Are toilet seats universal? Generally speaking, if you are in the US or in Canada, the answer is mostly yes. Unless you are looking at a specially made with a non-standard shape or a non-standard size. A common non-standard size is a smaller option meant for children attending kindergarten.
The simple answer is: No. Not all toilet seats will fit and you'll need to verify the size and style of your toilet seat prior to making a your purchase.
Nonetheless, let us not talk about those special options. Let us focus on your everyday average american standard sized. How about for those categories? Are toilet bowls universal?
The answer is yes, but there are criteria to consider when shopping for a toilet seat. However, before we check out the factors we need to consider, let's get to know more.
Definitely, they're a necessity for so many reasons like the following:
The first reason people started using these is for sanitation purposes since even in the comfort of our own homes, we are not the only ones using the bathroom.
Closing the seat every time we flush helps in minimizing the spread of germs in the air, which can cause sickness to those who are unfortunate enough to get in contact with them. It can also eliminate odors coming out of the toilet.
They offer comfort, and this is especially true during the winter months. Imagine sitting on an ice-cold bowl when the room temperature is too cold. Not too pleasant, right?
Now that we are in modern times, you can find different kinds for different comfort needs. In fact, you can even buy heated ones.
Another thing, is they can be precautionary measures to avoid accidents like dropping small things or jewelry into the toilet bowl, which might clog it.
Sometimes they have the lid close and are also used as a normal seat when we are in the bathroom. Some common scenarios include when we are painting nails and simply having some me time and don't want to be disturbed.
In general, there are two major categories depending on their dimensions. We are speaking as regards regular-sized adult sizes that differ only in shape. They are either perfectly round or slightly elongated. Thus, they are categorized into two major categories: round or oval.
But, how do you determine between the two? What tools would you need? Actually, you can figure this out simply by using a ruler or a tape measure. Just measure the crosswise and lengthwise dimensions about the rim. Measure from left to right and from far end to near end.
Round toilets tend to have equal crosswise and lengthwise dimensions. Oval toilets have a longer measurement when measured from far end to near end. Which is why they are most commonly called elongated.
Before going to your local Home Depot or Lowes, let's get some dimensions as it is important to take the right measurements concerning your toilet. This will help determine if you do need a round or an oval toilet seat. Once you figure out which type you need, most toilet seats that fall in either of these categories will fit according to their designated type.
Now, speaking as far as shapes, is one shape preferable over the other? Under what circumstances should you opt for either shape, especially if you are making the first purchase of a toilet bowl for your new home?
As a rule, round toilets are preferable for smaller bathrooms. Their rounded dimensions take up a lot less space and they tend to be more compact than their elongated counterparts.
On the other hand, an elongated toilet is approximately two inches longer in the front compared to round toilets, and as a result, they tend to take up extra space. You would not mind having this shape if you have a larger bathroom to work with.
In addition to that, men typically prefer the elongated bowl type. This is why they are usually the standard bowl type for hotels and other establishments. Despite taking up a lot more space than round options, a larger toilet means a larger target. This means that they have a larger target area for men to urinate on while standing up and results in less dripping and a more sanitary bathroom.
One more thing that differentiates toilet seats despite their universality is the material used to construct them. They can be either made from either wood or plastic. No issue here because either round or oval can be made from both materials. The question would be more about which you prefer.
Wooden seats are classic, cozy, and have a certain vintage charm. Their most positive appeal is that they keep warm quite well, which is why one purchases a toilet seat. Keeping your rear end protected from the ice-cold ceramic. Think about those cold winter nights.
However, the downfall in regards to wooden seats is that they are not that resistant to wear and tear. One reason is that wood tends to absorb moisture that it comes in contact with it. Moisture tends to seep into the wood itself, which causes the wood to bloat and disfigure as well as potentially harbor mold.
That is where plastic seats are more favorable. They are the sturdier types of toilet seats and they come in a flexible variety as far as fashionable colors, if that is what you are looking for in a good 'ole toilet seat. This makes finding a perfect toilet seat easy with any bathroom.
Further, plastic is also a lot easier to clean since you just need to wipe them down and disinfect them every now and then. If you live in colder areas or have extreme winters take note that you can expect your bottom to freeze over once you take a seat as plastic seats do not keep warm too well.
Different kinds of variations are available in the market today. They differ in price due to several factors such as the brand name, style, material, and features. They can also categorized into residential- and commercial-grade types.
Commercial toilets are way pricier than the ones used in households since they are built for heavier human traffic use. Aside from those two, the round and elongated also come in a variety in regards to styles and colors that can match the design of your bathroom, your personality, and your purpose.
If you want to match your toilet seat with your personality, then choose a design that defines you. If you have a specific theme for your bathroom, you can also find fashionable choices.
High-tech options, which are more popular in Japan and other developed countries, include a bidet, a drier, and a heated seat. They are all designed to make sitting on them more comfortable during the winter months.
Have you ever heard of an elevated toilet seat? They are sometimes called risers or raised toilet seats.
It is designed to help people, especially elderly ones, to lessen the effort concerning bending and lowering down to sit and then stand up again.
Safety handlebars are also available for those who suffer from weak bones and have difficulty balancing. The raised toilet seat normally measures between two to six inches from the actual toilet.
They are ideal for the whole family are also available in the market today. These are called two-in-one, which are designed for both adults and children.
Family options feature two that can be used alternately depending on who will be using it at the time. A rotating catch is included for the children's safety when they are using it.
Generally, they are composed from ordinary options, matching hardware so that they can be attached, plus a seat cover. Some do not include a cover, though, especially the commercial ones used for public restrooms.
As manufacturers continue to create new designs and features for the ordinary, the slow close mechanism has been added by adjusting the hinges. Now, consumers have the option to have this feature on their toilets seats or opt to use the regular model.
This feature aims to eliminate the noise coming from slamming by letting it gradually fall with a gentle touch of a finger until it closes completely as opposed to toilet seat covers slamming against the bowl.
The regular cleaning is required to keep it sanitized, minimizing the germs and lowering the risk as far as the ones using it from catching health issues. But how do you clean it? What kind of cleaning solutions would you need?
Technically, they should only be washed with water and mild soap. You should then use a soft, absorbent cloth to dry it afterward.
Harsh chemicals, detergents, and cleaning solutions can damage the finished coating. This may result in a chipped and cracked finish. Though there are some in the market that says using abrasive cleaning solutions is okay, it's still best to be cautious.
Keeping the toilet seat clean and brand-new looking adds up to the appeal concerning your bathroom aside from being sanitized and disinfected.
With all the information we have gathered, we can confirm that, in general, they are universal. As long as you have either of the two most common options, you will have a wide array of selections to choose from.
When trying to select what type to purchase, you first need to determine what kind of toilet you have. Once you have the right information, you can decide on the best option that will work for you.
The material is also something you need to consider before the purchase. If you live in a cold area, you might want to consider buying a wooden toilet seat, which will keep you warm during the cold season. If you want something easy to maintain, then plastic is the choice for you.
There are options that will blend well with the interior concept of your bathroom. You can also choose something that will define what you are as a person. Special options are also available for elderlies, persons with disabilities, and children.
Whatever toilet seat you need or want, one thing is for sure: they are not just for luxury or decorations. Even more than that, we need them for sanitary and hygienic purposes.
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