Anyone ever bought a used toilet?

Question

Can you give me some tips on buying a used toilet? I've got two of the EL CHEAPO contractor toilets in my new(er) house. They break all the time and I'm trying to replace them. Someone on craigs is selling a higher end kohler toilet used. I think they are asking 175 and the toilet ranges about $400 new. Is there any market for these? How can I be sure they aren't broken? Should I just lowball since they are used? Thanks for any advice!

Answer 1

New toilets are cheaper than you may think, get a new one.

Answer 2

The toilet pan it's self isn't the issue, it is the contents inside the cistern that make the toilet work or not. If your current toilets are not functioning then you can replace the contents of the cistern.

Washers, seal diaphragms, arm floats (providing it isnt a push button cistern).. Get a plumber to check it out if you have the money to do so.

Answer 3

Yes I have bought used and refitted it with new parts for a rental.It worked fine.Here is an example of good common sense,there is a section on choosing one.

My Best

Answer 4

Ever since the EPA put out regulations on water saver toilets 1.6 gpf it all went down hill. You can buy the old simple 3 gallon per flush like the american standars. Check out the antique stores for some old toilets. Stay away from the old crane or case toilets the flush handle linkages are a nightmare. The newer kohlers are not bad. Have them give you model number and have them to measure the outlet hole of toilet some are smaller than others. Toto toilets have a large outlet hole. Stay away from pressure flush toilets can be complicated and costly to repair. Be ready to totaly rebuild any toilet you purchase second hand. Also be ready to get one with some cracked china. They pressure test new toilets, the only way you can pressure test use toilet is install flush and check for leaks. Kohler parts can be expensive depends on style. Would suggest see brand of toilet you have and replace items in toilet with OEM parts. If you just don't like its performance then stick with the name brands, American Standard, Kohler but stay away from the low end. Good luck.

Answer 5

Check where they are tearing down an old apartment building(their super cheap there)I used to do that when I owned apts.Be aware you will have to navel jelly the porcelain and replace all the insides but you can get "American Standard " for next to nothing