Today it is difficult to imagine a modern apartment without plumbing, because it is an integral part of a comfortable home. In our article we will talk about such a necessary item as a toilet seat. As a rule, when purchased, it comes complete with the main product. However, nothing lasts forever, and if it breaks, it will have to be replaced.
Recommendations for selection
Recommendations for selection:
- Know the size of the toilet.
- The shape of the lid should follow the shape of the toilet
- Select colors in accordance with the color scheme of the bathroom or toilet.
- When purchasing, carefully check the entire set. Availability and integrity of all parts
- It is ideal to buy covers with high rigidity - this will protect against deformation with a large human body weight.
- The antibacterial surface of the seat will help keep the toilet clean.
Convenience
The toilet seat is selected for the person, taking into account his needs. It should not cause discomfort during use. Inconvenience and irritation are signs of poor quality. The manufacturer moved away from the anatomical shape of the product.
Appearance
The toilet seat is chosen in accordance with the style direction so that it fits harmoniously into the design. It is advisable to exclude bright colors with lapis patterns, as well as ruffles, bows, rhinestones and sequins.
Strength
The cover is subjected to daily stress, which leads to frequent breakdowns
To save your budget, special attention should be paid to the material from which the product is made. The higher the strength, the longer the service life
Hygiene
Most often, the toilet seat is cleaned.
Strong preparations with acid and chlorine are often used to treat toilet bowls and seats. It is important to consider the material’s resistance to various chemicals contained in cleaning products.
Peculiarities
The simpler the shape of the seat, the easier and better its cleaning will be. Various crevices, corners and internal cavities lead to dirt that is difficult to clean. Which leads not only to the accumulation of microbes and a breeding ground for infection, but also to an unpleasant odor.
It’s not only hard-to-reach places that cause problems when caring for the product. Complex terrain with large cracks and pores leads to the fact that over time all the recesses become dirty.
It’s great if the surface contains water-repellent components
It doesn’t matter which product you choose, the main thing is that it meets the main requirements. Comfort, practicality, hygiene, aesthetics
The purchase should satisfy you and leave a good impression, whether it is a seat with a bidet function, a smart lid, a microlift or a classic.
All types of toilet lids
Types of seats
Chairs are divided into categories according to their purpose:
- Soft
- Plastic
- With microlift
- With built-in bidet
- Heated
- Automatic
- Children's
- Disposable
- Universal
- For people with disabilities and the elderly
Let's consider all the options.
Soft
The soft seat is ideal for home use. It is easy to care for and comfortable on contact. The service life is limited, a maximum of a year. Most are made of plastic, foam rubber and dermantine.
Plastic
Compared to soft ones, they are more wear-resistant. The rim is designed taking into account the load, thanks to special protrusions or rubber inserts it fits tightly to the toilet. This product is not refrigerated
Please note that all parts are made of plastic.
The mount may break due to frequent use. When purchasing, it is advisable to choose a toilet seat with metal fasteners. A clear advantage of this material is that it is easy to choose a model that will harmoniously fit into any design. Large range of colors.
Microlift
Mircolift is a system for smoothly lowering the lid, which does not create noise and protects the product itself.
There are models with the lowering function disabled. Products with a bidet function are manufactured according to the bidet type. The main advantages are convenience and space saving.
There are accessories that have water heating. Of course, this function creates comfort. The price is justified by the convenience.
Heating function
All types of toilet seats can have a heating function. Seats with a hygienic shower and microlift have heating as an integral component. Heating is not necessary but definitely creates a nice effect.
Automatic
Also called “smart”. This seat has a motion sensor built into it. This adapter allows the lid to rise and fall automatically, which meets hygiene requirements. An ideal option for lovers of comfort.
Child toilet seat
These products belong to a separate category and occupy their niche among plumbing accessories. The toilet seat helps the child get used to a regular toilet comfortably.
