Hey there! If you‘re researching Eljer and American Standard toilets or other bath fixtures, you may be wondering – are these two big plumbing brands actually the same company? Or are they competitors?
As a home improvement expert who has remodeled dozens of bathrooms, I can tell you Eljer and American Standard have some shared history, but ultimately are separate companies targeting different segments of the market. In this detailed guide, I‘ll give you an insider‘s look at how these two iconic plumbing brands compare.
How Eljer and American Standard Got Their Starts
To understand Eljer and American Standard, it helps to know a little about their origins. Let‘s go back in time!
The Early Days of Eljer
Eljer has been around for over 115 years – that‘s a lot of toilets!
- Eljer was founded way back in 1903 by two gents named A.J. Elsasser and J.B. Ehrlich.
- Their company was called the Ehrlich-Elsasser Plumbing Fixture Company, which they wisely shortened to “Eljer”.
- Eljer started out in Pittsburgh, PA but moved its operations to Ford City in 1911, where its main factory still stands today.
One of Eljer’s key innovations was the first “Tank Set” toilet with an integrated tank and bowl, introduced in 1916. This was much easier to install than earlier models with separate tank and bowl pieces.
American Standard‘s History
American Standard is younger than Eljer, but also has an impressive legacy.
- American Standard was formed in 1929 with the merger of two manufacturing powerhouses – Standard Sanitary Mfg Co. (1875) and American Radiator Co. (1885).
- In 1967, the company took on the now-iconic American Standard Brand name.
- American Standard pioneered many innovations like built-in tank handles, vitreous china, and self-sealing tank gaskets.
So both Eljer and American Standard were toilet trailblazers! American Standard acquired Eljer in 1984, starting their intertwined histories.
How Their Products Stack Up
Eljer and American Standard both make a wide range of bath products. But when you compare their toilets, faucets, tubs, and other items, distinct differences emerge.
Toilets: Premium vs. Affordable
Eljer positions itself as a high-end toilet brand, while American Standard caters more to the mass market.
For example, popular Eljer collections like the Ambassador and Patriot have premium features like:
- Dual-flush technology to conserve water
- Soft-close seats for quiet and controlled closing
- Automated flush sensors for hands-free operation
- High-efficiency 1.1 or 1.28 GPF flush capacity
- Powerful vortex siphon or pressure-assisted flushing
- Eljer’s special Sani-Glaze antimicrobial finish
Prices range from $300 on the low end to over $1,000 for eluxe models!
American Standard toilets incorporate innovations like PowerWash rims and EverClean surface protection. But most models are more budget-friendly, from as low as $100 to $600 for higher-end choices.
The Champion, Cadet, and Concert series offer a good balance of quality, efficiency, and value. So American Standard caters to DIYers and professional installers alike.
Faucets: Designer Style vs. Variety
When you move to faucets, you’ll notice Eljer focuses on luxury designer collections that make a statement. These showcase cool innovations like hands-free motion activation, smart touch controls, and built-in LED lights.
American Standard takes a broader approach, with tons of faucet options ranging from basic to cutting-edge. You can find standard two-handle models, pull-down spray faucets, touchless electronic faucets, and more at accessible price points.
So Eljer delivers bold designer faucets, while American Standard provides something for every need and budget.
Bathtubs and Showers: Relaxation vs. Functionality
If you love a nice, long soak, Eljer’s premium tubs like its drop-in models or corner soaking tubs are the way to go. Made from durable enameled steel or acrylic, these tubs are built for relaxation.
For showers, Eljer leans toward luxurious multi-head shower towers that give you a rejuvenating spa experience.
American Standard tubs and showers take a more functional, space-saving approach. Many of their tub models are designed for smaller bathrooms, including corner tubs, compact tubs, and tub-shower combos.
Their shower stalls also optimize space while providing good coverage and spray performance. So American Standard offers streamlined, efficient options.
Sinks: Striking vs. Affordable
With sinks, Eljer goes for bold, modern designs that grab your attention, like a cool granite or quartz countertop sink. Lots of clean lines, minimalism, and integrated technological elements.
But American Standard has a much wider range of sink types and styles – from basic to contemporary, traditional to eclectic. Their smart engineering provides durability and convenience in an affordable package.
Where Are These Brands Produced?
