In order to make human life as comfortable as possible, many different household appliances have been invented, including many almost perfect, “smart” devices. However, you can still do without most of them. There is an exception to the rule: these are plumbing structures, the incorrect operation of which immediately disrupts the usual order and makes life less comfortable and enjoyable. Simple designs are rarely presented with surprises to owners, but more advanced equipment has a bad habit of sometimes breaking down. For example, toilets equipped with a microlift often go on strike. For this reason, their owners have to learn how to get rid of the problem - how to fix the toilet lid closer in order to return the irreplaceable device to full functionality.
What is a microlift in a toilet?
A microlift is a device that provides silent, smooth raising and lowering of the toilet lid. The operating principle of a microlift is similar to a conventional door closer. Difference in size of structures. A toilet with a microlift is also called a “smooth lowering device”.
The installed device solves several problems at once:
- Prevents the lid from suddenly falling off;
- Makes the lowering of the toilet seat silent;
- Prevents the formation of cracks and chips on the lid itself and plumbing fixtures.
Particularly attractive are mechanisms with a presence sensor. Their feature is to automatically raise the lid when a person approaches the toilet and lower it after he leaves.
Microlift design
The microlift most often comes complete with a cover, and not many are interested in its design. Subsequently, in case of breakdowns, questions arise as to whether it is possible to replace the parts and elements of the mechanism yourself and what they are.
The product itself is not exactly plastic, but a more modern polymer material – duroplast. Although it looks like plastic, its characteristics are more similar to ceramics.
It is not difficult to understand the internal structure of the lid microlift. It consists of the following elements:
- a rod on which the seat and cover are securely fixed;
- a spring that provides braking (smooth lowering) of the lid;
- articulated micro-lift mechanism, thanks to which the device can change position;
- The lubricant is transparent, viscous, and has a very unpleasant odor.
It is believed that this mechanism is non-separable and cannot be repaired. However, after repair and making some changes, the device can work again.
In more expensive models, the structural elements are slightly different, more reliable - pistons instead of springs and cylinders instead of rods. It is impossible to restore the operation of such a functional system, since the structure is non-demountable.
Repair
Adjustment is required when the product does not hold and falls. For repairs you will need a screwdriver and a hexagon.
- Remove the system from both sides.
- Pull out the piston.
- Remove old grease.
- Pour new ultra-high viscosity polymer silicone grease (PMS 1000000) into the capsule.
- Insert the piston.
- Tighten the screw.
- Return the microlifts to their place.
Bushing repair
The easiest way to repair the mechanism is if the bushing stops functioning. You need to proceed as follows:
- Unscrew both nuts.
- Remove the seat.
- Pull out both bushings and swap them.
Main causes of breakdowns
There are few reasons why the microlift on the toilet lid does not work:
- Incorrect operation: when a person, out of habit, tries to lower or raise the toilet lid with his hands, using unacceptable force on the mechanism;
- Natural wear and tear of elements.
To save money, you can try to repair the microlift yourself, replacing only the failed parts.
Toilet closer repair
If the lid, instead of lowering smoothly, falls sharply and with a loud knock, if it opens and closes jerkily or creaks, then the closer in the device is broken . You can try to repair the toilet lid microlift yourself:
- Remove the toilet lid.
- We dismantle the structure.
- We disassemble the right and left microlifts.
- We inspect the condition of the structural elements.
The malfunction of the closer consists of problems with lubrication and its uneven distribution in the cylinder. You just need to distribute it evenly in the system and put the entire structure back together, repeating all the steps in reverse order.
The cause of the squeak may be a change in structure or lack of lubricant. In such cases, it is necessary to add or replace it, thereby extending the life of the cover for several more years. But only the right lubricant will eliminate the squeak and restore the operation of the mechanism.
