Toto Faucets – Innovative Residential Products

Filed under Bathrooms, New in the Showroom by on September 13, 2011 at 2:09 pm {no comments}

Toto Nexus Lavatory Faucet

When Toto entered the US market some many years ago low water toilets were a fairly new thing and Toto realized that no other manufacturer was producing toilets that really worked well. Toto saw opportunity and responded by focusing on design and engineering to bring a truly superior product to the market.  Today Toto is recognized as the industry leader in toilets and bidet seat products. Because of this focus many people do not know that there are other products in which Toto also excels, not the least of which is their faucets.

In my opinion Toto faucets do not get the recognition they deserve.  This may be because when Toto started to produce faucets they started small, with just a couple of designs. Toto continued to develop their faucet products in the same way they did toilets; with a focus on design and engineering quality. In addition, Toto worked on the concepts of suites, creating faucet collections to coordinate with their growing china designs.

Toto Legato Lavatory Faucet

Toto Aimes Lavatory Faucet

For 2011 Toto has introduced two new collections, Aimes and Legato. Both suites include toilets and sinks (and even a bathtub) but I’m going to focus on the faucets.

The style of Aimes is a little hard to define but the first term that came to my mind was “post modern”. The outline is reminiscent of a traditional faucet but it has been flattened and elongated, almost like it was sliced in half. This detail is carried through in the thermostatic valve and volume controls for the shower as well as a deck mount tub set. Toto has added a fun element with the Aimes lighted showerhead. Aimes is available in chrome, brushed and polished nickel.

Legato is contemporary. Square outlines with a blade handle that has a fan-like edge. Legato also uses thermostatic valves for the bath and shower as well as a deck tub set. Lighted shower heads must be a signature look for Toto this year as they have included one in the Legato suite as well.

Toto Soiree Single Hole Faucet

Three of Toto’s most popular designs have been Soiree, Guinevere and Lloyd and Toto has done a fine job with the faucets for these suites. Soiree is a personal favorite. When the sinks and toilets were introduced several years ago I was attracted to the transitional look. The same look carries through to the faucet group. Soiree offers both a single hole and widespread faucet option, not typical of Toto. Toto used ceramic disc cartridges and their smooth action is evident in this single hole model.

Toto Guinevere Lavatory Faucet

Toto Guinevere Thermostatic Valve

Guinevere is probably the most traditional of Toto styles. Handles are available as both levers and cross. This is one of the few suites to offer Oil Rubbed Bronze as a finish in addition to chrome, polished and brushed nickel. The details of the design are carried through on the shower valves and shower heads as well as the faucets and deck sets. A truly beautiful collection.

The Lloyd Collection draws from the looks of Art Deco and has a slightly architectural feel to it. Both pressure balanced or thermostatic shower valves are available. The Lloyd Collection also offers two atypical pieces, a sink console of either metal or wood and a residential urinal!

Toto Lloyd Lavatory Faucet

Another group of faucets (and pedestal sinks) goes under the group name “Ethos” and has four subgroups; Design C, Design L, Design NI and Design NII.

Design C is contemporary with a handle shape that I describe as “Swoosh”.

Toto Ethos Design C Lavatory Faucet

 

Design L is more organic with a handle shape like a shark fin or a splash of water.

Toto Ethos Design L Faucet

 

Toto describes their Design NI faucet as “vintage inspired” and that seems right. It’s blocky but not clunky.

Toto Ethos Design NI Faucet

 

Design NII returns to the modern direction and the design is sort of aeronautic.

Toto Ethos Design NII Faucet

For residential applications Toto offers matching towel bars and accessories for all their faucet suites.

Toto Ryohan EcoPower Faucet

Toto Axiom EcoPower Faucet

Toto also seeks to bring good design to the commercial world by offering the “Ecopower” sensor faucets in four designs; Helix, Fordham, Axiom and Ryohan. Ecopower is a system that allows Toto sensor faucets to work without routine batteries or electrical hookup, reducing maintenance costs and water usage.

We display a large selection of Toto faucet products and keep many models in stock. Please visit us and learn more.

