How to choose a toilet seat? Heated toilet seat

The toilet is an integral part of our everyday life. Can it be made better by increasing functionality? Of course! And this time we will talk about the implementation of the seat heating system, which will undoubtedly be to the liking of any person who values ​​comfort and their health.

General provisions

Most popular today plastic lids toilet seats.

They boast several undeniable advantages:

• Relatively low price . Plastic is cheaper than wood, metal and most other materials.
• hygiene. No porosity eliminates absorption unpleasant odors and liquids, and any dirt can be easily removed with your own hands using ordinary rags and detergent.

• Attractive appearance. Polypropylene can have any pattern or color that imitates wood, metal, leather.

But, despite the above advantages, the plastic turns out to be cold when visiting the toilet, which causes tangible discomfort even in the apartment, not to mention the country closet. How to solve this problem? A simple and fairly cheap option using foam rubber packing may come first.

It will immediately become warm and soft, but:

• Foam rubber has a high porosity, due to which it will collect various odors and liquids, which is absolutely not conducive to hygiene.
• This method of insulation is not suitable for an outdoor toilet. If, of course, we analyze only the apartment case, then we can omit this circumstance, but let's be universal and consider even the most extreme conditions.

So, we can conclude that the ideal solution would be to install a plastic seat with a built-in electric heating system. There are two ways to go about doing this.

Method number 1: buy a finished model

In this case, of course, you have to fork out, but it's worth it. Most often, on the shelves of specialized stores you can find models that, in addition to the heating function itself, have a mass useful properties including bidet.

Functions performed

As you can see, the purchase of such equipment is not limited to warmth during a visit to the toilet, but also effectively takes care of your personal hygiene.

Installation

The installation instructions for the devices in question are quite simple in order to perform it without calling specialists:

1. Shut off the water supply from the water supply.
2. Disconnect the hose.
3. We unscrew the fasteners fixing the old seat.
4. We install the purchased seat on the bowl.
5. We connect one end of the hose to the T-shaped valve, and the other to the drain tank.
6. We also connect the filter to the same valve.
7. Turn on the power to the outlet.
8. Open the water supply from the water supply.

Method number 2: do it yourself

There are cases when the acquisition of the luxury described above is irrational. First of all, this applies to the need for heating of which we have already mentioned, but the rest of the functions are difficult to maintain there and are not always in demand. Therefore, now we will consider a couple of economical options for arranging the heating system of toilet bowls on our own:

Electric heater

This method is the simplest and cheapest. All you need is an electric heating pad. You just need to put it on the seat, turn it on and close the lid to be sure. After a while, you can safely use the heated toilet.

Tip: it is recommended to use such an economical option in rarely visited cottages.
In this case, you will not even have to leave a heating pad in the toilet itself, so that it does not become easy prey for possible thieves.

heating cable

This method is much more practical and efficient, but it will also require some effort on your part in the implementation process. installation work. To get started, you need to get everything you need:

The development of technology has affected all areas of production. Even the direction was not an exception. bathroom design. When it comes to organizing the space of the toilet, most people think about decor elements and the correct one. Come to the background accessories, among which special attention is paid to seats for toilet bowl.

When buying, many are guided by the convenience and simplicity of the structure. This is the right approach, but do not forget about the beautiful appearance. The stores sell not only concise models, but also seats with interesting patterns. If desired, you can buy a device with self-cleaning, heating or.

Modern models

Ergonomics is the main concern for toilet seat designers. Most of them do not even need to be touched, as they are equipped with a lifting system.

Currently, international bathroom decor chains represent the following seat models:

On the this moment in addition to classic plastic seats, there are many other models that are selected not only according to their material capabilities, but also aesthetic preferences.

On a note! For a long time, soft lids made of fabrics, but they must be avoided, since such accessories only collect a large amount of bacteria.

Peculiarities

The main feature of almost all modern models of toilet seats is called comfort. Ease of use is the main goal of developers. In addition, each sample has a number of specific characteristics, which are briefly presented in this table:

The table lists only the models of toilet rims that are currently common. In addition to these characteristics, when choosing a seat, it is important to pay attention to a number of other features.

Advice! The material from which the lid is made plays a key role. The ease of use and durability of any device depends on its quality. To this day, one of the best materials for rims consider high-strength plastic.

Design and color also play an important role when buying. Few people think about it, but the wrong size and shade can ruin even the most expensive designer renovation.

Manufacturers often say that it is easy to install a shower toilet instead of a regular one without making repairs in the bathroom.

When making repairs in the toilet, many people think not only about options finishes, but also about what plumbing to install. Of course, given the fact that the main equipment of a sanitary facility is a toilet, then the problems of choice will relate to this particular item. It is worth noting that today in stores there is a fairly wide variety of models and you can buy products that would satisfy any, even sophisticated consumer requirements.

The main components of toilet bowls are elements such as a tank, a bowl and a toilet seat with a lid. It is about the seat that will be discussed in this article. After all, thanks to the development of technology, a simple cover has turned into a rather interesting device with many functions. However, before heading to the nearest point of sale, you need to learn more about the varieties offered, their features and benefits, as well as how to choose the most comfortable and convenient product.

The first step is to decide on the purpose of the seat. Of course, this item has one main function - to make the user's location as convenient as possible. But we are talking about the fact that when buying, you will have to take into account the number of people used by the toilet seat and their parameters. After all, children will not be comfortable in a seat designed for adults and vice versa. What are the shapes and types of toilet lids today?

