Skirted (Concealed) Trapway Toilet Review (6 Favorites we Love)

 Note:    We’re supported by our readers. We earn a commission from product purchases using affiliate links on our site. You help keep us growing! Learn more about the affiliate program.  One of the crucial elements of your toilet is the trapway or siphon outlet, which can either be skirted or exposed. So the main difference between an exposed and skirted trapway is their drain pipe design. The drain pipe of an exposed trapway is clearly visible, but a concealed siphon outlet is hidden. But that’s not all! These two siphon outlets differ in how they look and ease of cleaning and maintenance. So then, what are a trapway and its functions? Read on to find out what is an exposed and concealed trapway, and how each one looks.

Skirted Trapway Explained

This is because a concealed trapway offers several benefits over its exposed counterpart. These include:

Easy to Clean

The hidden S-pipe makes it easy to clean and maintain a toilet with a concealed trapway. You only wipe down your toilet since there are no ridges where dirt could hide.

Sleek Appearance

A concealed trapway gives your toilet a sleek appearance and a clean look from the side. Therefore, it is sure to add striking beauty to your bathroom.

Minimalistic Design

This trapway also boasts a minimalistic look designed to complement any contemporary-style bathroom. The reason being it does not have tons of details like an exposed trapway.

 Comparison of Toilet with a Skirted (Concealed) Trapway

 Skirted Trapway Toilets Reviewed (6 Best Choices)

Our team gathered facts and ranked the top toilets with a concealed trapway.

1. TOTO Eco Sioree – Editor’s Choice

 

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“While it is a bit on the pricier side, the Eco Soiree is a true investment piece that will withstand the test of time.”

Flushing Power

The TOTO Eco Soiree is an innovative toilet with a single-flush high-efficiency feature that only uses 1.28 gallons of water per flush; this can save you over 20 percent on your annual water bill, when compared to traditional 1.6 GPF toilets. The Eco Soiree complies with the EPA’s WaterSense certification requirements while still ensuring effective removal of waste thanks to the Tornado Flush system. TOTO’s Tornado Flush system uses two powerful nozzles to push out waste without a trace and refill bowls in an instant.

High Profile Design

The Eco Soiree is made from vitreous china and features a skirted bowl. Its high-profile tank allows you to save floor space in your bathroom. Standing at 17 ⅜”, this Universal Height toilet is as comfortable as it is nice to look at. The toilet comes with a chrome-plated lever and is available in cotton, bone, colonial white, sedona beige, and ebony (without CEFIONTECT). CEFIONTECT is TOTO’s patented ceramic glaze that prevents debris buildup from sticking to the toilet’s exterior. We love the glaze because it significantly eliminates cleaning time. If you’re not fully interested, the MS964214CEF comes with less CEFIONTECT as well as a SoftClose seat. The toilet uses a standard 12” rough-in, but a 10 inch” rough-in (TSU03W.10R) and 14” (TSU03W.14R) rough-in can be purchased separately. The SoftClose seat that’s included in the toilet is a big hit amidst users as well. The seat slowly closes itself to prevent the annoying slamming sound.

Pro and Cons

Product Documentation

• Manufacturer Product Listing
• Spec Sheet (PDF)

Summary of Recent Reviews

The Eco Soiree one packs a powerful flush that buyers love. The one-piece design and effective flush lead to easy cleaning, both inside and out. There is mention of a challenging install, so you may want to consider hiring a plumber based on your experience.

Our Opinion

The Eco-Soiree is a well-built product meant to last. It’ll save you money on your annual water bill but whether or not it’s the right toilet for you depends on what your priorities are. If you want an affordable starter-toilet, the Eco-Soiree is probably not the best option. Take a look into the TOTO Drake or TOTO Vespin II, each of which use 1.28 GPF as well.

However, for an investment piece that’ll deliver on all fronts, the Eco-Soiree is perfect. Its flushing strength, angular design, and comfortable seat will make you fall in love. Sometimes the best things in life…cost a bit more upfront…

2.  TOTO Carlyle II –  

Review Champion

 

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“The TOTO Carlyle II isn’t the cheapest option, but if you’re looking for a long-lasting investment piece, it might be the right unit for you.”