Bidets and Bidet Seats, Washlets and Shower Toilets

Filed under Accessible Product, Bathrooms by on September 7, 2011 at 2:24 pm {2 comments}

I’m sure many people reading this are familiar with Linked-In, the business based networking site. Currently there is a lively discussion on the subject of bidets, specifically, are bidet seats replacing the traditional bidet in modern bathrooms?

Most people I know are a little uncomfortable discussing bidets and I think I can understand why. That said, the bidet is a very useful fixture and the advent of the bidet seat is bringing benefits to more people than ever.

First a little history. The word “bidet” is derived from a French word for pony (it is assumed that this derives from the fact that one straddles the bidet the same way one might ride a horse). The exact origin is unknown but it is thought to have been the creation of French furniture makers. The earliest known written reference is from 1710 (more here).

Porcher Lutezia Suite with Bidet

When I began in the decorative plumbing industry in the early 1990s bidets were making a come back. Many urban showrooms displayed most toilets with matching bidets and most decorative faucet lines included at least one style of bidet faucet. People with enough space often added a bidet to their remodeling project. People also often had definite opinions about the type of bidet they wanted.

Generally speaking there are two types of free-standing bidets; Horizontal spray and vertical spray and each requires a specific type of faucet.

The simplest is horizontal or “over-the-rim”. This style faucet looks very much like a lavatory faucet but is fitted with a swivel spray nozzle that points in a more forward direction. There is also a pop-up drain that allows the bidet bowl to be filled with water.

Porcher Calla Horizontal Spray Bidet

A vertical spray bidet incorporates a nozzle in the bottom of the bowl that sprays vertically. Handles for hot and cold are set on the deck of the bidet. Vertical spray bidet faucets require the addition of a vacuum breaker to prevent a back-flow of contaminated water.

Traditional bidets were designed for a specific function and work very well. But for a variety of reasons (small bathrooms, additional plumbing, expense, cultural norms) few Americans today think of installing one. Still, the concept is useful and an alternative exists.

It has many names, bidet seat, Washlet, spa seat, shower toilet and high-tech bidet among others. The idea is that instead of having a separate unit requiring the user to move from toilet to bidet, a set of spray nozzles are incorporated into a toilet seat. It’s a good idea and makes having a bidet possible for far more people.

Duravit Sensowash with Starck 610000

A bidet seat is much more than a toilet seat with water sprays. There are now many manufacturers offering these seats in some form and in a range of prices. Here are some features to look for when shopping for a bidet seat.

• Front and Rear Cleanse with separate nozzles (wands)
• Water Position adjustment (position wand more forward or back)
• Water Pressure adjustment
• Water Temperature adjustment
• Hot water – pre-heated reservoir or in-line heater
• Air purifier or Deodorizer and can it be turned on/off?
• Heated Seat (temperature adjustable?)
• Oscillating (massage ) cleanse
• Dryer
• Soft close hinges
• Control is seat mounted or remote
• Control easy to understand and use
• Self-cleaning wands
• Seat sensor (to detect if someone is sitting on seat before water sprays engage)
• Energy Saving option
• Cord length
• Overall construction

Deciding which features are important to you may take a little time. It is important to consider who will be using the seat and which model will accommodate all users. For example, a seat mounted control panel may work fine for younger members of the family but may be difficult for someone with restricted mobility (or just a stiff neck). Next, is the control easy to understand and to use? Is there someone with limits of sight or hand function and will the control work for them? People have differing sensitivities to temperature and pressure so adjustability of those can be important. Is a dryer function important? It may be critical for someone without a full range of motion or with certain medical conditions.

Porcher 70082-00 Bidet Seat

Once you have identified the important features check out how each model of seat performs those functions. For example, one seat may offer three temperature settings while another has five settings. Not a big difference except that the three setting model ranges between 89 to 99.5 degrees while the five setting model’s range is 86 to 104 degrees. Is 99 degrees warm enough? Another example is the seat sensor; is it line of sight or by weight? It may make a difference if a user is a small person who does not put a lot of weight on the seat. These may sound like small details but can make a big difference in daily use.

Toto Washlet S300 Washlet, aquia wall hung and control

Over the years General Plumbing has sold several models of seats. For the last couple of years we have sold primarily Toto. Toto in fact has become well known for their Washlet seats and for good reason. It is a well thought out product with much attention given to detail. We have recently added Inax to our bidet seat collection. Inax is a new player in the American market and they have modeled themselves on Toto. Porcher has also recently introduced a line of bidet seats. We have yet to receive our display but early information looks promising. Finally, Duravit this year brought their “Starck” and “D-Code” models to the market. True to Duravit these seats are stylist and functional; definately worth a look if beauty is as important to you as function.

