If you wonder why some bathrooms have open-front toilet seats, experts from the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials have revealed the answer.
Many people have wondered why public restrooms often feature toilets with open front seats. Unlike the closed oval seats seen in homes, these U-shaped seats are common in public bathrooms. Experts have now explained the reasons behind this design choice, offering insights into hygiene, convenience, and maintenance.
Open front toilet seats: A design for hygiene
A solution to prevent germ spread
Open front toilet seats were designed to minimize contact with germs and bodily fluids.
Hugo Aguilar from the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) explained that the design aims to reduce contamination risk.
“Open front seats minimize the chance of users coming into contact with germs left by previous users,” Aguilar said.
Open-front toilet seats are beneficial for both men and women
Easier and more hygienic for Wwomen
According to Lynne Simnick, IAPMO’s senior director of code development, the open seat design is especially beneficial for women. It allows easier wiping of the perineal area, reducing the chance of contact with an unhygienic surface.
Practicality for men
Men also benefit from the open design. It eliminates the area that might get contaminated with urine, avoiding direct genital contact with the seat. Simnick highlighted that the open seat ensures a cleaner, safer experience for all users.
Practical reasons: Easy cleaning and cost efficiency
The U-shaped seat design allows for easier cleaning by maintenance staff.
Open front seats help make the cleaning process quicker and more effective. With fewer hidden areas, maintenance teams can keep restrooms more sanitary.
Another reason for the open seat design is cost-efficiency.
These seats are often cheaper to produce and install compared to full oval seats, providing a practical choice for public spaces.
The IAPMO Plumbing Code: Design standards for public toilets
The IAPMO Uniform Plumbing Code specifies the need for elongated, open front toilet seats in public facilities.
This design is standard across many regions in the U.S., but some areas have different plumbing codes, leading to variations in toilet styles.
The code also allows for automatic seat cover dispensers as an alternative.
Debates and theories on social media
The unique design of open front toilet seats has sparked numerous debates on social media platforms like Reddit. One user suggested that open seats help prevent urine dribble from landing on the seat, directing it into the bowl instead.
Not everyone agrees on the benefits of U-shaped seats. Some commenters believe that the small gap at the front does little to improve hygiene, pointing out that public restrooms face bigger cleanliness concerns.
One person said: I would imagine that the real reason for this design, is so a man’s “bits & pieces” do not drag on the seat when sitting down and standing up.
A second wrote: I always thought it was to prevent the men who refuse to raise the seat when doing number 1 from dribbling on the front of the seat. Seemed like a good reason to me.
While a third commented: Actually, the seat is less likely to crack under a…, heavyweight.
The open front toilet seat design in public bathrooms is rooted in practicality, hygiene, and cost-efficiency. By preventing direct contact with germs, simplifying maintenance, and catering to the needs of both men and women, this design continues to serve as a standard for public restrooms.