American Standard Lowboy (one piece)

[boytonstu]

I came across an American Standard Lowboy and before I install it I have a few questions.

I have read many negatives about lowboys in general.

OTOH a GC told me that he retrofitted an American Standard Lowboy with a Fluidmaster and it works fine.

Are lowboys OK or are they headaches to be avoided?

Are Kohler and American Standard lowboys equal?

And BTW

I have seen the no flush valve Glacier Bay (Niagara) toilet at Home Depot.

It has a hinged 1.6 gallon bucket that flips to flush.

However it just comes in a round bowl. Your thoughts.

[Mr_David]

Not familair with Glacier Bay toilets. All low boy toilets are the worst to repair.
These are still concidered gravity flush toilets. The low tank does not provide much gravity for a good flush. They are how ever much quiter than a combo Toilet. I hate fixing them because they usually have high % of having a call back on the repair which means a free trip back to try and fix it again. I carry a lot of parts on my truck but when it comes to low boys I end up having to special order parts

[boytonstu]

Originally Posted by Mr_David

Not familair with Glacier Bay toilets. All low boy toilets are the worst to repair.
These are still concidered gravity flush toilets. The low tank does not provide much gravity for a good flush. They are how ever much quiter than a combo Toilet. I hate fixing them because they usually have high % of having a call back on the repair which means a free trip back to try and fix it again. I carry a lot of parts on my truck but when it comes to low boys I end up having to special order parts

This is the Home Depot Glacier Bay no flap toilet.

Imagine: No flapper!

Review from a HD customer who is a licensed plumber:

"I stumbled upon this toilet and purchased it because of the flush power height and price. When I opened it up to install it I was extremely surprised to see a new revolutionary design that I as a licensed plumber and contractor feel is far Superior to any thing else on the market. The customer I first installed this for coined it a dump bucket toilet as water is contained it a bucket like contained on a axis. With this design there is no flapper valve and flush power is greatly increased by gravity. Since flapper valves are the weakest point of almost every and almost all leak or will leak at some point this design is far superior to any thing else on the market at a price point no one can argue with. Since I installed that first toilet over a year ago I've recommended this this product to all my customers. I have put in to many to count with out a single complaint. I will say that it is a good idea to use RTV or some kind of silicone on the gasket since I have done that on all that I have installed as it will guarantee a water tight system with a chemical seal as opposed strictly mechanical. Also as a side note you may need a thicker seal then the one included depending on your flange not a big deal just pick one up for a few bucks. Most toilets don't come with a seal any way so its a great value. Also I have had customers who have had abdominal surgery and had a hard time getting off toilets because the were so low. Those customers are very impressed with this toilet stating that it solve all there problems."

The review above is not mine.


2-Piece Round Front 1.6 GPF All-In-One Toilet - White-303-635 at The Home Depot

This is a top view of the dump tank. There is a pivot on both sides and you can move the flush handle to either side.

I may try it but I wish that it was an oval instead of round.

[johnjh2o]

I have also installed on of these things that the owner supplied, but I was not impressed. Scene then I have heard of many problems with them on plumbing forums such as this one. There have been handle problems along with fill valve problems, not to mention the noise from the water dumping into the tank. Go back to Home Depot and ask them if they stock any repair parts for that thing. I can tell you they don't. To top it off they don't flush. You get what you pay for.

John

[boytonstu]

Originally Posted by johnjh2o

I have also installed on of these things that the owner supplied, but I was not impressed. Scene then I have heard of many problems with them on plumbing forums such as this one. There have been handle problems along with fill valve problems, not to mention the noise from the water dumping into the tank. Go back to Home Depot and ask them if they stock any repair parts for that thing. I can tell you they don't. To top it off they don't flush. You get what you pay for.

John

John,

Thanks, interesting information.

When did you install the unit?

Did you replace it or is it still operational?

Their MISO rating is 725.

The parts are inexpensive directly from Niagara. Fill valve $15, trough $5

HD Claims that they wiil have them in 5 months.

[johnjh2o]

It has been at least two years since I install that particular toilet. I was supplied by the customer. I can't say whether or not if it's still working. What I can say is the flush wasn't very good. As far a HD having parts for it in 5 months I wouldn't hold my breath. The toilet I installed two years ago came from there and the way I look at it they will have taken 2 years and 5 months to stock parts for it. It's the same old story with HD they buy what the wholesalers have good prices on for that month, the next month they won't sale the item any more let alone stock repair parts for it. If your looking for tried and true products stick with the name brands.

John

[boytonstu]

Originally Posted by johnjh2o

It has been at least two years since I install that particular toilet. I was supplied by the customer. I can't say whether or not if it's still working. What I can say is the flush wasn't very good. As far a HD having parts for it in 5 months I wouldn't hold my breath. The toilet I installed two years ago came from there and the way I look at it they will have taken 2 years and 5 months to stock parts for it. It's the same old story with HD they buy what the wholesalers have good prices on for that month, the next month they won't sale the item any more let alone stock repair parts for it. If your looking for tried and true products stick with the name brands.

John

Let me see if I understand you.

You installed a no flapper toilet 2 years ago and as far as you know it is still working.

No servicing or parts were needed during this time.

The customer is satisfied.

You say that it didn't flush 'very good'.

Please describe the flush.

Your description is at variance with the reviewer. Quality control?

Is there something basically wrong with the no flapper design?

[johnjh2o]

I've done my best to give you a honest opinion of the toilet. But it seams that you had all ready made up your mind. So at this point go to HD put down your money and install it. Then come back here and give us the same honest opinion I gave you.

Good Luck John

[boytonstu]

Originally Posted by johnjh2o

I've done my best to give you a honest opinion of the toilet. But it seams that you had all ready made up your mind. So at this point go to HD put down your money and install it. Then come back here and give us the same honest opinion I gave you.

Good Luck John

I've done my best to give you a honest opinion of the toilet.

I have no disagreement here.

Please describe the flush.

Is the customer still happy?

I see 2 different professional opinions.

My mind is not made up.

I need some more data.

Is you opinion based solely on one installation?

What is your favorite toilet?

[johnjh2o]

No it's based on my 50 years as a plumbing contractor. What is your opinion based on talking to a sales person at HD who claims to be a licensed plumber?

John