Toilet lid with microlift: how to install - all the pros and cons

Plumbing fixtures today are often equipped with technically advanced devices that simplify operation and increase comfort. These include a toilet lid with a built-in microlift. Is not it?

But due to natural wear and tear of parts and incorrect operation, the system tends to fail. Of course, you can entrust the repair of the toilet lid to plumbers, but in order to save time and money, you can do it yourself. Moreover, in practice it is quite simple to implement.

In this article we will understand the operating principle of a microlift, consider the main types of breakdowns and tell you what is needed to fix them. For clarity, the article contains photo and video materials that reflect the essence of the issue.

Microlift - what kind of device?

The main purpose of the mirolift is to ensure smooth lowering of the lid to prevent it from falling onto the glazed surface of the sanitaryware with a loud popping sound. Such devices appeared on the market a long time ago and have already gained popularity among connoisseurs of comfort.

The seat cover, supplemented with a microlift, is convenient in that it rises and falls smoothly, and the user does not need to hold it from impact

The operating principle of a microlift is functionally very similar to a door closer, but only made in miniature, which is why it is often called a “smooth lowering device.”

The installed device helps solve three problems at once:

• prevents the lid from falling;
• prevents the spread of unpleasant odors;
• eliminates the formation of cracks and chips on the decorative coating of plumbing fixtures.

This seemingly simple product contains a solution that significantly simplifies the use of plumbing fixtures and increases comfort. Due to the fact that the mechanism operates silently, it is not audible when using plumbing fixtures even at night, when everyone in the household is sleeping.

When you sharply lower the toilet seat onto the toilet, the lid makes a sharp, abrupt popping sound, but with the microlift installed, you definitely won’t hear it

There are both budget options on sale and more expensive ones installed on smart toilets with electronic control. Mechanisms from the expensive category are equipped with a presence sensor, which automatically lifts the lid when a person approaches, and returns it to its original position after using the toilet.

Distinctive characteristics

A microlift is a new modification of the toilet lid, which makes it possible to lower or raise it quietly. This specialized mechanism appeared quite recently, but is already in great demand among consumers. The innovation will help prevent many problems. For example, hitting the lid not only makes an unpleasant sound, but the lid itself may crack, and cracks may form on the glazed coating of the plumbing fixtures.

Children are often injured when the lid is suddenly lowered. And therefore, a good option for parents is to buy a seat with a microlift mechanism, which makes it possible to smoothly lower the lid to the first position.

The principle of operation is no different from a simple door closer, and the dimensions of the microlift are considered much smaller. Due to its purpose, the microlift is also called a “soft lowering device”. All today's toilet models are already on sale with a toilet seat with a microlift.

Toilet seats with microlift: product advantages

Toilet seats with a smooth lowering system are a simple, modern and affordable solution for the comfort of the whole family. Such toilet seats have a number of advantages:

• noiselessness - the lid will not fall, breaking the silence with a loud knock;
• practicality - microcracks will not form on the toilet at the point of contact due to impacts of the lid made of hard materials;
• durability - the lid will last longer, since gradual lowering will ensure not only longer preservation of the fasteners, but will also prevent the destruction of the lid made of any material due to impacts on the toilet;
• ease of operation - the user does not need to carefully lower the lid; it is enough to apply minor efforts to engage the smooth lowering mechanism.

The disadvantages include

• Plastic structures. Fragile.
• Some products do not require disassembly, which makes them difficult to maintain.
• The product is very rarely subject to repair.

Note! If you find it necessary to remove the toilet seat for cleaning, purchase a model with a dismantling function.

A toilet lid with a microlift has disadvantages, but there are more positive qualities.

Advantages and disadvantages

Many people do not understand the need to install a toilet with a microlift. In fact, this equipment has many advantages, which makes such an element, if not indispensable, then desirable.

In fact, this design has no disadvantages. The only negative is the inability to quickly lower the seat and lid on your own. If you try and make an effort, the microlift will simply break, as a result of which you will have to buy new equipment.

