This article represents my own opinion and may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosures for more information.
First of all... You may be wondering how it is that I got this toilet before it's even available for sale. I participate in a program with Home Depot where they send me products for free so I can write honest reviews on their website. I'm under no obligation to write reviews elsewhere but every once in a while I'm so impressed with a product I want to share it here.
Even though this toilet only uses 1.28 gallons per flush so that it can get the EPA's new WaterSense label, it is the best low flow toilet I've seen. To be fair, this is the only 1.28 g/flush toilet I've used but I've sat on a few 1.6 gallon per flush models in my day. Every time I've used the Optum VorMax it's only needed one flush and the bowl has stayed clean.
Let me be blunt because if you're looking to buy a toilet you want to know it's going to work well. I'm in relatively decent shape but I'm a tall guy who doesn't eat like a rabbit and I have occasionally clogged a toilet. This toilet got a decent workout in the short time I had it and it left me thoroughly impressed. I don't know how many golf balls, cellphones or gummy bears this toilet can flush. All I know is that every time I flush the toilet.. everything I left in the bowl is completely gone. Even the morning after going out for too many drinks and greasy food.
Dual Injection Flush Valves
We need to save more water and most of us would like to save money on our water bills. I read that 27% of your water bill gets flushed down the toilet. High Efficiency Toilets make a lot of sense but the performance wasn't always the same and some models required 2 flushes to get the bowl clean.
With less water you have to find other ways to get the flush to have more power. One of the first things you change is the diameter of the flush valve. The larger the opening is under the flapper, the more powerful the flush will be. Flush valves started out at 2" back when toilets used up to 7 gallons per flush but have been getting larger as restrictions on water use have been put in place. Now it's more common to see a 3" flush valve. Some toilets even have a 4" flush valve but from what I understand it's a 4" flapper on a 3" hole and they try to force more water through the 3" hole through the design but it's not exactly like having a 4" hole.
So how do you get more water from the tank down to the bowl? Easy! Put in TWO Flush Valves!
This isn't a dual flush toilet where you can do a partial flush for number 1 and a full flush for number 2. Both flush valves will operate when you flush. Now you're getting twice as much water flowing down into the bowel than you would with just one flush valve.
Each flush valve serves a different part of the bowl too. One valve goes down to the bowl jet which helps push your poop out to assist with the siphon action and the other valve feeds the waterways that clean the bowl.
Combined with the other features on the Optum VorMax toilet, the Dual Injection Flush Valve System works amazingly well at getting everything down the bowl and keeping the bowl clean in just one flush. No more having to flush twice to get everything down, no more bits of toilet paper shredded by a power assist toilet still floating around and no more grabbing that nasty toilet brush to clear away some sticky residue so the next person doesn't have to stare at it.
VorMax™ Vortex
Another feature that helps keep the bowl clean is the way the cleaning water gets distributed around the bowl. Instead of having holes all the way around the rim that create water jets, a single but larger jet creates a forceful stream that swirls around the bowl.
Other HET toilets I've seen, even some expensive ones, have had problems keeping the bowl clean because there just isn't enough water anymore to thoroughly wash the bowl. The VorMax toilet uses water more efficiently to clean. Think about it. If water comes out from under the rim it doesn't travel really far until it goes out the trap way.
With the VorMax, that same water will swirl around the bowl multiple times and do a lot more work before it goes down the sewer. The larger mass of water can also push more.... uhm... stuff...
This type of arrangement is similar to the Toto Double Cyclone found in the Toto Drake II and Toto Ultramax II which are two of the more popular low flow toilets. Maybe things will change now that the VorMax and it's dual flush valves hit the scene.
The VorMax seems to clean the bowl better than the Toto however. Check out this comparison video published by American Standard.
