Toilet lids: how to choose the right one?

For a comfortable use of the bathroom, there is a wide variety of shapes and types of covers with seats. Few people know that a toilet lid is as important as a rim. Its choice should be approached especially carefully, since it is an integral part of the toilet kit.

It would seem that there is nothing easier than choosing a toilet lid. But there are a number of nuances and features that must be considered when buying.

First of all, you need to understand what functions it performs. Its main purpose is to protect the surrounding space from the spread of moisture and germs from the toilet during flushing, as well as to contain unpleasant odors. It helps to reduce the noise level of the water when it is drained.

The covers differ according to the following criteria:

• shape - round, square, oval, model (custom made);
• hardness - soft, hard;
• material - wood, plastic, duroplast;
• appointment - for children, adults, for people with disabilities;
• additional functions - automatic opening, bidet, presence of a control panel, etc.

If it is larger or smaller than the toilet, the seat attached to the lid will bend and crack with the weight of the person.

In the 21st century, the range of possibilities of the toilet lid has become very diverse. Previously, it was only a means of protecting a room from the spread of toilet bacteria and unpleasant physiological odors. Some instances can still suppress noise when draining water.

Today it is a complete complete set of devices for convenient and almost contactless use of the toilet.

Modern and high-tech covers have sensors that respond to humans. When he comes to the toilet, it rises on its own. At the end of the procedure, the cover is silently lowered. To completely exclude manual contact, the function of a bidet with heat blowing until the skin is completely dry has been invented. Thanks to this, the individual does not come into contact with the toilet.

There are models where there is a special hole for the filling of the flavoring agent. It is sprayed according to the set time, and the room always smells good and pleasant.

Designers are trying to increase the functionality of the toilet lid with additional devices so that people can use the toilet as comfortable as possible. One of these options is the seat side supports.

If people with a big difference in height live in the house, then a pad with a height adjustment function will be an excellent device.

For lovers of frequent outdoor recreation, there is a portable cover with a toilet seat. It is especially indispensable when there is a small child on a hike or travel.

In a house with a cat, there is always a litter box. To rid the apartment of scattered filler and unpleasant odors, a special toilet seat cover was invented. Initially, there is a small hole in it, which the pet gradually gets used to. Over time, the hole increases (there is a special marking on the plate).

After 2-3 months, this device is completely removed when the cat finally gets used to using a human toilet.

When a small child appears in a family, you want to protect him as much as possible from microbes and bacteria. At the age of 4-5 years, children can already independently use the "adult" toilet (with a special pad). It is not always possible to be sure that the toilet is absolutely clean and does not have various kinds of contamination.

To solve this problem, there is a special mechanism that is built into the toilet. It cleans the lid and toilet seat by itself every time after using it. Thanks to this function, parents do not have to worry about the cleanliness of the surface with which the baby's skin comes into contact.

The choice of the lid material for the toilet bowl should be approached especially carefully, since a person comes into contact with it every day. And also its operational life, quality of "service" and comfort while using the toilet depend on it.

Today in plumbing stores you can find a huge variety of toilet lids made of different materials (the exception is metal - it is always cool and unpleasant for human skin). The most common of these is plastic.

This name refers to polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene and polypropylene.

Housewives note the ease of care. Plastic does not absorb water and odors. Due to this, microbes and various kinds of fungi do not multiply on the surface of the lid. All dirt and water droplets can be easily washed off and removed with ordinary toilet paper or sponge.

Wooden products are also very popular. For their manufacture, both real solid wood and MDF or ordinary plywood can be taken. These toilet lids will cost more than plastic. But the price justifies the quality. By its physical properties, wood is a "warm" material, which will only add comfort during use.

But this model also has its drawbacks. Wood is a rather heavy material. If you fall on the rim of the toilet, cracks or chips may form on the lid from the weight of its own weight.

Duroplast lids have recently appeared on the market. In essence, it is the same plastic, but in structure it is harder and more durable. This material is not exposed to cleaning chemicals, food acids and UV rays.

In this regard, such covers are most often installed in houses and apartments where there are children.

For the manufacture of soft covers, foam rubber is used as a filler, which is covered from above with an oilcloth with a pattern.

According to the selection rules, the lid and seat must completely match the dimensions of the toilet rim. Today there are a huge number of shapes: round, oval, square, heart-shaped. The main thing is that the lid fits snugly to the toilet seat, otherwise its functions will not be fully fulfilled.

As for the size, there is also a large selection. The dimensions of the cover are matched to the physiological characteristics of a person and the size of plumbing.

Many firms make special covers and toilet seats for small children, which, due to their small size, can fall into a large hole. Such covers have a small diameter and reliably "fix" the child in a sitting position. Very often this product can have bright and unusual colors.

