Choosing the Right Toilet Height For Your Home

The Difference Between Toilet Heights

When you’re looking for a new toilet, you’ll notice that there are two height options available. Standard height toilets usually sit at about 14 to 15 inches from the floor to the top of the seat. This is still what’s found in most older homes. Comfort height toilets, or chair-height toilets, are ADA-compliant and are between 17 and 19 inches tall. Toilets that are taller will make it easier for most adults to sit and stand without straining. This is important for anyone who has knee issues, balance problems, or joint pain. Shorter individuals or children will likely find comfort height models more difficult to use, though. If your home has both kids and older adults, you’ll need to think about which options will offer the best results. You may need to install different heights in different bathrooms, depending on who uses them most. Talk to your plumber if you’re not sure. They can help you figure out the right layout for your needs.

Don’t Overlook Accessibility and Safety

Taller toilet heights will make a bathroom safer for seniors or anyone with limited mobility. As people age, bending can become more challenging. A toilet that’s too low creates a risk of falling, especially when trying to stand back up. Comfort height models make movement more natural and secure. Those who use a wheelchair or a walker will have more independence when they have a higher toilet seat, too. ADA guidelines support comfort height toilets because they help people transfer more easily from their mobility device to the seat. If no one in your home needs these features today, you still need to consider the future. More homeowners are deciding to age in place, and upgrades like these will avoid expensive retrofits later on. If you’re already needing a plumbing repair service or toilet replacement, then you might as well choose an option that will work for the long term.