For over a century, Eljer toilets graced American bathrooms with their signature innovation and enduring performance. But in today‘s era of ever-changing brands and manufacturing trends, many homeowners wonder – are these iconic toilets still being produced? As a home renovation specialist with over 10 years of experience, I‘m excited to provide you with a comprehensive guide on the past, present and future of the renowned Eljer toilet.
A Legacy of Reliability
The Eljer name first entered the plumbing world in the late 1890s, when the company was founded as Ideal Pottery in Clarksburg, West Virginia by an ambitious entrepreneur named A.L. Ide. By 1907, Ideal Pottery had begun fabricating the very first Eljer-branded toilet models which would make the name synonymous with quality across America over the next century.
In fact, the Eljer toilet business proved so successful that the company decided to rename itself "Eljer" in 1935 to better reflect its leading product. Through decades of steady growth and innovation, generations of satisfied homeowners came to equate the Eljer badge with cutting-edge performance, durable construction and timeless style options for their most important room – the bathroom.
Just take a look at these stats that highlight the Eljer toilet‘s immense popularity and reputation over the 20th century:
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500+ models – By the early 2000s, Eljer offered over 500 toilet models across its residential and commercial product lines.
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75% market share – From the 1950s – 1990s, Eljer commanded up to a 75% share of toilet sales in certain regions of the US.
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300 patents – Eljer held over 300 patents for pioneering advancements in flushing systems, bowl design, water conservation and more.
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100 years – Eljer maintained a sterling industry reputation for quality and innovation over the entire 20th century.
Acquisition by American Standard
After over a hundred years as an independent company, Eljer was acquired in 2008 by the American Standard Brands corporation. American Standard bought Eljer primarily to absorb and capitalize on the company‘s substantial market share in the premium residential and commercial toilet segments.
The acquisition also provided American Standard with access to Eljer‘s established network of distributors and dealers, along with ownership of Eljer‘s state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities.
Following the purchase, American Standard chose to continue manufacturing the most popular Eljer toilet models using the original molds and specifications. The only significant change was an update to the branding and badging on toilet tanks and bowls, replacing "Eljer" logos with the "American Standard" name.
So while Eljer was no longer its own entity, the core Eljer toilet offerings lived on under the American Standard banner.
Where Eljer Toilets Are Made Today
In the present day, the famous Eljer line of toilets continues to be manufactured by American Standard at factories across the United States and Canada.
Here is a rundown of American Standard‘s current North American production facilities that are producing Eljer toilets using the longstanding original designs:
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Piscataway, NJ – Primary US plant and headquarters
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Cincinnati, OH – Second large-scale US factory
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McCook, IL – Additional US manufacturing operation
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Ensenada, Mexico – Supplemental North American site
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Brampton, ON – Main Canadian toilet production
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Chambly, QC – Secondary Canadian manufacturing locale
Between their US and Canadian factories, American Standard churns out over 4 million toilets per year – and a hefty percentage of that total consists of legacy Eljer models like the Barrington, Berwyck, Highline and Concert.
So while Eljer is no longer its own separate company, the most enduring and celebrated toilets in the Eljer catalog continue to be manufactured in America by the American Standard Corporation.
An Established Legacy Brand
With roots tracing back to 1907, the Eljer name carries over 110 years of heritage and experience in the plumbing industry. As one of the very first companies dedicated entirely to the manufacturing of toilet fixtures, Eljer played a major role in pioneering many key innovations in toilet technology and performance over the 20th century.
In particular, the company developed a number of original flushing systems and water conservation methods that would later become industry standards. Eljer also holds dozens of foundational design patents related to bowl shape, drain construction, and ergonomics.
Even though Eljer toilets are now sold under the American Standard brand, the Eljer badge itself maintains strong brand awareness and loyalty among homeowners seeking a legacy toilet they know will be backed by generations of expertise and proven dependability.
The following info helps capture why Eljer is still seen as an industry leader and innovator after more than a century in business:
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75+ years – Eljer operated independently for over 75 years before the American Standard acquisition.
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300+ patents – Eljer holds over 300 original patents for pioneering toilet fixtures and flushing technology.
