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Kohler Memoirs toilet is awful -- replacement?

13 years ago

Okay, I had to have the Kohler Memoirs toilet for reasons I cannot now remember. It is AWFUL. It does a decent job of flushing away the "matter" but always leaves large skid marks, that require multiple flushes or getting in there with a brush. Sorry to be graphic, but it's pretty much unavoidable on this subject!

What toilet out there does not have this problem? In spite of having only had this stinker for a few weeks, I have to replace it. I can't live with this problem, and I certainly can't have guests facing this dilemma.

Based on your real-life experience, what toilet flushes completely and cleans the bowl well, too? I think the problem is the result of the shape of the bowl -- it isn't really bowl-shaped.

I really have to get rid of this thing ASAP. Thanks.

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Comments (5)

jph1
13 years ago
If you don't want the traditional look of the memoirs toilet, I would highly suggest a Duravit toilet with the Wondergliss coating. Wondergliss is a coating that allows a virtually clean bowl. This is what I would compare to wax on your car. It helps keep the water and skid marks from attaching to the interior walls of the bowl. You will pay about $40- $65 extra on the toilet from the normal Duravit toilet, however, well worth it.
gbsim1
13 years ago
I've had a Toto Drake (comfort height, not sanagloss) for about 2 years now in our Master Bath.

We are happy with it. No residue and it does a quick thorough flush.

Strangely enough despite 24 years of NEVER stopping up the old purple brown Kohler master toilet in this house, about 1 month after the new Toto was installed, we had a clog that required the plunger. I was NOT happy. But it was a one time occurence and we've never had it happen again. I'm wondering it there was some wax ring or something from the old toilet that caused the clog.
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Just go to both the toto and Kohler websites, look up your toilets of interest. There will be links for pdf spec sheets that will give almost every desired dimension of the toilet, including the base! Also will give an outline drawing of the shape so you will have an idea of the footprint. I think you mean you wanted to replace the Kohler... you just mistyped?
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I love the Porcher lutezia sink but it is too big for my space. I am going with the duravit 1930 series, which has a similar look. Either one goes with the toto promenade as I checked them out in person. I'm using the lutezia toilet instead of the toto though, as I have one already and like the look of it. I've had it for 4 years and have had no problem.
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Sounds like the refill tube is not properly attached. There should be a white refill tube connecting the fill valve to the overflow tube. If not attached properly, no water will fill the bowl after the flush. The sound is likely the water from the refill tube splashing in the tank. The loose end of the white refill tube should fit securely into the small round opening in the top of the canister. Force the end of the tube into the opening and try again... If the tube is properly attached, there is likely some sort of sediment fouling up the fill valve and you may simply need to replace. Hope that helps!
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Astoria1, I ended up with an American Standard but really loved the Kohler and shared your dilemma. At the end of the day, I felt that if I had to keep a toilet brush handy for every trip to the bathroom, the looks would soon lose their charm. After agonizing over design, I love my American Standard; it's nice enough and works well. I would think the same would be true for Toto.
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sevrm
13 years ago
I've said it before, but I'll say it again. We're completely happy with our St. Thomas Creations Palermo one-piece toilet. We've had it over six months with never a problem of any sort due to the larger than average water surface area. Amusing video below.

Here is a link that might be useful: St. Thomas Toilet
dedtired
Original Author
13 years ago
That video is funny. I bet that would have some plumber scratching his head. I do think the Kohler Memoirs would flush away a ton of carrots, too, but the bowl would be full of disgusting orange skid marks.

Keep those suggestions coming. Toto is a possibility, and I'll look into the Duravit.
jacobse
13 years ago
I've posted in some previous threads about our happiness with Totos (Carlyle II toilets in two bathrooms this summer). I won't repeat myself here, other than to say the happiness continues several months further down the line. (If you search Toto on this forum, you can read those threads and additional comments others contributed on their toilet pros and cons.)

-- Eric

Here is a link that might be useful: 'Okay, tell me about Toto toilets' thread

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