Water Ridge toilets offer solid performance and affordability for budget-conscious homeowners — with most models priced under $150 and available exclusively through Costco. These toilets feature modern designs, dual-flush options, and come packaged with everything you need for a DIY installation. While they aren’t a major brand name, Water Ridge models have earned praise for reliability and water efficiency, especially given the low cost.
Expect to pay around $100–$150 for a two-piece model and closer to $180–$220 for a sleeker one-piece design, not including installation. If you’re not tackling the installation yourself, hiring a plumber typically adds $150–$300, depending on your location.
Water Ridge is a private-label brand manufactured overseas for Costco members. That means you’ll only find parts and replacements through Costco, which is something to keep in mind if a flush valve or seat wears out down the line. Still, the generous return policy and solid five-year warranty help take some of the risk out of the equation.
In this review, we’ll break down the available Water Ridge toilet models, installation considerations, common complaints, and what real owners have to say — so you can decide whether this budget-friendly brand is a good fit for your bathroom.
- The Water Ridge 1-Piece Toilet is very comfortable and provides a consistent flush, even at reduced flow.
- Both toilet options are attractive and conserve water.
- Water Ridge toilets are reliable and easy to install.
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Available Options
Costco typically carries two Water Ridge toilet models: a one-piece and a two-piece. Both are designed for easy installation and water efficiency, and each comes packaged with essential hardware like the wax ring, floor bolts, and supply line. However, availability is hit or miss — these often sell out quickly online and in stores.
The Water Ridge 1-Piece Toilet from Costco
This model offers a modern look with clean lines and a compact design that fits well in most bathrooms. Despite its smaller appearance, it has a larger-than-average base for a one-piece toilet, which makes it feel sturdy and substantial.
It features:
- Slow-close, quick-release seat for easy cleaning.
- Fully insulated tank to prevent exterior condensation.
- Efficient flush performance, even at reduced flow.
- Everything is included for installation — no extra parts are needed.
The design is more elegant than a standard two-piece toilet and is easier to clean thanks to fewer crevices.
Watch Below: Listen to the perspective of an owner of a 1-piece Water Ridge toilet.
Water Ridge Dual Toilet from Costco
This two-piece model has a slightly more traditional look but includes smart features. It comes with an elongated bowl and ADA-compliant height (about 18 inches at the rim), making it more comfortable for most adults.
Key features include:
- Dual-flush system: 1.2 GPF for liquid waste, 1.6 GPF for solids.
- Extended-height bowl that meets accessibility standards.
- Braided hose, wax ring, and floor bolts included.
- Five-year warranty.
The setup is straightforward, and even first-time DIYers can handle it by following the included manual. Just note that basic tools like a wrench and screwdriver aren’t included.
Reliability & Maintenance
Water Ridge toilets are surprisingly reliable for the price, especially when properly maintained. While they don’t have the name recognition of Kohler or Toto, they hold up well in daily use — and thanks to Costco’s generous return policy, buyers have some peace of mind if issues pop up early on.
Common feedback from owners highlights consistent flushing performance and minimal mechanical problems over time. And if a part does wear out, Costco customer service has a decent track record of helping buyers get replacement parts, though you’ll need to go directly through them — not a local hardware store.
Maintenance Tips
Maintaining a Water Ridge toilet is pretty straightforward. Here’s how to keep yours working well:
- Check seat height and bowl shape: Most models come with an ADA-height elongated bowl, which offers more comfort than standard round designs.
- Inspect the supply line: Make sure it’s a flexible braided stainless-steel line — this reduces the chance of leaks over time.
- Clean the bowl regularly: These toilets have a slick, coated surface that helps prevent buildup, but light scrubbing is still needed since some models have weaker bowl rinse action.
- One-piece models need less upkeep: Since there are fewer joints and no tank-to-bowl connection, there’s less chance of leaks or movement.
With basic care and the occasional part check, a Water Ridge toilet should last 10 years or more, especially in a single-bathroom home or guest bath.
Installation
Installing a Water Ridge toilet is a doable DIY project for most homeowners, especially since the box includes nearly everything you need — wax ring, bolts, braided supply line, and seat. The only extras you’ll need are basic tools like a wrench and screwdriver.
