Toilet Tank Lid Frequently Answered Questions at ThisOldToilet.com

Parts and Components For Old, Obsolete, Discontinued, No longer Manufactured Toilets

That's right.... People ask me lots of questions about toilet tank lids! ...Can you believe it?

Pricing & Costs ~ Payment ~ Identification & Specification ~ Availability & Delivery ~ Other Options ~ Other Products ~ Miscellaneous

Pricing & Costs:

Q: How much is the shipping charge?
A: The prices shown include carton, packing, handling and shipping cost. (Our prices include everything!)

Q: Wouldn't it cost less to replace the whole toilet?
A: Well, you may pay less for some toilets at the store, but the entire job may cost you more. For details, Click Here. "It's not just what you pay, it's what it costs you."

Q: Couldn't I get a lid cheaper at a salvage yard?
A: Yes, you could. ...If there is one (salvage yard) in your area; if you are willing to do the work; and if you are lucky enough to find the right one. But salvage yards and plumber shops tend to be dirty heaps of unorganized goods. They don't even know what they have. You're on your own to "pick-your-part." Caution: When rummaging through salvage yards, be very careful of broken or chipped tank lids. The edges are sharp like broken glass and can cut you badly. Additional caution: During the warm season, beware of spiders and wasps living under lids stored outdoors.

Q: Why are the lids so expensive?
A: The value in our price is our service. We are not a self-service, pick-your-own-part junk yard. We are salvage specialists and toilet experts. Our stock is completely sorted, organized, cataloged, and managed. Our service provides expertise in identifying the right lid and delivering it safely to your home. In order to have the one you need, we carry one thousand in stock. This spans 500 different models and colors across 75 brands going back 90 years. Our home delivery service provides great convenience. "We'll wrap it, pack it, and drive it to your doorstep. So, why is an old, used lid so expensive? ...Because we're worth it!

A:Handling, handling, handling... and storage. Think of it this way: The lids are FREE! ...But there is a charge for the overhead to provide the service plus a markup. This overhead starts with our travel to find the lids. Then they are loaded and driven back to our facility. Next is unloading, identification, marking, sorting, storing, and cataloging. (One-by-one.) (...And don't break 'em!) Most lids are stored for years. Some may be stored for ever? We have ten thousand pounds (five tons) of toilet tank lids! ...It ain't easy. Next, this web site is provided and maintained. When an order is placed, the lid is pulled, washed, inspected, wrapped, packed, shipped, and driven to your doorstep. When the process is all over, that ten pound slippery fragile lid has been handled ten to twelve times! ...It's quite a journey from the bottom of a pile, in the back corner of a plumber's shed, to your doorstep.

A: There have been many cost increases since we began in 1999. Plus we have purchased old, rare models to expand our inventory. But we still offer many of the most common white toilet tank lids at our original price of $100.00 including shipping. We are the original "Home of the Hundred Dollar Lid."

A: Remember, our prices include inner and outer carton, packing, handling and shipping. (Did you know that UPS charges $2.10 extra for residential delivery and $2.20 for "special zip codes"? Did you know UPS assesses a fuel surcharge currently at 4.25%.)

Q: Why do some lids cost more than others?
A: Supply and demand. (Basic economics.) Most of the lids we have are no longer manufactured. Some have not been made for over 75 years. Some that we have sold have never been found again. Degree of rarity determines prices. Old and colored are the most rare.

A: Size and weight can also affect the price since our price includes packing and shipping.

Q: Do you take credit cards?
A: Yes. Click the Buy Now button next to the item you want to order. This will transfer you to PayPal , the industry leader in secure online payment service. You can then use your PayPal account or Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

Q: What if I don't have a PayPal account ?
A: Click the Buy Now button anyway. Use the second panel: "Don't have a PayPal account?" Click Continue." You will be guided through credit card payment and check-out.

Q: Can you ship C.O.D.?
A: Yes. If paying by check, some customers prefer this rather than sending a check with the order. However, there is a $8.50 extra fee. (This is the amount charged by UPS for that service.) Add $8.50 to payment amount and specify "Ship C.O.D." on your order.

Q: How do you measure the dimensions of a lid?
A: We measure the greatest outside dimension of the width and depth of the bottom of the lid. That is, turn the lid upside-down and measure side-to-side and front-to-back at the greatest points. (Read our Handling Tips first.) (Be careful of broken edges. They are sharp and can cut you.) Variances of 1/8 to1/4 inch are common because of manufacturing tolerances and depending on where the measurement is taken relative to radiuses and edges. Variances of 3/8 or 1/2 inch are substantial and should be discussed before ordering.

