Toto Drake toilet product review

[Reader Review]

http://terrylove.com/wc/toto/cst744sl_03_paper.jpg

Terry,
We have two and a half baths in a 17 YO house and were constantly having to look for the plunger. I even had to instruct my family how to shut off the supply lines on the old toilets within 10 seconds of a problem. They all got pretty good at it. I did some internet searches and came across your sight. We wanted the best toilet made.
We bought the Toto Drake in ADA style last fall to try it and see if your readers accounts were true. They were. We since purchased two more Toto Drakes and I don't even know where the plunger is now since we have not used it even once since.
We noticed how quiet these are and how fast the tank refills. We also like the "variable flush" where a quick push of the handle empties liquid waste and holding the handle longer empties solid waste.

Thanks for the web site. http://www.terrylove.com/images/love_logo_16.jpg

K. Womack

Toto Drake Installation instructions (http://www.terrylove.com/forums/showthread.php?t=743)

Drake flushing 800 Grams (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmuzFve6O4k)

How a Toto toilet flushes (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OWMcFuI1gg)

[Reader Review]

Thanks for hosting such an informative website! When our one and only toilet broke a couple of days ago, my first reflex was to run to Home Depot and buy whatever was available. However, my wife suggested I do a little web research to ensure we got a toilet that was the best for our budget. Your information led us to select the Toto Drake, and we are very satisfied. Thanks so much for helping us make an informed decision.

I'd just like to offer another suggestion from my wife: it would be helpful for readers of your website if you could make recordings of the flush and fill sounds of different toilets that could be played as streaming audio. Since noise is a big factor in determining satisfaction with a toilet, being able to hear in advance what one is in for could help consumers make an even better decision.

Thanks again, http://www.terrylove.com/images/love_logo_16.jpg

Scott & Pam

http://terrylove.com/wc/toto/inside_tank_cst744s.jpg


Looking inside the Toto Drake tank.
Lowes and other hardware stores carry the flapper and repair part for the fiill valve.
Repairs when needed are quick and easy. Toto uses a 3" flush valve to quickly move the water through.

[Reader Review]

http://www.terrylove.com/wc/toto/toto_eco_drake_box.jpg

What a sweet toilet for a 1.6 GPF! Thanks for all the great info!
Dr. George H

http://www.terrylove.com/wc/toto/drake_spec_gif.gif

[Reader Review]

The one toilet I got from you would have been somewhere around 2 years ago.
(It’s absolutely wonderful ! I think these should replace ~1,000,000 toilets in the Puget Sound area :) http://www.terrylove.com/images/love_logo_16.jpg
Craig


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmuzFve6O4k

[ddeslaur]

Installed my new Drake yesterday with no problems. Thanks for the great site and recomendation by the way! This is our first Toto and I'm not sure what to expect of the flush. I have not put it to "use" as of yet but am underwhelmed by the flushing action. Water supply is wide open and is 50 psi, trapway is not blocked either. I know this is hard to parlay in writing but what should I expect of the flush? Should I just wait and see how it is in action?

Thanks for any advice,
Doug

[Terry]

You should use it first for a week, and then you will have a better idea.

The Drake does not splash, most of the water action takes place below the water surface.
Put you hand down in the bowl, and you will feel the force of the flush.

How Green Are Low-Flow Toilets? (http://www.stevenkotler.com/node/59)

[ddeslaur]

Thanks for the quick response Terry...I thought I may have been premature...but after install was looking for a big show...lots of noise(whooshing for lack of better term) and splashing. I will see how it works in action and try the hand in the water, doesn't seem to apalling as it is new.


Thanks again,
Doug

[jadnashua]

Engineering works...no high noise levels or splashes...

[Reader Review]

I love this toilet. I got very tired of the stuff going round and round and wondering if it would go down. And now it just burps a little and it's all gone, whoosh. Hardly any sound, very quiet and it refills very quickly. One quick flush rather than two or three. 1.6 instead of 3.5 gallons. I tell the wife, it works so good, I can't wait till I go again just to watch it disappear.
Your report was excellent, thank you for the information that made my decision.
Roger Dowling
Sayreville, NJ

[Reader Review]

Based upon your recommendation, as well as looking at the "MaP Testing of Popular Toilet Models" report. I purchase a Toto Drake to replace my old Mansfield 3 1/2 gallon dinosaur, that should have been sold with a plunger, because you had to hold down the handle when flushing it and use all the water in the tank or it would clog.

I couldn't be happier with the new toilet. It's everything you said it was. It flushes great, is very quiet, and refills quickly. I love the styling of it as well. An unusual thing I have not seen on other toilets is the tank lid is flush with the tank and does not hang over it - giving it a very nice, modern, clean look. In addition, the porcelain on the bowl turns up towards the front of the tank, giving the toilet a one-piece look and making it easier to keep clean. The only negative thing I could say about the toilet is that it could have a little better bowl wash, but I will take flushing power over bowl wash any day. I have a toilet that needs replacing upstairs soon, and I would not hesitate to purchase this model again. http://www.terrylove.com/images/love_logo_16.jpg
Rick

[Reader Review]

Outstanding website! Very helpful and informative.

I followed your advice and bought a Toto Drake (elongated) unit. I am very happy with it. A couple of negatives; No hold-down bolts included. No wax doughnut included; No seat included; None of this was on the boxes. Fortunately, I do a lot of work on the house although I?m not a plumber and I had this stuff ?in stock?. For DIYs, it might mean another trip to the hardware store. It is louder than I expected although not nearly as loud as the contractor special that came with the house. I?m just curious whether the Ultramax would have been a better choice.

I purchased the Drake for about US$ *** including what turned out to be a nice seat ($**). The Ultramax would have been only $35 more and it included a seat. I chose the two-piece Drake partly because it would be easier to lug up the stairs and drop over the hole. I think my next one will be the Ultramax.

Overall, very happy. I?ll be recommending it to my neighbors (Tract subdivision with the same crappy toilets in all (no pun intended J ) ). They will be needing new ones soon.

Thanks again for the great resource. http://www.terrylove.com/images/love_logo_16.jpg

Jeff

Toilets don't come with other parts like wax, closet bolts, supply tubes or seats.
Just as cameras don't come with film and memory cards either.
Terry

[Cass]

Jeff, Just FYI.

Generaly speaking boxes do not state what is not in them, just what is in them. The sales person should have told you what additional parts were needed to install it and recomended a seat.

[Reader Review]

Just replaced two Eljer toilets with the Toto Drake. The Eljer would constantly clog, once resulting in having to remove the toilet to clear and a couple of times I had to use a shop vac to clear. The Drakes work great with little water use. Should have done this years ago. Thanks for your reviews and customer comments. They steered me in the right direction.
M. Walters

[Reader Review]

Drake CST743S
Thanks so much for the toilet! It works like a charm...it's all I can do stop flushing all day. Guess I better get a life.

Monica

[achutch]

I have had my Drake for 9 months, and I couldn't be more pleased with it. Mine is the ADA model, which I prefer because of its extra height. After trying several toilets in my main bathroom, 1.6, 3.5, & 5.0, the Drake does the job far better than any of the others did, and consequently, I no longer think of the 1.6 toilet as an abomination!! I highly recommend the Drake with its G-Max technology to anybody!

Matt

[Reader Review]

The Toto Drake was installed 11/2005 even though the plumber thought it might be hard to get repair parts. Not one clog in 8 months. The American Standard 3.5 gal it replaced would need the plunger at least once a week. We are replacing the other 2 toilets with Toto drakes next week. The plumber is still trying to talk us into the new American Standard toilets, but 8 months trouble free made the choice of Toto the right one for us.
Thanks for the helpful reviews.
Brian in Ohio

[Reader Review]

I had a Gerber low flow toilet installed and it was constantly plugged and overflowing.
(I did not pick the Gerber - the plumber did)
Thanks to your web site, I learned the Toto Drake is the way to go. It is like a
miracle! I had the Gerber only about three weeks
and then my daughter installed the Drake for me. I cannot thank you enough.
C. Gibbons Grants Pass Or

[Mikey]

Installed my mail-order Toto Drake last night and am happy to say it went in well and works as advertised. Elongated, ATA height, Bemis seat all work together to provide a very comfortable ride. Instructions need some editing -- somebody at Toto should sit down with a new toilet and the enclosed instructions and do what he can to make them match up, but an experienced DIYer can make things work.