Effective Flushing

If you know TOTO, you know the state-of-the-art hole-free Tornado Flush system. Each flush activates two powerful nozzles that in turn create an ultra-powerful centrifugal force that washes away any waste load. The pressure that pushes along the bowl water allows it to reach every part, eliminating streaks and stains. The Carlyle II uses only 1 gallon per flush thanks to 1G technology. Maximum efficiency, with money and water-saving qualities? Now, THAT’s what we’re talking about. The toilet is EPA WaterSense certified, cutting your annual water bill by over 20 percent. The Carlyle II is also available in 1.28 gallon per flush model, under the unit number MS604114CEFG#01. This model tends to be cheaper, as it is less eco-friendly. Nevertheless, a 1.28 gallons per flush usage is still a WaterSense certified unit that offers similar perks to the 1 gallons per flush model.

Impressive Design

The TOTO Carlyle II is a single-piece toilet with a skirted elongated bowl. It is made from vitreous china and has the TOTO-patented CEFIONTECT glaze to reduce bacterial buildup on the outer bowl. The toilet’s skirted design simplifies cleaning as there’s no nooks or crannies for grime to accumulate in. There are three renditions of the model to choose from. The MS614114CUFG unit comes with CEFIONTECT ceramic glaze and a SoftClose seat; the MS614114CUFRG comes with the same, except the lever is located on the right-hand side. The MS614114CUF comes without CEFIONTECT but includes the SoftClose seat. The SoftClose seat prevents your seat from loudly slamming against the toilet bowl when it’s put down. This means midnight trips to the bathroom have never been quieter! The Carlyle II is available in cotton, bone, colonial white, sedona beige, and ebony. A chrome trip lever is included. Two optional rough-ins are available – 10 and 14 inch.

ADA Compliance

Another important thing in our TOTO Carlyle II review is its ADA compliance. The toilet’s Universal Height design stands at chair-level (17-1/4”), making standing up and sitting down easy on the knees. The Carlyle II’s elongated bowl also disperses user body weight to maximize comfort.

Color Options

• Cotton (1)
• Bone (3)
• Colonial White (11)
• Sedona Beige (12)
• Ebony (51)

Pro and Cons

Comparisons

Even if the Carlyle II is outside your price range, TOTO has a series of lower-cost options that are great alternatives. Take the TOTO Drake 1.6GPF for example. This toilet is a third of the price of the Carlyle II yet is also equipped with solid features, such as the G-Max flushing system. It’s important to remember that although certain units cost less in their initial purchase, the annual water bill may add up. The TOTO Aimes is also a less expensive TOTO unit that may be in your wheelhouse if you want an eco-friendly toilet. This toilet is a bit bulkier in design compared to the Carlyle II but is renowned for its compatibility with the TOTO WASHLET+. Regardless of your choice, all TOTO products are high-quality. What it really comes down to is personal preference and your biggest deciding factor.

Our Opinion

The Carlyle II is a durable, high-quality product that delivers in flushing performance, design, and comfort. The toilet is accessible to most users and fits with all bathroom aesthetics. That being said, the model is on the pricier side. There are many other cheaper models, even in the TOTO collection, that have similar perks, at lower prices.

3. TOTO Vespin II – Best Price

 

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“Affordable, durable, and water-saving – need we say more? The TOTO Vespin II is an all-around high-quality model that deserves more praise than it gets.”

This two-piece toilet makes cleaning it easy, peasy lemon-squeezy. The Vespin II is in the middle of TOTO’s toilet price range. While it’s more expensive than other TOTO toilets, its still one of our editor’s top choices.

Flushing Power

The Vespin II is equipped with the awesome TOTO Tornado Flush system and uses only 1.28 gallons per flush. This saves you over 20 percent on your annual water bill (when compared to traditional 1.6 GPF toilets). The Tornado Flush system utilizes two powerful nozzles to create a strong centrifugal force within the bowl to dispel waste efficiently – and without a trace. The bowl is refilled in a matter of seconds, so you don’t have to worry about a thing. You can also purchase the Vespin II with one gallon per flush, under models such as MS474124CUFG#01, CST474CUFG#01, and MW4743074CUFG#01. It’s up to you. We prefer the 1.28 gallons per flush because it guarantees waste removal while also being environmentally and economically beneficial. A one gallon per flush may save you more money on your annual water bill, but it comes at the risk of lingering streaks and stains.