Q: How can I tell what the name of my color is?
A: This is difficult. But here's a way to get started: Bemis Manufacturing in Sheboygan Wisconsin makes toilet seats for many of the toilet manufacturers of today and yesterday. Go to their web site and study their color chart.

A: The names in our descriptions are colored to give an approximation of the color. But the surest thing to do is send us a color sample with your order.

A: A color sample chart showing 94 colors with manufacturer's brand names and their color names is available via postal mail for $8.00. These charts have 1" X 3/4" paint swatches on them. Picture

Our price is your cost. No surprise shipping charges or processing fees added at check-out.
Toilet Color Sample Chart, 94 Colors.	$8

A: Real colored porcelain vitreous china chips from actual toilets are available for $9.00 each. Go to this page.

A: Or take a sample from your toilet to a plumbing store that displays fixtures and compare to those. (Home Depot, Lowe's, etc. have displays.) If there are no bone* displays in the fixture area, go to the toilet seat section. When viewed separately it is difficult to distinguish white and bone*. When held next to each other it is easy to tell the difference.

* There are many "off-whites" - American Standard Linen & Bone, Kohler Biscuit & Almond, Eljer Natural

A: The lids are old, used, and salvaged unless marked with an * or labeled "NIB" (New In Box). There are four categories: Blemished, Damaged, Undamaged, and Pristine. Blemished ("Blem") means there is a manufacturing defect or imperfection in the glazed surface or edge. These are sometimes called B-Grades or "Seconds". Damaged includes chips (a piece is missing); nicks (in the surface only); and cracks. Any damage or blemish that we are aware of is noted in the description of the lid. Damaged and blemished lids are often reduced in price and may be a value for some customers depending on the location of the flaw relative to its view in your bathroom. These items are distinguished with a Red Tag price, such as $100. Undamaged lids may have slight scratches or abrasions from handling; or other minor specks. These conditions are not noted in the description as they are just "The Nature of the Beast." Pristine lids appear new on the top surface, but show signs of use on the under side such as water stains. We will ship the best lid available when there is more than one in stock.

Q: Do you remove old paint from the lid before you send it ?
A: Yes. We have three special tools at our detailing bench for this. We know how to remove all the old paint without damaging the surface glaze on your lid.

Q: What is the "Celite" (Cell-e-tay) brand?
A: Celite is a South American manufacturing plant which has supplied component parts over the years to various American import brands such as St. Thomas Creations, Barclay Products Limited, Laufen (Burgess), and most recently Cheviot. Toilet bowls with the Celite logo on them were actually sold under another brand name.

Q: What brand is UPC?
A: UPC stands for Uniform Plumbing Code, a governing body by which plumbing fixture standards are set. It is not a brand. The UPC stamp merely means that your product meets the code.

Q: What is the difference between a lid, a cover, and a top?
A: Nothing. Over the years various manufacturers have used each of the terms to describe the part. "Cover" seems to be the technically correct term. (Used by American Standard and Kohler.) "Lid" seems to be the more commonly used slang. ...Just as we say "toilet", when actually the technically correct term is "water closet". Lid, cover, and top can also refer to the upper portion of a toilet seat.

Q: Do you have pictures of the lids?
A: Yes, for models marked, "Photo Available" in our stock list. Email us a request stating the brand and model you want to see. We will send you an email with a photo attached. These photos are generally of white lids and are for model identification only, not color identification.

Q: How long will it take for my lid to arrive?
A: From the day we receive your payment, it will take 2 - 3 days to the Pacific time zone; 4 - 5 days to the Mountain time zone; 5 - 6 days to the Central time zone; and 6 - 7 days to the Eastern time zone. Days are working/business days. Add for weekends and holidays. (For items marked *, allow 3 - 4 weeks.)

Q: Will the driver leave the package if there is no one home?
A: Maybe. This is the driver's discretion. If the driver deems it safe, they might leave it without signature. Generally this would be detached single-family residences. Apartments and condos will probably require some one present to receive the package.

Q: Can you rush my delivery if I pay extra?
A: Yes. Below are the additional charges for rush delivery. Our prices already include standard ground delivery. The amounts below are in addition. Purchase your item AND purchase a rush delivery below as an additional order. (Not available if the item is marked with an *.)

