What toilet should I buy? – We TEST the BEST and the WORST!

Have you ever wondered what makes one toilet outperform another, or why some can handle almost anything you throw at them while others clog at the slightest challenge? In our quest for answers, we’ve put a range of toilets to the ultimate test, from flushing down everyday items like toilet paper to the more bizarre like Snickers bars and even golf balls! Join us on a quirky yet enlightening journey to discover which toilet reigns supreme. Whether you’re in the market for a new toilet or just curious about what makes them tick, our findings are sure to flush away your doubts and maybe even surprise you with what these everyday heroes can handle!

 

Why Your Throne Matters – Finding the Best and Worst Toilets at Home Depot!

Welcome to the ultimate showdown where toilets meet their match! Choosing the right toilet isn’t just about comfort and aesthetics; it’s about ensuring peace of mind in what could be your home’s most visited seat. That’s why we took it upon ourselves to dive deep into the plumbing world and test out some of the best (and yes, the worst) toilets available at Home Depot. Trust us, the results were both surprising and enlightening!

We weren’t just any old testers casually pushing a few buttons—oh no! We armed ourselves with a hefty supply of toilet paper, a collection of oddly-shaped items, and, believe it or not, food items that have seen the inside of many a toilet under less controlled circumstances. Our mission? To determine just how well these porcelain thrones hold up against the demands of flush power, their resistance to clogging, and their efficiency with water usage. From the basic models that won’t break the bank to the top-of-the-line units that promise the world, we put each toilet through rigorous tests to see which ones truly deserve the crown. So, buckle up and prepare to be entertained and informed as we flush our way to finding the best toilet for your home!

 

The Setup: Where the Porcelain Meets the Challenge

Welcome to my laboratory (also known as my backyard workshop) where toilets face their ultimate fate! It’s not every day you see a seasoned plumber turn into a mad scientist, but when it comes to flushing out the truth about toilets, I take things very seriously. Let’s dive into how I transformed my workspace into a veritable flushing arena, complete with all the nitty-gritty details you never knew you needed.

Flushing Ground Zero

Our testing ground was equipped with a standardized water supply line with a controlled pressure setting of 60 psi, ideal for mimicking typical household water pressure. Each toilet was installed according to manufacturer instructions on a platform with a clear, vertical discharge pipe. This setup wasn’t just for show—it allowed us to visually confirm what was successfully flushed and what wasn’t. The pièce de résistance? A high-speed camera set up to capture the flush action in glorious slow motion—because if you’re going to watch toilets flush, you might as well do it in style.

Contenders in the Ring

1. The High-End Heroes

The American Standard Champion: Known for its 4-inch piston action and accelerator flush valve, this model promises a turbocharged, clog-free performance. It boasts a larger-than-average siphon trapway, which is music to the ears of any plumber tired of fishing out unwanted blockages.

The Glacier Bay Power Flush: This one comes with a reputation for a strong, yet surprisingly quiet flush, thanks to its sophisticated flapperless technology and dual-fed siphon jet, which boosts its bulk waste removal capabilities.

2. The Budget Battler

The Cheapo Model: Despite its less flattering nickname, this budget-friendly option from the lower shelves of Home Depot has something to prove. Equipped with a standard 2-inch flush valve and a basic gravity flush system, it’s the underdog that many root for in secrecy.

Arsenal of Flushable Foes

No ordinary items would do for this test. Sure, toilet paper is a given—it’s the bread and butter of toilet testing. But why stop there when you can go full gourmet?

Toilet Paper Rolls: We used single, double, and triple-ply rolls to test each toilet’s basic capabilities. Each roll was measured precisely to simulate realistic scenarios: 5 feet, 10 feet, and the daring 20 feet.

Rotisserie Chicken: That’s right, an entire chicken. Why? Because nothing says “extreme testing” like poultry. If a toilet can handle this, it can handle the aftermath of Taco Tuesday at your house.

A Toy Box of Troubles: From rubber ducks to small plastic cars, these items were chosen to simulate the adventurous spirit of a toddler who believes the toilet is just another toy box.