Toilet heating

Standard toilet seats

Traditional types of products include semi-oval lids without additional functions. That is, such seats repeat the shape of the toilet bowl, they are safe and quite comfortable. As a rule, they are made of plastic and can be painted in a variety of colors. Of course, this is not the only possible configuration. Also, the shape can be rectangular or polygonal, and in order not to damage clothes on sharp corners or get hurt when used, they are slightly rounded.

For lovers of everything exotic, you can offer to purchase chairs in the form of representatives of the animal world, for example, ducks or frogs, as well as in the form of a musical instrument: a guitar or a piano.

However, most often only the top cover is given an unusual shape, while the lower part of the seat is still oval.

Seats for children

It should be noted that it is not entirely comfortable for a child to use a seat designed for an adult. That is why many manufacturers offer products equipped with an additional insert. That is, the hole on it is slightly smaller and usually softer. In addition, to make it easier for the baby to go to the toilet, it is advisable to purchase a toilet seat with a step. In this case, the child will be able to easily climb and calmly descend.

Child seat with step

The design of the toilet seat with a ladder does not take up much space, but it will teach the child to be independent. The device is completely safe, as it has no sharp corners and is very firmly attached to the toilet. There are monolithic and folding models, the second option is preferable if the bathroom is small.

If it is problematic to buy a toilet seat with steps for various reasons, for example, it is too expensive or it is impossible to find a suitable product in the shops of your city, and so on, then it is recommended to consider the option of a seat with an attachment. That is, it is a toilet seat, equipped with only one retractable step, which allows the kids to comfortably position their legs. Such a cover is made of resistant materials and is quite firmly fixed on the toilet bowl.

Another feature of the toilet seats designed for children is that they are quite colorful objects. Due to such a variety of colors and shapes, a child can quickly and easily be taught to go not to the potty, but to the toilet. And if parents often have to take their children with them on trips, then a folding seat option should be considered. This is a rather compact thing, which, if necessary, unfolds into a full-fledged lid and is installed on the bowl of the sanitary ware with the help of especially strong clamps.

Toilet seat for people with disabilities

For this category of citizens, special types of covers are also provided. In particular, it can be a toilet seat with a shelf or with special armrests, which are made of durable materials and are covered with soft fabric or rubberized. Such supports will help elderly people to sit down and stand up comfortably and without problems. And if there is no need for them, then they easily rise (the principle of operation resembles chairs in airplanes).

The standard installation height of the toilet bowl is considered to be 40 cm from the floor. However, in some cases it is necessary to either raise the bowl or lower it slightly; for this purpose, certain product models are equipped with a height adjustment function. More functionality is also possible, such as automatic seat heating, musical accompaniment or additional air purification.

bidet cover

Such a product is almost a complete replacement for a bidet. The cover is installed on a standard toilet bowl and requires only an additional connection to the water supply and, if necessary, to electricity. What is the advantage of such a system?

Toilet heating

First of all, this is the opportunity to get a warm toilet seat, but this is far from the only advantage. So you can call the following useful qualities:

• the ability to use a hygienic shower without the need to change to other devices;
• remote control control;
• temperature controlled seat heating and applied water;
• automatic raising and lowering of a cover;
• installation does not require additional space in the bathroom, that is, it can be used even in small rooms;
• universal in use, suitable for daily use by adults and children;
• additional massage treatments with guided water jets.

Of course, such products will cost a little more than a regular cover. However, the undeniable advantages make such a purchase fully justified. They are suitable for absolutely everyone, and even for some diseases, doctors insist on their use. In addition, the personal hygiene procedure becomes more comfortable.

Multifunctional bidet seat

Deciding which products to purchase for daily use can only be based on personal ideas about comfort. But it is worth noting that a heated toilet seat can be exactly the item that will make life easier. And it’s not at all necessary to buy a cover with absolutely all possible “bells and whistles”, because sometimes it’s enough minimum set functions.

How to choose a toilet lid

It would seem that it is difficult here - I went to the nearest hardware store and purchased the items I liked. But in fact, this is not such a simple matter. After all, it is necessary to take into account many factors that can negatively affect comfort in the future. Or the purchased item simply does not fit the specific equipment. So, let's look at the main points that you should look at when choosing a seat.

1. When choosing a toilet seat, first of all, you should pay attention to the stiffness parameter, since it is given quality directly affects comfort. There are two main types: hard seat and semi-rigid seat. And it should be noted that each variety has its own positive features. For example, hard toilet seats are among the most durable and reliable products, they do not get dirty, they are easier to care for, and, therefore, they will last longer. However, semi-rigid toilet seats are still considered more comfortable. Their design is a solid base, complemented by a second softer layer, most often made of rubberized fabric. If the bathroom is not heated, and it is not possible to purchase a heated toilet seat, then the second option becomes more preferable, since its surface always remains at a comfortable temperature.
2. Covers with a microlift will help protect the toilet bowl from impacts. That is, such a system will ensure a smooth lowering of the seat without harsh sounds. Such a device costs a little more, but at the same time it is always ready to save the nerves of users, as well as sanitary ware from destruction.
3. When going shopping for a new toilet seat, it is important to purchase a model that will match the parameters of the existing toilet. This means that the fastening of the cover must match the profile of the sanitary ware. The easiest way not to miscalculate is to draw a primitive template on paper, transferring the locations of the holes for the fasteners to it. The purchased product must overlap the contour of the bowl by at least 5 mm.
4. The next point is to carefully inspect the goods before paying for them. That is, it is important to check the appearance, the surface of the cover should be flat and smooth. Plastic products should not have layers, cracks, notches and other defects. As for the material from which the covers are made, it can be:

• plastic;
• duroplast;
• wood, plywood or other derivatives thereof;
• textile.