Rush, One Day Delivery Time, 11:00 AM delivery.	$88
Rush, One Day Delivery Time, 5:00 PM delivery.	$77
Rush, Two Day Delivery Time	$44
Rush, Two Day Delivery Time for Alaska or Hawaii. 2-Day Air is the only method of UPS delivery to AK, HI. (UPS access a $10.00 fuel surcharge on these deliveries.)	$54
Rush, Three Day Delivery Time	$33

A: In the Pacific Time Zone there is no advantage in purchasing rush delivery since the normal delivery time is two days. Note: The day we ship is day zero. We ship the day after your payment arrives. (Sometimes we ship the same day.)

Q: How can I check on my delivery?
A: If we have your email address (Pay pal orders), you will automatically receive a notification from UPS the day your shipment leaves. It will include your tracking number and an estimated arrival date.You can enter that number at the UPS web site tracking service and it will tell you the status and progress of your delivery. You can also e-mail Lesley to ask for your tracking number. You can phone Lesley to ask for your tracking number. 650-948-3900, M-F, 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM, PST.

Q: Could the lid get broken in shipping?
A: We've shipped lids all over the United States since 2000. Through 2005 only a few got broken, and in each case UPS paid our claim. In March 2006 we upgraded our packaging to an inner-and-outer box system per UPS's suggestion and guidelines. Since then our breakage percentage has been .002% or 2/10s of 1%.

A: We have toured a large metropolitan UPS shipping hub. We know first-hand what the cartons must endure. (It's the conveyor belts too, not just humans.) A Northern California District UPS Damage Coordinator has been to our facility and approved our carton burst rating and our packaging. We do not use Fragile stickers because the handlers just laugh and the conveyor belts can't read. One of Gary's mottos says, "There's right, there's wrong, and there's the way it is!" ...We pack for a rough ride.

Q: Do you insure the shipment ?
A: Yes. UPS automatically provides insurance up to $100.00 We self-insure the balance or purchase additional insurance depending on the value of the lid.

Q: If I come to Los Altos, can I look at your stock of lids to try matching mine?
A: Yes, but you'll need to make an appointment to meet with Gary. (He travels on business and is not always there.) Appointments can be arranged for any day of the week including weekends. Monday through Friday, 2:30 - 4:30 PM is preferred. Phone or e-mail below.

Q: What are your hours?
A: We don't have set hours. We are an office, not a store. Gary, our toilet expert, is available seven days a week via email and telephone. Pick ups are by appointment-only seven days a week.

Q: The item I need is marked "Sold Out". When will you get more?
A: Lids arrive every week. But we don't know what we will get or when we will get it. The lids come from salvage, not manufacturing. Hence we have no control for getting certain models. Upon your request, we will keep you in our back-order file for two years. E-mail us and include your phone number. A customer commented in 2007, "Thanks Gary, we've since gutted the bathroom and started over it's done and the new units are white, thanks for getting back to me 3 years later...You know what they say "Better late than never" I will tell all my friends though..."

Q: You don't have the exact brand and model I need, is there something close you can recommend? & Q: I can't figure out a brand and number, is there something close you can recommend?
A: No. A proper fit of size and shape is important for safety reasons. A misfit lid will not join correctly on the tank. A misfit lid is then susceptible to being bumped off the tank, falling, breaking and shattering into sharp, dangerous pieces. We particularly recommend against substitute lids on toilets in public facilities such as restaurants and gas stations where the risk of an accident (and the ensuing liability) is higher. Secondly, a misfit lid may interfere with flush handle access.

Q: Can I buy a new tank with a lid at the store and put it on my old bowl?
A: No, generally not. The tank at the store may not be the same brand and/or model. The connecting bolts and sealing gasket may not match up. Your older toilet bowl may be of the 3.5 GPF (gallons-per-flush) vintage and the new tanks deliver only 1.6 gallons-per-flush. If you were able to connect a new tank, the old bowl may not function (flush) properly with it. ...You're just asking for trouble. "Daddy, how come something came back after I flushed the toilet?" (1994 = 1.6 GPF; 1982 = 3.5 GPF; 1970's = 5 GPF; older than that = 7 GPF.)

