The very old commodes had external sewer gas traps and almost never failed to flush. Following the external trap models came commodes that had larger diameter traps and very seldom did they fail to flush. Now all the new models have smaller diameter traps (more astetic appearance) and fail to flush once or twice a week. Have to have a plunger always handy to clear the problem. Many of the ultra-soft tissues (e.g., Charmin Ultra) alone will stop up the new commodes. I am trying to find a commode manufacturer that still make the larger traps or external trap models. Anyone know of one?
Consumer Reports tested alot , maybe 30, I have a pressure flush Powermate on a Gerber that has never failed, look for a large glazed trap and read consumer reports.
Frankly I doubt if your problem is "new" commodes, rather it is poorly designed commodes. Note: price does not get you quality engineering, but rather fancy looks.
Check an independent testing group (like Consumer Reports) or take a look at a couple of specifications. The two most important are the size of the trap (anything less than 2 inches should be rejected) and look for a fully glazed trap. Those two together with using the usual #1 vs #2 flush will take care of almost any problem. The #1 flush is the one everyone seems to know about and use. The #2 involves holding the handle down for a few more seconds to get a full flush.
If that does not do it, then there are the power flush models, I suggest one that uses water pressure to provide the pressure. They do cost more and are more complex, but it appears the current models have reduced the noise problems and improved the reliability. Again check CR or other source for independent test results.
As I recall the Federal gov't forced this on us as an energy saving measure. The newer one's have a glazed trap so they are supposed to handle the waste better with the lower water consumption. The real problem is the low water usage. Since it is illegal to sell used toilets and illegal to sell anything but the lowest water consumption models yoou have a problem. Tell your congressrat.
It's various governmental departments working at cross-purposes.
On the one hand, the toilet department wants to conserve water by minimizing flush volume.
On the other, the health people encourage more fruits and vegetables in the diet. This change in food source results in more "floaters" which are harder to flush.
The government needs to recognize reality: One, there's no shortage of water; 70% of the earth is covered with it. And two, vegetables are not food; vegetables are what food eats.
i was told that old style flushers are legal again in the US, after some government agency realized that 2 low volume flushes used more water than a single high volume flush......
You can thank the government for not allowing toilets to be sold that work properly. The US government continues to take away all of our rights and freedoms while they monitor everything we do. If you want a toilet that works properly, vote to get rid of the scum politicians that are now ruining America.
The reason toilets no longer flush properly is because the government restricts the amount of water allowed to flush them. After all, about
10% of the states in the USA have water shortages, so we must all pay the price.
Until they send out the Feds to inspect everyone's toilets, you can still install an old toilet or modify a new one. But just remember, in a few years the Feds will likely demand that everyone have a video camera pointed at every toilet, and have a water usage monitor connected to every toilet.
Remember this, and never forget it...... According to the government, you save water by flushing a 3.5 gallon capacity toilet twice per use (between plunging), rather than flushing the toilet once per use with a 5 gallon capacity. And just for the record, the government hired the best trained professionals in the world to calculate and determine these water saving facts, and since they hired the best, they are always right.
I have one of those air assited flushers after several "floods" in a downstairs bathroom. No worries or plunger anymore. If you live near Canada just hop over and buy one ( the old 5 gal type) , they'll let you through customs with it.
Buy a toilet with a Sloan pressure valve and that will take care of your problems. The Gerbers are quiet but have a high water level so buy the extra tall one. Kohler with Sloan valve are a bit noisier. No flappers to maintain and in 9 years with 4 toilets, only one has required any service whatsoever and Sloan sent me the replacement part for free plus some extras for the future.
(k) Standards for water closets and urinals (1)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the maximum water use allowed in gallons per flush for any of the following water closets manufactured after January 1, 1994, is the following:
(B) The maximum water use allowed for any gravity tank-type white 2-piece toilet which bears an adhesive label conspicuous upon installation consisting of the words "Commercial Use Only" manufactured after January 1, 1994, and before January 1, 1997, is 3.5 gallons per flush. (C) The maximum water use allowed for flushometer valve toilets, other than blowout toilets, manufactured after January 1, 1997, is 1.6 gallons per flush. (2) The maximum water use allowed for any urinal manufactured after January 1, 1994, is 1.0 gallon per flush.
That bit is hard to follow, but it has something to do with new ANSI standards in conflict with state laws, nothing to do with selling used items.
If this is really illegal, then add another federal felony to my lengthy record of crimes. I sold a 1970s vintage Kohler toilet on eBay a few years back. The better quality ones from back then are really in demand.
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