Concealed trapway toilet.
This is the concealed trapway, skirted, one-piece toilet we chose…
American Standard Tropic,Concealed Trapway Right Height™ Elongated, One-Piece, ADA Toilet.
If you’d told me I would start a blog, and write a post about a toilet. I would not have thought that could be correct. But? This is a renovation blog, so not only am I writing about it. I am excited. About a toilet. This seems vaguely sad, but there you have it.
I’m excited about two things. First—that this is finally moving out of the foyer, where it’s been hanging out for over a month.
And secondly—it’s a concealed trapway. Also called a skirted style. Meaning? There is no exposed loop to clean. Which, apparently at this stage of my life is super exciting.
It’s also one piece. Meaning that the water tank is not separate from the main section of the toilet. Which means no gap. Which means it’s seamless and therefore easier to clean. Also, I personally think it looks better.
Prior to this toilet, we had an American Standard Cadet something or other and I would have given it a great review… This one is supposed to be nearly identical as far as the plumbing goes, so I’m assuming we’ll be happy with it.
In case you too are thrilled at the idea of a concealed trapway… we chose the American Standard Tropic. It’s the ADA taller height. It’s elongated, and one-piece. American Standard’s website’s list price is $900-$1,100. Which is obviously insane.
We got ours on Amazon, for about $500. Is that a lot for a toilet? I guess it is. But to me, every time I clean it, it pays for itself.
UPDATE:
Finally installed! It’s been in for a month now.
Do I like it? NO. I LOVE IT.
May 30, 2012 @ 10:53 am
I find this post completely SEXY! Yes, this toilet is HOT! Apparently I am also at a point in my life where a beautiful toilet makes me squeal. (I’m squealing, Victoria) Okay, I’m a little worked up but I thought maybe it was only me who lusted over things like this. I had my eye on a Toto for a long time but it was a $1,200 (which I could never bring myself to do) I agree it’s insane… but honestly if I had to do it again, I’d spend the cash. Nothing beats a beautiful, sleek, well-working toilet. It’s a chick thing, I guess. Congrats on this… seriously. I’m excited with you and for you! It’s going to look amazing in your new bathroom!
May 30, 2012 @ 11:18 am
Good grief you’re funny. I was going to write at the end that no one should feel an obligation to comment on such a post… but now I’m glad I didn’t. Not scrubbing out the nooks and whatnot IS pretty sexy.
I continue to be confused by the extreme variation between list pricing, and what you can actually buy an item for, somewhere on the internet.
July 5, 2012 @ 9:43 am
Hi There! May I ask if the back of the toilet is encased? I am looking for a skirted toilet that has a closed back. Most I find have an open back – which defeats the purpose of easy cleaning. Thanks for your time!
Sincerely,
Vivian
July 5, 2012 @ 10:29 am
You’re right… as far as I know, they all have an open back. I say all, because I looked at about a million toilets!! I had my husband cut a piece of plexiglass to fit in the opening and held it in place with some dots of caulk. He was a little exasperated with this part… cutting and fitting it was kind of a hassle. And you have to leave room on the one side for the water line to run through to the tank.
Not ideal, but it solved the issue enough to satisfy me… plus, for me, personally it was worth the compromise, I was NOT getting anything but the concealed trapway! Best of luck!!
July 5, 2012 @ 10:42 am
Victoria we are a lot alike. I was just thinking about what kind of material I could use to seal the back. I was thinking of getting a Toto Aquia. However it has an open back as well.
I may have to settle on the Toto Nexus. It is skirted and it does have a closed back. However it does have some concave areas in the back and side – but not a lot. It is also two piece not one piece.
But I may have to compromise.
I am so tired of looking at toilets! You would think these sites would offer 360 degree views of these things! Sheesh.
Your home looks gorgeous by the way. =)
Many Thanks!
Vivian
July 5, 2012 @ 11:02 am
When I was toilet-shopping, I literally could not believe the time and energy I spent thinking about a toilet. And how difficult the decision was!!
The two-piece was not an option for me. I don’t like the look of that gap (plus, another place difficult to clean). Another consideration for me was that I found a lot of the enclosed trapways were extremely modern looking… which really clashed with the vintage-theme I had in mind. So, between wanting a one piece, and being picky about the appearance, AND considering the measurements, (some of them are significantly larger than others,) it really narrowed my options… to the point where you start thinking about “modifying” your toilet!!
