How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Toilet Seat? (We Checked)

Replacing a toilet seat can be a quick and easy way to give your bathroom an updated look. But how much does it cost to replace a toilet seat? And what are some of the factors that will affect the price?

Replacing a toilet seat will cost you anywhere between $10 to $250 depending on the toilet seat that you purchase, and whether or not you install it yourself or hire a professional. You can lower your costs by buying an affordable toilet seat and performing the installation yourself.

Yet, there are still a few factors to consider before committing to replacing a toilet seat. You need to know the plumber’s cost (if you’re hiring a pro), the cost of the type of toilet seat you want, and the cost of any tools needed for the job.

Don’t worry! We will cover all this in this article. 

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Replacing a Toilet Seat

Replacing a toilet seat is not as daunting as it can seem. There are a few things you will want to consider first, though.

We’re talking next about some of the most common toilet seat quandaries. Check them out!

Can You Replace Just the Toilet Seat?

You can replace the toilet seat without replacing the rest of the toilet. Most toilet seats come with a toilet seat lid and the fixings to install the toilet seat. Toilet seats are usually simple to replace and only require a screwdriver. 

Additionally, toilet seats come in all colors and materials, so no matter what you choose, you’ll be able to find a seat that fits your bathroom aesthetics perfectly.

These wooden toilet seats, for example, come in a variety of styles, are easy to clean and maintain, and are easy to install!

How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Broken Toilet Seat?

A no-frills plastic seat is around $10, though there is a range. If you are replacing the seat yourself, it will only cost the amount of the new toilet seat. If you hire a plumber to change it, it can cost anywhere between $60 to $200. 

If you’d rather save money on a plumber and buy a nice toilet seat, you can buy heated toilet seats with built-in bidets for $200 to $250.

If you do it yourself, make sure the size is correct. It is easy to install if you’ve bought the right size.

Can a Plumber Replace a Toilet Seat?

A plumber will replace a toilet seat for you. Their service fees range from $60 to $200. You can also replace a toilet seat yourself, but it could take hours your first time, whereas it would take a plumber 10 to 15 minutes.

A plumber will also know the size you need by measuring the toilet bowl. You can also do this if you plan to replace the toilet seat yourself. All you need is a measuring tape.

You only need to know three measurements:

1. The length of the bowl at its longest part
2. The width of the bowl at its widest bowl
3. The distance between fixing holes.

How Much Does it Cost to Seat a Toilet?

The cost of installing a toilet seat is the seat’s price and fixings as any labor you hire. Plumbers charge anywhere from $60 to $200 to replace or install a toilet seat. The seat itself can cost as low as $10, but nice luxury seats can cost $200 to $300. 

If you need a simple raised toilet seat, those can cost $20 to $150.

The toilet seats that cost hundreds of dollars are usually bidets, which use water to clean yourself after use, and some bidet towel seats even have warm air to dry you after. This eliminates the need for toilet paper.  

How Much Does a Plumber Charge to Install a Bidet Toilet Seat?

Most plumbers charge by the hour, and installing a bidet toilet seat will take less than one hour. An hourly rate for a plumber is $50 to $200 an hour. Most individuals can install a bidet toilet seat, but it might take longer than an hour for an untrained person.

A bidet toilet seat costs more than a simple toilet seat. A standard plastic seat costs around $10. A standard enamel-covered wooden seat costs around $20.

A bidet toilet seat can cost over $200. You can buy some that only have washing capabilities, but some also dry with warm air. 

How Much Does it Cost to Install a Toilet Seat?

If you install your new toilet seat yourself, it will only cost the amount of the seat. Most standard toilet seats are around $20 and come with a toilet lid and fixings. If you hire a plumber to install one for you, they might charge $50 to $200 for the hour. 

It should take a plumber 10 to 15 minutes to install a toilet seat, but it could take you a couple of hours.

This mostly is because you will need to measure the toilet first, buy the seat at the store and then install it. 

How Do I Know if a Toilet Seat Will Fit My Toilet?

To ensure you buy the correct size toilet seat for your toilet, measure the length and width and the longest parts of the bowl. Then measure the distance between the two holes for the fixings.