To add extra convenience and comfort, designers are modifying conventional toilet lids into more functional models. For example, in stores you can find a bidet lid. It combines two devices in one, which saves space in the restroom.

Typically, the lid and toilet seat are lifted by hand, but there are instances where everything is automated (works on the control panel). This device has a number of sensors and indicators, thanks to which it is possible to regulate the temperature of the water, its pressure, direction, and so on. It is very important that the cover is properly connected to communications (water, electricity). Each time you get up and sit on the toilet seat, there is pressure and vibration that can destroy a poorly installed structure.

On such models, sometimes there is an additional function - drying. Warm air is blown in for 2-3 minutes, which helps dry the skin after using the bidet.

There is a toilet lid option with heated seat. The toilet seat has sensors that respond to touch. As soon as a person starts using the toilet, the seat heats up. Or the temperature is constantly maintained so that you don't have to wait.

Quite often, after using the toilet, the lid drops loudly. To solve this problem, there are models with a special closer. Thanks to him, the lid is smoothly lowered without producing loud sounds.

An interesting option has been invented for families with a child. For the little user, a small toilet seat is already installed. It rises and falls easily, and also has special apiaries on the inside of the lid. Such modernization is convenient in that you do not need to look for special removable toilet covers in children's stores.

The above modifications can exist separately or be combined, but then the cost of such a "smart" cover will be much higher.

As you know, fantasy has no boundaries. The creative realization of a person has not bypassed the toilet lids.

Their design can be divided into the following components: color and shape.

If we talk about colors, then today manufacturers can make a toilet lid of absolutely any color. According to statistics, most people prefer light colors or completely white products. This is due to the association: if white means pure. But there are also fans of bright colors.

This option is interesting because the pictures can be easily peeled off and can be changed.

For lovers of soft textile seats, there are removable covers. They are very easy to put on and take off in order to periodically wash them from dirt. They can be as a decor for a holiday (Santa Claus head, hearts for Valentine's Day) or as a regular replacement cover.

In stores you can find soft covers upholstered with foam rubber and covered with oilcloth. It can have various textures - pimpled, corrugated and ornaments. It all depends on the taste and preferences of the buyer. Sometimes a colored gel with various fillers (plastic fish, sparkles, decorative stones, etc.) is poured under a transparent oilcloth. When the lid is lowered or raised, you can see fish swimming or butterflies fluttering. This is very popular with both children and adults.

Convex patterns are often made on plastic products: flowers, animals, simple patterns.It looks very original and beautiful.

The shape of the toilet lid can also be varied. In addition to the standard dimensions - a circle, an oval, a rounded rectangle, they can be in the form of a musical instrument - a guitar, a drum, or any animal (muzzle of a dog, cat, horse, and so on). Sometimes the contours of your favorite singer or actor are made on a wooden or plastic lid.

An interesting and unusual version with a 3D drawing. When the lid is in the raised position, it seems that, for example, a shark or crocodile has opened its mouth. When it is lowered, the head of an animal peeping out of the water is visible from above.

Recently, models have appeared in stores that glow in the dark. They are equipped with a motion sensor and operate on conventional AA batteries. This is very convenient when the electricity is cut off in the house or you do not want to be blinded by bright light after a long sleep.

When there is a small child, you always want to surprise and please him with something. An unusual and fun addition to the toilet can be a singing children's toilet lid. The kid sits down, and at this time a funny melody begins to play.

Long gone are the days when stores had only the same type of toilet bowls and lids. Today there is a choice both among Russian and foreign products.

One of the most popular firms for the production of sanitary ware and additional fittings is Cersanit... It is a Polish company that is highly regarded by consumers for its excellent quality and long service life. Their toilet lids come in a wide range of sizes and models. They also make seats with bidets, heated seats and various other upgrades for comfortable use.

The Swedish company is also highly regarded Gustavsberg... As noted by buyers, their products are high-tech and have an affordable price. Most models have the correct anatomical shape of the toilet seat. Thanks to this, during the procedure, the legs of the individual do not numb.

Not lagging behind in quality and products Ifo... This is also a Swedish company. Most of the covers have a convenient quick release. Thanks to him, you can easily and quickly remove the seat from the toilet and clean it efficiently. It is worth noting that the products of this brand have a high price, but they justify the quality and durability of the product.

No less popular company from Turkey is - Vitra... Their products are highly regarded both in Russia and abroad. Their products are mainly made of duroplast or real wood. Almost all models have a microlift and a "smart" fastening system.

Connoisseurs of elite accessories for the bathroom and toilet can find high-quality, beautiful, and most importantly, reliable toilet lids in the company Laufen... This European company (Switzerland) makes them mainly for hanging toilets with additional modifications. Like most foreign companies, they are puzzled by environmental issues and urge the use of bidet lids so that people try to use less paper in everyday life.