In most cases, such products are sold for certain types of toilets, although individual plumbing equipment is also available for sale. To choose it, you need to consider several points.

Design features of the device

The microlift is sold together with the toilet lid, but it can also be purchased separately. Covers equipped with closers are made of plastic or its modern version - duroplast. Although this polymer looks like plastic in appearance, its quality characteristics are closer to ceramics.

The material for the manufacture of seats equipped with a microlift is duroplast - a modified polymer that can maintain a stable temperature when exposed to heat.

Fix the device to the toilet in a rigid way. The main structural elements of the microlift:

1. Rod that reliably fixes a rigid plastic installation.
2. Spring to balance the weight of the structure.
3. Hinged micro-lift mechanism , providing a change in the position of the lid.

In more expensive functional systems, the basis of the mechanism is not springs and rods, but pistons and cylinders. Structures of this type are classified as non-removable.

Smooth closing/opening of the mechanism and fixation of the toilet lid in the desired position is ensured by a micro-lift hinge mechanism equipped with a spring

Functional systems, in which seats and covers are supplemented with a built-in microlift, are produced by many manufacturers of sanitary equipment. If desired, you can purchase and install a universal system, which includes, in addition to the microlift, other devices.

They are capable of providing several functions at once:

• adjusting the temperature of incoming water;
• possibility of seat heating;
• high-quality washing, enema and massage;
• extraction of unpleasant odors followed by deodorization.

Many models are often equipped with a convenient self-cleaning function, thereby minimizing the participation of household members in the process of using the plumbing fixture. The presence of a microlift is just one way to make your living conditions more comfortable.

Selection conditions

To purchase a seat with a microlift, you need to know the dimensions of the toilet. They will be included in the warranty coupon or you should measure the surface on which the mechanism will be placed with your own hands, and actually measure the width and length of the toilet.

It is not necessary to measure the distance between fasteners; very often it is considered classic. The seat is a hygienic product that cannot be exchanged or accepted back, and therefore measurements must be specific.

Do not buy the least expensive option, because this may indicate low quality of the product. It would be better to choose a seat with an average price.

The selection of a toilet seat must be done carefully, because it has an effect on the comfort and psychological atmosphere in the family:

• Look at the quality of the fasteners and the warranty period of the product. When choosing a model, you need to start from the design of the toilet.
• A seat with a microlift must be made only from high quality materials, then the product will be comfortable to use and convenient.
• When choosing a seat with a microlift, you can buy a model with additional functions. This can include self-cleaning, seat heating, air aromatization, or motion sensors.

What to look for when buying a toilet seat with a microlift

You need to approach the purchase of a microlift responsibly, because it is purchased for more than one year. Therefore, when choosing a suitable model, pay attention to the following:

1. Size. The device must be sized to fit the base of the toilet. This is important not only for maintaining an aesthetic appearance, but also for increasing service life.
2. Appearance. A toilet seat with a microlift must fit into the interior of the room.
3. Material. The parameter also directly affects the operating time of the cover. The best option is Duroplast. It is durable, hygienic, resistant to chips and scratches. It is not advisable to purchase a microlift made of plastic. The material is not durable or wear-resistant, so it will last you a short amount of time.
4. Price. There is no need to save money and purchase the most inexpensive lid with a microlift - it will quickly fail. The assortment includes a wide selection of products in the mid-price category - this will be the best option, because they have a full range of necessary characteristics.
5. Availability of additional functions. You need to decide on this in advance, because their availability directly affects the cost of the toilet seat. So, there are devices on sale with heating, self-cleaning, and air flavoring. Some of them can reach a price tag of 70,000 rubles.

The toilet lid is an important element of the plumbing fixture. It not only maintains the aesthetic appearance of the room, but also prevents the spread of bacteria and other harmful microorganisms. The microlift system will make visiting the bathroom more comfortable.