We currently display a working model of the Toto S300 in our showroom. In addition we will be adding the Inax, Porcher and Duravit over the next few weeks. Please fell free to visit, call or email for more information.

Green Water Rules – Saving and Enjoying

Filed under Bathrooms by on July 12, 2011 at 5:32 pm {no comments}

Saving water has long been a fact of life in California, and is becoming increasingly important in other parts of the Country. In the realm of decorative plumbing, efforts to save water continue to focus on toilets, faucets and showers.

Grohe DreamSpray Shower Technology

As of January 2011 California has adopted a new Green Building Code referred to as “Calgreen”. This code is designed to conserve energy and water by making efficient building mandatory. This includes limiting the use of water in showers (max 2.0 gpm total), faucets (max 1.8 for the kitchen and 1.5 gpm for bathroom faucets) and toilets (1.28 gpm). In addition, some municipalities, like the City of Napa, are adopting even more stringent requirements for energy conservation.

There has been some concern in the decorative plumbing industry regarding Calgreen and the remodeling industry. At this time it appears that Calgreen will apply only to new construction; so you can still add a multi-outlet shower to your master bath remodel. Water usage in toilets however, will be determined by a different requirement.

Porcher LXP WaterSense Veneto Toilet

California AB 715 was signed into law in 2007 and requires all toilets installed in California to be 1.28 gallons per flush by 2014. This is accomplished by requiring manufacturers selling toilets in California to offer an increasing percentage of 1.28 gallon models. Currently 67% of all the toilets a manufacturer sells in California must be 1.28gpf (by January 2014 it will be 100%). What this has meant for our showroom is that there are now certain models of Toto and American Standard (to name the two biggest) that are no longer available for shipment to California.

Toto Drake II Dbl Cyclone 1.28gpf Toilet

Both Toto and American Standard have upgraded most of their models to 1.28 gpf although there are a few exceptions to that. I have seen some concern about the functionality of 1.28 gpf models but I do not think there is reason to worry. We have for the last two years had a Toto Drake II 1.28gpf toilet installed in one of our public restrooms and it has been trouble free and easy to maintain. Some cities in Napa, Marin, Solano and Sonoma counties have offered rebates to encourage the replacement of 3.5gpm + toilets with 1.28 GPF models (see a list here).

Resistance to the use of water saving products is understandable. Low quality devices do often offer substandard performance; but it is not true that all water saving products are a drag to use. Manufacturers like Toto, Porcher, Hansgrohe, Grohe and others have invested heavily in engineering and design to produce effective products. Hansgrohe’s various air technologies result in low water shower heads that feel like much more water than is actually being used. Toto’s new Double Cyclone flush not only flushes well but has an action that results in a clean bowl; one of the greatest challenges for a low flush toilet. Grohe has designed their signature pullout kitchen faucets to meet low water standards while providing the performance Grohe is known for.

Hansgrohe Air Technology

California has always been a leader in green building and what has started here is likely to spread across the country. Water saving is here to stay and we are fortunate to have so many ways to meet the new requirements without giving up performance.

KITCHEN BATH INDUSTRY SHOW 2011 (KBIS)

Filed under Accessible Product, Bathrooms, New in the Showroom by on May 2, 2011 at 4:53 pm {no comments}

This year KBIS, the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show, was held at the Convention Center in Las Vegas. While this year’s show was lightly attended compared to recent years there where still many interesting things to see. Here are some highlights.

 AMERICAN STANDARD

This was a chance to see many of their new bathing products first hand. The new seated

AMS Seated Shower

 shower is, I think, a great alternative to a standard pan or tub. It is an easy retrofit and offers security and flexibility for anyone looking for a safer shower.

 Door tubs also offer a secure bathing option but are limited by slow draining which may require the bather to sit for 10 minutes or more while the tub drains so the door can be opened. To solve this AMS has introduced their “quick drain” system which clears the water in 3-5 minutes. We were able to see this demonstrated and it does work as described.

