Last Updated on November 8, 2026
American Standard is among the most reputable toilet brands in the country. The 1.28 GPF VorMax two-piece toilet is worth a look if you want a tall elongated bowl and a flush designed to rinse more of the bowl. When shopping, compare the full model numbers as well as some of the best features across packages.
The combination of a chair-height bowl, chrome lever and very efficient flushing system suits many full bathrooms. Measure your rough-in and door clearance before choosing it for a small room.
Technical Specifications of the American Standard VorMax Elongated Toilet
| American Standard VorMax | 238AA104 Series |
|---|---|
| Reviewed models | 238AA104.020 (White) and 238AA104.222 (Linen) |
| Material | Vitreous china |
| Pieces | Two-piece tank and bowl |
| Bowl shape | Elongated |
| Water consumption | 1.28 gallons (4.8 L) per flush |
| CleanCurve rim / EverClean surface | Both included |
| Dimensions (depth × width × height) | 30³⁄₁₆ × 17⅞ × 32¼ in. |
| Flush type | Gravity-fed VorMax with two flush valves |
| Trapway | 2¹⁄₁₆ in. |
| Rough-in | 12 in. |
| Bowl rim height | 16½ in. without a seat |
| Seat | Sold separately |
| Trip lever | Left-hand chrome |
| Component weights | 57 lb bowl and 37 lb tank |
| Certification | WaterSense |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime on chinaware and 10 years on mechanical parts |
| Linen model 238AA104.222 | Check Today’s Price |
This review covers the standard 238AA104 series. White is 238AA104.020 and Linen is 238AA104.222. The Ultima and VorMax Plus lines have their own model numbers, so compare the complete number when matching a tank, bowl or seat.
Review of the American Standard VorMax 1.28 GPF Elongated Toilet
Pros: Why Should You Buy an American Standard VorMax Toilet?
- Vitreous china tank and elongated bowl.
- WaterSense-rated 1.28 GPF flush with a separate bowl rinse.
- Smooth CleanCurve rim and an EverClean surface.
- Chair-height rim and a left-hand trip lever.
- Separate bowl and tank make it easier to carry each piece.
- Limited lifetime chinaware warranty and 10 years on mechanical parts.
Complaints About the American Standard VorMax
- An elongated seat is sold separately. Some packages vary by model and retailer. In a different package covered in our review, the American Standard Cadet 3 has an integrated slow-close seat.
- The exposed trapway and tank seam add surfaces to wipe.
- The bowl extends just over 30 inches, so check doors and walking space before buying.
What Is the VorMax Toilet Made Of?
As with most American Standard toilets, the tank and bowl are vitreous china. A soft brush or cloth and a suitable toilet cleaner can handle everyday buildup. The EverClean treatment still needs routine cleaning.
Design and Finish
The tall tank and elongated bowl give this model a more substantial profile than a compact round-front toilet. White and Linen are different finishes, so use the full model number when matching an existing sink or tub.
Is It a One-Piece or Two-Piece Toilet?
The tank and bowl are separate. You can move them individually and set the bowl first. During assembly, seat the tank gasket evenly and tighten the fasteners as directed to avoid stressing the china.
VorMax Flushing System
Two valves direct water through separate paths. One helps rinse the bowl and the other feeds the siphon jet that starts the flush. The 238AA104 series is rated at 1.28 gallons per flush, the same rated volume as the American Standard Optum Vormax flushing toilet covered in our review.
Linen configuration, 238AA104.222:
CleanCurve Bowl Design
The CleanCurve rim is shaped to reduce the recesses where deposits collect. You can reach farther under the rim with an ordinary brush. Hard-water rings still need periodic attention.
EverClean Surface
American Standard uses EverClean to inhibit the growth of odor- and stain-causing microbes on the treated surface. The coating helps with upkeep. Clean the rim and bowl as needed with products suitable for vitreous china.
Elongated Bowl
An elongated bowl gives you more seat room front to back. If it crowds the door, see the Compact toilet list for a small bathroom. Check the swing and side clearance with the toilet fit checker.
How Comfortable Is the Seat Height?
The bowl rim measures 16½ inches. The final sitting height depends on the seat you buy, so compare the finished height with a chair or toilet that you already find comfortable.
Linen configuration, 238AA104.222:
Is the VorMax Toilet ADA-Compliant?