That said, here’s a streamlined breakdown if you’re swapping out your old toilet:
How to Install a Water Ridge Toilet
- Turn off the water supply.
Shut off the valve behind the toilet and flush to empty the tank. - Remove the old toilet.
Unscrew the bolts at the base, disconnect the water line, and lift it out. Clean any leftover wax and debris from the flange. - Prep the new toilet.
If it’s a two-piece model, attach the tank to the bowl. Insert the floor bolts and position the new wax ring on the flange. - Set the toilet in place.
Carefully lower the toilet onto the bolts, pressing down to seal the wax ring. Hand-tighten the bolts, then snug them with a wrench — don’t overtighten or you’ll crack the porcelain. - Reconnect the water line and test.
Attach the braided supply line, turn the water back on, and flush a few times to check for leaks.
Both the one-piece and two-piece Water Ridge models include a clear, step-by-step manual, and many owners report that first-time installs went smoothly. If you’re unsure or spot a leak you can’t fix, call a plumber — typical professional toilet installation runs $150–$300 depending on your area.
Common Issues
Like any budget toilet, Water Ridge models aren’t perfect. Most owners are happy with performance, but a few common complaints pop up:
- Weak bowl rinse: The flush clears waste effectively, but some users say the sides of the bowl don’t always stay clean, especially on the 1.2 GPF setting.
- Plastic parts can wear out: A few owners report issues with the flush valve sticking or running after a flush, usually after a couple of years. The internal components aren’t premium-grade — but that’s expected at this price.
- Replacement parts only through Costco: If something breaks, you can’t just grab a replacement at your local hardware store. You’ll need to contact Costco support.
These issues aren’t dealbreakers for most buyers, especially given the low price point, but it’s worth keeping in mind if you want a “set it and forget it” toilet with zero maintenance.
What Customers Say About Water Ridge Toilets
Water Ridge toilets may not be a household name, but owner feedback across forums and Costco reviews is generally positive — especially when it comes to value. Most people don’t expect high-end performance from a $100 toilet, but many are pleasantly surprised by how well these models hold up.
The most commonly praised feature is the value. Many users say Water Ridge toilets perform just as well as models that cost several times more. They’re especially popular among homeowners doing budget renovations or outfitting rental properties.
“These are better than some $400 toilets I’ve tried. Total bargain.” – Mtnviewer
The installation also gets high marks. People with basic DIY skills often found the process simple and hassle-free, thanks to clear instructions and a full set of included hardware.
“We have three in the house — no issues after years of use.”
Features like dual-flush, soft-closing lids, and pre-packed install kits are also mentioned frequently, especially by buyers upgrading from older or builder-grade toilets.
“Comes with everything. Didn’t even need a trip to the store.”
That said, Water Ridge toilets aren’t without their flaws. Several owners noted that while flushing power is decent, bowl rinse can be underwhelming. It often gets the job done, but some cleaning might be needed after heavier use.
“It flushes fine but doesn’t always clean the sides completely.” – l69norm
Others pointed to occasional mechanical issues with the internal parts, particularly the flush valve. These usually pop up after a couple of years, which isn’t unexpected for a budget unit, but still worth noting.
“The plastic mechanism inside eventually wore out.” – snapper138
Overall, most buyers feel like they got more than what they paid for. As long as you’re not expecting premium performance, Water Ridge delivers reliable results and solid savings.
Where to Buy
Water Ridge toilets are sold exclusively through Costco, either in-store or online — and that’s both a strength and a limitation. On the plus side, Costco pricing is hard to beat. Most Water Ridge models sell for $100 to $150 for two-piece units and around $180 to $220 for one-piece designs, which is significantly less than comparable toilets from major brands.
You also get the benefit of Costco’s return policy and customer support. If you have an issue, especially early on, getting a replacement or refund is usually straightforward.
However, if you ever need replacement parts — like a new flush valve or seat — you’ll have to go through Costco directly. These parts aren’t sold at local hardware stores or online plumbing supply shops, so if you’re someone who prefers easy access to spare components, that’s something to consider.
That said, if you’re already a Costco member and looking for a toilet that delivers dependable performance at a fraction of the usual cost, Water Ridge is one of the better budget options out there.