In addition to product differences, Eljer and American Standard have distinct manufacturing operations:
Eljer: American-Made in Ford City
Proudly made in the USA, Eljer produces all of its fixtures at its historic 140,000 square foot factory in Ford City, Pennsylvania.
Skilled workers carefully craft each product using time-tested techniques and quality assurance. Eljer considers its Ford City facility key to delivering high-end fixtures.
American Standard: Global Supply Chain
American Standard has taken a global approach to manufacturing in order to serve international markets. Their major production facilities include:
- Piscataway, New Jersey
- Salem, Ohio
- Madison, Wisconsin
- Monterrey, Mexico
- Ontario, Canada
This worldwide footprint gives American Standard flexibility and scale. Products are tailored for each regional market.
So Eljer relies on its Pennsylvania factory, while American Standard sources products globally. Both strategies meet demand.
Helping Customers After Purchase
Both Eljer and American Standard back up their products with responsive customer service:
Eljer‘s Customer Support
- Toll-Free Phone: 1-800-877-3544
- Email: [email protected]
Eljer‘s team can answer product questions, process warranty claims, look up replacement parts, and troubleshoot issues. They really know their stuff!
American Standard‘s Customer Care
- Toll-Free Phone: 1-800-442-1902
- Text Messaging: 69721
- Online Chat and Email also available
American Standard provides support by phone, text, email, and chat. Their website also has FAQs, manuals, parts lists, and videos to help out.
So both brands stand behind their quality products with excellent customer service.
Key Takeaways: How Eljer and American Standard Compare
Let‘s recap the key similarities and differences between these two leading plumbing brands:
- Eljer and American Standard have an intertwined history but operate as separate companies today.
- Eljer focuses on premium luxury fixtures while American Standard offers affordable reliability.
- Eljer manufactures products solely at its US-based factory, while American Standard has a global supply chain.
- Both companies provide stellar customer service and support.
While Eljer and American Standard aren‘t identical, they both deliver excellence through innovation, performance, and service. With quality fixtures from either brand, you really can‘t go wrong!
Now that you‘re a plumbing brand expert, let‘s go over some common questions about these two brands:
Frequently Asked Questions
When was American Standard founded?
American Standard was established in 1929 from the merger of Standard Sanitary Mfg. Co (1875) and American Radiator Co. (1885). It adopted the American Standard Brand name in 1967.
Does Eljer manufacture its own products?
Yes, Eljer designs and manufactures all of its plumbing fixtures at its factory in Ford City, Pennsylvania. Eljer takes pride in its American-based manufacturing.
What are some of Eljer‘s most popular toilets?
Here are three of Eljer‘s top-selling high-efficiency toilet collections:
- Ambassador – Features sleek contemporary styling and powerful siphonic flushing.
- Patriot – Provides water-saving dual flush technology and comfort height seating.
- Concerto – Offers robust flushing performance and soft-close toilet seats.
Where are American Standard toilets manufactured?</h3
While American Standard has production globally, many models are made right here in the USA at their factories in:
- Piscataway, New Jersey
- Salem, Ohio
- Madison, Wisconsin
Examples of American Standard toilets made in USA include the Champion 4 and Cadet 3 series.
How long is the warranty for Eljer faucets?
Eljer provides a limited lifetime warranty on their luxury faucet products to cover defects in materials and workmanship. This shows the brand‘s confidence in its upscale faucets.
How do I get support for an American Standard product?
American Standard offers excellent customer service through:
- Toll-Free Phone: 1-800-442-1902
- Text Messages: 69721
- Online Chat and Email
Their team can help with any product issues, warranty questions, replacements parts, and installations.
What is Eljer‘s most popular bathtub?
The Eljer Danica II is a top-selling soaking tub. Key features include:
- Spacious 60" x 32" oval interior
- Acrylic construction with fiberglass reinforcement
- Pre-leveled rim and lumbar support
- High-gloss finish that resists scratches
- Left or right drain placement
Where can I purchase parts for my American Standard toilet?
Genuine replacement parts for American Standard toilets, including fill valves, flappers, trip levers, and gaskets are available:
- On the American Standard website
- From authorized American Standard retailers
- By contacting American Standard customer service
Only use genuine OEM parts to keep your toilet working properly. Avoid cheap knock-offs!
Well, that wraps up this in-depth look at Eljer and American Standard. Let me know if you have any other questions! I‘m always happy to help.
