Tips And TricksUpdated July 14, 2026
Many Vernon Hills homes were built between the 1960s and 1990s, and we still see plenty of the original bathrooms. Standard toilets from those decades often sit low, which can be uncomfortable for a lot of adults, especially anyone with knee, hip, or back troubles. Upgrading to a comfort-height toilet is one of those changes that homeowners often overlook until they realize how much daily difference it can make.
Why So Many Local Bathrooms Still Have the Old Standard-Height Toilets
Bathroom fixtures usually don't get replaced until there's a major problem or a remodel. Most local homes in Vernon Hills have kept their original toilets, which often measure around 14 to 15 inches from floor to seat. Comfort-height options, sometimes called "ADA height," typically sit 17 to 19 inches high. That extra couple of inches matters. It eases the strain on joints and makes getting up and down much easier for many adults and older kids. For anyone aging in place or planning for accessibility, this is a practical upgrade worth considering.
Plumbing Considerations Before You Swap Toilets
Anytime you switch out a toilet, you want to look at more than just the seat height. The rough-in measurement (the distance from your finished wall to the center of the toilet flange) in Vernon Hills homes is usually 12 inches, but we've seen 10 and 14 inches in older setups. It's critical to match your new toilet to this measurement.
Homes in our area often have original cast iron or galvanized steel drain pipes. If you're remodeling, now is a smart time to check for corrosion, buildup, or small leaks in the flange area. Our crew commonly pulls the old toilet and finds wax ring failures or flange bolts rusted out from years of condensation and minor leaks. If you want to avoid bigger pipe headaches later, consider having us assess and replace any failing pipes or drain fittings while the toilet is already out. See more about pipe repair and repiping if your bathroom is over 30 years old.
Proper Installation Steps for Comfort-Height Toilets
- Confirm your rough-in measurement before buying a toilet.
- Inspect the old flange for cracks, warping, or rust. Replace if needed.
- Choose a new wax ring, or consider a thick wax-free gasket if your flange sits lower than the finished floor.
- Secure flange bolts at the correct height.
- Set the new toilet straight down to avoid smearing the wax or gasket.
- Hand-tighten bolts to prevent cracking the porcelain base.
- Connect the supply line. This is a good time to replace the shutoff valve if it's sticky, leaks, or is the old multi-turn style.
- Test flush for leaks before caulking the base.
One tip from experience: bathrooms with original supply lines may have hard water scale or even brittle hoses. We recommend a stainless braided supply line. They're durable and easy to check for leaks later. For supply or shutoff valve work, see our faucet and fixture installation services.
Other Upgrades to Tackle During a Toilet Swap
Remodeling the bathroom is a good chance to inspect and replace aging shutoff valves, old supply lines, or even upgrade the sink or shower fixtures. If your drain runs slow or the sink P-trap looks corroded, now is the time to address it. Hard water from Lake Michigan can cause buildup in both the toilet and nearby fixtures, so many homeowners combine a toilet upgrade with other plumbing refreshes. If you notice gurgling or slow drainage while you work, it could signal a partial blockage. You might want to read our guide to drain cleaning for simple tips and when to call in a pro.
Special Local Issues Cold, Flooding, and Outdated Pipes
Winters in Lake County are tough on plumbing. Cold snaps freeze pipes in under-insulated exterior walls, and older drain lines can develop leaks at any of the joints. Vernon Hills' flat terrain and loamy soils also mean basement flooding during heavy rain is not rare, so a bathroom remodel in a lower level is the best time to check on your sump pit, check valve, and sump pump operation. For help with these systems, see our sump pump services.
Corroded flanges or drain pipes are common in homes that still have their original materials from the 1970s or 1980s. These can lead to subtle leaks that show up as water stains or warped subflooring around the toilet. If you notice any of these warning signs, it is smart to have our team check for hidden leaks. You can find more about our leak detection and repair approach if you want to avoid future flooring damage.
Keeping Your New Toilet Working Smoothly
Once your new comfort-height toilet is installed, there are a few habits that keep it flushing well. Avoid disposable wipes and too much toilet paper, which clog older drains quickly. If your new toilet is a water-saving or dual-flush model, keep an eye on the fill valve and flapper for any early signs of leaks or weak flushes, these are simple to replace. A slow drain could be related to old branches in the main waste line, especially in Vernon Hills homes with cast iron or galvanized pipe. Our sewer line services cover inspections if you run into more stubborn problems.
If you're thinking about upgrading a bathroom in Vernon Hills, or you're running into trouble with your current toilet, our crew has handled hundreds of installs, replacements, and repairs for homes just like yours. Call us at 224-262-2888 and we'll help get your bathroom remodel moving in the right direction.