Other Eccentric Items: Marshmallows, Nerf bullets, golf balls, and even billiard balls made the list. These are not your typical bathroom encounters, but they’re perfect for pushing the limits of what a toilet can handle.

Each test was conducted with meticulous observation, noting not just whether items flushed, but how well the toilet recovered, how much water was used, and whether any remnants lingered to tell the tale. So, as you can see, when it comes to testing toilets, I don’t mess around—or maybe I do, quite literally. But it’s all in the name of science! So, stick around as we flush our way through the results and crown our champion of the throne.

Toilet Paper Flush Test: Unraveling the Mystery of the Mighty Flush

When it comes to toilet performance, the humble roll of toilet paper is where the rubber meets the road—or should we say, where the paper meets the pipe? It’s the gold standard of plumbing tests, the everyday challenger that says, “Let’s see what you’ve really got!” Here’s the scoop on how our contenders fared with the classic TP challenge.

Rolling Out the Results

1. The Cheapo Toilet: A Tale of Tenacity and Tissue

Starting with the basic five feet of toilet paper, the Cheapo handled it with no sweat—your standard flush was smooth and effective. But as we doubled the stakes to ten feet, the plot thickened. The Cheapo, equipped with its basic 2-inch flush valve, managed this feat, albeit with a noticeable decrease in flush velocity. The real twist came with the daring 20-foot challenge. Here, the Cheapo faltered, struggling to clear the bowl and ultimately clogging—an unfortunate, yet not entirely unexpected, cliffhanger.

2. The American Standard Champion: The Powerhouse Performance

The American Standard Champion came into this test with high expectations, boasting a 4-inch accelerator flush valve and a large trapway designed to prevent clogs. It lived up to its billing effortlessly handling up to 15 feet of toilet paper. It’s not just about moving the paper down the line; it’s about how the Champion’s system integrates a high flow rate with a pressurized rim to ensure that everything is swept away cleanly and efficiently. However, at 20 feet, even the Champion met its match, managing to clear the bowl but requiring a second flush to fully move the paper beyond the visible part of the drainpipe. This was surprising, given its specs, hinting at the limits of even the most robust systems.

3. The Glacier Bay Power Flush: Quiet Yet Mighty

The Glacier Bay, with its dual-fed siphon jet, was a dark horse in this race. It handled 15 feet of TP with a whisper-quiet flush that belied its effective power, showcasing its efficiency in water usage and flush dynamics. The 20-foot test saw it perform admirably, although it too couldn’t completely escape the need for a second flush. This result was an eyebrow-raiser and showed that even the most unassuming models could hold their own in the flush frenzy.

Surprises and Letdowns in the Loo

The real shocker came not from what was flushed but how. The American Standard Champion’s slight hiccup at 20 feet reminded us that no hero is without their Achilles’ heel. Meanwhile, the Glacier Bay’s stealthy efficiency was a plot twist worthy of a mystery novel, challenging preconceptions about budget models versus premium models.

In this chapter of our toilet-testing saga, the lesson was clear: more TP requires more power, but also smarter design. The nuances of flush mechanics—like valve size, water volume, and siphon design—play starring roles in the drama that unfolds with each flush. Who knew toilet paper could be so telling?

Stay tuned as we plunge deeper into the challenges that really push these toilets to their limits. Could they handle a whole rotisserie chicken? That’s a tale for another test!

Unexpected Challenge: The Marshmallow and Nerf Bullet Tests

Welcome to the whimsical world of unconventional flush tests, where marshmallows and Nerf bullets become the main actors in our toilet-testing drama. Sure, you’re unlikely to flush these at home (unless there’s a particularly raucous children’s party), but these tests are more than just fun and games—they highlight the intricate dynamics of toilet flushing systems under unusual conditions. Let’s dive into how each toilet handled these quirky contenders and what it tells us about their capabilities.

