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Plbg.com also known as the PlumbingForum.com. The popular plumbing tips, remodel and advice forum and blog. Ask any toilet, sink, faucet, pump, water quality and plumbing related questions.
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Author:
schieftain (PA)
We have two toilets that frequently block up. Both are American Standard, 1.6 gal. per flush models that are about 14 years old. No leaks, operate fine otherwise.
One (downstairs) gets blocked after my 10-year old uses it. We have become nazis about how much paper he uses, but it still gets blocked. I think it's becuase the solids are hard, and large volume.
The other one (upstairs), seems to block everytime we have family staying over. During these visits, it is used a lot more than normal, and I don't know what the cause is.
My question is– will replacing these toilets with newer toilets solve the blocking-up problem? I have read that the A.S. Champion 4 and Cadet 3 have improved flushing action. But the Cadet is less water per flush than we currently have. Is the flushing-action that much better? The Champion has the same g/p/f as we have now, but sounds like it may have better flushing action with a larger trap, larger flush-valve and piston-action flush. Is all this just hype though? One big concern I have with the Champion is the number of complaints I've read about quality issues. Many people have complained about leaks between tank and bowl, leaks at the bolts, and product arriving cracked/damaged.
I really can't afford a Toto, I know these are supposed to be the best, but $500-$600 for a toilet is not in my budget.
So again, my question is– will replacing my toilets with newer toilets solve the blocking-up problem?
Any advice would be appreciated!!!
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Author:
jimmy-o (CA)
1.6 gpf toilets in the generation you have, were not stellar performers. A good toilet today will fluch much better. Amer. Std. Cadet 3, Toto's including drake, etc. None of those should cost you anywhere near $500.
In the meantime, paper matters. Lose the charmin. Go with Scott or Costco.
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Author:
schieftain (PA)
Right. Found the Toto Drake is under $300. Any opinions on quality of Drake vs. A.S. Champion or Cadet?
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Author:
NICK (CA)
you should be able to get the drake for under 160. Toto softclose seat will cost you another 40 to 45. my opinion, go with the drake. It couldnt hurt to give your toilets a good augering in the meantime.
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Author:
Plums (FL)
I would suggest a Caroma toilet, you'll find one under $300 no problem. They'll dual-flush standard 1.6 or 0.8 which would cut down on water consumption without need for compromise on tp. Comfort matters!
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Author:
schieftain (PA)
Drake around here is $275 w/o seat. We don't have a lot of choices on supply companies (central-PA). I can get cheaper online, but do I want to do that? Pain in the butt if it arrives with a crack or something.
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Author:
Fixitangel (NC)
"My question is– will replacing these toilets with newer toilets solve the blocking-up problem?"
If you have tree roots or otherwise compromised drain pipe issues, maybe not.
When you have a block-up, does using a plunger clear it up every time?
Agree with jimmy-o, some of the early 1.6 toilets were poor flushers.
Edited 1 times.
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Author:
waukeshaplumbing (WI)
I just put 6 Caroma's in on a house last week...the install was just stupid....and they need to be caulked down to the floor...caulk is most of what keeps the toilet down on the floor...just stupid
I own a Toto drake and would recommend it to anyone...i sell them for $220 (round front)
get the Toto seat....the toilet has a different shape to it and off brand seats dont look right on it...
if you call your local plumber im sure he'll be glad to sell you one
American Standard is Junk....i charge extra to install it because i know i will have issues..they make B grade products
The Kohler Cimerron is my 2nd choice..Home Depot sells them for less than I can buy them for...i think they are under $200
one issue is all toilets are now 1.28 gallon per flush....i dont know if they flush as good as the 1.6's did...Kohler and Toto say YES, but from what ive seen i say NO
see if you can find a Toto Drake 1.6 still
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Author:
NICK (CA)
are you sure you aren't looking at the drake ada toilet? We have the elongated 1.6 for 139.00 out here where I buy. I don't know how much longer though. California is pushing the 1.28 and mandatory for new construction and I'm sure we will be the first to come up with a .75 if it is possible.
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Author:
hi (TX)
Agree with Wauk. However I recommend the Kohler elongated toilet seat. Looks just as good as the Toto.... however it has easily removable hinges for cleaning ... Toto does not. I have 4 of Toto eco drake 1.28 gal No problems with flushing and no clogging. Toto must specify Sanagloss for easier cleaning. Can't use Comet on them to clean however.
REcommend the elongated toilet if you have choice , That is what all the hotels use.
There are other brands that are OK that may be more available to you.... Cadet 3, Gerber avalanche. many of these are copies of the Drake.
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Author:
Wheelchair
A new toilet, any new toilet is only as good as the support system. If your waste and sewer line is defective, no toilet will work. Depending on the age of your house and waste system, an evaluation should be considered.
As previously stated by some, the 1st generation of 1.6 gallon flush toilets had very poor ratings. Your house may have some of those 1st generation toilets.
I hope you let us all know the results of your decision.
Best Wishes
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Author:
dlh (TX)
nick, the only place in my area to find a toto drake charges over $300. area and supplier make a big difference when it comes to the price of things
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PLUMBERS "Protecting The Health Of The Nation"
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Author:
schieftain (PA)
House/pipes/toilets are 14 years old. And in good shape. No trees/tree roots anywhere near lines.
Plunger fixes issue every time.
I use the exact same toilets myself and have never had an issue, so I believe it is the user(s) and amount of paper or volume/hardness of solids, not plumbing.
Many reviews I've read on Drakes say they leave some residue. Also that sometimes parts are hard to find.
Am probably going with the AS Champion as they get a lot of good reviews on flushing power and I can get for $220 at Home Depot. The Champion has stronger flush than the Cadet and is a 1.6 model.
Edited 1 times.
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Author:
Paul48 (CT)
I also have a 14 year old A/S toilet, and during a remodel of the downstairs bath, my grandkids used the upstairs bath. One grandson clogged the toilet daily. It has never happened to me or my wife,before or since.
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