The main issue with bathrooms nowadays is that they come last into blueprints. Therefore, they are made by using leftover space. That is the reason why some bathrooms nowadays are small and lacking space. Still, installing a 10-inch rough-in toilet will give you a few extra inches. They will most likely be closer to the wall, freeing up some extra space in front of them. Even though it may not seem like a big deal, a few inches of free space can come in handy.
What makes this model stand out from the other KOHLER models is the classic look. The tank on the top has sharp lines and edges. Aside from the comfort height, this toilet also has a base with an elongated-shaped bowl. Anyone who finds getting off the toilet difficult will like this KOHLER toilet. Another advantage of this product is cleanliness. That is something the manufacturers had in mind while designing this toilet. This means that the water has enough power to push bigger loads down the toilet. What’s more, it can also push down items that might be stuck to the bowl.
Efficiency was for sure the main idea behind this model. The flushes are extremely powerful, yet they need less water than other toilets do. This toilet uses only 1.28 gallons per flush. So, if your goal is to avoid wasting any water, you are going to like this feature. People with mobility problems often need handrails to use the bathroom. However, you won’t be needing them with this comfort height toilet. Aside from the wax ring and the toilet seat, all the features are included in the box. Still, you will have to buy the wax ring and the seat separately.
Pros
✅ Comfort height
✅ Fewer clogs
✅ Doesn’t require a plunger
Cons
Usually requires additional parts during the installation
2. American Standard 221AB004.020 Colony 1.6 GPF 2-Piece Elongated Toilet
Manufacturer
American Standard
Item Weight
72 pounds
Color
White, bone, linen
Material
Vitreous China
Warranty
2 Years
Flush Type
Single Flush
This American Standard toilet is very functional and practical. It can easily fit with any type of bathroom decor you have. This toilet is made out of vitreous china and is very sturdy. Just like the previous one, the Colony also has a classic look and an elongated-shaped bowl. When it comes to performance, this model does a pretty good job. It has a 10-inch rough-in and uses only 1.6 gallons per flush. The Colony toilet also comes in various colors from white over the bone to linen.
The dimensions of the Colony are 27.81 x 18.69 x 31 inches. Therefore, this product will give you a very good efficiency without taking a lot of space. The ergonomic design of this toilet has an excellent rim height that eases stress on the body. When it comes to cleanliness, the American Standard Colony is quite decent. It features the PowerWash rim that perfectly cleans up the bowl after every flush. Furthermore, it has a 2” flush valve and a generous 8” x 9” water surface area.
The KOHLER Highline K-3889-0 is one of the best KOHLER’s toilets. This particular model has an ultra-modern design and it may take you some time to get used to it. The elongated two-piece bowl makes sitting way more comfortable. Aside from that, it also saves you some extra space in the bathroom. Due to such construction, the installation process is extremely easy as well. For easier installation, the manufacturer preinstalled the bolts for the bottom. Moreover, this is a comfort height ADA compliant toilet. Therefore, with its 17,5” seat it makes a great choice for tall and average height people. It also makes a perfect choice for people who have movement disabilities.
A lot of people are often worried about whether their toilets will clog up or not. Luckily, this one has a huge trapway and it most likely is not going to clog up. KOHLER described this particular model as a “Class Five Toilet”. That means that the bowl has powerful flushes and cleans perfectly most of the time. Speaking of flushed the K-3889-0 uses only about 1.28 gallons per flush. Another factor that makes the Highline stand out from the crowd in the shape of the water tank. The KOHLER K-3889-0 Highline comes along with a 1-year limited warranty.
4. American Standard 221DB104.020 Colony 1.28 GPF 2-Piece Round Front Toilet
Manufacturer
American Standard
Item Weight
69 pounds
Color
White
Material
Vitreous China
Warranty
2 Years
Flush Type
Gravity Flush
If you are looking for a good-quality yet affordable toilet, this one makes a great choice. The 221DB104.020 Colony will probably fit the taste of most consumers out there. This American Standard toilet doesn’t lack any features and it’s relatively affordable. The flushes are quite powerful and with the WaterSense label, it uses only 1.28 GPF. This feature makes this toilet even more effective than average water-saving toilets. Due to its powerful flushes, the bowl remains very clean almost all the time.