In this category there are:
- A regular seat. The only difference that distinguishes it from an adult is its size.
- Anatomical - has the shape of a children's potty and is equipped with fastenings. The disadvantage is that in order to remove the lid from the toilet, you will need to disconnect the fastenings.
- The throne - the main advantage is security. The chair has steps, a soft base, and hand rests that fit snugly to the toilet.
- Road – used for travel, which involves visiting a public toilet. The diameter varies according to size.
Hygienic pads
A hygienic toilet seat is an irreplaceable thing. Designed for use in public places. Protects against pathogenic bacteria and unpleasant diseases. The convenience of disposable pads is difficult to overestimate. There is only one drawback - the lack of fastenings.
Universal
Universal seats are widely used and are in great demand.
This product is often called “family”. It can be double or triple. The set includes several seats with different diameters, which allows each family member to have their own seat. “Family” covers are most often made of duroplast and have metal fasteners, which significantly increases their service life.
For people with disabilities and the elderly
The main features of this toilet seat are the height and the handrails. There are adjustable heights and monolithic ones. Equipped with handrails and without them. It should be noted that this unit appeared on the market not so long ago.
Nozzles of this type make it very easy for people with disabilities and the elderly to go to the toilet. They are made of durable plastic, the handrails are always metal. There are many modifications.
The choice depends on the capabilities of the person. There are also soft high toilet nozzles, they are not as practical as plastic ones and the lack of handrails is a clear drawback. When choosing a seat, you should adhere to several parameters: practicality, comfort, pleasant appearance.
What are the dimensions?
It is most logical to first select a toilet seat according to the shape and size of the bowl, and only then look at the material, convenience, additional functions, design and quality of the product. In addition, you should immediately decide what types of toilet seat you are interested in in terms of design - universal or model.
Universal
These seat options fit almost all standard toilet models. The main thing is that they match them in shape and size. For example, you should not purchase square seats for a round-shaped bowl, or, conversely, it would be irrational to attach rounded seats to square-shaped bowls. The toilet models produced have certain standard dimensions in terms of height, width and length of the bowl, as well as the thickness of the rim and the distance of the holes for fastening the seats. All standard sizes are summarized in tables, which are used by manufacturers of accessories for plumbing equipment.
How to choose the right lid
The first point when choosing a device should be to check whether it matches the size of the toilet. This point is especially relevant due to the fact that the standardization of such equipment is rather conditional.
This feature can lead to annoying errors. As mentioned above, the best option is if the product is slightly larger than the toilet itself.
Next, you need to address the issue of strength, because only this will ensure durability.
To do this, pay attention to the quality of materials, read reviews about the selected model, and also make sure there is no damage, which could be cracks or chips.
In addition, the following points should be monitored:
Comfort to use. This concerns not only the appropriate shape, but also checking the sharpness of the closing sound - it annoys many users
Additionally, it is worth paying attention to checking for the presence/absence of roughness and nicks, because such defects are a significant disadvantage. Functionality that must fully meet the requirements of potential buyers themselves. Aesthetics. The lid, in addition to being liked by future owners, must fit into the interior of the bathroom.
If the buyer can allocate a round sum to purchase a lid, then it is necessary to take a closer look at multifunctional products, as they can provide a significantly greater level of comfort than traditional equipment.
Types of seats and covers
A toilet seat with a lid, no matter how banal, can be of completely different colors, sizes and shapes. So, the lids are:
- Model ones - usually go together with a toilet seat and are suitable specifically for one type of seat.
- Universal – designed for all types of toilet seats.
If a model lid breaks, the owner often has to go through an exciting “quest” to find a new copy.
Usually the seats are limited to an oval shape. But toilet lids can have a wide variety of sizes and appearance - from a musical instrument to an animal figure, and can also be decorated with illustrations or additional decorative elements. This option will definitely appeal to fans of non-standard solutions and those who want to add a bright touch to an ordinary room.
