Are Toilet Seat Fittings Different?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Are toilet seat fittings different? Do all toilet seats fit the same? The simple answer is

no, there are a range of different toilet seat fittings

. Some are bottom fixing (fitted from beneath the fixing holes) and some are top fixing (usually required when there isn’t access to the bottom of the pan, e.g. with a fully shrouded toilet).

Contents hide

Are toilet seat fittings all the same?

Do all toilet seats fit the same? The simple answer is

no, there are a range of different toilet seat fittings

. Some are bottom fixing (fitted from beneath the fixing holes) and some are top fixing (usually required when there isn’t access to the bottom of the pan, e.g. with a fully shrouded toilet).

Are all toilet seat hinges the same?

There are two main types of hinge fixings, top fixing and bottom fitting, and it is worth noting that

not all hinges are suitable for all toilets

. Bottom fixing toilet seat hinges feature a traditional style fixing which includes fitting two bolts down into your pan and then tightening them from underneath.

How do I know which toilet seat will fit?

Do I need a specific toilet seat for my toilet?

Every year our Customer Service team takes calls from people who need to know what size toilet seat they should buy. It’s a good thing they ask, because

toilet seats are designed to fit one of two bowls: round or elongated

.

Can you replace toilet seat hinges?

Over time, these hinges can break or wear out, requiring replacement. If your toilet seat hinges are broken or stripped out, you do NOT need to change the whole toilet seat, but instead only the hinges.

With the right tools and spare parts, you can easily replace your toilet seat hinges

.

Are toilets universal size?


Standard toilets will measure between 15 and 17 inches

, while chair style toilets can be up to 17 inches. Toilet bowl shapes: Round toilet bowls take up less room than elongated bowls, which are usually up to three inches longer.

How do you replace a toilet seat with metal hinges?

Are toilet seats Universal UK?


There is no universal standard for toilet or toilet seat sizes in the UK

. However, certain patterns have developed. The following combinations of toilet seat lengths and widths are relatively popular: width 35 cm, length 40-41 cm.

Are there different types of toilet seats?


There are 2 main types of toilet seat: standard close and soft close

. Let’s look at these in closer detail. A standard close toilet seat can be contemporary or traditional in style and can come in a variety of materials and finishes.

Can you put an elongated toilet seat on a round toilet?


An elongated bidet seat will still mount on a round toilet

, as well as function just fine, but the aesthetics and comfort of the seat will be greatly diminished.

How do you tell if you have a round or elongated toilet?

Toilet seats are sold by shape (not by length).

You should, however, get exact measurements if you have a custom or non-standard toilet.

If the length is between 18-19.5 inches, you have an elongated toilet bowl seat. If the length is between 17-17.75 inches, you have a round toilet bowl seat

.

How do you replace a top fixing toilet seat?

How do you fit a plastic fitting toilet seat?

How do you install a toilet seat on a toilet?

How do I know what size toilet I need?

To measure the depth of your current toilet,

measure from the front edge of the toilet bowl to the back of the tank

. If you are comfortable with your current toilet’s depth, then select a new toilet with a similar depth.

Why does my toilet seat keep moving?


If not appropriately threaded, the wing nut may strip or not hold tight

, causing your toilet seat to move out of position. To thread properly, the tips of the wing nut must be centered and pressed up into the underside of the mounting hole. It’s best to turn the screw, not the wing nut.

How do you remove old toilet seat hinges?

What is the difference between a top fix and a bottom fix toilet seat?

Types Of Toilet Seat Fittings

There are two types of toilet seat fixings: Bottom Fixings and Top Fixings. Top fixing toilets seats work by feeding two bolts into the pan which are then tightened from the top. Bottom toilet seat fixings are fitted from the top and then tightened from underneath, often with wing nuts.

Do toilets have different size holes?


Not every toilet requires the same size hole

, and clearances also vary, but there is a standard size and placement that works for most models.

Are all toilet bolts the same size?

There are three possible measurement distances you can get from the wall to the toilet bolt: 10 inches, 12 inches, or 14 inches.

The most common is 12 inches

. In plumbing terminology, this is called a 12-inch rough.

How do you remove an old toilet seat fitting?

How do you remove metal toilet seat bolts?

The best way to do this is by equipping a Dremel rotary tool with a cutting blade. Then, from the underside of the toilet, cut through the nut and bolt at a 45-degree angle. Once cut this way, you can easily pull the bolt out from the top. Use this Dremel equipped with a cutter blade to cut through rusted bolts.

How do I change the hidden bolts on a toilet seat?

How do you measure a toilet seat UK?

Where is the model number on a toilet UK?

Carefully remove the toilet tank lid and set it gently on the floor, with the bottom facing up.

Look for the manufacturer name or a number on the bottom side of the water tank lid

.

Is a wood or plastic toilet seat better?

Wood toilet seats stay warmer and are more comfortable, but can be hard to clean. Plastic toilet seats are easier to keep clean and are more versatile, but can be uncomfortable, especially in the winter.

How do you tighten a toilet seat with no access underside?

In these situations, you can

hold the nut in place with a pair of pliers while using the screwdriver to tighten the bolts

. The wing located on the nut will prevent the bolt from turning back on itself by locking it in place. Again, keep tightening the bolt until the seat feels secure.

What is the difference between a 10 inch and 12 inch rough in toilet?

A toilet with a 12-inch rough-in will definitely not fit into a space with a 10-inch rough-in, but

a toilet with a 10-inch rough-in actually has extra space in a 12-inch rough-in space

.

Which is better round or elongated toilet seat?

Most people find

elongated toilet bowls to be more comfortable, but in a small bathroom, a round bowl can save space

. Elongated toilet bowls measure up to 31′′ from the wall, while round fixtures max out at 28′′. Because round bowls are less expensive than elongated bowls, they save a few dollars, too.

Do all toilet seats have the same size hole?

These are called seat post holes and

they should be about 5.5 inches apart from the center of one hole to the other

. Second, the width of the toilet bowl is usually the same regardless of shape as well. If the width does vary, it’s usually only by less than half an inch.

Are toilet seats Universal UK?


There is no universal standard for toilet or toilet seat sizes in the UK

. However, certain patterns have developed. The following combinations of toilet seat lengths and widths are relatively popular: width 35 cm, length 40-41 cm.

Why does my toilet seat not fit?

The key tips to getting a perfectly fitting toilet seat are:

Ensuring that the seat sits evenly around the edge of the bowl.

Tightening the nuts so they are securely seated but not over-tightened as this can lead to the thread stripping on plastic nuts which leads to a wobbly toilet seat

.

What size are toilet seat bolts?


2-1/2′′ x 3/8′′ diameter

bolts and nuts to fasten seat hinge to bowl. Made of tough nonrusting plastic material. Bolt head is 5/8′′ diameter. 2-7/8′′ diameter washers are included to adapt to seat hinges requiring larger bolt head.


2-1/2′′ x 3/8′′ diameter

bolts and nuts to fasten seat hinge to bowl. Made of tough nonrusting plastic material. Bolt head is 5/8′′ diameter. 2-7/8′′ diameter washers are included to adapt to seat hinges requiring larger bolt head.

Emily Lee
Author
Emily Lee
Emily Lee is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s an accomplished writer with a deep passion for the arts, and brings a unique perspective to the world of entertainment. Emily has written about art, entertainment, and pop culture.