However, it doesn’t have the antimicrobial EverClean coating like some other toilets. Thanks to the PowerWash, the bowl remains clean and no waste remains on the surface. Since it is made out of vitreous china, it is less likely to break throughout the years. Aside from the practical part, the design of the 221DB104.020 Colony is quite fancy. It is most likely to perfectly fit in regardless of your bathroom style. The manufacturer also included the 2-year limited warranty. Therefore, designed to be both stylish and reliable, this model makes a very good choice.
Pros
✅ Relatively affordable
✅ Stylish
✅ Very durable
Cons
Doesn’t feature the antimicrobial EverClean coating
The comfort height of the KOHLER Cimarron makes this toilet quite convenient. The elderly sometimes tend to feel pain in the lower body while getting back up. However, that shouldn’t be the problem with the ergonomic design of this model. It is suitable for bathrooms that are designed for those with movement disabilities. The Canister Flush Valve of the AquaPiston delivers a very powerful performance. Plus, it also eliminates the most common leakage problems. Another upside is that it fits all the KOHLER canister flush valve toilets. Furthermore, it requires only about 2 lbs of force.
The Cimarron also features the DryLock system. This model is available in 12”, 10”, and 14” rough-in. It is also available in both the round-shaped and the elongated-shaped bowl. With the WaterSense technology, you will save about 16000 gallons per year. A little disadvantage is that if you choose the round-bowl, you may find it a little small. Thus, if you need a bigger bowl, we highly recommend you to go for the elongated one. The dimensions of this toilet are 27.25 x 17.63 x 30.5 inches. This way it can easily fit in most bathrooms, regardless of their size.
6. American Standard Cadet 3 270BB001.020 Round Front Right Height Two-Piece Toilet
Manufacturer
American Standard
Item Weight
58.9 pounds
Color
White
Material
Vitreous China
Warranty
1 Year
Flush Type
Gravity Flush
The smart design of this product will not only provide high performance but fewer clogs too. With such aesthetic design, this model is quite pleasing to the eyes. It is quite sleek and it will improve the look of your bathroom. Aside from all that, the Cadet 3 comes at an excellent price. The American Standard offers a huge variety of the Cadet 3 designs. There are both elongated and round bowl models. Also, there are two-piece and one-piece versions as well as compact and right height ones. Moreover, American Standard made the water-efficient models as well.
They are different from the standard ones as they use only 1.28 gallons per flush. While on the other side, the standard ones use only 1.6 gallons per flush. The construction is pretty durable and easy to clean as it is made out of vitreous china. Another huge advantage of the Cadet 3 is that it features an antimicrobial surface. As this is an ADA compliant model, it is a good choice for people who use devices like a walker or a wheelchair. Furthermore, the Cadet 3 features a flush valve which is about 3-inch wide.
TOTO is widely known for its high-quality 10-inch rough-in toilets. This two-piece is quite sleek-looking and has various features built-in. Its high-profile design creates a smooth look and makes cleaning a piece of cake. It has one of the most modern-looking designs in the market. A slim high profile water tank, as well as the 17,25” seat height, are included too. However, you may find the fact that the seat itself is not included a bit disappointing. TOTO toilets offers different models with different heights. The main goal of their design is to optimize the experience for everyone in your home.
Thanks to the G-max technology, the flushes of the CST744SF.10#01 are very powerful. This toilet uses only 1.6 gallons per flush. Therefore, it meets the requirements to be called a water-saving toilet. G-max technology provides a quite big flow rate. With such a flow rate the water draws into the bowl a lot faster and out a lot more forcefully. Furthermore, the trapway is large, fully glazed and it rarely clogs. The flush valve is about 125% wider than standard flush valves. Its shape is quite convenient and the dimensions are 29 x 15 x 17.25. This way, it will most likely easily fit in your bathroom and won’t take up too much space.
