New Toilet Advice

[Marc46]

I am preparing to replace one of my old toilets in my 16 year old home.
I already replaced the one in the master bath a couple of years ago when I tiled in their. Used a Kohler elongated,...........don't remember the model, but it is one of those you are supposed to be able to flush golfballs and everything.

It's ok, but is fairly noisy, and the bowl rinse is not what I would call "great".
It has never plugged though!

I would like to find a slightly better quality one this time.
This bathroom actually gets the majority of use.

What do you guys recommend?

Sorry for all of the questions lately, but I am finishing up basically "remodeling" my entire home.

[Terry]

The Toto Soiree (http://www.terrylove.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5158&highlight=soiree) or Guinevere.

The bowl rinse is better, and easier to keep clean.

http://www.terrylove.com/images/soiree_angle.jpg
TOTO Soiree, Universal Height bowl, double cyclone rinse,
Easy to clean on the sides of the bowl.

http://www.terrylove.com/images/soiree_cyclone.jpg
Double Cyclone Rinse, the best out there.

http://www.terrylove.com/wc/toto/ms974_02.jpg
TOTO Guinevere in a tiled bathroom.

[Marc46]

Terry,
Forgot to mention that the Kohler I put in is 17.5" from the tile to the "seat", not the rim.

The one I am wanting to replace is an old Briggs that is 15",.......same conditions.

I prefer the height of the Kohler, as I am 6'1", and have been known to read in the can!:D

I have heard the name Toto,........but know little about them.
Where do you get them?
I guess I need to find their site, and see if they have a distributor in my area?
Thanks

[John_R]

We replaced our old toilet with an American Standard Cadet 3 from Lowe's Depot. (I forget which of the two :D). A little under $200, and it's handicapped height just for the heck of it. I was afraid it would be one of the low-flow toilets you have to flush twice to get "stuff" down, but it's great. Powerful enough, quiet, and fast. No problem with the bowl washing out. When we converted our kitchen to a second bathroom, we bought a second toilet just like the first.

[Redwood]

Am. Std. lost me a long time ago on their quality control issues. I have been installing Toto for over 5 years now as my toilet of choice and I have had to this day "0" defective and "0" callbacks on them,

Toto is not sold in big box stores!

http://www.totousa.com/dealerlocator.asp

[Master Plumber 101]

mANSFIELD Also makes a model similar to toto it' a little cheaper in price. It's called the summit.

[Redwood]

It would have to be a lot cheaper to be worth anything...

Plain and simple you get what you pay for.

And Toto is big league compared to Mansfield which is a farm club.

[Master Plumber 101]

Don't Think So!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Redwood]

We'll just agree to disagree...
I can't tell you how many of these miserable dogs I've given the high arcing toss into the dumpster at the shop, and installed Toto Toilets.

Mansfield Alto
http://mansfieldplumbing.com/v3/img/medium/137-181.jpg

The difference in quality is like night and day...
I consider Mansfield to be one of the brands that builders install in houses just to say, "Yep, It's got a toilet in it. Much like when they proudly point to a Insinkerator Badger disposer under the kitchen sink and say, "Yep, It's got a disposer too."

One thing for sure... The quality of a Mansfield isn't even in the same league as Toto.

Master Plumber 101, In looking at your postings I sometimes wonder how much time and experience you have out in the field... Or, if you are just a counter guy at this supply house...http://www.printingincorporated.com/markplumb.html

I guess like many supply houses they are not a Toto distributor but they do have a toilet that is... "As good as a Toto."

[Master Plumber 101]

RW, if you would read the post I did not say the Mansfield Alto,I said The Mansfield Summit. It has a 3" flush valve opening and has similar features as Toto. Besides the Toto water closet may have a geat flush but does not have a very appealing look to it. If you think I'm a counter guy your mistaken. Because we have a difference in opinion does not give you the right to insult me. If I have a opinion about Mansfield check your facts on the summit 3 before you critize me. I recently installed a Mansfield quantum air assist water closet and was pleased with the performance. As far as Marks Plumbing Supply there located in Texas and I'm in Wisconsin.

[GramGram]

After doing so much research regarding my replacement toilet for my 52 year-old house, I am paying a lot of attention to toilets in public restrooms. (Most won't have a Toto but I found one that did but I didn't know the style.) The majority are American Standard and I just have to hold back on telling the owner/proprietor to install a new toilet and save on plumbing bills. Today, my local coffee store's restroom was "out of order"... It was American Standard and supposedly low flush...:eek:

I know it is for another BB but I hope my new InSinkErator Evolution Pro Essential passes muster....:D However, I'm putting less down the drain since Waste Management is doing composting with green waste.

[Marc46]

Either one that are pictured above would be fine with me.
Is this "San-a-Glos" finish better, or not, as I see at least one is available both ways?

