When it comes to home renovations, especially in the bathroom, choosing the right toilet can be surprisingly complex. A good toilet needs to strike a balance between comfort, efficiency, and style, all while fitting within the often-limited space of a modern bathroom.
If you’re in the market for a new toilet, let me share my experience with the Eridanus Semi-Elongated Compact One-Piece Toilet, a product that claims to offer a space-saving design without compromising on performance.
In this article, I’ll walk you through my personal experience with this toilet, covering its installation, performance, pros, cons, and how it stacks up against other brands. By the end, you’ll have a good sense of whether the Eridanus toilet is the right fit for your bathroom needs.
My Experience With Eridanus Toilet
- Installation Experience
Installing the Eridanus toilet was a bit of a mixed bag for me.
On the one hand, the product comes with everything you need, including an installation kit that is supposed to make the process straightforward.
On the other hand, this toilet is quite heavy—definitely a two-person job.
My friend and I managed to get it in place without too much trouble, but aligning the bolts and securing the toilet took a bit of patience.
One thing to note is that the Eridanus toilet uses metric bolts, which is unusual for the U.S. market. I had to dig out my metric ratchet set, which I don’t use often, but it turned out to be very helpful.
Once everything was tightened up and the water supply was connected, I was relieved to find that there were no leaks.
The installation instructions were clear, but if you’re not particularly handy, you might want to consider hiring a professional to handle it. The last thing you want is to damage your new toilet or have it improperly installed.
- Performance and Functionality
Once installed, I was eager to see how the Eridanus toilet performed. This toilet is equipped with Siphon Jet-Let Flush technology, which is designed to ensure a powerful and thorough flush with every use.
I have to say, I was impressed. The dual flush system allows you to choose between a lighter 1.1-gallon flush and a more powerful 1.6-gallon flush, depending on your needs. It’s a great feature for conserving water without sacrificing performance.
One of the standout features of the Eridanus toilet is its soft-close seat. If you’ve ever been jolted awake in the middle of the night by the sound of a toilet seat slamming shut, you’ll appreciate this feature as much as I do.
The seat closes quietly and gently, adding to the overall comfort and serenity of the bathroom experience.
As for the actual sitting experience, the semi-elongated bowl is comfortable, even for someone like me who is taller than average. It’s not the largest toilet seat out there, but it strikes a good balance between space-saving design and user comfort.
Pros of the Eridanus Toilet
- Space-Saving Design: The Eridanus toilet is specifically designed to fit in smaller bathrooms, making it an ideal choice if you’re working with limited space. Despite its compact size, it doesn’t feel cramped, and the semi-elongated bowl provides adequate comfort.
- Water Efficiency: With dual flush options of 1.1 and 1.6 gallons per flush (GPF), this toilet is an excellent choice for those looking to conserve water. The powerful flush ensures that waste is removed effectively, even with the lower flush option.
- Quiet Operation: The soft-close seat is a small but significant feature that enhances the overall user experience. No more loud slams in the middle of the night!
- Certification and Compliance: The Eridanus toilet is certified by WaterSense, cUPC, and CEC, meaning it meets stringent water efficiency and performance standards. It also has high MaP scores of up to 1000g, which indicates superior waste removal capability.
- Modern Aesthetics: This toilet has a sleek, modern design that looks great in any bathroom. It’s a one-piece toilet, which gives it a streamlined appearance and makes cleaning a breeze.
- Easy to Clean: The one-piece design means there are fewer nooks and crannies where dirt and grime can accumulate. This makes the toilet easier to clean compared to two-piece models.
- Lifetime After-Sales Service: Eridanus offers lifetime after-sales service and a one-year limited warranty on the flushing mechanism and soft-closing toilet seat lid. This provides peace of mind knowing that you’re covered if anything goes wrong.
Cons of The Eridanus Toilet
- Heavy Installation: As mentioned earlier, the Eridanus toilet is quite heavy, making installation a bit challenging, especially if you’re doing it alone. You might need an extra pair of hands or consider hiring a professional.
- Metric Bolts: The use of metric bolts is not common in the U.S., so you might need to invest in a metric ratchet set if you don’t already have one. This could be a minor inconvenience for some.
- Seat Shifting Issue: After a couple of months of use, I noticed that the toilet seat had shifted slightly to the right. It was a small issue, but one that might require some adjustment or even a replacement seat in the future.
