is back in place, use your screwdriver to tighten the nuts securely. It is important to tighten both bolts evenly so that the seat does not become wobbly or slippery when used.
Finally, replace the decorative trim piece and the seat should now be nice and secure.
How do you tighten a toilet seat with no access underside?
If you have no access to the underside of a toilet seat to tighten it, you can still secure the seat in place using a few supplies from the hardware store. First, you’ll need to purchase screws, anchors, and a ratchet wrench with a socket head.
To begin, place the toilet seat upside down on the floor and measure the distance between the screws. Be sure to have the screws and anchors ready to fit the correct size. Next, you’ll need to drill a hole in the seam between the seat and the toilet bowl to insert the anchors.
Once the anchors are inserted, you can use the ratchet wrench with the socket head to secure the screws into the anchors. You can also use a set of tongs for extra leverage. Once the screws and anchors are secured, you can reinstall the seat by aligning the holes on the underside of the seat and the holes of the toilet itself.
Finish by tightening the screws until the seat is firmly secured to the toilet.
Are all American Standard toilet seats the same size?
No, all American Standard toilet seats are not the same size. American Standard has a wide selection of toilet seats and the size varies depending on the type of toilet seat you choose. For instance, American Standard has both round and elongated bowl shapes, which may not be interchangeable, so they require different sizes.
The elongated toilet seats are generally 2 inches wider than a round toilet seat. Depending on the type of toilet seat you buy, the length of the seat may also vary. Additionally, American Standard has several models of its toilet seats that come with a Slow-Close feature, which can cause them to be slightly thicker than standard toilet seats.
How do I know which toilet seat will fit my toilet?
To ensure you select a toilet seat that properly fits your toilet, there are several important measurements you should consider before making a purchase. Before selecting a toilet seat, you should determine the shape of your toilet bowl, as well as measure its length, width, and distance from the floor.
Generally, the shape of a toilet seat is relative to the shape of the toilet bowl, so understanding whether you have an elongated or round toilet is the first step. A properly fitting toilet seat should be at least 1 inch shorter than the length of the bowl, and should also have the same width as the bowl at its widest point.
Additionally, if it is a wall-mounted toilet, you’ll need to determine the distance from the floor before selecting a toilet seat with the correct height. Once all of these measurements have been taken and noted, you can be sure to select the proper fitting toilet seat for your toilet.
Can you put an elongated toilet seat on a standard toilet?
Yes, you can put an elongated toilet seat on a standard toilet. Elongated toilet seats typically measure between 18 and 19 1/2 inches in length compared to a standard seat which measures 16 to 17 inches in length.
Many elongated toilet seats come with adjustable brackets that can be adjusted to fit on a standard size toilet. Additionally, there are some brands that make universal adapter kits specifically designed for elongated toilet seats.
These adapters can be used with any standard size toilet and help to ensure a secure fit.
How do you remove a toilet seat?
Removing a toilet seat can be a relatively straightforward process. The first thing to do is to turn off the water supply to the toilet by turning the valve behind the toilet in a clockwise direction.
Once the water is shut off, flush the toilet to empty the tank. Next, use a wrench or adjustable pliers to unscrew the two bolts located on either side of the toilet bowl. With the bolts removed, gently lift the toilet seat from the hinges.
If the hinges are stubborn, use WD-40 or another lubricant to loosen them. Finally, before installing a new toilet seat, use a rag to clean away any dust and debris from the hinges.
Why do American toilets have a gap in the seat?
The gap found in American toilets is known as the “double-trapway”, and this design actually helps to ensure a more efficient flush system. Toilet designs with a double-trapway feature two separate holes in the bowl, instead of one.
This creates a “trapway” which is the passageway from the bowl down to the drain. Each trapway serves a different purpose; the first traps the solids so they don’t escape into the drain and the second traps liquid waste so it does not splash back into the bowl.
This eliminates the need for a larger water tank as the two smaller traps provide adequate drainage. Additionally, the gap in the seat ensures that there is enough space between the seat and bowl for the air to escape during flushing, allowing the water to enter more effectively and create a more powerful flush.
Do all toilet seats fit all toilets?
No, not all toilet seats will fit all toilets. Toilet seats come in various shapes and sizes and need to be compatible with the bowl and design of the toilet in order to fit properly. Toilets can come in round, elongated, one-piece, two-piece, and more designs and require specific toilet seats to fit properly.
Additionally, some toilets have a high or low mount and require differently sized toilet seats. To ensure that the toilet seat you purchase fits your toilet, you need to measure the width and length of the toilet bowl and compare those measurements to the toilet seat that you are looking at.
