Toilet Recommendations: Box Store vs. Plumbing Supply Store

BBC301

I was wondering if a Kohler toilet sold at HD/Lowes is the same as the toilet (example: Kohler Cimarron) sold at a plumbing supply store?

JeepNick

Probably not the same.

Side note - Everything I have read points to Toto toilets as being the best. Toto Drake and Drake 2 to be exact.

I'm doing a bathroom addition right now, and I will for sure be putting in a Toto toilet.

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joecaption

Jeep, what do you base your reply on that there not the same toilet.
Same model, same toilet.
The differants in most cases is just the price you will pay.

Javiles

Stay away from home depot china B and C grades.

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plummen

Look for a toilet in the $125.00 price range when looking at box stores,just say no to those $50 toilet in a box kits unless it comes with a good free plunger

rossfingal

Yeah - what "plummen" says!
About 3 years ago, helped a friend of mine replace 3 toilets in a rental
building.
Plungers R Us.
They were the "econo" one's from a Big Box, store.
We got "fed up" with them and upgraded.
Strange - no more problems!

rossfingal

NewHomeDIYGuy

I've replaced two toilets in my house now, and both with Totos. One is an ultramax 1 piece, and the other a drake. I have a friend that's a plumber and he swears by Toto, and has had some issues with kohler, which is why I went with Totos.

Yes, they're a little more expensive (a drake runs ~$230 shipped w/ the soft close toilet seat online), but the flushing power is very impressive and they're quality toilets. The thing I love about them is they aren't too large dimensions wise, which is important if your bathrooms aren't that big.

plummen

Of course you know you shouldnt listen to a hack plumber like me though, right?
Just ask that plumbing devil666!

Ironlight

I just put a Toto Ultramax in our downstairs powder room and it has proven to be a revelation. It is handsome and simple. It flushes instantly, quietly, and effectively, using less water than a regular toilet. It NEVER seems to clog (pretty key in a powder room...not something you want your guests to confront). It's compact yet comfortable to sit on, and it's easy to clean.

I feel silly raving about a toilet but it really was worth the additional expense. You'll get people here scoffing at the idea of spending that much on a toilet but I can guarantee you that they have not lived with one for awhile.

And yeah, I bought a toilet from Home Depot once, a few years ago. BIG mistake.

rossfingal

Yeah - "Ironlight"!
Live and learn.
I think the phrase is -
"Penney-wise and dollar foolish!"
My friend learned that one!
(Anybody need three toilets that, I wouldn't wish on my enemies?!)

"plummen"
Yes, I've met that one.
However, I think he prefers to be called - "Plumbing-Devil Six, Six, Six"!
(That's what his "business", card said!)

Now, where was I?
Oh, back to "hacking", through the "under-brush"!
(I can't wait until they make Plumbing and Electrical - "Wireless"!)
(Wait till the "hackers" - "hack" into those!!! -
Phew!! - Ouch!!)

rossfingal

Jackofall1

The key to a good flushing toilet is the size of the flush valve stick with a 2.5" minimum. The problem with the cheapies are their FV is like 1.25". I believe the biggest is 3".

The bigger the FV (porting from the tank to the bowl) the more velocity the water comes into the bowl under and the better the flush power.

Also the better toilets have a 2 position flush, one for liquid only and the other for solids, it is a good idea to ensure that you purchase this option for water conservation.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the unit at the big box stores, as long as you stay with the upper range models. Expect to pay a minimum of $200.00.

Mark

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av-geek

Hijacking this thread, what do you all think of the American Standard Cadet 3 and Champion 4 models. These seem to be a mainstay toilet product for many box stores, and sell within $150 and $200. I've always heard A-S products are pretty good but was wondering if anyone had real-world experience with them.

Jackofall1

American Standard is a good product IMHO, just stay with the higher end units.

Mark

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ben's plumbing

ALL LOWER PRICED CHINA FROM BOX STORES ARE GRADE B AN C SAME FOR FAUCETS....USED TO WORK A PLUMBING FIXTURE MANUFACTOR.....IF IT DID NOT PASS QUALITY CONTROL IT WAS GRADE B OR C WENT TO DIFFERENT PLACE FOR SHIPMENT...

jasin

These days your suppose to have 1.6 gpf or less pressure assisted. A lot municipalities and counties actually require it. If you are going to go Kohler I would suggest the 3609-0 Cimarron Comfort Height Elongated 1.28 gpf Toilet with Class Five. It one of the best you can get in the Kohler line. Its definitely a 5 star toilet http://www.amazon.com/K-3609-0-Cimar...tr_680355011_2