Buyer's Guide & Information

Best 10-Inch Rough In Toilets Reviewed

Our reviews cover quality 1 & 2 piece brands, ADA compliancy, dimensions, and installation information to find the right model.

by Caitlin Shaffer

Consider this: a person spends about 3 hours and nine minutes a week on the toilet – this is why it is essential to equip your bathroom with the most comfortable and practical toilets to make the most of the experience.

It is essential to know what can fit in the given space, and for that, you need to know the rough-in measurements, i.e., the distance between the floor bolt and the drain pipe.

Do you have a compact bathroom? Are you looking for the best 10-inch rough-in toilet? This guide will help you find the best out of all the available options.

Preview

Product

Toilet Style & Shape

Water Consumption

Check Price

Kohler KOH3889-0 Highline 1.28 GPF Two-Piece...

Kohler K-3889-0 Highline

2-piece elongated toilet

1.28 (GPF)

Toto CST744EF.10#01 Drake Bathroom-Hardware,...

Toto

CST744EF.10

2-piece elongated toilet

1.28 (GPF)

American Standard Cadet 3 Round Front Flowise...

American Standard Cadet 3

2-piece round toilet

1.28 (GPF)

American Standard 2315228.020 Baby Devoro...

American Standard 2315.228.020

2-piece round toilet

1.28 (GPF)

Drake 2 piece 10 inch rough in

TOTO Drake CST746CEMFG.10#01

2-piece elongated toilet

1.28 and 0.8 GPF

KOHLER 3851-0 Cimarron Comfort Height...

KOHLER

K-3851-0

2-piece round front

1.28 GPF

Swiss Madison SM-1T257 Sublime II Compact 24'...

Swiss Madison SM-1T257

One-piece elongated toilet

0.8 to 1.28 GPF

Why Choose A 10-Inch Rough-In Toilet?

The difference between 10-inch and 12-inch rough-in toilets or even 14-inch toilets is that the former consumes less water – about 1.28 gallons per flush as opposed to 1.6 gallons for the bigger toilets. 

All in all, a 10-inch toilet is compact yet comfortable, can fit any place, and conserves water.


How to find A Quality 10-Inch Rough-In

Size

To know if the 10-inch rough-in toilet dimensions are right for your space, you need to calculate the following:

  • The distance between the back wall and the toilet flange
  • The required clearance from right to left for sinks, shower area, etc.
  • Space at the bowl’s front
  • Coldwater supply attachment

Seat Height

You don't want to buy a toilet too high or too low for you to use comfortably, so select your toilet seat carefully.

Generally, there are two heights to choose from – standard and tall. The standard height is 15 to 16 inches (from seat to floor), plus you can also add two-inch seats that are ideal for tall people and those with disabilities.  

Also, remember to check if your 10-inch rough-in toilet is ADA compliant – this is especially important if you want a fixture that can be used by a person with disabilities.

Toto Toilet

Toilet Style

When deciding whether to buy a 10-inch rough-in one-piece toilet or a two-piece toilet, you should consider the following aspects:

  • Their sleek design, one-piece toilets are visually appealing
  • 10-inch options are easier to clean
  • Two-piece toilets will give you more choices in terms of rough-in, height, and style
  • Shipping two-piece toilets is easier
  • 10-inch rough-in toilets in one piece are designed for comfort, height and can fit compact spaces
  • Two-piece toilets tend to be cheaper

Bowl Type

Installing a 10-inch rough-in toilet round bowl or 10-inch rough-in elongated toilet depends on your need, the size of the bathroom, and the budget at hand.

Elongated toilets are modern designs that are easier to maintain, comfortable, and many of them have a better flushing mechanism. Round toilets can fit well in small spaces and are less expensive than a 10-inch rough-in toilet round bowl.

Water-Saving Features

Flushing the toilet accounts for 31% of overall household water consumption. So not only is this precious resource being wasted, but it also contributes to ever-increasing water bills. This is why you need to ensure that your toilet requires less water to flush away waste.

Typically, a 10-inch rough-in toilet utilizes less than 1.28 GPF – which is often enough to ensure that the bowl is wiped clean within one flush. It is always better to purchase a toilet with adequate certifications from EPA and WaterSense etc. so you can rest assured that the toilet performs efficiently.