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AMS FunBath Fire Engine

Also this year AMS introduced what they are calling the “Fun Bath”. The Fun Time Bath fits over a standard bathtub and transforms it into a safe and fun bathing experience for parents and children. It raises the bathing well allowing parents to bath children without bending over plus, the designs of fire engines, castles and cartoon characters are fun for kids.

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 JASON INTERNATIONAL

Jason introduced two products this year. Their zero threshold shower base features a linear drain and seat and can retrofit into an existing shower space.

 The really exciting introduction was of Microsilk. Microsilk is a totally new creation for hydrotherapy. To quote Jason, Microsilk is “all about the bubbles”, a cloud of oxygen rich bubbles enters you pores and lifts out dirt and impurities. We will be bringing Microsilk to the American Canyon showroom in the coming weeks.

MicroSilk by Jason

 ROHL

Rohl introduced several new products. Although they are not known primarily for bath

Perrin & Rowe Victorian and Deco Toilets

 fixtures Rohl does offer several fine bath pieces. To this collection they have added two new toilets, “Victorian” and “Deco” by Perrin & Rowe. There are handcrafted in Stoke-on-Trent, Englan, a place well known for fine china.

 Farmhouse kitchen sinks have been a specialty of Rohl for a long time. This year they have introduced two new models. One features a thinner edge which may be preferred for a more transitional design. The second is a Shaws double bowl model with a casement face.

Rohl Viaggio in Old Iron

 “Old Iron” is a new finish loosely based on a pewter but with a deeper charcoal look.

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TOTO

This year Toto has expanded the collection of toilets using the “Double Cyclone” technology. The “Legato” and “Aimes” 1 piece toilets are actually very similar, differing only the style of trip lever.

Toto Legato 1pc Dbl Cyclone Toilet

Toto Aimes 1pc Dbl Cyclone Toilet

 Toto is also introducing two new dual flush models; one uses a side-mount trip lever rather than the typical top mounted dual push button system. The second is more basic price-point product.

 The Toto Aquia dual flush wall hung toilet has been very popular but difficult to get. We are told that Toto is currently in the process of moving  production of this product to one of their Atlanta, GA plants. Toto currently produces all of its one piece toilets in the United States and will continue to move production to the Americas.

Aquia Wall Hung Toilet

 AMEREC STEAM

They are the first steam company to come out with a water proof music system that operates independently of the steam system. The system allows one to mount the docking station inside the shower (or outside) and is operated with a remote. The system supports up to 8 speakers. Amerec plans to release this product in June 2011.

 NATIVE TRAILS

NT has always been a company focused on sustainability. This year they are bringing out their “Vintners Collection”. These vanities are made from wine stain oak staves which have been colored by the Chardonnay or Cabernet wines in which they have been soaked for years. There is also a wall-hung “Bordeaux” vanity made from reclaimed barrels which have been disassembled and sealed. Finished with a copper or stone countertop these are unique pieces.

Cabernet Vanity by Native Trails

Bordeaux Wall Vanity by Native Trails

Many of these products will be appearing in our showroom over the next few months. For information please feel free to call or email. We are happy to tell you more.

Hydrotherapy Tubs – What are they made of?

Filed under Bathrooms by on September 28, 2010 at 6:31 am {no comments}

There are many things to consider when selecting a hydrotherapy tub. In a previous post I briefly described three types of system tubs; whirlpool, jetted and air baths. Deciding what type system is right for you is the first step. Once you know what kind of hydrotherapy you are looking for you can begin to consider materials, controls and features.

What are the Best Whirlpools made of?

 Generally speaking tubs are made from one of four materials; cast iron, acrylic, cast resin or fiberglass. If you are looking for a system tub you can probably eliminate a cast resin tub from the start. Most manufacturers of these tubs do not offer system tubs, only soakers. There is one company, Six Eleven, which is the exception to this rule. Six Eleven offers tubs that can be customized by shape, system and many other features. I will cover resin tubs in more detail in a future post.