The Sweet Flush of Success: Marshmallow Test

1. The Cheapo Toilet: Marshmallows are tricky; they’re soft, buoyant, and don’t dissolve in water. The Cheapo, with its straightforward gravity flush system, struggled with the marshmallow test. It managed to get a few marshmallows through, but several stayed behind, lounging at the bottom of the bowl like they were in a hot chocolate cup. It was a sticky situation, literally, revealing the limitations of less robust flushing systems when faced with floatable, spongy materials.
2. The American Standard Champion: With its superior flushing power, the Champion was expected to perform well, and it didn’t disappoint. Most of the marshmallows were cleared in one powerful flush, thanks to its wide trapway and accelerated jet flush. This model demonstrated that a high-energy flush could overcome the buoyancy and stickiness of marshmallows, pushing them through the system with remarkable efficiency.
3. The Glacier Bay Power Flush: Here’s where technology shines. Glacier Bay’s dual-fed siphon jet used its quiet yet effective power to surprisingly clear all marshmallows in a single flush. The jet provided a continuous stream of water that helped maintain momentum, ensuring that the marshmallows didn’t have a chance to settle. A real underdog victory in the sugary saga!

Aiming High: Nerf Bullet Test

1. The Cheapo Toilet: Nerf bullets, with their lightweight and awkward shape, pose a different challenge. The Cheapo’s modest flush meant that most bullets either floated aimlessly or got caught in the bend of the trap. This test underscored the necessity for more than just gravitational force to move non-standard waste through the plumbing.
2. The American Standard Champion: While the Champion handled toilet paper and marshmallows with ease, the Nerf bullets proved more challenging. Despite its powerful flush, the bullets’ aerodynamic design caused them to skip along the water’s surface and evade expulsion. It was a curious case of “too much power, not enough capture,” highlighting that even the strongest flush needs optimal water surface tension and bowl design to catch and evacuate lightweight objects.
3. The Glacier Bay Power Flush: Continuing its streak of surprises, the Glacier Bay managed to flush out a significant number of Nerf bullets, albeit not all. Its dual-fed system seemed to provide a balanced flush that kept the water moving sufficiently to capture and expel most of the bullets. It was an impressive show of finesse over brute force.

Lessons from the Loo: Embracing the Unusual

These tests, while unusual, are invaluable in understanding how different flush technologies handle a variety of challenges beyond typical bathroom routines. They reveal that the best toilets not only handle the common tasks with aplomb but can also manage the unexpected with surprising efficiency. Whether it’s the resilience required to push down marshmallows or the precision needed to expel Nerf bullets, the versatility of a toilet’s flushing system plays a pivotal role in its overall performance.

So next time you’re pondering the mysteries of plumbing while staring at your throne, remember—it’s not just about handling the usual. Sometimes, it’s about being prepared for the marshmallows and Nerf bullets life might throw your way. In the world of toilets, it turns out, versatility can be just as important as strength!

Extreme Testing: Golf Balls and Billiard Balls

In the annals of toilet testing, few challenges stir as much excitement (and trepidation) as the infamous golf and billiard ball tests. These spherical saboteurs are not just a plumber’s nightmare; they are the ultimate test of a toilet’s mettle. Let’s roll through the details of these extreme tests and see which toilets scored a hole-in-one and which got snookered.

Driving It Home: The Golf Ball Test

Golf balls are dense, non-compressible, and, frankly, not something you’d normally find in a toilet. But for the sake of science (and a bit of fun), we teed up these little devils to see how our toilets would handle them.

