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checking in--do you still like your AS Cadet 3?

17 years ago

To anyone who bought this, we're about to buy it, even though I haven't been able to "test-drive" it, as I have the Totos.

Do people think it's still reliable? How is the sound level compared with the Toto Drake, say (as an example of one with the highest power flushing mechanism)? Are you still happy with the purchase? Please post whether you are or not--I really want to hear both sides.

Thanks very much.

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Comments (12)

kristenfl
17 years ago
I just posted above you and am wondering the same things. I'm thinking way too much about this toilet...or so my family says!

Good luck. Maybe the answers to my post will help you, too.

Kristen
owrp
17 years ago
About 2 months ago we got 2 Cadet 3s and a Toto Ultramax. I love the Cadet 3. Even though it's a two piece, I think it's as easy to clean as the one piece Ultramax. The sound of the flush is not totally quiet but it only lasts two seconds then is quiet. So far no clogs. We have a wooden Church seat with it which I also like. The seat has fewer grooves than the plastic seat that comes with the Ultramax and I find it easier to clean. I like both toilets but the Cadet 3 was about a third of the price. I highly recommend it.
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OK pricklypearcactus, you're making me do alot of research now.... Here's the 3" flapper, model# THU175S, used on Toto "G-Max" 1.6gpf toilets, like the original, now-discontinued Drake: That flapper, from what I've been told, can be replaced by model# THU140S, which was used on their "Power Gravity" 1.6gpf toilets that were their midrange models - G-Max was their high-end. Note the lack of a hole on the side, which keeps it from falling until the water level is lower, thus sending more water to the bowl: But both of those 1.6gpf designs have been discontinued in favor of two 1.28gpf flush systems: E-Max (on most of the "Eco" models) and Double Cyclone (on most of the "II" models). Now here's where things get complicated - all of these seem to use a whole new range of flappers - a quick search turned up at least three new ones - THU253S, THU277S, and THU299S. Amongst the changes, most (all?) of these have added a float that sits above the flapper. I don't know if the float can be adjusted or removed - haven't seen one in person yet. There's a picture of the flapper from the Eco Drake, which I think uses the 277, on Terry's site: (here). To get an idea of the difference, look at the parts diagrams for the old 1.6 Drake and the new 1.28 Eco Drake. Now see the difference in part #6, the flapper? It does seem, as Terry noted, that the rest of the tank (and the bowl for that matter) haven't changed - compare the other part numbers. Maybe all you need to do to convert an Eco Drake into an old-style G-Max Drake is remove the float, or at least swap to the old flapper, although Terry says on his thread that the flush valve is different too. There was a 1.6gpf Double Cyclone in the lineup until recently (on the Neorest, Soiree, and Guinevere) - I can't find what flapper they used. This is way more than I ever wanted to know about toilet flappers....
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Going to revive this thread since I saw a few people looking for toilet recommendations and since this forum was so-o helpful on making my decision (Thanks to dchall_san_antonio for saving me $$$). After having a clog about every other week, I replaced all three of my over 15-year old Kohler toilets in my house with the American Standard Cadet 3. I had the opportunity to check out the Toto Drake, but felt that the Cadet 3 offered several advantages: 1) Ever-clean glaze. A silver antimicrobial glaze. 2) Swirling flush. Felt that this would keep the bowl cleaner vs. the Drake which seems to be more direct without swirl. 3) Availability. Can goto Home Depot or Lowe's to pick these up (and return them!). 4) Cheaper! Installation was straight forward onto hardwood floor and natural stone. I used rubber shims to eliminate the rock which was pretty easy (http://www.hammerzone.com/archives/bath/projects/remod_w1/toilet/new_1/install.htm). My rubber shims were from Ace Hardware and were a red square of rubber which is intended on replacing washers originally. The only quirks: 1) Home depot/Lowes only stocks the following: - Bone and White. - White available in round/elongated and regular/Right Height. - Bone available in round only, UNLESS you buy the complete ADA toilet package at Lowes for $221, then it comes in Elongated Right Height. 2) Water seems to stick to the inside of the bowl instead of settling at the bottom. Don't remember this happening on my old bowl. 3) Tank doesn't meet the bowl, but no leaks yet! Otherwise, the flush is awesome and I haven't clogged it yet! For those interested, my white elongated toilets were made in Mexico, while my Right Height Bone elongated was made in Brazil.
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It looks better this morning.......the red is fading. So all is good. All is well. Now you don’t need to do anything else. The pharmacist would likely recommend otc hydrocortisone, topical Benadryl, and other anti itch topicals. When I got stung by a bee when dead heading a marigold bloom, I remembered a remedy told by my mom about turmeric, so I immediately ran back inside and made a paste of turmeric powder, then applied & gently massaged on to the affected area between my thumb and forefinger. 30 minutes later, the swelling and pain were nearly gone. An hour later it was like nothing happened there. From there on I use this remedy for insect bites. I always have a turmeric powder bottle on my spice shelf to use occasionally in some dishes. Turmeric powder is also used to reduce arthritis pain and inflammation when taken internally. Several years ago, The People’s Pharmacy talk show discussed an arthritis remedy using this powder. I referred to this talk show and recommended it to a dear friend’s mom who had arthritis pain in her arm/shoulder joint. She took a teaspoon every night and it started working for her in a few weeks. She has taken it every night ever since. When I had a surgery on my jaw bone, I took turmeric powder, along with using ice pack. Worked well to control inflammation without taking ibuprofen which often does not go well with my stomach. Can you see how much I like turmeric powder. That said, people must consult with their doctor or pharmacist if they want to take turmeric while on certain prescription drugs or under a treatment regimen.
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mahatmacat1
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks, owrp. Helps a lot.
mahatmacat1
Original Author
17 years ago
Meant to add thanks to you too, kristen...I thought I'd typed that message out separately but it isn't here.