Cubix by Six Eleven Architectural Bath

 A well made, glossy cast iron tub can be a thing of luxury and beauty. In appearance cast iron offers a beautiful glossy surface that can support vivid colors. The density of the cast iron material also holds heat well (once it warms up!). If you want a cast iron hydrotherapy tub then you will probably be looking at Kohler. Kohler is by far the leading maker of cast iron tubs and also one of the only companies still offering cast iron hydrotherapy models. I think this is mostly due to the fact that very few companies still make cast iron at all and I think the reasons for this have more to do with the difficulties of working with cast iron than with the quality of the final product. Cast iron is harder to produce, it’s very heavy and so more difficult to transport. This tends to be more expensive. Finally, there is a characteristic to cast iron called “orange peel” which is a sort of bumpy surface that sometimes happens. It is not a defect but if you are after a smooth surface you may find this to be unacceptable (I recently ran into this with a client who rejected three cast iron tubs before finally switching to acrylic).

Kohler Kathryn 5.5 Whirlpool

 Today the great majority of hydrotherapy tubs we sell are made of acrylic. Acrylic should not be confused with fiberglass. While both types get the structural integrity from the fiberglass material there is a big difference in the finish. Acrylic tubs are made by molding a sheet of acrylic into a tub shape and then reinforced with fiberglass structure. With a fiberglass tub the fiberglass is molded into a shell and then sprayed with a “gel coat” to create a glossy surface.

Etrne bath by Maax Pearl

 An acrylic surface is more durable than a gel coat. It is much more resistant to scratches and will retain its shine better over time. Because it is non-porous it is easy to clean and can be buffed up occasionally with an application of car wax. You can find acrylic tubs in a great variety of shapes and sizes, from many manufacturers and with a big range of price points.

Jason International

 Acrylic tubs are lighter weight than cast iron but it would be a mistake to equate that with flimsiness. Well made acrylic tubs feel every bit as solid as cast iron and yet can be hundreds of pounds lighter, especially important in a raised floor application. However it is true that there is a wider range of quality with acrylic than with cast iron so be sure to buy from a well regarded manufacturer. There are many of them: MTI, Jason, Maax, Bain Ultra, Oceania, Neptune, Hydrosystems, Americh and many more. These companies make solid products and may incorporate details like self-leveling bases and pre-framed units for stability.

Hydrosystems Fuji 6040 Fiberglass Tub

 Fiberglass is the last material on the list and can be a good choice for certain situations. It can be more porous and softer than acrylic or cast iron so proper care is important to maintaining fiberglass successfully. I have fiberglass walls in the shower of the house I am renting and I do notice that a watermark appears if I leave a bottle of shampoo sitting on the surface. This does dry out and disappear but it a reminder not to let anything that might stain to sit on the surface.

 Once you settle on a material the next thing to consider is the features and options available. I will talk more about those in my next post.

Toto – Innovation, Technology, Quality…Good Looks Too!

Filed under Bathrooms by on September 24, 2010 at 3:24 pm {2 comments}

Toto is well on its way to becoming a household name. When I started at General Plumbing Supply in the mid-nineties the only Toto we had heard of was a few glass bowls we had received as samples from Japan. Today people come in asking for Toto by name.

Neorest Suite by Toto

How did Toto become so well known? I think they did it in great part by finding a problem and being the best at solving it. The problem was the mandate for 1.6 toilets that became law in 1995. At the time there were other companies offering 1.6 toilets but none of them worked all that well. Toto came in with just a few models but they worked great and soon most of what we were selling was Toto.

For a long time there were very few style choices and nothing very decorative. No faucets, no tubs just some lavatories and toilets that flushed really well. But slowly they introduced some new styles and began to develop some suites. But what really kept Toto advancing was a focus on technology that kept creating new, high performance water saving products.

Toto Ryohan Vessel

One of Toto’s signature products is the Neorest which might be called the ultimate toilet.

Toto Neorest

 Introduced in 2003 the Neorest includes Toto’s unique cyclone flush action and bidet seat functions. The Neorest can be programmed to raise the seat automatically when someone approaches the toilet and will automatically close the lid after a short period of time. The washing and drying functions are operated by remote control from a wall mount touch pad. The Neorest is now available in two sizes; the 600 and the 550.

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Now the Neorest concept has been extended to a complete experience suite. The air bath for two includes cascading shoulder warmers and underwater lighting. The lavatory has an integrated fill spout and is sensor activated. Soon Toto will be introducing Neorest II, continuing the tradition of innovation and exceptional experience.