Only hitch in the installation was one Tapcon that twisted off going into the slab -- I hate those things. With 7 other holes in the flange, it's not a big deal.

[Mike50]

Looks like a sports car, doesnt it? lol

Cant beat the Aquia in all areas imo.

[sanaka]

I feel I should add my kudos for the Toto Drake and this forum.

This forum is where my toilet research ended and I ordered Toto Drakes for my new house. It's not finished, toilets are not installed yet, but I've bought or installed five other ones for other folks' renovations. They are indeed awesome.

The house I'm renovating now had a fancy Kohler low rider one piece thing that probably goes for around $1200. The flush was pathetic. It would take like 35 seconds for the water to slowly rise in the bowl, gently swirl the excrement around and gradually, ever so slowly, swallow it down, as though it were an existential drama performance. I just want it BamDone, and that what the Drake does.

It was quite gratifying to send that $1200 toilet to the landfill and put in a Toto :D

Peace,
Sanaka

http://www.terrylove.com/wc/toto/ss114_02.jpg
Toto Softclose seat

[Mikey]

Landfill? I've been donating all my old but usable house stuff to Habitat for Humanity. They'll either use it, or sell it in one of their retail stores (which, incidentally, aren't bad places to pick up supplies for downscale projects). You could also get a tax break -- especially on a $1200 retail item.

"BamDone" -- I love it. I had heard about the abruptness of it, and how some people have replaced the valve to get a more Kohler-like flush, but didn't really believe it until I saw it. Awesome, indeed. I'm thinking about replacing our guest bath's AS PA Cadet (our "nuclear-powered toilet") with an Aquia, but we're sold on the ADA height, unavailable in the Aquia. Maybe patience will pay off.

Interesting thing about toilet heights. About 20-30 years ago, someone tried to market a toilet about 8" high -- claimed that the "natural" pooping position was the squat, and that his toilet enforced that position. Didn't say anything about how unnatural it was to stand up again and get back into your walker. (I'm not quite there yet, but working on it :( .)

[merckle]

Toto Drake -- fantastic. Don't walk--run out and get one today. Unbeatable performance. 'Nuf said.

Thank you, Terry, for this web site. You provide invaluable information about toilets.

[Reader Review]

love my Toto Drake. Thanks to your website, I listened to your reviewers and opinions and purchased the Toto Drake. As my plumber said, "Flush one second if no paper and two seconds if paper" - says it all to clog free use. Thank you for your wonderful website! God bless.

Violet from Miami

http://www.terrylove.com/wc/toto/toto_eco_drake_box.jpg

[Reader Review]

Thank you for your web site. I think It was very useful in helping us find replacements
for our aging American Standard toilets that with increasing frequency required several
multiple gallon flushes to clear the bowl. Based on consumer feedback from your site, we
went with the Toto Drake, and thus far couldn't be happier. Like many folks who have
given feedback, we were initially wary of the new low volume toilets, but thus far have
been pleasantly surprised by the performance of the Toto Drake. Thanks again for helping
make our decision less arduous.

Raymond
Eugene, Oregon.
September 3, 2006

http://www.terrylove.com/wc/toto/cst744s-11.jpg

[Reader Review]

The Toto Drake is simply the most effectively flushing toilet I have ever seen in my life
(and I'm well into my 70s). It flushes strongly and quickly, and refills quickly. The
noise level is low. It's about a month since we installed it to replace an infuriatingly
ineffective American Standard "power flush" toilet, which frequently clogged up and whose
air-cartridge had had to be replaced, by a plumber, 5 times in 2-1/2 years at a total
cost each time of about $160. We're getting ready to replace the other toilet in house,
an ancient high-water-consumption model, with another Toto Drake.

R. E. Wyllys

[Reader Review]

I was dubious of all the great (for a toilet) reviews; none of my neighbors had anything good to say about their 1.6 gallon unites, to a one, wishing for the return of their old toilets. So when we remodeled our home we felt we had no choice but to put the old (but still performing) toilets back in place. When on vacation, October 2006, the hotel had Toto El Drakes that seemed to do the job well enough and certainly better than what our neighbors led us to believe was possible. Upon return we purchased one Drake with the sana gloss finish with the intention of giving it 30 days of exclusive use, we are so pleased with the overall performance we're replacing the remaining two toilets with the same model and finish.

I could have saved time by believing the reviews but it's that old 'misery loves company' thing I've found myself trapped in too many times.

Thanks

Bob Babigan

[achutch]

In October 2005 based on information from this site and from the Map Report, I purchased a Toto Drake Model CST744SL for my second floor bathroom, the one that gets the most use, and where every toilet that I tried in that spot worked poorly for one reason or another.

So far, the Drake has performed as the "pros" here on this site said it would. It hasn't plugged, and it removes everything each time with no spit backs.

I live here in my condo for about 6.5 months of the year. The remainder of time is spent at my camp. Total savings for one person for 6.5 months was about 7000 gallons of water (and the bills were lowered accordingly).

If the Drake can save 7000 gallons for one person in just over on half year's time, imagine how much water it would save for a family.

I would recommend the Drake to anybody without hesitation.

Thanks!!

Matt (achutch)

[Reader Review]

You replaced some toilets for us at the Roanoke Tavern this summer with Toto Drake toilets. (saving us a substantial amount in our water bills).
Chris

[JaniceC]

Terry, which Toto low-flow model would you recommend for a commercial application-- say, a restaurant restroom that gets a lot of traffic?

Thanks!
Janice

[Terry]

Commercial?
I've been using Drake elongated, Drake ADA elongated, Ultramax, really any of the G-Max models would do.

[JaniceC]

Drake, eh? Okay.
And what sort of commercial places have been installing them? Any restaurants?

I'm asking because I may be able to do a short write-up about one of the Toto toilets in a trade magazine read by people who build and equip restaurants.

Janice

[TPA]

I've seen the Drake installed in quite a few various commercial apps. Office buildings, restaurants, hotels, churches.... If you go to Toto's website, they do have a separate listing of what they consider "commercial-grade" toilets, which isn't every one they make.

[Dunbar Plumbing]

Installed a Toto Drake ADA Comfort height/elongated toilet yesterday.


Customer loves it and knows how to hold down the trip lever to fully evacuate the tank in case of large deposits into the bowl.

[kereynolds]

I just want to "second" all the good comments about the Toto Drake toilets. I put in one a couple of weeks ago and have had zero problems with it. Even DW can't find anything wrong with it. If you are looking for an inexpressive low-flush toilet that really works, then this is an excellet choice.

[jimmyc]

wow. that's awesome you guys are actually talking about those Toto's. My buddy isn't going to believe it.




Home renovations (http://www.myhomeus.com) are easier than you think.

[Saljack439]

I have managed to come to hate my toilets. They almost dared me to use them without plunging or scrubbing; every, single time. Then I decided it was time to move up in the world, so I started studying and learned of Toto toilets. Based on the reports I read on Love's web site, I purchased a Drake. It cost over $400 with the fancy lid and super finish, but I decided to take the "plunge".
It is now installed and functioning without pause. It is quiet, and although I am not certain I have challenged the 900gm limit, it has handled everything I have dumped on it. It has no swirl, so very occasionally it will still require minor brush cleaning, but basically it works as well as I had ever hoped. It was worth the money and the wait!
Jack in Oro Valley

[Reader Review]

Our new TOTO Drake, that looks nothing like a duck, has turned the toilet into an object of wonder and amazement. Why we didn’t convert sooner is beyond me. Thanks a lot.

