Replacing Toilet Parts: Toilet Seat Bumper Replacement & More

by Iron Horse Mechanical & Plumbing Services, Inc Iron Horse Mechanical & Plumbing Services, Inc

Over time, the parts in your toilet can wear out or break, requiring replacement. Some of the most common toilet parts that need replacing are the toilet seat, the hinge hardware, and the seals inside the toilet tank. Toilet seat bumper replacement and other parts is usually an easy DIY project that you can tackle yourself with a few basic tools and some patience.

Toilet Seat Bumper Replacement

The bumpers on the underside of your toilet seat can crack or fall off over years of use. These rubber or plastic bumpers cushion the impact when you lower the seat, preventing the porcelain surfaces from chipping or cracking. If your toilet seat is slamming down loudly or feels loose and wobbly, replacing the bumpers is a quick fix.

You'll need a new bumper kit, which provides two or more toilet seat bumper replacement and screws. Start by lifting the toilet seat and lid to access the underside. Remove the old, damaged bumpers and scrape away any remaining adhesive. Apply adhesive to the new bumpers if needed and attach them in the same position as the old ones, securing them with the provided screws. Adjust the tightness so the seat closes quietly but firmly. Let the adhesive cure fully before using the toilet.

Toilet Seat Hinge Replacement

Toilet seats feature hinges on both sides that attach to the porcelain bowl, allowing the seat to lift up and down. If your toilet seat is loose, won't stay up, or is difficult to raise and lower, the hinges could be bent, worn out, or broken. Toilet seat hinge replacement will make the seat functional again.

For this project, purchase a toilet seat hinge kit with two hinge assemblies. Start by removing the old seat from the toilet bowl. Unscrew the nuts and bolts holding the worn hinges in place and pry them off the bowl and seat. Thoroughly clean the areas where the new hinges will adhere. Apply adhesive pads, insert the new hinge posts, and secure with washers and nuts or screws provided in the kit. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Let the adhesive cure before reinstalling the seat. Test by lifting and lowering a few times to ensure smooth operation.

Toilet Tank Seal Replacement

The seals inside the toilet tank prevent water leaks and ensure flushing efficiency. Over years of operation, these seals can crack, warp, and fail. If you notice water pooling around the base of your toilet, your tank is leaking. If your toilet runs constantly between flushes, fails to fully flush, or refills slowly, worn-out tank seals could be the culprit. Toilet tank seal replacements like the flush valve seal, tank to bowl gasket, and bolt washers can fix these common toilet troubles.

For this DIY toilet repair, you'll need a universal seal kit. Start by shutting off the toilet's water supply valve and flushing to empty standing water from the tank. Sponge out remaining water. Remove tank components to access seals. Pry off old seals and scrape residue from sealing surfaces. Install new seals in the proper positions, following kit instructions. Reassemble tank components, turn the water back on, and test operation. Adjust any components as needed to achieve proper flushing and filling.

Conclusion

Tackling easy toilet repairs like hinge, seal and toilet seat bumper replacement, you can save on plumber service calls. With basic DIY skills and tools, you can get your toilet working like new again. Carefully follow manufacturer's instructions for each replacement part. In under an hour, you can have your toilet seat opening and closing smoothly, your tank seals watertight, and your flushing mechanism functioning at peak performance again.