Neorest Air Bath

Neorest is the premier Toto product and is aimed at the very discerning individual. For the rest of us Toto has created an extensive collection of styles and products. I think my favorite is the “Soiree” collection, a clean line architectural look. The Soiree (and EcoSoiree) 1pc toilet includes the new double cyclone flushing system which has replaced G-max as Toto’s top-of-the-line system (you will find it on the Toto Drake II and Ultramax II models as well). In addition the suite includes pedestal and counter sinks, bathtub and faucet collection.

Soiree Suite by Toto

The Guinevere suite has a more traditional look with fluted corners and molded edges.  The pedestal sink is available in two sizes and the matching faucets come in polished chrome or brushed or polished nickel. The Lloyd suite also has traditional lines but has been adapted to a “transitional” look. The toilet is available with an antique cherry seat or with an all white seat for a more contemporary look. The sink is available as a contemporary metal leg console or a wood table frame with metal feet.

Guinevere Suite by Toto

For those with traditional taste Toto also offers the Clayton, Mercer and Carrollton suites. The Nexus and Pacifica suites are for those who prefer a more modern look.

Aquia Wall Hung Toilet

Waza Noir by Toto

Kiwami 1 hole by Toto

In addition to their Suite products Toto has continued to expand their offerings of toilets, sinks and faucets.  Toto has recently introduced the Aquia wall hung toilet; a variation on the existing Aquia dual flush line.  The Supreme II, Carolina II, Carlyle II and Vespin II all meet the new Water Sense requirements and offer the superior cleaning of the Double Cyclone flush. Toto has also moved more into the design world with the new faucets (Kiwami, Design C) and Waza lavatory sinks.

Toto Water Sense Toilets

So there is more to Toto than you might think. Stop by some time and we will show you more. We are the only Toto Gold Gallery in the Napa Valley.

New Styles in Under Mount Sinks

Filed under Bathrooms by on June 30, 2010 at 9:36 am {no comments}

                Under mount bathroom sinks are very popular today and it is easy to understand why. An under mount installation provides a clean look and makes the bath easier to maintain. If you have a countertop material that you want to show off an under mount sink minimizes the sink and shows off the counter top.

Under Mount Bathroom Sinks with Style

American Standard Studio Under Mount Sink

Years ago most under mount sinks were ovals but today one can find sinks that are rectangular, square, round or other

American Standard Boulevard Under Mount Sink

free shapes. Lately rectangular sinks have become very popular. The American Standard “Studio” and “Boulevard” are good examples of rectangular under mount sinks. Note the curved interior bowl of the “Studio” vs. the flat angles of the “Boulevard” interior. While the sinks share a rectangular shape the detail of the interior shape gives each sink a individual look.

Toto Waza Barocco Under Mount Sink

 Toto has also add new style to the under mount group.

Toto Soiree Under Mount Bathroom Sink

“Soiree” is  modified rectangular which offers a softer look that is still consistent with a more architectural design. The “Legato”, “Waza Tiraz” and “Waza Barocco” based on classic architectural themes offer designers options not seen previously. These offer designs that are a little different without being too unusual.

Bates & Bates Anita Under Mount SInk

 In addition to shapes some under mount sinks are

American Standard Rattan Under Mount Bathroom Sink

incorporating patterns or textures on the interior surfaces. The “Anita” by Bates and Bates offers a classic shell design. The “Rattan” by American Standard has a braided texture as the names suggests. The Toto “Promenade” has a stacked detail that echoes the details seen on the Promenade toilet.

                All the sinks I have mentions above are made of

Native Trails Calabash Under Mount Sink

vitreous china but there are other materials available out there. Copper has become very popular as seen in this “Calabash” sink by Native Trails. The “Oval Wing” by

Linkasink Oval Wing Bathroom Sink

 Linkasink displays a detailed tooled pattern in with a brushed nickel finish. Glass is also seen in under mount sinks, typically with a heavy pattern or frosting to conceal the interior of the cabinet from being seen through the sink. One example is this TP1916 amber under mount glass sink by Ronbow.

                So before you settle on a plain oval sink take some time to see what’s out there. One way you can do this is to visit our showroom where we can show you sinks by American Standard, Porcher, Toto, Native Trails and many more. You can download our showroom flyer here which includes a map to our loction. We look forward to seeing you!