Most toilet seats are one of two standard sizes, one is round, and the other is elongated. Some custom-made toilets will be difficult to match to a standard seat.

If this is the case, go to the toilet’s manufacturer. 

Toilet Seat Sizes

There are two standard sizes, and they are identified by their shape. Other sizes fit custom toilets that are sold by the manufacturer. 

In this section, we’ll break down how to tell the difference and the pros and cons of each.

How Many Sizes of Toilet Seats are There?

There are two standard sizes of toilets. The elongated toilet seats are around 18 ½ inches long, and the round toilet seats are around 16 ½ inches. If you know the toilet is a standard size, you can buy a new one based on the shape of the toilet seat. 

If the toilet is not a standard size, you will need to measure the toilet bowl and the distance between the holes for the fixings.

You can also look to the toilet manufacturer and buy a toilet seat from them. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gB4xKoZLIf0

Are There Different Size Toilet Seats?

There are two standard toilet seat sizes. One size is for a round toilet bowl, and the other is for an elongated toilet bowl. However, toilets that are custom made or are not made to fit a standard toilet seat.

To determine if you have a standard toilet seat or a custom one, look to see if the bowl is round or elongated.

If it’s round, a standard size is 16 ½ inches, and if it’s elongated, a standard size is 18 ½ inches. 

Which Toilet Seat is the Least Expensive?

Toilet seats are not created equal, and neither are their costs. Some plastic toilet seats can get the job done for some years and are on the cheapest side. However, the toilet seats made of sturdy material and have added features are more expensive. 

We’ve made a table for you to compare different types of toilet seats with various prices:

Are Toilet Seats Universal?

The US has two standard sizes, but they are not universal. Other countries often have different sizes and models. The US also has various sizes for small children’s toilets and custom toilets. Small spaces such as tiny homes and RVs may use different sizes. 

The two standard sizes in residential houses are 16 ½ inches for a round toilet seat and 18 ½ inches for an elongated toilet seat.

In business and commercial buildings, they might have a split-open toilet seat, but they are usually around 18 ½ inches. 

How Do You Replace a One-Piece Toilet Seat?

A one-piece toilet seat is replaced much like a two-piece toilet seat. It’s attached to the toilet with fixings. You will need a screwdriver to loosen the old seat and tighten the fixings on the new seat. 

For a one-piece toilet, the toilet seat size might not be standard, so be sure to measure the longest length of the toilet bowl vertically.

It’s also a good idea to measure the distance between the two fixing holes, especially if it is not a standard-size toilet seat. 

Why The Toilet Seat Broke 

The toilet seat can break no matter what it’s made of, but porcelain is likely to crack, and plastic is likely to warp.

On all toilet seats, the fixings often break or need tightening. 

Is a Broken Toilet Seat Wear and Tear?

A toilet seat can break from wear and tear, especially if it’s plastic. Plastic tends to warp the fastest. If you’ve only had your toilet seat for a year or two, then the cause might be improper weight distribution.

Each toilet seat manages a fair amount of weight, but if weight slides the toilet seat rather than being placed directly on top of the seat, this can warp the fixings and a plastic seat much faster.

Wooden seats covered in enamel are a more sturdy choice, but they can crack on the surface.  

What Causes Toilet Seats to Crack?

If a toilet seat is made with a porcelain seat, it can crack if something hard is dropped on it. The same can happen with a wooden seat covered in enamel. The enamel will probably chip some if something hard or sharp falls on it with enamel seats.

Plastic toilet seats do not crack as easily, but they do warp and dent easily. Wooden enamel-covered toilet seats are the most durable, but they can crack.

All toilet seat fixings can crack and warp as well. 

You might also enjoy our post on Cracked Toilet Seats

Why Does a Toilet Seat Break?

The quickest part of a toilet seat to break is the fixings, and improper weight distribution is usually the cause. If too much weight shifts the seat to one side, this will bend and warp the plastic washers and screws holding the seat to the toilet. 

The seat can also crack if it is porcelain or wooden enamel. This can happen if a hard or sharp object falls fast on it.

A plastic toilet seat can warp and dent easily from regulator use and cleaning. It might take some years, but a plastic toilet seat lasts the shortest amount. 

