Buyers GuideUpdated July 19, 2026
Many Lake In The Hills homes were built before comfort-height toilets became the standard. If you're planning a bathroom remodel, upgrading to a comfort-height toilet is one of the most practical changes you can make. These toilets sit about 2-3 inches taller than traditional models, which makes them easier to use for people with joint pain, seniors, and anyone who wants a more accessible bathroom without a full renovation.
Why Comfort-Height Toilets Are Gaining Popularity in Local Homes
The majority of homes in Lake In The Hills were built between the 1980s and early 2000s, often with standard toilets about 14-15 inches high. That's fine for many, but it can be tough for anyone with hip, knee, or back issues. Comfort-height (sometimes called ADA-compliant) toilets measure 16-18 inches to the rim, reducing strain when sitting down or standing up. With our area's aging housing stock and many multi-generational households, we see a lot of interest in this type of upgrade as families look to improve long-term accessibility without making the bathroom look institutional.
How a Comfort-Height Toilet Impacts Your Bathroom Remodel
Swapping out for a comfort-height toilet isn't always a straight one-for-one replacement. The added height can affect the ergonomics of the whole room, especially in bathrooms with limited space. Measure carefully, especially around door swings, vanities, and tub fronts. If your older toilet sits close to the wall, double-check your rough-in distance (the space from the waste flange bolts to the finished wall). Most modern homes in Lake In The Hills use a 12-inch rough-in, but it's wise to confirm before buying. Our plumbers can handle modifications to supply lines or shutoff valves if the new unit changes your reach or clearances.
Plumbing Considerations When Upgrading
Replacing a toilet is often more involved if your home still has the original supply lines or shutoff valves. Galvanized pipes, which are typical in older houses, can corrode and seize up, making removal tricky. With the moderately hard municipal water here, we always check for mineral buildup at the shutoff and in the fill valve. When we replace a toilet, we inspect the wax ring, flange condition, and bolts. If we find evidence of leaks or water stains, we might recommend leak detection & repair to prevent subfloor damage.
Basements are common in the area, so we also watch for any hints of main drain problems. Toilets flushing slowly or backing up can point to issues deeper in the system. If you notice sluggish drains elsewhere when you run water in the bathroom, a full drain cleaning or sewer line inspection could be needed before installing a new fixture.
Choosing the Right Comfort-Height Toilet for Your Needs
There's a wide range of comfort-height toilets, so it pays to compare before you install. Key points to check include:
- Bowl Shape: Elongated bowls are more comfortable, but round bowls save space in tighter bathrooms.
- Flushing System: Modern toilets often use less water per flush, but some homeowners prefer pressure-assisted models for a more powerful flush, especially in homes with older drain lines.
- Trapway Design: A fully glazed trapway helps prevent clogs and makes cleaning easier. This matters in neighborhoods with moderate clay soils that can encourage root infiltration in older sewers.
- Seat Height: Check not just the bowl but the finished seat height, especially if someone in the home is shorter or uses a wheelchair.
- Finish and Features: Some models come with soft-close lids, bidet attachments, or even heated seats. Just make sure any extra wiring is done safely and to local code.
If you're updating other fixtures at the same time, professional faucet and fixture installation can help everything fit together both functionally and visually.
Warning Signs Your Old Toilet Should Be Upgraded
Sometimes homeowners wait for a major bathroom remodel to change toilets. Other times, the old unit forces the issue. Watch for these common indicators that a new comfort-height toilet could be the right move:
- Cracks in the porcelain, especially around the base or tank
- Frequent clogging or incomplete flushing
- Leaks at the base or water tracking around the flange
- Rust on bolts or supply lines from older plumbing
- Difficulty standing or sitting due to the old toilet's low height
If your remodel includes updating pipework, pipe repair & repiping at the same time can save you from future leaks or galvanized pipe headaches. For larger projects, our bathroom remodeling team coordinates everything from fixture layout to water line adjustments.
What to Expect During Installation
We start by shutting off the main or local supply, draining the old toilet, and removing it. The flange gets a thorough check, and a new wax or rubber seal is fitted for a tight, reliable connection. Our team confirms the bowl is level and securely fastened, then reattaches the supply line and tests for leaks. We always make sure the shutoff valve functions smoothly and that there's no sign of seepage on the finished floor. With most remodels, the installation takes just a couple of hours, but we plan for any surprises like corroded flanges or uneven tile.
If you've been thinking about improving safety, comfort, and accessibility in your Lake In The Hills bathroom, a comfort-height toilet is a smart place to start. For clear answers and expert work, call us at 224-524-1522. We'll help you choose, install, and maintain the right upgrade for your home.