Plumbers recommend sticking to three major brands: Toto, Kohler, and American Standard. They value these brands for their durable parts, reliable flushing mechanisms, and the ease of sourcing replacement components years down the line.
PMRs for malignancies of the stomach, kidney, brain, and lymphopoietic system were also elevated, especially among plumbers. Chronic rheumatic heart disease, emphysema, liver cirrhosis, and all external causes of death were the major non-cancer causes with significantly elevated PMRs.
Generally, Glacier Bay is a good option that can save you some money. Kohler features a microbial-resistant finish, making it easier to clean. Most models are dual flush. However, Kohler will perform similarly even if you don't hold the handle down for as long.
Toto is generally considered superior for flushing performance, engineering, and reliability, while Kohler is better for design variety, traditional styling, and budget-friendly options. Toto is widely praised for its powerful, quiet "Tornado" flush, whereas Kohler offers a wider range of colors and comfortable, high-end, and smart options.
Consumer Reports recommends several top-performing toilets that excel in waste removal, bowl cleaning, and drain-line clog resistance. Top models frequently tested by CR include fixtures from American Standard, Toto, Kohler, and Glacier Bay.
Plumbers recommend sticking to three major brands: Toto, Kohler, and American Standard. They value these brands for their durable parts, reliable flushing mechanisms, and the ease of sourcing replacement components years down the line.
Both Kohler and American Standard are high-quality, reliable brands, but the "better" option depends on whether you prioritize design and luxury (Kohler) or raw flushing power and value (American Standard). Kohler is better for aesthetic-focused, modern designs in primary bathrooms, while American Standard shines with efficient, clog-resistant, budget-friendly options.
Plumbers generally prefer Delta because of easy installation, widely available parts, and a hassle-free lifetime warranty.
When evaluating the top 5 toilets, the best choices combine strong flushing power, water efficiency (1.28 GPF or lower), and easy-to-clean designs. Top-rated picks include the highly dependable Toto Drake, the sleek Swiss Madison St. Tropez, and the ADA-compliant American Standard Cadet 3.
Cons
The TOTO Drake (with G-Max or Tornado Flush) and the American Standard Champion are widely recognized as having the best flushing power. Both feature extra-wide flush valves and trapways that clear clogs effortlessly.
Neither brand is objectively "better" overall; they simply excel in different areas. Delta wins on budget value, smart-tech ease, and DIY-friendly warranty replacement. Kohler wins on luxury craftsmanship, heavy-duty materials, and high-end aesthetic designs.
Plumbers often recommend TOTO toilets because they are reliable, easy to install, and engineered for long-term performance.
10 Things That Your Plumber Wishes You Knew
In plumbing, the "135-degree rule" is a code standard that dictates how much a horizontal drain pipe can bend or change direction. It limits the total cumulative angle of pipe fittings before a system requires an access point (cleanout) or must be vented, ensuring proper flow and preventing chronic clogs.
Plumbers face elevated risks for various occupation-specific diseases, primarily due to exposure to raw sewage, toxic airborne materials, and bacteria in stagnant water.
Here is a list of some toilets and models that plumbers and plumbing Market often recommend:
I was wondering about the origin of using the terms "number one" and "number two" for going to the bathroom (for those unaware, number one is urinating, number two is defecating, at least in the US). I have used it several times myself without actually thinking about it and heard plenty of others use it as well.
The number one toilet brand generally depends on what you are looking for. Overall, Toto is widely considered the best premium brand for durability and high-tech features (such as bidets), while Kohler is the number one brand for overall consumer recognition and design variety.
Both Moen and Kohler are top-tier brands, but they excel in different areas. Choose Moen for everyday reliability, easier maintenance, and better ease of installation. Choose Kohler if you prioritize premium design, high-end finishes, and luxury aesthetics.
Even when KOHLER isn't the cheapest or the flashiest spec, the sum of the parts—finish durability, parts availability, WaterSense depth, smart‑ecosystem maturity, and documentation—tends to deliver a lower‑stress ownership experience.
Plumbers consistently recommend Delta, Moen, and Kohler. These brands are top choices because they are highly reliable, built with durable materials (like solid brass and ceramic discs), and—most importantly—their replacement parts are universally available and backed by lifetime warranties.
The American Standard Champion (specifically the Champion 4 and Champion PRO) is widely considered the toilet with the strongest, most clog-resistant gravity flush on the market. It is famously capable of flushing massive bulk (such as a bucket of golf balls or a meatloaf) without clogging.
Placing an empty toilet paper roll under the toilet seat is a universally recognized, discreet bathroom code. It acts as an "out of order" or "empty" sign, alerting the next person that the stall has run out of toilet paper so they do not sit down without checking.