One more thing that helps the bowl stay clean is the smooth glazed surface. Less resistance keeps stuff from sticking and makes it easy for the water to wash it away if it does stick. It's important to follow the recommendations in the instructions on cleaning with a mild soap. Some harsh toilet bowl cleaners can damage the finish on toilets (all toilets) making them lose their shine and provide more friction. The Optum VorMax also includes the EverClean™ anti microbial treatment that resists the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria.
I haven't cleaned the bowl at all. Not even to swish the brush around it. It's completely clean, even under ultraviolet light.
An older toilet, that was cleaned the same day I installed the Optum VorMax doesn't show up as clean under UV light.
This model is only available through Home Depot. Check out Home Depot's website for more information and pricing tomorrow. It should be in stores later this year.
This type of arrangement is similar to the Toto Double Cyclone found in the Toto Drake II and Toto Ultramax II which are two of the more popular low flow toilets. Maybe things will change now that the VorMax and it's dual flush valves hit the scene.
The VorMax seems to clean the bowl better than the Toto however. Check out this comparison video published by American Standard.
One more thing that helps the bowl stay clean is the smooth glazed surface. Less resistance keeps stuff from sticking and makes it easy for the water to wash it away if it does stick. It's important to follow the recommendations in the instructions on cleaning with a mild soap. Some harsh toilet bowl cleaners can damage the finish on toilets (all toilets) making them lose their shine and provide more friction. The Optum VorMax also includes the EverClean™ anti microbial treatment that resists the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria.
I haven't cleaned the bowl at all. Not even to swish the brush around it. It's completely clean, even under ultraviolet light.
An older toilet, that was cleaned the same day I installed the Optum VorMax doesn't show up as clean under UV light.
This model is only available through Home Depot. Check out Home Depot's website for more information and pricing tomorrow. It should be in stores later this year.
Learn more about the Optum VorMax toilet at www.americanstandard.com/vormax
ReplyDeleteI purchase two of these toilets about a year ago...several months later one of them started to run constantly after flushing...now the second one is doing the same thing... it is intermittent not after every flush but almost.... What is the deal with this? Are they still under warranty for this problem and who do I call for service? Thank You, Deb LaCroix
DeleteI purchase two of these toilets about a year ago...several months later one of them started to run constantly after flushing...now the second one is doing the same thing... it is intermittent not after every flush but almost.... What is the deal with this? Are they still under warranty for this problem and who do I call for service? Thank You, Deb LaCroix
DeleteHi Deborah, I am so sorry to hear about your experience with your VorMax toilets. Could you please reach out to our Customer Care Team directly at 1-800-442-1902 M-F 8:00am-8:00pm and Sat 10:00am-4:00pm EST and a representative should be able to help you resolve the issue. Best, American Standard
Delete05/02/16
DeleteJust for future consumers,... I am having the same problem as Deborah with my new VorMax. Cindy at American Standard is going to send out a new "silicone seal." I am guessing that is the "flapper" as I would call it. I hope that solves the issue, I would HATE to completely remove the toilet and return it to Home Depot!!
After years of Same Old Stuff in toilets, American Standard may have finally found the right form and function. It's time to refresh our master bath. The right height Vormax may just be what I have been waiting for. Hope it comes in Ivory.
ReplyDeleteI saw the glowing reviews on HomeDepot.com and became suspicious of the similar writing styles of each of the reviews; appearing filtered by an American Standard PR person. Your review here is the only one that addresses the most important thing, how does it "do" with a #2? I'll wait for other actual buyers of the product before considering this. In the meantime, thanks for your review that does appear to be honest and fair. It would have been a more valuable review if you had a reference such as one of Toto's newer 1.28gal models. But you were honest about your experience with other toilets which validates your review.
ReplyDeleteOne concern I have that you may be able to comment on is the maintenance of the tank. Comparing the hardware inside the VorMax (complex) to the Toto Drake II (simple) leads me to worry about problems down the road. Will Harry Homeowner be able to get the parts and have the skill to fix/replace the VorMax. Thoughts?