- Not Ideal for Taller Individuals: While the semi-elongated bowl is comfortable for most, it might feel a bit short for those who are particularly tall. At 6’4″, I found it to be slightly lower than I would prefer, but it was still usable.
Maintenance Tips For The Eridanus Toilet
Maintaining the Eridanus toilet is relatively straightforward, but there are a few tips that can help ensure it remains in top condition for years to come.
- Regular Cleaning: Given its sleek, one-piece design, cleaning the Eridanus toilet is a breeze. Use a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft brush to keep the bowl and exterior looking spotless. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the finish.
- Check the Seat Alignment: If you notice the seat shifting, as I did, you may need to tighten the bolts or adjust the seat alignment. This is a simple fix that can prevent further issues down the line.
- Inspect the Flush Mechanism: Every few months, it’s a good idea to check the flush mechanism to ensure it’s working properly. If you notice any decrease in performance, it might be time to replace the flushing mechanism, which is covered under the one-year warranty.
- Monitor for Leaks: While I didn’t experience any leaks during installation or in the months following, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye out for any signs of water leakage. Addressing leaks early can prevent water damage and higher water bills.
- Replace the Wax Ring as Needed: The wax ring creates a seal between the toilet and the floor. Over time, this ring can wear out and may need to be replaced. If you notice any water around the base of the toilet, it might be time to replace the wax ring.
Comparison With Other Brands
When it comes to toilets, there are plenty of options on the market, so how does the Eridanus stack up against some of the other popular brands?
- Toto Drake II
The Toto Drake II is a well-known name in the world of toilets, and for good reason.
It offers a powerful flush, excellent water efficiency, and a comfortable design.
However, it doesn’t have the compact, space-saving design of the Eridanus, making it less ideal for smaller bathrooms.
- Kohler Santa Rosa
The Kohler Santa Rosa is another one-piece toilet that offers similar features to the Eridanus, including a compact design and water efficiency.
However, it comes at a higher price point and lacks the lifetime after-sales service that Eridanus offers.
- American Standard Cadet 3
The American Standard Cadet 3 is a budget-friendly option that offers solid performance and water efficiency. However, it’s a two-piece toilet, which can make cleaning a bit more challenging.
The Eridanus’s one-piece design gives it an edge in terms of aesthetics and ease of maintenance.
- Glacier Bay N2420
Glacier Bay is known for offering affordable home improvement products, and the N2420 toilet is no exception. While it provides decent performance for its price, it doesn’t match the Eridanus in terms of flush power or build quality.
The Glacier Bay model also lacks the soft-close seat feature, which is a significant plus for the Eridanus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When it comes to quality, Toto and Kohler are often considered top brands due to their durability, performance, and innovation in the industry. However, Eridanus offers a competitive option, especially for those looking for a compact, modern toilet with excellent water efficiency.
Waterless toilets are a good option for specific situations, such as in off-grid locations or where water conservation is a priority. However, they require more maintenance than traditional toilets and might not be suitable for everyone. The Eridanus toilet, with its dual flush system, strikes a good balance between water efficiency and traditional plumbing.
Yes, high-efficiency toilets are worth it, especially if you’re looking to reduce water usage and save on utility bills. The Eridanus toilet’s dual flush system allows you to choose between a light or full flush, making it a great high-efficiency option.
Low-flow toilets have come a long way in terms of performance. Modern low-flow toilets, like the Eridanus, use advanced flush technology to ensure that even with reduced water usage, waste is effectively removed. They work well and are a good choice for environmentally conscious homeowners.
Conclusion: Should You Buy the Eridanus Toilet?
After several months of using the Eridanus toilet, I’m pleased with its performance and overall design. Its space-saving profile makes it an excellent choice for smaller bathrooms, while the dual flush system and soft-close seat add to its appeal.
The installation process, though a bit cumbersome, is manageable with some help, and the toilet’s long-term reliability seems promising, especially with the lifetime after-sales service.
If you’re in the market for a new toilet, the Eridanus is certainly worth considering. It’s competitively priced, offers modern features, and performs well in everyday use. Plus, the peace of mind that comes with a lifetime service guarantee is hard to beat.
So, if you’re looking to upgrade your bathroom, I’d suggest checking out the Eridanus toilet on Amazon or Wayfair. Both platforms offer reliable shipping and customer service, ensuring that your new toilet arrives safely and promptly.