What is the top part of the toilet called?

The top part of a toilet that covers the bowl and tank is called the toilet lid. The lid serves several important functions:

Protecting the Bowl

The main purpose of the toilet lid is to cover the bowl when the toilet is not in use. This serves several purposes:

• It prevents contaminants from getting into the toilet water – Keeping the lid closed prevents dirt, dust, insects, pets etc. from getting into the bowl and contaminating the flush water.
• It reduces the spread of bacteria and germs – Closing the lid when flushing contains water droplets that may contain bacteria and viruses inside the toilet rather than spreading them around the bathroom.
• It contains odors – Keeping the lid closed traps foul odors inside the toilet rather than letting them spread into the bathroom.

So in summary, closing the toilet lid helps maintain a cleaner and fresher bathroom environment.

Aesthetic Appeal

In addition to functional benefits, a closed toilet lid contributes to the visual appearance of the bathroom. An open toilet is considered unsightly by most people. A closed lid gives a neater, tidier look to the toilet and bathroom overall.

For this reason, it is customary to keep the toilet lid down when not in use, both for sanitary reasons and aesthetic appeal.

Safety

Keeping the toilet lid closed also serves some safety purposes:

• It provides a flat surface to sit on – The lid provides a cover over the opening of the toilet bowl, allowing people to safely sit on the toilet with the lid down.
• It prevents falls – Pets or small children may fall into an open toilet, which poses a drowning risk. Keeping the lid closed removes this hazard.

So closing the lid is safer than leaving it open.

Noise Reduction

Closing the toilet lid also slightly muffles noises from the bathroom, like flushing sounds. Leaving the lid open allows more bathroom noises to travel throughout the home.

Different Types of Toilet Lids

While the standard toilet lid lies flat covering the entire toilet bowl, there are a few other styles:

• Split lids – These have two halves that can be lifted independently. One half covers the front of the bowl for men, while the other covers the back.
• Soft-close lids – These gently and quietly lower themselves down rather than slamming shut.
• Slow-close lids – These have valves or air pressure systems that allow them to close slowly.

The type of toilet lid may vary, but lids almost always match the same shape and size of the toilet bowl they are designed for.

Materials Used for Toilet Lids

Toilet lids were traditionally made of wood, but modern lids use various materials:

• Plastic – Molded thermoplastics like polyethylene are lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to clean. Plastic toilet lids are common in most homes today.
• Wood – Natural wood like oak or mahogany can provide a classic, elegant look, but requires more maintenance to keep clean.
• Marble or stone – Luxury natural materials like marble, granite, or stone are durable and attractive but very heavy and expensive.
• Metal – Stainless steel, copper, or other metals can create a sleek, modern, industrial look. But they show fingerprints and water spots easily.

The material the lid is made of depends on the desired look, weight, ease of cleaning, and budget.

Standard Dimensions

Toilet lids are designed to fit the size and shape of their corresponding toilet bowl. The outer dimensions of the lid vary depending on the bowl shape and size:

Bowl Shape	Standard Lid Outer Dimensions
Elongated	About 18-19 inches long, 14 inches wide
Round	About 16-17 inches long, 14 inches wide

Lids typically measure about 5/8 to 3/4 inches thick. The inner cutout that fits into the bowl is slightly smaller than the outer dimensions.

Cleaning and Maintenance

To keep the toilet lid clean and functional:

• Wipe down regularly with a multi-surface cleaner or disinfectant and a damp cloth. Rinse and wipe dry.
• For tougher stains like mold or mineral buildup, use a pumice stone or toilet bowl cleaner.
• Avoid abrasive scouring pads or cleaners that could scratch the surface.
• Inspect hinges periodically and lubricate with petroleum jelly or silicone grease if needed.
• Replace lid if cracked, warped, or will not stay up.

Replacing a Toilet Lid

If a toilet lid becomes damaged beyond repair or you want to update the style, replacing it is a relatively easy DIY project. Follow these basic steps:

1. Turn off the toilet’s water supply valve.
2. Flush the toilet to empty the tank.
3. Remove the old lid and clean off mineral deposits or grime from toilet surfaces.
4. Check that the new replacement lid is the proper size and shape for your toilet bowl.
5. Set the new lid on the bowl. Some lids have plastic or metal bolts that screw into nuts on the underside of the bowl to hold it in place.
6. Reconnect the water supply and test flushing the toilet to make sure it functions properly before putting it back into use.

Always double check that the new lid fits securely and does not rock or shift on the bowl. Carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions for any specific steps needed for that model.

Conclusion

In summary, the top part of a toilet that covers the bowl and tank is called the toilet lid. It serves important sanitary, aesthetic, and safety functions. Toilet lids come in different shapes, sizes, and materials to match any bathroom. With periodic cleaning and maintenance, a quality toilet lid should provide years of reliable service.