Flushing Mechanism

Toilet Fill Valve

Generally, liquid waste requires less pressure to be removed then solid waste – confirm that the chosen toilet doesn't have to be flushed twice or more to get the solid waste to move along. Investing in a 10-inch rough-in toilet dual flush model is a great idea – one flush uses less water for liquid waste, whereas the second one uses more water for solid waste.

Make sure to check out our guide to the best flushing toilets.

Ease Of Installation & Maintenance

The 10-inch rough-in one-piece toilet is easier to install and maintain as opposed to the two-piece option. But any 10-inch toilet is quite easy to install if you have the necessary knowledge – the method is very similar to mounting traditional toilets.

If you want to fit in your 10-inch rough-in toilet without professional help, please ensure that the model you choose has a reputation for ease-of-installation, and it’s easy to work with.

Price & Warranty - Value For Money

The price for 10-inch rough-in toilet models varies depending on their design and features. For instance, a 10-inch rough-in elongated toilet and a 10-inch rough-in one-piece toilet tend to be more expensive compared to their counterparts.

The warranty period also differs from model to model, depending on the manufacturer specifications, but a 1-year warranty is the industry standard.


7 Best 10-inch Rough-In Toilets Reviewed

1. Kohler K-3889-0 Highline

Our Top Pick

Toilet Style & Shape

2-piece elongated toilet

Material

Ceramic; Vitreous China

Dimensions

29-1/2 x 18 x 31-1/4 Inches

Water Consumption

1.28 (GPF)

Flushing System

Gravity Flush

Warranty

1-year limited warranty

After an in-depth analysis of different options available in the market, the Kohler K-3889-0 from the Highline product line seems to be the best in all aspects. The flushing power is excellent, the design has a great look and feel to it, and it is sold at a reasonable price point. This is why it is our top pick, and we can safely assume that it is the best 10-inch toilet you can buy.

If you are looking for a toilet that is comfortable to sit on, the K-3889-0 might be just what you need. We say this because it is an elongated toilet with comfort height seating, to reduce pressure on muscles and joints. The Kohler 10-inch rough-in toilet has a height of 17 to 19’’ instead of the standard 15’’, which makes it an excellent choice for people who have difficulties in sitting or standing up.

The flushing power of this 10-inch toilet is exceptional – a class 5, eco-friendly flush that uses 1.28 gallons per flush.  The best part is, you can have a clean bowl with just one flush. Kohler claims that flushing in this toilet saves 16,500 gallons of water per annum.

We have reviewed more of our favorite Kohler brand toilets in this article.

Pros
  • Beautiful design
  • Comfort seating
  • Haul away all waste in one flush
  • WaterSense certified
Cons
  • Many users did not like the fact that they had to purchase a seat separately

2. Toto CST744EF.10

Best 10-inch Rough-in Elongated Toilet

Toilet Style & Shape

2-piece elongated toilet

Material

Vitreous China

Dimensions

29 x 15 x 17.2 inches

Water Consumption

1.28 (GPF)

Flushing System

Gravity Flush

Warranty

1-year limited warranty

Coming in 2nd in our best 10-inch toilet reviews is the Toto CST744EF.10 from the ever so popular Toto Drake collection. This Toto 10-inch rough-in toilet is equipped with a powerful flushing mechanism that uses a minimal amount of water.

As a 10-inch rough-in elongated toilet, it looks quite sleek with a stylish yet compact look, which also makes it an ideal option for old houses, apartments, shops, etc. with a 10-inch rough-in. The Toto CST744EF.10 is a universal height toilet – making it perfect for both commercial and residential applications.

In addition to children and adults, even people who require assistance can easily use this Toto 10-inch rough-in toilet. This toilet consumes 1.6 gallons per flush of water, which means that your water bills will remain low. All products in the Drake collection are equipped with the GMAX flush technology – flush valve is 1.25% wider, flow is increased via a jet, and the tramway is fully glazed. The resulting flush is powerful yet quiet.

Click here for more options from Toto. 

Pros
  • Low water consumption
  • Gmax flush system for excellent flushing
  • Universal height makes it easy to sit on
  • Looks Great
Cons
  • Some users were not happy about the fact they had to buy a seat separately.