Functionality of toilet seats
Just a couple of decades ago, toilet seats performed only one, most important, fundamental function - hygienic. Progress, which never stands still, has reached toilets: additional opportunities and “skills” have appeared.
One of the most common achievements, which enjoys deafening popularity among haters of loud sounds, is a microlift, which is a device for slowly and smoothly lowering the lid.
Other functions are quite varied:
- The heated toilet seat will please those who love warmth.
- IR rays will make life easier for lazy users by automatically triggering and controlling the toilet lid.
- A seat combined with a bidet optimizes a small space and will greatly help those who need to have both devices in the same room. In addition to the main shower, modified models include lighting, heated water and even a hairdryer.
- Instances with built-in electronics are classified as “smart” inventions: they are able to repel dirt, clean themselves, heat the surface of the toilet seat, and are easily removed and used.
Manufacturers do not stop there and create devices that combine all functions, and even are equipped with additional options:
- automatic flushing with several modes;
- possibility of independent deodorization;
- hydromassage services;
- music players, radios or audio systems;
- “anti-freeze” functions for models installed in unheated and cold rooms;
- sound notification about the breakdown of an individual element.
Selected models
Families with small children previously made do with the usual potties: placing a child on the toilet was problematic and even dangerous. Now there are numerous assistants for parents designed to make caring for babies easier, including a toilet seat for children. This device will not only make it much easier for the child to “manage” his needs, but will also facilitate rapid weaning from diapers and the potty.
It is important to consider only a few points:
- Size: you can either choose a universal toilet seat or buy a model already equipped with a child’s device. The main thing is that it fits in size.
- Color: a bright, rich palette and cheerful drawings will attract the baby more than a monochromatic painted surface.
- Comfort: it is desirable that the toilet seat is made of warm material that is soft to the touch.
There is a “family” option, which provides a separate toilet seat for each resident, with all the mugs stacked into a kind of stack. Anyone who intends to use the device for its intended purpose simply removes “his” seat. However, this option is not suitable for houses that are frequently visited by guests.
Manufacturers have also provided options for people who have temporarily lost the ability to move and the disabled. Considering the difficulties that this part of the population faces when performing hygiene procedures, manufacturers have released special devices equipped with additional options. These include regular or reclining armrests and seats located 15-20 centimeters higher than regular chairs. In addition, such structures are securely fastened without fail and often have a height adjustment function.
What are the seats made of?
The most common and popular material for making such items is plastic, PVC or polypropylene. Lightweight, comfortable toilet seats are very easy to clean, but are not durable. Even with very careful handling, sooner or later cracks, scratches and stains will appear on the surface.
In “second place” is a soft toilet seat, which consists of a solid frame wrapped in film. The filling of this unique sandwich is soft foam rubber. A very comfortable device that also does not require special care. But, similar to plastic specimens, they last for a maximum of six months, gradually becoming unusable. Cheapness remains a plus.
The third option is fabric toilet seat covers. Some manufacturers went a little further and released toilet seats already wrapped in fabric. Accordingly, the price has increased compared to the two previous options, but the performance properties are definitely worth it. Fabric wrappers are easy to remove, easy to wash and dry, they last much longer than their counterparts, and they look much nicer.
A fourth representative of materials for toilet seats has also appeared - duroplast, which combines the appearance of ceramics, the convenience of plastic and the strength of wood. Such products are superior to their opponents not only in quality characteristics, but also in weight - they are much more massive and heavier. The price is higher depending on the functionality. Products made from Duroplast are very durable, resistant to mechanical damage, and in addition, the surface is often treated with a special compound that can kill bacteria. A similar toilet seat and lid for the Keramin toilet are suitable.
The “hit parade” of materials for toilet seats is completed by wooden specimens. Natural material has considerable strength, stability, elegance and attractiveness. But the weight of such an item is very significant, which poses a danger of damaging the toilet structure as a whole if used incorrectly.
