Are you in the market for a new toilet seat but unsure if you can use an elongated seat on your round toilet? It’s a common question, and the answer may surprise you.
While round toilets are designed to accommodate a round seat, it is possible to use an elongated seat with some modifications.
However, before you go out and buy an elongated seat, it’s essential to understand the potential pitfalls and how to avoid them. For example. It may not fit properly and could potentially cause discomfort or instability.
Round toilets are circular, while elongated seats are designed to fit toilets with an oval bowl. If you decide to try using a long seat on a round toilet, measure both the bathroom and the seat carefully to ensure a proper fit.
It’s also a good idea to check the manufacturer’s instructions for both the toilet and the seat to see if they are compatible with each other.
It’s fortunate that most toilets have a 12-inch rough-in, so these ideas have some hope. Getting the measurements of an elongated seat for a round bowl takes some time.
Make sure you know the exact dimensions of the product. By reading this article, you’ll be able to appreciate the details of this delicate process.
Behind Elongated and Round Toilet Seats
Having a round and elongated toilet seat is not universal in the United States. A toilet seat can be distinguished by shape and measurements, as round versus elongated toilet seats are the standard dimensions.
A round toilet seat measures 16.5 inches long and 14 inches wide, whereas an elongated one measures 18.5″ long and 14 inches wide.
You can see the difference in their lengths. It is popular among men, mainly because of the extra space on the elongated seat. Toilets with this seat style are common in commercial and business areas such as airports, hotels, and gas stations.
As opposed to this, round toilet seats are often found in houses and homes. It is a good option if you have limited space in your bathroom or washroom.
Additionally, its compact design is more desirable than that of the elongated seat. Round seats are smaller than square ones, so you may save money.
Standard US toilet sizes are elongated and round, as introduced. Besides knowing the measurement, itself, you should also be familiar with the parts that make up the measurement.
First, the toilet seat’s bolt gap must be measured regardless of the shape of the toilet bowl.
There are usually 5.5 inches between each seat post hole, called a seat post hole. It is also important to note that the width of the toilet remains the same, regardless of the shape.
In other words, you cannot always say that an elongated toilet seat will fit an oversized round toilet seat.
Occasionally, the width will vary, but not by more than half an inch. Thus, it is justifiable to answer, ‘Yes’ to the question of ‘Will elongated toilet seats fit the standard toilet?
What Is the Difference Between Round and Elongated Toilet Seats?
A round toilet seat, on the other hand, is generally smaller and more rounded. It’s a round bowl measuring 16.5 inches (41.91 cm) and an elongated pot measuring 18.5 inches (46.99 cm).
Often, children consider elongated seats to be more comfortable and more accessible. Furthermore, it’s ADA-compliant, so those with mobility issues are able to use it easily.
You’ll likely need an elongated toilet seat to ensure you can use the toilet seat without much difficulty. If you have extra space, you should definitely consider getting one with the added support.
Aside from the size difference, there is no real difference between the two seats besides comfort level and ease of use, which is subjective. You can interchange them if you know what you’re doing and have some toolbox experience.
Guide to Measuring the Toilet Seat
If you intend to switch to an elongated seat for comfort, you should take down measurements even if you know about standard sizes. Ensure that the seat’s length, width, and postholes are correct.
Seat Post Holes
If you measure the distance between the seat post holes, you can determine if your toilet is a standard size. To obtain the correct numbers, you just need to connect the holes.
If you remove the seat, doing it that way is convenient. Nonetheless, as long as your measuring tool is centered, it is fine not to line it up accordingly.
Width
There is a standard width of 14 inches, as mentioned before. But it’s not wrong to measure it as a measure of assurance.
For a concise measurement, measure the widest part of the toilet part. In order to avoid falling short of digits, is it edge to edge?
Length
This is the most important factor over the other two. You must pay attention to things if you don’t want to mess them up.
You should still not ignore the width and seat post holes if you’re replacing an elongated toilet seat, as you need the standard seat.
The length must be measured between the seat holes until the bowl’s end. It’s safe to measure until the bowl’s edge to prevent getting a shorter measurement.
Putting an Elongated Toilet Seat on a Round Bowl
Most toilets have 12-inch rough-ins, and it’s a good thing. It is, therefore, possible to fit an elongated seat on a round toilet. If the rough-in is larger, you can still do it.
Plumbing configurations or wall adjustments are necessary to increase the toilet’s size. You can expect these procedures to be demanding, but they are well worth it if you wish to enjoy extra comfort.
This will benefit you in many ways, such as improving sanitary conditions since less urine will drip into the bowl.
Should You Put an Elongated Bidet on a Round Toilet?
Our recommendation is not to do so. What are some situations in which it’s okay to do so?
This method can work as a temporary solution for users who have a round toilet and plan to move the bidet seat to an elongated toilet in the near future, given that the user is aware of and careful about the issues discussed.
Despite mounting perfectly on a round toilet, an elongated bidet seat will lack the attractive appearance and comfort of a round one.
Can You Replace a Round Toilet With an Elongated Toilet?
Alternatively, you can replace your round toilet with an elongated one. When replacing a round toilet, the same process applies as when replacing an old toilet.
To transform your toilet seat’s aesthetics and feel, follow these steps if replacing the seat is not enough.
- Flushing the toilet and turning off the water supply will remove the water from your old toilet.
- Slowly lift the nuts from the bottom of the tank and unthread them. To prevent cracks, wear gloves if you have an older toilet.
- Tankless toilet bowls are secured to the floor by nuts. Remove those nuts, and the bowl will disappear from the floor.
- Repair or replace any flanges that are necessary to connect the toilet to the drainpipe.
Once the old toilet has been removed, replace the bolts that hold the toilet to the drainpipe, attach the wax ring, and place the new toilet bowl on top.
Prior to tightening the bolts, make sure the bowl is over the bolts and in square relation to the wall. After the toilet is secure, replace the nuts on the tank and attach the new nuts.
The final step is to attach your new elongated toilet seat by lining up the seat with the two holes on the toilet. Put the nuts and bolts into the holes, and you’ve got yourself a functioning toilet and seat!
It may feel different the first time you sit down on an elongated toilet seat; however, you will probably find the new setup much more comfortable after you start using it.
If you are not used to it, the new seat may take some time to adjust to after a few uses.
Final Words
Does Any Solution Exist? A different-sized toilet can be swapped for a bidet seat, or a different-sized toilet can be installed.
There are a variety of bidet seats available, including round and elongated ones. In this case, the seat and lid portions can be swapped out to make it a different size.
