Toilet Seats, Hinges and Flush Parts

The bowl shape decides: round or elongated

Measure from the bolt holes at the back of the bowl to its front edge. Around 16.5 inches means a round bowl and around 18.5 inches means an elongated one; a seat of the wrong shape leaves a gap or overhangs the rim. Bolt holes are normally 5.5 inches apart. Plastic seats are hard and easy to wipe, while vinyl seats are padded and warmer. Top-mount hinges let you tighten the bolts from above, which makes fitting simpler.

Bolts, levers and flush units fit one model, not all

Not every add-on is universal. Closet bolts such as Johni bolts secure the bowl to the floor flange, so choose the length and metal to suit the flange. Flush levers differ by mounting side, arm length and finish, so check whether yours is front-mounted or side-mounted. Pressure-assist flushing systems like the Flushmate units listed here are matched to a specific tank by model number and flush volume in gallons per flush (gpf), so read the number on your old unit before choosing a replacement.

Questions about Toilet Seats, Hinges and Flush Parts

Will a seat from one brand fit another brand's toilet?

Usually, if the shape matches and the bolt holes sit about 5.5 inches apart. Compact, square and other specialty bowls are the exception and often need an exact-fit seat. Measure the bowl and the hinge-bolt spacing first instead of relying on the brand name.

How tight should the seat bolts be?

Snug by hand, then a final partial turn with a screwdriver. Overtightening can crack the porcelain or distort plastic hinge posts, while a loose seat slides sideways. Check them again after the first week, because plastic settles slightly under use.

Why does the toilet keep running after I fit a new flush lever?

The lever arm may be touching the tank wall or pulling the flapper chain too short. Adjust the chain so there is slight slack when the flapper is closed, and check that the lever moves freely. If it still runs, the flapper or its seat is worn.