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Toilets! Where would we be without them? Probably lost in the woods somewhere, or WISHING we were lost in the woods somewhere. Just because someone's business is in toilets, doesn't mean it's an easy topic to discuss, at least not without smiling just a little.

But if you really think about it, if of course, you're inclined to do so, there are not many inventions that have contributed so much to the development of our civilization as all indoor plumbing in general. Particularly toilets! The elimination of so many diseases like tetanus, typhoid fever, bubonic, septicemic and pneumonic plagues, cholera, viral infections such as polio, encephalitis and so many others are directly related to the invention of toilets.

Today's toilets are one of the most sanitary, high tech, energy efficient and heavily regulated items anywhere, far exceeding most other products in just about any marketplace. So, how about a little toilet talk?

Two excellent companies appear to dominate the toilet industry, Kohler and American Standard. Both companies were founded in the early 1870s, although with its acquisition of Crane Plumbing and Eljar, American Standard Brands sells more toilets than anyone.

Both companies offer one piece, two piece and commercial toilets all in a variety in materials, flushing technologies, quality and design, in elongated, round and compact elongated models. Both companies also offer gravity and pressure assist flushing models in a variety of flushing systems with flush ratings of 1.6 gallons per flush and duel flushing systems featuring .8/1.6 gallons per flush. American Standard also offers a low water consumption model at 1.28 gallons per flush and both offer models with strict compliance to the Americans for Disabilities Association.

Kohler offers a full line of matching toilet seats including raised toilet seats, while American Standard does not. Neither company offers portable toilets.

While Kohler seems to have an advantage in design and innovation, their toilets will be slightly more expensive than American Standard; from slightly more than $200 for two pieces to over $3800 for the ultra design. Kohler's toilet seats range from $17 to over $1500. All Kohler products offer a one year warrantee.

American Standard Brands has an advantage in price, from $95 to about $1300. They also have a design advantage with a 2 3/8" fully glazed trapway which prevents clogs. It's a real trip watching them test their toilets by flushing a bucket of golf balls down the bowl. American Standard also offers a 10 year warrantee.

And as I said, both brands offer a very high quality product. Each offers a variety of materials like cast iron with porcelain or china. Both offer a great number of colors, although the advantage has to go to Kohler, and both offer great finishes for easy cleaning and bacteria, stain and mold reduction for easy care and continued good looks.

Both companies products are available in the leading retail outlets, or at there own outlet centers on-line.

Learn more about this author, Joseph McCann.
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