Arizona Tea,
DeleteThank you for your comment. I put a lot of effort into my reviews to give as accurate and honest opinion as I can. It means a lot to me to know that my reviews were helpful because I rely on other reviews to make some of my own purchasing decisions.
One of the reviews on Home Depot's website was mine. That's the deal for me to get these products, I have to write a review there. They don't care if the review is good or bad as long as it's honest as the manufacturer gets useful information even from bad reviews. One of the first reviews I posted was very negative and they didn't kick me out of the program.
If I post information on a product I got through that program here it's usually because I have some very strong feelings about the product as is the case with this toilet. I still like it very much.
I want to replace another toilet with a VorMax but waiting to see if they come out with a round front version. Some tweets with AS indicate it may be in the works but nothing definite. If you're holding off for a different version contact American Standard and let them know. Since this is a new model any feedback they receive will help them decide their direction.
I'm still really impressed with the toilet. No issues so far and still not a single problem with clogging. It clears the bowl better than any low water usage toilet I've used. And not to be gross but I've even been a little sick recently which.. you know... let's just say bowl clearing is still great under various circumstances.
Regarding parts, I keep checking the AS website to see if parts are available. They're not. Your comment prompted me to call AS to see what the deal was. They don't have the parts listed for sale because it's new and any parts you'll need will still be covered under warranty. I specifically asked about the flapper assembly that includes both flappers and the teeter bar. It was out of stock but currently on order. I was told that if there was an issue and I called about a warranty repair they could probably get it to me a little faster. AS is pretty good with their warranties so I'm not too concerned about parts being available if necessary. Checked' HD's website and it looks like they're getting ready to start selling some repair parts too but nothing in stock yet.
The fill valve is a standard part you can get anywhere. If you can repair your current toilet you should be able to repair this one if you have the parts. Only difference is you need to replace 2 flush valves instead of one.
Continued in next comment....
Continued...
DeleteI haven't used the 1.28 Toto Drake but have used the 1.6 gallon in the past and haven't been too impressed with it and some of the user reviews I've seen about it showed issues with clogging and lower flushing performance over time with some of the older models.
In the past you could only purchase Toto toilets from a plumber. As a result they were pretty expensive with a high markup that plumbers charge. Because plumbers had a financial interest I think it helped with promotion of that brand. Now that you can buy Toto's directly from Amazon the message these guys are sending is that buying Toilet's online is bad. There's one particular plumbing forum that was very big on promoting the Toto Drake II for years. I spent some time on that forum recently and had a horrible experience. If you say anything they don't agree with you get personally attacked and then your posts get deleted. I did a search and found others had similar experiences. Since so many people purchased the Drakes as a result of information on that site, and therefor their opinions are slightly biased based on the biased information they received I'm skeptical. As a result of that and my experience on that site Toto is a brand I wouldn't even consider because I don't want to be reminded about what a crappy exchange I had over there every time I sit down to take a crap :) Toto itself is probably a good company with good products but I value integrity and the association with that site, albeit indirect turns me off.
Plus everything I've seen leads me to believe the VorMax clears the bowl better. If they don't come out with a round front VorMax I'll likely get the Cadet 3 if I can't wait any longer. But I really, really want to install another VorMax so if you happen to want a round front or compact elongated VorMax call AS and let them know and hopefully they'll make them ;)
Hope this helps,
Tom
Tom,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your reply. I actually went to HD today to look at the toilet (no display model, so they opened a box for me). I was actually impressed. So, perhaps my suspicions re their reviews are unfounded. Regardless, your reply has sold me on it and I'll likely buy two of them. I will check with AS as well re their roadmap for this toilet. If you wouldn't mind sharing the AS phone #, I'll give them a call. Otherwise, you can email it to me at bo.matda.man-at-gmail
Thanks!
Hello Tom & "Arizona Tea",
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for your comments & dialogue! I’m thrilled to hear that the revolutionary VorMax technology is performing beyond expectation for you, Tom. I noticed that you both had a few questions come up, and I hope I can clear up details for you.