It is best if the top layer is impregnated with a special antimicrobial solution. Such impregnation will allow you to keep the seat clean for a long time.

Heated toilet seat

Another nuance - when buying, you should pay attention to the configuration. The standard set includes the seat itself, the cover to it, as well as fasteners, that is, screws and bolts. Some models are supplied with a special sticky bottom layer, which helps to keep the product in a fixed state.

The toilet is an integral part of our everyday life. Can it be made better by increasing functionality? Of course! And this time we will talk about the implementation of the seat heating system, which will undoubtedly be to the liking of any person who values ​​comfort and their health.

Photo of an electric heated toilet

General provisions

Classic plastic lid

The most popular today are plastic toilet seat covers.

They boast several undeniable advantages:

• Relatively low price. Plastic is cheaper than wood, metal and most other materials.
• hygiene. The absence of porosity eliminates the absorption of unpleasant odors and liquids, and any dirt can be easily removed with your own hands using ordinary rags and detergent.

Caring for the plastic seat is easy

• Attractive appearance. Polypropylene can have any pattern or color that imitates wood, metal, leather.

Aesthetic toilet lid with butterfly pattern

But, despite the above advantages, the plastic turns out to be cold when visiting the toilet, which causes tangible discomfort even in the apartment, not to mention the country closet. How to solve this problem? A simple and fairly cheap option using foam rubber packing may come first.

It will immediately become warm and soft, but:

• Foam rubber has a high porosity, due to which it will collect various odors and liquids, which is absolutely not conducive to hygiene.
• This method of insulation is not suitable for an outdoor toilet. If, of course, we analyze only the apartment case, then we can omit this circumstance, but let's be universal and consider even the most extreme conditions.

In winter, visiting such a place will be a real feat without a heating system.

So, we can conclude that the ideal solution would be to install a plastic seat with a built-in electric heating system. There are two ways to go about doing this.

Method number 1: buy a finished model

Heated toilet lid with automatic control

In this case, of course, you have to fork out, but it's worth it. Most often on the shelves of specialized stores you can find models that, in addition to the heating function itself, have a lot of useful properties, including a bidet.

Heated toilet bowl: video instruction for choosing your own hands, features of Japanese covers, seats, price, photo

Toilet seat with heating

Hello. On this page, I want to demonstrate two ways to heat the chair country toilet(conveniences on the street).

Once again, visiting this institution in the cold season, a thought came to me. Still, the 21st century, seat heating in a car is now the norm, a warm floor at home too, but here some kind of order is not in order. And most likely, I'm not alone in this matter (fools have the same thoughts :)).

We come, we throw the heating pad to the side, and we sit down on the warm one…. toilet seat.

Also, at the electric heating pad, you can open the barrel and put the heating pad on the chair cover (like a pillowcase on a pillow).

More difficult and longer. We mount the heating element directly into the toilet seat. The second method has variations, according to the method of cable installation (top or bottom) and comfort in use (electrical part).

I will show you one of the options. By the way, this version of the toilet seat was taken away from me by the neighbors :)

1) A suitable toilet seat (seat).

By the word "suitable", I mean - ease of installation heating cable.

2) Heating element(cable).

You can disassemble the tighter electric heating pad or take something like a floor heating cable or get confused with car seat heating, etc.

I found a Soviet electric heating pad in my closet, I ripped it apart for my first heated seat.

3) Means for controlling the temperature of the chair (thermostat, thermal relay) and protection against overheating (thermal fuse), etc. If light heating is planned, then this is useless.

DIY heated seat

heated toilet lid

the household asked me to make the toilet lid heated, I designed it like this: I messed with the car seat heater and removed the heating wire from it (several meters long, as it turned out) with a protective thermal relay +65 degrees Celsius,

I took a PVC transparent tube f16 about a meter long and stuffed this entire wire inside, along with a thermal body and a thermistor temperature sensor, the power turned out to be about 35 watts.

This PVC tube is glued to the back of the toilet lid. liquid nails(at first I glued it with glue sticks to the thermal gun, but it falls off from heating) and works safely. It is powered by a 50-watt 12-volt switching power supply for halogen lamps, and is controlled by a separate circuit with the ability to adjust the temperature, this circuit was once riveted not for the toilet , if this block did not exist, then I would use the control circuit from the electric blanket,

Who thread similar suffered? maybe there is a simpler and more elegant solution? Thanks

Heated toilet lid - Photo - Forum Mastergrad

Seat (stool) for the toilet: types, selection rules and installation features

When choosing a toilet seat, few people pay due attention to this and understand any subtleties. Many people think that you can buy the first product that comes across and not think about which material is better and which type to give preference to.

This approach is fundamentally wrong. After all, if you know a few rules and subtleties, you can make the toilet more comfortable.

Types of toilet seats

This market niche is developing quite actively. A wide variety of models are presented in the catalogs of online stores and on the shelves of real outlets.

Classification of hygiene products

Some toilet seats are attractive and highly original design. Others conquer buyers with their versatility.

