Q: Dear Ed: We want to upgrade all three of our bathrooms with new taller toilets. Can you please give me some info on this type of toilet?
— Dave, Arizona
A: First, these toilets are often called comfort height or chair height toilets because they are about the height of your average chair.
In most cases, toilets are measured from the floor to the top of the seat. A couple inches under 17 inches high is usually around the standard height for a toilet.
At 17 inches or a couple inches more is often called comfort height. Even though the height difference between these two types of toilets may only be a few inches, most users can really feel the difference.
As far as installation, a comfort height toilet installs like a standard toilet. Just measure to make sure the higher tank will not hit any shelves or obstructions.
Final note: For a children’s bathroom, you may want to stay with a standard toilet so it won’t be such a tall order when you tell them to go potty.
Master Contractor/Plumber Ed Del Grande is known internationally as the author of the book “Ed Del Grande’s House Call,” the host of TV and Internet shows, and a LEED green associate. Visit eddelgrande.com or write eadelg@cs.com. Always consult local contractors and codes.