How Do I Know Which Toilet Seat Will Fit My toilet?

Toilet seats are lifted and lowered many times a day. They are essential to cover the bowl to prevent several items and dust into the bowl, which can cause clogging in the trap or drains.

How Do I Know Which Toilet Seat Will Fit My toilet? You can measure the size of the toilet seat that fits on your toilet by measuring the length, width, the distance between the mounting holes and using the model number. They have different shapes, designs, and sizes that cannot be placed on another toilet.

They are susceptible to wear and tear because of excessive use and overload. However, you can change them easily by measuring the correct size and material type.

How do I know what size toilet seat fits my toilet?

It is easy to measure the size of the toilet seat that fits on the plumbing fixture by following these steps.

Measure the seat length

Different toilets have different lengths; some are round, while others are elongated.

Therefore, it is better to determine which plumbing fixture you have installed in the bathroom and then measure the length of this fixture.

Take a measuring tape, place it between the mounting holes at the back of the seat, and extend it to the front rim of the toilet. The standard length for a round toilet seat is 16 ½ inches, and the elongated one has 18 ½ inches.

The square and oval toilets have variable seat lengths, depending on the size of the sanitary plumbing fixture.

Therefore, measuring the correct length is an essential step while selecting a new seat to prevent wobbling and uneven balance while sitting on it.

Measure the seat width 

You can measure the width of the plumbing fixture seat by placing the measuring tape between the widest point on the left and right sides of the toilet and extending the measuring tape between these sides.

Note the seat width and select the exact size width while choosing the new fixture component to avoid incorrect fitting and slipping chances.

The width of different plumbing fixtures varies for different shapes, and it is better to consult a professional plumber if you cannot determine its exact measurements. 

Distance between the mounting holes

They have two mounting holes at the back of the seat, which are used to fix the hinges and allow the upward and downward movement of the seat cover.

The distance between these fixing holes may vary for different shapes of fixtures, and it is necessary to measure the distance while selecting the new fitting.

Place the ruler or measuring tape between the two holes and note the distance.

You can measure this distance by lifting the cover-up or removing the cover and then measuring it accurately.

Model number

Every toilet comes with a model number mentioned on its packing, which explains all the components and materials of the plumbing fixture.

You can find the correct size seat if you know the model number and brand of the plumbing fixture, as this is a quick way to determine the color, size, and other details of this plumbing fixture.

Most brands have the color code and model number under the seat hinge, and you have to remove the seat to see the model number. 

Can all toilets seats fit all toilets?

All toilet seats cannot fit all toilets due to different shapes and materials used to manufacture the plumbing fixture.

However, the same brands often have the same sizes for the specific shape toilet.

Some of them have a square shape, while some have round or elongated shapes, and the same shape of the seat can fit on these plumbing fixtures.

The seats must have the correct fitting of hinges because there are different hinges for these seats, such as standard and soft close hinges.

Soft close hinges are used in many plumbing fixtures because they produce less noise while lifting the lid up and down.

They have variable fittings; for example, some have bottom fixing from beneath the fixing holes, while others have top fixing if there are no holes at the bottom of the bowl.

It is better to select the same shape and size seat.

Otherwise, different fixture components can cause wobbling and do not balance on the plumbing fixture. 

Different material toilet seats

Different manufacturers and brands use different materials for toilet seats.

Enameled wood

Enameled wood toilet seats are manufactured using wood shavings and mixed with the resin to compress and mold into a shape, which is then painted with enamel paint.

They have a smooth and glossy finish that looks attractive, and the enamel paints enhance the durability of the plumbing fixture.

In addition, you can select a wide range of colors, designs, hinges, and shapes that goes well with the existing plumbing fixture in this place.

They give a warmer feel in winter because of the capability of wood to insulate, and the enamel finishing makes them resistant to rust and mold growth due to the moisture in the plumbing fixture if you take proper care and maintenance.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel is suitable for the moist environment of the bathroom because it can resist rust and corrosion to a great extent and are durable, but the metal can feel extremely cold in winter.

Most public bathrooms have stainless steel seats due to their durability and strength to bear different weights.

In addition, they give an aesthetic appearance with the silver-grey color, and you can choose different shades to match the plumbing fixture. 

Plastic

Plastic seats are popular because they are durable and more affordable than enamel wood and stainless steel.

You do not need to replace them soon because of their high durability under different moisture and temperature conditions.

They provide more hygiene because plastic is the least attractive for mold and moisture to stay there for a long time, as you can easily clean the surface using a soft cloth or towel.

They can feel cold in winter and do not provide the luxurious look as the enameled wood if you select a low-quality and cheap one.

Therefore, it is better to consider the weight and quality of the fixture before using it.

Can I put an elongated toilet seat on a round toilet?

You can place an elongated toilet seat on a round one because the mounting holes are approximately at the same distance and can fit on the round one. 

This is a temporary solution to cover the bowl to prevent the smell and germs if this seat is worn-out and you cannot find the same size immediately.

An elongated toilet seat looks aesthetically unpleasant on the round plumbing fixture, as it extends out from the front edges and rim, which can affect the appearance of the plumbing fixture.

This is uncomfortable to sit on it because it can wobble or shake when someone sits on the seat.

However, elongated seats can prevent urine drops on the floor due to their larger size.

The fastening dimensions for elongated and round seats are the same, making it possible to fit the elongated one on the round toilet.

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