Archive for Cadet 3
Well-Deserved Recognition for Teen Toilet Guru
Posted by: | CommentsThe Professor was proud to see that fellow toilet fan John-Michael Gigliotti was recently recognized for his community spirit and extensive toilet knowledge by Sid Michaels Kavulich, his representative in the Pennsylvania State Assembly. Representative Kavulich begins to tell John-Michael’s story at minute 1:22 in the video below.
The Professor previously shared a detailed account of John-Michael’s toilet interest. It’s a great story – featuring a great photo of the toilet guru posing with the Cadet 3 FloWise toilet that American Standard donated to his family – that is always worth another look.
Outstanding Service from American Standard and HD Supply
Posted by: | CommentsWorking with manufacturers and suppliers on large scale projects can be stressful and frustrating, so the Professor was particularly impressed to read the following account from Paul Sly of Interstate Investment about his experiences working with American Standard and HD Supply to upgrade the toilets, faucets, and showerheads in a 1,000 unit apartment complex. Many thanks to Paul for taking the time to write such a thoughtful letter.
February 2, 2011
Mr. Carl Whipple, Field Account Representative
HD Supply Facilities & Maintenance
Dear Carl,
In conjunction with our planned project execution, in mid-2010 we solicited proposals in regards to the fixture replacement campaign we were planning to implement at our 1,000 unit apartment complex. We received proposals from several vendors for this project, but one “team” consistently stood out from the rest: HD Supply & American Standard.
The exemplary service & sales presentations that we received from the HD Supply team along with American Standard’s representative, Mike Gilmore, throughout the bid process was very informative, especially the spreadsheet defining the cost savings over our current fixtures in use. One of the most impressive segments of the sales process was the portable product demonstration showcasing the patented flush system which allowed our technicians to see the benefits over the competitors’ products. FYI, as of this writing we have had NO clogs or service requests with any of the American Standard toilets that we have installed.
Additionally I would like to let you & Mike know that I sincerely appreciated the above average sales approach for being solely based on addressing our needs and concerns, showcasing the quality and cost savings of American Standard products without negatively trashing the other competitors.
As you are aware HD Supply along with American Standard was chosen as our supplier for all bathroom and kitchen fixture upgrades & replacements. I would like to additionally recognize and thank both you and Mike Gilmore for “above and beyond” customer service which has been consistent since our initial meeting.
In summary it has been a real pleasure to work with both the HD Supply & American Standard teams. The entire process from initial proposal to weekly deliveries has progressed sealessly without a glitch and it is my pleasure to recommend HD & American Standard to anyone wanting quality products backed up with excellent customer service.
Best Regards,
Paul Sly
Maintenance Director
Interstate Investment
The high performing and water saving plumbing fixtures that Interstate Investment purchased for this project included:
- Cadet3 Flowise toilet, a high-efficiency toilet that uses only 1.28 gallons of water per flush, which is 60% less water than a traditional 3.5 gallon per flush model.
- Reliant3 Lavatory faucet, a WaterSense-certified faucet with a 1.5 gallons per minute (gpm) flow rate. Installing a faucet like the Reliant 3 will save up to 600 gallons of water a year.
- Colony Soft Bath/ Shower trim kit,which can save a family up to 8,000 gallons of water a year while still delivering an invigorating shower
- Colony Soft Kitchen Faucet, a durable line of faucets made with ceramic disc valving to ensure a lifetime of drip-free performance
Sounds like a job well done all around!
High Efficiency Toilet Donation Solves a Unique Plumbing Challenge
Posted by: | CommentsThe Professor always enjoys seeing a big company do positive community work, so it was very pleasing to hear that American Standard recently donated six new toilets to a Plano, Texas-based charity called My Possibilities that offers a year-long educational program for adults with disabilities like autism, Down Syndrome, Aspergers, and Prader-Willi who have “aged out” of the public school system. My Possibilities offers programs designed to help them build independence and pre-vocational skills in a safe and nurturing environment – a meaningful and necessary service for any community.