Q: You have the brand and model I need, but not the color. Can I paint it ?
A: Maybe. We have seen a few painted lids that seem to have held up well. But the gloss of paint will never be the same as porcelain. You might consider a bathtub & sink refinishing service (Bathtubs in the Yellow Pages) though the minimum charge to mix a color is $150.00.

A: We can have our bathtub resurfacing subcontractor recolor the lid for you. The price ranges from $250.00 to $325.00 depending on the color. The darker colors like black, brown and navy cost the most. This charge is in addition to the lid. Contact us for details.

Q: My toilet tank is cracked. Can I glue it or seal it?
A: No, this is a dangerous idea. Once a crack has emerged, the tank or entire toilet should be replaced as soon as possible. A crack, even if repaired, may get bigger and in some cases the tank may break apart. In this event, the fill-valve will think the tank is empty and it will stay on and water will run continuously in your house causing a flood and serious water damage. If your tank is cracked, we recommend that you shut off the water supply valve to the toilet right now. Visit our Toilet Tanks department for old, obsolete, discontinued, no longer manufactured, salvaged toilet tanks.

A: There are porcelain repair products on the market, but they should only be used for cosmetic areas such as the lid or exterior of a bowl. These products may not provide structural strength.

Q: Can you get used toilet tanks also?
A: Yes. We have 100 salvaged tanks in stock. Visit our Toilet Tanks page.

Q: Are toilet seats still available for old, discontinued toilet colors?
A: Yes. We can supply new, durable plastic seats in 94 colors to match 13 toilet manufacturers. Go to our Toilet Seats page for information.

Q: Can you get toilet seats for the old Kohler Rochelle (K-3385EB) one-piece toilet?
A: Yes. We can order new replacement seats in white and many colors. Go to our Rochelle Seat Department for information.

Q: Can you get toilet seats for the old Case one-piece toilets?
A: Yes. We have new replacement seats in white for the Case #1000 round-front and #1100 elongated. Go to our Case Seat Department for information. These seats are no longer made in colors.

Q: Do you have toilet seats for the Eljer Emblem toilet?
A: Yes, we have some colors. Go to our Emblem Seat Department for information.

Q: Are toilet seats available for the Kohler Champlain (K-3390EB)?
A: We can special order White or Mexican Sand. They are $320.00 including shipping. Other colors are no longer available. Contact us if interested. The Case 1100 white seat will also fit the Champlain toilet. Though the hinge is exposed chrome versus the original concealed style. $130.00 including shipping. In stock now.

Q: Can you get toilet seats for the Jacob Delafon Fleur toilet?
A: Yes, go to our Jacob Delafon Department for information.

Q: Do you have colored bolt cover caps for the screws where the toilet bowl attaches to the floor ?
A: Yes, we stock plastic bolt caps in many colors. They are $3.00 per pair plus $3.00 packing and shipping plus $11.00 processing fee equals $17.00. You might be able to get them cheaper elsewhere. For white just go to the hardware store. We also have a small collection of original, salvaged porcelain bolt caps. Visit our Bolt Caps Department.

Q: Do you have the Japanese style lid which incorporates a small sink and faucet?
A: No. These are not really add-on toilet tank lids. They are complete toilets which incorporate a lid/sink/faucet setup. The lid is fitted to match the tank and the fill valve water line is adapted to the faucet. In other words, it is a complete system and there is no universal lid/part that can added to the top of your existing toilet. The Japanese arrangement does not meet American plumbing sanitation codes and hence no manufacturer markets them here.

Q: How can I know that you are a trustworthy merchant?
A: Many ways: First, we are a Pay Pal Verified Seller since 2003. Click the link to view our certification. (Pay Pal login required.) Second, we do business as Tjader Sales (though our web store is named ToiletTankLids.com and ThisOldToilet.com.) Tjader Sales is a kitchen, bath and plumbing Manufacturer's Representative serving northern California and western Nevada since 1989. We are members in good standing with the Association of Industry Manufacturers' Representatives and the Decorative Plumbing & Hardware Association. (Link) We are a member of the Los Altos Chamber of Commerce. You can check with the Better Business Bureau to know our record. (We have no record.) Lastly, In June 2007 a columnist and two photographers from the San Jose Mercury News visited our operation to prepare this article. ...We're for-real!