Replacing bolts
If the base on which the closer is installed lags behind the bowl shelf and it rotates, the problem is a broken fastener. Replacing the fastening of a toilet lid with a microlift occurs in several stages:
- Dismantling the device by unscrewing or sawing off the fasteners holding the mechanism to the seat or cover;
- Replacing broken bolts that connect the lift and the back of the cover. Screwing them back with nuts;
- Assembly of the structure;
- Screwing the nuts onto the bolts at the bottom of the shelf.
Replacing bolts is a simple procedure, but plastic products must be screwed in carefully so as not to break them.
Tightening up loose supports
If the cause of the malfunction of the smooth lowering device is loose supports , repairs are carried out as follows:
- Caps specially designed for hexagons are removed from all mounting legs. But such caps are not available on all models;
- The entire structure, when open, is lifted up and carefully removed;
- The fasteners, freely moving in the holes, move forward or backward to adjust the position of the lid relative to the tank;
- The fastening nuts are tightened tightly but neatly.
Other faults
Mechanism repair is also required if:
- Cracks have formed on the seat or cover;
- The spring is broken;
- There are faults in the rod.
the crack on the seat with dichloroethane or acetone: drop a little liquid on the cracked edges and join them, fixing the lid in a stationary position for several minutes. A badly cracked or broken lid is glued together with liquid nails.
Replacing a broken spring is more difficult to deal with. It is almost impossible to select a similar part in diameter and length. But you won’t be able to find a single element on sale, because the device is considered non-separable.
The same problem arises when it comes to replacing rods. They can only be found in already used, broken similar structures. But this happens extremely rarely. It is much easier and more correct to purchase a new product that has a lift mechanism.
The right approach to purchasing
Where can you buy such a new product? This type of toilet is now sold in almost all plumbing stores. Try to choose large stores, there will be more choice there. This means that you will definitely be able to choose what you wanted. Pay attention to plumbing supply retailers. They should be able to answer any of your questions, give specific information about the product: manufacturer, advantages, etc.
Any good store should have its own website. This site contains a product catalog, terms of purchase, delivery (if any), reviews and other information. This is convenient; you don’t need to go around several retail outlets, which will take a lot of time. You just need to go to their websites and select the product you need. As a rule, such sites have store phone numbers where you can contact the seller and find out about the availability of a particular product. Some stores offer a service for delivering toilets directly to your home. In this case, you will not need to go to this store at all.
There are also online stores. It should be noted right away that the goods there are somewhat cheaper than in regular stores. This is because they do not have to pay rent for the sales area. They simply don't have it. All goods are shipped directly from the warehouse. Today, online stores are very popular precisely because of their prices and ease of purchase. Every online store has delivery, some even have it free.
Creative toilet or what the toilet says
In addition, each site should have reviews where you can find a description not only of the store itself, but also of an individual product. Reviews are very convenient; they can help you not only in choosing a store, but also the toilet itself. Thanks to them, choosing this or that product has become much easier. This is exactly what they were invented for.
How to properly install a toilet lid with a microlift
Installing a cover with a smooth lowering mechanism takes place in several steps:
- Compare the types of fastenings on the toilet and the selected product to make sure they match each other.
- Insert two rubber inserts into the recesses at the bottom of the seat.
- Connect the seat to the toilet body using a bolt and bushing.
- Adjust height.
- Secure the rubber gasket.
- Insert the mounting bolts and tighten them with nuts from the bottom.
The best manufacturers
Recommended manufacturers of seats equipped with microlifts:
- Ifo Orsa (Sweden). The soft closing device itself is made of high quality Duroplast. White color. The seat is hard. The design is suitable for Kolo Primo and Keramag Flow toilets;
- Gustavsberg Nordic. The mount is made of high quality metal. The seat is hard. It is clearly fixed on the bowl. The model type doesn't matter. Suitable series - Nordic Duo / Nordic 2300 series / Nordic 2200. The set includes 4 pillows that act as supports for the bowl;
- Suntek Consul. Designed for both toilet and bidet. Seat material – duroplast (hard plastic). Fastener material – metal alloy. Model - any;
- Roca Mateo. The color of the product is silver, the material is metal. Suitable for mounting on any device.
