The American Standard Cadet 3 is a popular workhorse—often used in bathrooms where solid flushing and durability matter. But even rugged models can encounter issues over time. Whether it’s annoying “phantom flushes,” flushing quirks, or fit-and-finish complaints, here’s what homeowners and plumbers often report and how to handle it.
1. Ghost Flushing or Constant Refilling
Ever hear your toilet quietly refill every 20–30 minutes, even when it hasn’t been touched? That’s known as ghost flushing—usually caused by water leaking from the tank into the bowl. Quite a few Cadet 3 owners found the problem traced to a worn-out silicone flapper seal.
As one Reddit user noted: “The flapper is not fully seating. Will have to replace flush valve… could be a crack or seal failure.”:contentReference
Another homeowner shared they received a replacement seal from American Standard for free—and that stopped the leakage immediately.
Fix: Start by replacing the flapper and seal. If that doesn’t work, consider swapping out the entire flush valve assembly.
2. Weak Flush or Frequent Double Flushing
The Cadet 3 is known for powerful flushing thanks to its pressure-assisted or siphon-jet design. But sometimes it just doesn’t clear solid waste like it should. On forums, users describe needing a second flush in older or clogged units.
Tips:
- Check for clogged rim holes or siphon jet (a clog even small scale can dramatically reduce flush power).
- Confirm tank water level meets manufacturer’s mark; adjust float if needed.
- Clean rim holes with vinegar or a wire hanger—even pressure models depend on good flow.
3. Manufacturing or Fit-and-Finish Issues
Some users report quality control issues—especially wobble or misalignment—right after installation. One homeowner observed Cadet 3 units with loose or poorly seated components from the start.:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
R/Plumbing also notes a pattern of complaints regarding cracks, leaks, or parts not fitting tightly}
What to do: If your toilet is new and unstable, check the floor flange, mounting bolts, and level. If cracks or leaks are found, contact retailer or American Standard—especially if still under warranty.
4. Noisy or Quiet Refill Sounds
Some Cadet 3 toilets refill surprisingly quietly—some say too quietly. That may feel like it’s filling improperly. Others report occasional grinding or vibrating noises inside the tank after flushing.
Fixes: Flush the fill valve seat to clear sediment, replace the fill valve if it’s worn, and ensure the water supply line doesn’t vibrate against the tank.
🧠 Real Users Say…
Across Reddit and plumbing forums, common threads include:
“Flapper not seating, tank refilling itself… replaced flush valve, much better.”
— r/HomeMaintenance
“Toilet spits water quietly after install… quality control concerns again.”
— r/Plumbing talk thread
💡 Quick Comparison Table
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Ghost flushing/refilling | Worn flap seal or flush valve leak | Replace flapper/seal or full flush valve |
| Weak flush | Clogged rim/jets, low water level | Clean holes, raise fill level |
| Wobble at base | Poor install, floor/fixings misaligned | Re-level, tighten bolts; check flange |
| Noisy tank fill | Fill valve wear or vibration | Flush or replace fill valve; secure line |
Step-by-Step DIY Troubleshoot Flow
- Shut off water and flush to empty tank.
- Replace or clean the flapper seal immediately—many ghost flushes end there.
- Check tank’s water fill height; adjust float if low.
- Clean rim holes and siphon jet with vinegar or wire.
- Ensure toilet is seated level on flange; tighten bolts carefully.
- Inspect fill valve—flush debris, or replace if build-up or noise persists.
When to Call a Plumber
If fixing the seal, clean-up, and level doesn’t solve the problem—or if you find cracks in the bowl or tank—call a licensed plumber. Especially if:
- The toilet wobbles after tightening
- You smell sewer gas or detect leaks
- Replacements parts didn’t restore normal function
Final Thoughts
Despite its reputation, the Cadet 3 isn’t immune to typical toilet issues—especially ghost flushing and flush weakness. The good news: most are straightforward fixes, especially around seal replacement, cleaning, or adjusting water level.
If you act quickly, it’s often just parts and a screwdriver or wrench—and you might save the cost of a full replacement.
Need part numbers or installation help? Just ask—I’m happy to walk you through it.