A.T. and Tom, you both brought up a great point about tank maintenance and availability of parts. VorMax parts will be available through our Customer Care Team and through The Home Depot by mid-December 2014. If you have any immediate concerns or questions, we invite you to reach out to a product expert at 1-800-442-1902 (M-F 8:00am-8:00pm and Sat 8:00am-6:00pm EST). Step-by-step videos to guide owners through installing and replacing the trim will also be available within the next month.
Tom, the round front/compact version of the VorMax will not be available in the near future just yet, but we’ll be sure to announce it via social media if and when a RF version is released :)
Lastly, A.T., we want to assure you that American Standard does not edit reviews that are posted on the Home Depot website. You can read more about their Seeds program, and how they encourage their participants to provide honest and unbiased feedback here: http://www.homedepot.com/c/home_depot_seeds_program
Please let me know if you have any additional questions or comments – I’m all ears!
Professor Toilet @ American Standard
Hi Tom,
DeleteFollowing up on my prior note - please check out our VorMax Trim Assembly video which gives an overview of parts and installation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihRGQJQ_ovk
Professor Toilet @ American Standard
Professor Toilet,
ReplyDeleteI see the value of separate flapper control of the rim jet and priming jet flow. It appears the flappers are set at different heights, the teeter arm opens one ahead of the other, and the float heights allow one to close ahead of the other. Could you please explain?
Hello and thanks for your question!
DeleteThe timing of the floats being opened and closed was designed to allow water to be introduced into the bowl to provide a good rim wash before starting the siphon and evacuating the waste from the bowl.
Have you seen our new VorMax commercials and flushing comparison videos yet? Be sure to check them out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLp6PUjIvGCirgd7f7Y8XHdC6FgAIrnEop
Professor Toilet @ American Standard
Professor Toilet,
ReplyDeleteI see the value of separate flapper control of the rim jet and priming jet flow. It appears the flappers are set at different heights, the teeter arm opens one ahead of the other, and the float heights allow one to close ahead of the other. Could you please explain?
How much longer must we wait for a round front or compact VorMax? American Standard done with small bathrooms?
ReplyDeleteHi Anonymous, Thank you for your excitement about our VorMax toilets. I work for American Standard. We are looking into designing a round front VorMax toilet however; we don't have a launch date yet. Thanks again for your interest. Debbie & the AS Social Team
ReplyDeleteWhy doesn't AS offer this new toilet in a one piece? I would definitely consider it if it came as a one piece. Is it that much better than the AS Champion 4?
DeleteWhy doesn't AS offer this new toilet in a one piece? I would definitely consider it if it came as a one piece. Is it that much better than the AS Champion 4?
ReplyDeleteI too am interested in a round style Vormax; just my preference. We live in an older house w/3 toilets, and I purchased a round-style 1.6 gpm Champion 4 unit a year ago and was impressed with its quality construction and bulk flushing action. Its only minor negative of occasional bowl uncleanliness seems to be solved by the Vormax. I still have 2 more toilets to replace. Might a round unit be available in the next 2 years?
ReplyDeleteif this were available in 10 inch rough - in, I would also buy it. All of the toilets in my condo require 10 inch rough models.
ReplyDeletewhen is American Standard going to make this available in a 10 inch rough - in? this looks like a good solution; however, all of the toilets in my condo building require 10" rough.
ReplyDeleteif this were available in 10 inch rough - in, I would also buy it. All of the toilets in my condo require 10 inch rough models.
ReplyDeleteWe had a Vormax installed and the floats and those little chains are always getting hung up and prevent the flapper from closing. I've tried adjusting the black sleeves on the chains - seemed to help for a couple of weeks but the problem is back again. I had to lift the tank cover of twice yesterday and once today to get the flapper to close properly. We're getting this new toilet replaced with something that works properly.
