Buyers GuideUpdated July 18, 2026
Older homes in University Park often have original bathroom fixtures that aren't as user-friendly as they could be. Many toilets from the 1970s and 80s were installed before comfort-height models became common. Standard toilets tend to sit several inches lower, which can be tough on anyone with mobility issues, knee pain, or who just wants a bit more ease using the bathroom.
Why Comfort-Height Toilets Are Worth Considering
Comfort-height toilets, sometimes called "right height" or "ADA height" toilets, typically measure about 17 to 19 inches from floor to seat. That's a couple inches higher than a standard model, and it makes a real difference for a lot of folks. This extra height reduces the strain on knees and hips, which is especially helpful for seniors, taller adults, or anyone facing mobility challenges.
In University Park, with a large number of homes built decades ago, we see a lot of original, standard-height toilets still in place. Upgrading to comfort-height not only brings your bathroom up to newer standards but also improves safety and convenience for everyone in the house.
What to Watch for in Older University Park Bathrooms
Homes built in the 1970s and 80s around here tend to have aging plumbing and sometimes outdated rough-in dimensions. The rough-in is the distance from the finished wall to the center of the toilet drain. Most modern homes use a 12-inch rough-in, but we still see plenty of 10-inch and even some 14-inch setups in local houses. Double-checking this measurement before ordering your new comfort-height toilet avoids expensive surprises.
Other things we check include the condition of the water supply line and stop valve, presence of leaks around the old wax ring, and whether the existing flange is still in good shape. Over time, fluctuating soil moisture in our area can cause subtle shifts in the bathroom floor, sometimes leading to a loose or tilted toilet. If the flange is damaged or sitting too high or low, our team can repair or replace it to ensure a solid fit for your new toilet.
Features to Look For in a New Toilet
- Comfort Height: ADA-compliant height (17-19 inches from floor to seat) makes transfers easier for most adults.
- Rough-In Size: Confirm if you need a 10, 12, or 14 inch rough-in for a proper fit.
- Efficient Flushing: Look for WaterSense-labeled models to conserve water, since municipal supply from Lake Michigan is moderately hard and clog-prone fixtures can lead to more frequent drain cleaning calls down the road.
- Accessible Design: Consider lever placements and bowl shape, elongated bowls offer extra comfort but double-check available space in smaller bathrooms.
- Easy-Clean Glazes: Some modern toilets have special coatings to reduce buildup, which can help with the mineral-heavy water in University Park.
Steps We Take During Installation
We've replaced hundreds of toilets in homes just like yours. Taking the right steps ensures your new fixture performs well for years. Here's our typical process:
- Turn off the water and drain the old toilet completely.
- Remove the old unit, being careful not to damage the floor or flange.
- Inspect the flange for cracks, corrosion, or unevenness due to settling, common in homes on loamy soil.
- Replace or repair the flange as needed, install a new wax ring (or a synthetic seal if preferred), and address any leaks. For stubborn leaks, we often use specialized tools from our leak detection and repair service.
- Install the new comfort-height toilet, making sure everything sits level and secure.
- Reconnect the supply line, check the shutoff valve, and run several test flushes to confirm smooth operation.
In some cases, older homes need a new supply valve or even minor pipe repair or repiping if the existing line is corroded or leaking.
Added Benefits Beyond Height
Switching to a comfort-height toilet brings advantages beyond easier sitting and standing. Modern toilets tend to use less water per flush, which lowers utility bills and cuts down on stress to older drain lines. Some models have powerful flush systems that keep waste lines clear, useful if you've dealt with slow drains or backups in the past. If your house has persistent issues with clogs, you might want to consider a full bathroom remodeling project, which lets us upgrade piping, venting, and drainage along with fixtures.
We also see a lot of customers pairing new toilets with updated faucets, low-flow showerheads, or new supply lines. Our team can handle all faucet and fixture installation so the whole bathroom gets a reliable upgrade.
Warning Signs It's Time to Replace Your Old Toilet
- Frequent rocking or movement at the base, which often points to a failing wax seal or flange issue.
- Cracks in the porcelain, even if they appear small, can quickly lead to leaks.
- Chronic clogging that doesn't respond to plunging or basic drain cleaning.
- Water pooling around the base after flushing.
- Difficulty standing up or sitting down, or complaints from family members about the toilet being too low.
Any of these symptoms mean it's time to seriously consider an upgrade to a comfort-height model for your next remodel.
If you're ready to make your bathroom safer and easier to use, our licensed plumbers serve University Park homes with clear recommendations and proven installation methods. Call us at 708-726-4202 and we'll help you choose and install the right comfort-height toilet for your needs, no surprises, just solid work from local professionals.