Replies

1. 
   FastEddie1 | Feb 16, 2005 05:10pm | #1

   Can't help you on that end, but I did install one of those $99 toilet-in-a-box things from HD for a customers rental unit.  Evan at that price it was overpriced.  Flimsy.  Small.

    

   I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.

1. 
   nealp | Feb 16, 2005 06:57pm | #3

   Thanks for the tip Ed!

1. 
   MikeSmith | Feb 16, 2005 07:38pm | #4

   np... for myself,  and customers that ask... i only buy Toto..

   and i like the elongated bowl... and handicap ht....

   i've bought about  200 toilets over the years.. this is the only one i'll buy for people who careMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

1. 
   FastEddie1 | Feb 16, 2005 08:04pm | #5

   Mike, how much higher (height) is the handicap seat?  And what kind of cost for the Toto's?  The only ones I have seen are very expensive.

    I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.

1. 
   MikeSmith | Feb 16, 2005 08:58pm | #6

   i think the HC is either 17 or 18..

    the one i like is a two piece ( the one pc are more money)  last one i bot was $211

   PLUS $43 for a soft close seat  ( you gotta see a soft close )

   toto has the larger discharge.. so we have less.... way  less... double flushingMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

2. 
   Mooney | Feb 16, 2005 05:20pm | #2

   Ive got a bunch of rentals , a cabin , and this house which has four bathrooms.

   Every thing I buy is toilet to go. I sit on one .  Mine is probably the worst out of all of them. Ive got an expensive one in the house and it doesnt do any better than the rest.

   Now if she wants to spend some money on a power flush , those things rock. Then there is a difference.

   I heard of one cheapy that wore the flabber ball out from being rough. Its on its fourth ball in two years . Ive never had any prolems with any Ive bought except the one I sit on.

   Tim Mooney

3. 
   Hazlett | Feb 16, 2005 09:47pm | #7

    tintin------

    I put in a 1 piece Kohler last year

    the Santa Cruz---san Clemente---something like that

   I remember the family had fun for about a week " If you need me---I am adjourning to Santa Cruz" ( say it with a cheesy mexican accent!!!!)

   I think It was about  $280----well worth it

   about 2 inches higher than normal I think---and way easier to keep clean----especially with 3 slob men in the house.

   Definitly worth it-----

    skimp on the sink---it's only a sink

    But a toilet---is a THRONE !!!!!

    Stephen

4. 
   TJK1141 | Feb 17, 2005 01:40am | #8

   There is a difference. The Totos are worth every penny.

5. 
   jayzog | Feb 17, 2005 02:27am | #9

   I will agree with the rest. Toto is the only one that works well with the 1.6 gal flush.

   The rest are call back city.

6. 
   sarison | Feb 17, 2005 02:52am | #10

   My father has a Toto but he lives in a city that has very old  water service through his neighborhood.  The toto performs like a regular flush toilet even though it's a power flush due to his low pressure.  I, however,  haven't had any problems with the Kohler (the name slips my mind), but it's the one they sell at HD, even though I spent an extra $5 going through the plumbing supply.  I have put in about ten or so in the last five years to clients that I frequently visit or deal with.  So in my opinion, the $130 Kohler beats the $250 Toto.  If cheap is what you're looking for than go with the Kohler, if it's any cheaper or it's called the Poopmaster 3000 and it's made in Indonesia by 8 year olds, then I think you need to make the call yourself.

1. 
   MikeSmith | Feb 17, 2005 04:42am | #11

   dustin.. i didn't like the power flush on the Toto.. i got the other flush systemMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

7. 
   rodbender | Feb 17, 2005 05:11am | #12

   We've installed hundreds of toilets for our clients. Toto's have gotten the best reviews, both 2 piece and 1 piece units.  The soft close seat is a big selling point to alot of our clients. 

    We recently had an issue with a one piece Dorian Toto toilet we installed in a detailed powder room back in April of 2004. This toilet in question is about $575, not cheap! I got a call from the designer about 2 weeks ago saying the hardwood flooring is buckeling in the powder room around the toilet.  I got to the scene of the crime later that morning and the floor was indeed cupping around the front of the toilet.  The damage extended about 1-2 feet infront of the toilet. 

   After checking the water supply, it was bone dry.  The leak had to becoming from the flange. I got the plumber there when I told him all of the Brazillian Cherry flooring was going to have to be replaced.  After 1 3/4 hours we still could not find the cause of the leak. We took the unit outside, set it up, filled it with water and flushed it a few times. As it turns out the leak was coming from siphon rim, inside the toilet, dripping down on to the floor near the flange, causing the damage.

   I contacted Toto and had a technical support engineer on site that next day! He did confirm that it was a defective product. I got "that's the first time I've seen that!" line. He said that some sand used in casting probably washed out of the china,  allowing a hole for the water to run out as the toilet was flushed.  They, Toto, initially wanted the client to make a homeowners claim, the client said no-way, my liability policy woud not cover it because the damage was not attributed to an improper installation.  After some wrangeling, Toto said they would cover the cost of the repairs, but we have to get 3 estimates for repair.  The faxes were sent today. I'll keep you all posted if they do the right thing.

   When I nod my head, you hit it! - Bugs Bunny
8. 
   Tintin | Feb 17, 2005 06:46am | #13

   Wow, guys, thanks. I'll communicate the collected wisdom to my client...I think the client was leaning towards Kohler in the first place, and I personally liked the Toto just based on the 2" dia waste (I've lost count of the number of plunger/snake demonstrations I have performed while working in a hardware store)...plus both of these brands have plenty of models in my city's (Toronto) low-flush replacement rebate program.

   But don't stop with the toilet tales if ya gots any more!

9. 
   SteveInCleveland | Feb 17, 2005 07:04am | #14

   People, people, people.....

   Can we get some LOVE here?

    

    

1. 
   Pierre1 | Feb 17, 2005 09:18am | #15

   You guys notice those candles burning in the background? Phew.  ;)

   Seriously though, it's usually a good idea at the store to pull the bowl out of the box to see if the horn area is good and flat. I also check to see if the throat is free of defects such as a dry spot that hasn't been glazed properly.

    The first defect leads to early wax ring seal failure = floor leaks, the other impedes the smooth flow of fecal matter during a flush = frequent overflows.

   Edited 2/17/2005 1:23 am ET by Pierre1

   Edited 2/17/2005 1:24 am ET by Pierre1

1. 
   SteveInCleveland | Feb 18, 2005 01:15am | #16

   Good advice about opening it at the time of purchase. 

1. 
   ladogboy | Feb 18, 2005 01:26am | #17

   I'll put in a vote for the new American Standard Champion. Works tremendously well for a low flow unit and the price isn't bad. Have installed several and I get no complaints. Plus it has the slightly higher seat heigth - most find it more comfortable.