Eljer Savoy Two-Piece Elongated 1.6 GPF High-Back Toilet

The Eljer Savoy positioning — the period-correct replacement

The Eljer Savoy (091-2295) is a high-back two-piece toilet specifically designed for replacement of 1960s-1970s American high-back toilets. The "high-back" reference is to the tank: where modern two-piece toilets have a tank that sits 26-28 inches above the floor at its top, the Savoy's tank sits at ~32 inches above the floor. This taller tank silhouette was standard in pre-1980 American bathrooms — particularly the gravity-fed high-tank toilets that succeeded the original early-20th-century pull-chain wall-mounted tanks.

At $240-$340, the Savoy is a niche specialty SKU. Mansfield-Eljer maintains it in production primarily for two buyer segments: (1) historic-preservation renovations where the original 1965-1980 toilet has cracked and the owner wants visual continuity, and (2) 1970s ranch/colonial homes where the original high-back aesthetic remains throughout the house and replacement with a modern low-back toilet would create visual inconsistency.

Why high-back toilets ever existed

The "high-back" tank silhouette is a residual of mid-20th-century plumbing engineering. From the 1940s-1970s, American toilet tank engineering favored taller, narrower tanks for two reasons:

• Pressure-head for flush volume. Pre-1992 toilets used 3.5-5 GPF. Taller tanks provided more pressure head from the elevated water column, enabling more powerful flushes through gravity alone.
• Less complex internal mechanism. Taller tanks used simpler ballcock fill valves and brass flush levers that worked best at higher water columns. Compact tanks required more engineering to achieve adequate flush.

The 1992 federal mandate dropped flush volumes to 1.6 GPF. At this lower volume, taller tanks became unnecessary for flush performance — engineers re-designed for compact 26-28 inch tank heights. By the late 1980s, low-back was the new standard, and high-back tanks transitioned from default to specialty. Mansfield-Eljer's Savoy is one of the few US toilets still made in the high-back configuration.

When the Savoy is the right answer

• Historic-preservation residential renovation — keeping the bathroom visually consistent with the home's original era
• 1960s-1970s ranch/split-level/colonial home where high-back aesthetics dominate throughout
• Replacement of an existing high-back toilet where the wall behind has been finished around the original tank silhouette and changing to low-back would expose unpainted/un-tiled wall
• Owners who prefer the high-back aesthetic — minority preference but legitimate
• 1.6 GPF needed for old-drainline carry — Savoy doubles as a 1.6 GPF replacement option

The Savoy variant matrix

What's in the box

• High-back tank with pre-installed 3-inch flush valve + Eljer 3-inch shank fill valve
• Elongated bowl (18.5"), pre-drilled for 12" rough-in
• Eljer tank-to-bowl gasket and brass bolts
• Wide chrome trip lever (period-styled)
• Wax ring NOT included
• SoftClose seat NOT included
• Installation manual

Critical install consideration — wall clearance

The Savoy tank top sits ~32 inches above the floor. Before purchase, measure:

• Clear vertical space above the toilet location — needs at least 36 inches from floor to nearest overhead obstruction (window sill, shelf, ceiling slope)
• Window sill height — if a window above the toilet is sill-positioned at less than 36 inches from floor, the Savoy won't fit
• Ceiling slope (attic conversions) — if the bathroom is under a sloped ceiling, verify clearance at the toilet location

Install procedure (75-90 minutes)

1. Verify wall clearance above the install location (see above).
2. Remove existing toilet. Scrape wax ring, inspect floor flange.
3. Install wax ring on flange.
4. Set bowl on flange, hand-tighten flange bolts.
5. Install Eljer tank-to-bowl gasket. Set high-back tank onto bowl — this is heavier than standard tank, two-person lift recommended.
6. Hand-tighten tank bolts. Verify tank is plumb (level vertical) — high-back tanks must be true vertical or the visual angle reads "off."
7. Connect supply line.
8. Open shutoff valve. Test flush 3-5 times.
9. Install seat.

What owners report

• The Savoy preserves period authenticity in historic homes. Owners renovating 1965-1980 homes specifically mention "this is the only way to keep the bathroom looking original without buying a vintage toilet."
• Heavy 1.6 GPF flush at MaP 950g — performs comparably to commercial-grade flushes in older bathrooms.
• Wide chrome trip lever has a satisfyingly mechanical feel — owners specifically prefer this over modern lightweight levers.
• Service life: 25-30 years porcelain.
• Aftermarket parts work universally — Korky 2032BP flapper and Fluidmaster 400UAK fill valve (with Eljer adapter) fit.
• The high-back aesthetic appeals to a specific niche. Some owners find it nostalgic; others find it dated. There is no broad consensus.
• The 091-2295 SKU is one of the slower-selling Eljer toilets — typically 2-4 week supply-house lead times.

The verdict

Buy Savoy if:

• You're renovating a 1965-1980 home and want period-correct toilet aesthetic
• You're replacing an existing high-back toilet and need visual continuity
• You prefer the high-back aesthetic for personal reasons
• You need 1.6 GPF for old-drainline carry AND want a more aesthetic option than Hamilton

Skip and choose Eljer Hamilton 1.6 GPF if:

• You want 1.6 GPF for old-drainline replacement but standard low-back aesthetic
• Wall clearance above the toilet is constrained
• You want lower price ($140-$200 vs $240-$310)

Skip and choose Eljer Diplomat 1.28 GPF if:

• You want modern WaterSense + Comfort Height + standard low-back styling
• Period authenticity isn't a renovation priority

Warranty

Eljer Savoy warranty: Lifetime on porcelain (including high-back tank), 5 years on tank trim, 1 year on accessories. Mansfield-Eljer-administered.

Pricing reality (2026)

Savoy 091-2295 (White): $240-$310 through Ferguson/Winsupply special-order. Build.com: $259-$329. Home Depot: not stocked. Biscuit variant +$30-$40. Round-front variant (091-2298) -$10-$20.