How Often Should You Change Your Toilet Seat?

Many people don’t see the need to change their toilet seat unless it’s broken. But you may be asking yourself, “Should I replace my toilet seat or can I still use it for a few more years?”

The answer depends on different factors, such as the type of toilet seat you currently have, whether it’s damaged or discolored, and if you’re renovating your bathroom and want to update the toilet seat. So, before making a decision, consider these variables carefully.

How do I know if my toilet seat needs to be replaced?

1. Damage

In case your current toilet seat has any cracks or damage, replacing it would be the ideal solution to extend the lifespan of your toilet. Not only will this prevent any potential accidents such as falls or getting poked by sharp plastic fragments, but it will also improve the overall aesthetics of your bathroom.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that broken plastic seats are often irreparable, so setting aside some funds for a replacement is advisable. By investing in a new toilet seat, you can avoid the hassle of continuously repairing the old one and ensure that your toilet remains functional for a more extended period.

2. Yellowing and Discoloration

White toilet seats often become discolored over time, and they can take on a yellow or cream-white appearance due to aging or exposure to harsh cleaning products.

If you have been using a white toilet seat for more than a decade, you may notice a change in its color. To give your bathroom an upgrade, you could consider getting a new toilet seat.

However, if the discoloration is caused by a spillage of cleaning agents, you might be able to remove it using rubbing alcohol or chlorine bleach instead of buying a new toilet seat.

It’s important to assess the nature of the discoloration before deciding to replace the toilet seat. Opting for a cleaning solution could be a more cost-effective option.

3. Broken Toilet Seat Hinges and Accessories

When too much pressure is applied to them or when someone tries to remove the toilet seat without the proper tools, hinges can break. If the hinges on your toilet seat are broken, using the seat in that condition can be uncomfortable.

To determine whether you can get the required accessories, check your nearest store or Amazon for similar hinges or accessories depending on the type of breakage. If most stores do not have the necessary accessories to fix your toilet seat, you could consider purchasing a new one.

New toilet seats typically come with the necessary accessories to install them on your toilet. This could significantly improve the functionality of your toilet seat.

4. A Squeaking Toilet Seat

If your toilet seat is worn out and making unpleasant noises when you sit on it, it could be a sign that it’s time to replace it. To solve this issue, you need to take action and replace the toilet seat.

It’s essential to check the toilet seat hinges and ensure that they are securely tightened. Loose hinges can contribute to the squeaking sounds that you hear.

A toilet seat that isn’t properly fixed can make it challenging to sit comfortably, and it also increases the risk of falling when using the toilet.

Before deciding to replace the toilet seat, it’s important to evaluate the hinges and bolts. Tightening the bolts might be all that’s necessary in some cases. So, make sure to inspect them carefully.

5. Moving into a Pre-owned House

Using a toilet seat in a pre-owned home can be quite unsettling, especially if you don’t know the previous occupants very well. To ensure your peace of mind, it would be a wise decision to replace the toilet seat when you move in.

If you don’t feel comfortable with the idea of using a pre-used toilet seat and are unsure how long it has been in use, it’s best to err on the side of caution and replace it.

Over time, the toilet seat can wear out and become unsuitable for regular use. Therefore, it’s generally advisable to replace the toilet seat in a pre-owned home for your safety and hygiene.

6. Aesthetics

To revamp your home, consider replacing just the toilet seat instead of the entire toilet. This simple change can improve the overall look of your bathroom without breaking the bank.

For instance, if you want to switch from a brown-themed bathroom to a white-themed one, you can replace the old wooden toilet seat with a new white toilet seat. This will give your bathroom a fresh and updated look.

By making small, affordable changes like this, you can transform the appearance of your home without spending too much money.

7. Outdated design

It’s quite common to encounter an outdated design when you move into a pre-owned or inherited home, or even if you’ve lived in your own home for more than a decade.

If you feel like your bathroom design is outdated, you can easily enhance its appearance by making small changes such as replacing the toilet seat and the toilet paper holder. These simple upgrades can give your bathroom a modern and unique look.

8. An Old Toilet Seat

There are times when it’s best to change your toilet seat, perhaps you’ve had it for a while and feel like it’s time for a new one.

If you’ve been using the same toilet seat for five to seven years, it might be a good idea to consider replacing it.

Certain parts of the toilet seat may wear out over time, and swapping out your seat every five to ten years can ensure that you have the most comfortable and up-to-date bathroom experience.

Conclusion

If you don’t meet any of these requirements but still feel a strong urge to change your toilet seat, then you should definitely consider doing so. It’s a simple project that you can easily complete on your own and enjoy the pleasure of sitting on a brand-new seat every time you use the toilet.

Remember, it’s crucial to get the correct accessories for your toilet seat when replacing it to ensure that it stays securely in place.