ReplyDeleteHaving same issue we bought 3 of these toilets I regret it now. Yes they work great but chains get snagged all the time. Poor design.
DeleteWe are having the same issue with the chains getting tangled. We hate this toilet for that reason. Its constantly running until we take the lid off and untangle them.
DeleteSame here, the chains get tangled every flush. This is the LAST American Standard we will ever buy.
DeleteSame issue, the chains are always preventing the flapper from closing. Is there no solution to this simple problem?
DeleteI had a question, my husband installed this toilet about 2 months ago. We love it! However, I have just noticed that it is making a dripping sound which stops after I jiggle the handle a bit, what do you think I can do to fix this problem?
ReplyDeleteDo not trust any Home Depot review that has the Seeds Program indication. Seeds members are strongly urged to post positive reviews, without explicitly saying that. If your review is too critical or points out serious hazards with the product, it will be rejected until you "correct" that. Notice the rate of positive reviews from Seeds members compared with the rest of the reviews. If they are slanted positive, and they usually will be, dismiss them as tainted. I am a Seeds member and am continually frustrated by other Seeds reviewers that seem to over-inflate the quality of the product, apparently without even trying it. By the way, I am in their top 50 reviewers and not just a complaining whiner.
ReplyDeleteI'm a seeds member. I have written very negative 1 and 2 star reviews with no problems. The reason why so many reviews are positive is because they don't just randomly send us stuff. We get to pick out what we want and I would assume that others do what I do and try to pick stuff that is worth having and not junk.
DeleteJust had the VorMax installed by a reputable plumber that I have used before. the problem is that if the toilet is not flushed for over an hour the water in the bowl gets almost empty. Then when one flushes it does not remove all the contents of the bowl and it requires a second flush. The second flush empties the bowl as advertised. Any advice? Is there a setting or adjustment that can be made to fix this?
ReplyDeleteI am looking for answers to these things: an answer to the post above indicating that the water leaves the bowl after an hour of inactivity~~~what is up with that? And, in your initial review you commented on toilet cleaners, to use a soap, not a harsh cleanser to protect the surface finish. So, it left me wondering what is this toilet finish supposed to be cleaned with and is it going to leave the toilet hygienic for those times a family is trying to prevent the spread of a virus or illness? Lastly, one reviewer said that when the toilet is flushed 'things' get pushed up under the seat....do you know what that comment refers to and has that problem been addressed. It seems from reviews that 'splatters' and/or 'splash backs' as we term them (the water that flies out of the toilet and lands on the toilet seat with the flush action) is not a problem.I sure hope not!!! I am tired of finding a seat wet from the water splashing out of the bowl with the flush.
ReplyDeleteDoes the Vormax come in a 14 inch rough-in?
ReplyDeleteI have a optium vortax dual flush . the problem is it will flush one time and the next time it just fill the bowl with water....this happens all the time and it,s getting frustrating. I thought I bought a good toilet...........
ReplyDeletemy optum vormax will flush one time and just fill up the bowl with water the next time......it is very frustrating
ReplyDeleteCan AS create an adapter that allows different rough in sizes, like Toto does? If this were available in 10" rough in, I'd get it.
ReplyDeleteI have now been on hold for American Standard Canada customer service for an hour and still waiting. AGAIN! Last fall I purchased an Optum Vormax toilet from Home Depot. All was well for the first few weeks. Then it began to run continuously, on occasion, after being flushed. This kept getting worse and it now runs after almost every flush. Sometimes wiggling the handle fixes things, but usually the tank cover must be taken off.
ReplyDeleteI am not handy and can only say that I can't see anything obviously wrong and cannot understand the posted instructions for adjusting things. So this "water saving" toilet wastes water every day and the great warranty is backed by customer service that has never yet answered the phone. We fortunately don't pay metered rates for our water, as the wastage easily would come to around $200/month at Toronto water rates.
All in all, very disappointing. Anyone have any ideas about fixing this.
