Aquia II vs. Ultramax for Bungalow w/Old Pipes

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Mommacha

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I wish this forum didn't intimidate me, BUT....I have cleaned up the bathroom floor from an overflowing piece-of-junk toilet for the last time! Like someone else, I joined Consumer Reports just to see what they recommended for toilets, but it just added to my confusion.

I've been studying this forum for a few days and think I've narrowed it down to two models: Toto's Aquia II or III, or the Ultramax. We are a family of 5, w/three small kids under 6 and the main bathroom gets used a LOT.

Number one feature I love about the Aquia is that it's gorgeous, looks easy to clean and seems to be water efficient. It's also $100 cheaper than the Ultramax.

The Ultramax looks okay, not as easy to clean, but from what I can tell, gets the "job done" pretty much every time. I'm leaning toward this one simply because I feel like we need "extra help" since the water pressure is not ideal in our 1928 house (the pipes). But it's pricier and if I don't need this much toilet, I'd rather not spend the extra dough since we have to pay a plumber to install.

Recommendations??:confused:
 
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Terry

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Well, unlike the two guys at consumer reports, we are plumbers.

We don't give advice on margarine, or floor cleaners, but we do know about the products that we are installing every day.

Any of those toilets mentioned would work fine.
If you want to spend a bit less, then the Drake should be included too.

I know people that have the Aquia, and one of the things they love about it, is the bowl, how easy it is to clean.

The Drake and the Ultramax have more water in the bowl, but the trapway is exposed. It does install easier though.

If you really want to spin things up a bit, something like the Vespin, Carlyle or Soiree, with the skirted bowls could be considered too.

cst474_side.jpg

Toto Vespin II CST474CEFG with SS114 Softclose seat.
This bowl was installed on a 13-1/2" rough-in using the 14" Unifit adapter.
The water shutoff can be as close as 5-1/2" to the left of center, unless it's higher off the floor, and then it can be even closer to center.
This shutoff had been replaced with a new 1/4 turn valve with brass nipple through the wall.
Installation was by James Love of Love Plumbing & Remodel 206-949-5683
In some of the older Seattle homes, the old toilets had been wall mounted tank toilets.
Those typically are 14" rough-in and need a flange repair to use standard closet bolt connections at the flange.
Everything is on the truck for that.
The Vespin comes with a standard 12" adapter or you can order a 10" or 14" adapter depending on your rough-in distance.
 
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Gary Swart

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Water supply pressure or volume has absolutely nothing to do with how a toilet (any brand or model) will flush. Flushing is done by the water held in the tank which is released when you trip the flapper. Low water pressure could slow the refilling process, but with a low flow toilet, even that would be minimal because of the volume of water needed to refill the tank. Any Toto you select will do the job, so it really comes down to the appearance you like and what best fits your budget.
 

Jadnashua

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Water pressure is only a potential issue if you use a pressure assist toilet or one of the commercial tankless type valves. With a traditional tank, the flush is entirely determined by the water stored in the tank, which might take awhile to refill, but pressure is not an issue.
 
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