Thanks for the house compliment!! It’s been a construction site for so long… it’s finally starting to feel like a home!
July 5, 2012 @ 11:09 am
=) I hear you. I know for my bathroom cleaning the gap will be a lot easier than getting into an open back. You are fortunate to have an awesome husband who will cut plexiglass for you! =)
I am single but have handy brothers. I will have one of them help me with install but he’s already going to think I am insane if I ask him to cover up the hole in the back.
Of all things we have to compromise on? Toilets? Who knew!
Thanks Again. =)
Best,
Vivian
July 5, 2012 @ 11:20 am
Oh, I weigh that daily… the debate of whether to keep an idea to myself, or appear insane. Best of luck, whatever you choose you’ll end up loving!
January 3, 2018 @ 7:39 pm
I saw both the Soiree and Nexus in a toto showroom today. The Soiree has an opening in the back on the bottom, maybe 5 x 5 inches. Sitting next to it was the Eco Nexus, with a completely closed in back. I originally wanted a one-piece, but after looking at the actual toilets on display, I am going to get the two-piece Eco Nexus. May I suggest that you go to the Toto.com website. There is a place where you can type in your zip code or city/state. They will come up with a list of toto dealers in your area and what they have on display. It’s simple to do. I telephoned the dealer first to make sure the toilet I was originally looking at was on display. It was worth the trip. And again, the Eco Nexus was totally enclosed in the back, right down to the floor. Nothing can hide in there!
May 30, 2012 @ 11:03 am
Oooh, ahhh, toilet envy! I love the sleek look. There’s no shame in toilet blogging, that can only mean your closer to finishing your bathroom 🙂
May 30, 2012 @ 11:37 am
“No shame in toilet blogging” made me laugh out loud. Of all the glamour-design-high-end types of blogs out there, I suppose someone has to fill the practical-and-useful genre.
May 31, 2012 @ 11:08 am
Victoria,
Been through this…fell in love with Toto…isn’t that the name of the Carin terrier in W. of Oz? Your new addition looks amazing and yes, I too would get excited about not having to clean the loop thingy that is on most toilets. Can’t wait to see this spectacular Cadillac in the finished bath.
Karen
June 1, 2012 @ 8:55 am
Who knew choosing a toilet could be a multi-step process? And that at the end you could “fall in love” with one… I’m actually kind of alarmed at my degree of excitement over a toilet.
June 7, 2012 @ 11:03 am
We bought the Jacuzzi Espree Watersense skirted toilet from Lowes for less than 300.00. If it was a man, I would marry it! Cleaning it (inside and out) is a breeze. I *heart* skirted toilets – I just wish they had been around (and affordable) yearsssssss ago!
June 7, 2012 @ 11:53 am
I know, right?! Now that I’m aware of the skirted version, I cannot imagine why anyone is still making the old style… the concealed trapway is better in everyway imaginable!
June 16, 2012 @ 5:51 pm
I love ours! So easy to clean, one thing the previous owners did that I kept! Enjoy!!
June 18, 2012 @ 7:49 am
I love ours too… Your PO really did you a favor!
June 21, 2012 @ 11:41 am
I’m a totoholic…I love the idea that it’s out of the foyer!
June 21, 2012 @ 12:39 pm
I know people love their totos!! We did look at those, but this one’s measurements worked best for our space… You cannot imagine how glad I was to get it out of our entranceway!! I was starting to get used to it, that’s how long it was there!!
June 21, 2012 @ 11:57 am
This American Standard toilet is great. I have one and it is not only easy to clean. It performs flawlessly. You can remove the seat very easily to clean with only touching a button!
June 21, 2012 @ 12:44 pm
I am SO with you… the seat is great! (Although Husband said it was harder to install than regular.) I haven’t taken it off yet, but I’m glad to hear it’s easy!!
September 12, 2012 @ 10:48 pm
I truly don’t mean to be snarky (and I love the toilet!), but just in case you start getting linked in other blogs, I wanted you to know that “Incase” is not one word — it’s “in case.”
