Yes, there are several ways to raise the height of a toilet. The most common reasons for raising a toilet include accommodating someone with disabilities or mobility issues, adjusting for comfort, and meeting plumbing code requirements.
Some key questions when considering raising a toilet height include:
- Why do you need to raise the toilet height?
- How much height do you need to add?
- Is this a permanent or temporary adjustment?
- What is your budget?
- Do you want to raise just the bowl or the entire toilet?
There are several options for raising toilet height depending on your needs and budget. The main methods are using a toilet riser, replacing the toilet, adding a new taller base, or installing an ADA compliant comfort height toilet. Each has pros and cons to consider.
Page Contents
- 1 Reasons for Raising a Toilet
- 2 How Much Height Is Needed?
- 3 Permanent vs Temporary Options
- 4 Budget and Cost Considerations
- 5 Raising Just the Bowl or Entire Toilet
- 6 Options for Raising Toilet Height
- 7 Step-by-Step Process to Raise a Toilet
- 8 4 Key Tips for Raising a Toilet Correctly
- 9 Potential Issues and Solutions
- 10 Conclusion
Reasons for Raising a Toilet
Here are some of the most common reasons for raising the height of an existing toilet:
Accommodating Disabilities
Raising toilet height is often done to make using the bathroom easier and more comfortable for people with disabilities, mobility issues, or medical conditions.
For example, elevated toilet seats can make it easier for those with knee, hip or back problems to sit down and stand up. It reduces bending and strain.
Standard toilet heights are often too low for wheelchair users to transfer on and off safely as well.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) recommends a minimum toilet seat height of 17-19 inches. Comfort height and ADA compliant toilets are around that height.
Improving Comfort
Even if you don’t have a specific medical reason, raising the toilet can help make using it more comfortable, especially as you age.
Standard toilet seat height is around 15 inches. For many adults, this can feel too low and cause strain on the knees, back and hips when sitting down and standing up.
Raising it just a few inches can create a more comfortable “chair height” for using the bathroom.
Meeting Plumbing Codes
In some cases, raising the toilet might be required to meet local plumbing codes for proper drainage and venting.
Most standard toilets have a drain height between 11-13 inches. In areas with high wastewater levels, a toilet flange height of at least 15 inches may be required.
This helps ensure adequate downward slope for drainage and proper venting of sewer gases. If your flange is too low, raising the toilet might be the simplest option.
Matching Other Fixtures
For aesthetic reasons, you may want your toilet to match the heights of other fixtures installed in the bathroom.
For example, you may have a comfort height or ADA compliant sink or vanity installed at 34 inches. Having your toilet seat match or be close to that same height can provide a clean, consistent look.
How Much Height Is Needed?
When looking at raising toilet options, first determine how much additional height you actually need:
– 1-2 inches for moderate comfort height
– 3-4 inches for optimal comfort and ADA compliance
– 5 inches or more for elevated ADA toilets
In general, the range of 17-19 inches (measured from floor to the top of the toilet seat) is recommended for ADA residential toilets. Anything lower than 15 inches can start to be uncomfortable for many adults.
Measure your existing toilet height, then decide how much you want to increase that based on your needs. This will help determine which toilet riser or replacement options will work for your situation.
Permanent vs Temporary Options
There are options available for both permanently and temporarily raising your toilet height:
Permanent
Permanent toilet height solutions include:
– Replacing the toilet with a comfort height or ADA compliant model
– Installing a new, taller toilet base and bowl
– Raising the flange and using a riser kit designed for permanent installation
These provide long-term ways to increase your toilet height that don’t need to be frequently removed. Permanent options tend to have a higher upfront cost.
Temporary
If you only need to raise the height temporarily, there are removable options:
– Portable toilet seat risers that fit under or on top of your existing seat
– Detachable riser rings and frames that can be added and removed when needed
– Cushions and seat lifts that sit on your existing seat
Temporary options allow you to modify the height as needed. They tend to be more affordable, but need to be installed and removed each time.
Budget and Cost Considerations
Convenience, permanence and amount of height needed all impact the cost to raise your toilet. Here are average price ranges for common options:
Toilet seat risers: $20 – $50
Riser rings or frames: $50 – $100
New toilet base: $150 – $250
New comfort height toilet: $200 – $500
New ADA compliant toilet: $400 – $1,000+
Seat risers and cushions provide the most budget friendly options for adding a small amount of height. Replacing the entire toilet or base has the highest upfront cost, but can provide the most dramatic and permanent increase.
Raising Just the Bowl or Entire Toilet
When installing a permanent height solution, you can choose to:
Raise just the bowl – This maintains your existing tank but replaces the bowl with one that sits higher off the floor. You then reinstall the tank on the elevated bowl.