All the variety offered by manufacturers can be divided into the following categories:

• disposable products;
• structures made from hard plastic;
• soft toilet seats;
• models with built-in bidet and microlift;
• heated seats;
• electronic covers;
• children's and double chairs.

To decide which variety is suitable for a particular bathroom, it is useful to learn about distinguishing features each type. Knowing all the pros and cons, you can quickly determine the optimal product.

Features of disposable devices

Disposable seats are mainly used in public institutions. Their main advantage is safety.

They help prevent infection with unpleasant diseases that can easily be picked up in a public toilet.

The only drawback is the lack of fasteners on disposable products. This makes them less convenient to use. In addition, they differ in the minimum possible period of operation.

As for the material, paper or a special polymer is mainly used for the manufacture of overlays. Such chairs will not cause problems with installation. After all, it takes only a few seconds to prepare it for use.

Hard plastic seats

If you want to buy the simplest product that will last for years, then the best choice there will be a plastic construction. Its strength and service life depends entirely on the thickness of the material.

If you spend money once and buy a model made of high-quality plastic, you can forget about it for a good 3-5 years.

Speaking about the appearance, it is impossible to single out any unique features or forms. In most cases, hard plastic toilet seats have a classic shape. The absence of superfluous and often interfering details greatly improves usability.

disadvantage plastic structures is their mount. Often these elements are made of the same material as all other parts of the product. As a result, strength is significantly reduced. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase seats with metal fasteners.

Should I buy a soft seat?

This design combines all sorts of disadvantages and boasts only two real advantages - an affordable price for everyone and ease of use.

A soft toilet seat is made of cheap polyethylene. The material breaks and wears out fairly quickly. Therefore, we are not talking about a long service life.

If you are very lucky, then such a model will last 1 year. But as a rule, such products need to be replaced after the first three to five months of operation.

Attachment with built-in bidet

In the twenty-first century, there are many things that make life modern man more comfortable. The list of such devices can also include a toilet seat equipped with a bidet function. This is realized by a built-in fountain that helps maintain intimate hygiene.

Many models are equipped with a water heating function. Yes, this will allow you to enjoy going to the toilet, but keep in mind that such additions will significantly increase the cost of the structure.

Toilet seat with microlift function

Such an unusual design will be useful for those people who often forget to put the lid down. Thanks to the microlift, this is done automatically. Contrary to the convenience similar model is quite expensive. But at the same time, it serves for quite a long time (on average 3-5 years).

Most often, the user cannot manually control the process of lowering the lid. For many, this may seem like a serious shortcoming. Therefore, manufacturers paid attention to this. Many modern models provide the ability to disable the microlift function.

As for additional functions, such a design is often supplemented by a heating system. Therefore, using this chair is a pleasure.

The list of advantages of models of this type should include quality. In the production process, high-strength and reliable plastic is used. To break it, you have to apply just remarkable force.

Heated comfort seat

In most cases, expensive lids are provided with such functionality to provide a person with maximum comfort.

Sometimes a heating system can be integrated in the production of conventional rigid plastic structures. This has a positive effect on convenience and performance.

But due to modernization, their cost increases several times.

Advantages and disadvantages of e-caps

The automatic toilet seat appeared only a few years ago. But since its invention, it has become in great demand.

Such a smart design can recognize when a person approaches it, which leads to the opening of the lid. When a person leaves the bathroom, the toilet automatically closes.

Similar products are often supplemented with the following elements:

• seat heating system;
• bidet;
• built-in hair dryer;
• air deodorization function, etc.

When deciding whether to buy such a fancy toilet lid or opt for something simpler, you need to consider its cost.

After all, the price is most often two or even three times higher than that of structures equipped with a microlift.

Devices for small users

If the family has small children, then the parents face the question of choosing a toilet seat. After all, you need to buy a universal product that will be comfortable for use by both adults and children.

In this case, it is better to stay on the double model. This design is equipped with two seats of various sizes. They are superimposed on each other, which makes the product comfortable for the child.

In this case, the design can be made from several different materials. For example, MDF is used for the production of an adult, while a child's is made of plastic.

Also on the market you can find bright products with small size. But they should not be installed in a house or apartment. They will the best choice only for kindergartens or similar institutions.

Main selection criteria

A wide variety of toilet seats on the market creates problems for an unprepared buyer. After all, how can you make a choice if each manufacturer only talks about the advantages of his product, and his product line is in the hundreds of models?

In order not to be mistaken, you need to pay attention to the material, size, design and level of rigidity. Each of these parameters affects durability and comfort. In addition, if you choose the right seat, you can ennoble the interior of the bathroom, make it more classic or, conversely, modern, in modern style.

Which material is stronger?

In the production process of such structures, many materials are used. But the vast majority of manufacturers prefer plastic, duroplast, wood, plywood sheets or even fabric.

Polypropylene, polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride are materials that harmoniously combine durability and low cost. They are also comfortable and easy to wash.

But plastic products are easily scratched and cracked. In addition, their appearance is usually gray and unsightly, which is only suitable for buyers who want to save money, but not for aesthetes who want to turn the bathroom into a real work of art.

The second place among the most popular materials for the production of toilet seats is duroplast. In many of its characteristics, it is similar to ceramics.

During the production of Duroplast products, a special component is added to their composition, which prevents the growth and reproduction of bacteria. As a result, it makes toilet operation more hygienic and safer.

The worst material that can be used to make toilet seats is plywood. Despite its low cost, it has a cheap appearance corresponding to the price. Touching such a product is not particularly pleasant, which was the reason for its low popularity.