I'm really sorry to hear you and others have been having problems. I wish I could offer advice but it's been about 18 months and mine has been working great.
DeleteHi Embeeusername, I am so sorry to hear about your experience, if you are still having difficulty please email Canada Customer Care through the website link below. Best, AS Web Team
Deletehttp://www.americanstandard.ca/contactUs.aspx
I'm a general contractor that specializes in historical restorations in Annapolis, Baltimore City, and Washington DC, I just finished doing a ground up restoration of a 110+ year old Baltimore City row home. My wife picked out all the finishes to include the toilet. She picked the American Standard Optum Vormax Model # 707AA101.020. It was literally the most expensive toilet in Home Depot. After six months the toilet started to run constantly. I'm currently on my third set of silicone flapper seals. I've never been more frustrated with a toilet in my life/career. There's an obvious engineering flaw. The ironic thing is that you buy this product thinking that you're being a good sustainable steward of the community by reducing your water use; however, when the seals don't work as advertised you end up using more water than a toilet from the 1930's. This is a very stylish toilet, but I would never recommend it to any of my clients or anyone else that asked for my opinion.
ReplyDeleteAre you sure it's the seals? I have had mine installed for close to 2 years now and no major issues. I did recently see it running continually though. I opened up the tank and noticed that the float from one of the flush valves got caught under the other flush valve and was preventing it from closing. I had to move it by hand but it hasn't happened again.
DeleteI contacted American Standard and they asked me if I had a black or maroon teeter bar. They said some of the black teeter bars had issues in early models. They're sending me replacement parts and I will post and update when I install them.
Out of curiousity, what color is your teeter bar? The teeter bar is the bar that connects the two flush valves.
I don't understand why there are still no parts available for this toilet. Mine has been leaking since it was installed nearly a year ago. The leak was so small I didn't notice it until I started to do work in the bathroom and noticed it was filling the tank every half hour or so. After dropping dye and completely dismantling the toilet I find that a slight air bubble in the silicone flapper was preventing the flapper to completely close. I have four Home Depots in my area, none of them have it. It's not even available online. It's Sunday and I will have to call American Standard sometime tomorrow, if I get the chance because my work hours coincide with their customer service hours. I wonder how much water I wasted not noticing the leak. I doubt it ever worked correctly since there is an obvious defect in the silicone.
DeleteHi DET4100, I am so sorry to hear about your experience with our American Standard Optum VorMax Toilet. I hope you were able to reach our Technical Support Team to help resolve this issue. If not please call us direct at 1-800-442-1902 (Mon-Fri 8:00AM - 8:00PM EST, Sat. 10:00AM - 4:00PM EST) so our team can assist you. Best, American Standard Web Team
DeleteIt seems as though I am having the same issues as others are having with the toilets running intermittently. I am retired and I had these toilets installed last year by a reputable plumber. I love these toilets and how they function but now with the running, they are doing the same thing I got rid of my previous toilets for doing. They were functioning fine until this past week. One started running intermittently and then they both started doing it. What gives? The design is great and the function is great but if the internals in the tank start acting this way for a lot of folks it could be the undoing for AS. AS's engineers need to get their heads together and fix this problem. You have too many people writing into this forum for it not to be a wide spread problem.
ReplyDeleteUpdate. Called customer Service 10/12/2016. They stated that they would have the replacements to me in five days. 9 days have passed, called them today 10/20/2016, "Oh yeah! We shipped them today. Thanks for buying our product". Great, five more days without a toilet.
ReplyDeleteI have had the same issue on two Optum VorMax toilets from HD. I called AS customer service a while ago and was sent two complete flapper assemblies, both with the maroon teeter bar. After installing one, the flushing was not working correctly, only swirling the bowl and partially emptying it, never the usual full emptying flush. I compared the maroon bar flappers and the black bar flappers, and noticed the chain lengths on the two are quite different. After calling service again, I was informed that the flushing arm ("trip lever") needs replacing as well, since the old style arm sits a little lower and doesn't lift the flaps high enough to ensure a full flush. Make sure to ask for the arm as well if you call for a new flapper valve assembly. I just replaced the second toilet with the new flapper assembly and it still isn't quite flushing the same as it used to, unfortunately. Part no. for the trip lever is 7381457-201.0020A. HTH!
