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According to the latest research, toilet seats have a lot of disease-causing microbes. The most unfortunate part is that each time you flush your toilet, these disease-causing microbes are released to the air. This therefore means that if you don’t properly take care of your toilets, you and your family risk getting infected with these bacteria. That’s why it is important to clean your toilet as often as possible whether you live alone or you live with your kids.

Read next: Which is the best toilet seat to buy?

Besides the normal cleaning, it is important to thoroughly wash your toilets at least once in a week. You should remove your toilet seats when doing this thorough cleaning to ensure you get access to the hidden parts. Some of the toilet seats are very easy to remove while others such as Eljer Diplomat elongated toilets have hidden bolts which make the process complicated. 

However that should not hinder you from keeping your toilet clean. Here is a step by step process on how you can replace your toilet seats with hidden bolts.

• Put on Protective Gloves

The first step is putting on hand gloves, to ensure your hands are protected while working on your toilet. Although these protective gloves are not a must requirement, but they are very necessary as you can’t be too careful to avoid bacteria. Remember also to clean your toilet seats before you start working on them.

• Secure the toilet seat with a masking tape

The next step is securing the toilet seat with a masking tape. You can use a duct instead of a masking tape. Tap the toilet seats together with the lid either in a closed position or an open position. This process is very key as it helps in protection of the plastic part of the toilet seat. Besides, it makes the unit very easy to handle since it prevents the seat from slamming over. It is important to note that incase replacing your toilet seats requires drilling, then you will have to use a plastic material such as cardboard.

• Remove the caps

You can now remove the caps by applying the socket wrench until you reach the nut with bolts.  You can do this by just turning the socket wrench counters in a clockwise direction, until you loosen all the nuts. Then you can use your screw driver or pliers to loosen your bolts. However, there are some simpler toilet designs that you can remove their caps using a screw driver with a flat head. You can now detach your toilet seats from the toilet bowl. Detaching your toilet seat will help you access the hinges.

• Attach the new seat

Last but not least, you can now replace the old seat with a new one. Alternatively, you can clean the old seat and return it. To replace the seats, put the seat in the right position, then insert all the screws in their respective holes. Using a screwdriver ensures all the screws and the bolts are secured on both the sides of the toilet seat. Then close all the lids, your toilet is now ready for use.

Conclusion

For you to remove toilet seats with hidden bolts, you need to check at the fittings. Check whether the fittings are joined together using bolts or they are just covered using plastic caps for beauty. Follow through the process carefully and remove and replace your toilet in just no minute without having to depend on anyone. 

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It is really worrisome when you flush objects in the toilet, whether it is deliberate or by accident. Those who have toddlers in their homes are prone to them flushing items such toys, car keys and other small objects in the toilet that may end up creating clogs. The most unfortunate part is that such incidence happens at the least expected time.

Drain toilets allows water to pass through hence the items will always remain at the bottom of the toilet or in the drain. If you are caught in such a situation, you can follow these 4 simple methods to retrieve your objects from the toilet trap instead of calling a plumber and to avoid spending of extra cash.

Grabbing the object with your hand

The first method that you can use to remove items from the toilet trap is by trying to grab the object with your hand if the object is visible. To ensure your safety, put on a pair of gloves, preferable elbow-length rubber gloves. Then use a disposable container to scoop all the water, for easy reach. Grab the object, hold then pull it out. Ensure you wash your hands thoroughly after this process.

Using a hook or a bent hanger

Another method that you can use to remove objects from toilet trap is using a hook or a bent hanger. Untwist the metal hanger’s neck until your hanger is as straight as possible, then bend one end into a hook-like shape depending on the shape of your toilet drain. Make sure it is able to bend into the drain pipe. You can then try to grab and remove the item in the toilet drain gently to avoid pushing the item further.

Using a vacuum

Using this method you first need to remove the vacuums collection tank top, followed by the filter and the dry dust bag to prevent the filter from growing mildew then return the top back of the collection tank. Turn the vacuum on, then hold the vacuums hose and try pushing it inside the drain as far as possible until you feel or hear your item move. Point the item with the hose opening the start sucking the water with the vacuum until the object passes through the hose.

Always ensure you empty the collection tank when it’s full until your item is sucked into the hose or until your collection tank is full, you need to try as many times as possible. When you have retrieved your item, flush your toilet at least twice.

Removing the toilet

Last but not least, you can remove items from your toilets by removing the toilet. All you need to do is first you need to turn off the water supply by turning your toilets’ valve anticlockwise several times till you can’t turn it anymore. You can also turn the water off from the main water supply. Remove your toilets water tank to allow easy access of the tank. Ensure there is no water remaining in the toilet bowl to help avoid the splashing and spilling of water.

You can unscrew all the screws and bolts from the bottom of your toilet then remove your toilet (one-piece toilet or two-piece toilet) from the floor. You then need to detach your water supply line to the tank of your toilet by twisting the large plastic bolt that has ridges clockwise, and then you remove your toilet. Reach for your flushed item using your and retrieve it through the waste opening.

Conclusion

Always ensure you retrieve your objects you accidentally flash in the toilet as fast as possible to prevent them from getting destroyed, especially items that are rarely salvageable like phones. You can then turn it off, remove the battery and put in a bowl of dry rice to dry them. You will be able to retrieve your objects using any of these methods.