Toilet Seats Warning - Get Back to Basics

In Japan, technology has taken the simple toilet to new heights, but it seems we're better off sticking to more humble toilet seats.

Toilet seats – you'd think they were pretty straightforward. Sure, you can get toilet seats in a variety of colours, you can get a wood-effect toilet seat, or even novelty toilet seats if you want something a little bit different. But the Japanese have taken the humble toilet seat to new heights. In Tokyo, they've manufactured electric toilet seats that are designed to provide a warm-water bidet for toilet users. In fact Japan has excelled when it comes to toilet seats and toilet design. The Japanese super toilets can feature a sound system delivering pleasant waterfall sound effects and toilet seats that warm-up before use, as well as in-built bidets.

Electric Toilet Seats – Costing the Earth

But the rise of the electronic toilet seats has not been without controversy. Although popular in the hygiene-conscious country that is in love with gadgetry, the toilet seats consume vast amounts of water and electricity, making them a nightmare for utility bills and for the environment. In the UK, toilet seats that cost the earth simply wouldn't take off. And it isn't just the eco-minded who are right to be concerned about electronic toilet seats. A series of accidents and fires in Japan have been blamed on the high-tech toilet seats.

Toilet Seats are a Fire Risk

It may seem obvious that mixing electricity with water holds potential dangers, but that hasn't stopped thousands of Japanese using the electric toilet seats. The electric toilets seats with in-built bidets were produced as far back as 1980, and it's been estimated that 68% of households in Japan have one of the toilet seats. But a series of fires and accidents have been blamed on defects and even improper use of the toilet seats. The toilet seats are such a hazard that a warning has been issued to Japanese households. One fire was reported as being the result of a short circuit as a result of a power surge – the electric toilet seats hadn't been equipped with devices to deal with power surges. Another fire involving the electric toilet seats occurred after urine or toilet cleaning fluid was thought to come into contact with an exposed cable. Some of the fires and accidents occurring with the toilet seats are thought to be down to improper usage. The manufacturers of the toilet seats have since issued fliers explaining proper use to prevent accidents. It's not surprising that in the UK, most people would be happy to settle for the humble toilet seat!

Browse a selection of toilet seats at HeatandPlumb.com

Whether you're looking for basic toilet seats or novelty toilet seats, HeatandPlumb.com stock a wide range of toilet seats at fantastic prices. You'll find a wide range of bathroom accessories and plumbing products at HeatandPlumb.com. Find out more, call our dedicated customer service team on 0871 272 22 22 or fill in our online enquiry form.