Ask the plumber: Slow-close toilet seat opens up a history lesson

Q. Hi, Ed. I have two plumbing questions for you, one serious and one fun.

First, I’ve read about the new slow-close toilet seats in your columns and think they’re kind of neat. But, really, what is the attraction to them, and how do you justify the extra costs? Second, did you know that the word “plumber” derives from the Latin word “plumbium,” for “lead”?

A. I’m told that the Romans used a lot of lead for their plumbing materials, and basically plumbers were called “lead” workers, with words like “plumbium,” “plumbus” and “plumbum.”

I’m no history expert, so any experts are welcome to weigh in on this.

Now, to the toilet seat. The big attraction to slow-close seats is that a simple touch allows the seat to lower itself. My wife loves this feature, and there’s no argument about the seat being up or down. Usually, that’s all I have to tell most people.

As for price … Most slow-close seats are made from plastic. If you compare them to standard-close plastic seats, the price is not that much different.

Ÿ Master contractor and plumber Ed Del Grande is the author of “Ed Del Grande’s House Call” and hosts TV shows on Scripps Networks and HGTVPro.com. Visit eddelgrande.com or write eddelgrande@hgtvpro.com.