8. American Standard 204BB104.020 Edgemere Right Height Round Front 10-Inch Rough-In Toilet
Manufacturer
American Standard
Item Weight
67.6 pounds
Color
White
Material
Vitreous China
Warranty
5 Years
Flush Type
Siphon Jet
This toilet is the right height product that brings you maximum comfort. The design of the Edgemere is quite remarkable and stands out from the crowd. The soft edges of this ergonomically designed toilet bring outstanding performance and style. If it is the free space you need in your bathroom, this product makes a great choice. The Edgemere also has the antimicrobial EverClean surface coating. This way it prevents the growth of all the germs that cause the bad odor. Not to mention that it is highly efficient and uses only 1.28 gallons per flush.
The features of this toilet are easily connected, making the installation a piece of cake. What’s more, the installation is simple that you won’t even have to hire an expert. You are most likely going to manage to install this system yourself. The Edgemere also features the power wash rim. However, as is the case with a lot of systems, this one also doesn’t include the seat. The dimensions of the Edgemere are 26.19 x 18.88 x 30.25 inches. Therefore, even if your bathroom is a bit smaller, this product should be able to fit in. Yet, the biggest advantage of the Edgemere is the 5-year limited warranty.
KOHLER toilets are widely known for minimal yet quite modern design. Aside from being beautiful, the design is also ergonomic and has much to offer. Speaking of comfort, the K-3889-96 has the right height seats. With such a feature, the act of sitting feels a lot more similar to sitting in a chair. This way, both sitting down and standing up are much easier. In terms of efficiency, this model is quite good and has a 1.28-gallon flush. But what makes the K-3889-96 so unique is its color. With the biscuit color, the K-3889-96 is very recognizable and sticks out quite a lot.
The measurements of the K-3889-96 are 31.25 x 29.5 x 18 inches. You should remember this info as it will come in handy if you are lacking space. This model is quite durable and is made out of china. It also comes along with a standard 1-year limited warranty. The K-3889-96 is a bit more expensive than some other toilets in its class. Still, that is not surprising considering all the features available. It features the DryLock system, preventing any leaks caused while installing. The K-3889-96 has both round and elongated bowl options available.
The TOTO Drake CST744EF is a very popular choice among people nowadays. With the highly-efficient powerful flushing mechanism, this model makes a perfect choice. This toilet is quite eye-catching as well. It is very stylish yet sleek, making it a good suit even for older houses and apartments. Furthermore, note that this is a universal height toilet. Therefore, it is great for both residential as well as commercial applications. The bowl on this system has an elongated bowl making it quite comfortable. Since it is available in various colors, it creates a very good fit regardless of your bathroom style.
Aside from adults and children even those with movement disabilities can use this toilet. In terms of efficiency, this Drake model consumes 1.6 gallons per flush. This way, you are going to save a huge amount of money. Furthermore, all the Drake models feature the G MAX flushing system. That means the valve is wider and the flow is increased. This results in very powerful flushes and less clogging. Unfortunately, the seat doesn’t come along with the TOTO Drake CST744EF.
11. American Standard 2315.228.020 Baby Devoro Flowise 10-Inch High Round Front Toilet
Manufacturer
American Standard
Item Weight
52.6 pounds
Color
White
Material
Vitreous China
Warranty
1 Year
Flush Type
Powerful Flush
Unlike any other toilet on the list, this American Standard toilet was made especially for children. Therefore, this is a perfect choice for healthcare and education facilities. The Baby Devoro is made out of vitreous china and is extremely durable and tough. And since it is designed for kids, it will probably never break. Maintaining this toilet is a piece of cake and it also appears very elegant. This way it can perfectly fit in any bathroom regardless of the style. This model consumes only 1.28 gallons per flush and yet has a very powerful flush.
If you make up your mind for the round model, it will do a great job fitting in a compact bathroom. Thanks to the bowl coupling system and the Speed Connect tank, the installation is very simple. Since the trapway is glazed, the flow rate is very good and the clogging doesn’t happen. This is the best choice you can find for your kids if they are not mature enough to use a normal height toilet. A little downside is that the product is a bit more expensive than other toilets in its class.