Important selection criteria

Almost always, manufacturers adapt their products to a specific type of toilet and sell them together with them. However, there are lids with microlifts for toilets; when choosing them, it is recommended to pay attention to the following criteria:

• So that the lid configuration is adapted to the shape of the toilet bowl. The duration of operation also depends on this. It is also worth noting that size discrepancies disrupt the overall aesthetic appearance.
• Particular attention should be paid to the quality of parts and materials used.
• Availability of automated functions. Lids with a microlift can be additionally equipped with built-in heating, a smooth lifting function, and self-cleaning capabilities.

The range of toilet lids equipped with microlifts is huge. Difficulties may arise when choosing, so it is recommended to first study well-known manufacturers, as well as consult with the seller in the store.

Features of types of toilet seat mounts depending on the material of manufacture

Fastening elements for a toilet seat are of the following types:

• plastic: the most budget option. Plastic is not afraid of moisture, that is, it is absolutely not susceptible to the formation of corrosion and oxides. That is why such a mount will always be easy to replace - it will easily unscrew;
• brass: as a rule, to protect against oxidation, a brass part is coated with a layer of chromium, so the product has a white color (metallic). Brass fasteners are characterized by increased strength and durability. The price of such a set of toilet seat mounts will be higher than that of plastic;
• stainless steel: characterized by good strength and durability, however, rust can still appear on such a surface due to accidental contact with abrasive substances during the cleaning process of the toilet, low quality “stainless steel” (insufficient chromium content), which will cause difficulties when dismantling becomes necessary. The solution to this problem is plastic inserts.

Universal mounts for toilet seats in the Leroy Merlin catalog

The toilet seat (toilet) is an important element that ensures comfort and ease of use of the toilet. As a rule, the seat comes complete with the toilet, but if necessary, the user can always separately buy a toilet seat and fastenings for its installation, which presents absolutely no difficulties. If it is necessary to replace broken fasteners, you can easily dismantle them and install new ones - thanks to the universal design of the fastenings, you can easily select the required set. The main difference between toilet seat mounts is the material used.

Installation

Installing a microlift does not require any special skills. The product is installed in the same way as a regular one.

1. Before installation, check whether the lid fits the toilet.
2. There are recesses at the bottom of the inside of the lid. Insert rubber inserts into them
3. Fasteners, connect the products and secure with bolts.
4. Determine the height of the toilet seat. Install the rubber seal
5. Shade the bolts.

Correct height adjustment guarantees a long service life of the microlift.

Rules for choosing equipment with a microlift

The choice of a toilet seat with a microlift is based on the parameters of the toilet, the structural features of the devices and the materials from which the component elements are made. The Aquasan store offers products from reliable manufacturers for sale, including a tank with similar functionality to the lid. You can place an order for goods at any convenient time of the day.

Here's what to consider before making a purchasing decision:

• compliance of the accessory with the dimensions of the seating part of the sanitary bowl and the location of the holes for support fasteners;
• use of high quality materials and warranty period of service;
• comfortable use and a design solution that is relevant for the interior.

Another selection criterion is based on hygiene standards. As a rule, they limit the service life of the toilet seat to 6-9 months. You can use stone, earthenware and duroplast longer. But wood is inferior in strength and resistance to moisture. Cracks cannot be restored and are a risk zone for biological damage.

Here is a short overview of the characteristics of popular materials

:

1. Plastic is cheap, lightweight, but remains cold, turns yellow, and has low strength.
2. Duroplast is comparatively harder and retains its shape and color for 15 years. But it is more expensive and hardly heats up in a warm room.
3. Metal is rarely used for installation on earthenware units, but it is durable and practically not damaged during operation. The truth is heavy and must be protected from corrosion.

There are plywood models with soft lining. This chair is comfortable to use. The basis can be fiberboard or chipboard for cheap models, but natural solid wood lasts longer. Materials are subject to mandatory treatment with antiseptics and water-repellent agents.

