American Standard Cadet 3 Right Height Elongated Two-Piece Toilet (288DA114.020) — 8.5/10
A dependable, water-efficient, ADA-compliant toilet with best-in-class antimicrobial surface technology and powerful siphon-action flushing that rarely requires a second flush — an excellent choice for remodels, replacements, and accessibility-focused bathrooms.
Overview
The American Standard Cadet 3 Right Height Elongated Two-Piece Toilet (288DA114.020) is one of the brand's most enduring bathroom fixtures, and for good reason.
Designed as a complete two-piece toilet system with a chair-height bowl, it sits approximately 16.5 inches from floor to rim — roughly two inches taller than a standard toilet — making it a comfortable choice for taller adults, seniors, and anyone recovering from surgery or managing mobility challenges. Once a standard toilet seat is added (typically 0.5–1 inch thick), the assembled height meets ADA accessibility guidelines of 17–19 inches to the seated surface, making it a practical choice for multi-generational and accessible bathrooms.
The Cadet 3 line has been around long enough to earn a reputation for dependability in both residential and light commercial settings. This particular configuration ships in cotton white (020) — a warm, slightly off-white shade that differs from stark bright-white — and pairs American Standard's proven EverClean surface technology with its high-efficiency 1.28-gallon-per-flush (GPF) PowerWash rim scrubbing action. If you've been frustrated by low-flow toilets that require two flushes to do the job of one, the Cadet 3's siphon-action flushing mechanism is likely to change your expectations.
This toilet is best suited to homeowners undertaking a bathroom remodel or replacement—perhaps pairing it with a modern faucet like the Delta Essa—or exploring other modern bath options—who want a set-it-and-forget-it fixture. It's not the flashiest option on the market — there's no integrated bidet, no heated seat, and no nightlight — but it excels at the fundamentals: clean, quiet, powerful flushing and a durable vitreous china construction that resists staining and odor-causing bacteria over the long term. The two-piece design separates the tank from the bowl, which simplifies handling during installation and allows for easier replacement of individual components down the line. American Standard backs the vitreous china with a limited lifetime warranty, while the tank trim (fill valve, flush valve, flapper, bolts) carries a five-year limited warranty — coverage that exceeds many competitors in this price bracket.
From a design perspective, the Cadet 3 Right Height features clean lines with a modestly curved tank profile that fits comfortably in bathrooms of varying sizes. The elongated bowl adds roughly two inches of front-to-back depth compared to a round-front model, which most adults find noticeably more comfortable. The overall footprint measures 29.5 inches deep by 14.5 inches wide by 28.5 inches high, making it compatible with standard 12-inch rough-in plumbing — the most common configuration in North American homes built after the 1950s. The tank lid is removable and features a flat top surface that can accommodate small decorative items, though it's worth noting that some units exhibit a minor rattle if the lid isn't perfectly seated (a common and easily remedied quirk).
Water efficiency is a core selling point. At 1.28 GPF, the Cadet 3 earns EPA WaterSense certification, meaning it uses at least 20% less water than the federal standard of 1.6 GPF while meeting strict performance criteria. For a household of four, the EPA estimates annual water savings of up to 16,500 gallons compared to older 3.5 GPF toilets — translating to meaningful reductions on water and sewer bills depending on local utility rates. To further improve your home's water quality, you might also consider a whole house water filter. Over a 10-year ownership period, those savings can offset a significant portion of the toilet's purchase price, especially in regions with high water costs.
Key Features
American Standard's proprietary glaze is baked into the vitreous china during firing, creating a permanent, non-porous barrier that inhibits the growth of stain- and odor-causing bacteria, mold, and mildew on the bowl surface. Unlike aftermarket sprays or coatings that wear off, EverClean is integral to the fixture and lasts for the life of the toilet. The EPA-registered antimicrobial agent (silver-ion based) reduces microbial colonization by up to 99.9% under laboratory conditions, meaning the bowl stays visibly cleaner between manual scrubs and resists the pink/orange biofilm rings that commonly form at the waterline in humid climates.
At approximately 16.5 inches from floor to rim, the chair-height design reduces knee and hip strain during sit-down and stand-up motions. With a standard seat added (0.5–1 inch), the seated height falls within the ADA-mandated 17–19 inch range. This makes the Cadet 3 Right Height a go-to spec for aging-in-place renovations, accessible bathrooms, and households with taller occupants. The ergonomic benefit is immediately noticeable for anyone over 5'9" or with joint replacements, arthritis, or mobility limitations.