Design & Style

The Vespin II has a slightly curved tank that gives the toilet a simple, yet elegant feel. The skirted trapway adds another nice touch of style to an already impressive toilet; not to mention, the lack of nooks and crannies eliminates spaces for grime build-up. The toilet comes with TOTO CEFIONTECT ceramic glaze which prevents debris and mold from sticking to the toilet’s sides. This cuts down on cleaning and exposure to harsh chemicals, giving your toilet a greater life span. The Vespin II is available in cotton, bone, colonial white, sedona beige, and ebony. Unfortunately, the ebony model does not come with CEFIONTECT glaze. The Vespin II is available in four ways. The CT474CUFG comes with an elongated bowl and CEFIONTECT while the CT474CUF also comes with an elongated bowl but less CEFIONTECT. The ST454E comes with the tank and cover only; the ST454ER is the same, but has the trip lever on the right-hand side. Though the toilet does not come with a seat, it is compatible with the TOTO SoftClose seat, which slowly closes to avoid slamming. The Vespin II has a 12” Uni-Fit rough-in included but 10” and 14” rough-ins are available for purchase separately. The toilet has a bowl height of 16 ⅛” and a seat height of 17 ¼”, making it ADA compliant. Those with difficulties sitting and standing up will enjoy the toilet’s accessibility. The toilet’s elongated bowl adds an extra layer of comfort by distributing user body weight.

Washlet Component

The newer Vespin models come with a Washlet+ connection. The Washlet+ is TOTO’s award-winning bidet that comes with a self-cleaning wand, quick release hinges, customizable wand angle, and a luxurious seat. The bidet is compatible with both Vespin II one and 1.28 GPF units; all Vespin II models are compatible besides CST474CEFG#01 and CST474CUFG#01.

Pro and Cons

Comparisons vs. Other TOTO Models

Vespin II vs. Aquia II

Aquia II is one of the best alternatives to the TOTO Vespin II model. They both have a sleek, skirted design and offer models that are easy to clean and require minimal maintenance. They also both have the CEFIONTECT glaze which prevents bacteria build-up and are WaterSense certified. However, their flushing systems are different. While they both have a double-cyclone flush, the Aquia II is a dual-flush model, allowing you to choose between 0.9 and 1.6 gallons per flush. The Vespin II only has one flush option, always consuming 1.28 gallons per flush.

Vespin II vs. Drake II

Both of these toilets come with an extremely efficient flush that uses minimal water. They are both WaterSense certified and have a CEFIONTECT finish. Additionally, both toilets have a similar price tag. However, they are different when it comes to maintenance and cleaning. Since the TOTO Vespin II has a hidden trapway, it’s surface is much easier to clean as there are no nooks and crevices.

Vespin II vs. TOTO Carlyle II

The Carlyle II is a great alternative to Vespin II. It comes with a powerful flush and a sleek design. Like the Vespin II, it also has EPA WaterSense certification. However, the Carlyle II is a single-piece model. Therefore, it’s slightly more expensive but is also easier to clean.

Our Opinion

Over 70% of Amazon reviews give the toilet five stars. Customers love the toilet’s reliable flushing system that is clog and leak-free. Positive reviews also boast about how easy the toilet is to clean and maintain. The most common complaint is about the toilet’s installation process. Some note that after multiple attempts to install the toilet themselves, they had to call in a professional for help.

4. American Standard Tropic – Best Height

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“The Tropic is an astoundingly beautiful unit that takes Luxury Performance Toilets to the next level.”

American Standard is one of the best in the business for all the right reasons.

Flush Ability

The Tropic is equipped with an elongated siphon action bowl and a smooth-sided concealed trapway that quickly removes waste in a matter of seconds. The refill rate is also impressive, coming back up almost instantly. This High-Efficiency toilet uses 1.28 gallons per flush, saving you about 20 percent on your annual water consumption as compared with traditional 1.6 GPF units. The unit is EPA WaterSense-certified so you save money and hundreds of gallons of water. Though an eco-friendly and cost-effective toilet seems too good to be true, we’re here to vouch for The Tropic. The PowerWash rim is another excellent feature that scrubs the bowl with each flush; this way you don’t have to worry about lingering streaks. The toilet’s oversized 2″ flush valve drastically reduces the chance of clogging! The Tropic comes with a chrome trip lever on its left-hand side.

