IRISMAN,

Thanks for the review. You're right, the Cadet 3 has approximately 50 variations :)

I've heard good things about their flushing capabilities, and was looking at the FloWise version of the Cadet 3 (it uses 1.28 gpf). Failing that, they have a space-saver model that is an elongated bowl with a round-bowl footprint (the loos I'm replacing are all round bowl, so space is limited).

How was the overall quality of the toilet? Was the fit/finish decent? Did the glaze look OK? The reason I ask is that I've read stories online about people having to make multiple trips to the store to get a Cadet 3 that is level/finished well/etc.

Here is a link that might be useful: FloWise

I have the Toto ultramax and while pricey it works flawlessly.Below is a good source for that American Standard Cadet and here is a discount code for an extra 5% OFF 64895311 (ftom retail-me-not.com) and comes with free shipping. As an elderly person I can not emphasize enough the importance of the extended height model and the elongated bowl if you can make it fit.

Here is a link that might be useful: link to American Standard Cadet

We have both Toto and Kohler. Our contractor talked us into it 8 years ago when we were remodeling. I had never heard of it, but thought we'd listen to him, since he felt it was the best one on the market. I've been happy with both brands, but I have to say that the Toto has never needed any replacement of the filler in the unit (you know the one you replace every few years). I also like the flush of the Toto which is more responsive than the Kohler. Hope this helps.

The overall quality of the one I installed was great. The shell was quite thick, well coated glazing, level and a strong flush.

Every one I've talked to that has a ToTo loves it and recommends them highly. The same with the mid to higher end Kohlers, folks swear by them.

I'll be remodeling a bathroom of my own in the next few months. I honestly can't say what I'd end up using right now. I can say I will look strongly at the Cadet 3 model I just installed for the elderly folks. The price was in the $300.00 + range.

Thanks Nuthead for the code and link!

And thanks to everyone for their input. I've really looked hard at the Toto Drakes and Eco Drakes, and like what I see. I especially like the positive reviews they have gotten.

Since I'm not footing the bill for this, I'll have to run the prices past my parents. But it seems like the Toto or the American Standard will be what I replace. I've read mixed things about some of the Kohler models, such as the Cimarrons not having a good bowl wash or being hard to plunge.

Thanks again!

Well, on second thought, I may not go with the Cadet 3 Flowise version after all - it seems to use the same flush tower as the Champion 4 system, which (at least initially)was prone to breaking down. The standard Cadet 3 uses a regular flapper set-up that is less finicky. But still, 1.6 GPF is better than three loos using 7!

Anybody ever install or own one of the Flowise-equipped American Standards? Any problems that you've experienced with them?

thx for the info on toilets! lol!
I'll be replacing one in the near future (next fall) and being disabled I never thought to consider height of it until recently. I should have considering the pain I went thru in 2001 with a broken knee cap. the ups and downs were very painful! ya just don't realize the pressure you put on your bones until they're broke or otherwise impaired.

I'm short tho (5') so maybe it won't make a big difference for me - I'm already close to the ground...

but I'll be checking it out!

We did a remodel 4 years ago, and we opted for the TOTO with the elongated bowl, one piece. The best buy we ever made. They are around $400 on the Internet now. We only paid in the low $300 area. Easy to clean, flushes great, and ZERO concerns about maintenance. We are looking to replace our other toilets with this model also. I do not believe in cutting corners on a long term purchase. Go with the TOTO

DP

Well, I convinced my folks to go with a Toto Eco Drake round bowl (they have small bathrooms)with a soft-close seat. It cost a bit more than they wanted to spend, but we got it from a local store that specializes in high efficiency fixtures, so it felt good helping out the little guys and not a big box store. They even agreed to deliver it to my house for free b/c I live so close!

It doesn't use any weird in-tank contraption to be efficient, just a flapper and fill valve. However, it still only uses 1.28 GPF which will save a lot on water even just replacing one of their three loos. The place I bought it from had them set up for display, and the flush power with one gallon of H2O was incredible! Now hopefully the installation won't be an problem (never done a toilet before).

Unfortunately, the Totos are pricey, so only one of the three toilets (the high-traffic one) gets replaced. The other two may get 1.6gpf toilets (Cadet 3's I think). Only problem there is that those bathrooms have a 13.5" rough-in, not 12". Any thoughts on what to do in those?

so how is that new toilet working out--
are they happy with the action and the comfort
had any problems after installation with getting complete fush
have read that installing these in older homes/older plumbing can be problamatic if the plumbing lines are to wide--some talked about using 3 vs 4" pipe to connect to

Loves2read-

Nope, no problems at all! I have replaced 2 of the 3 toilets with round bowl Eco Drakes and have had phenomenal success with them. They flush everything first try, rinse the bowl very well, and the tank refills quite quickly. My parents were initially skeptical of the new toilets, thinking they wouldn't have enough force to take care of business, but after several months of use, they are content.

Installation for me was actually very straight forward. Once the old toilet was removed and the closet flange scraped clean, I found that a standard wax ring and flange bolts worked perfectly. I watched the first toilet like a hawk the first week for leaks before I caulked around the base (leaving the back open in case a leak develops) but it was all good. All of the pieces seemed to be high quality, and it all fit together very well. The only other thing I did was shim the base to get it level.

All-in-all, it was a satisfying project to embark on, and the results have been great.

I just today bought my second toto drake. The first one was for my master bath and it is so superior to the old builder grade amer standards that is is not funny. never having to plunge, or flush twice or have things overflow when you have guests. Life can be fun.

But we were at Lowes and had the expert there say that the kohler cimarron was almost as good. But bought it and then looked at Steve love's website reviews and read that some folks have serious problems, did not think it was worth saving 50 dollars and running the risk. Our plumber said that the caruso toto is almost as good.

I like that steve love site.