Moshe and Maleah

[stran]

Well if the prior posts haven't convinced you by now to buy a Drake then this one probably won't but if you are looking for a great toilet get a Drake. We bought an Ultramax from Toto and were so happy we decided to get Drakes for the other two bathrooms becuase they were almost half the price as the Ultramax.

Result? Different toilet, same amazing performance. Buy a Drake, toss away your plunger, simple as that.

As a hint to others we gave away our old toilets through Craigslist in the free section, better than just dumping them in the trash. I almost feel bad about though considering they didn't flush very well but we did mention that up front.

[mshandywoman]

I have been an enthusiastic supporter of Toto toilets (I replaced two UR low-flow toilets with Totos). However, my older Toto (about 5 years) has started making a really LOUD vibrating noise when it is flushed. I'll phone Toto on Monday when their customer service opens, but am dismayed that such a well-designed toilet should have this type of problem.

The installation booklet says chloramine treated water, which our municipality uses, may have negative effects on Toto toilets. Could this be what's causing the problem? Can I fix this problem myself? Why doesn't Toto have information on its website about product problems? HELP!

[GrumpyPlumber]

A new fill valve.

[jadnashua]

You can get a Korky Quietfill valve from Lowes for about $8.47 Takes about 10-minutes to replace. While youare at it, replace the supply hose, too.

Or the $2.47 assembly cap will fix it too.
http://www.terrylove.com/korky/

[rrowan]

Hi Terry,

I just wanted to say Thanks for a wonderful website with great info.

I have been strugling for 2 months now with a A/S Cadet 3 toilet. Last tuesday it stop working and after many attempts to fix it it just would not work. We called a plumber in to check the main drain and he said it was just fine. Wednesday we talked about replacing the Cadet and what to get? After google searching we came across your site.

Thursday morning we returned the Cadet to Lowes and went to a local plumbing supply and purcased the TOTO Drake with the SanaGloss and self closing lid (Wife picked out the gloss and lid options). Anyway no problems for almost a week now which is great for a house (with 3 teenage boys) that was built in the 1950's with no basement.

Thanks again

Rick

[gbuskirk]

The Toto Drake freed me. My fourteen-year old son is mildly autistic, and happens to be able to plug any ordinary toilet. After an overflow incident many years ago, he would not flush the toilet again. I got sick of dealing with his bizness, so reading this forum, I got the idea to replace the toilet with one that could "flush a penguin", and couldn't overflow on an ordinary flush. The Toto Drake. I ordered one online, and it arrived a couple of weeks later. I installed it myself according to the instructions on this website. I had to deal with a broken ABS plastic flange, which I repaired with a ring from Home Depot), but the installation otherwise went smoothly.
I demonstrated the flush action to my son, and he agreed to try taking care of his own stuff. I haven't had to do it since the Toto went in.
In time, two more toilets in the house will be replace with Toto Drakes (Sana-Gloss ADA).
Thanks for the site Terry.

[daveng]

I bought 2 drakes for my home and they certainly are good at flushing, they never once got clogged where my other toilets, gerbers, were always getting clogged. I only issue I've had with them is the link that connects the chain to the flap was always coming off, so I would have to open up the tank and re-attach. This happened to both the toilets, so I'd have to say that this is a flaw in the manufacturing of the toilet.

Korky 3" Replacement flappers for the Drake are carried at Lowes for $9.99

[Mikey]

I just replaced an 11-year-old American Standard Pressure-assisted Cadet with our 2nd Toto Drake. Main reason was that we were getting used to the ADA height on our first Drake, and plopping down on the old standard-height Cadet wasn't fun any more. A few days later we're a very satisfied 2-Drake family. Sold the old Cadet for $10 at a local used building supplies exchange.

The question: as I inspected things prior to installation, I noted that at the trapway exit, there's a deep ridge in the interior of the trapway circumference, about 1/4" above the exit. I'm wondering why this wouldn't be a potential point for a snag and clog to develop? I don't remember seeing this in the first Drake, but then again I didn't look it over very carefully. Seems to me I'd want this to be a smooth surface to encourage the waste on its way.

[dtinEnid]

I have been using the Drake Elongated ADA for several months. Yes, it flushes like a champ, is difficult to plug (happened once...), and refills quickly.:) Solid waste DOES leave its mark, though. Another flush doesn't wash it away and it usually needs brushed.:(

Do any of the other models clean better while keeping the famous flush?

PS The flush is noisy but may be due to a 3" drain under the toilet that isn't vented well. :confused:

[Mikey]

I've had one clog requiring mechanical assistance to clear, and one "stall" of a hot-dog (with bun) - sized poop, which cleared on its own, in the late part of the flush. Still, it beats the record of any other low-flow toilet I've ever had (except for the PA models). Flush is noisy, but only the final "glurp" as the trap clears. No problems with smears or marking. One frustration is the shape of the bowl makes it look dirty, even though it's clean, especially around the waterline. I think it's a light-and-shadow thing.

[Terry]

We have plenty of TOTO Aquia toilets for the Seattle area now.
We just picked up 40 of them.
11/6/2007

[Notahandyman]

Hi Terry,

I'm hoping I can get some immediate help here & have forgotten how to post a new question in the forum!

I'm ready for the Toto Drake toilet...I've been waiting on the contractor doing our bathroom remodel & there's seemingly a hitch.

The recommended distance from the floor to the water supply line on the toilet is 8 inches. We only have 4''. I just read at another website of a fellow that had this problem & the plumber didn't pay any attention & he ended up having to tear the wall out & re-do everything.

I don't want a make-do situation with the plumber, I want it done properly, but I really don't want to have to tear the wall out either!

Can you offer me any advice on this?

Thanks,
Notahandyman

[Terry]

With the Toto Drake and the Ultramax, the water supply can be 3" to the left of center.

The Vespin and Carlyle need 7" to the left of center for the water supply

The Gunivere and the Soiree can be 5-1/2" to the left of center.

[skhndrsn]

We needed an ADA (comfort height) toilet on short notice for a family member when a flare in her rheumatoid arthritis made the standard height impossible to use. I called a local plumbing company and let them talk me into the Kohler Cimarron they had in stock to install that day. BIG MISTAKE! I knew from reading the forums that the Cimarron had bowl wash quirks, but this was horrible, unless I was willing to clean after every use (and I was SO not). And I could smell it. Immediately. Ugh. Called them back and found out they could have gotten me the Toto Drake I asked for in 24 hours, which is what they did after I insisted. What an improvement! Flushes everything, a snap to install, and no odd smells. As to cleaning, it needs no more than our old water hogs needed. For anyone with handicapped or otherwise weakened family members, both of these new low-flow toilets were too stiff for our family member to flush. We installed a foot pedal ($30. Foot Flush), which worked great but eventually caused knee problems on the flushing leg. We then went to a wireless automatic flusher (Auto-Flush for tank toilets $144.) It's just super. Anyone with kids or with toilet-trained cats will like this option too. Very easy install and wonderful hands-free flushing on our Toto Drake. We're planning to install Totos in the rest of the house. Couldn't be more pleased.

[Terry]

All toilets have rim wash.
If a bowl has the siphon jet, then most of the water for the flush goes through the low part of the bowl, but there are always holes punched around the rim for bowl rinse.

Some comments about bowl wash, are mainly if you are comparing a post 1992 toilet to a pre 1992 toilet.
It has been 16 years since you could buy a 3.5 bowl, and even longer than that for the 5.0 bowls.
When someone replaces an old bowl made before 1992 with a new bowl, then yes, they notice more bowl surface exposed, and less water to rinse.
That is true for all brands.
Of the new toilets reviewed, the Toto Drake flushes well, and has a 360 around the bowl rinse.
It is the top seller I have.

