How to choose and fit a toilet seat

There’s a good reason most households change toilet seats every few years – new models are released and let’s face it, your old toilet seat can get pretty worn out. There’s nothing like a new toilet seat to make you feel better on the throne!

Once you’ve decided it’s time to buy a new seat for your toilet, you can either hire a plumber or head out to your local hardware or plumbing store to buy a new one.

Keep in mind that there’s a range of toilet seat sizes and shapes on the market and retro-fitting a toilet seat can be rather fiddly.

Here are some tips on how to choose and fit a toilet seat when your old one is ready for the toilet seat graveyard:

How to choose a toilet seat

Well, it does come down to taste but a good toilet seat is one that you don’t even notice.

• It needs to be so comfortable you don’t even think about it.
• Also look for one that’s easy to install as there’s nothing more frustrating than wrestling with a toilet seat that is so complicated to fit.
• Choose a toilet seat that will fit the most popular toilet brands (such as Toto, Crane, American Standard and Kohler).
• Find out that’s made of tough polypropylene plastic and make sure the color matches your pan.
• You also want it to look stylish and modern so a great idea is to check out these toilet brands and make sure any toilet seat you choose matches the design of one of these.

How to fit a toilet seat

Step 1 – Get the right measurements

Make sure you get your measurements right. This is the most important step and knowing what you’re doing can save tons of time and frustration.

• The standard measurement of a toilet seat is about 5 and 1/2 inches between the holes, from post hole to post hole at the back of the seat area.
• Make sure you measure the broadest section of the bowl’s width.
• Measure from center to center – start at the center front of the toilet bowl stretching the tape to the center of the hinges between the post holes.

Step 2 – Pick the right toilet seat shape

In the USA, there are two main kinds of toilet seat shapes:

Round toilet seats

Round toilet seats are usually around 16.5 inches

Elongated toilet seats

Elongated toilet seats are 18 inches and the most popular ones in restaurants, hotels and toilets that are in malls.

Choosing the right one will depend on the toilet you have at home. So check it out and make sure you select one that suits the shape of your toilet.

Step 3 – Record your measurements

Not sure exactly what shape your bowl at home is? Ok, here’s an easy way to do it.

Remove the seat from the pan and take a photo of the pan from above.

Take the photo along with you to the hardware store to make sure you get the right seat.

5 ways to make life easier to live with…

Having a pet cat is a real challenge. They are curious and nocturnal. Their independent personality also makes them quite aloof and difficult to train. If you own a cat, make sure you have the right tools to keep a happy cat and a clean home. Consider investing in good quality cat food, kitty litter and the best pet vacuum that you can afford. These furry felines are great companion. Here are five tips for this creature who is said to have nine lives:

1. Get a litter box and maintain it

While this may seem very basic, it’s essential that you don’t just let your cat do its business anywhere. Choose a litter box that is big enough because cats like to dig and cover their excreta. They hate stepping on their poo and pee. It has to be big enough because if they feel that the litter box is dirty, they’ll do their business somewhere else and you won’t like that. You’ll have to clean the litter box regularly. A shovel will come in handy. As for the litter, there are a variety in the market. Choose one that is not toxic to your pet cat and one that eliminates odor.

2. Have poop bags ready

If your cat is not yet well-trained, this is a must. You might have to pick up some cat poo from time to time, although cats usually know how to do their business in a litter box right away without training. Accidents happen. Be prepared.

3. Buy food and water bowls

Get your cat used to eating on one food bowl and drinking from one water bowl. This way, you condition it to know where it is allowed to eat and when it’s feeding time. Clean food and water bowl regularly. Cats are very picky. They won’t eat from a dirty food bowl and they certainly won’t drink old and dirty water.

4. Get quality cat food; make sure you have a variety

Feed your cat regularly so they won’t need to look for food on your dining table. Give them kibbles sometimes and wet food, other times, make them try different flavors. Cats like a change of menu from time to time. Treats are also a great idea. It’s not for training; it’s usually to keep them distracted. You will need it because cats can get very annoying and there will be times that you do not want to be bothered. Treats will buy you some peace.

5. Keep cat food in a secure container, not within its reach

Cats are hunters, and they may try to search for their food when they are hungry or when they just feel like eating. Keep cat food in a secure container and keep it in a high drawer. Cats climb so keeping its food container in a drawer that can’t easily be opened is a must. So if you’re looking to have a cute kitty in your home, don’t be discouraged. Cats are great to live with.

Here are more tips on how to live with a cat in an apartment.