Tips And TricksUpdated June 19, 2026
Older homes in Olympia Fields are packed with personality, but not every detail keeps up with what homeowners need today. Standard toilets were built lower for decades, and that design can cause real strain, especially in homes where residents want a safer, easier bathroom experience. Upgrading to a comfort-height toilet often makes a genuine difference in daily life, and the right approach will help you avoid leaks, clogs, or other headaches along the way.
Why Standard Height Can Be a Problem
Many mid-century homes around Olympia Fields have original or older fixtures. Toilets built before the ADA standard usually sit about 14 to 15 inches from the floor to the top of the seat. That drop may not seem like much, but for older adults, those with mobility issues, or anyone taller than average, it can feel awkward or unsafe, especially on slick bathroom floors. Comfort-height models raise the seat height to 17 or 18 inches, lining up closer to a standard chair. That change provides extra support when sitting or standing up.
What to Check Before Removing the Old Toilet
Swapping out a toilet seems straightforward, but houses in the south suburbs often throw our crew a few curveballs. Before any work starts, we look for:
- Age and type of flange (the fitting on the floor that anchors the toilet)
- Condition of the supply line and shutoff valve
- Type of existing waste pipe, especially if the home has older cast iron or galvanized steel lines
- Clearance between the toilet and surrounding fixtures, since comfort-height bowls can sit further forward
Homeowners often don't realize that a poorly sealed or cracked flange can lead to leaks below the floor. In some Olympia Fields homes, we've found corroded steel flanges or odd offsets that need repair or adapters before installing a new toilet. It's also a good time to check the condition of your water shutoff and replace the supply line if it's showing signs of wear. If you've noticed slow drains or frequent backups, consider booking professional drain cleaning before installing anything new.
Choosing the Right Comfort-Height Toilet
The right toilet for your remodel often comes down to shape, rough-in distance, flushing technology, and water efficiency. Olympia Fields homes are a mix of ranch and newer construction styles, so measure your rough-in carefully, the distance from the wall to the bolts on the floor, usually 12 inches, but not always. Elongated bowls offer more comfort but need a little more space. Consider:
- ADA-compliant height, which ranges from 17 to 19 inches
- Elongated versus round bowl
- Low-flow flush systems to reduce water bills and environmental impact
- Soft-close seats for less noise (especially in homes with kids or night schedules)
It's best to buy a full kit with wax ring, closet bolts, and a new supply line, even if your existing line looks good. Older pipes in our area, especially galvanized or aging copper, are prone to corrosion. If you suspect pipe issues, our team does offer pipe repair and repiping services.
Installation Tips from Our Plumbers
We've seen plenty of avoidable problems during DIY swaps. If you're tackling the job yourself, keep these steps in mind to prevent leaks or damage:
- Turn off the supply at the shutoff valve, and flush the old toilet to drain the tank
- Sponge out the remaining water from the bowl and tank before removal
- Dispose of the old wax ring and inspect the flange for cracks or corrosion
- Set the new wax ring centered on the horn of the toilet outlet
- Gently lower the new toilet, lining up the bolts, and press straight down (rocking can crack the flange or break the seal)
- Hand-tighten the bolts, then use a wrench just enough to snug them, overtightening cracks porcelain
- Connect the new supply line and check for leaks as the tank fills
- Caulk the base if local code or your personal preference requires it, leaving a small gap at the back for detection of leaks
If you run into an uneven floor or a flange that's too low, stack wax rings or use a flange extender to get a tight seal. For older Olympia Fields homes with clay soil and foundation movement, we've seen flanges settle lower than the finished floor. This is an ideal moment to check for past water damage or foundation issues, which can often be spotted by staining or soft flooring around the toilet. For major repairs under the floor, or if you suspect leaking pipes, leak detection and repair can pinpoint trouble spots before you finish the project.
Benefits You'll Notice After the Upgrade
After installing a comfort-height toilet, most homeowners say they notice less strain on their knees and hips. It's easier for kids and older adults to use, and that few extra inches make a surprising difference on cold winter mornings. Low-flow and dual-flush models keep water bills down, which matters with moderately hard municipal water from Lake Michigan. The improved comfort and safety are worth the effort, especially in homes where accessibility is a concern.
While you're updating, this is also a smart time to think about other fixture upgrades, like a new faucet or showerhead. Our crew often handles full bathroom remodels, including faucet and fixture installation. Coordinating updates keeps everything running smoothly and helps catch hidden plumbing issues in one go.
Common Warning Signs After Installation
- Water pooling at the base of the toilet, indicates a faulty wax seal or flange
- Toilet rocks or shifts under weight, floor may be uneven, or bolts need adjustment
- Gurgling drains or frequent clogs, could signal a bigger problem in the main line
- Weak flush or slow tank refill, may be a supply line issue or partial blockage
If you spot any of these issues, it's best not to ignore them. Check for leaks and act fast. For tough clogs or main line issues, our sewer line services get your system back to normal quickly.
Upgrading a toilet is one of those jobs that looks simple but can turn complicated. If you want your new comfort-height model installed right the first time, or need a hand with other plumbing work during your remodel, reach our Olympia Fields team at 708-726-8971. We're ready to help you make your space safer and more comfortable.