American Standard lists this as a chair-height model intended for accessible installations. Verify the finished seat height, lever location and required clearance when installing it in an accessible bathroom.
EPA WaterSense Certification
The standard 238AA104 VorMax uses 1.28 GPF. That is 20% less water per flush than a 1.6 GPF fixture. For the lower-volume 238AA114CP version, see the American Standard VorMax Plus toilets that only use 1.0 GPF.
What Does the Warranty Cover?
American Standard lists a limited lifetime warranty on the china and 10 years on mechanical parts for the reviewed configuration. Keep the purchase details and both model numbers if you need to match a replacement part.
How to Fix Common American Standard VorMax Toilet Problems
Start with the symptom before buying a part. A running tank, a weak flush after reassembly and water leaking onto the floor can have different causes.
| American Standard VorMax problem | What to check |
|---|---|
| Replace a faulty flush valve | Turn off the supply and drain the tank. Match the replacement to the tank model. If the assembly needs replacement, follow the tank removal and gasket instructions for that kit, then refill and check the joints for leaks. |
| Adjust the flush mechanism | With the tank drained, fully depress the trip lever and check that the hook engages under the valve tab. Adjust the teeter-bar screw so the back of the flapper meets the frame stop. Restore the supply and set the tank water to the marked level. |
| Find a leak | If the tank runs into the bowl, check both flapper seals for debris or wear. If water is outside the toilet, dry the connections and locate the first wet spot before replacing anything. See the guide to leaks at the toilet base if water appears around the floor. |
| Correct a weak or slow flush | After installation or repair, fill the tank and flush about five times, waiting about 30 seconds and letting it refill between flushes. Press and release the handle. If the bowl still drains slowly, rule out a partial blockage and check the tank settings before changing parts. |
Final Thoughts
The American Standard VorMax makes the most sense if you want a 1.28 GPF flush, a higher rim and easier access under the rim for cleaning. Allow for the separate seat and the full 30-inch-plus depth. If the flush gets weak after a tank repair, try restoring the tank settings and priming it before replacing more parts.
American Standard VorMax vs. Champion 4 Toilet
The comparison uses the VorMax 238AA104 and Champion 4 one-piece model 2034314.020. Other Champion models can have different flush volumes and seat packages.
| American Standard VorMax vs. Champion 4 | VorMax 238AA104 | Champion 4 2034314.020 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (depth × width × height) | 30³⁄₁₆ × 17⅞ × 32¼ in. | 29¾ × 17¾ × 29½ in. |
| Water usage | 1.28 GPF | 1.6 GPF |
| Flushing type | VorMax gravity flush with separate bowl rinse and siphon flow | Champion gravity siphon jet |
| Flush valve | Dual-injection design with two valves | 4-in. piston-action valve |
| Trapway | 2¹⁄₁₆ in. | 2⅜ in. |
| Color examples | White and Linen model codes above | White model shown; finish varies by model |
| Handling weight | Tank and bowl can be lifted separately | Tank and bowl move as one fixture |
| Seat | Sold separately | Slow-close seat included |
| Rough-in | 12 in. | 12 in. |
FAQs
Will the Smaller Tank Affect the VorMax Flush?
The tank and bowl are designed to work together at 1.28 GPF. Weak flushing after installation usually warrants checking the water level and priming steps first. Refill time depends on the supply and fill-valve setting.
Can I Reuse the Old Wax Ring When Replacing a Kohler Toilet?
Use a fresh flange seal when replacing the old Kohler toilet model. Check the flange, bolts and supply connector while the old toilet is out, and replace parts that are worn or incompatible with the new toilet.
Can I Swap a VorMax Tank for a Different Flush Volume?
Use an approved tank-and-bowl pairing for your exact model. The fact that two parts bolt together does not establish that the assembled fixture will flush at its rated volume.
Related reading
- Compare American Standard Champion 4 with Titan Toilets
- Should you buy an American Standard toilet over a Toto toilet?
Hi, I am Jose S. Franz. Currently, I am working as a professional plumber, and our team offers various plumbing services at an affordable price. After my college education, I completed a vocational certification course in plumbing systems and worked with several construction companies. Since then, I have fixed lots of different toilet models, from older to the latest versions. So I have more than 22 years of experience installing plumbing systems and toilets in both residential and commercial buildings.
Check Today’s Price