1. The Cheapo Toilet: Right off the bat, the Cheapo toilet was out of its league. Its standard 2-inch flush valve and gravity flush system were no match for even a single golf ball. The ball danced around the bowl like it was mocking the very physics of Cheapo’s flushing mechanism. This was no surprise, as the Cheapo doesn’t boast of handling such solid adversaries in its marketing.
2. The American Standard Champion: This toilet talks a big game about handling large masses, thanks to its 4-inch flush valve and robust siphonic action. When it came to golf balls, the Champion managed to gulp down a few but quickly got overwhelmed. It could handle around three golf balls before crying foul, quite a few shy of its grand claims of handling just about anything you can throw at it.
3. The Glacier Bay Power Flush: Here’s where we got a pleasant surprise. The Glacier Bay, with its dual-fed siphon jet, handled golf balls with a surprising grace and efficiency. It managed to clear a respectable number of balls per flush, demonstrating a seamless synergy between water velocity and directional flow. It wasn’t perfect, but it certainly punched above its weight, challenging the conventional wisdom that only the most expensive models can handle such extreme tasks.

Breaking the Rack: The Billiard Ball Test

Billiard balls are larger and heavier than golf balls, presenting a formidable challenge to any flushing system. Here’s how our contenders racked up:

1. The Cheapo Toilet: As expected, the Cheapo did not even attempt this challenge. Its basic mechanics are simply not designed for such Herculean tasks.
2. The American Standard Champion: The Champion tried valiantly to make a break for it. While it could accommodate the size of a billiard ball through its trapway, the actual mechanics of flushing one through completely were too much. It managed to move the ball, but not enough to clear it from the system, leading to a blockage that would make any homeowner blanch.
3. The Glacier Bay Power Flush: Continuing its streak of impressive performances, the Glacier Bay handled the billiard ball test better than expected. Its design allowed it to actually flush a couple of billiard balls successfully. While not perfect, its performance in this test was a testament to the effective design of its flushing technology, which maximizes the water flow and direction to handle larger objects.

Rolling to a Conclusion

The Glacier Bay’s impressive performance in these tests not only shows that you don’t always get what you pay for but also that sometimes, less heralded models come surprisingly well-equipped to handle the unexpected. Whether it’s golf balls at a par-three or billiard balls in a tricky side pocket, this toilet showed that a well-designed flushing system could offer more than just the basics.

These extreme tests are a fun and informative way to gauge a toilet’s capability beyond everyday use. They remind us that sometimes, in the world of plumbing, it’s not just about handling the daily duties but also about rising to the occasion for those once-in-a-blue-moon challenges. And let’s be honest, isn’t that a bit of reassurance we all could use from our bathroom fixtures?

Food for Thought: Snickers Bars and Brussels Sprouts

It’s time to chew on something a bit different in our toilet-testing menu. Why settle for mere paper products when you can toss in some edibles? For a truly flavorful test, we chose two grocery items that couldn’t be more different: the gooey, melt-prone Snickers bar and the notoriously hard and spherical Brussels sprouts. This culinary challenge wasn’t just a whimsical choice—it’s a surprisingly practical test for those accidental (or purposeful) food flushes that every toilet occasionally faces. Let’s digest the results!

Snickering at the Snickers Challenge

The Snickers bar, with its sticky, melty nature, provides a unique challenge for any flushing system. Here’s how our trio handled this chocolaty adversary:

1. The Cheapo Toilet: Surprisingly, the Cheapo toilet handled the Snickers bar with aplomb. The candy bar’s components broke down under the force of the water, allowing the basic flush mechanism of the Cheapo to clear the bowl efficiently. It seems that even a budget toilet can handle a bit of dessert!
2. The American Standard Champion: As expected, the Champion lived up to its name. Its powerful flush not only broke the Snickers bar apart but also left the bowl spotless after just one flush. This performance underscores the Champion’s ability to handle bulk waste, ensuring that even the most challenging of edible mishaps don’t stand a chance.
3. The Glacier Bay Power Flush: Matching the performance of the Champion, the Glacier Bay also managed the Snickers bar without any trouble. Its efficient water flow ensured that no traces of chocolate or nougat lingered. This test demonstrated that good design doesn’t just tackle the usual suspects like paper and biological waste—it can handle a candy bar like it’s nothing.