Upholstery and filling are characterized by poor resistance to moisture, mechanical stress and a relatively short service life. The PVC coating peels off relatively quickly at the ends of the lid or seat and cracks. Due to the violation of the tightness of the finish, a favorable environment for the development of bacteria appears.

Plumbing equipment cannot be returned as it belongs to the group of hygiene products. Therefore, before paying, it is necessary to check the product visually and to ensure that the microlift is working correctly. The component elements should be free of unnecessary inclusions, nicks, irregularities, chips and thread failures.

The presence of sealing gaskets and liners must be monitored. They are needed so as not to damage the ceramic toilet. Such parts are installed in the places of fastening elements, on the underside of the seat and cover.

general description

The device for smoothly lowering the seat is a practical addition to the classic lugged bushings. To understand how to repair a toilet lid microlift, you need to find out information about its structure and operation. Another difference is that the device is built into the toilet seat initially.

For the production of devices, hard plastic with a base of formaldehyde and phenol and reinforcing additives is often used. This is justified by the high demand for lightweight, inexpensive polymer seats. Less commonly, for heavy structures made of wood and metal, the microlift is made of stainless steel. Such closers must be periodically lubricated, which can sometimes be difficult.

The purpose of the device is to protect plumbing equipment from possible damage after impact from the lid or seat. In addition to this significant advantage of using a microlift, other positive aspects are noted:

• no noise when moving accessory elements;
• increasing the service life of the product due to careful handling;
• User safety is ensured by preventing the lid from spontaneously falling onto the back.

Plus, the sanitary bowl is always closed, and odors do not penetrate outside. The ease of installation and the permissibility of installing automated systems are also highlighted. But it is not recommended to install and repair compact chairs with a microlift yourself. The reason for this is the relative fragility of duroplast and ceramics. Suitability for troubleshooting may be limited by the design features of the closer.

Main causes of breakdowns

Closer systems produced by leading manufacturers are renowned for their high quality. But natural wear and tear of functional elements and incorrect operation of a “smart” device lead to disruptions in the operation of the system.

The main sign of failure of the mechanism is the appearance of a loud sound that occurs when the lid is lowered due to its falling

The causes of malfunctions in most cases are attempts to manually close the lid “out of habit.” The mechanism's built-in spring is designed for gradual compression. If physical force is used, the mechanical impact disables the device.

The easiest way to solve the problem is to completely replace the cover with a new one, since reinstalling damaged mechanisms is not always advisable. But still, in order to save on expenses, you can repair a broken toilet lid microlift on your own, by trying to disassemble the device and replace its failed elements.

Video material

A seat with a lift device is considered more comfortable to use, and also has the important advantage of extending the service life of the toilet. However, it is worth keeping in mind that repairing a toilet lid microlift with your own hands is not an easy task, and cannot always be fully realized.

Broken toilet lid? What kind of problem is this? Go to the store and buy a new one. But it's not always that simple. There are special covers on the plumbing market that are equipped with a bidet or a microlift, and repairing them will be cheaper than buying a new one. Of course, if it’s an ordinary classic toilet seat, then repairing the toilet lid makes virtually no sense, in this case you can simply waste time and spend exactly the same amount on components as a new part costs. But if a breakdown occurs and there is no way to go to the store for a new one, you will have to take on the matter yourself.

DIY repair

Lid holder

Perhaps the most common breakdown occurs when the base with the elevator rotates and disconnects relative to the toilet. This rotating mechanism is located in the rear of the seat, secured with two bolts made of plastic.

Plastic is a fragile material, so it is only a matter of time before they break. It is enough to replace the bolts with new ones and secure the rotation mechanism.

Also quite often the spring fails. It may weaken over time or even break down, therefore, it ceases to cope with its task. To repair, you need to buy a new part and fix it.

Some breakdowns can be fixed on their own. For example, if the structure begins to creak, it has run out of lubricant. The shortage is filled and the microlift works like new.

