The Complete Guide to Installing a Comfort Height Toilet in Your Branson Home

Upgrade Your Throne:

Date: 08/12/2025
Category: Bathroom Upgrades, Handyman & Construction Projects, Home Repairs

What You’ll Learn in This Guide

  • What a comfort height toilet is and why it matters

  • The pros and cons compared to a standard toilet

  • How to choose the right model for your bathroom

  • Professional and DIY installation steps

  • Common mistakes to avoid

  • FAQs answered by the best handyman in Branson

Bathrooms may be one of the smallest rooms in your home, but they play a big role in everyday comfort. If you’ve ever felt like your toilet was too low—forcing you into an awkward squat or making it harder to stand—you’re not imagining things. Standard toilets often sit around 15 inches high, which isn’t ideal for everyone.

That’s where the comfort height toilet comes in. Also known as ADA-compliant or “right height” toilets, these models sit at about 17–19 inches high (without the seat), making them easier to use for taller adults, seniors, and people with mobility concerns.

At Dragonstone Construction LLC, we’ve installed countless comfort height toilets across the Branson and Tri-Lakes area—from Branson Hills Parkway to Hollister—and we can tell you: this small upgrade makes a huge difference.

What Is a Comfort Height Toilet?

A comfort height toilet raises the bowl to a more ergonomic level, aligning with the height of a standard chair. This means you don’t have to bend your knees and hips as much to sit, and standing back up is far easier.

The height advantage isn’t just about comfort—it’s about accessibility and long-term safety. In fact, most comfort height toilets meet ADA requirements for public and residential use.

Pro Insight: Many homeowners upgrading for aging in place also add grab bars, slip-resistant flooring, and wider doorways at the same time. As a Branson handyman, I can combine these improvements into one project to save you time and labor costs.

Comfort Height vs. Standard Toilets

FeatureStandard Toilet (~15")Comfort Height Toilet (~17–19")AccessibilityLower to the ground, harder for seniors to useADA-compliant, easier for all mobility levelsBest ForChildren, shorter adultsSeniors, tall adults, post-surgery recoveryComfortCan strain knees and hipsMore natural seated positionResale AppealTraditionalModern, accessibility-friendly

Benefits of Installing a Comfort Height Toilet

  1. Better Ergonomics – Reduces knee and lower back strain.

  2. Improved Accessibility – Meets ADA standards for accessible design.

  3. Water Savings – Many newer models use less water per flush.

  4. Future-Proof Design – Ideal for homeowners planning to stay in place long term.

  5. Boosted Home Value – Accessibility upgrades are increasingly attractive to buyers.

Choosing the Right Comfort Height Toilet

When picking your new toilet, think beyond just the height.

  • Rough-In Measurement: Most homes in Branson have a 12-inch rough-in, but measure from the wall to the bolt holes to be sure.

  • Bowl Shape: Elongated bowls are more comfortable but require more space; round bowls save room in small bathrooms.

  • Flush System: Dual-flush systems offer both water savings and powerful performance.

  • Finish & Style: Match your bathroom’s design, from classic white porcelain to modern matte finishes.

Step-by-Step: How a Branson Handyman Installs a Comfort Height Toilet

Even if you’re a skilled DIYer, replacing a toilet has a few tricky steps that can cause leaks if done wrong. Here’s our process:

  1. Shut Off the Water – Close the supply valve and flush to empty the tank.

  2. Remove the Old Toilet – Disconnect the water line, remove the bolts, and lift the toilet straight up.

  3. Prep the Flange – Scrape away the old wax ring, check for damage, and replace if necessary.

  4. Place the New Wax Ring – A fresh, well-positioned wax ring ensures a leak-free seal.

  5. Set the New Toilet – Lower the new comfort height toilet carefully over the bolts and press firmly into place.

  6. Secure the Bolts – Tighten evenly, but don’t over-tighten to avoid cracking the base.

  7. Reconnect & Test – Attach the water line, turn the supply back on, and check for leaks.

Tip: If you’re upgrading multiple bathrooms or also installing flooring, it’s more efficient to have one Branson handyman handle it all in one visit.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Skipping the rough-in measurement and buying the wrong size

  • Forgetting to replace the wax ring during installation

  • Over-tightening bolts, leading to cracks in the porcelain

  • Not checking for level before sealing the toilet

  • Using an old water supply line instead of replacing it with a new one

FAQs About Comfort Height Toilets

Q: Is a comfort height toilet too tall for kids?
A: It can be for younger children, but a step stool works as a simple fix.

Q: Do comfort height toilets fit in small bathrooms?
A: Yes, most have the same footprint as standard models. Just measure before buying.

Q: Will switching increase my home’s value?
A: It can, especially as accessibility becomes a bigger selling point.

Q: Can I install one myself?
A: Yes, but for a leak-free, code-compliant installation, a handyman near me search will point you toward a local pro like Dragonstone Construction LLC.

Final Thoughts

A comfort height toilet is one of those upgrades you appreciate every single day. Whether you’re remodeling your bathroom, planning for future mobility, or just want a more comfortable setup, this small change delivers big benefits.

At Dragonstone Construction LLC, we handle construction services, home repairs, and upgrades like this with precision and care. If you’re in Branson Hills Parkway, Hollister, or anywhere in the Tri-Lakes area, we’re ready to make your bathroom safer, more comfortable, and built for the future.

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