How to Raise a Toilet: Base & Seat

Ndesho ThomasLast Updated: August 28, 2024

Several people experience difficulties when bending and squatting probably due to aging, knee aches, back pains, weak hips, aggravated and stiff joints, arthritis or surgery recovery. Regular toilets seats have a long sitting and standing distance which worsens the aforementioned conditions. The solution is increasing the height of the toilet seat which then reduces the distance resulting in reduced stress on the body.

You can raise toilet height by elevating it at the base, installing a toilet seat riser, adding a toilet frame over your seat, using a mechanical toilet seat lift, or replacing your toilet with a tall toilet. From the standard toilet height of about 15 inches tall, it is possible to add 2 inches to 6 inches

Following are details on the different seat raising methods, plus the advantages and disadvantages that come with high seats.

Contents show

1. Use a Toilet Riser Base

This is a set of hardware that is added to the toilet base to raise the entire toilet permanently. When properly installed, it creates an immobile riser, which is more secure than traditional elevated plastic toilet seats.

Benefits of this method of making your toilet high include:

It is more sanitary than a seat riser that is bulky, has to be removed occasionally and has a larger surface area to clean.
Easy installation -Comes with complete installation kit
Stability of your toilet with a 500 lb. maximum weight capacity
No special maintenance or cleaning required
It is very discreet and blends in with the bathroom decor.

Cons of Toilet Base Risers include:

Requires reinstallation of your toilet.
It is not adjustable, it is a one-time installation
Costly compared to some toilet seat risers.

2. Install a Toilet Seat Riser/Extender

The second option is to install a toilet seat riser to boost the height further. Once attached, you can add an average of two to five inches in height. What’s more, you have three models to choose from;

Fixed
Oval shaped ring
Immobile round

These models come with additional features such as adjustable hinges that can be flipped out when male members are using the washroom.

You can select toilet risers with or without handles or safety rails. The handles give you leverage whenever you’re standing up, plus it supports your hips. However, handles require you to have adequate space in the bathroom.

Toilet seat raiser with handles — Toilet seat riser with arms

3. Install an Elevated Toilet Seat Chair

This is probably one of the easiest ways to boost your toilet height. You do not need to make any changes to the existing toilet.

All you need is to place this toilet seat chair directly over the toilet bowl. It’s also lightweight to move around as needed.

These elevated toilet seats are available in different models, designs, and heights. You can get anything between four to six inches, plus any either custom requirements.

4. Add a Toilet Frame Over the Toilet

You can also add a toilet frame, what people refer to as a portable potty or a commode. They are placed on top of the toilet. Most of these commodes are fitted with adjustable height legs that allow for a seat height of between 18 to 23 inches high.

The commodes are prevalently made with solid plastic liners inserted between the toilet and the portable potty. This aids to ensure that all contents go directly into the loo with no splashes. Other variants have arms/ handles for easy transfer, especially for those who use wheelchairs. They can easily slide from the chair and onto the toilet seat.

Certain models include a padded seat for those with pressure-sensitive skin to aid with irritation. Finally, there are foldable models to ensure as soon as one is done with the washroom, they can set the commode aside for later. It’s also good for traveling and those with limited spacing in their homes.

5. Use a Mechanical Toilet Seat Lift

Last, but not least, you can install a mechanical toilet seat lift designed to aid you with standing up from the toilet. You can choose between the springs or a pneumatic lift mechanism with additional support – especially when standing from a bent / squatting position.

Electric Toilet Seat lift — Hi-Fortune Electric Toilet Seat Lift

There is the option of batteries or electricity, which doesn’t alter the height or support strength. Several electronic models have a height as high as 26 inches. A few mechanical seat lifts have wheels to assist those who may have an issue walking to the bathroom.

The wheels allow you to push yourself to the bathroom, then position your chair right above the top of the toilet. This option, however, can be expensive.

6. Install a Tall Toilet Bowl

Ordinary toilets come with a height of about 15 inches. Adding a seat can boost the height by an inch but may still not be enough. A quick solution is to install a tall toilet.

Most ADA-compliant tall toilets have a height of between 17 to 19 inches. Adding a seat can add about 2 inches which brings the total height to 22″. You can also order a custom-made toilet with any height of your choice.

Extra tall toilet 21" — Convenient Height Toilet

Further Reading: The Tallest Toilets you can Buy

How to Clean a Raised Toilet Seat

Most raised toilet seats come with maintenance and cleaning instructions.

To clean the seat, simply use a non-abrasive a non-abrasive detergent or household cleaner with warm water.
You can also use a diluted disinfectant for the cleaning. After cleaning, rinse the seat with warm water and wipe with a dry cloth.
Another method to clean the seat is by thermally decontaminating it at 80ºC for up to 15 cycles.

How to put on a Raised Toilet Seat

Just like cleaning and maintenance installation will depend on how the seat is designed by the manufacturer. All seats come with manuals that guide you through the installation process.

Generally, you can follow the steps below.

Unpack the package
Remove the toilet seat cover. Some seats won’t require this step.
Place the raised toilet on the toilet bowl
Lock it
Confirm if it is securely fitted. When seated, you should be centered over the toilet seat.

What are Raised Toilet Seats used for? Pros and Cons

Raised toilet seats have several uses as well as advantages and disadvantages. Let’s have a look at them right below.

Pros

They add about three to five inches more height to the toilet, therefore, reducing strain among its users.
Several risers have arms, handles, or paddles that’ll assist with balancing while sitting and standing up.
Most of these products also have locking mechanisms to securely attach it to the toilet. Hence, it’s safe to use even for the elderly and disabled.
Some of then are actually easy to install. This is because they come with a manual plus the additional accessories such as bolts and hinges.
Other models feature removable arms, which is great for this with limited space in their bathrooms.
For mid risers, you still get to sit on your original toilet seat.
Most of these risers are very stable thanks to the clamping down during its installation. This also means it can support heavyweight.
With the toilet safety rails, you can also add to its width besides the height.

Cons

Cleaning is now a task as you may be required to remove the additional parts so you can effectively clean the seat.
For those who prefer closing the lid, with the added risers, you will be unable to do that as they have to be maintained at an upright position, right from its installation.