American Standard covers the china for life, for as long as the original owner owns the toilet, plus 5 or 10 years on mechanical parts depending on the model. Commercial and rental use gets only 1 year. The warranty is non-transferable, and it excludes in-tank cleaners and removal or installation labor.
How long does American Standard cover a toilet?
The length depends on the model family and on how the toilet is used. American Standard's sheet sets these terms, measured from the initial date of purchase:
| Models | Home use | Commercial use |
|---|---|---|
| ActiClean, Boulevard Dual Flush, Champion PRO, Champion 4, Heritage VorMax, VorMax, VorMax Plus and LXP | Lifetime on the china for as long as the original owner owns it, and 10 years on mechanical parts | 1 year on the china and 1 year on mechanical parts |
| Cadet PRO, Cadet 3, Cadet 3 Skirted Design, Edgemere, H2Optimum, H2Option, Loft, Studio Activate and Studio Dual Flush | Lifetime on the china for as long as the original owner owns it, and 5 years on mechanical parts | 1 year on the china and 1 year on mechanical parts |
| Colony and Fairfield | Lifetime on the china for as long as the original owner owns it, and 5 years on mechanical parts | 1 year on the china and 1 year on mechanical parts |
Two more lines round out the table. Toilet seats get 1 year if included with the product. Electrical components included with a toilet get 1 year. SpaLet units are separate, at 3 years for home use and 2 years for commercial use on all parts.
Check the model name on your toilet or its paperwork before you count on the longer parts term. Only the top row gets 10 years on mechanical parts. The other rows get 5.
### What counts as commercial use?
More than you might expect. American Standard's footnote says commercial use includes apartments and other rental units, non-residential facilities, hotels, commercial businesses and other public accommodations. So a landlord's rental house is on the 1-year clock, not the lifetime one. If you own a rental, that matters for how much of the toilet a claim will cover.
Who is covered?
Only the original purchaser. American Standard's sheet says the warranty extends only to the original purchaser and is non-transferable. There is one exception: if a plumber, contractor or other service provider bought the toilet, the warranty extends to the first property owner on whose behalf it was bought for installation.
That has practical effects. If you bought a house with an American Standard toilet already in it, the seller's coverage doesn't come with the house, so treat it as out of warranty. If a plumber buys the toilet for you, keep the paperwork that shows it was bought on your behalf, since that is the case the exception describes. The FTC gives the same general advice for any warranty: save the receipt with the warranty, since it shows the purchase date and that you're the original owner.
What will American Standard do about a defect?
The sheet limits American Standard's obligation to repairing or replacing the product or any part, or exchanging it for the same or a similar model, in its sole discretion. It reserves the right to make inspections it deems necessary.
The sheet says the warranty applies to defects in material and workmanship during normal use. A crack that comes from a manufacturing flaw is what the lifetime china term is aimed at. A dropped tank lid isn't, and neither is misuse. The sheet also says the warranty is the only one American Standard gives. It disclaims other express and implied warranties to the extent the law allows, and it excludes special, incidental and consequential damages. Some states don't allow those limits, so they may not apply to you. Whether one applies is a legal question for your state's consumer protection office.
### What isn't covered, and what voids the warranty?
American Standard splits this into two lists, and both are long.
Not covered (the warranty simply doesn't apply):
- Damage caused by in-tank cleaners
- Damage during shipment
- Damage to personal or real property from use of the product
- Damage from careless installation, or from parts that aren't genuine American Standard parts
- Damage from things it can't control, such as installation, maintenance, normal wear and skipped cleaning instructions
- Failure from outside forces, such as vandalism or a vehicle hit
- Local code compliance, so ask a local plumbing contractor before you install
- Labor or other costs of removal or installation, including surrounding tile or marble
- Natural disasters and similar events it can't control
Void (the warranty is cancelled if any of these apply):
- The toilet has been moved from its initial place of installation
- It has been subjected to faulty maintenance, abuse, misuse, accident or negligence
- It wasn't installed following the instructions
- It has been modified from how it shipped
- It was purchased from an unauthorized seller
- It was accidentally or intentionally damaged
- It was used in a manner it wasn't designed for
- It was improperly shipped, stored or handled
Two of these deserve attention. First, the in-tank cleaner exclusion: American Standard names it first, and Kohler's toilet sheet has a similar rule that voids coverage. Second, the "moved from its initial place of installation" line means that relocating the toilet to another house voids coverage. The sheet doesn't say whether pulling it briefly to replace a wax ring counts, so ask American Standard before you rely on it.
How do you file a claim?
American Standard gives three routes: an authorized dealer or re-seller, a letter to its address, or its website. In the United States, the address is American Standard Brands, 30 Knightsbridge Road, Suite 301, Piscataway, NJ 08854, Attn: Director of Consumer Affairs, and the toll-free number is (800) 442-1902.
Include a complete description of the problem, the product, model number and color, the date it was purchased and from whom, and your proof of purchase, meaning the original sales receipt.
### How does it compare with Kohler?
The homeowner terms are close, but not identical. Kohler's toilet sheet gives a lifetime warranty on the vitreous china, 10 years on most mechanical components and 5 years on some models. Kohler doesn't tie its lifetime term to how long the original owner owns the toilet. American Standard does. Our page on the Kohler toilet warranty has the Kohler details.
Should you use the warranty or call a plumber?
Use both. American Standard doesn't pay labor or removal costs, so even a covered part or toilet needs someone to install it. A cracked bowl, a leaking base or a failed flush valve is a job where a licensed plumber can pull the toilet, check the flange and set the new one. HQ Plumbing & Air is licensed and insured, gives free estimates and quotes an upfront price before starting. If a toilet is leaking now, we offer 24/7 service. For common tank problems, see how to fix a running toilet and how to replace a toilet flapper or fill valve.
### What should you have ready before you call?
Gather the model name, the color, the purchase date and the seller's name, then find the original receipt. Take a photo of the problem, such as a crack or a leak at a seam. Turn off the supply valve if anything is leaking, since the sheet excludes damage to personal or real property from use of the product.
For a side-by-side look at the two brands, see TOTO vs American Standard toilets.