Toilet shopping for bath remodel

[BoxsterCy]

Hey, who wants to talk toilets? We had a thread on this in 2013 but I wasn't shopping then and could use an update on opinions.

I am shopping for a toilet for a total bath redo, currently demo'd and gutted with contractor coming next month. My other bath has an American Standard Champion 4 w/1.6 gal flush that is awesome but they don't make it anymore. Most everything now is 1.28 gallon models which people seem to either loved or hated. The new Champ 4's are 1.28s but they still make a 1.6 in a one piece model.

 

[3TrueFans]

Get a Ferguson. BAWOOSH!

 

[SCyclone]

I'd stick with the 1.6 if possible. You'll probably have less backflush issues down the road. (You know, when all the icky stuff doesn't disappear.) Just beware of what you see in big box stores, many of those have flaws, like bumpy areas in the glazing, irregular shape in the bowl, etc. I always stick with Kohler, never seem to have problems with them.

 

[alarson]

Lowes has the 1.6 gal champion 4s in stock. I was looking those up just recently, as i've gotten those twice and was happy with both, but my new place hasn't been upgraded yet.

Have also been looking at one of the acticlean models. Might be nice to put one of those in on the main level for quick cleaning.

 

[PineClone]

I'm game to jump in.

We're doing two bathroom remodels. One toilet plugs regularly. We have a 48 year old septic system under our driveway and we are very careful with how much water and other stuff goes into the system. We live on a lake, so options for relocation of the septic when it fails (and it is a matter of WHEN i'm afraid), are very limited. It was apparently okay to put the septic under the driveway back in 1969.

I'm considering two things. A pressure assisted toilet for less water use and more flushing power (to avoid the plugging), and bidet toilet seats to essentially eliminate TP going into the septic. Based on reviews, people are usually highly opposed to the bidet seat, but those who have them love them.

Any experience with either of these?

 

[JP4CY]

I'm game to jump in.

We're doing two bathroom remodels. One toilet plugs regularly. We have a 48 year old septic system under our driveway and we are very careful with how much water and other stuff goes into the system. We live on a lake, so options for relocation of the septic when it fails (and it is a matter of WHEN i'm afraid), are very limited. It was apparently okay to put the septic under the driveway back in 1969.

I'm considering two things. A pressure assisted toilet for less water use and more flushing power (to avoid the plugging), and bidet toilet seats to essentially eliminate TP going into the septic. Based on reviews, people are usually highly opposed to the bidet seat, but those who have them love them.

Any experience with either of these?

Sounds like you need to deuce in the lake.

 

[nfrine]

American Standard Titan (Old Eljer Titan). It's the s***s.

 

[Gonzo]

All I'll say is avoid Mansfield. Our house was built in 2008, we didn't build it, we closed on it in 2011, and all the bathrooms have Mansfield toilets. My technical observations and insights are that they absolutely suck.

 

[abe2010]

install a urinal.

 

[cyclonesurveyor]

I've had great luck with Kohler Cimmarons. have used them on 4 bath remodels and while we lived in those houses, no issues.

A buddy of mine likes using the American Standard Cadet 4, they look like a good product and tend to be a good price most of the time.

Our house was re-modeled prior to us owning and they used American Standard Vortex Max's. They are expensive and I hate them, the kids have managed to flood one already (luckily clean water).

 

[SpokaneCY]

I'm game to jump in.

We're doing two bathroom remodels. One toilet plugs regularly. We have a 48 year old septic system under our driveway and we are very careful with how much water and other stuff goes into the system. We live on a lake, so options for relocation of the septic when it fails (and it is a matter of WHEN i'm afraid), are very limited. It was apparently okay to put the septic under the driveway back in 1969.

I'm considering two things. A pressure assisted toilet for less water use and more flushing power (to avoid the plugging), and bidet toilet seats to essentially eliminate TP going into the septic. Based on reviews, people are usually highly opposed to the bidet seat, but those who have them love them.

Any experience with either of these?

We had a power flush at a vacation home and while it scares the crap outta you when you light it off, if gets the crap outta there consistently - even for a heavy paper user like me. But it's OK because Spokane is HUGE in timber and paper industry.

 

[jbhtexas]

Aren't the Euro squat toilets all the craze now?

 

[CYEATHAWK]

Hey, who wants to talk toilets? We had a thread on this in 2013 but I wasn't shopping then and could use an update on opinions.

I am shopping for a toilet for a total bath redo, currently demo'd and gutted with contractor coming next month. My other bath has an American Standard Champion 4 w/1.6 gal flush that is awesome but they don't make it anymore. Most everything now is 1.28 gallon models which people seem to either loved or hated. The new Champ 4's are 1.28s but they still make a 1.6 in a one piece model.

Because you have it already gutted.......why not think about a TOTO in wall? Yes, they are a bit pricey...but the look is second to none and it gives you more room. You will need 2X6 stud walls. If you don't have them, once again because it is already gutted....it doesn't take much to widen the one back wall from 2X4 to 2X6. Then you marble up the walls and the floor, build a floating vanity and next thing you know your bathroom looks like it belongs in a seven figure home.

 

[brycy]

I bought a Toto drake online several years ago, because my kid is a heavy plugger. Hardly have any issues. Was a mansfield before and you could count on a plugger every week.

 

[JP4CY]

This thread makes me remember the epic "sit or stand" debate.

 

[LeaningCy]

Another vote for Toto Drake. We installed one during a bathroom reno a couple years ago and will be doing the same in our master bath reno this winter. No more issues.

 

[Tailg8er]

All I'll say is avoid Mansfield. Our house was built in 2008, we didn't build it, we closed on it in 2011, and all the bathrooms have Mansfield toilets. My technical observations and insights are that they absolutely suck.

I laughed cause we have the same junk in our 2009 built house that we bought in 2015..

I'd agree with your assessment.

 

[BCClone]

Mansfield is a Menards product. What you walk in and pick up.for a cheapo usually. Have Kohler's and hadn't had much issue with them.

 

[TXCyclones]

While I'm not sure if it can handle those pesky golfballs that cling it appears it can take the volume.

 

[SCyclone]

Hey Boxster, I almost forgot - whatever you do, get a high-profile toilet. They stand 18" off the floor instead of 14". For mature fellas like us, it makes a big difference on your knees. (Mine are pretty arthritic.)