Drake Pepper Test (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ue29_JCyGaQ)

http://www.terrylove.com/wc/toto/toto_eco_drake_box.jpg

[jim nelson]

This is not a reply but a question-I am not a plumber-and until yesterday I had never heard of "toto drake". It seems however in the little research I've done since then, to be the best toilet made. Do you recommend one over the other. We have a 1200 square foot house-3 bedroom-2 bath and most days-it's just me & my wife. Recently had toilet checked by a plumbing company who said everything is working fine-my toilet just "sucks". My word there not theirs. It is working properly but that is not good! He recommended the "toto drake and gave me an installed price of $587 out the door. Do you agree with his recommendation and does the price seem fair? Thanks for any advice you have the time to give-jim

[Terry]

The Drake is one of the best that I sell.
Pricing depends somewhat on area.
If you were in the Seattle area, my pricing would look like this.
I also have will-call in Anchorage AK, Wasilla AK, Mount Vernon NY, and Claremont CA

http://www.easycarts.net/ecarts/terrylove/Toto_Toilets.html#CST744S

[suceress]

Hi,
I have a few questions about this toilet. I am thinking of getting two to replace the 30-year-old ones in a couple of my bathrooms. I know that this toilet has a 12" rough-in, but will it work with a 10" rough-in? Or is there any way to make it work with only 10" without having to tear out the wall? It is extremely difficult to get a plumber out here now that our original one has gone blind and become ill.

Also, is the SanaGloss resistant to mineral deposits that are actually in the water? I have a well and pump system and the water has always come out slightly discolored. It leaves horrible red stains on everything. We've tried every septic-safe cleaning product we could find, but nothing has worked (the stains were already there when we moved in).

I would really appreciate a response. We are hoping to get new toilets by this Friday and need to know asap.
Thanks in advance.

[Terry]

You need at least 11-1/8" from the back wall to the center of the drain.
If you have less than this, you can try the Toto Vespin with the optional 10" Unifit (http://www.terrylove.com/wc/unifit.htm), this lets you have a rough-in of 9-1/4" or more.

The Vespin has a coating of Sanagloss in the bowl, which is better with bad water. CST764SG

The Drake can also be ordered with Sanagloss, model CST744SG

[Reader Review]

I purchased two Toto Drake toilets about a month ago. I never thought I would rave about something as mundane as a toilet. But this one really works and it stays clean, cleaner than any toilet I ever used. Naturally, I ordered it with the special coating. Not once has either toilet required the use of a plunger or a toilet bowl brush and
they flush quietly and quickly without leaving anything in the bowl. I love Terry's sight for steering me in the right direction. When my other two toilets are ready for replacement I will certainly order two more Totos without hesitation. My plumber had recommended a Kohler toilet, but after I did my research I thought I should go with a Toto. When the plumber came back to install it, he said they are the best toilets he has ever installed and only recommended Kohler because most people never heard of Toto and are reluctant to purchase a brand they don't know. Well, I'm spreading the word. This is one toilet that deserves its reputation.

Harriet, Indiana March 13, 2008

[suceress]

You need at least 11-1/8" from the back wall to the center of the drain.
If you have less than this, you can try the Toto Vespin with the optional 10" Unifit, this lets you have a rough-in of 9-1/4" or more.

The Vespin has a coating of Sanagloss in the bowl, which is better with bad water. CST764SG

The Drake can also be ordered with Sanagloss, model CST744SG

Ohhh! It's to the CENTER of the pipe! I thought it was from the wall to the beginning of the pipe. It is about 12" from the wall to the center. That should make the Drake fit in well. I had already ruled out the Vespin because of the reported difficulty to install in small spaces. We are installing the toilets ourselves. We are having to replace the subflooring due to water damage. Is there something we should put on the floor or underneath to protect it from moisture (we will put flooring over it, but want it to be water resistant just in case).
Do you know of any cleaners that are good to use on the SanaGloss finish that won't damage it and that won't harm septic tanks?

Thank you very much!

PS. I was watching a program on the history of bathrooms on the History Channel and it mentioned Toto as the best quality producer of toilets. I think the model they were showing was the Ultramax.

[Redwood]

Imagine that... Toto has earned a spot in toilet history!:D

The sketch below shows rough in dimension.

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f2/Redwood39/toiletroughin.jpg

[jadnashua]

I've installed several Toto's with the Unifit adapter (http://www.terrylove.com/wc/unifit.htm). It isn't really a big deal. Yes, you do have to drill a few holes, and if it is into tile, you need the right bit, but shouldn't be a major deciding factor. I have both a Vespin and a Carlyle in my condo...both work well. I wanted a color for the one, so I chose the Vespin which was a little less, but used white with the Carlyle. The one-piece has fewer places for dirt to hide. The plastic inserts Toto (at least used to) supplies for the Unifit seem to be designed for a metric hole...the nearest US equivalent fractional bit is a little small making it hard to get them in a tight hole. You can do it, but I found it easier to just buy some inserts designed for the fractional drill bit I had. If it was vinyl and a wood subfloor, it wouldn't matter, but in a hard tile, it is. This was several years ago, maybe they've updated what they supply. A small nit.

[suceress]

Ok,

I got 2 of the Drake toilets but am having a bit of a problem with the install. The biggest problem is that we had to replace the floor. The old was too rotted and the plumbing assembly for it came apart so we couldn't see how it went. It was so old I don't think it was much like the new setup. We were told to put in a toilet flange thingy that looks like it can twist to fit. But we're not sure how it is supposed to fit. Is the flange supposed to be set into the floor or is it supposed to just sit on top of it?

Another issue is the Johnny Bolts the Toto dealership place sold us: we can't figure out who they are supposed to fit. They have an eliptical shape rather than rounded and won't fit into the slots of the flange. They also don't have any holes with which to screw them down. I guess they have to be fingertightened. They came with some weird plastic thingies that I assume are like washers, but the bag didn't come with any indication of how they are supposed to fit.

I can take pictures or draw diagrams if necessary to make this more clear. I'm just stuck right now and can't figure out what to do. We called for a plumber but he's not currently available. :-(

I would really appreciate any info. Pictures or diagrams would also be great.

[jadnashua]

The lip of the flange is designed to sit on top of the finished floor and be attached through the finished floor into the subflooring. A twist-and-set toilet flange has an expandable gasket that creates the seal to the drain pipe. Depending on the one you have, it may have screw slots to tighten it or may require an allen wrench. There are usually either T-shaped slots that come in from the edges, or keyhole shaped slots that allow you to put the bowl anchor bolts through the large part, then slide it so it is captured by the large head of the bolt in the smaller slot of the keyhole.

A picture of what you have would make it easier to be more specific. Whichever way the toilet anchor bolts go, they should be parallel to the rear wall (so the bolts can fit either side of the toilet base).

[suceress]

Thanks!

That info helped a lot. It's an adjustable flange and we made sure to measure and mark so that the bolts would come through at the right spots. We have the toilet installed. For some reason the bolts that came with it are too long, so we have to trim them a bit to fit the caps.

Btw, is it bad if the wax started coming out through the bolt holes after we put the toilet down? Or does that just mean that it is sealed down tightly?

[jadnashua]

That's normal...nothing to worry about.

[suceress]

Thanks.
Btw, are the bolts that go under the flange up into the toilet to hold the toilet on supposed to go through the floor as well? Or are they supposed to sit between the flange and the floor?

I hope it's installed correctly. So far it's working perfectly.

Also, will the blue cleaning stuff mess up the SanaGloss finish? I told my father not to put it in because I was worried it might stain the toilet (at least until I can find out more info on it).

[jadnashua]

The bolts fit in slots in the flange, they do not go into the floor (although in a pinch, it sometimes gets done that way).

The junk you put into the toilet tank will ruin the rubber and plastic parts of ANY toilet. Do not use them. As to a cleaner to use on SanaGloss, as long as it isn't abrasive, it's probably okay. Terry suggested that Clorox cleaner with Teflon works well.

