Toilets. They’re a crucial piece of the bathroom setup, right alongside the faucet and shower setup. They’re used every day, remaining a staple that needs to operate smoothly all the time. So, when your toilet goes on strike or breaks down, you might find yourself in the market for a new model.
As you sift through your options, you’ll probably come across American Standard’s offerings. So, where are they made? Are they good quality?
Let’s find out.
About American Standard
American Standard is a familiar household name known for its array of plumbing fixtures, from toilets to kitchen faucets. Before we begin examining the specifics of American Standard faucets, let’s familiarize ourselves with the ins and outs of the brand.
The brand has come a long way since its early beginnings, with its roots weaving a path through time, full of twists and turns, morphing from one company to another.
First, we’ll take a trip back to 1875, when Standard Sanitary Manufacturing Company, the company’s predecessor, was founded. Several decades later, the company merged with several plumbing manufacturers, resulting in the creation of Standard Sanitary. This company pioneered various plumbing product improvements in the early 1900s and built a name for itself in the industry.
Eventually, Standard Sanitary became one of the largest bathroom fixture manufacturers in the world. The company merged with the American Radiator Company in 1929, morphing it into the American Radiator and Standard Sanitary Corporation. That name was a mouthful, and eventually, the company took the name it touts today.
Fast forward to 2008, when American Standard Brands was formed. This occurred as the result of a three-company merger, which meshed American Standard Amercias, Eljer, and Crane Plumbing. The trio, now known as American Standard Brands, was acquired in 2013 by LIXIL Corporation, a massive company that owns other familiar brands, like Grohe.
Jump to today, and American Standard remains a familiar producer of high-quality kitchen and bathroom products. The company upholds its place as an industry leader, maintaining its strong reputation and producing innovative products that take standards to a whole new level.
American Standard’s Plumbing Lineup
American Standard, like many brands, offers an array of plumbing products. Its toilets are only one piece of the lineup, although the brand offers dozens of models to accommodate varying aesthetic preferences and budgets.
Aside from its toilets, American Standard offers the following products:
- Shower systems and accessories
- Bathtubs
- Bathroom sinks
- Bathroom faucets
- Bathroom vanities
- Kitchen faucets
- Kitchen sinks
- Water filtration faucets
In addition to its products, American Standard offers RoomCreate, software that allows customers to create the space of their dreams. The free tool combines floor plans with augmented reality to create ideas for remodeling projects, giving customers unique ideas specific to their homes.
This is a perfect option for people stuck at a roadblock, unsure what they want to do with the space.
Where Are American Standard Toilets Made?
Decades ago, American Standard’s operations were rooted in the United States. Much of its production occurred in North America, primarily in the United States and Canada. However, like many plumbing fixture brands, this has become a thing of the past.
The brand began moving its production operations from the U.S. and Canada long before LIXIL even owned it. When Sun Capital owned American Standard, it had already begun moving production overseas and further south to Mexico.
Today, the brand only has three production facilities remaining in the United States, located in Ohio, Texas, and Kentucky. However, none of its toilets come from these locations. Instead, its toilets are produced overseas and further south.
Most of American Standard’s manufacturing facilities are currently located in Mexico and China. China is primarily responsible for the production side of the picture, whereas Mexico handles most of the assembly side of things.
The bulk of American Standard’s toilets come from a plant in Aguascalientes Maquila, Mexico, which is one of the largest North American plants of the bunch. However, some products may come from other locations – it all depends on the model.
LIXIL, American Standard’s parent company, purchases a considerable amount of products from third-party sources all over the globe. Some of these products end up in American Standard’s lineup, so while many of its toilets come from Mexico, this might not be true of all its models.
Are American Standard Toilets Good Quality?
Although American Standard toilets aren’t manufactured in the United States, they’re still good quality products. Some folks are dubious of products manufactured in China or overseas, as they may have had unsatisfactory experiences with such. However, American Standard’s toilets (even though they aren’t made domestically) are known to be good quality products.
They feature a porcelain and vitreous china composition and are solid and durable. They offer strong flushing power, varying seat configurations for comfort, and standard designs, making them a suitable choice for many homes.
How Long Is the Warranty On an American Standard Toilet?
American Standard toilets come with an exceptional warranty that far surpasses many in the industry. While the exact warranty varies based on the toilet, many of its toilets come with a limited lifetime warranty. The lifetime warranty applies solely to the chinaware of the toilet, which makes up the bulk of the unit.
All mechanical components feature a limited five-year warranty, and the included toilet seat (if applicable) receives a one-year limited warranty. While these warranties are shorter than that of the chinaware, the overall coverage is outstanding.
Many toilet brands, even industry leaders, offer one-year limited warranties on their toilets, regardless of the component. So, the limited lifetime warranty on American Standard toilets, even though it only applies to the chinaware, is pretty impressive.
Of course, the brand outlines specific terms and conditions that customers should familiarize themselves with. For example, the warranty becomes void if the product is moved from its original installation place or is damaged due to things like improper maintenance, abuse, misuse, or accidents.
Are American Standard Toilets Expensive?
Overall, American Standard toilets aren’t overly expensive. While there are a couple of pricier models, many of the brand’s toilets are reasonably priced. Some could even classify as budget-friendly options, as there are a few models that cost less than $100.
However, most of its toilets are priced in the mid-range, coming in between $200 and $400. Of course, it depends on the exact model, but most American Standard toilets are surprisingly affordable.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are American Standard Toilets Made In The U.S.?
While American Standard toilets used to be made in the United States, this is no longer true. In recent years, production has moved to Mexico and China, although some products are made elsewhere. The majority of American Standard’s toilets are assembled in Mexico with parts from China.
How Long Do American Standards Last?
Like most things, the porcelain throne in your bathroom will eventually tap out, requiring a replacement. The lifespan of an American Standard toilet is much like most other good quality toilets: about 10 to 15 years. Of course, they require routine care and maintenance to ensure everything continues running smoothly.
Occasionally, they might require replacement components to keep the toilet working, but for the most part, they can last well over a decade. Some models may even last two decades!