Seasonal PrepUpdated July 8, 2026
As licensed plumbers working in Des Plaines for years, we see how details in a bathroom remodel impact everyday life. One upgrade our crew often recommends is swapping out an old standard toilet for a comfort-height model. With a mix of older homes and newer builds in the area, bathroom layouts and plumbing setups vary a lot. Still, this upgrade suits most homes, and the benefits show up right away, especially as seasons change and day-to-day routines adjust.
Why Standard Toilets Fall Short in Many Homes
Traditional toilets usually have a seat height of about 14 to 15 inches from the floor. For lots of people, this means more strain on knees and backs, especially during the cold Des Plaines winters when joints tend to stiffen up. As we get calls to remodel bathrooms or prepare homes for aging-in-place, we see demand for comfort-height toilets (usually 17 to 19 inches high) rising year after year. The change might seem small, but a couple of inches can make a big difference for household members of all ages.
Accessibility and Convenience in Diverse Housing Stock
Des Plaines has homes built in various eras, with everything from mid-century ranches to newer townhomes. Some houses have tight bathrooms, while others have more space. In any case, a comfort-height toilet helps family members and guests move with less pain and more stability. If you're planning a wider remodel, especially as colder months approach, we suggest reviewing our bathroom remodeling services for safe, slip-resistant flooring and other upgrades that go hand-in-hand with a taller toilet setup.
Winter Prep and Plumbing Concerns
With Des Plaines winters dipping below freezing, it pays to check your bathroom fixtures for leaks, worn seals, and signs of mineral buildup. The municipal water from Lake Michigan is moderately hard, so older valves and supply lines sometimes show corrosion or scale, especially on original toilets installed decades ago. When we swap out a toilet, we inspect the shutoff valve and the condition of the existing flange and supply line. We often find that swapping to a braided stainless steel supply line prevents future leaks. If pipes show wear or if you suspect a hidden bathroom leak, leak detection and repair may be smart before setting your new toilet for good.
- Check supply lines for brittle spots or corrosion
- Test the shutoff valve for easy operation
- Inspect for water staining around the base of the old toilet
- Look for slow leaks or pooling near the wax ring area
If you need other plumbing updates as part of the remodel, like new faucets or a replacement drain, take a look at our faucet and fixture installation options. Getting it done now can prevent headaches when the weather turns harsh.
What to Expect During Installation
We start by turning off the water and draining the old toilet. Next, we remove the unit, scrape off the old wax ring, and inspect the floor flange for cracks or rot. In older homes, we sometimes find cast iron or even corroded steel flanges. If the floor has settled, common with the clay soils and freeze-thaw cycles in the region, we make sure the new toilet sits level and secure. On newer concrete floors, most flanges hold up, but we still double-check. We use a new wax (or sometimes waxless) seal and install a solid brass closet bolt kit. After the toilet is set, we connect a new supply line and test for leaks. Our team always flushes multiple times to ensure everything flows properly. Any sign of slow drainage or gurgling means the drain or main line could need cleaning, so we often recommend professional drain cleaning if we spot trouble.
Planning for Long-Term Comfort and Efficiency
Comfort-height toilets come in a range of water-saving options. Today's models use 1.28 gallons per flush or less, compared to older toilets that can use up to 3.5 gallons. If you haven't upgraded in a while, this swap could cut your water bill. We also see that newer toilets are less likely to clog, especially when the drain line has been maintained. If you know your sewer lateral is original clay tile or you have tree roots along your side yard, consider asking about sewer line inspections before heavy use in the winter. That way, the new toilet stays trouble-free for years.
Other Projects to Consider During a Remodel
It often makes sense to address a few plumbing tasks while the bathroom is torn up. If your pipes are showing rust spots, or if you still have galvanized water lines from decades ago, this is a good time to discuss pipe repair or repiping. Older shutoff valves, traps, and supply stops can be upgraded while access is easy. Making these changes together saves future labor and cuts the chance of sudden leaks during a cold snap. We advise checking for any mold or musty smells around the bathroom subfloor and walls at the same time, especially if your home has had basement seepage from the local water table.
A comfort-height toilet is just one part of a truly useful bathroom update. Done right, it removes a small daily frustration and helps everyone at home move safely and comfortably, even with Des Plaines' climate and varied homes. Our crew is glad to walk you through options so your new fixture fits right and lasts a long time.
If you're thinking about a bathroom upgrade before winter, or want to swap out that old toilet for something easier to use, give us a call at 224-257-7145. Our licensed plumbers can help Des Plaines homeowners with the job from start to finish.