How to Replace a Toilet Seal Connector

A toilet seat connector holds the seat and lid on the bowl. Whenever a connector is loose, it causes the seat to slide around on top of the bowl. The seat may even fall over at an angle if the supports are able to slip off the edge. Many connectors are plastic and may not last as long as toilet seats. Keep the seat properly aligned on your toilet with functional connectors.

Things You'll Need

• Rubber gloves
• Bathroom cleanser
• Large slotted screwdriver
• Replacement connectors

Instructions

How to Replace a Toilet Seal Connector

1. Clean the toilet. Put on rubber gloves. Use a disinfectant to scrub the seat, lid, bowl and underside of the bowl near the tank. This will help loosen any dirt or rust that might make removing the connectors difficult.

2. Open the connector cover cases if present at the back of the seat. The top part of the cover will unsnap and flip up, either toward the seat or toward the tank. Use a screwdriver to pry the cap open if it's not possible by hand.

3. 

   Remove the connector. Hold the connector nut on the under side by hand. Use a slotted screwdriver to loosen the bolt from the top. Turn counterclockwise with the tool until it's loose enough to finish removing by hand. Take off the other connector the same way.

4. Check the condition of the connectors. Replace the connectors if a nut or bolt is cracked, or the threads are worn on either part. Put the connectors back on securely if there is no damage.

5. Buy replacement connectors from your favorite hardware center. Thoroughly clean one of the connectors and bring it to the store for comparison. There are a few different types with various bolt widths. The wrong type of connector will either be too big for the holes or too loose to secure the seat.

6. Put on the new connectors. Line up the holes behind the toilet seat with the connector slots in the bowl. Push the bolts through the holes, leaving the heads at the top. Thread the nuts onto the bolts by hand and tighten as far as possible. Use a slotted screwdriver to tighten the bolts firmly while holding the nuts by hand.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the holes at the back of the toilet seat for wear. New connectors will not help if either of these are compromised.

• Never sit on a toilet seat unless it is securely bolted on the bowl.