Archive for toilet
Low Flow Toilets: Not Sure Why, But the Debate Continues
Posted by: | CommentsThe low flow toilet debate is in the news once again thanks to Kentucky Senator Rand Paul, whose recent outburst about his dissatisfaction with water-saving toilets during an Energy & Natural Resources Committee hearing has generated a great deal of (largely bemused) news and blog coverage.
The Professor is sad to hear that Senator Paul has been enduring toilet troubles for the past 19 years, but believes his comments were a bit off base, to say the least. It’s true that in 1994, which was the first time that all new homes and bathroom remodeling work were required to included low flow 1.6 gallon per flush (gpf) toilets, the technology wasn’t quite there yet. Most manufacturers simply produced toilets with smaller tanks that were prone to clogs and staining because there wasn’t enough power to fully clear the bowl.
Nowadays, however, there are countless high-performance toilet models to choose from, some of which require as little as 1.28 gpf. As far as the Professor can tell, if Senator Paul and other low flow toilet doubters took advantage of the many resources available to help them make wise “consumer choices” it would be an easy task to find a water-saving toilet that would meet their needs. Toilet manufacturers can apply for independent, third party verification of their claims related to toilet flushing power, for example. Also, as Bill Scher pointed out on OurFuture.org, Consumer Reports is one of many great resources of objective, thoroughly researched product reviews available to help Paul find a low-flow toilet that works.
A writer for Grist agreed that Senator Paul should simply purchase a new toilet, although the Professor is skeptical about their specific recommendation, which features a small water spot and an old-fashioned washdown flush, making the toilet likely to have clogs and stains. Instead, the Professor would suggest American Standard‘s “Made in America” Cadet 3 or the Champion 4, which has recently garnered media attention for reducing maintenance calls by 80% at the Loews hotel locations that installed the new toilets last year.
In closing, the Professor absolutely concurs with the many critics whose response has been “Go buy a new toilet!” Better yet, find a rebate for upgrading to a low flow toilet in your area to save even more money while you conserve water.
How to Install Toilets: The Champion 4 Toilet
Posted by: | CommentsDid you know that there is a special socket wrench which provided with every Champion 4 toilet? It is a whole lot easier to install the toilet that Loews Hotels engineering director described as “a quantum leap” over their existing toilets to the USA Today travel editor.
With this wrench you don’t need to put your hands into the tight area between the toilet and the wall, and you can get enough torque to tighten down the tank to the bowl properly.
The socket wrench is included in the bag with the nuts and the gasket. It looks like a long metal tube and one end of the “tube” has a hexagonal shape to fit the nuts. The other end has a hole through it. The washers are attached to the nuts, so there is only one part instead of two.
Professor Toilet fun fact: That’s how they change tires so quickly in the pits at NASCAR—the bolt ends on the wheels are “blinded” so that the nuts get started on them more easily. The Professor appreciates good toilet learnings from NASCAR.
Simply put the nut into the hexagonal end of the socket wrench, stick it into the blind end of the bolt, and start turning. Twist the socket wrench (it’s very easy to hold) until the nut is finger tight. Do the same on the other side of the tank.
Once the nuts are finger-tight on both sides, use a standard Phillips head screwdriver through the hole at the other end of the socket wrench and use the screwdriver to get torque to tighten the nut down all the way. For best results, don’t rush through the process. Tighten partly on one side, then the other, and so forth, so as to tighten the tank down equally on both sides. This tightens down the tank without difficulty. Then all that’s left to do is enjoy your new Champion 4 toilet.
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!
Will it Flush? Find Out with the Toilet Challenge App
Posted by: | CommentsThe Professor is a conscientious toilet expert, and likes to be able to evaluate a toilet’s flushing power as thoroughly as possible. With the Toilet Challenge, a free app now available from American Standard for iPhones, iPods, and iPads, it’s even possible to have some fun with the process.
This app allows users to select a toilet and match it up against any number of adversaries – from bananas to golf balls to chicken nuggets – and flush away. Clearly this “flushability” testing feature of the Toilet Challenge can offer hours of fun on its own (well, the Professor thinks so, anyhow) but the app offers a lot more than just fun and games.
Each of the “challenges” is based on the results of actual product tests, so the app offers a unique way to “try before you buy.” Users can also view product specs and locate local retailers through the app, making toilet shopping an unexpectedly easy and enjoyable experience.
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.
H2Option Declared Product of the Week by HousingZone.com
Posted by: | CommentsThe Professor’s enthusiasm for the dual flush H2Option toilet from American Standard and the power of its siphonic action flushes has never been a secret. Finding other experts who share this opinion is always icing on the cake.