The Great Brussels Sprouts Flush-Off

Brussels sprouts are a different beast altogether. Their density and shape make them a tough opponent for any toilet, and here’s where the true test of flushing prowess comes in:

1. The Cheapo Toilet: This was a challenging round for the Cheapo. While it managed to flush a few of the Brussels sprouts, several remained in the bowl, leading to partial clogs and ineffective flushes. This test highlighted the limitations of basic gravity-fed toilets when faced with hard, round objects.
2. The American Standard Champion: No sprout was safe from the Champion. It cleared all the Brussels sprouts in a single powerful flush, demonstrating not just its might but also the effectiveness of its large trapway and forceful water flow. This kind of performance is exactly what you’d want if you accidentally drop a veggie or two.
3. The Glacier Bay Power Flush: Similarly, the Glacier Bay impressively managed to flush all the Brussels sprouts, maintaining its consistency as a top performer in our tests. Its dual-fed siphon jet system ensured that each sprout was engulfed and expelled with swift precision, leaving the bowl clean and clear.

Chewing Over the Results

The Snickers and Brussels sprouts tests offer more than just a bit of fun—they provide valuable insights into how toilets handle various types of waste. While candy bars and vegetables aren’t typical toilet fodder, these tests mimic the less-discussed realities of everyday life, from toddler mischief to accidental drops.

Through these edible experiments, we learned that a toilet’s ability to handle unexpected challenges isn’t just a feature—it’s a necessity. Whether it’s a treat or a treatise on vegetables, the right toilet makes all the difference, turning potential disasters into mere flush-and-forget moments. So next time you’re in the market for a new toilet, think about your last dinner party, and remember: it’s not just what goes in that counts, but also how well it goes away!

 

The Verdict: Crowning the Champion of the Throne

After a series of tests that ranged from the conventional to the downright quirky, it’s time to flush out the winner and dish out the final scoop on how each toilet performed. Here’s a breakdown of each contender’s prowess and who ultimately takes the crown in our toilet-testing extravaganza!

Summing Up the Flush-Fest

1. The Cheapo Toilet: This budget-friendly warrior proved that cost does not always dictate capability. It handled basic tasks like toilet paper and even managed a Snickers bar quite well. However, when pushed to its limits with challenges like Brussels sprouts and golf balls, the Cheapo’s performance faltered, revealing its limitations with tougher, bulkier items. Perfect for light use and smaller households, it stands out as a value-for-money option for those who treat their toilets gently.
2. The American Standard Champion: Living up to its name, the Champion showed robust performance across most tests. Its power flush technology and large trapway made it a reliable option for handling a wide variety of challenges—from marshmallows to golf balls. While it stumbled a bit with billiard balls and the 20-foot toilet paper challenge, its consistent strength in clearing large and sticky waste makes it a solid choice for families with diverse and demanding bathroom needs.
3. The Glacier Bay Power Flush: The dark horse in our tests, the Glacier Bay, was a revelation. It not only met but in some cases, exceeded the performance of more expensive models. Its dual-fed siphon jet proved highly effective, handling everything from the whimsical (Nerf bullets and marshmallows) to the practical (Brussels sprouts and Snickers bars). It showed that advanced features and high efficiency could come without a hefty price tag.

And the Winner Is…

The crown goes to… The Glacier Bay Power Flush! This toilet surprised us all by demonstrating that you don’t need to splash out big bucks for top-tier performance. It combined efficiency, power, and quiet operation in a package that proved capable of handling almost everything we threw at it (or down it, in this case).

Features to Flush For

Based on our extensive testing, here are a few key features to consider when selecting your next toilet:

– Flush Technology: Look for toilets with a proven flush mechanism. Models with a dual-fed siphon or pressure-assisted flush offer superior power and can handle a wider range of waste types.

– Trapway Size: A larger trapway diameter reduces the chances of clogging and makes your toilet more reliable with bulk waste. Anything over 2 inches is good, but 2.5 inches or more is ideal.

– Water Efficiency: Opt for toilets that balance flush power with water conservation. Look for the WaterSense label, which indicates high efficiency without compromising performance.