Guess I am out of luck though, as I do not have any dealers in my area,........would have to find one on the net, and I expect shipping would be really bad!

[Redwood]

I'm in Wisconsin.

Oh okay that explains a lot.

I would have thought that if you used anything other than Kohler in Wisconsin it would be Blasphemy! :eek:

[Redwood]

Marc, Did you use the dealer locator link I posted above?
I believe the default setting on it is 15 miles. Open the radius some and I'm sure some dealers will appear.

I'm lucky...
I have 2 platinum, 1 gold, & 1 silver galleries within 15 miles of me.
And another, 4 platinum and 4 gold galleries within 25 miles...

Life is good for a plumber with that many Toto Dealers around!
If I had to I would rather drive 100 miles to get a Toto than install low grade product!

[Master Plumber 101]

I choose not to put Toto in,and for your info I'm not a advocate for Kohler either, other than them being union!!!!!!!

[Redwood]

Easy now... Easy...
No sense in getting your blood pressure all jacked up...

Whats going to happen when Brett Farve takes the NY Jets to the Super Bowl?

[Master Plumber 101]

That's what I ask myself everyday,what a joke!!!!!

[Marc46]

Marc, Did you use the dealer locator link I posted above?
I believe the default setting on it is 15 miles. Open the radius some and I'm sure some dealers will appear.

I'm lucky...
I have 2 platinum, 1 gold, & 1 silver galleries within 15 miles of me.
And another, 4 platinum and 4 gold galleries within 25 miles...

Life is good for a plumber with that many Toto Dealers around!
If I had to I would rather drive 100 miles to get a Toto than install low grade product!

Closest to me is about 55 miles away,...........but the drive would take 1.5 hours each way!
Orlando, and a Gold dealer.

What is the "next best" suggestion?
Not interested in Mansfield as I just finished fixing 2 of them at my mothers place,........some of you are aware of that.
No big deal, but I don't think a toilet should need repair in a few years.

The one I am replacing is a Briggs, which I believe has the reputation of a "huge pile of garbage", but I have never had any problems with it, other than a few years back I replaced the fill valve with a Korky,.......no problems since.

That brings up ANOTHER question,........what do you think of the Korky valves versus the typical Fluidmaster?
I never run out of questions!:D

[Terry]

I prefer the Korky (http://www.terrylove.com/korky/) style fill valve, less water hammer and less noise.

The Sanagloss stays cleaner.

The Toto web site only lists showrooms.
I'm not listed either and I sell a few thousand a year.
They may be closer than you think.
I used to buy Toto in Florida too.

Brett Farve played pretty good last year. He was always scary good when we played him. I remember Warren Moon in his 40's, he was good too.

Master Plumber 101,
You can't blame the rest of us for wanting to work with the best.
It makes our job easier.
A quality product sells itself, and keeps selling years later.
I get calls all the time, old customers, friends of customers, they know what they want, and I have it.
I got tired of "taking care" of some of the other brands.
They didn't take care of us when things went bad.

Did you see the Seahawks beating the Bears with their third string quarterback, and their fourth string running back last Saturday?
This could be a good year.

[Redwood]

Marc have you read Terry's consumer report on low flow toilets?
I'd recommend reading that then popping back with specifics...
Personally a ride to Orlando might not be a bad thing.

[jadnashua]

FWIW, I've bought 4 toilets over the net. The factory packing is fine for when it's shipped on a pallet with 11 others, but not great singly. These people added foam in place padding, and another box and the things came through fine. Can't say what other places do. Better to find it locally. A local plumbing supply house can probably get it for you, then getting it is their problem, not yours. Price may not be much different, either.

[Marc46]

Redwood,.......yes I read the info in the links. Thanks!

Since I am in the area of the storm in Florida, I am pretty much sitting on my duff in my home office. Raining all day, and same for tomorrow.

Found out that the Ferguson location here can get the Toto line, although they are not a showroom. They carry Kohler in the showroom, and the woman was honest enough to tell me that even the new Gen6 line is still getting complaints about bowl rinse.
I asked for a price on the Soiree with the sanagloss finish in biscuit.
Probably won't get it for a couple of days though.

I will need to check the rough-in measurements on the Toto though,.......I assume they are standard?
I have 12 inches off the wall to the bolts, and about 1.5" between the tank, and the wall, on the old Briggs.

[Terry]

The Soiree comes with the standard 12" Unifit for the drain.

The water supply needs to be 5" to the left of center.
Most plumbers put it at 6" anyway.

[Marc46]

Terry,
My supply is 7" left of the center of the trap, and about 5" up from the floor, so I presume I am good to go!

When I get a price,.......I will report back.
I also like the one-piece design, as it eliminates the tank gasket, and bolts, but I'm pretty sure my bad back won't like it as much!:)

[Marc46]

Finally got a price today,.......seems high to me, but what do I know.
That's why I am asking here!