ReplyDeleteI've had my toilet for six months before it started to leak non stop. I never thought that one would need to review an American Standard product, I wish I had.
ReplyDeleteI find post after post on board after board about this problem that has been known for years and not fixed. After reading this board I've made my mind up, its going back to Home Depot tomorrow.
Hi Tom, I found your excellent review via a link on DIY Stack Exchange. Thanks for all of your great contributions.
ReplyDeleteI have two of these toilets. The one that I purchased about a year ago flushes AMAZINGLY well. In fact, it flushed so well that I decided to replace our second toilet with this model last week. The toilet I was replaced worked fine - cleared the bowl reliably with every flush. I just wanted the Optum Vormax in both bathrooms.
This new toilet doesn't clear the bowl consistently. Some times the flush behaves like the Vormax I am familiar with. Other times, it's such a weak flush that it requires another flush to clear the bowl.
Any idea what could be happening and what a potential fix could be?
Master Plumber here. I was skeptical of this valve when I saw it. Looks like a lot to go wrong. Sure enough 2 weeks in I get a Saturday call about it.
ReplyDeleteDid everyone's problems with this toilet stop in 2016? I have had it a couple years, and it just starting leaking - but I can't tell if it's the flappers or something else. Has flapper replacement resolved the issue for those of you with the problem?
ReplyDeleteI purchased 2 AS toilets with the Vormax system and am now regretting it. Both started leaking after less than 10 months of installation. I could not claim a refund or replacement because I have lost my receipt, so I had a plumber come by to see the problem. It turned out to be the Flapper assembly which is only available at AS (and more recently at Amazon). Just ordering from the AS customer service line is a nightmare in itself. If the fancy flapper gives out again, I will replace both toilets but never again with an AS brand. I heard that other brands are better.
ReplyDeleteMy Vormax will flush and empty the bowl until I hear a gurgling as if there is an air gap and barely any water in the bowl itself. then once the tank fills back up it appears as if there isn't enough water in the bowl itself....any suggestions?
ReplyDeleteWow,horrifying reviews.Wish I would've found this thread 2 days ago. I bought the Astute Vormax yesterday at Menard's. It only flushes when it's in the mood, which is one out of four flushes. Otherwise, it just adds water to the bowl and slowly seeps out. It runs intermittently.The hook will in no way stay under the non overflow tube valve, even after adjusting the screw both ways.This toilet has only been installed for 8 hours. No solid waste has been flushed yet. That's going to be scary. I didn't dig deep for reviews because it was an American Standard product.
ReplyDeleteSadly I will be throwing this toilet away, can no longer justify repair costs.
ReplyDeleteTo be clear, flappers and silicone pads fail in less than a year and have since install.
American Standard is not standing behind their product and are phasing it out of production making parts a pain to order.
Garbage product and a very suspect review, with all the issues why is this glowing description of such a clearly flawed product still up?
I'm sorry you had problems with yours. Mine is still running fine. It's in the main bathroom. I haven't had anything fail yet and I've had it since it came out.
DeleteI got one of these a few years ago because I wanted the elongated bowl. A couple issues I have with it are that the bowl discolored almost right away (so much for the smoother, anti-microbial surface) and my junk can touch the front of the bowl because it is too shallow at the front. A more recent development is that it has started to not flush. It will just add water and act like it is partially clogged when it is not. It has not developed the leaking problem that others have had.