Q: What is your return policy?
A: A lid can be returned within one week of arrival if it does not fit or match color. Call 650-483-1139 for a Return Authorization number. The return shipment must be in the original carton with original packing secured for safe transit and insured if over $100.00. Shipment must be sent freight prepaid. Upon arrival of the lid back to us undamaged, a refund will be issued less a $28.00 handling fee. Refunds for reasons other than fit or color will be issued less a $34.00 handling fee.

Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: If an order has been packed but not shipped there is an $20.00 cancellation and refund fee. If an order has been shipped but not delivered that constitutes a return, not a cancellation.

Q: Do you buy lids?
A: Yes. Currently we are paying $25.00 for white and $35.00 for colored lids not shown or Sold Out on our Stock Pages if they are delivered to our office in Los Altos California. The lids must be undamaged and show a brand name and a number. Phone 650-224-6474 before delivering.

A: We will pick up lids at any San Francisco Bay Area plumbing contractor or wholesaler location. Though nothing is paid for lids we pick up, there is no charge for the travel and labor to remove them. We have removed as many as 300 lids from one location.

Q: I have an old toilet to dump. Where can I take it?
A: Contact your garbage company. They will refer you to approved toilet disposal locations. If you are in Santa Clara, San Mateo, or Alameda counties in California, click this link to find a toilet disposal pick-up service: www.ToiletSalvage.com

Q: How did you get into this business?
A: Gary was born into a family-owned wholesale plumbing supply business in the 1950's and continues in the industry today as a Manufacturer's Representative for luxury kitchen, bath and plumbing products. From 1997 through 2000 Gary was a volunteer advisor on two internet plumbing advice web sites. A recurring question was, "Where can I find a tank lid for my old toilet?" ...Some people were downright desperate: "PLEASE. Help me! Where can I find a lid?" One day Gary took a chance and answered, "I'll find you your lid for $100.00." (...And then thought, "How am I gonna do that?") They said, "Fine, how long will it take?" The lid was procured, the payment was made, the business was born. "Find a need an fill it.", Ruth Stafford Peale John Deere story

Q: How did you end up being an article in the newspaper?
A: An editor at the San Jose Mercury News saw our web site when he needed to replace a toilet tank lid broken by one of his children. He thought it might be an interesting subject and suggested it to a columnist.

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~ It is estimated by Fluidmaster that there are 250 million toilets installed in private households in America. This does not include public facilities, offices, hotels, stadiums, schools, dormitories, resorts, etc.

~ Gallons-per-flush over the years: 1920s to 1950s 7 GPF ~ 1960's & 1970s 5 GPF ~ 1982 3.5 GPF ~ 1994 1.6 GPF.

~ California governor Arnold Schwarzeneger signed legislation to implement 1.28 GPF high-efficency toilets (HETs) in California beginning in 2010. (An Article)

~ Do not flush prescription drugs down the toilet. (Per the Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health.) Although this was a policy used in the past, new evidence and studies show that prescription drugs are not being completely filtered out when passing through sewer treatment plants. Damage to marine wildlife and plant life is an end product of this. (Oh Heavens! The sharks are on Viagra and the salmon are on Prozac.) Please bring any old prescription drugs or medication to your local Household Hazardous Waste Program to be safely disposed of. (An Article) (...Another Article)

~ To avoid clogging your toilet or waste pipes, follow this advice, "If you didn't eat it first, don't put it in the toilet!"

~ If your toilet does become clogged, try adding a few squirts of liquid dishwashing soap to the bowl. Let sit ten minutes. Then apply toilet plunger. The dishwashing soap will greatly increase your odds of success.

~ The threads on the nuts holding toilet tank trip levers (aka flush handles), are opposite of normal. That is, clock-wise to loosen, counter-clock-wise to tighten.

~ If you replace your entire toilet, check with your water company to see if they offer Ultra Low Flush rebates.

~ Remove stains and mineral buildup from your toilet with a pumice scouring bar. (DO NOT use on the toilet seat!) Pumice is a natural volcanic material used for cleaning purposes since ancient times. In addition to cleaning toilets, it can be used on enameled iron or porcelain steel sinks and tubs. (DO NOT use on acrylic or gel-coat tubs.) Works on ceramic tile too. We use it at our detailing bench to remove rust stains and paint marks. Commonly sold at hardware stores, grocery stores and home centers. Also available online below.

Our price is your cost. No surprise shipping charges or processing fees added at check-out.
Pumice Scouring Bar: 6" X 1-1/4" X 3/4", 2.8 ounces.	$6