Toto Soiree with Sanagloss in Biscuit color.
$879.75, plus $75.00 shipping,........plus tax.
$1,011.93 total for a toilet that I have to install myself.

This price is from Ferguson.
Am I simply out of the loop, or does this toilet do something special for me involving "suction", everytime I sit down?:D

[Terry]

Toto Soiree with Sanagloss in Biscuit color.

In the Seattle area I sell them for $684 plus tax

White for $595

I don't get mine from Ferguson though.

[Marc46]

Terry,......do you ship?

If so, what would you estimate to 34470 zipcode.
If not, I understand, and still thank you for your help.

[Terry]

I don't ship, but you may find out who buys from

Sink Outlet of Central Florida
(http://sinkoutletcfl.com/)400 North St
Suite 152
Longwood FL 32750
Phone: 407-831-7465

[Marc46]

Terry,..........one last question.
I have found a place with a reasonable price.

What are you considering "biscuit" as Toto does not show that on their site.
Is it the Sedona Beige #12?
Thanks!

[Terry]

Toto's color 12 is Sedona Beige = Biscuit = Linen

Toto's color 03 Bone = Almond = Bone

Toto's 01 Cotton White = most other whites except for A/S White
Toto's 11 Colonial White = A/S white in the last few years.

[Marc46]

Thanks Terry,..........now this thread can simply fade away!:cool:

[mwn007]

RW, if you would read the post I did not say the Mansfield Alto,I said The Mansfield Summit. It has a 3" flush valve opening and has similar features as Toto. Besides the Toto water closet may have a geat flush but does not have a very appealing look to it. If you think I'm a counter guy your mistaken. Because we have a difference in opinion does not give you the right to insult me. If I have a opinion about Mansfield check your facts on the summit 3 before you critize me. I recently installed a Mansfield quantum air assist water closet and was pleased with the performance. As far as Marks Plumbing Supply there located in Texas and I'm in Wisconsin.

I am pleased with my Summit 3 installed in Wisconsin. Works great! The summit is not a builders model but only carries a small price premium. About Half the cost of a DRAKE.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFRBj7Y2v1E

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFRBj7Y2v1E

[lbohen]

I'm new to this forum (today) and a homeowner in Richmond, Vermont. I am in the market for at least one, possibly two toilets for an addition. I've read all the posts in this thread and conclude that Toto is the manufacturer of choice. We have two Totos in our home and except for one of the top lids loosing its "air" they have been trouble-free. All toilets I've ever had have been trouble-free except for replacing flushing mechanisms.

I went to ConsumerReports.org for their opinion. Their August 2009 review showed American Standard Champion 4 (http://www.terrylove.com/forums/showthread.php?4833-American-Standard-Champion-toilet-Review-and-comments) ($425) in the number one spot and Kohler Complete Solution Cimarron (http://www.terrylove.com/forums/showthread.php?4834-Kohler-Cimarron-toilet-review-Owner-comments-and-pictures&daysprune=365)($350) as number two. Toto Eco Drake (http://www.terrylove.com/forums/showthread.php?5241-Toto-Drake-toilet-product-review&daysprune=365)($400) was at number nine.

Top Rated dual flush by Consumer Reports (http://www.terrylove.com/forums/showthread.php?30226-Consumer-Reports-Recommended-toilet-Gerber-DF-21-318-a-big-Flop!)

I would appreciate comments about the Consumer Reports conclusions and why Toto Drake would not have rated higher.

Thanks in advance.

This may be one reason that Consumer Reports makes a point of disagreeing with Terry (http://seclists.org/politech/2000/Mar/73)

[jadnashua]

Over the years, most of the top picks on toilets from CR have been dogs in one manner or the other. One thing they rate highly is the grams of stuff flushed. Some of the manufacturers have optimized their designs to flush the max of the plastic wrapped paste. This is not the same as the real thing, and real-world results show different results. Medical reports indicate anything over 500g is plenty (unless you have a medical condition that produces exceptionally long, hard stools then none of these work). Then, CR doesn't take into consideration the availability of repair parts, bowl wash, or splashing, or noise, or quality control. Real-world tests show that Toto has the lowest defect rate out of the factory and readily available parts, and they just work. Yes, you can get one of the others, but you need to play QA/QC inspector yourself. Terry actually uses the toilets he rates, then he sells thousands a year, and he reports the lowest problems, highest add-on repeat sales, and highest satisfication of Totos, of all the different brands he sells. Personally, I've got a couple, put a couple in my mother's house (don't want complaints from her!), and have been very satisfied. Toto is also the largest manufacturer of toilets in the world, and does have a factory in Georgia (but not all models come from there). Many of the US brands no longer are made here, so you can't use that as a buying point.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn9_zctMge0