3. American Standard Cadet 3

Best 10-inch Rough-in Toilet Round Bowl

Toilet Style & Shape

2-piece elongated toilet

Material

Vitreous China

Dimensions

26.2 x 17 x 29.1 inches

Water Consumption

1.28 (GPF)

Flushing System

Single Flush

Warranty

Lifetime limited (Chinaware)

5-year limited (mechanical parts)

1-year limited (toilet seat) 

We were amazed to see the many positive reviews for American Standard products, and once we trusted them, we found that all the praises are spot-on. This is why the American Standard Cadet 3 ranks 3rd in our 10-inch rough-in toilet review. The stylish 10-inch rough-in toilet round bowl has a universal height, which makes it ADA compliant; even people with wheelchairs can use it comfortably.

The exterior and interior of the 10-inch rough-in toilet American Standard is made from vitreous china, a material known for its resistance to bacteria and microbes.  Plus, it has the revolutionary EverClean surface technology, which restricts odor-causing agents from growing and keeps the seat sanitary all the time.

Being a 10-inch rough-in toilet round bowl, it can fit in the most compact of places as opposed to elongated variants. The American Standard Cadet 3 has a 3-inch flush valve that is chemical resistant and has high pressure and speed of 1.28 GPF.

In addition to this, it has WaterSense Technology, which keeps water usage at a minimum. The best part is that you do not need to be an expert to install it because of its small size, so even if you hire a plumber, installation costs will not be too high.

Pros
  • Easy to install
  • WaterSense Technology ensures less water consumption
  • Can fit into small spaces
  • ADA compliant
Cons
  • Many users felt that a seat should be included with the product; however, buying it separately doesn’t cost a lot.

4. American Standard 2315.228.020

Best 10-inch Model For Kids

Toilet Style & Shape

2-piece round toilet

Material

Vitreous China

Dimensions

25 x 17.2 x 24 inches

Water Consumption

1.28 (GPF)

Flushing System

Single Flush

Warranty

1-year limited warranty

American Standard has an excellent reputation in the residential and commercial toilet industry for more than 140 years. Their models consume less water and can withstand the heaviest of use. To top it all, their toilets are made with EverGreen surface technology that restricts the growth of mildew, bacteria, and mold to keep the bathroom sanitized for longer.

This is why in our best 10-inch toilet reviews, we included American Standard 2315.228.020 on number 4. The American Standard 2315.228.020, AKA Baby Devoro, is on par with EPA WaterSense benchmarks as it uses 1.28 gallons of water per flush most efficiently.  No need to flush twice or thrice – one flush will remove all the waste. This 10-inch rough-in toilet by American Standard is ADA Compliant, which means it can be safely and comfortably be used by people with disabilities.

The American Standard 2315.228.020 is built from Vitreous China and comes in white color with a fully glazed tramway, so chances of any waste being left behind or staining the bowl are next to none. Due to its compact size, it's the best 10-inch model for kids - especially those who are just learning.

Pros
  • ADA Compliant
  • Evergreen surface technology
  • Perfect for kids
  • Powerful flushing mechanism
Cons
  • Some people complained that they tend to clog quite often

5. TOTO Drake CST746CEMFG.10#01

Best 10-inch Rough-in Toilet Dual Flush

Toilet Style & Shape

2-piece elongated toilet

Material

Vitreous China

Dimensions

27.4 x 17.3 x 30.1 inches

Water Consumption

1.28 and 0.8 GPF

Flushing System

Dual Flush

Warranty

1-year limited warranty

If you are looking for the best 10-inch rough-in toilet with a dual flush, we would like to bring to your attention the TOTO Drake CST746CEMFG.10#01. Its dual flushing ability, impressive design, and enhanced functionality are a few reasons why we included this Toto 10-inch rough-in toilet in our reviews. This toilet will fare well in residential and commercial environments and last for the long-haul.  It features a robust flushing mechanism known as Toto’s Dynamax Tornado Flush, which provides thorough flushing and a 360-degree cleanup.

Plus, the bowl design ensures that water moves smoothly, which why the flush makes a minimal sound. Also, as the 10-inch rough-in toilet has a dual system flush, the water flows at two configurations – 0.8 GPF for smaller cleanups such as liquid waste and 1.28 GPF for tougher jobs such as solid waste. This results in a considerable saving of water, as typically, we produce more liquid waste as opposed to solid waste.