The staff at My Possibilities knew they were in serious need of a plumbing upgrade and were hoping to replace their existing toilets with high-performance toilets that used only 1.28 gallons of water per flush to help reduce water use at the school. American Standard was happy to assist them and promptly donated six Cadet 3 FloWise High-Efficiency toilets (HETs). The donated toilets featured an EverClean finish to help keep the toilets cleaner, and were also “Right Height” toilets, so their taller height made them more comfortable and easy to use. Right Height fixtures are ADA-compliant, another reason why that size was chosen for this particular donation.
The Professor was lucky enough to speak with some of the staff at My Possibilities about this toilet donation. Finance Manager Robin LeoGrande explained that toilet performance was a special concern of theirs, as the number of foreign objects that make their way into the center’s toilets is often considerable. In a conversation a few weeks after the donation, Board Member Charmaine Solomon said the new toilets were “a hit and an absolute godsend solution to a frequent problem that we have been experiencing.” She also confirmed that since the installation they had experienced no blockages or overflowing, both of which had been a regular occurrence with their old toilets.
Plumbing problems can become a serious and unfortunate distraction, as the Professor well knows. It is good to hear that the staff at My Possibilities can now remain focused on their excellent programs instead of constantly running for a plunger.
Home Remodeling Goes Green and BLUE
Posted by: | CommentsAmerican spending on home remodeling projects has been rising in recent months, and the Professor notes that many savvy homeowners are taking advantage of these opportunities to incorporate energy and water-saving changes into their plans. Greening your home in this way is not only great for the environment, but will save you money in the long run, too.
The December issue Kiplinger’s Personal Finance featured a selection of product reviews to help consumers get the most bang for their buck from these upgrades, and on the top of their list was installing American Standard’s Cadet 3 toilet in your bathroom. Kiplinger’s notes that for each member of your household, the toilet will save 4,000 gallons of water and $25 annually.
In addition to these projected water savings, the Professor especially appreciates the consideration that Kiplinger’s gave to product quality in their recommendation. Many low-flow toilets lack the flushing power to thoroughly clean the bowl after every flush, making frequent plunging and double-flushing necessary. And if you are constantly having to double-flush your toilet, you are also flushing away most of your water savings at the same time. American Standard’s impressive flushing demonstration video for the Cadet 3 proves that concern isn’t an issue with this toilet.
To find out how much water and money you can save by installing the Cadet 3 and lots of other water-saving plumbing fixtures, the Professor also recommends that you check out the Responsible Bathroom‘s water-saving calculator.
From Toilets to Trim: Trends in Bathroom Remodeling
Posted by: | CommentsThe Professor is obsessed with toilet performance – no doubt about that – but the interest doesn’t end there. No, the Professor also has an eye for the finer things in life – like bathroom remodeling and style trends, for example. So of course it was a real treat when Gary Uhl, Director of Design at American Standard, offered to share his thoughts on what styles are “hot” right now for bathrooms.
The most surprising trend Uhl has observed is that, in spite of the bold colors and design choices we see becoming popular in the rest of the modern home, more and more consumers are moving back to basic white for their tubs, toilets, and sinks. Why? As Uhl explained, “This is because the range of materials and colors in the bathroom has exploded. You no longer define the color of a bathroom by the tub or the sink. Instead we see wood, metal and glass providing the hue and tone.” This combination of clean, white surfaces next to dark wood makes otherwise traditional pieces look very new and modern, another style trend that Uhl expects to see more of in 2011.
As far as special features go, the Professor was pleased to hear that High Efficiency Toilets (HETs) are gaining popularity. Early models of low-flow toilets were often lacking in flushing power, but as HETs have evolved and gained the reputation for great performance they now have, homeowners have finally begun to embrace them. Over the years they will pay for themselves in savings on water bills, making them a great investment. Uhl noted that American Standard’s Cadet 3 FloWise One-Piece HET uses only 1.28 gallons of water per flush while offering maximum performance. As a one-piece it is already easier to keep clean, but it also comes with an EverClean surface that inhibits the growth of stain and odor-causing microbes.