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75% market share – During its heyday, Eljer commanded up to 75% market share in certain regions.
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Generations of use – Eljer toilets have been installed and used for 4+ generations of homeowners.
While Eljer‘s styles and features continue evolving with the times, the Eljer badge endures as a symbol of enduring performance homeowners can trust to stand the test of time.
Today‘s Major Toilet Manufacturers
Of course, the toilet manufacturing landscape today extends far beyond just Eljer and American Standard. Numerous brands compete for the business of homeowners in need of new toilets. Below is a overview of some other prominent modern toilet manufacturers:
Kohler
- Founded: 1873
- Known For: Sleek, stylish designs and low-profile tanks
- Top Models: Highline, Cimarron, Wellworth
Toto
- Founded: 1917
- Known For: Innovative Washlet bidets and high-tech features
- Top Models: Ultramax, Drake, Aquia
Mansfield
- Founded: 1996
- Known For: Excellent value and efficient 1.28 gpf flushing
- Top Models: Quantum, Alto, Drake II
Woodbridge
- Founded: 2005
- Known For: Luxury features at reasonable prices
- Top Models: T-0001, T-0019, B-0960S
This snapshot highlights the diverse range of well-known toilet brands on the market today catering to different price points and feature needs.
Korky Toilet Parts Aren‘t Compatible with Eljer
When it comes time to replace failing or worn-out parts inside your toilet, it‘s crucial to know that Korky brand replacement parts are not designed to be cross-compatible with Eljer model toilets.
Korky is one of the largest manufacturers of aftermarket replacement toilet components such as:
- Fill valves
- Flappers
- Flush valves
- Complete repair kits
However, Korky specifically designs and engineers these components to fit the inner workings of toilets from brands like American Standard, Kohler, Toto and others.
Korky products are not crafted to properly fit or function within Eljer toilet models. So if your Eljer toilet needs new internal gaskets, valves or flushing parts, I always recommend purchasing genuine OEM parts from Eljer to guarantee optimal fit and performance.
Identifying Your Existing Eljer Toilet Model
If you need to buy replacement parts or accessories for your existing Eljer toilet, the first crucial step is identifying your specific model name and number. Here are three simple steps to determine your Eljer toilet‘s model identifier:
1. Find the Style Number
Locate the 5-digit style number printed on the back base of the toilet tank. It generally starts with 1 or 2.
2. Note the Full Number
Write down or take a photo of the full 5-digit number for reference. This style number is the key identifier.
3. Look Up Your Model
Use the Eljer website or Google to search for your toilet by entering the style number. Match photos to yours.
Once you know the precise model name and number for your Eljer toilet, you can lookup replacement parts and instruction sheets to properly repair and maintain your existing unit.
Major Brands Manufacturing Toilets in America
While many stereotype manufacturing as overseas, several leading toilet brands proudly produce their products right here in the United States:
American Standard
- Headquarters: Piscataway, NJ
- Facilities: Factories in NJ, OH, OK, TX, AZ
Kohler
- Headquarters: Kohler, WI
- Facilities: WI, SC, AR factories
Toto
- Headquarters: Morrow, GA
- Facilities: GA manufacturing plant
Mansfield
- Headquarters: Perrysville, OH
- Facilities: OH production factory
Niagara
- Headquarters: Minneapolis, MN
- Facilities: MN manufacturing
Purchasing an American-made toilet supports domestic manufacturing and the US labor force. And many homeowners specifically seek out US-built toilets believing they represent better quality and value overall.
The Parachute Toilet – Iconic Fixture
This 1,000 pound, 5-foot tall stainless steel toilet fixture was unveiled in London in 1989 by artist Kenneth Grange as part of an urban renewal initiative. Nicknamed the "Golden Toilet" after being spray-painted with gold graffiti, the unconventional toilet drew media buzz and public amusement.
After being retired from service in the 1990s, the Parachute Toilet was permanently installed at the Carnegie Mellon Computer Club Machinery Hall, where it remains a fixture and destination for offbeat art fans visiting the campus.
While not a functional toilet, the Parachute Toilet has achieved worldwide fame as one of the most iconic and infamous toilets ever created. Over 25+ years, it has been featured in books, films, documentaries and more.
