Hello –
I have an 20 year old American Standard toilet that either needs to be repaired or replaced. The repair would entail replacing all of the internal workings as well as the connection at the bottom of the tank.
If I choose the repair route, woud I be better off with OEM or the generic (FluidMaster?) replacement parts.
If I opt to replace, I’m thinking about a Toto.
Thanks; I welcome any and all suggestions.
Richard
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Replies
Fluidmaster parts will work fine if you go that route. Toto is a good toilet if you want to pay the extra that it will cost compared to restoring the old one. The Toto will save water if you're interested in that.
Toilet - Repair or Replace
Thanks for the feedback.
Saving water is an important consideration, but so is saving money.
Is Toto my best choice (in your opinion) for a replacement?
Yeah, definitely if you repair use Fluidmaster parts. They are really some of the best available -- likely better than OEM, easier to use, and certainly cheaper.
It's fairly easy to replace the fill valve assembly with the Fluidmaster part in 95% of toilets. Whether you can replace the flush valve with a Fluidmaster part depends on the toilet design, but likely American Standard is fairly, uh, standard, so I'd say there's about 90% chance that a Fluidmaster part will work (there are 3-4 different ones to choose from).
The parts, by the time you're done, would run $50-75. (Likely you'll need a set of tank bolts, and some gaskets, etc, so things add up beyond the $20-30 for the basic Fluidmaster parts.) And you'll spend 2-3 pleasant hours contorting yourself around the toilet (and wondering whether you should have mopped the floor first).
This is compared to $100-400 and an hour or maybe two for replacement (plus you're left with an elegant lawn ornament).
So it depends on time vs money, plus how much you (or SWMBO) would like to get rid of that skanky old toilet.
Toilet - Repair of Replace
Thanks for the feed back.
I'm pretty confident I can replace or rebuild a toilet, having done both in the past.
So, I think the bottom line is do I spend more money (and probably less time) to replace and conserve water versus spend less money (and probably more time) and not conserving water. Somewhat of a moral dilemma, if you will.
How well did it flush before the problem started?
Toilet - Repair or Replace
Thanks for the feedback.
The toilet flushes fine. However, there is a leak at the cold water connection, a constant 'dribble' in the bowl and a louder sound of water when I actually sit on the 'throne', all of which screams of rusted parts.
I have a 3 or 4 gallon per flush toilet that I use a few times per at most. It flushes fine and never needs a second flush. If it gave me trouble, I would replace the guts, but not the toilet.
Assuming (worst case scenario) that I would save 2 gallons per flush 3 times per day for a year results in saving about 2,000 gallons per year. That much water costs me about $15.00. A new $100 toilet MIGHT pay for itself in 6 years and that wouldn't be too bad a return on investment, but most toilets cost a lot more than $100.
I don't see how saving water saves the planet since it all gets recycled anyway so it's a financial decision for me, not an environmental one. If your toilet sees more use than mine, the cost might be more easily justified.
BTW, when our 34-year old toilet split down the side of the tank last year, we replaced it with an American Standard Cadet 3. (This is actually a "line" of toilets -- round vs oblong bowl, low vs high seat, etc.) It's "moderately priced" and has been an excellent unit. Seems impervious to clogs. The only down side seems to be a slightly increased propensity to leave "skid marks".
Toilet - Repair of Replace
Thanks for that information as that is something I'd like to avoid. I guess that may be the result of too little water (1.28 gpf versus 1.6 gpf).
The Toto that I looked at also uses 1.28 but with a 'Double Cyclone' flush; two high-speed water nozzles instead of the traditional rim holes. It looked impressive...
Your old toilet is likely somewhere between 2.5 and 4 GPF. New toilets all are under 1.6, IIRC. (I don't recall what's quoted for the Cadet 3, but I'm guessing 1.6.) Anything you buy is going to use significantly less water than the old toilet.
One thing to keep in mind is noise. The Totos used to have a rep for being noisy -- don't know if that's still true. The Cadet 3 is about as noisy as our old Eljer, though the noise is perhaps a bit more irritating. With any new toilet the noise lasts a shorter period, and, notably, the refill time is significantly shorter.
I think replacing the toilet will be good for you, this toilet is 20 years old and I don’t think so that repairing can work good for you.
Hello Richard,
For your 20-year-old American Standard toilet, you can either repair or replace it.
For repair, both OEM and generic (like FluidMaster) parts can work. OEM might offer a perfect fit but can be pricier, while generic parts are more affordable and widely available.
If you opt for replacement, Toto toilets are a popular choice known for quality.
Feel free to ask if you need more help deciding.
Best,
[Arslanmgl]
Hopefully he wasn't still making the decision 13 years later!
It sounds like you're facing a decision between repairing or replacing your 20-year-old American Standard toilet. Here's some advice based on your situation:
1. Repair Route:
- OEM vs. Generic Parts: If you decide to repair your toilet, both OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts and generic options like Fluidmaster are available. While OEM parts are specifically designed for your toilet model, Fluidmaster parts are known for their quality, ease of use, and affordability. Many people find Fluidmaster parts to be as good as or better than OEM parts. Plus, they're often cheaper, making them a cost-effective choice for repairs.
- Ease of Replacement: Replacing internal components like the fill valve assembly with Fluidmaster parts is typically straightforward and can be done in most toilets. However, compatibility with the flush valve may depend on your toilet's design. American Standard toilets are generally standard in design, so there's a good chance a Fluidmaster part will work for your flush valve as well.
2. Replacement Option:
- Consider Toto: If you opt to replace your toilet, Toto is a reputable brand known for its high-quality and efficient toilets. Toto toilets are often praised for their performance, durability, and water-saving features. Investing in a Toto toilet could provide you with a reliable and long-lasting solution for your bathroom.
Ultimately, your decision may come down to a balance between time, cost, and personal preference. Repairing your toilet with Fluidmaster parts could be a more affordable option, but it will require some time and effort on your part. On the other hand, replacing the toilet with a Toto model might involve a higher upfront cost but could provide you with a hassle-free and modern solution.
Consider your budget, time constraints, and desired outcome when making your decision. Whichever route you choose, ensure that it aligns with your needs and preferences.
Best of luck with your decision, and I hope you find the perfect solution for your bathroom!
Warm regards,
Jessica
It sounds like you're facing a decision between repairing or replacing your 20-year-old American Standard toilet. Here's some advice based on your situation:
1. Repair Route:
- OEM vs. Generic Parts: If you decide to repair your toilet, both OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts and generic options like Fluidmaster are available. While OEM parts are specifically designed for your toilet model, Fluidmaster parts are known for their quality, ease of use, and affordability. Many people find Fluidmaster parts to be as good as or better than OEM parts. Plus, they're often cheaper, making them a cost-effective choice for repairs.
- Ease of Replacement: Replacing internal components like the fill valve assembly with Fluidmaster parts is typically straightforward and can be done in most toilets. However, compatibility with the flush valve may depend on your toilet's design. American Standard toilets are generally standard in design, so there's a good chance a Fluidmaster part will work for your flush valve as well.
2. Replacement Option:
- Consider Toto: If you opt to replace your toilet, Toto is a reputable brand known for its high-quality and efficient toilets. Toto toilets are often praised for their performance, durability, and water-saving features. Investing in a Toto toilet could provide you with a reliable and long-lasting solution for your bathroom.
Best of luck with your decision, and I hope you find the perfect solution for your bathroom!
Warm regards,
Jessica