Pressurized water jets are engineered into the underside of the rim to scrub the entire bowl perimeter with each flush. Unlike conventional rim wash designs that rely on gravity-fed trickle from a few holes, the PowerWash system uses the flush valve's pressure to create a high-velocity sheeting action that reaches under the rim — the area most neglected during manual cleaning. This dramatically reduces mineral deposit buildup and organic matter accumulation, working synergistically with the EverClean surface to minimize maintenance.
WaterSense certified at just 1.28 gallons per flush — enough to save the average four-person household up to 16,500 gallons of water per year compared to older 3.5 GPF models, translating to meaningful annual water bill savings depending on local rates and usage (based on EPA WaterSense estimates). The flush valve is calibrated to deliver a precise volume with each actuation, avoiding the "phantom flush" waste common in poorly tuned dual-flush systems.
A wide 2⅛-inch fully glazed trapway creates a strong siphon that pulls waste cleanly through the drain, minimizing the risk of clogs even with robust use. The glazed interior reduces friction and prevents waste from adhering to the trapway walls — a common failure point in unglazed or partially glazed trapways found on budget toilets. The siphon jet is positioned to initiate the siphon action instantly upon flush valve opening, creating the characteristic "whoosh" that signals a complete evacuation.
Both the tank and bowl are crafted from heavy-duty vitreous china, offering a non-porous, easy-to-clean surface that resists chipping, crazing (fine hairline cracks in the glaze), and discoloration for decades of use. The material is fired at temperatures exceeding 2,200°F, creating a dense, glass-like surface that won't absorb odors or stains. American Standard's limited lifetime warranty on the china covers manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship for as long as the original purchaser owns the home — a strong vote of confidence in the product's durability.
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Model Number | 288DA114.020 |
| Collection | Cadet 3 |
| Configuration | Two-piece (separate tank and bowl) |
| Bowl Shape | Elongated |
| Seat Height (Rim) | 16.5 inches |
| Seated Height (with seat) | 17–19 inches (ADA compliant) |
| Flush Volume | 1.28 GPF (4.85 LPF) |
| Flush Type | Siphon-action, PowerWash rim |
| Flush Valve Size | 3 inches |
| Trapway Size | 2⅛ inches (fully glazed) |
| Rough-In | 12 inches (standard) |
| Overall Dimensions | 29.5″ D × 14.5″ W × 28.5″ H |
| Bowl Depth (rim to drain center) | Approx. 10.5 inches |
| Color / Finish | Cotton White (020) |
| Material | Vitreous China |
| Surface Treatment | EverClean antimicrobial glaze (EPA registered) |
| Certifications | WaterSense, ADA compliant, cUPC, ASME A112.19.2/CSA B45.1 |
| Seat Included | No (sold separately) |
| Recommended Seat | American Standard 5321.010 Slow-Close Elongated Seat (or compatible) |
| Tank Model | 4188A.020 (1.28 GPF, left-hand trip lever) |
| Bowl Model | 3517A.020 (Right Height elongated) |
| Trip Lever Finish | Chrome (metal, color-matched) |
| Fill Valve | Fluidmaster 400A-style (adjustable, serviceable) |
| Flush Valve / Flapper | 3-inch flush valve with silicone seal flapper |
| Bolt Spread | 5.5 inches (standard) |
| Water Supply Connection | 3/8″ compression (standard US) |
| Warranty — China | Limited lifetime (original purchaser, residential) |
| Warranty — Tank Trim | 5-year limited |
| Shipping Weight (approx.) | Tank: 38 lbs; Bowl: 62 lbs; Total: ~100 lbs |
| Country of Origin | Mexico / China (varies by production run; both meet ASME standards) |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ADA-compliant chair height is noticeably more comfortable for most adults
- EverClean surface genuinely reduces how often you need to scrub the bowl
- PowerWash rim flushing is powerful and consistent — rarely requires a second flush
- WaterSense certified for meaningful long-term water savings
- Elongated bowl offers more seating comfort than round alternatives
- Lifetime limited warranty on the china provides lasting peace of mind
- Widely available replacement parts through American Standard and third parties
- Straightforward installation — suitable for confident DIYers
- Fully glazed 2⅛″ trapway minimizes clog risk and simplifies cleaning
- Chrome metal trip lever feels substantial and matches common bath hardware, including a classic Kohler Artifacts pull-down faucet
- Two-piece design allows easier maneuvering through tight doorways/stairwells
- Standard 12″ rough-in fits the vast majority of existing bathrooms
- Quiet fill valve (Fluidmaster 400A-class) with adjustable refill rate
- Cotton white finish coordinates with most American Standard fixtures, such as the American Standard Berwick faucet series
Cons
- Toilet seat sold separately — adds $30–$60 to total project cost
- Only available with a 12-inch rough-in; not suitable for 10″ or 14″ rough-in bathrooms without an offset flange adapter
- Two-piece design means slightly more cleaning effort around the tank-to-bowl joint (for a seamless look,
For a seamless one-piece look, the Swiss Madison St. Tropez is a strong alternative.
