A comfort height toilet, also known as an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) toilet or right height toilet, refers to a toilet with a seat height between 17 to 19 inches from the floor. This taller seat height makes it easier for adults of all ages and mobility levels to sit down and stand up from the toilet.
Standard vs Comfort Height
A standard height toilet typically has a seat height of around 15 inches. While fine for smaller adults and children, standard height toilets can be uncomfortably low and difficult to use for taller individuals or those with knee, hip or back problems that make bending down and getting back up again challenging.
By comparison, the 4 to 5 extra inches of seat height on a comfort height toilet significantly reduces the amount of bending required when sitting down or standing up. The taller seat makes this common movement much easier and more comfortable for most adults.
Benefits of a Comfort Height Toilet
There are several advantages that comfort height toilets offer over standard height models:
- Easier for taller adults to sit down and stand up from the toilet without excessive bending or strain.
- Help prevent injury for those with mobility issues or health conditions like arthritis that make bending painful.
- More comfortable experience and less stress on the back, knees, and hips.
- Aid accessibility and independence for those with disabilities or limited mobility.
- Often easier for seniors to get on and off the toilet.
- Provide a more ergonomically appropriate seat height for most adult users.
ADA Compliance of Comfort Heights
In addition to benefiting taller adults and seniors, comfort height toilets can also help public places and businesses comply with ADA regulations regarding restroom accessibility for disabled individuals. The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requires commercial bathrooms to have a minimum of one toilet stall installed with adequate grab bars and a toilet seat 17 to 19 inches high.
Residential Use
While especially beneficial for public restrooms, comfort height toilets have become increasingly popular in homes as well. Homeowners of all ages appreciate the extra ease, accessibility and comfortable seating position comfort height models provide. This style toilet allows kids to transition to the adult toilet and enables multi-generational families to better meet everyone’s needs with one bathroom fixture height more easily.
Even individuals without mobility issues can benefit from the more relaxed, less strained seating that comfort height toilets afford. Once people become accustomed to the greater convenience, most do not want to go back to a lower height toilet.
Types of Comfort Height Toilets
Comfort height toilets come available in different models including:
- Two-piece designs with a separate tank and bowl
- All-in-one “one-piece” integrated tank and bowl units
- Wall-mounted bowls with concealed tank fittings
- Smart electronic toilets with special luxury features
They can be found with standard flush functionality or more water efficient dual flush options. No matter what style or features you prefer, there are comfort height choices on the market to match your bathroom’s decor.
Things to Consider When Getting a Comfort Height Toilet
Here are a few things to consider if you plan to purchase and install a new comfort height toilet:
- Make sure to measure carefully to ensure adequate space exists. In some smaller bathrooms, the added height could potentially make the toilet extend too far outward from the wall.
- The taller bowl height does require a longer toilet supply line for connecting the tank to the water supply valve.
- You may need to adjust, replace, or relocate grab bars to align properly with the new toilet height.
- Check if your local municipality provides subsidies, rebates, or assistance programs for accessibility related home modifications like comfort height or ADA height toilet installations.
By understanding what a comfort height toilet is, how it compares to a standard height model and the key benefits it offers, you can decide if switching to this type of ADA toilet is right for your home or commercial property.
Call 24/7 Emergency Plumber for Immediate Help
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