Another emerging trend, particularly as those style-defining Baby Boomers grow older, is to think of the future and remodel with the concept of “aging in place” in mind. In the bathroom, this means choosing a “right height” toilet or a walk-in bathtub that will still be easy and comfortable to use later in life. And with the spa-like options now available with these pieces (including whirlpools and airbaths), homeowners don’t need to sacrifice luxury when planning for old age.
Still need help putting it all together? The Style Advisor is a great resource to help build a great new bath that suits your individual style to a T.
The Professor is a proud friend of John-Michael Gigliotti, a 14 year old autistic teenager and highly knowledgeable toilet fan, whose passion for the commode is impressing plumbing industry executives and improving the facilities at a public park in his hometown of Camden, PA with the help of plumbing manufacturer American Standard.
John-Michael’s parents say that he has been fascinated by toilets since the age of 3, and that as he grew older he learned all he could about the different styles, brands, and flushing mechanisms available. Earlier this year John-Michael was given a tour of American Standard’s Piscataway, NJ-based factory, where he thoroughly impressed the staff with his knowledge of the brand’s product line. John Michael’s father, Camden City Council Member John Gigliotti said that he “watched John-Michael in utter amazement at how he shared his passion and knowledge of your product line and the product line of your competitors with [Director of Design] Gary [Uhl] and other members of your team.”
John Michael and his Cadet 3 Toilet from American Standard
The company donated the toilet of John-Michael’s choosing – the Cadet 3 FloWise, a selection the Professor would fully endorse – to his family, and John-Michael has been happily giving all visitors “the demonstration” ever since. Council Member Gigliotti thanked the company for their generosity and for their engagement with his son, reflecting, “it is going to take this spirited type of thinking and approach to help transition many of these children into adulthood and obtain semi-independent living with meaningful employment.”
However, receiving a new toilet for his home didn’t stop John-Michael from thinking about other parts of his daily life that would benefit from an upgrade to a new American Standard toilet. Over the summer, while visiting a local park, he noticed that the restrooms were in poor shape. He suggested to his father that they contact the company and ask if they could help by replacing the toilets, urinals, and sinks with better models. The Professor is pleased to report that American Standard agreed to help, and has told John-Michael to identify exactly what is needed at the park. They will then donate whatever products he believes will improve the park facilities.
John-Michael is still making his selections, but the Professor looks forward to learning what his recommendations are and offers a tip of the hat to this new, civic-minded colleague, the teenaged Toilet Guru.
Elect to Save Water
Posted by: | CommentsProfessor Toilet was pleased to see conservation on the mind of Illinois Governor Patrick Quinn last month, when he announced a special one-day rebate to help residents purchase energy-efficient appliances. While visiting a Home Depot in Chicago, the Governor was introduced to high efficiency toilets (HETs) by Steven Henley of E.A. Langenfeld Associates.
Watching a flushing demonstration of a Cadet® 3 FloWise® toilet, Governor Quinn was pleased to learn that in addition to using 20 percent less water than a standard 1.6 gallons per flush (gpf) toilet, there is little likelihood of fillerbusting.
In fact, no matter how thick the partisan politics become, there are few parliamentary procedures capable of blocking an HET from its intended goal. These top-rated WaterSense®-listed flushing platforms are capable of flushing more than 2.2 pounds of solids without double flushing or clogging.
As millions of American head to the polls in November, keep in mind that American Standard is known for keeping its campaign promises.
Toilets: Get Comfy
Posted by: | CommentsWhen selecting a toilet, homeowners have the choice between round and elongated bowl designs.
Round-front toilets have been around the longest and typically extend 25 to 28 inches from the wall. Newer to the scene and designed to be more comfortable, elongated bowls typically extend 29 to 31 inches from the wall.
Because the toilet sits opposite the door in many smaller bathrooms, a regular elongated toilet can restrict the size of the door or its swing – or just make navigating small powder rooms difficult.
A third option is called compact elongated, which combine the best of both worlds: comfort and space savings. Compact elongated toilets, such as the Compact Cadet 3, offer the comfort of an elongated bowl in same 27½-inch footprint as a conventional round-front bowl.