You can also fix some mechanical breakdowns yourself. As a rule, we are talking about the toilet lid. For example, it may crack if you sit on it or put something heavy on it.

Of course, because of a crack, it would be a pity to completely change the entire structure, especially if it was expensive. If the lid is made of plastic, it is recommended to pour dichloroethane or acetone along the crack. If it is made of another material, the best option is liquid nails.

Problems with the rod are already difficult to repair. As a rule, it is possible to eliminate the breakdown only if a similar device with an intact rod is found or a suitable repair kit is found in a specialized store. But unfortunately, most often you have to purchase a new toilet lid with a microlift.

Other faults

Mechanism repair is also required if:

• Cracks have formed on the seat or cover;
• The spring is broken;
• There are faults in the rod.

the crack on the seat with dichloroethane or acetone: drop a little liquid on the cracked edges and join them, fixing the lid in a stationary position for several minutes. A badly cracked or broken lid is glued together with liquid nails.

Replacing a broken spring is more difficult to deal with. It is almost impossible to select a similar part in diameter and length. But you won’t be able to find a single element on sale, because the device is considered non-separable.

The same problem arises when it comes to replacing rods. They can only be found in already used, broken similar structures. But this happens extremely rarely. It is much easier and more correct to purchase a new product that has a lift mechanism.

Toilet closer repair

If the microlift breaks down, it is better to contact specialists with the proper experience. They will help determine the cause and type of malfunction, and will also professionally make a replacement and fully restore the functionality of the “smart” system.

Work on self-repair of the built-in mechanism should be carried out with extreme caution, having thoroughly studied the instructions for the product before starting work.

This is especially true if you have to deal with a design that is equipped with several additional functions at once.

Replacing failed bolts

The most common malfunction that can be fixed on your own is broken fastening bolts.

Work to eliminate the defect is carried out in the following sequence:

1. Dismantling the device (you can take the installation instructions and repeat the steps, but in reverse order).
2. Replacing broken bolts , screwed on the back side with nuts, which connect the back of the cover to the elevator mechanism.
3. Assembling the system is carried out in the reverse order with strict adherence to the installation of each part in its original place.

The nuts are screwed onto the plastic bolts from the underside of the toilet. The work is carried out carefully so as not to damage the fasteners.

If you have to screw in brass parts to prevent damage to the surface, you should use intermediate plastic or rubber washers that soften the pressure of the fastener

If it is necessary to dismantle the seat, it is convenient to unscrew the holders manually or using pliers.

Tightening up loose supports

To tighten one of the metal supports securing the seat cover to the toilet body, you need to remove the caps on each leg of the fastener. They are equipped with hexagon holes, although some models do not have holes in these caps.

After this, all that remains is to remove the seat and cover without making excessive efforts. To do this, when open, simply gently lift it up.

The metal fasteners move freely in the holes, so to adjust the position of the lid relative to the tank, you just need to move them slightly forward or back, and then carefully tighten the caps or fastening nuts. In this case, the microlifts themselves do not need to be disassembled.

The spring burst

If the spring fails, then it can only be replaced. Then the microlift will have to be completely disassembled and reassembled. The process can be complicated by two points:

• the mechanism cannot be reconstructed due to the integrity of the structure;
• it is necessary to find a part in strict accordance with the faulty one in terms of size and stability relative to the load.

Content:

• General description.
• Device.
• Possible malfunctions and ways to eliminate them. Identifying the problem
• Trouble-shooting
• Bolts broke
• The support system has weakened
• The spring burst
• The bushing is broken
• The bolts and nuts are rusty
• Piston microlift lubrication

Replacing the seat cover

One of the significant reasons for fatal mechanism failure is the wrong choice of model and errors during its installation.

Therefore, when purchasing a new cover, you should be guided by the following rules:

• take into account the dimensions of the plumbing fixtures;
• pay attention to the shape and configuration of the toilet;
• give preference to products from trusted manufacturers.