Tools and Fixes

A screwdriver is usually all that’s needed for fixing a toilet or replacing a toilet seat. However, some fixes need additional tools and materials.

We’ll talk all about that in this section. Check it out!

What Tools are Needed to Replace a Toilet Seat?

To replace a toilet seat, you will need a screwdriver, a measuring stick, and possibly toilet seat fixings if the new toilet seat does not come with fixings and the old fixings need to be replaced. 

Some toilet seats come with the fixings and a toilet seat lid. However, if you need fixings, you can buy them separately, and they’re very inexpensive.

Most fixing kits even come with a screwdriver. 

How Do You Fix a Broken Toilet Seat?

If your toilet seat is broken and sliding off, you will need to tighten the fixings or replace them. To tighten a fixing, all you need is a screwdriver. Most toilet seat fixings have bolts under plastic caps. Remove the caps and tighten the bolts. 

Some fixings are hidden. If this is the case, lift the toilet seat up and out to expose the fixing.

You can also tighten the toilet seat from the underside of the toilet bowl with a wrench or a screwdriver. 

How Do You Replace a Toilet Seat Lid?

To replace a toilet seat, you first need to take the old toilet seat off. You can do this with a screwdriver or wrench. After that, you can install the new toilet seat. It will probably come with fixings, but you will need to buy them separately if not. 

Most toilets are a standard size, and you can buy one based on its shape. Standard sizes are either elongated or round.

If you are unsure if your toilet is a standard size, measure the longest length of the toilet bowl and the distance between the holes for the fixings and match them accordingly. 

How Often Should You Change Your Toilet Seat?

Toilet seats do not have an expiration date. However, they get warped, cracked, and grimy over time. When you are tired of looking at an old toilet seat, you should replace it. Toilet seats are simple to replace and inexpensive. 

You can choose to upgrade your toilet seat by purchasing a bidet toilet seat. Some bidet toilet seats are heated and will dry you off after a wash. Some allow you to adjust the water temperature. 

How Long Do Toilet Seats Usually Last?

Toilet seats last longer the better they are maintained and the better the quality of materials. A plastic toilet seat will warp and dent more easily than a wood seat covered in hard enamel. A high-quality toilet seat can last for over five years!

The quality of the rubber, plastic and metal parts in the fixings keeps the toilet seat secure.

If you have a good quality fixing for your toilet seat hinges, then the rest of the seat is likely to last longer as well.

You might also enjoy our post on Why Is My Toilet Seat Always Loose?

Related Questions

How Much Does a Plumber Charge to Replace a Toilet Seat? 

A plumber often charges by the hour, and replacing a toilet seat typically takes one hour. Plumbers can charge $60 to $250 for an hour. If there’s anything that requires any additional parts, or if removing the old toilet uncovers other issues, it could take longer. 

Replacing a toilet is something you can do yourself, but it’s more difficult than replacing a toilet seat. The main concern is the heavy weight of a porcelain toilet.

Another benefit of hiring a plumber is that the cost is not on you if the toilet breaks in the move. 

How Much Does It Cost to Move a Toilet?

Moving a toilet from one location to another in your house can cost $2,500 – $3,500. The major expense is from the plumbing. Suppose you move a toilet or anything with a drain. You have to move the plumbing as well.

Ask a plumber to come out and see what would be involved in moving the toilet and how much it would cost.

In some cases, a new drain vent will need to be installed, which could involve drilling a hole in the roof, wall, or floor. 

Is It Expensive to Relocate a Toilet?

If you relocate the toilet to a place without the needed plumbing, it will cost a great deal. You will need to pay for a qualified plumber’s plumbing materials and labor. The plumbing work is extensive and can cost thousands of dollars. 

If the job is simple and a drain and a couple of feet of pipe are all that necessary, it might cost $2,500 to $3,500.

If you can use the same drain and simply extend the plumbing, then it could cost only $20. Talk to a plumber to see what your options are. 

Final Thoughts 

We hope that you have the confidence to purchase and replace your toilet seat. Or better yet, you know that all you need is to tighten the fixings with a screwdriver.

Most of all, we hope you found this article helpful and can use the information in it.