Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know what shape my toilet seat is?
Most toilet seats are either round front or elongated. Round front is more popular
in residential bathrooms.
Round front bowl seats measure 16.5” from the center of the mounting bolts
to the end of the bowl and a width of 14”.
Elongated bowls (oval shaped) measure 18.5” from the center of the bolts to
the end of the bowl. The measurements may vary slightly from different toilet manufacturers.
Standard toilets have a seat bolt measurement of 5 ½” on center.
If the toilet seat is different looking and you do not think it is round or elongated,
if you do not see it in our specialty column, email us a photo.
Do you have color seats?
You can click on our color chart. If you see a color you think matches, you can
cross reference the color with different manufacturers.
How do I know what brand toilet I have?
Most manufacturers mark their name on the bowl inline with the seat hinge. You can
usually find the make, model number, and date on the underside of the toilet tank
cover. Many manufacturers will also stamp the tank with a model number.
How do I get the old toilet seat off?
On most seats, the bolts are mounted from the top with a nut on the underside of
the bowl. There may be a cover that snaps back, covering the top of the bolt.
Can I cut the toilet seat off?
Yes. Not the first plan of attack, but sometimes it is necessary to cut off the
bolts. If you are going to cut the bolts, be careful of scratching the china bowl.
The best saw to use would be a keyhole saw, or a hacksaw blade with a mini handle.
Can I chisel the toilet seat off?
You would be surprised how many people break the toilet bowl using a hammer and
chisel or screwdriver to try and pry or chisel the seat off. NEVER use a hammer
on any part of a toilet!
If your seat has a metal bolt and nut, use a penetrating oil to help free up the
rust.
Can I use a torch to remove the bolts?
A torch is not recommended. Be careful if you use a torch. The china can crack when
heated with a torch. You may melt the bolt, but the odds are you will break something
when using a torch.
What is the difference between wood and plastic toilet seats?
Wood seats of today are usually painted pressed board with plastic hinges. There
are solid wood seats that are usually stained, and more expensive.
Plastic seats come in different grades. Most classic color seats are made only in
the better grade of plastic seats. These seats have a good heavy duty plastic hinge
design. The color on the plastic seat is throughout, and should last significantly
longer than color wood seats.
Is there a more durable toilet seat than plastic?
Yes. Bemis makes the Alesio. This seat is made of Coralink Material. This seat is
a solid surface, anti-microbial material. It has a porcelain-like finish.
What is a slow close hinge?
Toilet seats have come a long way in the bathroom of today. Slow close is a seat
hinge that lowers the cover slowly. Your kid can not slam the lid shut! The men
in the house no longer have an excuse, the can just tap the lid to close when the
walk away.
Is there a toilet seat for a very heavy person?
Yes. Bemis make the Paramont. It is an oversized, solid plastic, chrome hinged seat.
It is .75” wider on each side with a weight capacity of 500 lbs.
My elderly parent has moved in, is there a round toilet seat that is taller?
Yes. We sell 2” and 3” lift toilet seats for both round and elongated
bowls. See our medical/ lift seats section.