Tips And TricksUpdated June 21, 2026
Most bathrooms in Arlington Heights were built with standard toilets that sit around 15 inches from floor to rim. For decades, these worked fine, but plenty of homeowners are realizing the benefits of swapping out an old low-profile model for a comfort-height (or ADA-height) toilet. These typically stand between 17 and 19 inches, which lines up better with the height of a chair. Simple as it sounds, this small boost makes a big difference in comfort and accessibility, especially for anyone with knee, hip, or back pain.
Why Local Homes Benefit from a Comfort-Height Toilet
Most homes in this area went up between the 1950s and 1970s, and a lot of those bathrooms haven't been fully remodeled since. Many original toilets are nearing the end of their service life or have been pieced together through repairs. Hard Chicago-area water can also leave minerals inside the tank and bowl, leading to weak flushes. If you're already considering a wider bathroom remodel, upgrading your toilet is a straight-forward way to make your life easier every day.
Choosing the Right Model for Your Bathroom
Comfort-height toilets come in two-piece and one-piece options, round or elongated bowl shapes, and with a range of flush systems. If your bathroom is on the smaller side, pretty common in older Arlington Heights homes, a round-front bowl saves a couple inches. On the other hand, elongated bowls give a bit more comfort. Water-saving dual flush models are also worth a look if you're focused on efficiency or want to take some load off older sewer lines.
Steps for a Smooth Upgrade
- Check rough-in distance: Measure from the finished wall to the center of the bolts holding your current toilet. Most older homes were built with a standard 12-inch rough-in, but we've seen 10-inch and 14-inch setups, especially if walls were changed during remodels.
- Inspect the flange: If your bathroom still has a cast iron or corroded steel closet flange, it's smart to replace it while the old toilet is out. New PVC flanges last longer and help prevent leaks.
- Replace the supply line: Old flexible lines can bulge or crack over time, especially with moderately hard municipal water. Swap these for braided stainless steel during the install for an extra layer of protection.
- Test for leaks: Once the new toilet is in place, always check the shut-off valve, supply line, and wax ring for any drips. Even a slow leak can cause damage to subflooring, especially on wood framing.
Signs Your Old Toilet Needs an Upgrade
- You feel knee, back, or hip strain when sitting down or standing up.
- The toilet rocks, even after tightening bolts, often a sign of a warped flange or degraded subfloor.
- Cracks in the porcelain (tank or bowl), or persistent mineral rings that don't scrub away.
- Frequent clogs or incomplete flushes, which can stress older drain lines.
- Leaks around the base, possibly leading to hidden water damage.
Any of these symptoms, coupled with a dated look, make a strong case for replacement.
Other Smart Upgrades During Your Remodel
Swapping your toilet is often just the start. While the floor is open, it's a good time to inspect for old galvanized or cast iron drain pipes, which we find often in Cook County homes. If supply shut-offs or the angle stop valve are original, replacing them now saves hassle later. Many homeowners use this opportunity to tackle faucet and fixture upgrades or update accessories. If you ever notice slow drains or gurgling from the sink and tub, talk to us about drain cleaning services to keep everything moving well after the remodel.
Why Use a Professional for Installation?
A proper installation does more than bolt the new toilet in place. Our crew checks the wax ring seal, levels the fixture (especially important given the occasional uneven bathroom floor from old subfloors), and ensures all connections are watertight with no cross-threading or over-tightening. We also check for signs of previous leaks, which can be hidden under linoleum or tile.
If your water main shutoff or branch lines need updates, we can advise on that too. It's common for us to find older supply pipes that would benefit from modern upgrades. If you have other plumbing concerns, like basement seepage or sump pump issues (not uncommon with Arlington Heights' flat terrain and clay soil), we can discuss sump pump improvements as part of a larger plan.
We've handled plenty of bathroom remodels throughout the local area and know the quirks of these older homes. If you want a straightforward upgrade or need help planning the right comfort-height model, give us a call at 224-347-7053. Our team is happy to make the process hassle-free and make your bathroom safer and more comfortable.