Everything to Know Before Purchasing a Raised Toilet
Table of Contents
When mobility becomes a challenge, even simple routines like using the bathroom can become frustrating. A raised toilet, also known as a tall toilet or comfort height toilet, can ease that burden by making it easier to sit and stand without putting excess strain on your knees and hips.
Let’s walk through everything you should know before choosing a new toilet—including how raised toilets work, what features to look for, and how to make the safest choice for your space.
Key Takeaways
- A raised toilet reduces strain by adding height, making it easier to sit down and stand up comfortably.
- Elongated bowls, soft-close seats, and flushing options improve comfort, cleanliness, and efficiency in a raised toilet.
- Safety features like armrests, slip resistance, and proper installation help prevent falls and support daily independence.
- Companies like California Mobility can offer expert guidance and in-home consultations for safer bathrooms.
Common Functions of a Raised Toilet
If you’re wondering what makes a raised toilet worth considering, here’s what you need to know. These toilets aren’t just taller, they’re built to make your everyday routine safer and more manageable in a few key ways:
Increased Seat Height
Raised toilets are typically chair-height toilets, which means they stand about 17 to 19 inches from the floor to the toilet seat, compared to standard height toilets, which are usually around 15 inches.
That extra elevation reduces how far you have to bend, which can make a big difference in your day-to-day comfort—especially if you deal with arthritis or joint pain.
Easier Transfers
If you use a walker or wheelchair, you know how tricky transferring can be.
A floor-mounted raised toilet with a stable toilet bowl and optional grab bars provides a much safer transition. It also helps align with what many ADA-compliant toilets are designed to support—maintaining balance without needing help from a caregiver.
Better Support for Aging in Place
A raised toilet is a smart addition to any home improvement project focused on aging in place.
Combined with other features like a soft-close seat, grab bars, or a bidet toilet attachment, this can support long-term independence and reduce the risk of injury in one of the most common areas for falls: the bathroom.
Features to Look for in a Raised Toilet
Not all raised toilets are built the same. Here are the key features to look for when choosing the right model for your needs:
Bowl Shape
Most people prefer an elongated bowl for comfort, especially if they spend a bit more time seated. But if you’re dealing with a small bathroom, a round toilet may be a better fit.
Both bowl types are available in raised or comfort height styles, so choose based on your space and personal preference.
Soft-Close Seat
No one wants to hear the toilet seat slamming in the middle of the night.
A soft-close or soft-close seat option offers quiet convenience and can help if you or your loved one has limited hand strength.
Construction Style
When choosing between one-piece toilets and two-piece toilets, consider both design and ease of cleaning.
One-piece models are sleek and have fewer seams where bacteria can build up. Two-piece toilets, like those from American Standard and Kohler, are more common and usually easier to replace if a part wears out.
Either type of toilet can support a raised seat height—just make sure the style fits your rough-in.
Flushing Technology and Water Efficiency
A reliable flushing system is just as important as seat height.
Options range from single flush to dual flush toilets, which let you choose between a lighter and a stronger flush, saving water and reducing bills.
If you’re looking for sustainability, seek out high-efficiency models labeled with WaterSense.
More advanced setups might include pressure-assisted or powerful flush systems, which use air pressure to push water through the trapway, reducing the risk of clogging.
If you’re shopping at Home Depot or comparing options, pay attention to the flush valve, siphon mechanism, and flushing mechanism itself.
Compatibility with Bidets and Washlets
Adding a bidet or washlet to your raised toilet can increase cleanliness and independence. Look for models with accessible controls or thermostatic functions.
Brands like Toto offer smart toilets with built-in bidet features, warm seats, and even self-cleaning capabilities.
Safety Considerations for Raised Toilets
A raised toilet can improve comfort, but it also needs to be safe and secure. As you shop, keep these important safety features in mind to help prevent slips, falls, and other bathroom hazards:
Slip Resistance
Safety is non-negotiable. Choose models with slip-resistant seats or add accessories to prevent sliding. Check that your flooring around the toilet is non-slip, especially if water often pools nearby.
Armrests or Support Rails
Many raised toilets or toilet seat risers come with optional armrests, and some models include a safety frame that attaches to the toilet itself.
These additions support better leverage and stability, especially when standing up from an extra-tall height.
ADA Compliance
For maximum safety and long-term use, aim for a toilet that’s ADA compliant. That means it meets specific guidelines for bowl height, reach, and operation.
Many brands—including Kohler Highline and American Standard Cadet—offer ADA options in a variety of flushing styles and bowl shapes.
Secure Installation
A proper installation ensures your raised toilet doesn’t move, wiggle, or feel unstable. Check that your flange is in good condition and that the inch rough matches your space—this is the distance between the wall and the center of the drain pipe.
If you’re unsure, a licensed plumber can help make sure everything fits safely and correctly.
Need Help Making Your Bathroom Safer?
While California Mobility doesn’t sell or install raised toilets, we’re here to help you create a safer, more accessible home environment. We specialize in stair lifts, ramps, and other mobility solutions that support aging in place—plus, we offer resources on bathroom safety modifications like raised toilet seats and grab bars.
If you’re updating your home for comfort and independence, get in touch for a free in-home consultation. Let’s talk about how we can help make your space safer and more supportive—starting with the bathroom.