[Redwood]

Also, will the blue cleaning stuff mess up the SanaGloss finish? I told my father not to put it in because I was worried it might stain the toilet (at least until I can find out more info on it).

The blue glop has ruined many a toilet by plugging up the internal water passages slowing the transfer of water from the tank to the bowl.

I believe almost every toilet manufacturer has a policy of voiding the guarantee on a new toilet if "intank bowl cleaners" are used. Many are just strong amounts of chlorine that will destroy the rubber parts used in a toilet.

There are several bowl cleaning devices such as the "Fluidmaster Flush and Sparkle" that are installed in the tube between the fill valve and the overflow tube. These devices will bypass all rubber parts in the toilet and deposit the bowl cleaning solution directly into the bowl. I do not know the manufacturers stance on these devices but they should be okay as they will bypass all the rubber parts that may be damaged.

[noeffort]

Installed the drake (elongated, sanigloss, softseat) last week.
Everyone in the family took it for a "test drive" and it passed with flying colors! Everyone is impressed with it. Amazing, from flush to refill is only about 25 seconds,
on other long refill time toilets, who likes to listen to the toilet running on those nightime runs!

Incredible that so little water can move so much.
Wasn't sure about the softseat, but since installing it and using it, very comfortable and functional.

THANK YOU TERRY for posting this forum, without the knowledge gained from this site, I still would be "plunging" away.

I just ordered another Toto, this time I went with the Ultramax elongated with sanigloss finish.

Hope the Ultramax works out as well as the drake. The ultramax will be going in our bathroom that gets the most use.

If I was in Terry's area, I would of purchased from him along with the installation.
Thanks again!!!!

[washogskinz]

Our family has been suffering since 1994 with our homes original toilets. After plunging all three of them at the same time one day, I went and found a Cotton White TOTO, still in the original boxes. After an hours drive, I met the guy who had bought 3 of them but this one didn't match their decor and it cost too much to send it back. I bought it as fast as humanly possible and now everybody uses our master bathroom where the TOTO is! As soon as I save up enough money, I'll replace the two off white ones too. It hasn't clogged up yet after a month.:)

[AstroProf]

Greetings,

After reading the descriptions on this forum, I was all set to order a Toto
Drake. However, I talked to a plumber, and he said he had a concern
about that particular model. He said there was a bolt running through
the tank, and he thought adding an extra hole in the tank was just asking
for having more leaks.

So I thought I would ask here, since no one seems to have mentioned this
before. Is there an unnecessary bolt through the Drake tank? Is the Drake
more prone to leaks? Or is this plumber's concern unfounded?

Thank you for a very helpful site, and thanks in advance for any comments
you might have.

[Mikey]

Sounds like he's trying to sell you a one-piece toilet. As far as I know, all two-piece toilets use bolts of some kind to hold the two pieces (tank and bowl) together. The one-piece toilets are usually more expensive, but do have some advantages (and disadvantages), which I'm sure some of the real plumbers can comment on.

[batteries]

I bought the TOTO, Elongated DrakeT Two Piece Toilet, 1.6 GPF - ADA -
MODEL #: CST744SL
I hope to never buy another toilet, ever, again. Because I dont need to. It really is a no problem toilet. Can you imagine not having to plunge again? The only problem is my excitement about a toilet. My family is tired of hearing me talk about how great this thing is. I hired a local licensed plumber who has about 30 years experience and had it installed.

whoopee

[jmforem]

OK, I am convinced I need a Drake. But which one? Round bowl or elongated? Standard Drake or "ECO" Drake? Sanagloss or not?

Any recommendations?

[jadnashua]

Unless you are a family of short people, the ADA height is nice. Standard toilets are lower than a chair, and ADA one is still shorter than an average chair, but that extra little bit does make it easier.

SanaGlos is a proprietary glaze that does make the toilet easier to keep clean and provides some anti-bacterial action...it's a nice addition, but not essenial. You can read the details on www.totousa.com (http://www.totousa.com/) site. There are other companies that make similar glazes, and it is very common I'm told in Japan and Germany. Can't verify that personally. I know Duravit has a similar thing.

Commercial toilets are required to be elongated, in the US anyways. For everyone, having a little more room at front makes it easier and cleaner to do your business with less likelyhood of rubbing against the porcelain.

[mapetrone]

Upgraded from a 5 gallon 1965 American Standard toilet to the above Eco Drake Sanagloss and have no regrets. My wife was a little scared that there would stains and clogs, especially with the 1.28 gal flush, but NO! Works perfectly. It is now the primary toilet in the house. :cool:

I heard from the plumbing specialty shop that Toto is going to stop making the regular Drake and just Eco Drake in the next few months. Just FYI, if you want a little more bowl wash you might want to get a few now. I have yet to find that the bowl wash is a problem in the Eco model.

Oh, the Non-ADA is higher than the old standard 1965 toilet by 2 inches, so for us little people it works great.:p

Thanks for an amesome website. I'll have to tell my friends that get stationed out by Terry to give him some business.

Matt

[PaulZ]

I recently had to replace an old toilet that just wasn't performing (solid waste just wasn't making it down). I initially purchased a kohler cimarron but after reading more and more, primarily this site, I took it back (prior to installing it), bought the Toto Drake and installed it.
All I can say is, "thank you." This toliet performs. Upon the first flush, I wasn't so sure it could do the job. But during the real tests, it's doing the job and has yet to clog or fail to get solids down.

Thanks again!!
Paul

[AstroProf]

Hi,

I posted a while back about the possibility of leaky Drakes. Well, we went
ahead and bought two, and while we like the overall functioning of the devices,
we are having *serious* problems with leaks. Both of them leaked at first;
we called the plumber back and he replaced the washers. The secondary
toilet has not leaked since, but the primary toilet started leaking again.
He tried again to fix it, and it started leaking again. We had the tank replaced
and it was fine for a few days, then started leaking again. The plumber
tried again yesterday, and today it started leaking again. We are at the
point of trying to return this and get a Cimmeron or something, but I thought
I would ask here if anyone has had this trouble or if there is something
we can do about it. We're going to try using our secondary toilet as the
primary for a while, to see if it's *using* it that makes it leak.

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

PS Oh, I thought I should add: the leak seems to be coming from the right
bolt (as you face the toilet), and it's consistently from the same spot, throughout
this whole process.

For Installation Instructions (http://www.terrylove.com/forums/showthread.php?t=743)

[jadnashua]

The important thing in the instructions for you is: take a piece of sandpaper and smooth the area around the bolt hole in the tank. Takes all of about 10-seconds. Then, install the bolts and washers as indicated.

[mapetrone]

If you are really worried about leaks I would upgrade to a one piece.

It is a bit tricky to read the entire instructions before assembly. The directions are straight forward, I just couldn't find them when I installed the toilet because they were on the bottom of the Tank box. (My wife laughed at me while it was leaking because I didn't read the instructions, so I made her help me take it apart and redo it.) You have to finger tighten the first bolt and then turn 1/2 or 3/4 then slowly tighten the bolt again on top of the bowl. Just read the directions or have the plumber read them.

My dad is a general contractor and I called him when I did not find the directions. He told me just tighten everything together, well that is when it still leaked. So when I was taking everything apart my wife found the directions and we followed them. No problems since.

The downstairs toilet is older 6 gallon flush and it didn't care how you put it together when I replaced the washers. The toto is pretty specific. Just get a one piece and be done with it.

Good Luck,
Matt

[Reader Review]

want to thank you for your help recommending the TOTO Drake. I just installed one and it works great. I really appreciate your website and your help locating a dealer local to Colorado.

S. Cox

[titan77]

The Drake is the best. I have (3) with sanagloss in my home. Nothing beats the flush!

