Drake or Ultramax?

[TMinNC]

In a fit of frustration I ordered a Drake to replace a standard builder supplied toilet in our downstairs powder room. My plan was to replace it and depending how that went to replace the others in the house.

All the talk about leaking Drake's have me wondering if I should have gone w/the Ultramax. I've read the install notes here and will be sure follow them to a T.

But, from a performance standpoint is there any difference in these two models?

Thanks,
Tom

[jadnashua]

On a two-piece toilet, there are a few simple things that should be done during installation:
- the area around where the bolts go to hold the tank should be smoothed over; takes all of 10-seconds per hole. This allows the rubber washer to make a good seal*
- the nut that holds the flapper seat should be checked to verify it is tight, again, takes all of a few seconds.*
- make sure that the nut that holds the filler valve in place is tight

If you do that, and any conscientious installer should, you don't have problems.

* Two-piece only

[TMinNC]

Jim,

Thanks for the tips. I did see these as part of the install process named here online and will make sure to follow them. I think the tip about sanding the area where the rubber washers sit is a key one.

Any performance difference between the two models I mentioned? I don't mind the 2 piece look just looking for a price/performance match.

[Gary Swart]

The sanding is a precautionary step that while perhaps not necessary, is a very good and easy thing to do. I just gives added insurance that the tank bolts won't leak. Take your time tightening them. Rock the tank while pressing down and alternate sides often while tightening. The tank may not want to go tight against the bowl, and that's OK. Don't over tighten the nuts, just nice and snug.

[SamC]

Actually, according to the latest MaP report, the Drake performs better than the Ultramax at flushing bulk media, flushing 900 grams as opposed to 700 grams, because the level of the water in the tank is higher, providing a higher head pressure. But since the average human stoole is less than 350 grams, anything over that is fine. You might consider the EcoDrake or EcoUltramax, which use only 1.28 gallons of water, and still flush 600 grams and 500 grams respectively.

[TMinNC]

Sam,
Thanks for the info. I have a drake enroute and hope to install it thiseekend. If flushing goes well I will put a toilet bag in the tank to reduce the water usage. Its a small plastic bag that you fill with salt water to displace a given amount of volume. It can turn a 1.6 into a 1.28 tank.

[Terry]

With the Drake, you can order it with either the 1.6 tank or the 1.28 tank.
They cost the same.

[TMinNC]

I kind of like the idea of having an "extra gear" w/the 1.6. If all goes well I might go w/the 1.28 for the other 3.

Terry - any thoughts on expanding your shipping to the East Coast?

[TMinNC]

Looks good so far. Kids will be home all day tomorrow - so it will be a good test.

[RCraig]

Hope the kids and you have a good day together and hope the test works! R

[TMinNC]

Everthing is working well. Its been about 1 week and no issues at all.

[Redwood]

Whooda Thunk! I Woulda!
Another Happy Toto Owner!

[RCraig]

Hope I have the same good news when my Drake gets installed next Wed. R

[Redwood]

You will!

[RCraig]

I am planning to put on the sweat-catcher drip tray even though it is an insulated tank-Drake, just in case. R