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Positive and Negative Reviews: American Standard Vormax Toilet

Last Updated on November 8, 2026

American Standard VorMax two-piece elongated toilet

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 VorMax238AA104 Series
Reviewed models238AA104.020 (White) and 238AA104.222 (Linen)
MaterialVitreous china
PiecesTwo-piece tank and bowl
Bowl shapeElongated
Water consumption1.28 gallons (4.8 L) per flush
CleanCurve rim / EverClean surfaceBoth included
Dimensions (depth × width × height)30³⁄₁₆ × 17⅞ × 32¼ in.
Flush typeGravity-fed VorMax with two flush valves
Trapway2¹⁄₁₆ in.
Rough-in12 in.
Bowl rim height16½ in. without a seat
SeatSold separately
Trip leverLeft-hand chrome
Component weights57 lb bowl and 37 lb tank
CertificationWaterSense
WarrantyLimited lifetime on chinaware and 10 years on mechanical parts
Linen model 238AA104.222American Standard VorMax two-piece elongated toiletCheck 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:

American Standard VorMax two-piece elongated toiletCheck Today’s Price

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:

American Standard VorMax two-piece elongated toiletCheck Today’s Price

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 problemWhat to check
Replace a faulty flush valveTurn 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 mechanismWith 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 leakIf 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 flushAfter 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 4VorMax 238AA104Champion 4 2034314.020
Dimensions (depth × width × height)30³⁄₁₆ × 17⅞ × 32¼ in.29¾ × 17¾ × 29½ in.
Water usage1.28 GPF1.6 GPF
Flushing typeVorMax gravity flush with separate bowl rinse and siphon flowChampion gravity siphon jet
Flush valveDual-injection design with two valves4-in. piston-action valve
Trapway2¹⁄₁₆ in.2⅜ in.
Color examplesWhite and Linen model codes aboveWhite model shown; finish varies by model
Handling weightTank and bowl can be lifted separatelyTank and bowl move as one fixture
SeatSold separatelySlow-close seat included
Rough-in12 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.

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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.

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