Reasons To Upgrade To A Soft Close Seat: Key Benefits

Have you ever been startled by a loud bang after accidentally dropping your toilet seat? Or, have you ever been woken up in the middle of the night by a slamming toilet seat? If you answered yes to either of these questions, it may be time to consider upgrading your toilet seat to a soft-closing one. Let’s discuss;

Why Should You Upgrade Your Toilet Seat To A Soft Closing Seat?

Noise reduction, safety, longer lifespan, hygiene, and looks. The damper hinge closes the seat slowly and quietly — no bangs, no pinched fingers. The upgrade takes minutes with basic tools.

In this article, we will discuss 5 reasons why you should upgrade your toilet seat to a soft-closing one.

• Noise Reduction

One of the biggest benefits of soft-closing toilet seats is the reduction in noise. The soft-closing mechanism allows the seat to close quietly and slowly, eliminating the loud bang that often accompanies a standard toilet seat. This is especially beneficial in households with light sleepers or young children who may be easily awakened by loud noises.

• Increased Safety

Soft-closing toilet seats are also safer than standard seats. The slow-closing mechanism prevents the seat from slamming shut, reducing the risk of injury from pinched fingers or accidental slamming. This is particularly important in households with young children or elderly individuals who may have limited mobility.

• Longer Lifespan

Soft-closing toilet seats are built to last. The mechanism used to slow the seat’s closing is made from durable materials that can withstand frequent use. This means that a soft-closing toilet seat is likely to last longer than a standard seat, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

• Improved Hygiene

Standard toilet seats can be difficult to clean, as they often have crevices and hinges where dirt and bacteria can accumulate. Soft-closing toilet seats, on the other hand, are typically designed with fewer crevices, making them easier to clean and reducing the risk of bacterial buildup. This can be especially beneficial in households with young children or individuals with weakened immune systems.

• Improved Aesthetics

Soft-closing toilet seats can improve the overall look and feel of your bathroom. They often have sleeker designs and smoother finishes than standard seats, giving your bathroom a more modern and sophisticated look. Plus, because they are available in a variety of colors and styles, you can choose one that matches your bathroom’s decor.

How To Upgrade Your Toilet Seat?

You may be wondering how to upgrade your current seat. Here’s a step-by-step guide for your convenience.

• Remove the old seat by loosening the bolts that hold it in place. You may need to use pliers or a wrench to do this.
• Once the old seat is removed, clean the area thoroughly with soap and water.
• Place the new seat on the toilet bowl, lining up the bolt holes with the holes in the bowl.
• Tighten the bolts using a wrench or pliers, being careful not to over-tighten them.
• Test the seat to make sure it is secure and functioning properly. Sit on it and make sure it does not wiggle or move around.

Final Words

Upgrading your toilet seat to a soft-closing one can provide numerous benefits, including noise reduction, increased safety, longer lifespan, improved hygiene, and improved aesthetics. With a variety of styles and colors to choose from, you’re sure to find one that fits your bathroom’s decor. So go ahead, make the switch to a soft-closing toilet seat and enjoy the many benefits it has to offer.

Plumber’s field tip: when you upgrade, get a seat with quick-release hinges. You’ll thank yourself at cleaning time — the seat pops off, you clean the hinge area properly, and it clicks back on. And measure your bowl first: round is 16.5 inches, elongated 18.5. Half the ‘defective seat’ returns I see are just the wrong shape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I upgrade to a soft closing toilet seat?

Five reasons: noise reduction (no slamming), increased safety (no pinched fingers), a longer lifespan, improved hygiene (fewer crevices where bacteria collect), and better aesthetics. It is a small upgrade with daily benefits.

Are soft closing toilet seats more expensive than regular seats?

Yes, generally more expensive because of the damper mechanism and added features. However, they are a worthwhile investment for many homeowners, providing added convenience, comfort, and durability.

How do you upgrade a toilet seat to a soft closing one?

Remove the old seat’s bolts, clean the bowl area thoroughly, align the new seat’s bolt holes with the bowl, tighten the bolts without over-tightening, and test that the seat is secure and closes slowly.

Do soft closing seats need special maintenance?

No special maintenance beyond regular cleaning and upkeep. Periodically check the hinge mechanism for wear or damage, and never force the seat down by hand, as that damages the damper.

Are soft closing toilet seats easy to install?

Yes, they are generally easy to install with basic tools in just a few minutes. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure the seat matches your bowl shape, round or elongated.

Sources

• EPA WaterSense