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Commode Commander

By
Home Inspector with JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC HOI 394

As a home inspector here in Connecticut, one thing I have seen a lot of are toilets. Yep, no avoiding it, they are in every house. Most houses have more than one bathroom, so they also have more than one toilet. Sometimes there is even a toilet without a bathroom. Unusual, but not all that rare.

An unusual toiletOne thing about toilets is they are all basically the same. Sure some are white, some are green and some are blue, but the shape and design are all pretty darn similar. They all work the same too, everything goes in the big pool and is then flushed away in a swirling vortex of water. At least that is what I thought until I found a commode with a high tech add on.

On a recent afternoon I enter a small half bath in a house with two full baths which I had already inspected. I almost didn't see this bathroom, because it wasn't listed and it was right next to the front entry. I mistook the door for a closet.

When I looked at the toilet the first thing I noticed was a big sticker with red letters on the bottom of the lid. I then saw what looked like a sensor on the hinge below the red letters. These were apparently instructions.

This was no ordinary toilet seat. After all who needs instructions on how to perform intestinal mediation. Should be pretty cut and dry or should I say wipe.

The commode command centerIt was about then that I noticed the command center on the wall. It was among the attractive floral wall paper, hung at just the right position for someone sitting making waves.

This toilet seat has more functions than the new iphone. It cleans in several different ways and dries. Must be green, since it saves on toilet paper. I wonder if you can go to Home Depot and get this upgrade when purchasing a new porcelain throne.

Every once in a while you happen upon a new twist, or should I say spritz, on an old invention.

Posted by

James Quarello
Connecticut Home Inspector
Former SNEC-ASHI President
JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC

 ASHI Certified Inspector

To find out more about our other high tech services we offer in Connecticut click on the links below:

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Serving the Connecticut Counties of Fairfield, Hartford, Middlesex, New Haven, Southern Litchfield and Western New London.

Gary L. Waters Broker Associate, Bucci Realty
Bucci Realty, Inc. - Melbourne, FL
Eighteen Years Experience in Brevard County

Now this is a bit fancy for me...an old fashioned sort of guy who is more hands on!

Aug 24, 2012 10:10 PM
Cindi Susi
Keller Williams Realty at the Beach - Fenwick Island, DE
Fancy Smancy ! I actually read an article recently where The Bill Gates Foundation is having some sort of contest for inventors to re-create or invent the next generation Green Toilet. I will try to find the article and post it. It was very interesting to say the least.
Aug 24, 2012 10:23 PM
Kathryn Maguire
GreatNorfolkHomes.com (757) 560-0881 - Chesapeake, VA
Serving Chesapeake, Norfolk, VA Beach

I saw one of those fancy toilets the last time I was buying a regular old white Toto.  The sales guy said they cost around $8000.  I just could not believe there would be a huge market for them.

Aug 24, 2012 10:46 PM
Alisa McKeel Willson
Appraisal Pros in Texas - Huntsville, TX
Certified Res. Appraiser

I was appraising a house in San Francisco a few years back and the toilet had all the bells and whistles you mentioned PLUS a remote control...LOL...My husband thought it was the cat's meow....

Aug 24, 2012 11:13 PM
Clint Mckie
Desert Sun Home, commercial Inspections - Carlsbad, NM
Desert Sun Home, Comm. Inspection 1-575-706-5586

Hi James,

Just when you thought you have seen most everything. LOL

Just never know what you might find on your next inspection.

If it has more than an "one/ off" switch. Count me out. Who needs to get confused about how to properly use a commode (:-) 

Have a good weekend.

Best, Clint Mckie

Aug 25, 2012 04:05 AM
Dale Bledsoe
Crown Key Realty - Tracy, CA
Realtor in Tracy, California

Technology has taken us in directions that no one ever expected us to go. Personally, I still prefer a quiet room with this mornings sport section. 

Aug 25, 2012 05:35 AM
Jay Markanich
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC - Bristow, VA
Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia

Interesting!  And how does it dry?  How much time does it take to dry?  Is the water heated to a comfy 100F?  If not, that would be quite the start!

Aug 25, 2012 05:48 AM
Donald Hester
NCW Home Inspections, LLC - Wenatchee, WA
NCW Home Inspections, LLC

Jim, Does it bring a magizine to you also ; ) Dang sweet if it does. I's be a bit nevous if it says hi my name is HAL.

Aug 25, 2012 07:55 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Jim- I was listening to Howard Stern (yes, I do listen to him) and he was talking about a commode that did all that plus I think played some kind of music or sound so that people would not hear what you were up to.  

Aug 25, 2012 12:01 PM
James Quarello
JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC - Wallingford, CT
Connecticut Home Inspector

Gary, i'm in the same camp, er, commode ;)

Cindi, Not surprising really, flushing uses a lot of water.

Kathryn, Ironically this was a Toto. I don't know the cost, but it can't be cheap.

Alisa, A remote!? I fully understand his admiration :)

Clint, Yep, there is always a new surprise in this business. 

Dale, if it works, why fix it :)

Jay, I did not give it a "test drive." Good point on the water temp. That could be a better wake up than a cup of coffee. 

Don, No magazine dispenser I saw, but it might speak ;)

Kathy, Funny. That model had sound blocking :o

Aug 25, 2012 11:14 PM