Buyers GuideUpdated July 16, 2026
Older bathrooms in Deerfield often still have standard-height toilets, which can make things harder for many homeowners, especially as age or mobility issues set in. Upgrading to a comfort-height toilet is a practical move that brings noticeable improvements in day-to-day life, and it's particularly relevant with so many homes here built in the 1950s to 1970s. If you're remodeling your bathroom, here's what to know before you swap out your old toilet for this newer type.
What Sets Comfort-Height Toilets Apart?
Standard toilets are usually about 14 to 15 inches tall from floor to seat, while comfort-height models sit closer to 17 to 19 inches. That couple of extra inches makes it easier for most adults to sit down and stand up, which is why these toilets are often labeled as "ADA-compliant." They're a solid choice if you're thinking about aging in place or need safer bathroom access for anyone with knee, hip, or back challenges.
Why Comfort-Height Matters in Deerfield Homes
Deerfield homes come in all styles, but a lot of them were built decades ago when mobility needs weren't always front of mind. Split-level and ranch homes around town often have smaller bathrooms and tighter corners, so the right toilet can make a real difference in comfort and safety. Older supply lines, common in mid-century houses, often mean you'll need to check for corroded shutoff valves or outdated wax rings when swapping out your fixture.
- Easier access for adults and seniors
- Reduced strain on joints and back
- Works well for most people over 5'4"
- May be less comfortable for small children
- Good fit for accessible home upgrades
Installation Details, What We Check
Replacing a toilet seems simple, but the details matter. We always inspect the supply line and shutoff valve for leaks or corrosion. Homes in this area with galvanized piping are prone to supply line issues, so we might recommend swapping to braided stainless lines. We check the toilet flange carefully, if the original subfloor has any damage from past leaks, you'll want that fixed right away. Sometimes, a comfort-height toilet will sit a little differently than the old unit, especially if floor tile has been updated over the years.
Our team also looks at the rough-in distance (the space from the wall to the center of the drain). Most homes here use a 12-inch rough-in, but older homes may have 10 or 14 inches. Measuring this before selecting a new toilet saves a lot of headache on installation day. During the job, we always make sure the wax ring is properly sealed to prevent future leaks and sewer gas issues. For tricky layouts, we've seen offset flanges help when the drain isn't in a standard spot.
Common Pitfalls With Toilet Upgrades
We run into a few recurring issues during these swaps in Deerfield. Sometimes the existing shutoff valve is seized up from years of hard water. Lake Michigan-sourced water is moderately hard, so mineral buildup happens more often than people expect. Flanges on old cast iron or even clay tile drain lines might be brittle or rusted, which calls for a careful repair or replacement. If your remodel involves moving the toilet, make sure you have a plumber check the slope of the drain line, settling or clay soils in the area can shift old pipes and lead to chronic clogs.
- Wobbly toilet after install (often a floor issue or loose flange bolts)
- Slow leaks at the base (improper seating, old wax ring)
- Supply line drips from corroded shutoff valves
- Cracked tiles underneath after old wax ring failure
- Sewer smell, usually a flange or P-trap issue
If you notice slow draining or recurring clogs after a new toilet is installed, it could point to a deeper problem. For that, our drain cleaning or sewer line services can help clear out older lines, especially if your home still has some older cast iron or clay tile sections.
How to Choose the Right Model for Your Project
Besides height, you'll need to consider bowl shape (elongated or round), flush type, and water efficiency. Elongated bowls tend to be more comfortable for adults, but they might not fit smaller bathrooms typical in some older Deerfield homes. Dual-flush models save water but need a little extra attention to flush valve seals. We recommend quality brands that offer easily replaceable internal parts, since hard water can wear out components like flappers and fill valves faster than you'd think.
If your remodel includes new faucets or a shower, check out our faucet and fixture installation page for more on matching finishes and styles. Coordinating the look and function of all your fixtures makes daily use smoother and helps avoid mismatched parts later on.
Other Plumbing Upgrades to Pair With Your Remodel
Toilets aren't the only thing that age out in Deerfield homes. If you're dealing with winter pipe bursts, leaks, or routine water heater maintenance, consider bundling other plumbing jobs with your remodel. Many homeowners ask for water heater services if their unit is over 10 years old or showing signs of failing. If there's been a history of leaks or supply line issues, our pipe repair and repiping service can take care of aging lines while access is open. A proper bathroom remodel is the right time to check for hidden water damage or winter freeze risks that are common with our local freeze-thaw cycles.
When to Call a Professional
Some handy homeowners handle a toilet swap on their own, but older Deerfield homes bring surprises, uneven subfloors, old flanges, or unknown pipe materials. If you're reconfiguring the location or dealing with hard-to-find shutoffs, our team has seen just about every scenario. We can spot signs of small leaks, subfloor rot, or drain issues that otherwise might get missed. If you see water stains around the base or your shutoff valve hasn't been touched in decades, it's smart to have it looked over before you finish your remodel. You can learn more or schedule with us through our bathroom remodeling page.
For any Deerfield homeowner thinking about a comfort-height toilet or full bathroom remodel, our crew is available to answer questions and provide a fair quote. Call 224-300-7452 and talk with a local pro who understands the plumbing quirks of Deerfield's homes.