Need a good crapper

[chruler]

I'm a big fan of the Elongated Bowl. I have scrunched myself down onto enough Playskool size toilets to know that the elongated bowl is the first feature I look for!

 

[JDMopar]

SMKS....thanks for the info. Being an older model camper, there isn't a vent stack for the 3" drain pipe. When I replaced all of the plumbing, I added Stueter vents under the kitchen sink and bathroom vanity. We're maybe 25' above sea level, so I don't know if that would affect it or not? There's more than enough pipe to contain the toilet flush before it gets to the main, so that probably isn't the problem. I'll try a Toto, or another good throne and see if it works. Thanks.

 

[like2wheel]

FYI did a quick search on zoro... they do carry Toto and American standard brand toilets and supposedly are having a big % off flash sale on monday - free shipping too. The toto drake 2 comes to significantly less than amazon, with a theoretical 30 or even better 40% off.

Do they do this often?
I could use 3 new toilets & regret not seeing this in time...

 

[bullnerd]

I would say that the above poster opinion on AS is just that, his opinion. I personally would spend my money on the AS, and I have probably sold and installed more toilets than most.

Yeah, Im taking that into consideration. But there seems to be more negative feedback versus positive on the AS. Where the Kohler and Toto is all good. Is it worth the risk?

I also have American Standard 1.6 g and for 12 years I have never had an issue other than replacing the rubber flapper...

Is the 12yr old model the same as the newfangled one?

 

[SMKS]

SMKS....thanks for the info.

I'm not an expert, just a guy who has researched toilets a lot and installed a couple. Don't assume I'm correct.

 

[Notgrownup]

Yeah, Im taking that into consideration. But there seems to be more negative feedback versus positive on the AS. Where the Kohler and Toto is all good. Is it worth the risk?



Is the 12yr old model the same as the newfangled one?

I couldn't see a model name on it, it just had 1.6 gl... It is a higher height and elongated type. My plumber picked it out at the plumbing house... I just told them I wanted the high elongated type and a decent one... One thing I ddn't skimp on when I built the house was plumbing.
I can tell after 12 years of use... Only had to change 1 o-ring in a Delta faucet.

 

[Guilden_NL]

The opinion I stated is mine, based on two back to back experiences. But my friend and his family says a lot to me. However, as I mentioned, check out the Home Depot one and two star reviews on the Home Depot site.

Many five star reviews are from buyers who just bought the toilet, took one dump and went online to cheer about it.

But, do your research. Read reviews wherever possible. Note that there are some review practices I consider corrupt. For example, Amazon's Vine program where the stuff is given to a reviewer free for a review.

My friend goes Moen everywhere he can. I'll second that. A 18 yr old kitchen faucet started leaking. Lifetime warranty got me o-rings and a cartridge for free with one call. Love them!

 

[Notgrownup]

I have Delta high end in bathrooms and Moen High end in the kitchen, It was the stuff in Plumbing houses, not the cheap stuff Lowe's sells. Hell my Kitchen sink was a Nice porcelain Kohler I got for like $250 and the faucet fixture was like $350.00

 

[ezover]

What you're looking for is the "American Standard Champion 4 Max".

It holds the "record" for 29 golf balls in a single flush! And is that "comfort height" that all us old-farts like!!!

think this is the unit i have, it has never plugged.
after i installed it, i took close to a whole roll of paper towels and unwound them into the bowl and a few seconds after the flush, down they went.

 

[superdutymike27]

Talk about a crappy conversation..

Believe it or not, I think the guy who invented the toilet's last name was "Crapper" or something like that?

 

[fsae0607]

I installed an American Standard Cadet 3 last year, and all attempts to clog it have been unsuccessful.

 

[46MGTC]

Between the house and the detched garage we have 5 American Standard Cadet 3 toilets and all have been trouble free for the 5 years we've been here. Definately get the ADA height units.

 

[Notgrownup]

Believe it or not, I think the guy who invented the toilet's last name was "Crapper" or something like that?


��

Thomas J Crapper, he didn't invent the flushable toilet, he improved it, he was in fact a plumber.