Furthermore, this 10-inch rough-in elongated toilet is layered with Cefiontect, which is a smooth glaze that prevents any waste from sticking to the pot. To top it all, it has Universal height seat, which allows for comfortable sitting, and the TOTO Drake CST746CEMFG.10#01 also meets the CALGreen, EPA WaterSense, and California’s CEC requirements.

Pros
  • Meets CALGreen, EPA WaterSense, and California’s CEC requirements
  • Dual Flush helps in conserving water
  • Great for commercial use
  • Cefiontect glazed
Cons
  • Some users said that it would have been better if a supply line and a toilet seat were included with the product

6. KOHLER K-3851-0

Good Kohler Model

Toilet Style & Shape

2-piece round front

Material

Vitreous China

Dimensions

27.2 x 17.6 x 30.5 inches

Water Consumption

1.28 GPF

Flushing System

Gravity Flush

Warranty

1-year limited warranty

Securing the 6th place in our 10-inch rough-in toilet reviews is another Kohler product – the globally renowned KOHLER K-3851-0 AKA ‘The Cimarron.' This is a fully-functional 2-piece 10-inch rough-in toilet round bowl that can fit small bathrooms with a 10-inch rough-in. So, if you are pressed for space and still want a beautiful bathroom, this toilet should be on your list.

Like many, you may also think that the KOHLER K-3851-0 will not be as comfortable as a 10-inch rough-in elongated toilet, but you could not be more wrong. This Kohler 10-inch rough-in toilet has a comfort height feature, which means that sitting down and standing up is very convenient.

If we talk about water consumption, this 10-inch toilet has a water flow rating of 1.28 GPF, which can save a lot of water compared to a typical 3.5 GPF rated toilet. As a matter of fact, you will be saving about 16,500 gallons of water per annum with the K-3851-0. Despite the low water usage, the flushing power does not get affected. The Cimarron is equipped with Aqua Piston Flush Technology that ensures that each flush is powerful enough to clean any and all waste.

Pros
  • Aqua piston flush technology for powerful flushing
  • Comfort height
  • Canister flush valve easily removes clogs
  • Can be installed in small spaces
Cons
  • Some users were not thrilled about buying a seat separately

7. Swiss Madison SM-1T257

Best 10-inch Rough-in Toilet One Piece

Toilet Style & Shape

One-piece elongated toilet

Material

Porcelain

Dimensions

24 x 13.8 x 28.5 inches

Water Consumption

0.8 to 1.28 GPF

Flushing System

Dual Flush

Warranty

1-year limited warranty

Last but not least, we would like to end our best 10-inch toilet reviews on a high note by introducing you to Swiss Madison Well Made Forever SM-1T257, an exquisitely well-made 10-inch rough-in one-piece toilet. This 10-inch rough-in toilet is designed to perfection as the tank is seamlessly connected to the bowl, which looks beautiful.

Its built quality is also exceptional – it is made from porcelain, which helps it withstand a significant amount of weight for years and years. The SM-1T257 is a one-piece allowing for stress-free maintenance – cleaning one toilet is more comfortable than cleaning and maintaining separate parts of it.

Plus, it has a glazed trap way and a dual flush mechanism with a 0.8 GPF for light flushes and 1.28 GPF for removing solid waste. This ensures that the bowl stays clean and sanitized, plus less water is consumed because, truth be told, we urinate more then we produce solid waste, so we would be using the 0.8 GPF flush more than the 1.28 GPF. Also, as it is a 10-inch rough-in one-piece model, it is much easier to install it in small spaces, and as it is an elongated unit, sitting on it is also quite comfortable.

Pros
  • The soft closing seat does not make a sound while being closed
  • A compact design which allows for easy installation in small spaces
  • Has a quick release lid
  • The Dual flush helps in conserving water
Cons
  • Some users found that it was hard to install, and they had to call in a plumber

How To Measure & Install A 10-Inch Rough-In Toilet

Use a measuring tape to find out the rough-in dimensions – i.e., the distance between the wall behind the toilet and the closed bolts that are meant to hold down the toilet. You will likely have a measurement of 10’’, 12’’, or 14’’; however, if you receive slightly off measurements like 9.5’’ or 10.5’’ round it of the nearest standard, i.e., 10'' in this case.

Watch this video to know how to get exact rough-in measurements.

