When it comes to improving your bathroom, selecting the right toilet seat may seem like nothing, but it has a huge impact on your everyday comfort and hygiene. Choosing the ideal toilet seat might be difficult because there are many choices available.
What Are the Types of Toilet Seats?
Toilet seats come in various styles, each offering different benefits. Here are some of the most common types:
- Floor Mounted
Floor-mounted toilets are the most common and popular type seen in bathrooms worldwide. However, such toilet seats exist in a variety of styles, including one-piece toilets, European water closets, Anglo-Indian closets, and even back-to-wall closets.
Floor-mounted WCs feature a seamless, one-piece design for a sleek appearance with no gaps, making them hygienic and easy to clean. They are sturdy and stable, ensuring long-lasting use. Plus, they come in various styles to match any decor, adding a touch of elegance to your bathroom.
- Wall Mounted
Wall-hung or wall-mounted toilet seats are fixed on a wall, with the tank concealed in the wall, providing a neater and more basic finish than floor-based toilets. These take up less space, are simpler to clean than floor-mounted toilet seats, and are ideal for tiny places.
Wall-mounted bathroom toilet design allows easy cleaning underneath while providing a floating, contemporary look. Additionally, the adjustable height ensures personalised comfort, making them a practical and stylish choice for any bathroom.
What are P-Trap and S-Trap Toilets?
If the toilet bowl is directly connected to the sewage system, the unpleasant odour of these gases will spread throughout the house, making living difficult for the owners. As a result, toilet bowls always include a trap that connects them to the sewer system. There are two types of traps - P Traps and S Traps. P-Trap and S-Trap toilet traps are named after the curved shape of their pipes, which mimic the letters "P" and "S" respectively. The P-Trap has a lateral "P" shape for wall-mounted toilets with horizontal pipes, and the S-Trap has a "S" shape for floor-mounted toilets with vertical pipes. These shapes are important to their functions and setup. Knowing the type of trap your toilet has will help you choose a seat that fits securely and functions properly.
- P-Trap Toilets
These toilets have a waste outlet that goes through the wall. P-Trap toilets are common in modern homes and are easier to clean since the plumbing is concealed. These traps are for vertical sewage pipes. These traps are found in all the wall-mounted toilets like Ruhe’s Crystal Western Toilet Seat / Commode (Wall-hung EWC).
- S-Trap Toilets
These toilets have a waste outlet that goes through the floor. S-Trap toilets are often found in older homes. They are suitable for bathrooms with limited space but may require more frequent maintenance. These traps are for horizontal sewage pipes. These traps are found in most floor-mounted toilets like Ruhe’s Scala Western Toilet Seat / Commode (One-piece EWC).
Toilet seats for specific needs
Different people have different requirements, and choosing the right toilet seat can make a difference in providing them with comfort and safety.
- Toilet Seats for the Elderly
Choose toilet seats with added height and handles to make sitting and standing easier, reducing the risk of accidents.
- Toilet Seats for the tall people
Choose higher toilet seats that offer more comfort by accommodating longer legs and a taller frame.
- Toilet Seats for the kids
Choose smaller or adjustable child-friendly toilet seats that give safety and comfort to young users.
Toilet seats for different size bathrooms
The size of your bathroom plays a crucial role in determining the right toilet seat.
- Small Bathroom Toilets
For small toilets, choose wall-hung western toilet seats that take up less space. These seats are a great way to save room and create a more open feel in compact bathrooms.
- Large Bathroom Toilets
For larger bathrooms, choose single-piece floor-mounted EWCs, which offer more comfort and can include additional features like bidets or cushioned covers.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
Once you've selected the right toilet seat, proper installation and maintenance are key to making sure it lasts. Here are a few tips:
- Easy Installation: Most toilet seats have a basic installation guide. Make sure you have all of the essential hardware and carefully follow the instructions. (DISCLAIMER: While you can be efficient and cost-effective in installing a WC on your own, the general recommendation is to always seek expert assistance.)
- Clean the Toilet Seat and Exterior: Don’t forget to clean the toilet seat, lid, and exterior regularly. Use a disinfectant spray or wipes to clean these surfaces. Pay extra attention to the area under the rim and around the waterline to prevent grim buildup.
- Use a Toilet Brush: Use a toilet brush with stiff bristles to scrub the inside of the bowl, especially under the rim and around the waterline. Ensure you reach all areas to remove any build-up effectively.
- Check the Flush Mechanism: Regularly check the flush mechanism for any issues. Ensure the flush handle or chains or the flappers or push buttons are working correctly. Replace any worn-out parts to maintain efficient flushing.
- Prevent Clogs: Avoid flushing non-flushable items like wipes, sanitary products, or excessive toilet paper to prevent clogs. Use a plunger or a toilet auger to clear minor clogs promptly.
Choosing the correct toilet seat depends on your bathroom's size, the needs of the user and the type of toilet you have. Understanding available options and following proper installation and maintenance techniques can help you find the perfect chair for your needs. Remember before going forward with your chosen toilet to consider the individual needs of persons who will be using the seat and choose a type that provides the most comfort, safety, and convenience.