 

[JDGolden]

I use Kohler Wellworth on all my rentals, I do NOT get clogged toilet calls.

I put two of these in my old house for our bathroom remodels. I didn't clog them for the 3 years I used them.

 

[triumphguy]

Supprised no one has mentioned map-testing.com Last time had to buy a commode I checked them out and then bought one for the folks house. Don't remember what it was but it hasn't clogged up and has performed just like the test said it would.

 

[Notgrownup]

My biggest problem now is the ground is so water logged from all the damn rain we've had that my damn drains are gurgling big time,,, more rain tomorrow....

 

[scotstern]

As I said in a previous post, this is not something that should be taken lightly. The proper selection of a good crapper might be the most important selection that one makes for his or her home.

Several posters seem to agree although, they only provide various makes and models but no real proof that their crappers can take the load. On the other hand, I know that I need a special version that is more than proven to be worthy of the task.

Attached is a picture of the new model that I installed. This beauty can take whatever you throw at it! It is steel reinforced in case you have a major blast while unloading.

If you do decide to buy this machine, be sure to order the optional holster for your newspaper, stirrups to hold you down, the rope latter to help you climb on board and the mega-turd sensor that auto-starts the chainsaw. It would also be a good idea to order a truckload of paper from COSTCO so that you are ready for any contingency.

Lastly, protection is also important so, put in a early warning alarm system or hire a guard that has no sense of smell. People always want to take something that they can't have so do not let them steal your new crapper.

 

[GS-Louie]

I installed an American Standard Cadet 3 last year, and all attempts to clog it have been unsuccessful.

I did too and it out flushes my Kohler I installed a couple of years ago. It's guarnteed to not stop up or they will pay the plumbers bill.

Be careful on some of the Kohlers. They have a weird design and need a special plunger. We had one in a hotel and it plugged up real easy.

 

[GS-Louie]

I installed an American Standard Cadet 3 last year, and all attempts to clog it have been unsuccessful.

I did too and it out flushes my Kohler I installed a couple of years ago. It's guarnteed to not stop up or they will pay the plumbers bill.

Be careful on some of the Kohlers. They have a weird design and need a special plunger. We had one in a hotel and it plugged up real easy, plus it could not be plunged with a standard plunger.

Lou

 

[hoyt]

Apparently, the OP might need a cruise ship toilet...

I'm gonna call BS on that article. It came for "News of the Weird", on par with the "Woman Births Alien Dog-Baby" tabloids.

 

[hoyt]

Here's a good example of what you may be seeking.

 

[JohnKal]

I love this place!! Where else can you get over 100 posts on a crapper selection? Just so happens we're in the market for one.

Thanks

 

[Notgrownup]

All y'all are full of ****.

 

[jgorm]

I have 3 of the American Standard Champion 4s and I am about to buy another one.

 

[bwringer]

Such a timely topic. I just completed a bathroom remodel and am looking to upgrade the ol' thunder throne.

Looks like the American Standard and Kohler mentioned most often are about $190 and $240, at Home Despot, respectively.

Many thanks for the undeodorized truth and experience!

 

[SMKS]

An interesting note on this topic I just learned today.

A big Japanese building supply company, Lixil, bought American Standard in 2013.

Lixil had previously tried to enter the U.S. market with their high-end INAX brand, but weren't really successful. Now, they're trying to enter the U.S. market this way.

I can only assume this is a good move that may improve American Standard quality, which hasn't been spectacular in recent years.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887323419604578573121801745426

Though Japan's economic might has faded, the country continues to enhance its status as a powerhouse in one realm: toilets.

Japan's Lixil Corp. said on Friday it agreed to pay about $342 million for American Standard Brands, a 138-year-old U.S. maker of toilets and bathroom and kitchen fixtures. The purchase from Sun Capital Partners Inc., Boca Raton, Fla., includes the assumption of $200 million of debt.