) - No smart or heated seat features for the price
- Cotton white color may not match stark bright-white fixtures in some bathrooms
- Tank lid can rattle slightly if not seated perfectly — a minor but noticeable quality-control inconsistency at this price point (easily remedied by placing a thin foam strip under the lid)
- Elongated bowl requires ~2″ more depth than round-front — if space is tight,
If space is tight, consider a round-front model like the Kohler Wellworth.
- No dual-flush option; single 1.28 GPF flush only
- Trip lever is left-hand only (no right-hand variant in this SKU)
- Ship weight ~100 lbs total — requires two people or a hand truck for moving
How the Flushing System Works: Hydraulic Engineering Deep Dive
Understanding why the Cadet 3 performs so well at 1.28 GPF requires looking at the hydraulic engineering behind its siphon-action flush. Most budget toilets rely on a simple gravity wash: water enters the bowl from the rim holes and a siphon jet, hoping the volume alone pushes waste through. The Cadet 3 takes a different approach (similar to the high-performance engineering found in the TOTO Drake Two-Piece Elongated Toilet), optimizing three variables simultaneously — flush valve diameter, rim wash velocity, and trapway geometry — to create a true siphon that pulls waste rather than just pushing it.
The 3-Inch Flush Valve Advantage
The Cadet 3 uses a 3-inch flush valve (versus the 2-inch standard on many older and budget models). This larger opening allows water to exit the tank into the bowl at a significantly higher flow rate — roughly 1.5 to 2 times the volumetric velocity. The result is a faster tank-to-bowl transfer, which means the siphon jet receives a more concentrated slug of water in the first 0.5–0.8 seconds of the flush cycle. This initial energy pulse is critical: it primes the siphon in the trapway before the rim wash water even arrives, creating a continuous column of water that sustains the siphon action through the entire evacuation.
PowerWash Rim: Engineered Velocity, Not Just Volume
The PowerWash rim isn't simply a ring of holes. The rim channel is internally contoured to accelerate water as it travels around the bowl perimeter, and the discharge holes are angled and sized to produce a laminar sheet that clings to the bowl surface via the Coandă effect. This sheeting action scrubs the entire bowl wall — including the critical under-rim zone where mineral deposits and bacteria colonies typically establish. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling by American Standard's engineering team showed that the PowerWash design achieves >95% bowl surface coverage per flush, compared to ~60–70% for conventional rim wash designs. The practical result: you seeable difference is that the waterline ring (the "bathtub ring" of mineral/organic buildup) forms much more slowly, if at all.
Fully Glazed 2⅛″ Trapway: The Hidden Performance Factor
Many toilets in this price range have a 2″ trapway with only partial glazing (or none at all). The Cadet 3's 2⅛″ fully glazed trapway serves two purposes: (1) the larger diameter reduces hydraulic resistance, allowing the siphon to pull a larger slug of water/waste with less vacuum pressure required; (2) the glazed interior presents a glass-smooth surface that waste cannot adhere to. In unglazed trapways, microscopic pores in the fired clay trap waste particles, which then dry and create a roughened surface that accelerates future buildup — a vicious cycle that leads to clogs. The Cadet 3 breaks this cycle entirely. The trapway's sweep radius is also optimized: a gentle 90° bend with a generous radius minimizes turbulence and prevents the "catch points" where toilet paper or solids can snag.
Siphon Jet Geometry
The siphon jet orifice is positioned at the front of the