[Gnarfledonk]

I just picked up a round Drake CST743 1.6 liter toilet based on the great reviews I found here. I had to go with the round version since the bathroom is a bit too small for the elongated bowl. Installation had just one slight problem: Just in front of the drain outlet there is an area that is slightly too low to fit above the ABS flange. This left the toilet resting on the flange at this point and thus rocking between the forward and rear supports. I checked and my floor is level and flat with the flange installed on top of the existing seamless vinyl.

With the toilet upside-down, I used a piece of wood the same height as the flange to compare to the spacing between the raised area and the plane formed by all the weight-bearing ridges, the outlet edges, and the outer skirt edges. Resting the wood piece on the raised area, it stuck up about 1/16" above all the other points.

So I had to shim the weight-bearing ridges up that high to get a good solid mounting. I used some of the blue plastic plates that are sold as electrical box covers at Lowes and HD. I made a paper pattern of the bottom of the toilet and marked the location of the four weight-bearing ridges. Then I used the pattern to screw the plastic plates down to the floor in the right places. The result is a flawless solid mounting with no rocking at all.

This toilet is terrific! I am really impressed and so is my wife. The most amazing thing is the super fast flush. It takes less than two seconds and EVERYTHING is gone! It is a wonderful improvement over the old 1990's toilet it replaced. That one reached the point it would slowly fill up, swirl around for a while, and then just stop without ever getting enough water in the bowl to flush.

[brucedelaplain]

... Solid waste DOES leave its mark, though. Another flush doesn't wash it away and it usually needs brushed.:(

Do any of the other models clean better while keeping the famous flush?


Yeah, that's a big problem. That's the reason I'm on this forum now -- wanted to see if anyone else has it. Your post is the only one I've found that mentions it.

I called Toto and they told me to flush the toilet before using it -- to wet the bowl. I will try that. When I asked if this was a problem with every 1.6 gal. toilet, he said yes.

I hate to think that I'll want to leave instructions for guests on how to use the toilet. But that may be better than one guest finding a leftover from a previous guest.

[Mikey]

I think I've seen maybe 2 or 3 "skid marks" in the 3 years we've had our Drakes. Maybe we a) have a different diet or b) aim better :D?

As an aside, I see bowl brushes beside/behind many residential toilets, and most commercial toilets these days, so I think most people understand the problem, and probably don't need a lot of instruction.

[Peanut9199]

Maybe we a) have a different diet or b) aim better

Might seem funny but it is true for most 1.6 toilets.
(a) Have had a few customers complain and it came back they had medical conditions that produced hard stools.

(b) Have had a customer because of height of the bowl had to sit closer to the front and stools would not hit the water mark.

[achutch]

October 22, 2008 marks the 3 year "service anniversary" of my Toto Drake, the Comfort Height model.

It was installed in the main bathroom to replace a Kohler Cimarron that didn't rinse.

The water is from a regional system that serves many of the towns in the Burlington Vermont area. That system uses chloramine rather than chlorine as part of its treatment.

To date, the Drake has never clogged, flushes everything every time, and the original flapper and Korky Quiet Fill (http://www.terrylove.com/korky/)have so far withstood the chloramine in the water.

It has also significantly lowered my water bill, even though the rates have risen.

Would I recommend this toilet? The answer is YES!

achutch

[dbjannapolis]

Hi folks, had to finally replace my 50 year old American Standard and w/o doing any research (and being on the spot) my plumber recommended the Kohler Wellworth elongated. It clogged on the first use and took days of trying different things to finally clear. I then ran across this site and read as much as possible for several days (thank you for being here). The plumber then said he would replace my Wellworth with a new Kohler Cimarron. I said no thanks, get me a Toto Drake.

The new toilet was installed this week and it has been excellent. Everything flushes completely! I have had no problem with leaking, no problem with skid marks (there seems to be plenty of bowl wash), and it is not noisy to me at all. I could not be more satsfied. The owner comments on this site really helped me make the right selection...finally. I wish I had searched for information before buying the first toilet.

David

[Ottawan]

love my Toto Drake. Thanks to your website, I listened to your reviewers and opinions and purchased the Toto Drake. As my plumber said, "Flush one second if no paper and two seconds if paper" - says it all to clog free use. Thank you for your wonderful website! God bless.

Violet from Miami

http://www.terrylove.com/wc/toto/toto_eco_drake_box.jpg

Do you actually have to hold the handle down depending on what kind of job the toilet has to handle?

[Ottawan]

Do you actually have to hold the handle down depending on what kind of job the toilet has to handle?

I should have added that I am having Toto Drake toilets installed as I write this message and the plumber seems to think that he may have to adjust the chain because the flap does not stay up, as it does with traditional toilets, to let all the water drain from the tank. Is this normal for the Drake? Should one have to hold the handle down for a second? Or is it the case that not all of the water in the tank normally drains out during a flush?

[Redwood]

I should have added that I am having Toto Drake toilets installed as I write this message and the plumber seems to think that he may have to adjust the chain because the flap does not stay up, as it does with traditional toilets, to let all the water drain from the tank. Is this normal for the Drake? Should one have to hold the handle down for a second? Or is it the case that not all of the water in the tank normally drains out during a flush?

No, it is not necessary to hold the handle.
The water delivery from the tank to the bowl is so efficient that it is different from most toilets.
The transfer takes place in a blink of an eye and that is one of the things gives the Toto Drake its slammin flush...
The Trapway out of the toilet is engineered to give the most rapid possible transfer of the waste in the bowl to the waste pipe also.

Just drop a big one in there and hit the handle. The toilet will do it's job! The first time everytime!

[Peanut9199]

With low flush toilets not all the water needs to drain from the tank it usually is half.

[Reader Review]

Terry,
Thanks very much. Here's a little feedback on the whole affair for what it's worth...
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Your crew was great in answering all my questions along the way. We knew we wanted to spring for a Toto Drake instead of any old cheap toilet, but we were short on cash, so I opted to do the install myself. I'm always overly cautious and not entirely confident in my skills when it comes to anything in the realm of home maintenance.
Usually a trip to a Home Depot or a Lowes leaves me with a sour taste in my mouth as the staff seems less interested in or tolerant of someone with less of a grasp of the proper skills or terminology. Not so with you guys. I was treated with respect and given easy to understand information and advice, and I can't begin to tell you how appreciated that was. At times, customer service seems like a dying art form, but your crew proved that it's alive and well.
PRODUCT
Our old toilet never did the job properly ... sometimes it took up to
3 flushes to clear. After it actually achieved flush it took a good 2 minutes to refill the tank, but 75% of the time that required jiggling the handle once ... maybe twice ... sometimes 3 times. Before I replaced it, the tank lid was split in two ... a direct result of my ongoing frustrations with suffering through using that ridiculous toilet every day.
We love our new Toto Drake. It takes 20 seconds from depressing the flush handle until the thing is refilled. The flush is amazingly quiet. As odd as it may sound to say, getting this new toilet just took my daily stress level down quite a few notches.
Thanks for the informative (and entertaining) web site, your GREAT well-informed crew, fantastic customer service....
Matt

[gardner]

I read this thread about installing a Toto Drake on a thick ABS flange...


I just picked up a round Drake CST743 1.6 liter toilet based on the great reviews I found here.


Just in front of the drain outlet there is an area that is slightly too low to fit above the ABS flange. This left the toilet resting on the flange at this point


So I had to shim the weight-bearing ridges up that high to get a good solid mounting.

I'm worried now, as I have a thick ABS flange set on top of a finished porcelain tile floor. I'll have to check with my depth gauge when I have a chance (not at home now) but I'll bet it is 5/16th (8mm) thick.

Am I also going to have trouble with fitting the horn of a drake over this flange?

Is this something that happens with toilets? I mean I have a perfectly fine flange that I bought from a good plumbing supply just a few weeks ago, installed, according to the best practices I can find, screwed down to the top of the finished floor.