The acquisition positions Lixil to ride the recovery in U.S. home building, which is spurring demand for kitchen and bath products. It also propels Lixil into the top ranks of global toilet makers, vying with Toto Ltd. of Japan, Roca Sanitario SA of Spain and Kohler Co. of Wisconsin in that market. Global sales of toilets are about $8.5 billion a year, according to Freedonia Group, a research firm in Cleveland.

Toto is currently No. 1 globally in toilets, with sales of $1.4 billion, said Matt Zielenski, a Freedonia analyst, and Lixil's acquisition will boost it into the same range.

Japanese toilet makers are known for high-tech toilets, with features such as bidet-like jets of water, air dryers and sensors that lift the lid when a person approaches and flush automatically. Such toilets, popular in Japan, can cost $5,000 or more. But the U.S. market, where many toilets are sold at big box retailers, is much more price conscious, with an average price of between $200 and $300, said Jay Gould, chief executive of American Standard Brands.

American Standard just released what appears to be an interesting new toilet under their Lixil ownership. It's somewhat similar to the flushing system used on the Toto Drake II. This new toilet is called the VorMax.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/American...ngated-Toilet-in-White-707AA101-020/205195423

 

[jvitez]

Caroma toilets.

http://www.caromausa.com/products/index/cu_product_category/2.php

I had American Standard 1.6 gal flush toilets in our old house, and vowed never again! I became an expert at plunging, and owned 3 different types of plungers/snakes.

I spec'd Caroma toilets in our new house. They're dual flush, and none has ever come close to clogging. I'd happily install them anywhere.

 

[bwringer]

Since we have so much "crapspertise" here, I have a question:

What is the Voice of Experience regarding alternatives to wax rings?

Wax rings are certainly traditional and well-proven in probably billions of toilets, but they're also messy as hell, and you get just one shot to get it right when installing a new loo.

I've seen a couple of very interesting foam alternatives (Korky, Fluimaster, etc.) that seem like they'd work great, and allow for another try if you're off-target a bit.

There's also the Fernco wax-free seal; sort of a rubbed rubber widget that firmly plugs into the flange and can be pulled and reinstalled multiple times.
http://www.fernco.com/plumbing/wax-free-toilet-seal

What say the crapmasters of GJ?

 

[Two Sheds]

To add another data point, I put in an American-Standard Champion 4 about 2 years ago, and my son has been able to clog it only once. He clogs the 1960s 3.5 gallon toilet downstairs about once a week. It went in without any problems. I would buy one again.

 

[mrodgers]

Sounds like the ole American Standard Champ 4 is the one for me to look for as well. I'm in the market. I just pulled ours up last night as I was sure one of the cats dropped something in that got flushed (the little one always is playing with a straw.) Nothing there, nothing in the toilet.

Now, I just need to find one in a 10 inch rough in. I didn't know there were 2 rough in measurements when I put it in 15 years ago and mine currently is slammed up into the wall. It doesn't look like it is available 10 inch.

My current toilet actually measures 11 inches to the bolts. The 12 fits, but is pretty wedged up into the wall. The tank cover just sits on top rather than nesting down on the tank.

 

[jgorm]

What is the Voice of Experience regarding alternatives to wax rings?

Why mess with something that works very well and has a huge history? They are not that messy and I've never had an issue with them.

 

[Paul1956]

Meh... dig a hole in the yard. It will take anything you can dump in it.

 

[SMKS]

Since we have so much "crapspertise" here, I have a question:

What is the Voice of Experience regarding alternatives to wax rings?

What say the crapmasters of GJ?

I hate wax rings.

I hate scraping off the old one and I hate having to clean off the old one and get a new one if you need to reposition the toilet or otherwise pick it up for a simple reason.

I bought these from Home Depot and they're awesome:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Unbrande...ble-Waxless-Seal-Universal-Fit-BL01/203564758

Our old house has uneven floors and it can take several attempts to properly shim a toilet just right. Using these foam rings means you don't have worry about replacing the ring when picking up the toilet and resetting.

 

[Notgrownup]

I hate wax rings.

I hate scraping off the old one and I hate having to clean off the old one and get a new one if you need to reposition the toilet or otherwise pick it up for a simple reason.