The size of the rough-in is quite important. It will come in handy to your plumber when it comes to installing the main drain pipe. Remember, once it has been done, it will be really difficult to change. Therefore, you must plan everything and go it right the first time. Toilets most frequently come with a 14”, 12”, and 10” rough-in. The rough-in must be measured properly and precisely! If it is not, you may lack free space to install the toilet correctly.
Should I Buy a 10-Inch Rough-In Toilet?
If you are thinking about whether you should get a 10-inch rough-in or not you came to the right place. By getting a 10-inch rough-in you will most likely gain a few inches of free space. For instance, you may need just those couple of inches to fully open a cabinet or shower door. Furthermore, it is a good option if you have an old house and want to replace a 10-inch toilet. Still, if you don’t need any of these, you should go for a 12-inch rough-in. 12-inch rough-in toilets are better since there are a lot more buying choices.
How to Choose a Perfect 10-Inch Rough-In Toilet for You?
Type of Toilet
There are a few things you need to know before deciding which type of design you will buy. Now, there are one-piece and two-piece designs. One of the differences is that the one-piece toilets are smaller than the two-piece ones. Plus, they are much easier to maintain as they don’t have hidden places. But still, the two-piece models come with the bowl separated from the tank. Their biggest advantage is that they are much cheaper than their counterparts. However, you may experience shipping problems with them.
Water-Saving
Not a lot of people realize that their toilets can have a huge impact on their bills every year. Now, different kinds of toilets offer different flushing capacities. According to the EPA, your toilet should not use more than 1.6 gallons of water per flush. Most water-saving toilets stick to this standard. Still, certain more effective models have a rating of 1.28 gallons per flush.
Right Height Selection
Most manufacturers often use terms such as comfort height, right height, and so on. This can sometimes be very confusing to some people. If not, it probably represents the distance between the edge and the floor. That could be a problem because by adding a seat, you will be a few inches higher. The standard height for most toilets is around 16 inches.
Exact Rough-in Measurements
Not many people know exactly what a 10-inch rough-in means. That is the distance between the center of the master pipe and the wall. So, it is essential to measure this properly. If you end up closer or further from the spot your toilet should be at, you won’t be able to install the toilet. What’s more, just one inch can make it impossible for you to install the system.
Type of Flushing System
This factor is something you would want to consider when buying a toilet. The main reason is that this determines the efficiency and flushing power. More powerful systems will keep your bowl cleaner and are less likely to clog. This way you won’t have to flush more times until all the waste is gone. Furthermore, they will help you save some water and money.
Standards of Water Restrictions
Remember, you must check the standards of water restrictions in your state. Some states such as Texas and California don’t allow toilets that use more than 1.28 GPF. Most other states are fine with 1.6 GPF. There are even tanks with a capacity as small as 0.7 gallons. But, with such systems, you will have to flush multiple times to remove all the waste. If you are an online purchaser you can find that info easily. Still, if you are at a store, you should ask them to do the test for you.
Consideration of the Bowl
Another essential thing to consider is the type of bowl. Most bowls come in two most common shapes; round and elongated. The round-shaped bowls are better for those who want to save up some more space. With the elongated bowl, your legs are way more naturally positioned. So, the elongated ones are better if it is the comfort you need. Still, you should know that kind of material the bowl is made of. Plus, note that some manufacturers offer antibacterial finishes to enhance hygiene.
Comfort of Seat
No one wants to feel uncomfortable while sitting on a toilet, right? Therefore, you should consider the comfort of the seat while purchasing. But, there are tons of products that don’t come along with the toilet seat. A good example of that is the KOHLER Cimarron K-3851-0. Still, things like seat comfort can significantly improve the experience.
Thematic Choices of Bathroom
Aside from the performance, it is also important to make sure your toilet looks good. Your toilet should not stick out from the rest of your bathroom. Mostly because it will make your bathroom way less appealing to the eye. Most systems out there are white, linen, or bone color. However, you can easily find the brown and black shades as well. Therefore, pick the color that perfectly fits your idea. Certain people tend to go for the darker toilets because it will make the dirt less visible. That is a very bad idea! Not only will it not help, but it could even lead to some fatal infections and damage your health.