The seats on sale with a lid are suitable for toilets of any design: floor-standing, side-mounted, wall-hung. Work on installing a new device is carried out in the standard manner.

When choosing a new model, it is important to take into account the features of the plumbing fixture and pay attention to ensuring that the distances between the system fasteners coincide with the seat fastening locations

To replace a broken cover with a closer with a new one, you will need a set of tools:

• hacksaw;
• pliers;
• socket wrench.

The materials you will also need are silicone or oil to process dried elements. Ideally, it is better to use a special lubricant that, penetrating into the cracks, freezes the rust.

Traditionally, the lid with the toilet seat is secured with two bolts. But in some models a metal pin may be used instead. To dismantle you just need to lower/raise the cover and then unscrew the pins.

If the cover has been used for quite a long period, there is a high probability that the bolts have become clogged, and the fastening points have become coated and “fused” to the body.

To ensure easier unscrewing and simplify your task, the bolts will have to be pre-coated with oil or silicone, but this is not always effective

Using pliers, carefully, trying not to damage the decorative surface of the toilet, unscrew the clamp and bolts. To protect your plumbing from possible damage when working with pliers, it is better to cover the surface with rags or pieces of cardboard.

You should not neglect this recommendation, otherwise if you make the slightest mistake you will have to change not only the lid, but also the toilet. The following article will introduce you to the rules for installing this plumbing fixture, the contents of which we recommend that you familiarize yourself with.

As a last resort, if the processing did not give the desired result and the plastic bolts do not give in, they can be sawed with a hacksaw or cut off with a hot knife blade. There is no need to worry that melted plastic will stain your plumbing fixtures. After hardening, it will not be difficult to remove from the surface.

Having dismantled the old lid, the remnants of dirt, accumulation of rust and limescale are removed from the grooves on the toilet, after which bolts are inserted into the fastening points and the structure is fixed.

Installation of the new cover is carried out in the following sequence:

1. Rubber inserts are inserted into the new seat cover. They provide a soft fit of the product to the seat.
2. Fasteners are installed in the holes on the toilet. They are screwed using rubberized seals.
3. Fix the cover to the seat using metal or plastic bolts.
4. The structure is centered and the seat is checked for fixation strength.

Removing the lid from the toilet cistern: two design options

When you have sorted out the toilet seat, all that remains is to understand how to properly remove the toilet tank lid with a button or two buttons that are located on the tank, reliably hiding its insides from public view, and also from clogging. There are many more reasons to remove this cover than to remove the toilet seat. For example, water may leak from the tank, the liquid may “run away” into the sewer in a continuous stream, not be drawn into the tank or overflow. In all these cases, the structure will have to be disassembled, for which you will first need to remove the cover.

Please note

If you are planning to remove the toilet lid and repair it, do not forget to first completely drain the water from the cistern system, and also turn it off at the underwater pipe. If a special tap valve is not provided there, you can turn off the general water supply taps to the apartment.

It is interesting that earlier, in old, Soviet-style designs, no devices were required at all to remove the lid from the toilet cistern. It was enough to grab it at both ends and carefully lift it, and it would come off the guides on its own, leaving the button with the float free to stand in its place. Now the designs have become more complicated, but not so much that it is impossible to figure it out on your own. For any handy home craftsman, such manipulations will not be difficult.

How to remove a toilet lid with a button

In order to remove the lid from the new design of the tank, you will have to prepare a few but necessary tools. For example, it wouldn’t hurt to take flat pliers, a screwdriver, and a set of keys that may not be useful.

• Inspect the toilet button. Usually it is placed in a ring, which is the upper part of a special sleeve in which the button moves. You need to unscrew this sleeve first.
• There are two options for sleeves, some have a notch for a screwdriver, and others do not. In the first case, you need to unscrew it using this tool, and in the second you simply turn the sleeve, pressing it tightly with your fingers, in a counterclockwise direction. Since this element is most often made of plastic, you need to work with it very carefully.
• When unscrewing the sleeve, count yourself how many turns it took until it comes out freely. This way you can find out how many times you have to turn it when screwing it into place.
• Remove the sleeve and set it aside, grasp the edges of the cover with your hands and gently lift it until the button comes out of the groove.

