MaintenanceUpdated July 3, 2026
Many Burlington homes, especially those built in the mid-20th century, still have the standard 14 to 15-inch toilets. These can become uncomfortable for a lot of people, seniors, taller adults, or anyone dealing with knee or hip trouble. That's why comfort-height toilets, which measure 17 to 19 inches from floor to seat, have become a popular upgrade. This is a practical change that can make a noticeable difference every single day.
Why Comfort-Height Toilets Matter in Burlington Homes
The main reason people choose comfort-height toilets is simple: they're easier to use. In homes with aging residents or anyone recovering from surgery, the extra seat height reduces strain on knees and hips. Families planning to age in place will often put this upgrade high on their bathroom remodeling list. With Burlington's housing stock being a mix of older and newer builds, we see a lot of homes that still have the original low-profile models. Swapping those out means fewer aches and a safer bathroom overall.
What to Expect During Installation
Our crew has replaced hundreds of toilets in local homes, and the process is straightforward if you have the right tools and training. After shutting off the supply valve and draining the old toilet, we disconnect the supply line and lift the old fixture off the flange. In many Burlington homes, especially those with older plumbing, we check the flange for cracks or corrosion. We also inspect the supply line, galvanized pipes are common in older homes, and they don't always play well with new shutoff valves. If there's any risk of leaks or you'd like to upgrade your fixture at the same time, we can handle faucet installation too, which you can read about on our faucet & fixture installation page.
Once we're sure the drain opening and mounting bolts are set, we install a new wax ring, lower the comfort-height toilet onto the flange, and bolt it down. The supply line is reconnected, and we test for leaks before sealing everything up. If you have questions about your home's pipes, or if you've noticed leaks before, take a look at our leak detection & repair service for more info.
Signs It's Time for a Toilet Upgrade
- The toilet is difficult for any family member to use comfortably
- You're planning a bathroom remodel and want universal design
- Leaks appear at the base, or you spot rusted, corroded bolts
- Your toilet clogs often or flush performance is poor
- There's visible cracking in the tank or bowl
If you're unsure about the condition of your main bathroom plumbing, or if replacing the toilet reveals an issue with the drain line, we offer full pipe repair & repiping services. Older galvanized or cast iron pipes can often hide slow leaks or heavy corrosion, especially in homes that have seen decades of freeze-thaw cycles common in northern Illinois.
Considerations for Older Burlington Homes
Many older houses around Burlington were built before modern plumbing codes. That means you might find toilet flanges that aren't level, or you could run into cast iron drain stacks. Sometimes, a new comfort-height model sits higher than the original, so the existing supply line might need to be extended. That's a quick adjustment for our team, but it's worth factoring in. We always check slope and venting to make sure your new toilet flushes the way it should.
If you're tackling a full remodel, or if you've noticed slow drains along with toilet issues, our drain cleaning service can make sure the entire system is clear before installing any new fixtures.
Making the Most of Your Bathroom Remodel
Upgrading to a comfort-height toilet often happens alongside other changes, like swapping in a water-efficient model or adding grab bars. With hard municipal water from the Fox River, sediment buildup can impact toilet fill valves and cause slow refills. We recommend including a look at your water supply and, if needed, talking with us about bathroom remodeling for a full, coordinated update.
Don't forget about main shutoffs, supply valves, and even old P-traps in adjacent sinks if you're updating the whole space. These upgrades keep your new fixtures running smoothly for years to come.
Plan Ahead for Accessibility and Maintenance
Burlington's cold winters and occasional high water table mean plumbing fixtures and connections take a beating over time. A new comfort-height toilet is a great first step, but we always encourage homeowners to look out for slow leaks, loose mounts, or any signs of water under the bathroom flooring after installation. If your bathroom is in a basement, make sure your sump pump is functioning. More information can be found on our sump pump services page. Staying on top of issues keeps your plumbing system reliable in every season.
If you're ready to swap out your old toilet or want to discuss a full bathroom remodel, our team serves the Burlington area and brings the right experience to every job. Call us at 224-490-1812. We're here to help you make your home safer and more comfortable.