Warranty and Certifications
No matter what kind of product you are buying, the warranty is of very big importance. Warranty is the best way for a company to ensure the quality of their toilets. Of course, a longer warranty means a bigger price but is also better. The standard warranty for many products out there is about 1 – 3 years. Most toilets on this list have either a 1-year or 2-year limited warranty.
Price
While buying a 10-inch, or any other kind of toilet, we must take our budget into account. However, most people, when buying a 10-inch rough-in, are replacing the old one. They often tend to do that because some part of the old one is damaged. If that’s the case, you may not have to replace the whole toilet. You could just replace the damaged part, as it would be much cheaper and easier.
Still, that can pretty much depend on the age of the toilet. If your toilet is very old, it could be way harder to find replacement parts. Therefore, the replacement parts can be a lot more expensive than expected. Aside from all that, the new toilets offer way better performance as well as efficiency. So, if it’s difficult to find the parts for your old toilet, there is no reason not to consider buying a new one.
Installation and Maintenance
How to Install a Toilet (10-Inch Rough-In)?
Before even thinking about the installation it is important to measure everything properly. To figure out the rough-in dimensions, you can use a measuring tape. Once you finish that part, it is time to start the installation process. You are going to need tools such as wrenches, hacksaw, putty knife, and wax ring. An empty bucket and a pair of rubber gloves could also really come in handy. First off, you must disconnect the water supply from the toilet you want to replace. After that, to make sure the tank is empty, you have to flush it a few times. Now, unscrew the bolts and carefully remove the seat cover and the old toilet. Take your new toilet, attach it with the provided bolts, and connect the water supply. Finally, just flush a few times to fill the bowl.
Maintenance Instructions
One-piece toilets are far easier to maintain and keep clean than two-piece ones. Still, if you knew, you could easily install any 10-inch rough-in system. However, before you buy one, make sure it has a reputation for low-maintenance. Some toilets with powerful flushes can get rid of all the waste with just one flush. Another thing that will keep your toilet clean is the antimicrobial surface.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 10-Inch Rough-in Toilet the Best Solution to Save Some Extra Space?
Long story short, it is not. You should consider getting this kind of toilet only if saving a few inches will get you the space you need. You should also consider this if the toilet you already have has a 10-inch rough-in. If you want to save up some space, consider buying a corner or a wall-hung toilet.
What Are the Main Differences Between 10-Inch and 12-Inch Rough-in Toilets?
There aren’t many significant differences between the 12-inch and 10-inch models. The 10-inch ones are more likely to be found in older houses. On the other hand, the 12-inch models are typical for modern bathrooms.
Can I Replace Toilets With Bigger Rough-in Size With a 10-Inch Rough-in Toilet?
No, you can’t. If you have a toilet with a bigger rough-in size you can’t install a 10-inch rough-in. You are going to have to measure the size of your rough-in and find a toilet that size.
Should I Hire an Expert to Install a 10-Inch Rough-in?
Although the installation process on some toilets is quite easy, it can also be challenging. Many people have managed to install their toilets without any help. But, accidents can happen. That is why it is recommended that you hire an expert.
How to Improve the Toilet Flush Power?
First things first, you must remove the cover from the top of your tank. After that, to adjust the level of water, use the float assembly. Then clean the flush holes with a drill or a bobby pin. Pour one gallon of bleach into the bowl and let it rest for 10 minutes. Finally, put some vinegar in the tube located inside your tank and let it sit for a few hours.
Bottom Line
If the toilet you have has served its purpose, it is a good idea to change it. We can say that 221DB104.020 is today’s winner. With all the various features this model has to offer, it makes a good choice for everybody. Its design is quite sturdy and durable, yet fancy. It is also relatively affordable and offers a magnificent performance. Plus, it also has the PowerWash, making sure the bowl remains clean all the time.
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