I saw your thread and I was still hoping that someone who owned the Cadet 3 specifically would speak up. I haven't heard anything bad about it, just that it's a "toto wannabe" which wouldn't upset me at all if it functions well. I don't *need* the name if the functionality and dependability is there.
carolinakid
16 years ago
I installed a AS Cadet 3" about 6 months ago and posted my results somewhere on this site.

In summary - I had to go back to HD a few times to get a bowl that wasn't defective (wasn't flat on the bottom or wasn't fully glazed).

I have had the toilet installed for about 6 months and have put it through some severe "stress" tests and admit that it has never clogged. Relative to the previous toilet that was installed - I'm impressed. Very strong and efficient flush. Not extra ordinarily noisey.

I was impressed enough with the toilet that I replaced the other two in my house with the same AS Cadet 3. So far, I'm very impressed with the toilet.

I am still a little concerned about overall quality of the unit based on the initial quality problems I had finding one that wasn't defective. I'm wondering if the unit is going to start developing leaks or parts failing. Only more time will tell.

I was initially going to use Toto Drake until the only local dealer quoted me a very high price and long delivery time. At the time the new report came out on toilets that showed the Cadet 3 performing very well relative to the Toto's (you can find it on the internet if you do some searching).

I really don't care where the toilet is made as long as its the best unit for the $$$.
mahatmacat1
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks, carolinakid--so far so good with us although one did require a significant amount of shimming (and the floor was level). We'll see :)
elljays
16 years ago
We have a AS Cadet 3 in our new bath (1 month old), and so far it seems great. I've never done a "test drive" on a Toto, so I can't compare, but I have no complaints so far with the Cadet 3.
claybabe
16 years ago
We have a toto and a cadet 3 (thanks to the forewarnings from this forum my friend went with me and we looked at every piece that HD had for glazing and flatness and other flaws, it was about one of every 6 pieces that was good!) and love them both. The cadet makes me smile because the price was so much better. And I had one of the most serious cloggers we know come over: No sweat, handled it like a champ (but I didn't get into any personal stuff re: type/description etc with him either, so this is not really a scientific test).
dianalo
16 years ago
Hi,
I am researching the toilet purchase and was wondering what carolinakid was referring to about a "flat bottom". Was the toilet itself not flat where it met the floor? Or was the bowl part not flat? And, if it was the bowl that was not flat, why would one want it flat? How did you check at HD? Did you take them all the way out of the boxes?

Any further description would be appreciated. ;0)
Molly Brown
16 years ago
bump
dchall_san_antonio
16 years ago
I've had a Cadet "3" for over a year and it is still great. My job puts me in hotels for extended periods, so I see plenty of bathroom fixtures. My introduction to high performance toilets was with the Toto Drake. It was great too. The hotel I'm in now has a Kohler Cimmaron and it is nice too. If anything the Cimmaron is quieter than either the Drake or the "3." For the money, the Cadet "3" is still my first choice. I also like the easy cleaning glaze feature of the Cadet "3". The Toto only has "sanagloss" on certain styles while AS puts it on every style.

I remember the plumber who installed the AS told me it was much easier to install than he had planned and was in and out in 30 minutes. I'm not sure what that means, but he had apparently never seen one before. He seemed to be checking it out carefully.
david_cary
16 years ago
FWIW - I have a AS 3 for about 6 months now. I have clogged it twice. This is far better than the last toilet (where I could clog 2x a week - but less so if I double flushed). So - don't think it is invincible....

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