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Author:
Dorm mom (KS)
My daughter's dorm suite has a commercial toilet seat with no lid. I'm very concerned about the germs (mostly C. Diff) released into the room with every flush since their shower is in the same room. Is it possible to replace that seat with one that has a lid, so they can close the lid before flushing? She has given me the dimensions, and it looks like an elongated seat w/lid would work. I don't know how the current seat is bolted on yet; I asked her to send me a picture of that. Any ideas would be welcomed!
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Author:
Plumberpalmer (MA)
Yes a elongated toilet seat with lid will fit But by my plumbing code they must have an open front in commercial buildings.
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Author:
hj (AZ)
They make open front seats with lids but they are not a common item to find. As for the original question, there are only a limited number of toilets which require special seats adn your daughter's dorm room is not one of them.
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Author:
KCRoto (MO)
Check with the particular campus's maintenance department. You may not be able to exchange it without violating terms of use for the facility, but if you explain your reasoning to them, it is entirely possible that they will replace the seat free of charge, or install the seat you provide for you. Without express written permission, I don't recommend changing the seat at all. Investing in some splash less bleach and/or bleach wipes and a good supply of hand soap will go a long way as well.
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Author:
Dorm mom (KS)
Thank you for such a quick response! I need to check Kansas code, but I know there is a split seat with a cover. Would that work? It's just four girls using it, so I get the commercial code issue, but it's not a bathroom for the "public" per se... Or maybe I could replace it and then put the original back when they move out in May?
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Author:
hj (AZ)
Change the seat and forget about going to the maintenance department. They could care less about your toilet seat.
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Author:
KCRoto (MO)
If you were going to go that route anyhow, I would call the maintenance department regardless, just don't tell them you or your daughters name Jane Smith would work if asked. Yes the seat could be removed and replaced, it is highly unlikely that it was installed with tamperproof hardware, but keep this in mind.. if this was your house, would you want someone altering it without asking you?
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Author:
KCRoto (MO)
Unless someone were to get hurt on, or because of the seat. It is inside their building, on their campus, and they are responsible for everyone's safety. You know better than an answer like that.
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Author:
hj (AZ)
quote; if this was your house, would you want someone altering it without asking you?
It is NOT HER HOUSE, it is a "rental" and tenants do things like that all the time, when a seat breaks and they do not want to bother the owner, or they want a "softer seat".
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Author:
hj (AZ)
quote; were to get hurt on, or because of the seat.
Oh, come on! You are grasping at straws. What's going to happen? The cover hit them in the back and knocka them on the floor where they get a concussion when they bang into the shower stall door?
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Author:
Dorm mom (KS)
With all due respect, if it were my house, I wouldn't want my guests to be exposed to harmful bacteria every time they flushed!
[abcnews.go.com]
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Author:
KCRoto (MO)
Grasping at straws is being overprotective of your child when they aren't bedridden, immunocompromised patients on antibiotics and acid reducing medications. Washing your hands with soap and water is the best prevention, not tampering with someone else's property without permission. Just because it is 'like a rental' and renters 'do it all the time' doesn't make it right. The bottom line is this: Can you change the toilet seat? yes. Should you do it without permission? No.
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Author:
packy (MA)
KC, I with you on this one.
people should have the utmost respect for someone else's property.
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Author:
Paul48 (CT)
Before you waste your money...take a good look at the construction of a toilet seat with a lid. It will stop all grape-sized germs.
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Author:
vic (CA)
To need permission to change or not change the current toilet seat to me is more of a legal or moral issue and speaking as a "landlord" I don't care if my tenants change their toilet seat as long as that before my renter moves out they either re-install the toilet seat that came with the rental or ask me if I would prefer for them to keep the "new" toilet seat in place.
I vote to change the toilet seat if the current one really is bothering you but save the current toilet seat and be prepared to re=install it when she moves out.
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Author:
m & m (MD)
Looks like the ayes have it.
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Author:
Wheelchair (IL)
Personally, I think changing any toilet seat is going to be more difficult... than the subject at hand.
Now that we know the seat can be changed... do you want to go with white, black or something more colorful like Pink. Is it also true that most toilets are cleaner than bath room showers and lavatories?
As for removing the toilet seat, I'd get the name of the manufacturer, like Bemis, Church, Olsonite or Beneke as some are addressed thru the top, while others are addressed from the bottom nut that is dirty, greasy and full of grime and bacteria. Use protective gloves.
I'm kind of favoring the Pink toilet seat or one with school colors.......
Have Fun and Best Wishes
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Author:
hj (AZ)
quote; I'm kind of favoring the Pink toilet seat
Would that be with, or without, sunflowers on it?
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Author:
hj (AZ)
quote; Looks like the ayes have it.
And it only took 25 postings to settle it.
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Author:
bernabeu (SC)
YES - just put 'er on and 'fuh-ged-bout-it'
[www.plumbingsupply.com]
also is code compliant - the code requires the split front but says nothing re: lid
==============================================
"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638
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Author:
Dorm mom (KS)
Thanks so much, everyone! I appreciate your help and expertise
Take care!
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Author:
gj13us (PA)
Who cleans the bathroom? Will your daughter and her roomies be responsible, or does the university have a domestic staff for that?
Reason I'm asking is if there's a university person who cleans it, he/she might notice the different seat, and might mention it to someone, etc.
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