Water Conservation Gets Serious

Filed under Bathrooms, General Information by on June 3, 2010 at 10:48 am {no comments}

Water conservation is a fact of life today. Ever since the 1970’s when we were putting bricks in the toilet tank there has been a focus on saving water in the bathroom. The Energy Policy Act of 1992 set a requirement that toilets not exceed 1.6 gallons per flush

Toto Drake II HET Toilet

Toto Drake II HET Toilet

(gpf), faucets not exceed 2.5 gallons per minute and shower heads not exceed 2.5 gpm (measured at 80psi). In 1998 the Department of Energy modified that to 2.2gpm (at 60psi) for faucets. These standards have been followed for years but today continuing pressure for water conservation is triggering changes in these policies at the local, state and national level.

California is now in the process of phasing in California Assembly Bill 715 which essentially requires that all toilets sold in the State be 1.28gpf by 2014. This change-over began this year, 2010, and requires that 50% of toilets sold this year be “High Efficiency Toilets” (HET). Fortunately the major manufacturers have been working on this for several years and there are now many models available that meet this standard and work very well. In fact we expect some manufacturers to phase out their 1.6gpf models completely by 2014. Already several models by Toto are available in 1.28gpf only.

The term “High Efficiency Toilet” comes from the EPA’s “Water Sense” program. This program makes it easy for consumers to recognize products and programs that save water without sacrificing performance or quality.  A “WaterSense” label means that a product has met the EPA standards for high performance at required conservation levels. These products include 1.28gpf toilets as well as faucets and shower heads with 1.5gpf flow rate.

In California 2011 brings the implementation of CalGreen, the first mandatory statewide green building measures. CalGreen refers to the California Green Building Standards Code which is administered as Part 11 of the California Building Code (see “Green Building in California Moves Beyond Voluntary Measures” – California Constructor Magazine). Among the new standards is a requirement for a 20% reduction of water use is all new commercial and residential construction. This requirement may spell the end of multi-outlet custom showers in California. In addition there are currently some indications that the U.S. Department of Energy may reclassify showerheads in a way that will result in a limit of one shower head per shower nationwide.

 While water conservation will continue to require consumers to make some changes it will not mean a loss of luxury in the bath. Companies like Hansgrohe, Toto, Alsons, Rohl and many others will continue to provide innovative products for today environmental requirements. We have working displays of many of these products and people are always surprised at how well low products really work. Come in soon and see for yourself!

How do Toilets Flush? (the details)

Filed under Bathrooms by on May 23, 2010 at 3:59 pm {no comments}

In an earlier post I talked a bit about various flushing systems and tried to explain a little about how gravity flushing systems work. Here I would like to offer a lot more detail. I want to extend great thanks to Ted Howell of Western Sales Company who provided the following content. Full disclosure, Western Sales Company represents Toto.

Siphon Vortex:  Old fashion Kohler Rialto & similar models flushing with 3.5 or more GPG.  Low profile.  Most of the water entering the bowl is through one or two sideways pointed openings (similar to the current TOTO Double Cyclone jets).  Took lots of water to swirl around the bowl and fill the trap passage-way until a siphon was created.  The little wiggle in the vertical portion of the trap helped back up the water to fill the trap completely and start the siphon.

Siphon Jet:  This is how most US toilets have and are flushing. Everything from an old Kohler or American Standard, before “G-Max”, to the current G-Max, E-Max, and knock off products.  Water falling from the tank travels in a channel to the “jet” opening under water that is pointed at the trap outlet.  This fills the trap faster and starts the siphon.  Before TOTO created a new design, they and others all used the wiggle in the vertical trap section to stack the water up and start the siphon.  Some water is directed to the rim to fall down the sides of the bowl and wash it off.

Siphonic Wash Down: This has also been used by many models for years.  Think of the original TOTO Promenade or the CST703/704.  Or the Universal Rundle toilets.  All the water is coming from the rim.  There is no jet hole.  The water falling from the tank comes out the rim (in the UR case the rim was an open slot, not a lot of little holes) and falls onto the water surface area.  The water level in the bowl rapidly rises, flowing into the trap-way, backs up in the trap passage due to the wiggle and a siphon is started.