Wooden covers are considered the most luxurious and attractive. Yes, these models are quite rare, but because of this they are valued even more.

By their own quality characteristics they are in no way inferior to their counterparts made of plastic.

The only drawback of wood or chipboard construction is its heavy weight. If you buy a model that is not equipped with a microlift, then if it falls, such a cover can damage the toilet.

As for the fabric, it mainly acts as decorative material. It is soft, pleasant to the touch and has an attractive appearance. Therefore, this decor will harmoniously fit into any interior design. But the fabric is extremely short-lived and its service life rarely reaches 1 year.

Sizing Rules

Despite the fact that there are certain standards for the production of toilet bowls, many manufacturers do not adhere to these standards. Therefore, often ceramic products have completely unique dimensions, the selection of seats for which turns into a real test.

To correctly determine the size, the best solution would be to trace the outline of the toilet bowl on a piece of cardboard. Do not forget about the attachment points - they should also be noted on the layout. When choosing a toilet seat, you should adhere to the template and give preference to models whose circumference does not exceed the size of the toilet bowl by more than 1 cm.

Appearance and colors

If the bathroom or toilet is made in any particular style, then special attention should be paid to the design of the toilet seat. After all, a model correctly selected in color and appearance will achieve completeness of the interior.

For a family with small children, a cover with pictures is an excellent choice. It can be cars, ducks or something like that, it doesn't matter. The main thing is that the product is bright and memorable.

For an average toilet, the repair of which is not particularly chic, a monophonic design would be an ideal choice. Also looks good model with a pattern "under the tree."

Pay special attention to checking the outer surface of the product. Its structure should be smooth and even. At the same time, it should not have cracks, chips, influxes of plastic or splinters.

Does the level of hardness matter?

First of all, this characteristic affects the durability, practicality and strength of the structure. Today, semi-rigid models are in demand. Their main feature is ease of use. But they serve for a relatively short time, as they bend and, as a result, crack.

Semi-rigid seats consist of two layers. The first is a solid base that ensures the strength of the entire structure, and the second is a rubberized gasket that makes contact with the product as pleasant as possible.

Brief overview of manufacturers

Today, not only domestic, but also foreign manufacturers offer their products. At the same time, on the market you can find products from both world-famous companies and Chinese suppliers.

The list of reliable Russian companies that produce accessories for the toilet and bathroom includes:

The last brand includes the largest assortment. Sanita Luxe offers classic-style products priced between $25 and $90. The catalog also presents models equipped with a microlift.

If you need to order a really high-quality and multifunctional model, then the best solution would be products from foreign brands.

A distinctive feature of the Spanish company Roca is decent quality and relatively low cost. The range of the manufacturer is diverse and includes models costing from 50 to 900 dollars.

The most expensive seats of this brand are devices equipped with electronic control and made of high quality thermodura.

If safe and inexpensive models are preferred when choosing a toilet lid, then Jika brand products will be the ideal solution.

The range of this company is full of models worth up to $ 100. Therefore, any average buyer will be able to choose the best option for themselves.

Lovers of appliances and Luxe class furniture should pay attention to the stools from Laufen. This company sets itself the task of producing luxury accessories and sanitary ware.

Products will surprise the buyer with their technicality and simply perfect appearance. At the same time, the catalog contains a huge number of wall hung toilets and covers for them.

How to install the chair correctly?

Absolutely anyone can handle the replacement of an old seat with a new one, and it will not be necessary to call a plumber. After all, all modern toilets have an elementary design that simplifies the installation of the lid as much as possible, without the need to use any tools.

To install a new toilet seat, you must:

1. Remove old seat. To do this, unscrew the nuts that are strung on long bolts. If this fails, then you can use a wrench or pliers.
2. Clean up the fixation area. It will be useful to completely wash the toilet and check the security of fastening drain mechanism, as well as a tank. This will avoid the appearance of smudges.
3. Unpack the new kit and insert the bolts into the holes in the cover. Often, special grooves are used to fasten bolts. They allow you to adjust the location of the structure.
4. Insert the bolts into the toilet holes and tighten the nuts. Handle fasteners with care, especially if they are made of plastic. After all, if you press hard on them, they can burst.

In the case of purchasing a product equipped with a microlift, before starting installation, it is recommended to read the instruction manual supplied with the kit in detail. This approach will avoid mistakes.

The toilet seat is the element that makes using the toilet as comfortable as possible. Therefore, his choice should be given a little attention. After all, this approach will allow you to purchase a convenient, reliable and aesthetic product that harmoniously complements the interior of the toilet and bathroom.

Seat (stool) for the toilet: types, rules for selection and installation

In the 21st century, few people can be surprised by anything. Technological progress is advancing by leaps and bounds, and some things have become so commonplace for us that we don’t even think about who invented them and when. One of those things is everyone's favorite and ubiquitous toilet.

The history of the toilet

The history of this wonderful device begins three thousand years before our era in Mesopotamia. And also around the same time, a whole sewerage system was discovered in Mohenjo-Daro, with wooden seats and sewage drains. A very valuable exhibit is stored in the British Museum - this is a device made in the form of a throne, which served as a "night vase" for the Sumerian queen Shubad. This find dates back to 2600 BC. Ancient China, Rome, Egypt also had sewer systems, very perfect considering how long ago this all happened.

