ADA Toilet Height: What You Need to Know
When it comes to home essentials, the toilet often doesn’t get much thought — until you’re faced with choosing the right one. If you’re planning to remodel or renovate your bathroom, or even just replace an old toilet, you may have noticed that there’s more to consider than you first thought.
One important decision you’ll need to make, for example, is whether to go with a standard toilet or opt for a comfort height (or ADA-compliant) model. For homeowners in Tallahassee, especially those considering aging in place, this choice is more important than it may seem. Let’s discuss it below.
What Is an ADA-Compliant Toilet?
ADA-compliant toilets are designed with accessibility in mind, following guidelines from the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These toilets are built to make sitting down and standing up easier, especially for seniors, people with disabilities, or anyone with mobility challenges.
The main difference between an ADA-compliant toilet and a traditional one lies in its height. However, ADA toilets have additional requirements beyond height (including features like flush handle placement, toe clearance, and the force required to operate the flush).
If you want to create a comfortable bathroom that will serve their needs once you’ve reached your golden years, it’s definitely worth considering installing an ADA-compliant toilet. To help you make this decision, we’ll talk about the differences between toilets in more detail below.
Standard vs. Comfort Height Toilets: What’s the Difference?
The height of your toilet is a super important factor when it comes to both comfort and accessibility. Standard toilets typically measure around 15 inches from the floor to the top of the seat. In comparison, ADA-compliant toilets stand between 17 and 19 inches tall, which is closer to the height of a standard chair.
Comfort height toilets make it a lot easier to sit down and stand up, which means they’re ideal for people who have trouble bending or rising from a lower position. This can be a game changer for older adults or people with mobility challenges, but it’s not just about accessibility — it’s about comfort for everyone. Even those without specific needs may find that a taller toilet is simply more comfortable.
On the other hand, standard height toilets may be a better fit for smaller adults or children. If you’re the primary caregiver for a young child or live with someone of shorter stature, you might find that a lower toilet height is a better option for your household.
Making Sure Your Toilet Meets ADA Guidelines
If you want to install an ADA-compliant toilet, simply attaching a raised seat won’t do the trick. The toilet itself has to meet specific measurements and minimum requirements. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to selecting the right toilet for your bathroom renovation:
Height
Measure the distance from the floor to the top of the seat, which should be between 17 and 19 inches to meet ADA standards. Some toilets might measure only up to 16.5 inches, so it’s important to double-check with a tape measure.
Toe clearance
ADA regulations require at least a 9-inch gap under the bowl, extending at least 25 inches in depth, to accommodate foot space. Toilets with undercut bowls help achieve this clearance. This feature makes it much easier for users to position themselves and move around comfortably.
Flush handle location and operation
The flush handle must be placed on the open side of the toilet (opposite the wall) and be within easy reach. It should also be located no higher than 44 inches from the floor.
Also, the force needed to operate the flush must be minimal — no more than 5 pounds of pressure — so lever-activated flushes are the most reliable option for ADA compliance.
Turning space
The ADA also requires enough open space around the toilet. There should be at least 60 inches of clear space for a wheelchair to turn around.
Other Features for an ADA-Compliant Bathroom
While the height and flush mechanism are the most well-known ADA requirements for toilets, you may also want to consider installing other bathroom accommodations to make your bathroom even more accessible. For example:
Grab bars
Though not mandatory in private homes, rear grab bars can provide more security and stability. Grab bars should be installed 33 to 36 inches from the floor and positioned carefully to make sure they don’t interfere with the toilet’s flush handle.
It’s a good idea to install grab bars if you live with an elderly person or someone who struggles with mobility.
Toilet paper dispenser height
You should make sure to install toilet paper dispensers between 14 and 19 inches above the floor. Also, make sure that there’s enough clearance (at least 1.5 inches) below if you’ve also installed grab bars.
Soap dispensers and hand washing areas
To make your bathroom fully accessible, you should place soap dispensers, faucets, and paper towel holders within easy reach (typically between 15 and 48 inches from the floor). Again, this isn’t mandatory, but if you live with older folks, they’ll surely appreciate it.
How to Choose the Best Toilet for Your Home
Choosing the right toilet for your home is not just a matter of following ADA guidelines. You’ll need to figure out what works best for you and your family. Here are some additional factors to take into consideration:
Test it out
Don’t hesitate to try out different toilet heights in a showroom or home improvement store. McManus Kitchen & Bath has an extensive showroom, for example. See which one feels the most comfortable for your body. A good toilet should be easy to sit down on and stand up from, with both feet comfortably resting on the floor.
Consider the style
Both comfort height and standard toilets come in different designs, including one-piece or two-piece models. One-piece toilets tend to be sleeker and easier to clean. That said, two-piece models are usually more affordable. If you’re on a budget, you might want to get a two-piece toilet, though most people agree that one-piece models are worth it.
Installation
No matter which type of toilet you decide to go with, professional installation is the way to go. Proper installation ensures that all connections between the tank and bowl are secure and leak-free, and that the flush valve works as intended.
ADA toilets require precise measurements, and a professional installer will be able to make sure that everything is up to code. The last thing you want to do is try and turn your bathroom renovation project or toilet replacement into a DIY project. Just trust us on this one!
Conclusion
If you’re planning on staying in your home for the long haul, installing an ADA-compliant toilet — or at least a comfort height model — would be a very smart investment. These toilets are not only more comfortable for most people, but they also make your bathroom more accessible. This means it will be able to serve your needs as you age.
Plus, should you ever decide to sell your home, having an accessible bathroom can be a major selling point. Just throwing that out there! By choosing the right toilet and making other small adjustments to your bathroom, you can create a space that’s both functional and comfortable.
If you want to do a bathroom renovation, or are wondering about other ways to make your bathroom more accessible, Schedule a Discovery Call with McManus Kitchen & Bath. We’re happy to discuss your renovation plans and find the right solutions for your home!