The Reasons Behind Toilet Gaps in America
If you‘ve replaced toilets when remodeling a bathroom, you may have noticed that American-style toilets almost always have a sizeable gap between the bowl rim and the floor. This differs from many European and Asian toilets that sit nearly flush on the floor. There are three key reasons US toilets have these gaps:
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Plumbing Codes – The International Plumbing Code requires a minimum toilet height of approximately 15 inches to allow proper waste drainage.
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Thicker Floors – US homes tend to have thicker sub-floors compared to foreign building methods, increasing overall toilet height.
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Gravity Drainage – The toilet bowl must sit below the outlet sewer line so that gravity can flush waste completely.
Additionally, the preferred elongated bowl shape in American toilets requires ample clearance beneath the rim for water to fully swirl and clean the interior with each flush. So the next time you replace a toilet, don‘t be alarmed by the sizable gap – it‘s completely standard!
Key Differences: American vs. Foreign Toilets
There are a few notable technical and design differences that help distinguish American-style toilets from overseas models:
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Flushing – US toilets use a single-flush system. Foreign toilets often have dual-flush technology.
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Trapway Size – US toilets have much wider trapway diameters (2 1/8" – 2 1/4") compared to foreign toilets (1 3/4" or less).
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Water Usage – US toilets are mandated to use 1.6 gpf or less due to EPA regulations. Overseas toilets can use 3+ gpf.
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Bowl Shape – Elongated and oval bowls are typical in US. Foreign toilets more often use a round bowl.
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Features – Built-in bidets, heated seats, and air dryers are common overseas, but remain rare in US toilet models.
These differences make the look, feel and performance of American vs. foreign toilets noticeably unique from each other.
All About American Standard
American Standard Brands is one of the largest and most recognized manufacturers of bathroom and kitchen fixtures, including toilets, faucets, sinks, showers and more. Beyond fixtures, the company also produces HVAC equipment, decor furnishings, and industrial products.
Other fast facts about American Standard:
- Founded in 1875 and headquartered in New Jersey
- Employs over 25,000 people worldwide
- Manufactures products in over 25 countries
- Offers products in more than 100 countries
- Over 140 years in business
- Subsidiary of LIXIL Corporation
With a history spanning well over a century and a massive global footprint, American Standard has established itself as a powerhouse brand across multiple segments of the residential and commercial building sectors.
Are American Standard Toilets a Good Choice?
In my professional opinion as a seasoned home remodeler, American Standard toilets represent one of the smartest purchases available when shopping for a new high-performance toilet. There are several compelling reasons to highly recommend American Standard toilets:
Proven Durability
With over 140 years of expertise, American Standard toilets are engineered for decades of flawless operation beyond the generous warranty periods.
Powerful Flushing
Innovative flush systems like PowerWash ScrubAction provide commercial-grade flushing power to prevent jams and keep the bowl pristine.
Evergreen Styles
From classic to contemporary, American Standard offers timeless designs to match nearly any bathroom‘s decor.
Industry-Leading Quality
Cutting-edge manufacturing and rigorous testing ensures optimal quality that shows across consumer reports and reviews.
Budget-Friendly Value
Relative to boutique designer brands, American Standard provides tremendous value and quality at reasonable price points.
I recommend American Standard toilets with confidence to both residential clients and commercial builders seeking exceptional performance, aesthetics and value in a toilet built to last decades.
Eljer vs. American Standard Brand Comparison
Although American Standard now owns the Eljer brand, there are still several key factors that distinguish the two company‘s histories and toilet products:
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Ownership – Eljer was family-founded and owned for 100+ years. American Standard is part of a large conglomerate.
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Focus – Eljer specialized solely in toilets. American Standard participates across wider building product segments.
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Reputation – Eljer occupied the premium niche. American Standard targets broader mass market appeal.
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Post-Acquisition – American Standard largely just re-branded Eljer‘s existing toilets under their name.
The Eljer and American Standard names each carry weight and meaning in the toilet world. While now united through acquisition, their legendary histories and reputations stand on their own.