ReplyDeleteI bought two of these Vormax Toilets-model 4370A. The first was purchased during March 2015 and a second during December 2016. Both worked great until now. Both now have a continuous leak from the upper "swish" opening down into the bowl. I'm going to contact American Standard to see if they will send me some new flappers or seals. I guess going 5-6 years without having to repair a toilet is not too bad. I agree with some of the prior comments. Any of these SEED reviews have to be taken with a grain of salt. The reviewers probably have good writing skills, which is the reason they are chosen to write a review. I'm skeptical that providing unbiased information is likely when a product is provided for free.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I won't contact American Standard...have been on hold for over half an hour.
I don't know why so many people are having issues with this toilet. Mine has been running fine and it's the toilet I use the most. I'm a seeds reviewer and I try to be honest in my reviews. I have no problem giving a bad review and all my reviews get published, even the 1 star reviews.
DeleteWe had our Vormax installed in our powder room in Dec. We use it rarely and it runs all the time unless I go stick my arm in the (icy cold) tank water and push the left side black flapper down. Any suggestions? Will call support tomorrow. I would replace it but I don't want to incur the cost of a plumber, dealing with the return, etc. So sad.
ReplyDeleteHave you tried contacting customer support? I had a minor issue at one point and they were very helpful.
DeleteI'm adding myself to the list of frustrated owners. I would never go looking for a review of a toilet in a house I bought - ever, unless it was a disaster, which this toilet is. It is worse than anything it's supposed to flush. I'm very handy and there's just no adjusting or fixing this thing. Since I don't have a receipt for it, I'm going to take a total loss and replace it.
ReplyDeleteA lot of people have commented on here that they have had problems. I don't know what to say as mine has been almost problem free. From time to time the floats would get tangled up in the valves but American Standard sent me replacement parts but I never used it as the problem never reoccurred. They've been very helpful whenever I've had issues with their products. I would recommend you contact their customer support to see what they can do.
DeleteThe tank only half empty with flush is this normal???
ReplyDeleteI normally don’t comment but this is a must.
ReplyDeleteI had just purchased three of these. Didn’t read any reviews as American Standard was what I replaced. Much older functional units, Wish I did more research.
I have same issues as others and Also a new complaint “”water rushes and gurgle upwards in morning after it’s sits all night. Goes onto the seats””.
One works fine. The other 2 leak non stop. I really like the one that works well. Just haven’t been able to figure out why the other 2 are leaking. I tightened the duel seal on both by removing the reservoir first as one was loose. Not the fix, thought it was.
The Flapper is obviously bad design and they should revised this to be singular 4.5” inlet flapper that goes and feeds the two sources that clean and flush. Just change the diameter of the left taller side inlet to be the clean rim action while the right side is bigger to handle the business end of the flush.
Note -
The cheap wax ring after being plunged also leaks. Best to by a wax-less seal or newer style hybrid seal, don’t use the ones that come stock.
The gurgle bubbles is strange. Never seen in my life. Vent stack is good- plumber verified with camera. Clean, no dead rodents or bird nest. The pipes snaked and clean to the street. But both these toilets on one side of house just don’t work. Maybe issue on how they were casted?
I gave American standard another chance and just replaced with their larger 4” one hole flapper unit with foam lined internal tank. This had the larger floor opening and so far it’s fixed the gurgle issue and doesn’t leak.
Guys-
**The plumber I had come out to confirm I’m not crazy - scratched his head after reviewing the dual flush mess, a free hour of work, didn’t charge me as we both had no answer other than get another new toilet.
AS - you owe all of us a new toilet that posted on here.
What a TERRIBLE toilet. Our new out of the box vormax flushes MAYBE once out of every 6 flush attempts and when it does flush it usually doesn’t flush very thoroughly. Plus one of the two flapper valves constantly gets caught around its chain. Very frustrating. I really want my money back. When you push the lever a toilet should flush every single time.
ReplyDeleteMan that sucks. I was having infrequent problems with the flapper getting stuck but after changing the teeterbar it worked fine. It's been about 9 years and the toilet is still going strong. Try calling American Standard. Their customer support has always helped me.
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