However, medieval Europe did not please with its technical progress due to the lack of it. There, even the nobility relieved themselves in ordinary pots, and then their contents were splashed out of the windows into the street! The first flush device was invented for Queen Elizabeth I in 1596. Its author was John Harrington. The design was carefully described and documented, but did not receive mass distribution, not so much because of the high cost, but because of the lack of a plumbing system in the English kingdom.

The flush toilet was invented almost two centuries later, in 1738. And in 1778, the first toilet seat appeared - a folding seat with a lid. Mass production of toilet bowls began in 1909 in Spain. This was done by a company called Unitas. Hence the name of these wonderful objects, without which we now cannot imagine our life.

Initially, the lineup was very small. Now you can see a huge variety of toilet bowls of all colors, in any price category and with various additional features. People often approach the choice of a toilet responsibly. Someone looks at cheaper models, while others, on the contrary, give an exclusive model "with bells and whistles." However, when it comes to choosing a toilet seat, buyers take the first model that fits the shape and size and leave. But this is wrong, because the choice of a seat is no less important than the choice of the toilet itself.

Peculiarities

A toilet seat, or as it is also called a toilet seat, is not an easy part of a “white friend”. The comfort of staying in the “rest room” depends on how it will be. Now there are a lot of models of toilet seats on the market, differing from each other in shape, size, colors, materials of manufacture, as well as the presence or absence of options.

Kinds

No matter what a toilet seat looks like, it falls into one of several categories in one way or another.

• Disposable pads. Most often they are used in public places: in hotels, restaurants, cinemas. Their main purpose is to ensure safe use of a public toilet without the risk of contracting any dangerous disease. Of course, these seats have a very limited shelf life, as a rule, they are disposable. They are made from polymeric materials, but most often from paper.

Such a toilet seat does not have fasteners and this is both an advantage and a disadvantage. The advantage is that its installation and preparation for operation will take no more than a minute; the disadvantage is that it can slide on the surface of the toilet and be not very comfortable to sit on it.

• Plastic seats. If you want to purchase the simplest and most durable toilet seat, you should opt for a plastic product. Its service life will be at least 3 years. It should be ensured that the plastic from which the toilet seat is made is rigid and has sufficient thickness. As for the variety of shapes, plastic products have nothing to boast about: as a rule, they are only universal, oval, without additional functions and decorations. But this is not a disadvantage, on the contrary, often due to their simplicity, such seats are the most comfortable.

But they still have disadvantages, or rather, one disadvantage - these are fastener elements. Most often they are also made of plastic, and therefore break quite easily. Now on the market there are plastic models with metal fasteners, so it is recommended to purchase them.

• Soft seats. Not the most the best option, because despite the seeming ease of use, such products are rather fragile and their service life is no more than six months. As they wear, soft seats lose their marketable appearance and spoil the impression of the design of the toilet room. Of course, they are very democratic in price, but this is just the case when "the miser pays twice."
• Toilet seat with integrated bidet. One of the newfangled “bells and whistles” that appeared in the 21st century was the appearance of toilet seats with a bidet function. A small fountain is built into such a toilet seat for holding hygiene procedures. Many models have the option of water heating for more comfortable use. However, do not forget that comfort costs money, so you will have to spend money on such pleasure.

• Sitting with the microlift. This interesting device is designed to automatically lower the toilet lid. Such models have solid construction, high service life (from three years), of course, and their price is considerable. Some of them have the function of disabling the lifter to allow the mechanical closing of the lid by the user.
• Heated chair. A warm seat is designed to provide the most comfortable conditions for staying in the "rest room". Most often, this option is present in expensive models, although there are also budget plastic variations.
• Electronic seat. Appeared not so long ago, but has already won a huge audience of buyers. The essence of this "smart" seat is the recognition of the approach of a person and the actuation of the lid lifting mechanism. When the visitor leaves the toilet, the lid closes automatically.

The electronic seat has more than just this feature. Most often, it contains a whole range of options, such as a bidet, seat heating, air deodorization, and even a built-in hair dryer! Of course, the temptation to purchase such a equipped toilet seat is great, but it is worth comparing the expediency of this acquisition with its price and your financial capabilities. If they match, that will be great.

• Double family seat. In families where, in addition to adults, there are also small children, the issue of the convenience of a toilet seat for all family members is very relevant. In this case, you should stop at acquiring a dual device. It looks like this: two seats (large and small) are fastened together, one is superimposed on the other, while the small one is always on top. On such a seat will be comfortable for both adults and children. As the little family members get older, the small nozzle can be removed.

• Seats with options for the disabled, the elderly and persons with limited mobility. This is truly a great invention for helping those who are temporarily or permanently having difficulty with their personal hygiene routines. There are orthopedic constructions with folding armrests. And there are also models with the ability to raise the seat up to 20 centimeters higher than is usually required.

materials

Toilet seats are made from a large number materials. Among them are fabric, and plywood, and natural wood, as well as plastic and duroplast.

Their advantages and disadvantages should be considered in more detail.

• The most popular were and remain plastic seats. This is due to the almost optimal ratio of price and quality. However, if, in addition to low cost and long service life, you are also concerned about a presentable appearance, you should pay attention to products made from other materials, since plastic seats are not very beautiful, they can turn yellow over time and there is a danger of scratching them when washing.
• The Duroplast toilet seat is more attractive both in terms of aesthetics and in terms of hygiene. Duroplast contains a special component that prevents the appearance and reproduction of harmful microorganisms. And in appearance, such a toilet seat resembles ceramic.

