How to choose the right size toilet seat, criteria for buying a seat
Due to the wide variety of plumbing fixtures on the market, it can be difficult for consumers to immediately understand how to choose toilet lids: by size, shape or other parameters. This product significantly improves the overall comfort of the home. At the same time, in order to choose the right lid for the toilet, it is necessary to determine the requirements for the toilet seat.
Main selection criteria
Toilet stools are selected based on the following criteria:
- security;
- convenience;
- strength;
- aesthetic;
- dimensions.
Equally important is how hygienic the device is. In particular, before buying, you need to know the degree of resistance of the cover to aggressive environments.
It is also recommended to take into account the type of material from which the toilet seat is made. The service life of the product and ease of use depend on this parameter.
Convenience
You can immediately decide on the convenience of the lid only by sitting on the toilet seat. Therefore, when choosing a suitable model, you should pay attention to those that do not constantly close due to the tank located in the back. In this case, it is recommended to take oval-shaped toilet seats with a thin cover.
Security
The security of the roof is determined by two factors: the type of material and the characteristics of the fasteners. Plastic products are considered the least preferred. It is also not recommended to take toilet seats whose surface is too slippery.
Hygiene
Chairs are constantly in contact with human waste, therefore, pathogenic microorganisms accumulate under the rim. To combat bacteria, specialized formulations with aggressive components that negatively affect various materials are used.
When choosing a toilet seat, you need to choose models that can withstand the effects of such funds. In addition, it is recommended to purchase lids of a standard shape, without many niches and holes where pathogenic microorganisms can settle.
Strength
The toilets are actively used every day. As a result, hedges are regularly subject to increased charges.
In order not to have to prematurely change the toilet seat, it is recommended to purchase a product made of durable materials.
Aesthetic
For the toilet, it is recommended to select a lid whose design and color match the surrounding interior.
Shape and size
The seat size should match or slightly exceed the toilet size. It is important that, thanks to the toilet seat, the body does not come into contact with the cold surface of the earthenware. The same requirements apply to the shape of the seat. It is not recommended to take products with protruding elements.
What measures should be taken
Before buying a seat, you need to take three measurements: the width, the distance between the mounting holes and from the tank to the edge.
Width
To fit the seat to the toilet, measure the distance at the widest part of the bowl. The result will show the width of a particular plumbing fixture.
Mounting Hole Spacing
To determine this parameter, you need to measure the distance between the centers of the mounting holes. In this case, an error of 2 millimeters is allowed.
Distance from cover edge to straight line between mounting holes
To measure this parameter accurately, it is recommended to draw a line between the mounting holes. Then, with a ruler attached to the mark, measure the distance to the end of the toilet bowl.
Varieties of material
Toilet seat covers are mainly made of the following materials:
- plastic (often with the addition of foam rubber);
- duroplast;
- TREE;
- Polystyrene.
The strength and service life of the seat directly depends on the type of material.
Plastic
Plastic seats have the following characteristics:
- suitable for any interior;
- differ in a wide variety of performance;
- are cheap;
- sustainable;
- does not absorb moisture;
- do not cool;
- do not accumulate germs.
Thanks to these properties, plastic covers have become the most popular.
Plastic with foam rubber
In these seats, the bottom is plastic and the top is finished in foam rubber. The latter material offers increased comfort. The main disadvantage of products with such a tray is that foam rubber is able to absorb moisture. Therefore, it is recommended to install these seats in a toilet with good ventilation.
Duroplast
Unlike plastic, this material contains components that prevent microbes from settling. The duroplast seat looks like ceramic, is not afraid of aggressive substances and is very resistant. These qualities make the product expensive.
Plywood, wood, chipboard and MDF
Wooden seats are distinguished by increased strength, including mechanical stress, but today they are practically not used.
polystyrene
Foam toilet lids are considered the most affordable. This material is light, warms well and is convenient to use. But due to the fact that the foam does not tolerate increased mechanical loads and stresses, such seats are installed mainly in street toilets.
Modern models
In addition to standard toilet seats, stores offer original models with heating, automatic opening and other functions.
Microlift
These seats are completed with an electric motor, by means of which the covers open and close automatically. Chairs with microlift are made of different materials, including metal.
Heating
Heated seats are supplied in expensive models, complemented by a microlift or a hygienic shower.
Bidet
Such models are distinguished by a convenient design and the presence of a compact faucet, with which you can perform hygienic procedures.Basically, these covers are supplemented with a water heating function. With the help of such a toilet seat, you can save space in the bathroom, since you do not need to allocate a separate space for installing a bidet.
"Clever"
"Smart" models are significantly more expensive than the previous ones. This is because these toilet seats have body-mounted sensors. When a person approaches, the built-in electronics automatically open the lid, and when removed, close it. A number of expensive "smart" covers also have other features.
Features of the selection of a child seat
Traditionally, for children, seats with a hood are purchased, the size of which is smaller than the dimensions of the main cover. Such products allow the child to gradually get used to the toilet. Some models follow the anatomical shapes of children and are completed by a container in which the stool is collected.
There are also seats on the market equipped with various devices: handles, steps and others. These additions increase the safety of the child sitting on the toilet.
Overview of manufacturers
When choosing a toilet seat, it is also recommended to pay attention to the brand of the product. There are manufacturers in the market who have been making high quality and durable covers for several years.
Roca
The Spanish company produces toilet seats in different shapes, colors and sizes. Roca offers a 5 to 7 year warranty for its products.
Cersanit
Products of this brand are considered the most durable.As in the case of Roca, the Polish company Cersanit produces toilet seats in different shapes and sizes.
Jika
The Czech company Jika recently appeared on the Russian market, but during this period it managed to establish itself as a manufacturer of reliable toilet seats.
Gustavsberg
This Swedish brand mainly produces seats with extended functionalities: heated seats, bidets and others.
How to replace
To properly install the lid on the toilet, follow these steps:
- Remove the old seat by unscrewing the fasteners. The bolts are located on the bottom side of the drain tank.
- Place the new lid on the toilet, position it in front of the mounting holes and tighten the fasteners.
- If products with extended functionality are installed, then in this case you will first need to fix the plate near the mounting holes, and then screw the cover to the bolts.
- If necessary, an extension cord should be connected to the toilet to connect the heater.
If a bidet is installed, a separate hose with cold water will need to be brought to the tap. In this case, install according to the enclosed instructions.
Additional tips and tricks
If the old cover is fastened with metal bolts, then a deposit appears on the latter over time, interfering with dismantling. In this case, it is recommended to machine the fasteners with WD-40. If that doesn't help, you need to cut off the nut using a thin metal drill.
Ideally, toilet seats are supplemented with water-repellent components. It is also recommended to pay attention to models with an antibacterial coating. This last case is especially true for people who have young children at home.