Well, you have two potential solutions: replacing the entire toilet, considering the affordable price of the toilet seat, or repairing the crack, which can also be fairly straightforward. 

However, only using the right adhesive or plastic tape can often resolve the problem. So, here, we provide a step-by-step guide on how to repair a cracked or broken toilet seat.

Identify the Location of Crack in the Toilet Seat

Toilet seats are mostly made of plastic. First, you need to locate and identify the damage. Is it only the crack, or are there also missing plastic pieces? Small, tiny cracks often remain elusive. Sometimes, a part of the plastic from the toilet seat can be broken as well. So, whatever the damage is, locate it first. 

Disconnect the Seat From the Toilet 

This step is optional. Depending on the broken or cracked parts, you may or may not need to disconnect the seat from the toilet. However, when you remove the toilet seat from the toilet, it gives you greater flexibility to repair the fix. 

You can remove it by locating the bolt that holds it in place and unscrewing the hardware that may be corroded. Many newer sets use plastic hardware that doesn’t corrode.

Observe the Damage

Now, carefully observe the damage. If the plastic part is broken apart, you may need plastic welding. However, for small hairline cracks, welding is not required at all. You can simply fix the part by tapping or gluing the cracked part. 

For Broken Plastic

If a part of the toilet seat is broken and needs plastic welding, such as damage or breakage around the toilet seat bolt, you need to do some preparation for it. To start, ensure you have a soldering iron at your disposal. A simple low-wattage soldering iron will be enough for the broken or cracked toilet seat. 

The process is to run the soldering iron tip on the seam of the broken or cracked toilet seat to melt the parts together. You will find the plastic parts hot and movable when melted, and you can blend them to create a seamless join. Gently use the soldering iron tip to smooth and blend the molten plastic, but never touch it with your hand. 

Sometimes, you might need more plastic material to create a strong bond. If you have an old lid made of polyethylene, you can use it to provide additional material. The polyethylene will melt and flow nicely to fill in the gaps.

After creating a seamless join, let it cool down and harden to form a strong connection. 

However, this method is only recommended when the section of the toilet part is severely broken or cracked. If you need to be more handy using these tools, it’s best to avoid attempting it. Additionally, please be mindful that plastic welding can release harmful fumes, so take necessary precautions. 

For Cracked Toilet Seat

You don’t need to be welding the toilet seats, which experienced a small crack without any missing broken pieces. However, there are multiple ways to join a cracked toilet seat together. Here are some ways:

Use Epoxy Resin

Epoxy resin, also known as two-part epoxy, has been a popular bonding agent for many applications. This can be used on plastic, wood, and even jewelry as an adhesive. As the name suggests, the adhesive as a whole is a mix of two separate components: a resin and a hardener. When these two components are mixed, it creates the curing or hardening of the epoxy applied to the gaps and cracks. 

Before preparing and applying the epoxy resin on the cracked toilet seat, lightly roughen the cracker area with sandpaper where the epoxy will be applied. Also, wipe down the area thoroughly to remove any dust and grease. These help the epoxy adhere better to the plastic. 

After that, create a thorough mixture of the epoxy with equal parts of both components (resin and hardener) and apply it to the surface. Ensure that you overlay the adhesive across the cracked part. Lastly, Press the two plastic pieces together, ensuring the epoxy-coated surfaces make good contact.

If your toilet is made of wood, you can still apply epoxy to repair the crack. You can also use wood glue to fix the crack of the wooden toilet seat. 

Use Water Resistant Plastic Tape

Many people attempt to fix a crack on the toilet seat using regular duct tape, but they often fail miserably. Due to the toilet seat’s regular exposure to moisture and water, it’s essential to select water-resistant tape. 

In this case, polyurethane plastic adhesive tape could be an excellent choice. Using polyurethane plastic adhesive tape to repair a crack on a toilet seat can be an effective solution to reinforce and strengthen the damaged area.

FAQ

Is the Two Part Epoxy Waterproof?

Ans: The moment epoxy is cured, they are waterproof. In fact, their ability to remain resistant to liquid and other chemical effects makes them a strong and popular sealant and adhesive. During the curing process, which is essentially a chemical reaction between the resin and hardener, the epoxy blend transforms into a liquid sealant and gains resistance.

How Long Does it Take for Epoxy to Cure on the Toilet Seat?

Ans: Epoxy might take some time to fully cure or dry to become resistant to water and other elements. However, it is difficult to say a specific curing time as it widely varies depending on the manufacturer. 

It is best to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for the recommended curing time. Make sure water doesn’t come into contact with the toilet seat until it’s dry or cured. You can be creative by placing a red cup beneath the toilet to signal that the toilet seat is not ready for use.

What Tools and Materials are Needed for Repairing a Cracked Toilet Seat?

Ans: When repairing a cracked toilet seat, the tools and materials required may include a screwdriver, epoxy adhesive, clamps, and sandpaper, depending on the chosen repair method. 

For deeper cracks and broken plastic, you’ll need a soldering iron equipped with a mask and safety goggles to protect your eyes. It’s also recommended to wear gloves while handling adhesives to safeguard your hands throughout the repair process.

Conclusion

Repairing a cracked toilet seat is a temporary solution to the longer usability of the seat. While options like using polyurethane tape or two-part epoxy can provide some support and hold the crack together, these fixes are short-term solutions, especially for particleboard toilet seats.

Not only does the durability fall short even after repairing the toilet seat, but the crack or broken part often leaves a noticeable mark and reduces the visual appearance of the toilet seat. The crack poses a risk of harboring harmful bacteria. 

For broken plastic parts where welding is suitable, you may require a soldering iron, which is costlier than the toilet seat itself. That’s why it is important to reconsider the repair over complete replacement.