Once the size is decided, you can begin the installation process. You’ll need tools such as rubber gloves, putty knife, hacksaw, wrenches, old rags, an empty bucket, wax ring, etc.

Here’s a quick run-down of the installation process:

  1. 1
    Disconnect the water supply from your old toilet’s flush
  2. 2
    Flush a few times, to ensure the tank is empty
  3. 3
    Remove the seat cover by unscrewing the bolts
  4. 4
    Remove the old toilet
  5. 5
    Attach the new 10-inch rough-in toilet with the provided bolts and put back the screws
  6. 6
    Connect water supply to ensure the flushing mechanism works
  7. 7
    Run the flush twice or thrice to fill the bowl with water

If you want to fit a 12’’ inch rough-in toilet to a 10’’ space, you can do so by using a 10-inch to 12-inch toilet adapter or offset flange.

Here is a video that gives step by instructions on how to install a new toilet.


10-inch Toilet Cleaning & Maintenance

A toilet can last for decades if it is regularly cleaned and maintained.  As mentioned earlier, a 10-inch rough-in toilet one piece is easier to maintain as opposed to a two-piece variant. Wear a pair of gloves and follow these steps to clean your 10-inch rough-in toilet:

  1. 1
    Wipe every inch of the toilet’s exterior with a sponge moistened with hot water.
  2. 2
    Put a special cleaner designed for toilets or mild soapy water on the inside of the bowl and let it sit for a few minutes
  3. 3
    Use a brush and the water from the bowl to clean the inside.
  4. 4
    Flush the toilet a few times while cleaning
  5. 5
    Use a disinfectant spray to clean the rest of the toilet

Remember, do not use in-tank cleaners like tablets as they tend to corrode the fittings in the tank.


People Also Ask (FAQs)

Do I need to hire a plumber to install a 10-inch rough-in toilet?

Although DIY toilet replacement is possible, it can be a challenge for most house owners because accidents happen. Your best bet is to hire an expert – a one-time cost for guaranteed results.

Can a 10-inch rough-in toilet save space?

The 10-inch rough-in toilet gives 2’’ more space without reducing the comfort as they are placed much closer to the back wall as opposed to 12’’ and 14’’ alternatives.

What’s the difference between 10-inch and 12 inch rough-in toilets?

The difference between 10-inch and 12-inch rough-in toilets is that a 10-inch toilet is mostly seen in old homes as they had a 10’’ rough-in, whereas a 12-inch toilet is the standard size for modern bathrooms.

Where is the best place to find a 10-inch rough-in toilet for sale?

You can find many 10-inch rough-in toilets for sale at home restoration stores, or you can buy them online from authentic retailers such as Amazon and Home Depot. Buying online is not only convenient, but you can find some great bargains.

What are the best rated brands for 10-inch rough-in toilets?

If you are looking for the best 10-inch toilet, consider buying one from brands like Kohler, Toto, American Standard, and Swiss Madison.

How can I improve my toilet flush power?

First, remove the toilet tank cover and take the following steps:

  1. 1
    Use the tank float assembly to adjust the water level.
  2. 2
    Clean the toilet flush holes on the rim of your bowl by using a coat hanger, bobby pin, drill, etc.
  3. 3
    Put a gallon of bleach in the toilet bowl and let it sit for 10 minutes or more than flush it.
  4. 4
    Use a funnel to pour in a bit of white vinegar to the tube inside the toilet tank. Let it sit for two hours or more and then flush it away.

Conclusion

If your current toilet is on borrowed time and has served its purpose, it’s a good idea to upgrade to a newer, better, and more stylish 10-inch rough-in toilet. Remember, before deciding on the right model, it is crucial to measure the rough-in and get a size that precisely fits the space.

We’ve done the dirty work for you and examined the hottest small toilets with a 10-inch rough-in to find the best possible options available in the market today. With a powerful flush mechanism and a comfortable design –  our top pick is Kohler K-3889-0 Highline, which in our humble opinion, is the best 10-inch toilet you can buy!

Caitlin Shaffer has been traveling & working as a content writer & SCUBA dive instructor since 2014. Having lived in Central & South America, Southeast Asia, India, & Australia, Caitlin has had many years of experience with a variety of kitchen, bathroom, plumbing systems & common household products. Other than writing about her plumbing experiences & knowledge, her main passions are yoga, ocean conservation, & sustainable development.

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