Taming the American Standard Lowboy

[boytonstu]

I decided to go forward with my $35 American Standard one piece lowboy.

Instead of installing it and testing it I decided to place it on 2x4's and test it out doors. It is easy to hand hold a garden hose in the inlet valve tube and see the exact point where it cuts off the flow.

Within a few seconds it was obvious that the inlet valve was shot. American standard charges over $150 for a replacement.

Well screw that option. I had a Fluidmaster available and it collapsed down to 9" height. So far so good.

I measured the height of the original water height and the Fluidmaster did not quite fill to that level.

Solution? I placed a lead anchor on a piece of copper rod taken from the old ball and the extra weight of the float raised the water level to the correct height.

I filled and flushed it several times and then tested the flush valve seal by waiting an hour to monitor the level. No leaks.

I had a problem with a broken PVC flange and installed a metal plate Tapcon screwed into the concrete.

Done! A beautiful toilet with inexpensive replacement parts, a quiet flush, and no leaks.

Not too shabby for a 72 year old.

 

[Mr_David]

So how did it work out?

 

[boytonstu]

So how did it work out?

My tenant loves it. He is a very picky person.

No leaks, no clogs.

BTW, this toilet has a $3.00 simple to replace flush valve disk and a $9 Fluidmaster 200A fill valve. Many others will fit.

The tank can be hacked for a higher water level while maintaining the same 1.6 gallon volume.

Use a brick or 2 and raise the overflow level by adding a small piece of PVC tubing with Silicone.

Unlike the guy on the other forum who junks them, I'll buy another 7 as they become available for under $50.

My plan is to replace all 8 toilets with this American Standard one piece beauty.

 

[Mr_David]

Isn't the over flow built into the corner of the tank just under the handle?
I have raised an over flow with a coupling before but that was on a standard type flush valve.
The flush valve in this one doesn't have an over flow.

 

[boytonstu]

Isn't the over flow built into the corner of the tank just under the handle?
I have raised an over flow with a coupling before but that was on a standard type flush valve.
The flush valve in this one doesn't have an over flow.

You are correct about the built in overflow in the corner.

Place a short piece of PVC around the 2 holes (instead of the coupling) and seal with silicone and the overflow will be raised to the height of the PVC.

(You have the option to add a few bricks to restore the flush volume to 1.6 gallons.)