September 13, 2012 @ 8:49 am
Lol… I don’t take it as snarky. I do play fast and loose with grammar, even when spell-check doesn’t catch my errors… (MS word defines “incase” as “lest, for fear of.”) Thanks for making me look a little smarter!!
February 9, 2013 @ 7:48 pm
I had to look up your trapway toilet because when you mentioned it the vision I had in my head…are you ready?…was a toilet in some kind of trap door. LOL. Thats so ludicrous but hey your house could have been one that was around during prohabition and they needed to go in some trap door to potty? okay that was reaching…. With that said though, where have these toilets been my whole remodeling life? This one seems it would take less time to clean the bathroom and it looks great. That pipe thing is disgusting now that I think about it. Your pick has a sleek elegance about it that makes it perfect for an older or a newer bathroom…now I have to look up a skirted vs an open back toilet. I am so toilet ignorant…but getting smarter. LOL
February 10, 2013 @ 10:55 am
LOL… trapdoor. Anything is possible in these old houses.
Once I saw the enclosed trapway? I was like WHY would I ever buy the old style? Why would anyone? Why do they even keep making the old style?
I don’t know how this style has not taken over the old one… total mystery to me. Yes, they are more expensive… but you know if more people bought them, there would be more competition, and the prices would be better. Either way, it was worth the extra few hundred dollars, in my opinion… and I’m the one who cleans the bathroom, so it’s really only my opinion that matters.
February 13, 2013 @ 7:16 pm
I love your blog! When I happened upon it via GardenWeb, I laughed out loud and exclaimed “HA-HA! JACKPOT!” I have two questions regarding your beloved new toilet, which is just beautiful, by the way. The first is, does it come in “normal” height? I have 5 children, some of whom are small, one of whom is flirting with the idea of using the potty. I don’t want to do ADA height. The second is, speaking of those 5 children, how is the toilet holding up with regard to the clogging and incompetent flushing that has plagued the reputations of the new lower water use toilets?
February 14, 2013 @ 9:04 am
Hey! I’m glad you found me!
If you had told me I’d ever write a blog where people asked me questions about my toilet… I swear, I would NOT have believed it!!
I don’t think the Tropic comes in the standard height… that was the one thing I actually didn’t have to factor in… both Paul and I are over 6’, and no kiddos to consider.
I have been really happy with this American Standard, and the one we put in another bath… I’m actually surprised that there aren’t more threads on gardenweb about it as an option. The cult of Toto reigns supreme, but I’ve seen a few threads where people talk about how much they hate theirs… so it’s kind of a mystery.
However, even though I’m really happy with it, I have *absolutely no idea* how it would do with lots of little kids using it. It’s just the two of us, so I can imagine adding 5 little people to the mix might change your results!
If it’s a concern for you, you could try ordering a 1.6 gallon instead of a 1.2… depending on what state you live in, that may still be an option.
Good luck!
Victoria
February 19, 2013 @ 3:27 pm
I remember reading this post when you first wrote it, when I was first searching for bathroom ideas for our century-old-home-gut-job. The breathless excitement really stuck with me and when it became time to choose a toilet for our new half bathroom I just *had to* google skirted toilet options. Then I found this post again and must say it’s just as great the second time around!
The feminist in me thinks that if, historically, the men were cleaning the bathrooms… the goose-neck/intestine design would have long died out. But we will change it one toilet at a time.
February 19, 2013 @ 7:38 pm
My toilet is famous… what can I say.
When I was researching them, I read a comment somewhere about how clearly men designed it… otherwise the “exposed-intestine” would be a butterfly or a flower or something. Not that that would be easier to clean… but at least would be attractively impractical.
I really think the old style will be obsolete eventually. I cannot imagine why it wouldn’t be…
May 19, 2013 @ 12:49 pm
We are about to redo a powder room. Well we have been about to redo it for 2 years but I really think it’s coming soon. Anyway this toilet looks perfect…bookmarking!!
May 19, 2013 @ 7:05 pm
I will never buy a “normal” toilet again. I have no idea why they even still make them… this is such a better idea.
June 29, 2013 @ 11:57 am
I have two boys with terrible aim. This toilet looks like a masterpiece to me!
July 1, 2013 @ 6:50 pm
I’ve been trying to tell myself that I didn’t have to answer comments anymore, since I am pretty much going blind from being on the computer too much…
But this was just too funny.