Material
The product can be made of various materials:
- Plastic. The most popular option, characterized by low cost. The upper part of the structure is a smooth plastic covering; there are stiffening ribs inside. Due to the fragility of plastic and its susceptibility to damage, the product quickly loses its original appearance.
- Plastic covered with fabric. There are both stylish products and tasteless cheap options. The advantage is that the seat is soft, making it very comfortable to sit on the toilet. A noticeable drawback is the fragility of the material. Usually the skin starts to come off very quickly.
- Duroplast. More expensive type of plastic. The price is justified by the attractive appearance and wear resistance of the product. The composition contains special antibacterial additives that reduce the risk of the spread of germs.
- Plywood. Cheap and at the same time very durable material. Plywood seats have been used for a very long time, so they are often found in old houses. Currently, such products are practically not presented in stores due to their unattractive appearance.
- Tree. High-quality seats look expensive and attractive. The disadvantage is significant weight. If the toilet seat suddenly falls onto the toilet, the equipment may be damaged.
Most often, plastic is used to make the headband - a durable material with a beautiful appearance.
Best answers
Anton Bolshakov:
Well, you shouldn’t hammer the toilet. Deform the lid. The easiest way is to use cord or fishing line. Tie the holes and that's it.
Sergey Parfilov:
The covers are universal. Either the fasteners move there, or they are adjusted with eccentric bolts. There is no point in installing a completely different structure - it will quickly burst, you can even get hurt
Grandfather Au:
you post a photo of the lids - tell me how
Stas Shabanov:
Replace the fasteners, you may be installing incorrectly
Mikhail Karpov:
If the mounting holes really do not match (i.e. this is not the result of improper assembly of the seat, but just the purchase of incomplete plumbing). Naturally, we don’t drill into earthenware. I offer 2 options: 1. We take 1 or 2 steel plates with holes for mounting bolts and for fasteners in the lid (1 if the holes in the toilet are narrower than on the lid), insert the mounting bolt and press the plate to the lid using small bolts passed through the lid, you can use cap nuts for aesthetics.2. we pass the fastening bolts directly through the cover at the place of fastening.
If you use stainless steel for fasteners, it won’t even look bad. But (IMHO) it’s better to buy a new cover...
I used the first method in a rented apartment when I discovered that the standard mount had broken off. It held up with a bang, the owner then asked to replace the second ear as well... Yes, there must be bushings or gaskets for the fasteners, so that the plastic does not bend.
Oleg Yankovsky:
Apparently you just purchased some kind of cheap defective lid, since these holes are at the same distance and I know this from my own experience, since I recently purchased a high-quality lid through the santehnika-online store /
DIY installation features
The procedure for installing the cover is quite simple, so you can easily do it yourself. And without using any special and rare tool.
First you need to remove the old cover. An appropriately sized wrench or pliers will help with this if it is attached to the toilet using plastic or brass bolts. The listed fasteners are not subject to corrosion, so they are easy to unscrew.
Removing the old cover can be the most difficult part of the job, but there are many simple ways to remove rusted bolts
Next, you need to clean the toilet shelf from traces of dirt. To install the purchased cover, you should use plastic or brass fittings. They do this because steel products quickly corrode in the humid environment of a bathroom.
Installing a new cover consists of attaching and tightening the connection, that is, this is a very simple operation that any owner of this thing can handle
The next step is to place the purchased lid on the toilet and attach the prepared screws. Next, the connection is simply tightened, after which the work is considered completed.
If a multifunctional device is purchased, then the owner will definitely have to use the services of professional installers.
The following article will introduce you to the selection rules and installation instructions for a bidet attachment for a toilet, which we recommend reading.
What you should pay attention to when choosing
Once you have decided on the material from which the lid should be made, you can proceed to selecting a specific model.
