Tell me why the Toto toilet is so superior

16 years ago

I have read about the Toto toilets but exactly why do you think they are so superior to the Kohler or other toilets? It seems everyone has chosen a different Toto toilet too, why did you pick the one you did? I need a comfort height toilet. Are they so much more expensive than Kohler? I am getting close to buying 2 toilets soon and need to make up my mind.

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oruboris

16 years ago

If you've been using a 20 yr old builder's grade, you'll be thrilled with the upgrade, and you'll save a lot of water, too. Toilets didn't change at all for a very long time, and now are evolving and improving rather quickly.

Toto's poor performance in the CR tests are suprising till you realize they only toto tested was the Carlyle, which Terry Love rates at '625 grams' of solid waste [one of the poorest scores for a toto model], while the Toto Drake and Dartmouth are rated at '900 grams'. Not sure just how he comes up with these numbers, but thats a big difference. Sadly, most of the models I've ordered are Baldwins, which only score 675. They aren't delivered, I may try and change a couple to Drakes.

Meanwhile, CR likes the AS Champion, but while Love thinks it flushes well, he advises that you keep some repair parts on hand. He's a working plumber, and should know...

Here's a link to Terry Love's ratings, consider them as well as CR numbers.

Here is a link that might be useful: Terry's toilet ratings

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Comments (8)

ladycfp
16 years ago
I was going to keep my old toilet in my remodel since there is nothing wrong with it and it does work. I posted here about it and no one could say anything compelling as to why I should lay out any $ I didn't need to. Then I asked the plumber. Bear in mind, he is paid the same to replace a toilet, the old one, the new one, makes no difference to him. He immediately informed me that my old toilet is the cheapest American Standard you can buy (I didn't build the house) and asked how many time I have to flush it or how often it clogs. Well, I don't keep a plunger next to it for nothin'. According to him, the Toto Drake is THE throne, powerful. efficient and is a little taller than my 10 year old toilet, which he insists will make a big difference in terms of comfort. He can get it for me with a soft close seat (no more seat slamming to wake me up!) for less than I found it for online, too. So I capitulated and I am actually a little excited about it. (It doesn't take much!)

If you are still skeptical, google "Toto Drake" and look for reviews on the various message boards. That did it for me.

Apparently this is THE place to shop online, if you are interested:

Here is a link that might be useful: Toto toilets
bons
16 years ago
FWIW - Comsumer Reports has just reviewed many household remodeling type products, including toilets. Toto got high marks, but not the highest. I will try to post more details later when I have a chance, if anyone is intersted.

Bonnie
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Hi everyone, I've installed several Toto toilets, use them exclusively in my home and would like to offer some advice that'll address the two core complaints mentioned in this thread: the dripping sound and the flush problems. 1) The dripping sound is due to the Toto's proprietary roughin adapter and how it mates to the floor's flange. One trick I've found is to use a hot-glue gun and glue a zip-tie to the toilet's exit port so any trickling water is gracefully conducted down the zip-tie and onto the adapter. You must be sure the zip-tie is secured onto the 'front' portion of the exit hole and extends 2 inches or so beyond the hole or it won't work. 2) Toto is famous for their flushing. They use a superior 'swiggle' in the exit tube to improve the vacuum. The ONLY cause for a poorly flushing Toto is a flawed installation of the 'waxie'. The 'waxie' is the wax seal used where the adapter mates to the floor flange. If it's moved, even slightly during installation (or even during the toilet's use if the floor bolts are not secure and the toilet slightly rocks), the waxie develops pin-holes that breaks the seal (and thus the vacuum). So, if you don't experience an impressive sucking effect each time you flush, it's the seal. Just replace it. I hope this helps everyone to solve the distracting dripping sound common to Toto toilets, and explains the mystery of why some people love the flushing action of their Toto toilet, while others are forced to use a plunger.
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gwentm, as someone who recently went through the whole toilet education thing in order to make a decision for our bathroom remodel now underway, I can refer you to these two threads I started last month -- there's some good information in here. Choosing a Kohler toilet: how to weigh form vs. function? Okay, tell me about Toto toilets Be aware that Terry Love's web site, mentioned above, has some very useful information, but it's strongly slanted towards Toto; I wouldn't look on it as unbiased information. -- Eric
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I looked online at them last night after reading the other thread and the only one I found that was ada with sanagloss was the Drake. I wanted a skirted one but didn't find one w/sanagloss tho. and i think about 400.00 would be my limit on a toilet - lol! oh, i also would need the sedona beige color. that might have limited me too. anyone find the 1.28 gpf a problem? I did check the Terry Love site.
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pointing
16 years ago
here is my thoughts. My favorite toilet is the UltraMax by Toto. Toto calls this a "G-Max" toilet. The model number is MS854114S. It is a good looking one-piece that incorporates a 3" flush valve instead of the standard 2". The fill valve can be found in any hardware store. It meets commercial requirements, works well in a home and is quieter than the air assisted models. The long sweeping trapway is good prevention against clogging from stuck objects that can get caught in the standard shapes. This is a homeowner favorite too.

Some of the gravity toilets work very well with one flush.
Excellent are the Toto Drake and Ultramax series.
Also good are the Caroma, Toto Dalton, toilets.

Here is a link that might be useful: toto toilets
bradleyj
16 years ago
Toto is good to great, no doubt. But massively overrated if you go by postings on this website alone. There are equal or better out there -- I will post numerous rating links for comparisons. For disclosure, I have a wall-hung Duravit Caro and it is great!

Here is a link that might be useful: Toilet performance rating 1
bradleyj
16 years ago
more toilet perfomance ratings

Here is a link that might be useful: toilet performance rating 2
bradleyj
16 years ago
Final and best rating chart

Here is a link that might be useful: toilet performance rating 3
bradleyj
16 years ago
ps - "pointing" and its link above appears to be another name for known spammers pinki and topremodeler. Just FYI

Bottom line, no Toto sucks, and all are at least good or better, That is why their rep is so high. Other brands have some better toilets but much worse also -- so its caveat emptor with them, whereas with Toto you always get at least a good, strong reliable toilet.

Tell me why the Toto toilet is so superior

oruboris

Comments (8)

ladycfp

bons

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