Replace the entire toilet – You remove both the tank and bowl and replace with a new comfort height or ADA compliant toilet.
Raising just the bowl can provide cost savings over replacing the entire toilet. However, you need access underneath the tank area to remove and install the new bowl. Replacing the whole toilet is simpler but costs more upfront.
Options for Raising Toilet Height
Here are details on the common options to increase toilet height:
Toilet Seat Riser
A toilet seat riser fits underneath or on top of your existing toilet seat to add 1-4 inches of height. Risers designed for comfort or ADA compliance add 3-4 inches typically.
Risers come in different materials like plastic, steel or aluminum. They add minimal height, are inexpensive and easy to install. But they need to be removed to use the toilet normally.
Riser Ring/Frame
A riser frame or ring fits between the bowl and seat to add height. These range from 1-6 inches of added height and many are adjustable.
They can be detached easily for temporary use. Rings often feel more secure than standalone seat risers. But exposure beneath can allow more dirt and grime buildup.
New Toilet Base
For a permanent option, you can install a new taller base and bowl while keeping your existing tank.
First remove the old bowl. Install the new toilet base so it sits higher off the floor. Reinstall the tank on top at normal height. Most toilet bases add 3-4 inches of height.
This allows bowl replacement without moving plumbing. But it requires uninstalling the tank and good access to remove the old bowl.
New Comfort Height Toilet
Replacing your entire toilet with a new comfort height model gives a permanent boost of 3-4 inches typically. These are a chair height of around 17-18 inches for improved accessibility and comfort.
Comfort height toilets require full toilet replacement. But offer optimal seat height in a standard sized fixture. Some include advanced flush performance too.
New ADA Compliant Toilet
For maximum accessibility, ADA toilets provide a seat height of 17-19 inches. Some comply with full ADA regulations for commercial use.
These toilets are often 3-4 inches taller than standard. Wall-hung models can allow even more height adjustments. ADA toilets ensure accessible seating height for wheelchair transfers.
Step-by-Step Process to Raise a Toilet
Here are the general steps to raise your toilet height:
1. Measure – Determine your existing toilet height from floor to seat top. Decide how much height you want to add based on your needs.
2. Choose method – Select a toilet riser, new base or full replacement toilet based on your goals, budget and permanence needs.
3. Purchase equipment – Buy the riser, new toilet base or full toilet replacement required to add height.
4. Turn off water – Shut off the water valve behind or alongside the toilet. Flush to empty tank.
5. Remove old toilet – Take off supply line and unbolt base from floor. Remove existing bowl and base if replacing.
6. Install equipment – Add riser or install new taller base/toilet. Reconnect supply line.
7. Turn on water – Reopen valve and allow tank to fill. Test for leaks and proper operation.
8. Seal gaps – Seal any gaps between new base/toilet and floor using putty, caulk or wax ring.
Always follow manufacturer instructions for proper safety, installation and use when raising your toilet. Consider hiring a plumber for added help and expertise if doing a full replacement.
4 Key Tips for Raising a Toilet Correctly
Here are important tips to raise your toilet safely and effectively:
1. Measure carefully – Getting accurate toilet measurements ensures you get the right additional height you need.
2. Secure tightly – Wobbly toilets can leak and damage floors. Tighten all bolts, gaskets and equipment connections properly.
3. Level perfectly – Use shims during install to level the toilet and prevent rocking. Proper level helps align connections.
4. Seal thoroughly – Fill any gaps between new toilet and floor with putty or caulk for stability and to prevent leaks.
Taking careful measurements, securing connections, leveling correctly and sealing tightly will ensure safe toilet function after raising height.
Potential Issues and Solutions
While usually straightforward, here are some potential issues and how to troubleshoot them when raising your toilet:
Rocking/Unstable – Use shims under the base to level and stabilize. Tighten all bolts and connections.
Leaking – Check putty seal to floor. Make sure connections are tight. Adjust toilet angle/leveling as needed.
Poor Flush – Ensure proper toilet angle for adequate siphon during flush. Adjust height of fill valve as required.
Too Tall – For excessive height, place a stool or small platform in front to assist sitting. Or uninstall and adjust height.
Too Low – If still too low, add a thicker riser, replace the base, or install a taller toilet.
Consult a professional if you continue having issues. Raising a toilet takes precision, so don’t hesitate to call in help to resolve any problems.
Conclusion
Raising the height of your existing toilet can provide added comfort, accessibility and convenience. There are several effective options to choose from depending on your needs and budget.
With accurate planning and professional installation, raising toilet height is a relatively straightforward DIY bathroom project. Just be sure to measure carefully, secure components tightly, properly seal connections and level the toilet correctly.
Making this simple adjustment allows you or family members to comfortably and safely use the facilities. Just be sure to choose the right method and height increase based on each person’s needs.