Best low-flow toilets?

[PonderInc]

OK, reading online reviews of new toilets is not helping me.  So I'm going to ask the experts at TN...

I'm shopping for new low-flow, "comfort-height" toilets to replace our 1954 era "squatters" (the 13" high seats are not helping my bum knee!)

So much to think about: trapway size, flush valve size, "rinsing" ability, round or elongated (all my male friends suggest elongated...hmmm...), etc, etc...

I'm tempted to go for anything that can flush a thousand golf balls and a dead cat simultaneously.  I want it to be low-flow, but I don't want that to mean: "keep a toilet brush handy, 'cause you're gonna need it!"

I've read older reviews that suggest the American Standard "Champion" has had problems in the past. (Plus, I think it's ugly...)  Anyone have recent experience with new toilets?  Kohler?  American Standard? Other brands?

Here's what I want: comfortable height, flushes everything on the first try, no clogging, reliable.  (The current 60 year old toilets have not needed any servicing except replacing the rubber flappers.  I'd keep them except they waste water and hurt my knees...)

Oh yeah...and is there any difference in quality when you buy a toilet from Home Depot vs a plumbing store.  (The price sure is different!)

[Gaspar]

I've always found that the higher the tank the better your "load" ushering velocity.  I put in two new valves last year fro Lowe's (I forget the brand, but I think this is it http://korky.com/WaterWI$E528Z.html) .

The most water waste is caused when the valve is open during tank refill.  Several companies have new valves that don't start fill until the tank has flushed.  They cost a little more but makes it easy to turn any standard toilet into a low-flow model.  Suckers are quieter than the standard valves too.

[Rico]

OK, reading online reviews of new toilets is not helping me.  So I'm going to ask the experts at TN...

I'm shopping for new low-flow, "comfort-height" toilets to replace our 1954 era "squatters" (the 13" high seats are not helping my bum knee!)

So much to think about: trapway size, flush valve size, "rinsing" ability, round or elongated (all my male friends suggest elongated...hmmm...), etc, etc...

I'm tempted to go for anything that can flush a thousand golf balls and a dead cat simultaneously.  I want it to be low-flow, but I don't want that to mean: "keep a toilet brush handy, 'cause you're gonna need it!"

I've read older reviews that suggest the American Standard "Champion" has had problems in the past. (Plus, I think it's ugly...)  Anyone have recent experience with new toilets?  Kohler?  American Standard? Other brands?

Here's what I want: comfortable height, flushes everything on the first try, no clogging, reliable.  (The current 60 year old toilets have not needed any servicing except replacing the rubber flappers.  I'd keep them except they waste water and hurt my knees...)

Oh yeah...and is there any difference in quality when you buy a toilet from Home Depot vs a plumbing store.  (The price sure is different!)

Try shopping "Toto" brand..   Pricey but very stylish and functional.

[Red Arrow]

"comfort-height" toilets to replace our 1954 era "squatters" (the 13" high seats are not helping my bum knee!)

13" is a real low sitter.  I measured our 1967 seats at 16".  My sympathy to your knees. Maybe whoever had your house built was significantly height challenged.

[heironymouspasparagus]

Just put in American Standard Cadet3 Flo-Wise WaterSense elongated from Lowe's about 4 months ago.  Item 107782.
Has been very good.  16" high.

[Conan71]

I've got a pair of 1955 Eljers. They work fine, still look new and I don't think they significantly affect my water bill. The idea of flushing a bucket of driving range balls though is intriguing to me.   

[Red Arrow]

The idea of flushing a bucket of driving range balls though is intriguing to me.   

Getting them through the toilet is one thing.  Getting them all the way to the main sewer may be another.

Good Luck!

[dbacks fan]

Forgive me, I just had to do this.....

http://www.poopreport.com/node/634/print

[Conan71]

Getting them through the toilet is one thing.  Getting them all the way to the main sewer may be another.

Good Luck!

Can you imagine the look on the Roto-Rooter man's face when he pulls a handful of golf ball skins and rubber band looking debris from the clean-out? 

[Red Arrow]

Can you imagine the look on the Roto-Rooter man's face when he pulls a handful of golf ball skins and rubber band looking debris from the clean-out? 

I expect they've seen it all.

[Conan71]

You know, some things are best left unimagined. Especially the finds of a plumber.

[Breadburner]

I only flush mine about 1 time out of every 4 uses.......

[Conan71]

I only flush mine about 1 time out of every 4 uses.......

As I recall from water rationing days:

"Flush only if it's brown"

[Hoss]

As I recall from water rationing days:

"Flush only if it's brown"

ewwwww

[PonderInc]

As I recall from water rationing days:

"Flush only if it's brown"

We digress...

But the quote I remember from the 70's was:

"If it's yellow, let it mellow.  If it's brown, flush it down."

Since our cat drinks exclusively out of the toilet (no interest in fresh water from any other type of bowl), we can no longer let it mellow.  Probably for the best...