A guide to tall and comfort height toilets
As we age, certain everyday tasks can become more challenging. For people with strained joints or mobility issues, bending to use the toilet can be a difficult, or even painful, experience. Luckily, tall/comfort height toilets were designed to cater to the needs of people with mobility challenges.
A tall/comfort height toilet is a good solution for you if you’re experiencing discomfort or pain in your joints when using the bathroom. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what you need to know about comfort height toilets, including benefits, cost, and the installation process.
Key takeaways:
Also called a tall toilet, comfort toilets are a good solution for people with joint and mobility issues who can’t easily bend their knees to use the bathroom.
Comfort toilets typically cost between $90 to $1,250 and are easy to install.
What are tall/comfort height toilets?
Tall toilets, also known as comfort height toilets, are toilets that are higher off the ground than standard toilets. While there are slight variations, standard toilets are typically around 15 inches tall, while comfort height toilets usually range from 17 to 19 inches tall. The taller height makes it easier for people with mobility limitations to sit down and stand up from the toilet without straining their joints or muscles. Also, people who are taller than average may choose a comfort height toilet to accommodate their height.
Accessibility is the biggest benefit of comfort height toilets. In fact, you might have noticed that handicapped bathrooms have comfort height toilets because they are an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirement.
Benefits of tall/comfort height toilets
Comfort height toilets provide a variety of benefits that make them the perfect choice for older adults with mobility issues:
Accessibility: The higher seat height of comfort height toilets can alleviate joint pain that happens when you squat low and bend your knees to the sides on a standard toilet.
Safety: The height and shape of tall toilets make it easier for you to transition between sitting and standing, which reduces the risk of falls and injuries and provides you with more stability.
Comfort: Because you don’t have to squat down as far and you don’t have to keep your knees tilted to the side, a variety of people (both young and older) may find a tall toilet more comfortable.
Easy Installation: Unlike other bathroom fixtures, comfort toilets do not require extensive bathroom renovations to install.
Drawbacks of tall/comfort toilets
Comfort toilets are not for everyone. Before taking the plunge and purchasing one, make sure you really need it. A standard toilet may actually be more advantageous when using the bathroom. Some researchers suggest that using the toilet in a low squatting position can make using the bathroom quicker, more effective, and less painful.
Of course, you know your body best! If this position makes going to the bathroom more painful for your joints and muscles, then a tall/comfort toilet may still be the best option for you.
How much do tall/comfort height toilets cost?
The cost of tall and comfort height toilets can vary depending on brand, design, and additional features. According to Home Advisor, these toilets typically range from $90 to $1,250. In comparison, a standard toilet costs between $90 and $450. Comfort toilets are slightly more expensive, but the investment can be worthwhile if the toilet helps with your mobility.
What does the installation process look like?
Installing a comfort toilet in your home is pretty straightforward. If you hire a contractor, the average cost of toilet installation ranges between $400 and $800. The process should follow these steps:
After shutting off the water supply to the toilet, you remove the old toilet by unscrewing the bolts on the ground.
You should clean and remove debris from the area around the toilet. Inspect the flange (the piece that connects the toilet to the drainpipe) and replace it if necessary.
Place the new toilet onto the flange, and make sure it aligns properly with the bolts.
Bolt the new toilet to the ground.
Test for leaks and add any finishing touches.
A few popular brands/models
Before you buy a tall/comfort toilet, it's a good idea to consider all of the brands and models available to you. Below are some popular brands and models to help you get started:
Toto is a popular brand in Japan and is beginning to pick up popularity in the U.S.
Features Include:
Ultra-high efficiency
Ceramic glaze
Tornado flush
Easily customizable
Has a Washlet+ connection
This toilet is sleek and simple but is also affordable for those who don’t want to break the bank.
Features Include:
Affordable
Available with a round or elongated seat
Everything needed for installation is included with purchase
Slow-close toilet seat
Most standard toilets have two parts—the tank and the toilet bowl. These two-piece toilets tend to be more affordable than one-piece toilets, but this one-piece toilet is affordable and effective.
Features Include:
One-piece
Affordable
Dual-flush technology
Soft-close lid
Tall, or comfort, toilets offer older adults and people with mobility issues a solution that makes an everyday task more comfortable. If you're looking to age in place, or you’re seeking greater comfort and convenience in your daily routine, a comfort toilet may be the perfect addition to your home.