State Specific Question About: CALIFORNIA (CA)

I get them at the local Habitat Restore. $25 each.

Never had a problem with any I have gotten there.

My favorite is the KOHLER Wellworth Classic Complete Solution 2-Piece 1.28 GPF Single Flush Round Toilet in White, Seat Included

Model# K-11464-0

Mick,

I don’t know HD toilets.

When we replace tpilets we only use dual flush. Prospects LOVE the idea of saving water and water bills. It’s an amenity that helps promote the home.

Just because you don't know much about toilet upkeep, maintenance and parts, DOES NOT MEAN it's better to replace them when a problem arises. Take the time to learn about:

Filler Valve

Flush Valve

Float

Over Flow

Supply line

Shut off valve

Stopper

Flush Lever

I have found that the dual flush takes 2 or 3 to get the solids out of sight, so I buy the HD unit comes in 2 parts and replace the guts with fluidmaster fill valve and mansfield flush valve which never has any alignment trouble.

IMO unless you have extremely poor water quality there shouldn't be any reason to replace a 6 year old toilet. In my units & even my client's homes I've found that the 2 most common issues are worn flappers & malfunctioning fill valves. Most flappers cost less than$10.00 & only take a few minutes to change. Replacement fill valves are $10.00 - $20.00 and presuming the shutoff valves works take 15-30 minutes to change.

I'm with Steve. At most, you should be replacing a fill valve and flapper on a descent brand 6 year old toilet. That should be about 15-20 in parts and about 15 minutes to complete.

If you do need to replace then go with a name brand like American Standard. The $100 units are built cheaply this includes:

They don't put glaze in the bends in the back. Unsealed ceramic is not slick like the glazed surface so it can cause more issues with things getting caught up in a flush.

They use sub standard bolts and rubber washers. This is particularly important in things like tank washers and bolts that can cause the tank to leak after a few years. Chlorine is really hard on parts that are submerged constantly. There's a reason the better brands make their bolts out of solid brass. The cheap ones use pot metal that melts away after a very few years.

They have a smaller, lower seat, and thinner walls. The more expensive are elongated and chair height (this will be identified on the box) making them more comfortable to use. In addition the sides (particularly where bolted to the floor) will be thinner material so more prone to breaking.

Also pick the toilet with a fully glazed trap. Unglazed catches a buildup which slows and finally inhibits flushing.

Mick,

Yes, 2 buttons. Press 1 for #1 and 2 for #2.

Gets me points with the green warriors.

I use the American Standard Edgemere because I have a large building with 10 inch rough-in toilets. I have been happy with them. My uncle has owned a lot of rental properties and he swears by the American Standard Cadet.

We have installed Toto low-flow elongated toilets. They are not zero maintenance (what is?), but they are high performance - we don't need to screw around with many repairs (unless the tenants are doing something stupid), and they consistently clear out the bowl despite low water flow, with clogs rare or nonexistent. Tenants appreciate these toilets, too, since all our rentals are in the desert, water is scarce, and water service ain't cheap.

Toto was recommended to us by a long-time plumber who used them himself and who, as someone with a colostomy bag after cancer treatment, knew that the Totos could flush even the stuff from a colostomy bag. Which I gather is an unusual feature in toilets.

I have used the Lowes branded Project Source and not had issue with them. The only thing they have that is a bonus is the 3 inch flapper. That helps get solids away better I guess.