What Do Tiles and Toilets Have in Common?

Aside from having tile floors in bathrooms, what else could tile and toilets have in common? You may be surprised, but more on that later!

First, let’s just get something out of the way: everyone poops. There’s even a book written about this giggle-inducing topic by Japanese author Tar? Gomi. And toilet technology is a subject of great fascination to some – bloggers like jazzukes.com have even dedicated whole posts to it!

Now, let’s focus on bathroom design and innovation that only the folks at TOTO USA can do. As part of Modenus‘ #BlogTourKBIS group, we were able to get up close and personal with many of the company’s latest innovations, as well as speak with designer Cortney Novogratz and how TOTO USA’s bathroom products perfectly suit her family’s new home in the Hollywood Hills of California, aptly named The Castle.

History
As the largest plumbing manufacturer in the world, for nearly 100 years TOTO has led in innovation, advanced-technology, and precision engineering in elegant, high-design products that enhance the bath space. Serving both the residential and commercial sectors, the company’s Americas Division, TOTO USA, Inc., is reinventing the exclusive bath experience with its revolutionary People First approach to product innovation. Among these innovations is the Tornado Flushing system, which is huge, especially if you live in a drought-stricken state such as California, as we do. Click here to contact a plumber who might be able to give you more information about installing one in your own home.

Tornado Flush
The 3-D Tornado flushing system not only features three powerful nozzles that create a centrifugal, cyclonic rinsing action but also the option of choosing between 0.9 or 1.28 gallons per flush. This is a complicated plumbing task if you were to attempt it yourself which is why you may want to consider utilizing the services of professionals (like these – siriuspac.com/mckinney-plumbers/) if you wanted such a thing in your bathroom. This technologically advanced, high-efficiency system saves up to 35% more water than the standard 1.6 GPF! Efficient and sleek, TOTO’s modern hole-free rim design also means it performs more consistently and is easy to clean. Check out the 3-D Tornado flushing system video to see it in action.

Design is for Everyone
TOTO says “design is more than just making things attractive – it’s about making them useful, and for everyone who needs them.” With much-wanted emphasis on an aging population, integrating elderly and disabled citizens into everyday life has come to the forefront in bathroom and kitchen designs. Additionally, companies like Absolute Mobility are known to provide a wide variety of mobile bathroom solutions (like these assisted bathing solutions) that could prove beneficial for elderly and disabled people. Furthermore, options like disabled toilets, power baths and bath lifts could take the stress out of bathroom visits for patients. Aging in Place, Design for All and Universal Design – all started taking shape in the 1970s. Equal opportunity activists began to include the field of design in their demands. With the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), public spaces were required to accommodate most visitors through features such as wider doorways, accessible light switches, electrical outlets and thermostats, grab bars in bathrooms and kitchens configured to allow wheelchair movement.

Thankfully, TOTO is leading the industry with inclusive products that are not only easier to use but always feature their exclusive designs and global aesthetic.

Tiles & Toilets
Because TOTO maintains the highest quality standards, we cannot repair or sell fired porcelain toilets that emerge from the kiln with defects or imperfections. In the past, these products were sent to Construction and Demolition Debris (or C&D) landfills. Many companies would search for a single solution, a “silver bullet,” to solve this manufacturing challenge.

As a result, as part of their commitment to the environment, TOTO sought other methods to recycle the fired porcelain toilets that failed to meet their quality standards.
One of these methods includes a partnership with Crossville Tile.

According to TOTO, “Our unique fired porcelain, when crushed into very small pieces, became the raw material from which Crossville began producing porcelain tile. By ‘upcycling’ our waste product, we provided Crossville with high-quality raw material. In turn, they’re able to market and sell a sustainable product that contains recycled material.

Not only do TOTO’s toilets and bathroom suites look and perform, but they also help the environment with their upcycling efforts.

If you’d like more information about products or innovative technologies, please visit TOTO USA’s website.