This space-saving feat is accomplished by reengineering the trapway so that it is closer to the wall but still fits standard 12-inch rough in designs.
It is important not to confuse bowl size (distance from the wall to the front of the bowl) with a toilet’s rough-in dimensions, which denotes the distance from the wall to the center of the toilet flange in the floor).
WaterSense Products a Key Element in Green Rebuilding Efforts
Posted by: | CommentsOn May 4, 2007, the town of Greensburg, Kansas was destroyed by an EF5 tornado. Ninety-five percent of the town was leveled by the storm and 11 people lost their lives. In the wake of this tragedy the residents of Greensburg chose to take advantage of what they realized was an historic opportunity and began to rebuild their home into the first LEED Platinum town in the country.
Today, on the 3rd anniversary of the Greensburg tornado, the Professor gives a tip of the hat to the resilient residents of Greensburg for their amazing accomplishments.
Most of the news coverage has focused on Greensburg’s wind farm, rainwater harvesting efforts, recycled building materials, and LED-powered streetlights. However, one other important feature in the town’s new, environmentally-friendly plan includes the installation of WaterSense-certified plumbing products in the reconstructed homes.
To help residents conserve water, American Standard Brands donated a number of products, including several low-flow Cadet 3 and FloWise toilets, both of which use 20% less water per flush than standard toilets. Several Greensburg homes also received water-saving Reliant 3 faucets and FloWise bath and shower kits.
Making use of clean energy technologies and reclaimed building materials are truly laudable actions, but as always, the Professor is especially pleased to see that water conservation is a key aspect of Greensburg’s low-impact lifestyle.
Dual Flush Toilet Review: Washdown vs. Siphonic Action
Posted by: | CommentsProfessor Toilet is pleased to see enthusiasm for dual flush toilets finally catching on in the United States.
Designed more than 30 years ago by an Australian Toilet Scientist, dual flush technology can reduce water usage by up to 67%. To put this into perspective, that’s like saving an average of 9,600 gallons a day over the old 3.5-gallon behemoths, or enough water to fill three hot tubs each day when compared to a 1.6-gallon toilet.
Dual flush toilets are actually mandated in Australia and Singapore, and catching on fast in North America because of the simple premise: “push 1 for 1 and push 2 for 2,” A number 1 flush uses less water, a far more pleasant alternative to “if it’s yellow, let it mellow.” A number 2 flush is designed to take down solids without clogging, typically using the same 1.6 gallons per flush (gpf) as standard toilets like the Champion 4 and Cadet 3.
Dual Flush Washdown vs. Dual Flush Siphonic
One issue slowing more widespread adoption of dual flush toilets in the US is a technical term that toilet scientists call skid marks. The Professor assumes that you don’t need a visual on that; in short, it’s a bowl that won’t stay clean after pushing 2 for 2. You may use other words for it when it happens.
Dual flush toilets rely on the “push” of water to cleanse the bowl in what is known as a washdown flush. In contrast, standard toilets depend on the more popular siphonic action to “pull” waste out.
To strengthen the push action, the bowls of dual flush models are sloped more sharply than standard toilets to give the water greater momentum, which can also increase splashing. The steeped bowls mean a smaller “water spot” or water surface area in the bowl, which makes it more likely that toilet paper or other waste will cling to the sides of the bowl, staining and generating odors.
The toilet engineers at American Standard have overcome these two hurdles with a dual flush toilet that removes every last trace of paper and waste, as well as one that offers a large traditional water surface area.
The WaterSense-certified H2Option Dual Flush Toilet is the first truly siphonic dual flush toilet, which generates strong push and pull action through forceful but quiet jetted action under the rim. When the user flushes H2Option, some of the water is instantly diverted to the rim where there are a series of chambers. The air in the chambers pushes the ongoing coming water forcefully out into the bowl. The resulting downhill rush of water creates an all-but-irresistible pull on the water behind it, so that every last trace of waste is removed from the bowl.