Judging by the reviews, the quality of Roca's products is worse than that of other manufacturers. Seat seats often fail, and leaks are observed against the background of liquid leakage from the microlift. The main advantage of this manufacturer's products is their low price. But, given its unreliability, much more money is spent on repairing or replacing the structure.
The average cost of the system on the Aquasan company website is 1500-2200 rubles. You can also find seats with more advanced microlifts on sale, the price of which ranges from 3,000 to 6,500 rubles. More detailed information can be found on the website akvasan-shop.ru.
Replacing the seat cover
Having decided to replace a broken structure, you must first take correct measurements of the plumbing.
To remove the microlift cover, you will need to prepare the following tools:
- pliers;
- rags/cardboard;
- hacksaw/knife;
- socket wrench;
- silicone (oil, grease), treat dried elements.
Dismantling begins by lowering the cover and then unscrewing the pins. To avoid damage to the plumbing, it is recommended to cover it on top with cardboard or rags.
The next step is to unscrew the clamp and bolts using pliers. If, due to the long service life, the fastening points are covered with plaque, the bolts have grown together with the body or are clogged, you can use a hacksaw instead of pliers or use a knife after heating the blade on fire. The remaining hot plastic on the surface of the toilet bowl can be easily cleaned off after hardening.
The new cover must be installed in the same sequence as during initial installation:
- insert rubber inserts (2 pcs) into the cover, ensuring a soft fit of the device to the seat;
- insert into the mounting holes;
- screw the fasteners, and additionally use rubberized seals;
- secure the cover with metal or plastic bolts;
- adjust the device;
- check how firmly the structure is secured.
Is it worth buying a toilet seat with a microlift?
Strengths of a microlift for plumbing:
- silent lowering/raising;
- absence of scratches, chips, cracks on the installed structure, thanks to the smooth,
- neat operation of the mechanism;
- long service life with proper use;
- simplicity and speed of installation;
- Some models have a presence sensor.
However, along with the advantages, the microlift mechanism for the toilet lid also has weaknesses:
- easy to break due to physical impact;
- cannot close quickly if necessary, since only one mode works - smooth;
- difficult to repair and restore, and some elements cannot be replaced or repaired at all;
- During disassembly, damage to internal parts and connections may occur.
Only after assessing the positive and negative qualities of a microlift can you make a choice for or against the purchase.
Choosing a toilet lid with a microlift
Plumbing manufacturers often create micro-lift covers directly for their specific models. However, there are designs that are sold separately from plumbing fixtures. And most often they fit different types of toilets.
To choose a toilet lid with a microlift, it is recommended to pay attention to:
- Compliance with the size of the toilet bowl shape and the purchased product;
- The quality of fasteners, the service life of the structure depends on it;
- The material from which the lid is made;
- To the manufacturer. The reputation of the product manufacturer says a lot about the reliability of the structures themselves;
- The presence or absence of additional functions, for example, heating, self-cleaning or something else.
The lids on which the microlift is installed can be matched to any toilet: floor-standing, wall-hung, of different shapes and sizes.
Anti-splash function
Anti-splash is also a quite necessary and important function. It helps to avoid splashing water. Toilets with this function have a special device, namely, the back wall of the toilet has a certain slope. This tilt helps to avoid splashing water. This function cannot be called new, since such a device has been in practice for quite a long time. But it was only now that we managed to achieve the desired result.
Previously, toilets had a special so-called “shelf”, that is, a slightly recessed place. Not a lot of water accumulated in this place, but cleaning this type of toilet was not very convenient. Gradually, this “shelf” began to be lowered, creating some inclination. It is important that this slope is not too sharp, but also not too small. It is because of this tilt that the creators of this function worked for a long time. And only now we can purchase a toilet with this convenient feature. But not only the slope of the wall gives the desired result. The fact is that the water level in such toilets is slightly lower than in conventional analogues. This adds your percentage of the result to the wall.
Selection of toilets in the store