Design & Style

Narrow, sleek, glossy, and modern. That’s what the Tropic looks like the moment you lay eyes on it. Even though its elongated structure might look most natural in a modern setting, we think the timeless look fits in with any bathroom aesthetic. What’s great about the Tropic is that it’s as comfortable as it is beautiful. The toilet is ADA-compliant, making it perfect for those in need of additional assistance when sitting or standing up. The elongated toilet bowl disperses body weight for an extra layer of comfort. The toilet has a seat height of 17-1/4″ ideal for most users. We love skirted trap way because they eliminate cleaning time. The Tropic has a wonderful, sturdy skirted trapway that looks fantastic and is all-around functional. The toilet comes with a color-matched Duroplast Slow Close Toilet seat and a cover with an easy lift-off feature for simplified cleaning and reattachment! Two color-matched bolt-hole covers are included as well. Speaking of cleaning, the Tropic also has the EverClean Surface glaze that inhibits the growth of stains and odor-causing bacteria, mold, and mildew. Hygienic and easy on the eyes? Count us in! The Tropic is 100% factory tested and comes with a ten-year warranty on the entire toilet. It comes in white and linen. The Tropic qualifies in the LEEDS program as well.

Pros and Cons

Our Opinion

Users love the Tropic’s comfortable height, easy-to-clean exterior, and eco-friendly flush. Though not many reviews are available yet, most reviews praise the toilet’s unique, sleek look. The most common complaint is about the included seat. Some users said the seat is not the most sturdy and cracked after a few months of usage.

5. TOTO Legato Toilet – 

Runner Up

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“The Legato brings music to our ears. We love this smart toilet because it makes us feel in control of our preferences while letting functioning automatically when needed.” 

This one-piece toilet is one of TOTO’s best designs. If you’re looking for a smart toilet that delivers on all fronts, the Legato is here for you.

Flushing Power

The Legato is equipped with the famous TOTO Tornado Flush system. The toilet’s two powerful nozzles create an ultra-strong centrifugal force that takes care of business without leaving any remnants or streaks behind. The powerful nozzles are used instead of traditional rim holes to efficiently clean out the bowl with every flush. This high-efficiency toilet uses 1.28 gallons per flush, which is both eco-friendly and cost-effective. Shaving a bit off your annual water usage can result in hundreds of dollars in savings and it’s great for the environment – a true win-win! You’ll notice the toilet comes with a chrome-plated trip lever for easy flushing. This model can also be upgraded with autoflush with the MW6243056CEFGA (#01) model.

Smart Design

We’ll be honest. The Legato may seem a bit bulky at first. However, there’s a reason for that. The toilet packs in a bunch of perks that make your bathroom experience effortlessly luxurious. The Legato comes with a remote to help you navigate these perks. This unit comes with a bidet seat and the toilet features a specially concealed design that hides the bidet’s supply and power cord. You can customize bidet preferences, such as pressure and temperature, via the toilet’s remote. There are five spray settings and a built-in air deodorizing system for when you’re done. This toilet also has an on-demand remote function that cleans the toilet’s bidet wand function whenever you need it. Another feature that makes the Legato a fantastic find is the toilet’s easy-to-clean exterior. The toilet comes with TOTO’s-premier ceramic glaze CEFIONTECT. CEFIONTECT prevents grime and bacteria from sticking to the toilet’s outside; the glaze does the heavy lifting so when you clean, all you have to do is wipe the toilet down gently with mild soap. The toilet’s one-piece structure and skirted trapway also reduce the chance of bacterial buildup by eliminating any nooks or crannies that might be susceptible to grime. This toilet automatically opens and closes its lid and has its own nightlight option. No more turning on the overhead light for midnight bathroom trips! The nightlight makes sure you see everything you need without blinding you. The toilet has a rim height of 16-3/16” and comes with an elongated front bowl. It complies with ADA standards if installed with the trip lever on the approach side. The Universal Height alleviates pressure on the knees while sitting and standing up. The elongated bowl helps take even more of the load off by dispersing user body weight. There are two other variations of the Legato. The more expensive model, MW6243056CEFGA (#01), comes with the elongated toilet, CEFIONTEXT, WASHLET+ S550e that is auto flush compatible, as well as the auto flush kit. The MW6243056CEFG (#01) comes with an elongated toilet, CEFIONTEXT, and a nonauto flush compatible WASHLET+ S550e. The Legato is only available in white. It requires a 12” rough-in for installation.

Pros and Cons

Model Variations

Our Opinion

Users love the smart toilet’s customizable features which transform a regular bathroom experience into a mini spa moment. Reviews boast about the toilet’s easy-to-use bidet seat and the convenient EWATER feature. The most common complaint is about the toilet’s price as it tends to be significantly higher than standard traditional toilets.

6. TOTO Neorest Toilet

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“The TOTO NEOREST is THE toilet of the 21st century. Every bathroom experience feels like a luxury thanks to this high-tech, but a sensible unit.”