The Czech company will surprise you with high quality and a pleasant price. Jika... They are appreciated for their excellent price-quality-comfort ratio. For production, they take environmentally friendly material. The assortment is dominated by classic models with no frills.

In pricing policy, a Russian company will be delighted. Santek... This company manufactures toilet lids from plastic, duroplast and other materials. For especially demanding customers, a custom-made lid can be made.

If we talk about the Russian brand Sanita luxethen the reviews are mixed. Many users note the low price of the products, but if you buy cheap plastic toilet lids, they will last a maximum of 3-4 years.

At first glance, it seems that there is nothing easier than choosing the shape and size of the toilet lid or simply changing it. But in reality, everything is more difficult. Many people take tracing paper and circle the rim of the toilet bowl in order to apply various models to the resulting drawing. Or they remove an old copy from their toilet and go with it to the store.

In order not to complicate this process, the wizards recommend the following algorithm of actions:

• measure the distance between the mounting fasteners for the cover;
• measure the segment from the center of the mounting hole to the outer edge of the toilet;
• find out the maximum width of the toilet rim along the outer edges.

With these data, it is very easy to find a cover that is suitable in size. The main thing is that its size exactly matches the rim of the toilet. If the seat is smaller, then dirt and water deposits will constantly accumulate under it.

If it was decided to change the lid together with the toilet, then it is better to stick to the "factory" version. Such an accessory will be ideal for all sizes and parameters of the toilet. The cover will not "fidget" and protrude beyond the edges of the rim.

Choosing this product, you also need to focus on the external interior of the room. It is better to choose the color according to the general scale of the room.

After the desired option is selected and purchased, you can start installing the lid on the toilet. Anyone can do this, since special skills and abilities are not required for this. If the toilet is old, then first you need to dismantle the toilet seat that has served its life.

If everything is fine with the mounting bolts, then they are unscrewed by hand. Fasteners are plastic or metal.

It often happens that the nut rusts from time and humidity and is hard to twist from the bolt thread. You can treat it with citric acid and then twist it with your fingers, or use pliers and a socket wrench. If these 2 methods did not help, then such fasteners are cut off with an ordinary hacksaw from the inside.

After the old seat with the lid is removed, it is necessary to clean the surface of the toilet and the mounting holes from dirt and deposits.

As a rule, everything you need to install a regular cover and seat kit is already included in the package.

The next step is installation. The lid and toilet seat are placed closed on the toilet and the holes for fastening are aligned. Screws (most often plastic ones are included) are inserted into the grooves and tightened with a nut. It is very important that the seat is not tightly screwed. This will cause the lid to fall. For normal operation, it needs free play.

Cheap plastic fasteners can be very fragile, so you should tighten them carefully. (without a "stranglehold"), as it can burst and break. It is better to take metal fasteners and treat them with a special oil against corrosion.

When installing a modified toilet lid (with bidet or heated), follow the step-by-step instructions that are always attached.

In the case when electricity is needed, the socket is installed first. If the lid has a bidet function, then piping is pre-made. After that, a toilet seat is mounted to the toilet. In the end, all the necessary communications are connected to it. Such a toilet should be used only after a thorough check of the operation of all systems.

Masters advise installing a separate filter for the water that enters the bidet. This is because the structure inside the lid is small and will often get clogged with lime.

When choosing a toilet lid, you need to pay attention to the recommendations of specialists.

• It is best to refuse to purchase soft models. This applies to thin plastic products with foam rubber, which are covered with colored oilcloth.This material is very fragile and will not last more than a year, and the seams of the oilcloth adhesion very quickly creep and break. In this regard, more rigid models (for example, made of duroplast) will be much more practical and will last a long time.
• In the age of high technology, you should not neglect the additional conveniences. It is always a pleasure to do the necessary human procedures on a heated toilet seat. And in order not to open and close the lid yourself, it is better to take a model with a motion sensor.

• The smooth lowering mechanism will be useful. Thanks to the microlift, the loud sound from the falling cover will disappear, and chips or cracks from impact will not form on its surface.
• Before purchasing a product, you should inspect the product from all sides, and not just from above. It is very important that the surface is smooth, free from chips and burrs. And you also need to check the presence of all parts and spare parts in the kit.
• It is better to take metal mounts. They are stronger and more reliable to use.

• It is better to entrust the installation of the modernized toilet lid to a professional. This is especially true in cases where it needs to be connected to communications (electricity, water).
• When there is little time to clean the house, then the best option would be a regular model without decorative elements. It will be much easier to wash it from the accumulated dirt and the resulting yellowness.

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