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Triple master contractor Ed Del Grande
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By Ed Del Grande
Q: Hi, Ed. I have an embarrassing question, and I need to address this problem. I'll put it as politely as possible since I really need an answer to my question because this has become a very uncomfortable situation. I have an older toilet and lately, either the water level in my toilet bowl is getting a little higher or part of my body is getting a little lower. How can I lower the water level in the bowl? Gary (Please don't print my state name)
A: Hi, Gary. First of all, don't feel embarrassed. Believe it or not, when I do my live presentations, I am asked this same question from time to time, so you're not alone. Many people can benefit from your question.
A toilet has two chambers that hold water: the tank and the bowl. The tank water level is controlled by the fill valve with a float switch to stop the water before it overfills the tank and spills down the overflow tube that leads directly into the bowl. The tank water level can be adjusted, so check that first. If the tank water level is overflowing into the tube, it may account for a slight rise in the bowl water level. The constant flow into the bowl will fill it to maximum capacity. The tank water level should be adjusted to about a half inch below the overflow tube.
Now to the bowl water level. Unfortunately, the bowl is basically a bucket with a spillway at the internal trap. This means that a properly filled bowl will always be at the same water level and in most cases cannot be adjusted.
If this is the case and it turns out that age has lowered some of your body parts, you do have another option. It may cost a little money, but you can remove your old toilet and install what's called a "comfort height toilet." Comfort height toilets or "special needs" toilets sit higher than a standard toilet. This will put more room between the user and the bowl water. These toilets are found in a lot of hospitals or nursing homes, and they do work nicely in private homes. Also, because they are a popular choice, the manufacturers have them now available in many colors and styles to fit just about any home.
See, Gary, your problem is not that remote, and you have some good options that in this case may leave you high and dry!
Ed Del Grande was born and raised in a family-owned plumbing business. With more than 25 years of experience in every aspect of construction, he holds current Master licenses in pipefitting, fire protection and plumbing. If you have a question for Ed, send him an e-mail at eddelgrande@hgtvpro.com.
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