I bought these from Home Depot and they're awesome:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Unbrande...ble-Waxless-Seal-Universal-Fit-BL01/203564758

Our old house has uneven floors and it can take several attempts to properly shim a toilet just right. Using these foam rings means you don't have worry about replacing the ring when picking up the toilet and resetting.

I like these....I need to remove my commodes to re do my floors, I will look at this...thanks for sharing...

 

[Karl_B]

steve308 beat me to suggesting the Jacuzzi brand, but I had to mention it if for nothing other than the pun value for those who think Jacuzzi means hot tub.

I had a Jacuzzi in my house for about 10 years and never managed to clog it. It even flushed a couple of rats that drowned in it. I can only guess someone had put out some poison and they wanted water. It made me start putting the toilet lid down and I live alone.

That toilet was definitely worth the $100 at the time. It looks like now they offer more advanced versions to meet new U.S. guidelines. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing. Federal regulations have done a number on cars, faucets, etc.

 

[coleman10]

I ran into a strange thing with my Kohler Cimarron. A discolored spot about 1/2" in diameter appeared at the bottom of the toilet about a year or so after installing it. It was the color of Johnson's baby shampoo, an orange-yellow. Tried all kinds of things to clean it, nothing would remove the stain. Finally, I drained most of the water and took a soft piece of plastic and chipped up whatever had settled at the bottom. Underneath was a small dimple in the finish and at the center of the dimple was an unfinished spot, which of course leaks. I called Kohler to find out what was going on. Turns out that Kohler puts these ceramic discs or stickers over unfinished spots to cover them up and seal them. Huh? I've never seen this on any toilet, much less a toilet I've installed. The good thing is that they sent me a coupon for a free, replacement toilet, but what a pain in the **** to have to pick it up for no reason other than their stupid band-aids.

If you're buying a toilet, check inside for these stickers before you make the purchase and save yourself some trouble. I'm not sure if this is a Kohler-only thing, but I would assume that other manufacturers do this, too.

 

[coleman10]

I hate wax rings.

I hate scraping off the old one and I hate having to clean off the old one and get a new one if you need to reposition the toilet or otherwise pick it up for a simple reason.

I bought these from Home Depot and they're awesome:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Unbrande...ble-Waxless-Seal-Universal-Fit-BL01/203564758

Our old house has uneven floors and it can take several attempts to properly shim a toilet just right. Using these foam rings means you don't have worry about replacing the ring when picking up the toilet and resetting.

I'm definitely getting this. I hate wax rings. Yuk!

Thanks for the tip!

 

[Tawn]

To close this out ..... I ended up never getting around to changing out the crapper.

Last week I had a carotid endarterectomy (having my carotid arteries roto-rooted) and they put my on Hydrocodone pain meds.

Well one of the side effect of these meds is constipation and turds the consistency of hardened cement. I plugged the junk crapper 3 times in 3 days.

In a fit of rage, I decided the old crapper had to go NOW.

The problem is that I can't lift anything over 10 lbs for two weeks and the doctor was pretty clear - toilet replacement was not part of my post surgery recovery plan.

I called a plumber who lives down the street and he made some calls for me and recommended the Gerber Avalanche based performance, price and availability (I wanted bone color, chair height & elongated bowl).

He is upstairs installing it now.

 

[wssix99]

Last week I had a carotid endarterectomy (having my carotid arteries roto-rooted) and they put my on Hydrocodone pain meds.

Best of luck with your recovery. I recently had my shoulder reconstructed and I chose the pain over this medication. Being that constipated made everything else worse.

Good move on the toilet. We just installed my wife's Toto selection and it was a bad call. I miss my Eljer. Toto makes very simple things very complicated. Every other toilet in the world has a way of installing to the flange and this hasn't changed in millennia. Toto has seen to change that (so the toilet doesn't need to be flipped over to install the wax ring) and it's a disaster. We've had to re-install several of them because they didn't seat right.

 

[bwringer]

Best wishes for a swift recovery. Get off those pain meds as soon as you can... they'll bite ya.

Also, I'd just like to say that "Avalanche" is a fantastic name for a toilet.