I'll be bummed if this winds up limiting the choices of toilet I have or causes some install nightmare.

Gnarfledonk, if that is your name :), I don't suppose you have any pictures of the offending part of the base? Any thoughs of whether it was a manufacturing defect? Would a touch with a diamond wheel have cleaned it up to fit properly?

[planetiowa]

I had been led to believe the Toto would solve my toilet problems. It solved one, while creating others. The toilet flushes well. But, it doesn't have enough force to dislodge spatter above the water line. I didn't even think water cascaded down the inside until the factory had me put my hand in there. Yuck. The customer service rep suggested I preflush to moisten the inside of the toilet. Of course, if that is done, not much water is being saved. I haven't tried it, and I doubt it works. I'm still looking for a toilet which will shoot some water down the sides. Otherwise, I sometimes have to clean it with a brush. Ridiculous.



All toilets since 1992, that is now sixteen years, use 1.6 gallons or less.
Maybe you should look at a toilet that has been taken out of someone's home.
There is only so much you can do with 1.6 gallons.
The current reviews are for new toilets.
I don't have ratings on antiques, Terry

[Probedude]

I'm am going to get one of these, but don't know if the price difference is worth it.

Eco Drake EL 600 map
Eco Drake EL ADA 900 map

I keep reading about people getting the 1.6 gpf Drake, but my water company has a healthy rebate on a 1.28 GPF model.

Will I miss the 300 difference in map if I don't get the ADA model? The ADA model is ~$90 more in price. This is going in my daughter's bathroom (she's 9) so the ADA height may actually be a negative.

TIA,
Dave

http://www.terrylove.com/wc/toto/drake_spec_gif.gif

[Terry]

http://www.terrylove.com/wc/toto/toto_eco_drake_box.jpg

I have the standard height EcoDrake with 1.28 gallon tank installed, it works fine.

[jadnashua]

A pound is approximately 454g...think four sticks of butter end-to-end. More than most people ever dump. The extra on the ADA height is essentially because of that extra height...the water has further to fall and takes more with it. For most people anything over 500g is more than enough. For a young girl, the ADA height might be uncomfortable, but is the same height most public restrooms are set at. And, she might be on the basketball team before she leaves the house...so, it's your call.

[Probedude]

A pound is approximately 454g...think four sticks of butter end-to-end. More than most people ever dump. The extra on the ADA height is essentially because of that extra height...the water has further to fall and takes more with it. For most people anything over 500g is more than enough. For a young girl, the ADA height might be uncomfortable, but is the same height most public restrooms are set at. And, she might be on the basketball team before she leaves the house...so, it's your call.

Thanks to both of you. Looks like the Eco Drake EL non-ADA will be do the job.

[Redwood]

Truth be told the 900 gram flush is overkill!

[ZaneLockhart]

I don't usually take the time to post product reviews, but I have been so impressed with my Toto Drake (elongated) toilets that I just wanted to add my two cents. I purchased two Toto Drake toilets about 3 months ago. I started by going to Home Depot and Lowes and was looking at top of the line models because I was tired of plunging and wasting water with two-three flushes. Silly me, I thought all high-end toilets would work about the same, but decided to research a bit online before making a final decision. Found Terry Loves website and was impressed by all the information along with consumer reviews. I also found out that all manufactures are not of the same quality.

I had never heard of the Toto brand before and it was not sold in the home center stores. But based on what I had learned, Toto seemed to be one of the top performers, so I thought I would take a chance. I went to a local distributer to see the Toto brands up close and personal. The sales people said it was their most popular brand and they had hardly any complaints after installation.

I typically do most things around the house myself, but decided to use a real plumber to install the Toto's. Again, glad I did. He installed both in about 3 hours and hauled off the old commodes. I have not had a clog since installing them. (By the way Terry - I use the Charmin 2-ply!) The flush may not seem that strong, but it sure works as well as everyone says. Not only does it only use 1.6 gpf, but with my old toilets often having to flush at least twice, I'm saving at least 5 gallons or more water per use. These Toto's will pay for themselves. I splurged and added the soft close lids. They were a little more expensive but they work as advertised and close without a sound. They make a interesting conversation piece after guests use them too.

The only small negative I might have with the Totos is that unlike my previous toilets, the Totos do not fit flush to the wall. There is about a 1-2" gap. I was not expecting this, but when I checked the Toto drawing, it shows the gap. They are designed like this so it was my oversight. However, I now have a large unpainted wall section where the old commode used to be and it is going to be a pain to paint behind that small gap. Had I caught this design issue, I would have painted the wall prior to installation.

The bottom line though, is that I give my two Toto Drakes a "10" rating for performance, looks, & efficiency; and that's what really counts in my book.
http://www.terrylove.com/wc/toto/toto_eco_drake_box.jpg
Drake 800 grams by Veritech Video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmuzFve6O4k)

[Redwood]

They do make a small diameter paint roller that should be able to get in there and cover it. I usually mention this in advance to my customers and give them a chance to touch up if they have painting supplies available or can get them quickly. I usually pull the old toilet first then go assemble it while the clean and paint the wall.

[wanderso97140]

I decided to purchase the drake eco model (1.28 gal per flush). Installation was straightforward and I have been pleased with the results. One drawback I've noted however is that the new tank sweats. (Our older 1992 model toilet did not).

The bowl was item C743E.

Are others experiencing any tank sweat with this model? Perhaps my old toilet was an insulated model, but I don't believe so; I think it is more of an issue of less of the water being cleared from the tank, thus the water was warmer.

I'd prefer not to install one of those styrofoam anti-sweat kits (I own one from another house that exhibited this problem).

Is there a Drake tank model that is insulated?

[Terry]

Is there a Drake tank model that is insulated?
The Eco tank only lets out a little bit of water.
If you are "draining" the tank, you must be holding the handle down.

Try just pushing and letting go of the trip lever, the flapper will only stay up for a second. The most of the water will stay in the tank, and you shouldn't have a sweating problem.

Toto does make a ST743SD insulated tank.

[wanderso97140]

Thanks. You're right on the quick flush. As I talked with family members further, I found that the days with sweating were heavier use (such as guests over the holidays). Makes sense that the heavier use would add to it. Also, I think guests are surprised at how little water is required and likely proceeded to empty the tank rather than the quick flush. Since things have gone back to the more standard use, the problem has gone away. I have a 2nd toilet to replace soon, but wanted to test out the drake first on the higher use bathroom. I suppose if the problem returns, ordering an insulated tank and doing that swap could make sense.

[Probedude]

Installed my Eco Drake today. The installation was uneventful. Much shorter flush than the old 3.5gpf 1964 vintage toilet it replaced.

Observations
- bowl has a label stating it's 1.6GPF or less. (Others have mentioned the Eco Drake and Drake are the same other than the flapper float.)

- bottom flange of the toilet was not circular but oval. It was still 2-1/8" at the narrowest. Suprised there would be a lip to constrict the outlet - the trap is bigger than the 2-1/8" exit.

- The shape of the exit path in the bowl is rectangular. I saw posts of people complaining about the Kohler Cimarron being this way which hinders plunger use. I would guess the Drake would have issues too for the rare (hopefully for the Eco Drake) cloggings.

- Flush handle action feels weird, it's not direct acting since it's on the side of the tank and the handle rotation is converted to an upward lift of the arm. Takes a bit of force to actuate. Flapper is pulled up from the center instead of from the lip like the previous toilet's 2" flapper. I wonder how well this handle will hold up over time.

- Great looking toilet! Can't wait to get the next water bill. This along with our new front loader washer I'm hoping for BIG savings!



After the install I have 2 questions:
- Bought and used the 'composite shims' that Terry likes to get the Drake leveled. Question for the pros - do you shim a lot of points on the base of the toilet, or just a spot or two to level and get it to not rock (wondering if I need to 'fill in' a few gaps with shims).