Once you have opened the button cover, set the part aside and proceed with the repair that was required. After the necessary parts have been corrected or replaced, and all the necessary manipulations have been completed, install the cover in its place and screw the sleeve back into place, holding it by the upper ring.

How to remove a toilet lid with two buttons

Modern designs of toilet tanks may include not only one button, but also two, which provide additional functionality to the device. For example, a double “smart” drain system will save water and, therefore, your money, depending on what kind of human waste needs to be sent to the sewer pipes. Let's figure out what to do if the button on your tank is composite and has two parts.

• Any of the halves of the button (with the water released in advance) must be pushed in all the way, after which a groove for a screwdriver on the second part of the button will become visible on the opposite side.
• Carefully insert the screwdriver and pull the half-button out; it should give in easily, without much effort.
• Looking into the hole, you will immediately see a special slotted screw, which you need to unscrew. Proceed very carefully, since most likely the entire structure is made of polymers that can break, although they are quite strong.
• After the screw is unscrewed, the cover will immediately release and can be removed. Grab the edges of the lid with both hands, pull it towards you, remove it and set it aside, after which you can proceed to repairing the tank.

Practice shows that sanitary ware has a rather fragile structure, so it must be handled with care. It can crack, crumble or simply burst even from a small impact. Therefore, try not to throw the lid or knock anything on its surface.

Some useful tips for novice plumbers

After reading the article, it is expected that it will be much easier for you to figure out how to remove the microlift cover, remove the cover from the tank and do all this thoroughly, easily and quickly. However, professional craftsmen share some tips that it wouldn’t hurt to take into account when starting work in order to avoid annoying troubles and mistakes.

• As soon as you remove the lid to repair the tank, it is best to immediately remove it from the premises. This will allow you not to worry that you will accidentally touch it and ruin it.
• Install the cover and secure it only when you are completely sure that the system is working properly. Otherwise, you will have to do everything again, from beginning to end, or even several times.
• Make sure the float is in the correct position and there is no overflow before screwing the cap into place.

Due to the fact that there is a huge amount of a wide variety of plumbing fixtures on the modern market, there may be some design differences between different designs. The buttons may not be round, but square or even triangular, but still, the essence and operating principle of such a design does not change.

If you have tried everything, trying to remove the lid from the toilet with one or two buttons, as well as with a microlift, but have not achieved anything, then you will have to turn to professionals so as not to completely break the structure, which will subsequently entail its complete replacement, and this can be quite costly.

Preventive measures

To prevent malfunctions from occurring, you must follow the rules for using the mechanism. The first thing to remember is that you cannot put additional pressure on the lid or seat. It should work at a slow pace initially.

Every 2-3 months it is necessary to monitor the position of the toilet seat. If deviations occur, adjustments are made. To do this, you need to loosen the supporting fasteners, align them and fix the structure again.

Cleanliness must be maintained. Blockages provoke corrosion of parts, interference with movement, and as a result, failure of individual elements or equipment in general. In addition, pollution becomes a comfortable place for the development of bacteria and the appearance of an unpleasant odor.

Is it worth buying a toilet seat with a microlift?

Strengths of a microlift for plumbing:

• silent lowering/raising;
• absence of scratches, chips, cracks on the installed structure, thanks to the smooth,
• neat operation of the mechanism;
• long service life with proper use;
• simplicity and speed of installation;
• Some models have a presence sensor.

However, along with the advantages, the microlift mechanism for the toilet lid also has weaknesses:

• easy to break due to physical impact;
• cannot close quickly if necessary, since only one mode works - smooth;
• difficult to repair and restore, and some elements cannot be replaced or repaired at all;
• During disassembly, damage to internal parts and connections may occur.

