Last Updated on May 11, 2022 by Fair Punishment Team
Do you need a handicapped toilet but aren’t sure how high it should be? Perhaps the time has come to fit one in a relative’s home and you aren’t sure what the toilet needs?
Or maybe your business needs to update its handicap toilet and you aren’t sure where to start? Whatever your reason might be, we have the answer for you!
We know how challenging it can be to find the right toilet out there. If you or a relative needs extra space, handles, or a different height, finding a suitable toilet can be a minefield.
With so many different options on the market, all claiming to be suitable, you can find yourself overwhelmed and unsure where to turn.
You wonder what the guidelines are, what makes a handicapped toilet a toilet, and what you should be looking for. But with little to no help out there, you seem further and further away from finding the toilet that you need.
Well, no more! Today we are here with the answers that you need! Keep reading to find out what the height of a handicapped toilet is and the criteria they need to meet to be classed as one!
What Is A Handicap Toilet?
Before we dive into the article, let’s have a quick recap for those in the room that need it! A handicap toilet, disabled toilet, or ADA toilet are comfort height toilets.
These toilets were created to offer more space and room for hand bars and should be more suitable for those with disabilities or who need the extra room.
For a toilet to be an ADA or handicapped toilet, they need to meet the requirements listed in the American Disabilities Act, an act that protects the rights of those with disabilities, both visible and invisible.
So what sets these toilets apart from other toilets on the market? Well, ADA toilets will have some extra features that set them apart from regular toilets in the morning. You can expect them to have the following features:
- Wider space to ensure that there is plenty of space, especially for those with physically limiting conditions.
- Tool-free removable arms offer greater flexibility for users.
- A raised toilet seat, making it easier for users to sit and stand.
- Added height, making the bowl height higher than standard toilets. On an ADA toilet, it tends to be roughly 17 or 18 inches.
If you are ever unsure if a toilet is an ADA toilet or not, you can look for these distinct features. If the toilet does not have them, then it cannot be classed as an ADA toilet.
While there is no standard that these toilets need to follow, there are some recommendations stated in laws that should be followed. The laws state that an ADA toilet needs to have the following:
- Wheelchair width doors lead to it, providing all visitors with enough space to enter the toilet.
- An emergency alarm is displayed as a red cord that reaches the ground. The cord must be connected to a buzzer and flashing red light to indicate that someone needs assistance.
- A wheelchair-height toilet with handles to help a user on and off. These handles or grab bars can be located on the toilet or the wall if you prefer.
These guidelines should be followed when fitting an ADA toilet in a public or private bathroom.
If you are fitting one of these toilets in your own home, then you can customize the bars, toilet seat, and other features to suit your specific needs.
Those fitting a disabled toi8let in public spaces should ensure that it meets the legal requirements and guidelines stated above.
If you run into any difficulties, it’s best to refer to the American with Disabilities Act or reach out to a disabled charity or organization.
Usually, they can offer you advice and help ensure that any toilet or other feature you fit meets the correct standards.
Now that we have covered what a handicapped toilet is, let’s move on and find out their height!
What Is The Height Of A Handicap Toilet?
Let’s get straight into it! For a handicap toilet to be classed as a handicapped, disabled, or ADA toilet, it must have a height of 17 to 19 inches from the floor to the rim of the bowl.
This height also includes the seat. Measuring the toilet from the floor to the rim of the bowl is often how we measure the height of a toilet.
You will also want to consider the height of the toilet from the floor to the top of the cistern when fitting your toilet to ensure that it fits in with other fixtures and fittings in your bathroom.
As the height of these can vary, it is not the standard measurement used for toilets, instead, we measure from the floor to the rim of the bowl, and include the toilet seat in these measurements.
Another measurement that people look for, is the toilet rough-in from the wall. Usually, this is 12 inches, but it can also be 10 or 14 inches in older homes.
Many toilets these days will come with a 12-inch rough-in, limiting the options for those with unique or older rough-ins.
It can be expensive to replace these too, so we think it’s best to speak to a plumber about your options before purchasing your toilet if you are unsure.
When it comes to finding these measurements, they are usually listed on the product description of every toilet.
Those that are designed to be handicapped toilets might even say that they meet ADA requirements, but this is not always the case.
If you are unsure, remember to look for the features that we listed earlier and check the height. This will give you a good indicator as to whether the toilet is suitable for your needs or not.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it, the height of a handicapped toilet is between 17 and 19 inches. This height is measured from the floor to the rim of the bowl and includes the seat.
While you can usually find this information in any product description, it is always best to speak to a plumber if you are unsure what toilet is right for your home.
They can offer you the best advice and ensure that any toilet you buy suits your needs.
