How to Replace a Toilet Seat When Bolts Are Rusted and Broken?

Hi OzBargainers,

My toilet seat bolts have rusted completely and have been broken off (Picture link below). It seems like this toilet doesn't provide an access to the bolt from underneath like other toilets I have dealt with.

(removed image)

How would I get this type of bolt out when they are completely rusted? Do I have to drill them out?

Also, what type of toilet seat from Bunnings can I get to install a new one once I drill them out?

Thank you and I hope you all have a great week ahead!

Comments

  • -4

    A good plumber should fix this for you.
    A bad one will say replace it.

    https://youtu.be/8LBwAMF4680?t=40

    • +3

      ?? you don't need a plumber to replace/fix a toilet seat….

      • -4

        If you didn't, you wouldn't be asking on here would you?

        • +1

          You still don't need a plumber to replace/fix a toilet seat. And, you absolutely have to replace the seat when the bolts/holding parts break. Plumbers cannot fix that issue. Have a good day.

          • @lookingforTV: I think a plumber would be more than capable of removing and replacing the seat for you actually.

            • @AustriaBargain: My point wasn't about whether a plumber would do a better job than me or not. It was simply whether you'd need one or not. And, I did not. Perfectly replaced and didn't have to pay a call out fee + a min 30 min block.

  • +1
    • Thanks mate. I think any toilet seat that has top fixing should fit. I think I might have to drill out the bolts, seems like the only way.

      • +4

        Old fixings should just push through with small tap , being careful not to chip the porcelain.

        • I will give that another go! Thanks mate, tried a rubber mallet to push it through but had no luck. Will give another go! Appreciate it! If it doesn't push through, would you advise drilling them out?

          • +1

            @lookingforTV: You could drill the centre with a small hole then try tapping

          • +2

            @lookingforTV: a bit of lube to help push them into the base unit

          • @lookingforTV: No drill!
            If it won't tap out, you could carefully cut away some of the plastic around the broken bolts, before tapping.

            I don't suppose removing the cistern would give access underneath? Would still be the hard way though.

            • +3

              @bargaino: This did the trick! Cut the plastic off and used WD-40 and pushed down. Thanks everyone!

          • @lookingforTV: Check Youtube
            Im sure someone has come across this before and done a video

  • Is it bottom of the toilet siliconed onto the tiles? It looks to me like you may need to pull the toilet out to replace the seat.

  • +2

    hmm.. i couldn't help noticed that there seems to be a bit of smeared mars bar at the 8 o'clock position….

    • Sorry, my bad. I didn't even notice until you mentioned that. I will clean them LOL

      • +1

        🤣

    • +2

      A Mars a Day Helps You Work, Rest and Play

    • was waiting for this comment :) surprised took so long

    • How does one defecate in that location, is my question.

      • +1

        probably one of these positions… Position Number 2? lol

        • LOL 💀

  • While at it install a Bidet

    • install a Bidet

      Joe Bidet ?

  • On a normal toilet, the porcelain would just have two holes and the seat posts come with nylon nuts and bolts that fix the seat to the toilet. But in this style of toilet I can't see how you get to the other side of the hole to put a nut there. Maybe they are some sort of one way anchor style plug and the only way to get it out again is to drill it (the nylon plug, not the porcelain)

  • If you can drill it out, you may need to remove the cistern and see if you can access the underside of the bolt from under where the cistern sits.

  • Youtube

  • +2

    Photos you can smell…

    • Yea? I got rid of the photo so people don't have to see the stain on the toilet? Your point?

  • We’ve found these really good and have decent after sales service if needed.

    https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEw…

  • A plumber will cost you a ton. Use D 4 to free the bolts first, and then the rest of the work is easy. Why not go to Burnings to get some tips from them? Take some photos for their inspection. Good luck.

    • It's all done and finished! OzBargain advices didn't disappoint!

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