another bloody yank

The newer "low flow water saving greenie enviro cool" toilets are horrible. I end up flushing three times anyway so I don't get how they save water. If I forget the "midway through" flush it's plunger time. They didn't used to be that way. I swear the 1920's vintage toilet in the house I grew up in would flush a grapefruit without a hiccup.

Englishtart

I agree with you, the flushing is pretty much crap! (no pun intended) I don't usually have any issues, but for some reason hubby and Son use half a roll of loo paper and have to flush numerous times during and after the whole process!

Master_Bulldog

A toilet with hiccups? MESSY!

Falcore

Ahhh ok thank you, that answers that one.

I have to confess I have an obsession about the lid being shut to flush the loo, can't imagine why anyone would want germs flying everywhere!

Englishtart

Mythbusters did a show on this very subject, they tested all different scenarios, lid up, toothbrush at different distances from the loo etc. Seems this whole thing is a myth and your toothbrush is safe sitting right next to your open loo when flushed I still prefer to close the lid, but my loo is behind a wall with another door between it and the bathroom sinks

nettlebed

It's based on the assumption that as soon as high-school students are out of sight, they're jacking off, shooting up, skinning up or shagging up a storm: sometimes simultaneously...

dunroving

Interesting ... but I think I'll keep my toothbrush out of the way, just in case.

Burn1911

I have to agree with the flushing, it definately takes a few more flushes over here.. in the UK we hardly ever needed a plunger, but here it is on hand!!

Public toilets are WAY cleaner here, however saying that I tended to avoid public ones in the UK as they were so grim!!

Excellent subject = Toilets!!

traceym

I think the door locks on US toilets are hard to work out, I think its because the doors open out instead of in, if you dont get the lock in the right place you miss, I spend way too much time trying to lock US toilet doors. They are much nicer though

another bloody yank

You must have a helluva time trying to get into your house!

Michael

One of the problems with American plumbing systems is that houses in the US have 2 different size drains, the smaller one which were put in houses during the first half of the 20th century and the larger one that has been standard in houses since then. When you purchase a toilet that is in stock, it always is made for the smaller drain and you have to special order the larger one (along with the wax seals) if that is what you want.

In my opinion, American Standard toilets are usually far superior to any of the others in flushing power and its parts are standard and cheap. Kohler on the other hand has a much weaker flushing system and many times if you ever have to replace a part, it is likely that you will have to order the part from Kohler at 4-5x the price of an American Standard part.

All the full size American Standard toilets (even the cheapest) are 5 star rated for flushing and their low profile toilets are usually rated 4 star. Kohler on the other hand has very few 5 star rated toilets and their low profile toilets are rated as low as 2 star. I currently have 2 low profile 2 star rated Kohler toilets and have a plunger available at all times. I've also spent over $100 on parts repairing each.

Mummy in the foothills

they make my Dd scream, then laugh hysterically. I like US loos better than the UK ones to, public ones seem just as gross no matter what country I'm in (I need to shop in better areas apparently)
We have Kohler low flow or whatever water saver it's supposed to be, Dh repaired them so many times he ended up putting new inners in that use more water but all is done in one flush, Dd saves us water by never flushing, little beast she is.

lisag8070

the American ones always scared me because the water level would rise so high in the bowl..I always had the 'oh my god its going to blow' moment seconds before it all drained away..

and you gotta love the fact that you could get different height toilets and different shapes..this lead to a very heated debate in Home Depot one day between me and OH..

Michael

That is not true with any American Standard or Kohler toilets that has been made in the last 30 years. Some brands still flush that way (fill the bowel and then drain) but like you, I don't think they have a very good flushing system. Those types generally do not rate that high in their flushing systems.

lisag8070

the house was about 20 yrs old and the toilets were original...and yes they were the first thing we upgraded because I couldn't take the will it or won't it blow..