Toto options for 13.5 rough-in ?

We are replacing a toilet in a 50 year old house. The rough-in is 13.5''. I would like to install a Toto toilet. Are my choices limited? Can I install a one-piece toilet? A local plumber said he would not install one-piece; however, he sounded as if he was against one-piece toilets in general (I wonder, why).
Is there a way one may gain couple of inches in front of the toilet? (The back of my current toilet is 2.5'' from the wall).

Your choice of toilets is wide open. Most toilets are listed as requiring a 12" rough-in and this is likely what you have now. Actual space required is seldom exactly what the rough-in specification is, to my knowledge this space is never more than the spec, but is frequently less, often considerably less. In other words, all 10" and all 12" toilets will install, and many 14" toilets will also. I would suggest a 12". The one piece is a good choice, I have not idea why a plumber would not want to install one for you. Makes zero sense to me. Many folks prefer them because they are easier to clean. I'd find a different plumber.

A one-piece toilet is heavier, and he may not want to lift the thing. Wimp! A two-piece can be installed first by putting just the bowl in, then adding the tank, so you can cut the weight down on the individual pieces that have to be lifted at the same time. No other reason I can think about. A lot of plumbers assemble the toilet first, and set it, so there's no difference.

If you use a stock 12" toilet (or nearly any other 14" toilet), it will stick out into the room the same amount. Totos that uses the Uni-fit adapter is the only one that physically moves the entire (same) toilet back and forth to accommodate 10, 12, or 14" rough-ins. Most 14" toilets just use the same bowl and put a thicker tank on it. Not all Totos use this adapter, but those that do come with a 12" one. You end up thowing that away and buying a 14" one. These models usually have 3/4" clearance behind them, so you'd now only have 1/4" since you are 1/2" shy of the standard 14" rough. To gain room in front, one of those is your best choice. I have a Vespin and a Carlyle in my house.

As a plumber that installs, I prefer installing one-piece toilets.
Much easier, and there is less that can go wrong.
Less repairs needed.
Easier to clean.

Like Jim mentioned, any 12" rough will work with your space,
or pick up a Toto with Unifit and switch for the 14" kit.
That will pull the bowl back closer to the wall.




Toto Vespin II CST474CEFG with SS114 Softclose seat.
This bowl was installed on a 13-1/2" rough-in using the 14" Unifit adapter.
The water shutoff can be as close as 5-1/2" to the left of center, unless it's higher off the floor, and then it can be even closer to center.
This shutoff had been replaced with a new 1/4 turn valve with brass nipple through the wall.
Installation was by James Love of Love Plumbing & Remodel 206-949-5683
In some of the older Seattle homes, the old toilets had been wall mounted tank toilets.
Those typically are 14" rough-in and need a flange repair to use standard closet bolt connections at the flange.
Everything is on the truck for that.
The Vespin comes with a standard 12" adapter or you can order a 10" or 14" adapter depending on your rough-in distance.