In this case, you need to take into account:
- dimensions - if it exceeds the size of the toilet bowl, then a replacement will be needed in the near future;
- shape - it should correspond to the contours of the bowl of the plumbing fixture. It would be foolish to try to install round toilet lids on a plumbing fixture with an oval bowl;
- decoration and color - the toilet is also an interior detail, sometimes an intricate pattern on its surface will complement the decor of the restroom.
A beautiful picture on the top of the lid diversifies the interior of the restroom
How not to miss the size
If the apartment has a toilet that is not square or round in shape, then the question of how to choose the right size toilet lid may puzzle the owner - it is not entirely clear what exactly needs to be measured.
Schematic illustration showing all dimensions
In fact, when choosing something new in a store, you will need only 3 sizes, you need to know:
- distance between holes for installation;
- width - measured at the widest part;
- the distance between the outer edge of the cover and a line through the center of the mounting holes.
Sizes you need to know when choosing
What makes it easier to find the right model is that most toilet models on the market are of standard sizes. Therefore, the manufacturer is not so important - the main thing is that the dimensions match the toilet bowl.
It wouldn’t hurt to think about the appearance of the new thing.
Here you have to rely on your own taste:
- If there are children in the house, then you can choose a model of cheerful, bright colors.
- If the restroom is decorated in a simple style, then the lid should not shimmer with all the colors of the rainbow.
- If dark, calm colors predominate in the bathroom, then a white toilet with a black lid would look good.
An example of a successful combination of black and white
High tech
The simplest lid models do not provide any additional functions.
But if your budget allows, then you can pay attention to models equipped with a number of useful additions
Worthy of attention:
- models with a microlift - the lift of the toilet lid allows it to close smoothly without hitting the toilet, you just need to push it lightly. The design of the microlift copies the operation of a door closer;
- seat heating function – it’s not pleasant to sit on cold plastic, the heating system will not allow the surface temperature to drop below 30-36 ᵒС;
The cable for connecting the cover is visible
- There are models of toilet lids with a bidet function on sale. Some models even have heating of the supplied water. With the help of such a lid, you can turn even a simple toilet into a 2-in-1 device;
- The smart toilet lid stands apart - the list of additional functions directly depends on the manufacturer.
The simplest electronic models are equipped with a motion sensor and are able to open independently when a person approaches. After this, the lid will also close on its own.
The more advanced electronic toilet lid comes with a remote control and has an impressive range of additional functions. This model can be adjusted individually for male/female washing, the nozzles change their position and water pressure, it is possible to perform hydromassage, etc. Such covers are high-tech devices, and accordingly they cost a lot.
Smart lid device
If there is a child in the house
In principle, there are separate toilets for children on sale; the dimensions of such plumbing fixtures take into account the short stature of children. But, as a rule, parents limit themselves to buying a special toilet lid with a pattern and cheerful colors.
The main difference between children's models is their slightly smaller internal dimensions. This is a necessary measure, because a small child simply physically cannot sit comfortably in a seat suitable for an adult.
Ideal solution if there is a child in the house
Taking care of children
If there is a small child in the apartment, then you need to either install an additional toilet, which is very expensive and not practical, or adapt your own toilet for children. The baby cover should have a smaller hole, bright color and a “warm” surface.
At the moment, in the store you can find special children's models that are installed on top of a regular seat. In addition, there are universal seats that include a cover, a seat for children and adults. In this case, the children's chair can be folded back together with the lid or, on the contrary, the entire structure can be closed. However, this option is more expensive, so the best solution would be to buy a separate seat for the child, which can be removed and installed at any time.
Theoretical question
A completely standard picture: the bathroom is equipped with an ordinary ceramic product, equipped with a seat with a lid, which in most cases always remains open. A reasonable question arises: why is it provided at all?
Most household members perceive this element as an integral part of the toilet room, thinking little about its real purpose. However, a toilet lid is necessary to protect the surrounding area from bacteria that can spread around, especially “activating” when flushing. Well, the second function is the creation of external aesthetics.