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Which lasts longer: wood or plastic toilet seat?

Both plastic and wooden toilet seats are composed of high-quality materials and are long-lasting, while plastic toilet seats last longer and require less maintenance than wooden toilet seats.

Though wooden toilet seats have a natural and luxe appearance, they are also warmer and more comfortable than plastic toilet seats.

However, if not properly cared for, wooden toilet seats tend to harbor bacteria, absorb moisture, and peel, giving them a much shorter lifespan than plastic toilet seats.

How long do plastic toilet seats last?

A toilet seat is one of the most often used items in the bathroom, and using the toilet without one can be extremely uncomfortable.

A toilet seat has an average lifespan of 8 to 15 years without the need for replacement, yet periodic cleaning and maintenance is essential as this will not only make your toilet seat last longer but will also prevent it from loosening the hinges and becoming wobbly when using the toilet.

What can you do with an old toilet seat?

Toilet seats are composed of four different materials: wood, porcelain, plastic, and polyresin. However, toilet seats made of plastic or duroplast may easily be recycled, thus taking them to a recycling facility is critical.

The toilet seat constructed of fiberboard and wood should be discarded in the trash because of the material’s nature, they cannot be easily recycled.

Can you just replace a toilet seat?

Modern toilet seats come with an easy to follow step-by-step installation technique that anyone with no plumbing expertise can complete using only simple tools that are readily available at home.

You will need the following tools to easily replace the toilet seat: a flat head screwdriver, spray oil, a damp rug, and an adjustable wrench.

Close the toilet lid and look for a plastic cap at the end of the toilet seat. Use the flat screwdriver to pop the caps off, exposing the bolts that fastened the toilet seat to the toilet bowl.

Unscrew the two bolts and voila, you have suddenly unfastened the toilet seat. Remove the seat and lid carefully from the toilet bowl.

Then, using a wet rug, clean the upper side of the toilet bowl to eliminate dirt and bacteria that tend to accumulate behind the toilet seat, just as you would clean the bolt holes cautiously and slowly.

Finally, place the new toilet seat on the toilet bowl and slowly and carefully tighten the two bolts with the flat screwdriver to their proper positions, then replace the bolt caps.

What are the different types of toilet seats?

Soft close and conventional close toilet seats are the two most prevalent types of seats that are widely available.

A standard close toilet seat is one that we used to use in the past or a traditional style toilet seat. These seats are available in a range of materials and, surprisingly, they are still available in online stores due to their basic and low prices.

The soft close toilet seat is a modern seat that uses the slow closure mechanism to prevent the toilet lid from slamming on the seat after use. This prevents unnecessary noise and potential damage from the lid slamming back.

Which are the different toilet seat sizes available?

There are two types of toilet seats available: elongated and round. Though one may easily distinguish between the two, it is best to use a tape measure to obtain the correct measurement of the toilet you are currently using.

The length shape of a round toilet bowl is 16.5 inches, while the length of an elongated toilet seat is 18.5 inches. Knowing the size of your toilet bowl will allow you to select the correct toilet seat that will sit comfortably on the toilet bowl.

Can an elongated shaped toilet seat fit a round toilet seat?

Toilet seats come in two shapes: elongated and round. The burning question is whether an elongated seat will fit a round toilet seat.

The answer is yes, though the elongated seat, which is wider than the round toilet bowl rim, will overhang due to its shape and size.

Which is greater than the diameter of the round rim. Because of the variances in size and shape, the seat may not sit properly on the toilet rim, causing discomfort while using the toilet.

Why are toilet seats elongated?

Elongated toilet seats were designed after the round-shaped toilet seat. This was done specifically to solve some of the flaws that the round toilet seat had.

The elongated toilet seat was considered more pleasant than the round toilet seat because it was simpler for men to urinate while standing.

More comfortable to use when seated, and was recommended for those with mobility impairments because the toilet seat provided more space than the round toilet seat.

Can a round-shaped toilet seat be replaced with an elongated toilet rim?

No, because a round toilet seat is smaller than an elongated toilet seat. This is owing to the size of the elongated toilet rim, which measures 18.5 inches, and the size of the toilet seat, which is 16.5 inches.

Furthermore, the round seat’s geometry prevents it from fitting properly on an elongated toilet rim. As a result, it is nearly difficult to use a round toilet seat on an elongated toilet rim.

Why are some toilets more expensive?

To be honest, the design and material are the two key factors that influence the price of a toilet seat; modern toilets offer a slew of functionality that makes a toilet seat easier to use while also being durable, resulting in a good value for money.

Some major features of modern toilet seats include a close mechanism, heated functionality, low weight, durability, excellent finish, and a range of colors.

These make the toilet seat more adaptive to the modern era since one can choose any toilet seat that suits his or her particular preferences.

Read:-

How do you replace a toilet seat on a Kohler?

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