The most recent example is HousingZone.com, which recently honored the H2Option as a “Product of the Week.” As the editors note, the H2Option was the first truly siphonic dual flush toilet to be introduced – and of course it remains the best, in the Professor’s opinion.
Dual-Flush Retrofit Kits: Do Their Claims Hold Water?
Posted by: | CommentsThe recent popularity of water saving, dual-flush toilets has inspired several models of “retrofit” kits, which purport to be able to convert standard toilets (which can use up to 5 gallons of water per flush) to dual-flush by allowing homeowners to choose between a full flush or a half flush, meant to handle liquids only. The desire to conserve water is always a good thing, but the Professor couldn’t help wondering if the claims made by the manufacturers hold water or if consumers would end up flushing their money – not to mention their water savings – down the dual-flush toilet.
After doing some research into the matter, the Professor is not particularly optimistic about these devices. There is currently no independent evidence that these retrofit kits will actually save any water and they may even end up wasting more water than a standard toilet. The main issue is that removing and replacing an original equipment manufacturer’s (OEM) flush valve with an after-market product changes the full flush characteristics of the toilet fixture. The full removal of the contents of the bowl is dependent upon delivery of the right amount of water at the correct rate. Changing either of these factors can adversely affect flush performance, which may increase the need for double flushing, thereby increasing water use.
If dual-flush retrofit valves were performance tested with each model of the gravity-fed toilet into which they would be installed, this wouldn’t be an issue. But because such extensive testing would be expensive and largely impractical, it generally isn’t done for dual-flush kits
The Professor also notes that the half-volume flush is particularly vulnerable to providing an unsatisfactory flush because there may not be a complete exchange of water in the bowl. This makes it particularly likely that waste – and toilet paper especially – will remain in the bowl and require a second or even a third flush, completely negating any expected water savings.
The moral of the story: invest in a real, WaterSense-certified dual-flush toilet! They may cost more than a retrofit kit but they can produce real water savings, and will save you money in the long run.
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.
That Toilet Can Flush How Many Hot Dogs?
Posted by: | CommentsThe Professor was pleased to read about a new certification program from NSF International that will offer independent, third-party verification of claims regarding the power of toilet flushes. The new NSF Flushable Consumer Products Certification Program will test to see whether that toilet can really flush 8 lbs of kitty litter or 36 hot dogs. (Note: it can’t, nor should it need to.)
The NSF tests will be performed on a “custom-built flushability rig” that will test the power of a toilet’s flush at varying drainline slopes and pipe diameters. Testing is thorough and includes a toilet bowl and drainline test, a dispersability test, a column settling test and aerobic and anaerobic disintegration tests. NSF will also inspect manufacturing facilities to ensure that products are made in accordance with official specifications and that health and safety measures are being observed.
This program is very new, but the Professor believes it is likely to be adopted by the industry very quickly. “Flushability” certification will help improve the popularity of low-flow toilets amongst – and beyond – the base of green consumers. Certification will also increase retailer confidence in a company’s products, which will potentially offer more marketing opportunities, so it isn’t hard to see how the benefits of certification easily outweigh the costs involved for a manufacturer.
And of course, this program is great news for consumers, who can feel more confident when purchasing a new toilet – which is not by any means an insignificant investment. Naturally, the Professor prefers to do his own hands-on toilet flush testing on a specially constructed rig, but this may not be practical for the average homeowner. Which, of course, is where the convenience of the NSF certification label comes in. Fortunately for all of the Professor’s fellow toilet fanatics out there, product testing videos like the one below abound on YouTube, allowing handymen and women to vicariously enjoy the thrills of a thorough toilet test without risking damage to their plumbing.
Anticipated Toilet Shortage Clogs Up Music Festival
Posted by: | CommentsIt may surprise you to know that the Professor is a big music fan and a regular concert-goer. So the recent news that the famed Glastonbury Festival (held every year in the English countryside) will be taking a year off in 2012 – due to an anticipated toilet shortage, of all things – was saddening to read.
The shortage is being caused by the 2012 Olympics being held in London, as it is expected that most of the portapotties in England will be needed there, with the rental price skyrocketing for the remaining available loos. The Professor must acknowledge that the Olympics is a entirely worthwhile event and an exciting event for Londoners, but still, the idea of missing out on that annual fix of great indie rock and funk performers is quite depressing. In the meantime, the Professor will be flipping through the rolodex of toilet suppliers that is always kept close at hand to see if the UK might have its Olympics and music festival, too.
