Taller toilets are best for older adults and taller people. Shorter toilets are best for children and petite adults. Standard height toilets are 14.5 to 16 inches from the ground. Comfort height toilets are 17 to 19 inches from the ground.
You might want to check into a floor-mounted “comfort height” toilet that is 17 to 19 inches in height or elevated toilet seats. For folks who are 5 feet 4 inches or less, a Houston residential plumber would probably say that a standard 15-inch model would be just right for you.
High toilet seats increase safety as you are provided a durable base for sitting, making rising easier, helping you avoid slips and falls. If you position additional grab rails close to the toilet, it will help you move around the bathroom with an added safety and less risk.
While a standard toilet typically measures 15 or 16 inches from the floor to the top of the seat, comfort toilet heights are 17 to 19 inches. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) specifies that the height of a disabled toilet must be within this range.
Standard height toilets are 16 inches tall or shorter measured from floor to seat. Individuals who are 5 feet 4 inches tall and under may find this height easier to use than taller toilets. Standard toilets may also be more suitable for small children.
The higher bowl height can be good for the knees and back and can offer real advantages to taller folks, the elderly and people with mobility problems—these toilets are extremely popular and widely used. But comfort height isn't comfortable for everyone.
Your plumber will be able to show you all of your options. Comfort height is the height that meets ADA standards. It is more comfortable for taller people and for people who have a hard time getting up from a low seat, like the elderly or disabled. It will measure 17 to 19 inches from the floor to the seat.
A comfort height toilet generally measures between 15 and 16-1/8 inches in height and is the standard toilet used in most restrooms. On the other hand, chair-height toilets are taller, ranging from 17 to 19 inches in height. They are similar in height to chairs.
The average time for passing a bowel motion during squatting was 51 seconds, compared to the average times for the lower and higher toilet seats: 114 and 130 seconds respectively. Participants found defecation easier while squatting than when seated.
Pros and Cons
The longer bowl size is also a requirement for ADA use, and the longer/wider bowl is generally easier to use for those with mobility issues. Cons: The primary reason some don't choose an elongated bowl is space. In very small bathrooms, an elongated bowl simply might not fit or, might feel too crowded.
High level cisterns can be said to benefit from improved gravity and greater pressure with the higher cistern helping water flush with more force.
Standard toilet height is around 14 1/2” from the floor to the bowl rim, without a toilet seat. In recent years toilet bowl height has increased to assist people with sitting and standing up, for the benefit of taller people, and those with physical handicaps and/or the elderly.
Think about water efficiency
Choosing a toilet with a high Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) star rating is a great way to reduce your water consumption, helping you save money and lowering your environmental impact. A 3-star rating uses six litres for a full flush and three litres for a half flush.
New technology and design advancements, such as pressure-assisted flushers and modifications to bowl contours allow high-efficiency toilets to flush better than first-generation low-flow toilets.
A raised toilet seat increases constipation.
It isn't talked about often, but squatting is the best position for passing stool.
Another potential downside of low-flow toilets is that they may require plumbing modifications, especially if you have an older property. Low-flow toilets require a combination of pressure and gravity to generate a powerful flush, which means that they need angled supply pipes to work correctly.
Low flush toilets are great for saving water, but they are prone to clogging due to the low water volume. If they get clogged, their water-saving virtues go out the window. Or, more literally, all over the bathroom floor!
Both comfort height and standard height toilets fall within a similar price range, but standard height toilets are slightly more expensive. Pricing also depends on the brand and model you decide to go with, as both are available in low-end to luxury models.
The chair-height toilet has a raised seat ranging from 17 to 19 inches. Its elevated seat reduces strain on the knees and joints, eliminating the need for excessive bending or squatting when using the toilet. It mainly benefits older adults or individuals experiencing joint pain or recovering from surgery or injury.
Toilet Rough-In Measurements and Standards
Start by measuring the rough-in size. This is the distance between the wall behind the toilet and the center of the drainpipe or the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor.
Height: This is important for people who might have problems getting onto or up from the toilet, or for those who are much taller than average. Most toilets are installed at 39.5cm height, whereas ambulant toilets can be installed from 46–48cm, making it easier for people to use them.
While we sit on a western toilet, our body typically is in a 90 degree position. The squatting position of the Indian toilet on the other hand gives a 35 degree position to the body. At this position, the body feels natural to pass the stools without having to constrain ourselves. Western toilet increases constipation.
'The Cistern Chapel', a fitting pun, boasts an intricately painted 5.5m high roof, decorated walls and windows, golden toilets, fresh flowers and chandeliers. A community led project, it was Nancy Bates who first had the idea of making Maryborough's toilets the fanciest in the country.
While there are many features to consider when buying a toilet, including height, bowl shape, color, style, and flushing technology, most toilets fall into one of two basic types: gravity-feed and pressure-assisted. Gravity-feed toilets dominate the market, but pressure-assisted models are worth a look.
Pooping position: Squat/Indian toilet
This aids in better digestion and prevents constipation. Squatting over the toilet ensures better hygiene as there is no direct contact with the toilet seat. The action of squatting also serves as a physical exercise, improving blood circulation and strengthening the leg muscles.