Do you want to install a handicap toilet in your restroom, workplace, hotel, or guesthouse? Or do you have physical disabilities and wonder how tall is a handicap toilet before proceeding to get one? Then, this article is for you.
Since the height of a handicap toilet is restricted by the law and failure to abide by it could attract certain fines or persecution, many people are very cautious not to defile that law, especially business owners.
However, whatever your reasons for being curious about this question, you will get complete answers in this article. You will also learn about other things you have to know about a handicapped toilet. Let’s begin!
How Tall Is a Handicap Toilet?
Also referred to as an ADA (American Disabilities Act) toilet, the height of a handicap toilet from the floor to the toilet bowl (including its seat) is 17 inches. It’s mostly higher than a standard toilet with at least 2 inches because it is specially built.
A handicap toilet has a height of 16⅛ inches from the floor to the bowl rim, excluding the toilet seat. It must be higher than a standard toilet because its users might not find it easy to bend properly as someone without a physical disability would.
Aside from the height, a handicapped toilet is equipped with functional equipment like grab bars to allow users to move freely to the toilet seat and support while using the bathroom.
Also, it’s important to know that accessible or handicapped toilets should not be mistaken for comfort-height toilets because they are only similar height-wise.
Moreover, a handicapped toilet has easier-to-assess features to support its users, while a comfort-height toilet doesn’t.
However, a handicapped toilet is installed in public toilets to give room for general use of the toilet by everybody with disabilities. Hence, reducing the rate at which physically disabled people are discriminated against or need assistance to use a toilet.
Key Things to Consider When Purchasing a Handicap Toilet
Knowing the height of a handicap toilet is not the key to making the right purchase. There are vital things to consider when purchasing this type of toilet. These include:
Know your toe clearance height
ADA-compliant toilets are constructed with an overhanging bowl to give users additional toe clearance. The distance between the toilet and the floor should be at least 8-9 inches.
Since wall-mounted toilets increase toe clearance by keeping the toilet’s plumbing in the wall, it makes it universal for every disabled person. Therefore, they are frequently used in public restrooms.
Thus, consider measuring the distance between your feet and the floor before purchasing your toilet. Having this measure will assist in buying the proper toilet.
Consider measuring the toilet
There is always an inscribed height measurement on newly purchased toilets on the box or the specification corner.
However, you can never go wrong if you remeasure the toilet to ensure it meets your requirements. Even if you purchase your toilet online, it’s okay to measure it and return it if it doesn’t meet your requirement.
Just ensure there is a return policy before purchase. Another way is to read what others are saying about its height.
Things to Know When Setting up a Handicap Toilet
There are other things you should know about an accessible toilet and its features besides how tall is a handicap toilet. Here are some of those things:
Simple and easy to access
The handicapped toilet is called an accessible toilet because it is not only about the toilet that makes it very easy for the users to access but the inclusion of other features added to the toilet. These features make it safe and easy to use without a carer’s assistance.
The function of its grab bars
When installing a handicap toilet, ensure to install a grab bar closer to it. These grab bars are capable of supporting at least 250 pounds of force. They are mounted horizontally, 33 to 36 inches from the floor.
They provide balance, stability, and support for those who transfer onto the toilet. The grab bars also help those using the toilet to stay fixed to the toilet bowl and not fall off.
The proximity of the sink
Alongside the handicap toilet, it’s best to have a specially installed sink or mirror beside the handicap toilet. The height of the mirror and sink from the floor level is not the same as that of a standard toilet.
The sink is not mounted above 34 inches from the floor, enabling anyone in a wheelchair to use it easily without stress.
Alarm cord for emergencies
There is always an alarm cord wherever an accessible toilet is situated. It is always red to depict it for emergencies. It’s attached to the walls of the toilet and very close to the toilet for easy accessibility. It makes it easy for its user to access when there is an emergency.
The button that puts the alarm off when it sounds is installed inside the restroom. It ensures the alarm keeps ringing for emergencies until someone enters the restroom to attend to such emergencies and then switches it off.
Easy-to-use taps
All the taps found within the environment of an accessible toilet should be easy to use. They are pretty different from the taps found in a regular restroom. The tap should be closer to the toilet, and the handles should be higher centimeters for easy grabs.
The taps in a handicap restroom are specially designed to release water with less force on their handles. It ensures that it’s very easy for people with difficulties to access the taps.
Easy locations of tissues and towels
Most times, there is a place where the toilet paper is attached to the grab bars. It allows the users to easily grab the tissues to use.
Also, hand towels are always attached very close to the toilet to enable the user to use them after using the toilet.
Space
While you have all the accessories to make using a handicapped toilet, it’s also important to have enough space that leads to the toilet. Clustered or small space creates no room for users who use a wheelchair.
Conclusion
So, how tall is a handicap toilet? As stated above, your handicap toilet must have a height of 17 inches from the floor to the toilet seat, while its height is 16⅛ inches from the floor to the bowl rim, excluding the seat.
A toilet with a lower height won’t be considered an accessible toilet, even if it’s an inch away. Ensure it’s measured to avoid buying the wrong toilet when purchasing a toilet.
Also, a handicap or accessible toilet should not be confused with a comfort height toilet because there is more to a handicap toilet than just the height.