Thanks for the laugh.
June 29, 2013 @ 1:34 pm
I love this post. I especially laughed at the photo of it in the box in your foyer. The foyer is so pretty, as well.
July 1, 2013 @ 6:51 pm
Proving you can get used to anything… AND that a large foyer is a total waste of space.
July 2, 2013 @ 7:57 am
Dear Victoria!
I think to write my first commentary in your blog on this post about such a sleek Toilet has its sneaky charme too 😉
Victoria Elizabeth Barnes, your witty, intelligent and never boring writings, your good and clean taste, together with a theme which I have a great passion for – renovating old houses – or any house for that matter – have produced a miracle! You did it girl! for the first time in my long Internetlife, I have subscribed to a blog! Well there is one exception but that one doesn’t count 🙂
Its family 🙂 Even though I know I am contributing greatly to the growth of your writer ego, I must confess that I spend my night, until 5 in the morning, enjoying your blog which I discovered at 10 pm and when I woke up at 9, what did accompany my morning coffee, the prime time reading of the day? Your blog. The only thing which stresses me already is that at the consumption rate I go, soon I will be up to date with all your writings! Another thing will be that if I comment, which I will, you’ll discover that my english is not perfect which is why you’ll find new
ways to use your language never before imagined by you, let alone the spelling 😉 I am German and live in sunny Spain in a house inspired by Los Moros, Arabs which lived in medieval Spain for over 500 years and brought a highly developed culture with them which included a beautiful arquitectural Style. So, my house is like this. Most doors and windows are arches, fountains give freshness – they loved water above all – settled in beautiful greenery – Bougainvillas and Jasmine, Palmtrees and Frangipani give color and smell against the blinding white of its walls. You can imagine how I love to work with and live in this heavenly place 🙂 I adore my home and every morning when I open my eyes and see the blue, pristine skies of southern Spain, I give thanks to the Universe to have materialized this dream for me 🙂 My wish is that this house of yours where you both have put in so much Love, each one apporting all you possibly could, makes both of you just as happy. Just think: every new day is a treasure, waiting to be filled with wonderful new ways of being happy in your precious home…all three of you 🙂
July 2, 2013 @ 2:55 pm
That is one amazing toilet!!!!!!!! LOVE IT!! {just love reading your posts and I could get lost reading them all. To hubby: hey, if you are looking for me, I will be in the studio under piles of laundry, mail, junk etc. reading victoriaelizabethbarnes.com} 🙂
July 25, 2013 @ 9:48 am
I’m sorry I’m late for the bathroom party…. ☺ And I should be moving a loveseat, and not sitting here reading. Glad I am though – I have never had a need or reason to shop for bathroom amenities so I did not have any idea that MY idea had been created by someone else!… an enclosed toilet, one-piece-easy-to-clean. So thank you for writing this blog!! You are helping to spread knowledge, insight and wisdom to others. Which means, all topics are valuable and helpful and enjoyable. ☺
My plan for when I ‘some day’ have to buy a toilet is to buy one like in the retail restrooms – that flush super fast, and no waiting forever for a tank to refill…grrrrr! I so totally HATE listening to that slow, wheezing sound as the tank slowwwwwwly refills with water after a flush. Especially if there is a need to flush it a 2nd or 3rd time, like when cleaning it. And you can’t, because the tank is not yet full.
So my question about your new most awesome, pretty, sleek, and stress-free looking toilet is – how fast does it flush? And how long does it take for the the refill? And in your research – was there any information offered about this aspect – tank refill speed – and quietness when doing so? Again, thank you for sharing this! You made my day learning there CAN be true beauty in the bathroom!
March 1, 2014 @ 12:42 am
Clearly this is not the same bathroom as in the befores because it looks 10x bigger! What an amazing transformation. I love it!
April 16, 2014 @ 3:58 pm
but, but, how did you fix the sink legs?!
April 16, 2014 @ 4:27 pm
The magic known as getting a new pair…
April 17, 2014 @ 4:00 pm
Oops, I missed that. Three sets? Did the vendor ever take the defective ones back?
April 18, 2014 @ 8:42 am
yes, they sent me a return label and had UPS pick them up. I think they probably spent more shipping the legs back and forth then I spent on the whole sink.