ᐅ Toilet height too high – should it be lowered or left as is?

Created on: 16 Aug 2019 07:31
D
denz.
Good morning,

I was convinced by my plumber and builder to have the toilets installed higher than the “standard” height. However, it seemed like this higher installation is now actually quite common.

Now, the screed layer in the upstairs bathroom was done incorrectly. Somehow, it ended up lower than planned. This only became apparent relatively late. We are already living in the house and quickly noticed that the toilet on the ground floor is fine (although it still feels odd since we’re not used to the height from our old rental apartment). But upstairs, the toilet is definitely too high. My wife can barely place her feet on the floor.

My builder mentioned there is a so-called “patch set” that can be used to raise the toilet even higher. He immediately called his regular plumber, who confirmed this and even said it’s better this way because it’s less prone to clogging. I didn’t quite understand this, but okay.

I then called the plumber I hired specifically for heating and sanitary work and explained the situation. At first, he acted like I was talking nonsense but said he would look into it. He contacted two manufacturers (Grohe and another one), but they said it wasn’t possible. He still wanted to check with Villeroy & Boch since my toilet and wall-hung frame are from that brand.

That was a week ago. Unfortunately, he’s somewhat unreliable.

Is there anyone here familiar with this or who has experienced a similar problem? Is this “patch set” actually a thing? Or are there other, possibly better solutions?
S
Schlenk-Bär
17 Aug 2019 20:14
Bookstar schrieb:

Well, a few centimeters won’t help much; it’s better to sit comfortably. And most are small shops anyway...

But basically, you’re right, that’s what stools are for...

Actually, every centimeter counts. I know it from my own back...
KingSong17 Aug 2019 20:15
Schlenk-Bär schrieb:

I agree with that. But you do know there are people with back problems for whom a sitting position with the knee higher than the hips is very unfavorable (because it causes pain), right?

Sure, but if I always have to consider every possible combination of pain and other ailments, then there is no clear recommendation for anything. Anyway, if you don’t have back issues or other complaints, a lower seating position can be beneficial, especially in larger bathrooms.
B
Bookstar
17 Aug 2019 20:25
Schlenk-Bär schrieb:

Yes, every centimeter counts. I know that from my back...

I was referring to the awkward position, because obviously 35 degrees and the dish would have to be mounted a maximum of 10cm (4 inches) high. That only works with a toilet...
G
guckuck2
17 Aug 2019 20:37
See the post by mycraft. Higher seat heights make sitting down and standing up easier.

For everything else, I recommend a balanced diet rather than technical tricks.
Y
ypg
17 Aug 2019 23:48
seat88 schrieb:

So, we have 44cm (17 inches). Both of us sit comfortably and can get down easily, and my wife is under 1.60m (5 ft 3 in) tall...
I don’t think those four centimeters would make that much difference...

Four centimeters (1.6 inches) actually make a big difference.
By the way, we also have 44cm (17 inches) without any cushions.
T
Tassimat
17 Aug 2019 23:50
KingSong schrieb:

But you all do know that sitting lower on the toilet is significantly healthier than sitting too high, right? Any medical professional should be able to confirm this. The natural position for bowel movements is squatting, as intended by evolution, and anyone who has tried it knows what I mean when the knees are higher than the hips during that moment.

Huh? If I lean my upper body forward so my elbows rest on my knees, the actual seat height doesn’t matter at all—the angle stays the same. It’s also a comfortable position for using a smartphone.