Replies

1. 
   barmil | Sep 04, 2009 03:24am | #1

   We have a Toto Vespin that uses a fairly unique system for coupling the waste drain that allows a variance of 10 to 14 inches rough in. It's a very good toilet, but I wouldn't waste my money on its SaniGloss option. It really doesn't keep the bowl that clean, and we still have to use Lime-A-Way from time to time to counter the mineral build-up. This is in western Wisconsin with 15 grain hard water and a softener. It's my understanding that Kohler has a similar concept, but I know nothing about it.

2. 
   Scott | Sep 05, 2009 01:23am | #2

   I once had an Eljer that was OK.

   I don't think you're going to find a world-class terlit with for a 10" rough in. There just isn't the market to support as much R & D as with the standard 12".

   Scott.

3. 
   Shoemaker1 | Sep 05, 2009 02:33am | #3

   Caroma made in Australia. 10 and 12 inch rough ins. neat double flush and the don't Clog, I ain't #### you. I have 3 in my house and going to replace another with a Caroma also.

   They are very big name out here.

4. 
   BURT | Sep 05, 2009 06:13am | #4

   There is a frequently updated online report on toilet performance that should be very useful to you.  The report is updated every six months or so to keep up with new products.  The report is a joint project of Veritec consulting and Koeller engineering (not the Kohler plumbing fixture company).  Water usage in toilets is a big deal in the water conservation world because toilets are about 30% of household water usage.

   The report runs to some forty pages or so and rates just about every toilet on the market (more than 600 listings).  The report lists toilets by performance and by manufacturer.  The current report is the 13th edition.  My take on the report is that there are a lot of good toilets out there and there are also a lot of poor toilets out there.  I have Toto toilets in my house and while they are very good, they are also quite expensive (about $500 each).  I now like the American Standard Cadet 3 toilets and I would install them in my house instead of the Totos if I was to do it over.  They have a 3 inch flush valve and rate at the report maximum flush rating of 1000 grams (higher than the Totos).  The Cadet 3 is available in several versions at Home Depot in my area (central coastal Califonia) for $140 to $170.  I like the cost, the performance, the availability, and the convenience.  I have installed several for friends and four at the church I attend.  They work!!

   I like the ADA height extended bowl version which HD typically carries.  HD carries the standard 12 inch rough in model in round front and extended bowl versions.  The cadet 3 is also available as 10 inch and as 14 inch rough in versions.  I am sure that those are special order items at HD and would cost a bit more.  HD also carries the American Standard Champion toilet which has a 4 inch flush valve.

   Just as an aside, I usually install Church brand slow close toilet seats for about $50.  They attach with indivdual posts that allow quick toolless removal for cleaning.  The same attachment method is also on some Bemis toilet seats.

   I just discovered that the 14th edition of this Veritec/Koeller MaP report is now out.  It is dated June 2009.

   
   

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   Edited 9/6/2009 11:51 pm ET by BURT

5. 
   bk24 | Sep 06, 2009 01:45am | #5

   Another vote for the American Standard Cadet 3.  They're cheap and they work well.  Also, if your stores stock tanks and bowl separately, I believe you can install a Cadet 3 space saver tank (meant to go on a Cadet 3 elongated bowl) on a Cadet 3 round bowl to get a toilet with a  ten inch rough.  On the Lowe's website, the tank is #247049 and the bowl is #238693.  Home Depot might stock them too- I didn't check.

1. 
   Chucky | Sep 07, 2009 03:32am | #9

   Take a look at http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages/?msg=124110.1

   When you installed your Cadet 3 from Home Depot, did you notice if the underside of the bowl had any putty (perhaps an epoxy sealant) over several areas where cracks might have formed during the manufacturing ?

   I installed one of the three I purchased and agree that it is a good performing toilet.

   I'm just concerned about the use of this putty to seal visible cracks.  Makes me wonder if there are any others that I cannot see. 

   The underside of the lip inside the bowl is also rough.  There is some glazing but it's not a smooth surface like the rest of the bowl.

6. 
   Westcoast | Sep 06, 2009 02:21am | #6

   One more here for the American Standard Cadet 3. Excellent price and excellent performance.

7. 
   Jgriff | Sep 06, 2009 10:12pm | #7

   For what it's worth, there's a link to an article published on Yahoo's home page today - Sunday - that concerns, generally, energy efficiency and conservation. It's from Consumer Reports and has this quote about Consumer Report's findings on toilets (and showerheads):

   "Energy All-Stars

   Kohler's Cimarron K-3609 toilet, $300, excelled in our solid and liquid tests and used 1.28 gallons per flush.

   Our testers described the watersaving American Standard FlowWise Dual Function 1660.717 showerhead, $50, as refreshing and stimulating. The Moen Inspire 21777, also $50, used slightly more water but has more settings."

    The article itself can be found at:

    

   http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/107654/cut-your-energy-bills.html?mod=family-love_money

    

   Don't know much about these items - have had no experience with them - but it's offered for your info.

   Griff
8. 
   ms | Sep 07, 2009 02:07am | #8

   Viper by Gerber is excellent. They have 10" & 12" rough depending on model. My plumber has installed these in schools and day cares (perhaps the toughest use it will ever see) and reports them to be problem free. I have had him install at least a dozen in remodels and no call backs.
   Mark

1. 
   BURT | Sep 07, 2009 03:40am | #10

   The Gerber Viper toilets are rated in the Veritec/Koeller report on the Maximum Performance (MaP) of Toilet Fixtures at 500 and 600 grams for the several different Viper models listed.  I believe that toilets with this rating will be good performers.  The first toilet I installed in my bathroom (because I wanted an extended bowl) was a Kohler Wellworth.  It was disappointing and often needed plunging to clear clogs.  I learned after I discovered the MaP report that it had a rating of 250 grams.  Toilets rated at about 600 grams and above will likely make you very happy and clog very rarely.  We have three Toto Ultramax one piece toilets rated at 700 grams and a two piece Toto Drake model rated at 900 grams.  They have been trouble free.

   My personal opinion is that there are so many good gravity toilets avaiable that there is no need to consider any of the "powered" or "assisted" toilets that are marketed.  The powered models seem to me to add complexity (and cost) where it is not needed.

1. 
   ms | Sep 07, 2009 04:27am | #11

   Burt,
   Good info to back up my un-scientific observations. Thanks for the research.
   Mark