A siphon is like a chain. Water molecules stick together like the links of a chain.  But the links are weak and only stick together a little bit.  The water in the bowl is like a coil of chain.  Pick up one end and pull it over the edge, hang it down below the bowl a ways and the chain will pull itself out of the bowl.  Like a slinky perhaps.  The water sucks itself out.  Like a vacuum action.  This creates a very effective way to clear a bowl.

The water chain will fall apart if it’s too large in diameter.  A small tube can easily create a strong and sustainable siphon.  As the tube increases in diameter there comes a point where the vertical column of water falls apart under it’s own weight and no longer sustains a siphon. It’s a Catch-22 for flushing objects. The larger the trap passageway the more likely large material will pass through.  Yet there is an optimal diameter for a strong siphon.  It appears to be somewhere around 2 3/8″ – 2 5/8″, with several variations on that measurement.  Conventional instinct may be that bigger is better but in the case of creating a powerful siphonic flush, this is not necessarily true.  A carefully engineered trap size designed to create the optimal siphon is what is the most effective.  TOTO’s creative redesign of the trap passage appears to be an innovation that has improved flush performance by coming up with a new way to create the siphon.

Wash Down:  There is no siphon.  The trap passageway can be quite large and thus not tend to clog.  All the water falls from the rim and simply pushes the contents of the bowl over the edge of the trap and down the drain.  Because the trap is large in diameter it is holding more water.  This means that the water in bowl may be the same actual volume of water as in a siphonic toilet but more of it is out of sight.  Thus there is a small visible “water spot”.

Basics of Flushing

Filed under Bathrooms by on May 21, 2010 at 3:32 pm {no comments}

Water conservation is becoming increasingly important and the requirement for saving water has brought many changes to toilets and toilet technology. Toilet technology? Really?

Yes really. When it was acceptable to use several gallons of water per flush designing a toilet was relatively easy but as we have progressed to 1.6 gallons per flush (gpf) and now to 1.28 gallons per flush the design of the flushing system has become critical to achieving an acceptable product. It has been mandated that by 2014 all toilets must meet the 1.28gpf standard making technology more important than ever.

The three major companies, American Standard, Kohler and Toto, have all approached the problem with a variety of solutions.  American Standard has four flushing systems, Champion, Cadet 3 and H2Option as well as pressure assist in their commercial line. Kohler has their single gravity, dual gravity, Power Lite and Pressure Lite systems. Toto has their Double Cyclone, Dual Max, E-max, G-Max and Power gravity systems.

Broadly speaking these systems can be divided into three categories: gravity flush, pressure assist (which uses a secondary tank within the tank) and power assist which use an electrical pump to improve performance. To my knowledge Kohler is the only manufacturer using the power assist; it can be found on their “Fountainhead” and “Purist Hatbox” and a couple of their San Raphael models. The main advantage is that it allows for designing a very low profile toilet. It is a costly system however and so is used only for these high end models.

Pressure assist toilets have been around for many years and became very popular after the mandate for 1.6gpf came into effect. Pressure assist flushing systems have a secondary sealed tank inside the standard tank. This tank works off the house line pressure and uses that additional force to propel water out of the bowl and down the drain line. This is an effective system but has become less popular as the performance of gravity types has increased. Pressure assist systems tend to be effective but very loud. In addition, the pressure tank cannot be easily serviced by a non-professional. American Standard and Kohler both offer pressure assist models. Toto does not.

The majority of toilets sold today are gravity type typically either “siphon jet” or “wash down”.   Siphon jet toilets use a jet to initiate the flow of water into the trap way thus jump staring the siphon action when the flush valve is opened (which happens when the trip lever is depressed). Siphon jet toilets tend to have a larger water surface (which is helpful in keeping the bowl clean) and larger trap way. Wash down toilets work only by gravity. The bulk of the water for the flush is “dropped” into the bowl at once and this triggers a siphon action that clears the bowl. This can be an effective system but may occasionally fail to clear the bowl completely. Wash down systems are often seen on “Dual Flush” toilets, for example the Toto “Aquia”.

This outline gives you the basics of flushing systems but there is much more to it than this. In my next post I will go into more detail about the various systems that each of the “big three” manufacturers has developed and try to give you some tips on what to look for.

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