• The most unfortunate and unpopular material from which toilet seats are made is plywood. Of course, its price is small, but it looks cheap. In addition, its porous structure is ideal for bacterial growth.
• The most beautiful and presentable are considered wooden crafts. They are not very popular due to their relatively high cost. However, their quality is also "luxury", the service life is calculated in years. But even such ideal seats have a minus: they are very massive and if the lid is carelessly lowered, the toilet bowl can crack. Therefore, it is often wooden models that are equipped with a microlift.
• Paper disposables are commonly found in in public places, as mentioned above. The fabric, as a rule, is used not as the main material for making the seat, but as a decor. For example, for sewing a removable cover on the toilet lid.

Color solutions

If the washroom has a certain style, then it makes sense to think about a more picky choice of toilet seat, as it can be the "icing on the cake" when the bathroom renovation is completed. Of course, no one canceled the classic white color, but with the advent of colored toilet bowls - yellow, black, red - and covers for them began to produce bright, multi-colored ones. There are even models with a pattern - butterflies, flowers, patterns. And the kids will appreciate the cover with cars or funny little animals.

Even if the toilet does not have any special requirements for color scheme toilet seat, this does not mean that you should opt for the classic white model. You can choose a cover for wood or marble, and even just colored, but plain, suitable for the shade of the tile or rug.

Dimensions

You should not go to the store without exactly measured parameters, which the toilet seat for a particular toilet should correspond to.

The following needs to be measured:

• toilet width. It is measured at its widest point;
• the size of the gap between the holes for the mounting bolts with which the cover is screwed. This value is measured from the center of one hole to the center of another. An error of a couple of millimeters is allowed;

• the size of the gap from the edge of the seat to the beam passing through the centers of the mounting holes. This parameter is measured by drawing an imaginary line through the centers of the holes. A perpendicular is drawn to this line from the edge of the lid.

Accessories

An important role in the long-term operation of the toilet seat is played by its fasteners. As a rule, they are made of plastic or metal. When choosing fasteners, you should take into account the features of a particular toilet model, since fasteners are not universal.

The variety of covers presented on the modern plumbing market has given rise to the variability of their fastening. There are both the simplest mechanisms (quick-release plastic toilet seats with two bolts), and those that are quite problematic to install and remove on their own (electronic “smart” seats, with a microlift and sensors that capture movement and presence).

Dismantling a conventional cover includes the following steps:

• lift the lid (seat lowered);
• unscrew the fastener bolt in the lower left corner;
• unscrew the same bolt on the right;
• remove the entire seat.

The installation of such a toilet seat is carried out in the reverse order.

There are two types of fasteners: with washers and without them. In the absence of such, but to maintain the reliability of fastening, they produce nuts with an edge at the end in the form of a washer. The most reliable is the combination of a metal bolt and a capron nut, which provides a better hitch.

Now let's talk about how the lid is attached to the toilet seat. As a rule, this is a hinged structure, the fastening elements in which are bushings made of metal, plastic or metal-plastic. Plastic joints are most often found in inexpensive models. Metal, as stronger ones, are used in the production of "smart" products equipped with various mechanisms. Plastic connecting elements have a huge plus in their resistance to rust, which cannot be said about metal fittings. But plastic is brittle and can break if handled poorly, while metal hinge mechanisms are more durable.

If one of the seat components fails, in most cases it is enough to simply dismantle it and replace the damaged part with a new one. But, in a situation with a breakdown in a more “fancy” design, a more detailed study of the problem and, possibly, a specialist call will be required, since it is not so easy to repair, for example, a microlift without the appropriate knowledge and skills.

Brand overview

There is a consumer demand - the market reacts with the appearance of proposals. As soon as the toilet seat ceased to be just an insignificant part of it, but turned into an opportunity to make your stay in the bathroom more comfortable, then immediately the manufacturers of plumbing fixtures and accessories reacted properly. Today there are several brands that have received best reviews from consumers.

• Gustavsberg. Toilet bowls and components of this company are an example of true Swedish quality. Among the models there are both simple products, and more modern ones, equipped with a microlift. All seats are equipped with metal chrome fasteners. Gustavsberg cares about its customers and provides a mandatory guarantee for its products. By the way, this is one of the few companies whose range includes seats from natural wood: oak, ash, teak.

• Jika. This company appeared in the Czech Republic in the 19th century. From its inception to the present day, this company does not get tired of improving technologies and introducing innovations, which allows us to produce high-quality and environmentally friendly products. Now the following models of Jika toilets are on the market: Lyra, Vega, Zeta, Baltik, Era. To any of them you can pick up a plastic seat, both classic and equipped with a lifting mechanism.
• ifo. Another manufacturer from Sweden that deserves attention. He makes heavy-duty luxury plastic seat models. The choice is presented as classic options, and with such an option as a microlift.

• Haro. This German company produces sanitary ware and accessories, combining aesthetic appearance with comfort of use and functionality. There are many colors and styles to choose from. Haro is also a supplier to many healthcare organizations thanks to a unique development - seats with an antibacterial coating.
• Iddis. Duroplast products from this company are among the most "long-playing" toilet accessories on the market. Duroplast is not subject to yellowing, is resistant to cracks and scratches, and prevents the appearance and reproduction of harmful microorganisms. Thanks to its properties, Iddis seats have a long service life, while maintaining an attractive appearance. The lids of the Iddis models are equipped with a lifting mechanism.