– Noise Level: If quiet operation is a priority, check for models that highlight noise reduction technologies. Especially important in smaller homes or apartments where bathroom sounds can easily travel.

Choosing a toilet is a long-term investment in your home’s comfort and functionality. Whether you’re part of a bustling family or living solo, remember that the best toilet is one that handles your specific needs with aplomb—be it a child’s curious toy experiment or just an everyday call of nature.

With these insights and our rigorous tests, we hope you feel equipped to make a flush decision that you won’t regret. Happy toilet hunting—may your choices be as solid as your flushes!

Conclusion: Flushing Forward with Confidence

As we wrap up our grand toilet-testing adventure, it’s clear that choosing the right throne isn’t just about aesthetics or the flush of excitement that comes with a shiny new bathroom fixture. It’s about finding a reliable ally in your daily life, one that stands up to the pressures of the unexpected—whether it’s a toddler’s curiosity or just an ordinary Tuesday taco night gone wild.

Beyond the Bowl: Why Reliability Counts

A toilet isn’t just a household necessity; it’s the unsung hero of home comfort. Its reliability affects your daily routine, peace of mind, and even your wallet—think of the costs associated with frequent clogs or repairs! That’s why selecting a toilet that can handle the complexities of modern life, with all its quirks and chaos, is crucial.

Performance vs. Price: Striking the Right Balance

Our tests revealed that while high-end toilets offer robust features and exceptional performance, the mid-range models like the Glacier Bay Power Flush can surprise you with their capabilities without breaking the bank. This proves that effective flushing technology has become more accessible, allowing more budget-friendly options to provide quality performance.

Here’s the scoop on striking that perfect balance:

1. Performance Isn’t Just About Power: It’s also about precision. A toilet that can gracefully handle a wide variety of challenges—from kids’ toys to dietary misadventures—without requiring frequent maintenance is a winner. Look for models that boast both power and finesse in their flushing mechanisms.
2. Price Isn’t Always a Predictor of Quality: Our tests clearly showed that more expensive doesn’t always mean better. Don’t let a hefty price tag fool you into thinking it’s the best option. Similarly, don’t discount a toilet just because it’s budget-friendly. Sometimes, these models are hiding some serious flushing prowess under their humble exteriors.
3. Consider the Long-term: Investing in a toilet that may cost a bit more upfront but offers greater efficiency and durability can save money and hassle over time. Features like water efficiency not only reduce water bills but also minimize the impact on the environment—a win-win for cost-conscious and eco-aware consumers.

 

Final Flush of Thoughts

Choosing the right toilet is about more than just picking a piece in the right color or one that fits neatly into your bathroom’s decor. It’s about understanding the core functionalities that make a toilet suitable for your lifestyle. Whether you’re dealing with the aftermath of a playful toddler or just everyday bathroom traffic, your toilet needs to handle it all seamlessly.

So, take it from us, the tireless testers who’ve seen toilets tackle everything from golf balls to chicken dinners: your choice of toilet can significantly impact your quality of life. Use the insights from our tests to guide you, and remember, in the world of toilets, what matters most is what happens after the flush!

Happy flushing, and may your bathroom adventures always end with a clean sweep!

Ready to Upgrade Your Throne? Smedley Plumbing Has You Covered!

If our toilet-testing escapade has inspired you to upgrade your own royal flusher, or if you’re simply looking to ensure your current one remains a reliable stalwart, we know just who can help. Glide effortlessly into your next bathroom project by reaching out to us at Smedley Plumbing for top-notch toilet installation and repair services.

Whether you’re looking to install the champion of flushes we crowned today or need expert advice on maintaining your current setup, our team of experienced professionals is ready to assist. With our expertise, you can expect nothing but the best service and a seamless installation, ensuring that your new toilet not only fits your needs but also transforms your bathroom experience.

Don’t let toilet troubles dampen your day. Reach out to us and let their experts handle the dirty work, ensuring that your toilet performs flawlessly day in and day out. Connect with us today and step into a future of bathroom bliss!

Contact us now — because you deserve a reliable throne!