Flushing Power

The Neorest is equipped with the classic TOTO Tornado Flush siphon jet flushing system. The ultra-high-efficiency design uses dual-nozzle bowl cleaning to create a centrifugal force to wash away any waste load. The toilet’s dual flush lets you choose between .8 and 1 gallon per flush, without sacrificing any flushing power. The typical toilet uses 1.6 gallons per flush; with the Neorest you’ll be saving 45% of annual water usage – that’s thousands of gallons of water and hundreds of dollars off your water bill annually! The Neorest’s flushing system is further elevated thanks to the Washlet. The Washlet sprays before every flush to loosen up any debris that is sticking to the toilet bowl. When we said luxury, we meant it. The toilet has an automated flushing system but a back-up manual button just in case.

Bidet Feature

The toilet’s bidet seat has the following options: rear cleanse, soft rear cleanse, front cleanse, oscillating, and pulsating spray. To further personalize your settings, you can choose from different water pressure and temperatures. The Neorest has some of the best bidet settings we’ve ever seen. The typical bidet comes with three options, but here TOTO goes above and beyond. The best part? The bidet comes with two user memory functions so you can have your customizable settings appear at the press of one button. This is perfect if you live with someone or if you just don’t want to decide between two setting configurations. The NEOREST requires a 120V GFCI outlet.

Additional Features

The NEOREST’s multifunction remote control lets you customize your bathroom experience to the fullest extent. The remote allows you to adjust your seat temperature, turn on the bidet, and set an energy-saver timer. The toilet also comes with a gentle nightlight so you don’t have to turn on your overhead light when going to the bathroom at midnight. The EWATER+ feature automatically sprays your toilet with electrolyzed water to keep your bowl fresh, eliminating the need for intensive scrubbing. The toilet also has an automated open/close lid to prevent lingering bacteria from spreading into the air as well as an automatic air purification system that removes odors after every flush. The model is ADA-compliant with a universal height of 17 5/16th”, with its seat. Its bowl is elongated, which helps disperse user body weight. The oval-shaped toilet is also very simple to clean. There’s no nooks or crannies for dirt to hid in and all that’s required is the occasional wipe down. The Neorest also comes with the classic TOTO CEFIONTECT glaze which eliminates the likelihood of dirt buildup on the outside of the bowl. The NEOREST is only available in cotton white and sedona beige.

Model Variations

Pro and Cons

Our Opinion

Users love the Neorest, as can be seen in the Amazon reviews where 80 percent of the ratings are five stars. Users find the toilet totally intuitive, from its simple flushing mechanism to excellent bidet features. Users also rave about the sleek, modern look of the Neorest. Some proudly state the toilet is the crown jewel of their bathroom. it’s important to keep in mind that the NEOREST high-quality factors come with a high price. This unit is a fantastic investment piece and the price reflects that.

Overview of  Toilets with a Skirted Trapway

Below are the key differences and similarities of exposed vs concealed trapway to help you decide which is the best choice.

Differences & Similarities	Exposed Trapway	Concealed Trapway
Design	Visible S-shaped pipe from the side	S-shaped pipe and bolts caps tucked away
Ease of cleaning	Relatively hard	Easy and fast
How it looks	Has visible ridges and curves	Smooth and sleek surface
Commonly found in	Standard toilets	Modern toilets
Sizes	1 3/4 – 2 3/8-inches	1 3/4 – 2 3/8-inches
Cost	Relatively cheaper	A little expensive

Design Explained

A concealed trapway is one whose S-shaped pipe is hidden away. Therefore, you cannot see the tube running along the side of your toilet. Overall, a concealed trapway is common in contemporary toilet designs. Unlike the exposed trapway, a concealed trapway has smooth sides at the back of the bowl. So, you should not see any ridges or even the outline of the S-shaped pipe.

Typical Trapway Sizes

According to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), a trapway should not be less than 1 1/2 inches in size. With this in mind, the typical trapway sizes or diameters range between 1 3/4 inches and 2 inches. These sizes enable better flushing and clog-free performance. However, there also exist larger trapways than 2 inches, measuring up to 2 3/8 inches in diameter.

Trapway Issues

A trapway should always have water at the bottom of the toilet. This water helps keep the sewer gasses away from surfacing into your toilet bowl. So, if there is no water inside the trapway, the sewer gasses will eventually escape into your house. As a result, your house will be filled with noxious odors, and the gasses could affect your health. The good news? Fixing this issue is easy, just like fixing a broken toilet chain. You just fill the trap with water. We hope you enjoyed another one of our comparison resource guides to broaden your toilet knowledge.