Subtleties of choice

When choosing a toilet seat, you should make sure that it meets the following requirements:

• safety in use;
• comfort;
• high strength of the material of manufacture;
• enough long term operation;
• aesthetic and attractive appearance;

• perfectly suited to the selected toilet model;
• necessary set of functions;
• did not enter into dissonance with the design of the bathroom.

The toilet seat, as a rule, has the shape of an oval. But this rule does not apply to the lid! It can be both square and rectangular; may have the outline of an animal or a violin. Any ornament, photograph or hand-drawn illustration can be applied on the lid. And also it can be decorated decorative elements like beads or rhinestones.

Operation and care

Regardless of the price and the declared quality of the toilet, it needs much more thorough and frequent care than any other plumbing. Waste human body leave very unpleasant marks both on the toilet itself and on its seat.

The toilet bowl suffers especially from the so-called urinary stone. The fact is that urine in its composition has special minerals that can settle on the walls and under the rim of the toilet bowl, and eventually harden, forming the same stone. If it is not periodically disposed of, it will cause a lot of trouble when cleaning. Therefore, when carrying out cleaning procedures for the toilet bowl and its components, one of the most important requirements is their regularity. Only in this case the toilet will always be clean and will not need additional manipulations.

Daily care rules:

• after each visit to the toilet room, it is necessary to flush the toilet bowl by draining the water from the tank;
• wipe the toilet seat with toilet paper or napkins if drops of physiological fluids get on it;
• every 3-4 days to treat the surface of the toilet bowl by special means to avoid the formation of plaque;
• a good prophylactic are lozenges or cassettes, fixed under the rim of the toilet bowl. Every time a flush occurs, particles of the disinfectant that makes up these cassettes will fall into the water; thus, the prevention of the reproduction of pathogenic bacteria and the appearance of plaque will be carried out.

To remove small contaminants, you can use several means.

• Table vinegar. To prepare a cleaning agent based on it, you need to take a saucepan and heat about 1 cup of vinegar in it to a temperature slightly above room temperature. Next, you should pour it into the toilet and pour 2 tsp there. baking soda. Leave overnight. In the morning you need to clean the toilet with a brush and flush.
• If the lid is slightly yellowed, it is necessary to mix heated vinegar with soda until a mushy mass is obtained. It is necessary to wear gloves to protect the skin of the hands and apply this mixture with a sponge to the lid and toilet seat. Leave on for 15 minutes and rinse with clean water.
• Another very cheap and available remedy- lemon acid. In order to clean the toilet with it, you don’t even need any tricks - just pour two bags of acid into the toilet and leave for several hours. Then "walk" on the toilet with a brush and drain the water.

Effective methods will help to remove old plaque.

• Of course, first of all, it is recommended to use household chemicals specially designed for this purpose. But here you should be careful! Most of them, in order to increase the safety of use, contain a lower concentration of substances responsible for removing plaque; therefore, they will not cope with very strong, old pollution. It is necessary to find such means, the use of which is possible only together with a protective mask-respirator and rubber gloves due to the high content of the active substance.
• No matter how strange it may sound, Coca Cola will help to cope with an old plaque! You should pour a bottle of this fizz into the toilet, wait a while (4-5 hours will be enough), then wipe the toilet with a sponge or brush and flush. The impurities will disappear.

• Oxalic acid. Outwardly, it looks like a powder of small crystalline particles. Rubber gloves should be worn when using this substance to clean the toilet. It must be carefully applied to the lid with a wet sponge so that splashes do not get into the eyes and onto the skin. And also it is worth pouring the powder on the bottom of the toilet bowl so that it can dissolve and remove all existing contaminants. As with other similar products, its exposure time is from 3 to 5 hours.
• When all of the above substances are powerless in front of a very old and dense coating, “heavy artillery” in the form of an electrolyte comes to the rescue. This is the strongest, but also the most dangerous drug to clean the toilet. The main danger it poses to others is its toxic fumes. Therefore, you should try to protect yourself as much as possible - wear a rubber respirator mask, goggles, thick rubber gloves, and clothing that covers the whole body. It is necessary to pour the electrolyte into the toilet. Its exposure time is only 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and ventilate the toilet room.
• "White". This tool is familiar to many. Previously, it was used to bleach fabrics, although it caused them great harm. Now clothes, bed linen, towels and other things are bleached with more gentle means, but "Whiteness" has not gone into oblivion, it has simply changed its scope. It is necessary to pour it into the toilet, after 4-5 hours wash it. The toilet will shine with pristine cleanliness.

To wash the toilet seat from yellowness, several proven methods will help.

• To begin with, it is best to remove the toilet seat and soak it, so it will be easier to clean it. If self-removal is problematic, you just need to lift it up and apply detergent sponge on both sides, then wait a few hours and rinse the seat thoroughly with clean water.

The list of products for getting rid of yellow plaque includes bleach or products containing it, hair lightener, a mixture of washing powder, baking soda and water, "Whiteness". All of these tools are quite effective. They will help to remove unpleasant yellowness. However, if the pollution was so great that it was not possible to completely remove it, then the right decision would be to replace the seat and cover in order to preserve aesthetics. appearance and compliance with hygiene requirements.

The toilet seat is an important element that guarantees not only convenience and comfort during use, but also makes the toilet attractive and beautiful. Among the huge range of presented models from various manufacturers, you can choose an option for every taste. A wide range of colors, shapes and sizes, as well as materials provides a wide range of stylish, reliable and practical models.