Having a comfortable and accessible toilet can make a big difference in an older adult’s ability to live independently while remaining safe in their home.
In this guide, we will take a closer look at the benefits of owning a comfort height toilet, the different types available, tips for buying one, and the installation and maintenance process.
What Is a Comfort Height Toilet?
Comfort height toilets, also known as “right height” or “chair height” toilets, are a great solution for anyone with mobility issues or prone to slips and falls in the bathroom. It is a taller version of a standard-height toilet, with a seat height of 17 to 19 inches (2 to 4 inches taller than a standard toilet).
The primary benefit of a comfort height toilet is to make it easier for people with mobility issues to get on and off the toilet. Bathrooms are one of the most potentially hazardous rooms in the home due to slippery, hard surfaces. A bathroom with a comfort height toilet is a safer bathroom, especially for older adults.
They can also enhance the look of your bathroom by providing a sleek and modern appearance. Many models are more water efficient than standard toilets due to their taller flush valve and larger trapway.
Types of Comfort Height Toilets
There are three main types of comfort height toilets: one-piece, two-piece, and wall-hung toilets.
One-Piece Toilets
One-piece toilets are the most popular type of comfort height toilet. They have a seamless design that is easy to install. They are also compact, making them ideal for smaller bathrooms or tight spaces.
Two-Piece Toilets
Two-piece toilets are the most common type of toilet, but they also come in comfort height versions. They are more affordable than one-piece toilets, making them a great option if you’re on a budget. Two-piece toilets are also easy to maintain and repair, making them a long-lasting choice.
Wall-Hung Toilets
Wall-hung toilets are a space-saving option that can be installed directly into the wall. They have an ultra-modern look and are easy to keep clean due to their elevated design.
To learn more about the best toilets for seniors click here.
Factors to Consider When Buying Comfort Height Toilets
When purchasing a comfort height toilet, you’ll have many options to choose from such as rough-in size, flush system, bowl shape, and toilet seat.
Rough-in Size
The rough-in size is the measurement from the wall to the center of the waste pipe outlet. The standard is 12 inches, but many older homes or smaller bathrooms may have rough-in sizes of 10 or other lengths. Be sure to measure your rough-in size before purchasing a new comfort height toilet (or, better yet, have a professional installer measure for you)
Flush Systems
Different types of flush systems offer various levels of water efficiency, function, and performance. Homeowners have numerous flush systems to choose from including the popular gravity flush system, the siphon flush system, and the ubiquitous single-flush system.
An option that’s growing in popularity is the dual-flush system which allows the user to choose the volume of water they use when flushing: a full flush for solid waste and a half flush for liquids only.
Bowl Shape
You can choose from two basic toilet bowl shapes for your comfort height toilet: the round toilet and the elongated toilet.
Elongated toilet bowls tend to be more comfortable, which is an important feature for older adults with mobility issues. They also take up more space, which may be an issue for smaller bathrooms or tight spaces.
Round bowls are the more traditional shape and take up less space. They also tend to be less expensive. However, they can be more difficult to use, especially for larger users.
Toilet Seat Types
There are more types of toilet seats on the market than you might imagine, from materials to shape and size. The main factors to consider when shopping for comfort height toilets are comfort and safety. A toilet seat should be comfortable and secure so that it fits the user’s height, weight, and physical limitations.
Installing Comfort Height Toilets
Unless you’re a professional plumber, we recommend hiring a pro to install your toilet to ensure a safe, secure, and leak-free fixture. We find it helpful for homeowners to understand the installation process so they know exactly what to expect.
Installing a comfort height toilet is not particularly difficult but it does require some preparation. Before the installer begins, they will measure the space to make sure the toilet will fit properly. They’ll use tools and materials such as a wrench or pliers, wax ring, water supply line, and mounting hardware.
The basic steps for installation include the following:
- Turning off the water supply valve
- Installing the water supply line
- Attaching the tank to the bowl
- Installing the wax ring and toilet bowl
- Connecting the tank to the bowl and affixing the seat
If you encounter any functionality issues after installation, check if the water supply valve is open and if the wax ring is sealed properly. For leaks, you can use a wrench or pliers to tighten — but not over tighten — any loose connections.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Proper maintenance and cleaning will help extend the life of your comfort height toilet. To clean the exterior surface of your toilet, use a soft cloth with a gentle cleaner. For hard-to-reach areas of your toilet bowl, use a brush with a long handle to reach them more easily.
If you experience any common issues with your toilet such as leaks from the base or from the tank into the bowl, check all connections to ensure they are secure and not leaking. Ensure the flush handle is functioning correctly so you can flush your toilet without any problems.
Occasionally, toilet seats may become loose over time, causing a slipping hazard. If your toilet seat slides back and forth, even slightly, check the connecting hardware. Typically a screwdriver or a finger-tightening is all you need.
Find Help at Havenside
Comfort height toilets offer improved accessibility for people with mobility issues. It can be an essential feature for any home that needs to provide reliable fixtures to ensure their safety and independence.
If you have questions about comfort height toilets or other home modifications, contact the experts at Havenside. We’re always happy to guide you through the product selection process, make recommendations, and point you toward installation or financing options.
