Private Label Toilets

I'm really interested in private label toilets, but at some companies the PL tank trim in the toilets is junk and at others its really good quality. Anyone know anything about Private Label toilets and their trim at these companies?

-Lowe's
-Ferguson
-Interline
-HD Supply

When even some of the name brands from the past are putting out trash, why do think these private labels will be any good? I'm all for saving a buck when I can, but there are times when you need to step up to the plate and pay for quality. Unfortunately, even then if you are not informed about what company is putting out quality and which companies are relying on their past reputation to sell junk, you can still be screwed. You want a quality toilet? Look at Toto's line. Not a poor or even marginal performer in the lot.

A toilet is a life time investment. Something you will use every day, several times a day. Why would you want to take a chance and buy something that is crap? Many of us consider the w\c to be the single most important fixture in the house. It must be able to handle the daily wear and tear and abuse that we give it. It must be comfortable and stable, built solidly with care and precision. When the handle is pressed the inner workings must instantly respond, sending a cascade of purifying water to the bowel with deadly efficiency so that not one single particle of waste is left in evidence. No my good man, here is not the place to pinch pennies. A quality toilet is a joy forever.

I know it's worth it to pay good money for a quality toilet. I guess my real question is:

-What companies' valves are in these companies' private label toilets so I know whether they are quality or not?

For Example:
- What company makes the toilet valves that are in the TOTO toilets that make them so good and reliable?

Toto innards are made by a very well known and dependable company. Parts and complete units are available everywhere at reasonable prices. What sets the Toto apart from most of the others is the extremely well designed and engineered trap ways and first rate quality control. They do not market blems or seconds as many of the other manufacturers do, and they don't make a no-label cheapie. They are not available in Box Stores because they do not make a builder grade product that can be priced low enough for the Box Stores.

One good reason NOT to go there.....try to find a proper replacement handle for a Glacier Bay.
Another reason: look at the map numbers for Glacier Bay, Lamosa, Whirlpool....to name a few. They are not up there in the performance band. Of course, if you were looking for a top performing toilet, you would not be looking for a cheapy to begin with.

In general....you do get what you pay for.

I believe you about its quality and dependability, eveyrone has been raving about Toto in the threads. What is the name of this well known and dependable company that makes the innards for Toto? Sounds like most people know about it. I know some information when it comes to toilets, but I want to become more knowledgeable about toilets down to the details. I feel that once you know something inside and out you can make the best decisions.

inards

Kohler uses a Fluidmaster fill valve. American Standard uses either a Fluidmaster, (good), or their SmartValve, (bad). Many of the others use a Coast float valve, (so-so until it goes bad). Look at a showroom model to find out "What is inside"

Plumb08 said:

I believe you about its quality and dependability, eveyrone has been raving about Toto in the threads. What is the name of this well known and dependable company that makes the innards for Toto? Sounds like most people know about it. I know some information when it comes to toilets, but I want to become more knowledgeable about toilets down to the details. I feel that once you know something inside and out you can make the best decisions.

Click to expand...

The "innards" of a toilet are pretty basic. The better performing flushers like the Toto's, or AmStd Cadet 3, Kohler Cimarron, etc. use a large trapway/large flush valve design. So , it is the design of the whole toilet, not the specific parts, which make a good one. Most companies use off the shelf fill valves...either a Fluidmaster, or Coast ballcock or similar. Kohler has been an exception, using space-shuttle type components. But even they are using FLuidmasters more now. SO, it is not the internal components, but the overall design that makes a good one. Then of course, we can get into quality of the porcelain construction.

Ok, great! Thanks for your help everyone!