Only after assessing the positive and negative qualities of a microlift can you make a choice for or against the purchase.

Set of smooth lowering mechanisms (microlift) 27 mm for Dino Plast seats

Set of smooth lowering mechanisms (microlift) 30 mm for Dino Plast seats

Set of smooth lowering mechanisms (microlift) for lid and seat for VITRA toilets

Set of soft lowering mechanisms for toilet lid and seat for SenSea Borneo

Set of microlift smooth lowering mechanisms for the toilet seat lid Gustavsberg Estetic

A set of smooth lowering microlift mechanisms for the toilet seat cover Gustavsberg Nautic

Set of microlifts for seat cover Sanita Luxe 30 mm

Set of microlifts for toilet Sanita Luxe Classic 35 mm

Disadvantages and advantages

The toilet lid with a microlift has become quite famous today, because this design has many good qualities:

• the microlift mechanism makes it possible to lower the toilet lid carefully and smoothly, and therefore the decorative coating will remain without scratches and the lid will not break;
• the service life of a seat with a microlift becomes much longer;
• the microlift mechanism works quietly, which is considered especially important at night when everyone is sleeping;
• The microlift design can work automatically: when you enter a plumbing unit, the toilet lid rises on its own; when you leave the room, it goes down. But only expensive models equipped with motion meters or thermal meters play this role;
• installation of this mechanism is considered very simple and quick.

A seat with a microlift also has certain disadvantages:

• the smoothness of the design prevents the lid from quickly closing when this kind of need arises;
• if physical force is used to close the toilet lid, the mechanism may fail;
• the structure is quite difficult to reconstruct or repair;
• if the mechanism is dismantled, then parts and internal connections can be damaged;
• When assembling, you should memorize the instructions exactly.

Inexpensive plastic lids with micro-lift function

They do not have a long service life and require special, careful handling.

If you have small children, you should not buy this unit. With several forced lowering of the lid, and children will do this out of curiosity, the structure will become unusable.

Duroplast

Products made from Duroplast are popular. The material is durable, easy to clean, antibacterial, and tolerates chlorine and cleaning agents. In combination with metal fasteners, one of the best options.

Tree

Wooden lids are more expensive; the microlift mechanism is always made of metal.

Important! Wood is a heavy material; if the seat is unsuccessfully lowered or the lid hits the cistern, it can easily damage the toilet. This product simply needs a microlift.

Varieties and manufacturers

Today's plumbing manufacturers produce an extensive collection of toilets. The cost of premium class products with a special design can be $1000, and with full automation it can reach $2500. But new and simple models are many times cheaper. They are available to every buyer.

The materials used for seats are plastic, wood and duroplast. Recently, products made from duroplast, a wear-resistant and harmless material similar to ceramics, have been in great demand. It is not afraid of scratches and does not lose its original color. Duroplast seats are more durable than their plastic counterparts and are easy to clean. Duroplast is not afraid of exposure to bleach and other cleaning chemicals.

Lids with an additional function called Quick Release are very convenient. By pressing the two latches you can instantly remove them. After this, it is very easy to sanitize both the lid and the toilet. These products are finding more and more adherents.

There are products with built-in air freshening capabilities. In these versions, the seats are equipped with cells that are filled with odorous silicone.

Models of Russian and foreign brands

Santek and Kirovskaya Keramika are considered popular domestic brands. All their products are manufactured using high-quality European equipment. The cost of the products is quite reasonable.

Another famous manufacturer is the Roca Group. A couple of years ago she linked up with Santek. This has had a noticeable impact on the style of the products and has led to improved quality and reliability of the products.

Foreign manufacturers whose products have proven themselves in the domestic market:

1. Portu is a Chinese company that works with nanocoatings and produces products in different styles and colors;
2. Orsa is an Italian company that produces exquisite models of the highest quality;
3. Gustavsberg is a Swedish company that produces high quality models at reasonable prices.