Additionally, some toilet seats feature unique and specialized designs, such as a slow-close lid, bidet-style, or heated seat, and may require additional modifications to fit your toilet bowl. It is important to ensure that the toilet seat you choose is compatible with your toilet in order for it to fit and function properly.
Which toilet seat is more comfortable round or elongated?
Generally speaking, an elongated toilet seat is more comfortable to sit on than a round toilet seat. elongated seats tend to be wider, providing more surface area while also generally having a lower seat height.
This provides more stability and, as a result, more comfort when sitting down. Additionally, elongated seats usually have a bowl shape that better fits the body, which can provide further comfort.
However, there are situations when a round toilet seat may provide more comfort. For those with a wide hip structure, the width of an elongated bowl can be uncomfortable, whereas the round design for a seat may be preferable.
Additionally, if space is an issue, then a round seat will be the more practical choice as an elongated bowl tends to take up more space.
Ultimately, the choice between an elongated or round toilet seat will come down to a matter of personal preference and the available space. However, for most people, an elongated seat is generally more comfortable.
Are elongated toilets better for seniors?
Yes, elongated toilets are often better for seniors due to the additional space they provide which offers greater flexibility and more comfort during use. Compared to traditional toilets, elongated toilets are typically two to four inches taller, providing seniors with more vertical surface area to place their feet in order to prevent sliding, or for those with mobility challenges, enough room for them to use a helping device or have an assistant nearby.
Additionally, elongated toilets typically have a larger seating area than traditional toilets which can be beneficial for seniors with joint, hip, or back issues. Lastly, elongated toilets tend to be quieter and are much less likely to splash when being used which can be both uncomfortable and embarrassing.
All in all, elongated toilets offer seniors a greater level of flexibility and comfort when using the restroom.
Do toilet seats have different fittings?
Yes, toilet seats come in different fittings to accommodate different types of toilets. Some common fittings for toilet seats include round, concealed (or “wrap-over”), square, and elongated.
Round fittings are designed to fit toilets with a bowl that is nearly circular in shape. These toilet seats often fit a variety of smaller toilets, and usually have an adjustable hinge.
Concealed (or “wrap-over”) fittings are designed to offer a sleek look and easily remove for easy cleaning. Usually, these seats are designed for specific types of toilets, such as corner or wall-hung toilets, and may not be adjustable.
Square fittings, as the name implies, are designed to fit square-shaped toilet bowls, and can range from the adjustable standard to child-size.
Finally, elongated seats have a longer shape that fits long, oval-shaped toilet bowls. These seats often accommodate larger and taller bathroom fixtures, providing a comfortable experience while being easy to install.
Is there a special tool to tighten toilet seat?
Yes, there is a special tool to tighten toilet seats. It is a special wrench, sometimes referred to as a toilet seat installation wrench, or a bowl guard or a closet flange installation wrench. It is specifically designed to be used to tighten the nuts which are used to secure the toilet seat to the bowl.
It has a head with two arms and a lip at the end of each arm, with a flat surface for putting in a nutdriver bit. It is designed to fit over the nut and provide leverage to easily tighten it. The tool is specifically sized for toilet seat nuts, so it is important to get the correct size for your toilet seat.
It can help make the job of tightening the nuts easy, and ensure the toilet seat is secure without over-tightening it.
What are the different types of toilet seat fittings?
These include both standard and unique options.
Standard fittings are the most popular, and include bolts and nuts, hinges, and preinstalled toilet seats. Bolts and nuts require the use of a wrench to fully secure the seat to the bowl, and hinges make it easier for the seat to be removed when needed.
Preinstalled toilet seats are already affixed when purchased, so no additional installation is necessary.
In addition to the standard fittings, there are also several unique types. The “Soft-close” type of seat fitting is gaining in popularity due to its advanced design that silently closes the seat with a gentle touch.
Other unique options include the “Pop-up” design that is designed to lift the seat up when activated and the “plunger-lock” type of fitting that is designed to help keep the seat secure even in turbulent water conditions.
No matter which type of toilet seat fitting is chosen, it is important that the correct style is selected for the particular bowl shape and size. This will ensure that the seat is properly and securely fit to the bowl.
Why wont the screws on my toilet seat tighten?
It is very frustrating when the screws on your toilet seat will not tighten. First, the bolts may be too short. This can happen if the wrong size screws were purchased for the toilet seat. Additionally, the bolts may be stripped.
This can happen if you tighten the screws too much in the past. It may also mean that the threads on the bolts have worn out. To solve this, you can try buying longer bolts, replace the screws with ones that are of better quality, or use a tap and die set to cut new threads in the bolts.
If the bolts still don’t hold, you may need to buy a new toilet seat.