- I saw a post stating that to convert an Eco Drake to a Drake, one just needs to remove the float. Doesn't the flapper have to change too? The way I see it the flapper wants to close immediately all the time and only because of the float does it stay open until the water level in the tank drops to a certain level. Remove the float and now you have a < 1.28 gpf toilet, no?

Dave

http://www.terrylove.com/images/shim_it.jpg

[Old_Guy]

....and so do I because I haven't heard "WHERE IS THE PLUNGER!!?! since we installed the Drake over a month ago. This cry for help used to echo though the hallways at least once every 4 or 5 days. In fact, I found out that things were so bad that visiting family members would take bets on how many times the old toilet would clog up during their visits!! I'm very happy to report that no money exchanged hands over the Thanksgiving holidays :D.
Now, my wife says things like "I love the way that toilet flushes!"
Are we happy? You bet! Would we recommend it? In a heart beat!

Terry, we have found the reviews and the comments on your site to be invaluable in helping us to make our decision.
Thank you for the time and effort-you have made this an invaluable and trustworthy resource to guide the naive consumer such as myself, through the mysterious and unfamiliar land of toilet selection.

[wakewatcher]

After Googling for best toilets I was pleased to find that Terry was just a few miles away. I ended up with 2 drakes in the course of a couple of days. So far so good and Terry (and Jamie) offer great service after the sale. I found that using a "paintstick" (one of those suction painting tools) works great for pulling the remaining water out of the bowl and tank of your old toilet before removing.

[Redwood]

After the install I have 2 questions:
- Bought and used the 'composite shims' that Terry likes to get the Drake leveled. Question for the pros - do you shim a lot of points on the base of the toilet, or just a spot or two to level and get it to not rock (wondering if I need to 'fill in' a few gaps with shims).

- I saw a post stating that to convert an Eco Drake to a Drake, one just needs to remove the float. Doesn't the flapper have to change too? The way I see it the flapper wants to close immediately all the time and only because of the float does it stay open until the water level in the tank drops to a certain level. Remove the float and now you have a < 1.28 gpf toilet, no?

Dave

Dave you just use a couple of shims so the toilet doesnt rock then calk around the base with phenoseal or, polyseamseal.

The flapper would require changing to convert it.

[Probedude]

Dave you just use a couple of shims so the toilet doesnt rock then calk around the base with phenoseal or, polyseamseal.

The flapper would require changing to convert it.

Thanks - it's been rock steady since the install - will likely polyseamseal it this weekend.

My poor daughter though - dad (me) keeps using her toilet now!

[gbh]

I've been looking on-line trying to figure out what options I want. And there seem to be a multitude of options! I can't seem to find a round bowl drake with Sanagloss finish. Am I missing something? What would the exact part numbers be for:

1. Basic 2-piece Drake. Round Bowl. G-Max. Sanagloss. Sedona Beige.

2. Basic 2-piece Drake. Elongated Bowl. G-Max. Sanagloss. Sedona Beige

A general part number interpretive summary would be great.

Thanks,
Gary



The Sanagloss Drake only comes in the elongated Cotton White bowl. CST744SG-01
A standard glaze, elongated Drake in Sedona Beige would be CST744S-12


http://www.terrylove.com/images/cotboll.jpg
Cotton White

[Smit-Dog]

I've been looking on-line trying to figure out what options I want. And there seem to be a multitude of options! I can't seem to find a round bowl drake with Sanagloss finish. Am I missing something? What would the exact part numbers be for:

1. Basic 2-piece Drake. Round Bowl. G-Max. Sanagloss. Sedona Beige.

2. Basic 2-piece Drake. Elongated Bowl. G-Max. Sanagloss. Sedona Beige

A general part number interpretive summary would be great.

Thanks,
Gary


The Sanagloss Drake only comes in the elongated Cotton White bowl. CST744SG-01
A standard glaze, elongated Drake in Sedona Beige would be CST744S-12


Bummer that the Drake Sedona Beige does not come in an elongated model with Sanagloss. May have to consider changing the colors in our bathroom!

[Terry]

The Two piece Gwyneth comes in Sedona Beige, Sanagloss, Doubly Cyclone, Comfort height.
The Vespin also comes in Sedonia Beige, Sanagloss, G-Max

[tgtech]

I recently replaced several old toilets with TOTO Drake 743 toilets. The installation went very smoothly. This site is a great resource in picking toilet brands as well as getting tips on the installation. So far, I’m a very happy camper (sitter?)

First, I really wanted to get some good ‘flushers’ – not the standard brand lower performing toilets the big box stores sell. I read everything I could find, decided on the TOTO brand, found a local TOTO distributor (sorry I didn’t buy them from you Terry, but I’m on the far side of the US from you!) and ordered the toilets.

After arrival, I took some pointers from here detailed at http://www.terrylove.com/forums/showthread.php?t=743 for the installation. I have installed toilets before, and had never sanded the tank interior where the bolt washers seal to the tank. The sanding tip is great, as it removes some of the rough glazing remaining from the factory and helps to prevent leaks.

The toilet, as mentioned in other posts, does not come with the nuts, bolts and washers to secure it to the floor flange. It does come with the decorative bolt cover caps and plastic washers onto which the caps snap. I simply reused the nuts and bolts that held the old toilets down since they were in great condition. I have come across installations where the bolts were very corroded, so it is probably wise to spend the $3 or so to have a spare toilet flange bolt kit on hand if needed. It is also cheap insurance to have an extra wax ring on hand to ‘double up’ the rings to get a good seal if the flange is below floor level. A few drops of polyurethane glue (or caulk) on one side of the composite shim(s) just before sliding them in will help keep them in place.

During the toilet assembly, I put a very light coat of plumbers grade silicone grease on the angled portion of the gasket sealing the tank to the bowl. You shouldn’t use any other type of grease since it may degrade the gasket material. The grease allows some flexibility/sliding in the gasket when tightening the tank to the toilet and helps to prevent any kinks or distortions.

I did notice the supply tube clipped to the overflow tube in the tank came loose after a few uses, and I simply ‘rebent’ the metal clip to grab the overflow tube a little tighter. Problem solved.

The toilets operate exceptionally well, and flush thoroughly and quickly. This is not a ‘dual flush’ toilet … I read somewhere else that people were only partially (or gently) pressing the flush valve for ‘liquid only’ disposal on this model … this is NOT the way this specific toilet is designed to operate! A quick, firm (but not overly hard) push of the flush handle until it ‘bottoms out’ is necessary to flush properly.

Thanks to Terry Love and the people who have posted here for the great information!

[Probedude]

I ordered my 2nd Eco Drake today after I found out that starting in 2009 in SoCal there is a $100 rebate no matter what the efficiency of the previous toilet was. The first one I bought replaced a 3.5GPF toilet. This 2nd one will replace an older 1.6GPF Toto which is a splasher.

The previous rebate, though much larger ($185), was only good if you replaced a toilet with greater than 1.6GPF.

[Terry]

I've been selling a lot of Toto Drakes in Los Angeles and the Seattle area because of the $100 rebates.
Seattle doesn't have the rebate (http://www.terrylove.com/toilet_rebate.htm), but most of Snohomish County and parts of the Eastside like Sammamish and Bellevue.

I've been selling of lot of these in Los Angeles, Claremont CA

[Robert H]

Since I made my decision based in information from this site and forums I though it only proper to post. I replaced 20+ year old toilet with a basic round seat Eco Drake. I cannot believe that I can be so enamored with a toilet. This thing is great you flush, everything goes away and the bowl is clean. The first flush I though something was wrong because of the low water flow. One thing I really like is that there is none of the noise or potential parts failure of a pressure assist system. A good gravity design is the way to go!

Thanks
Robert

Toto Drake Installation instructions (http://www.terrylove.com/forums/showthread.php?t=743)

[slk230]

I purchased the Kohler Cimarron at Home Depot. Before the installer came I read about the Toto Drake on this board.

I happily returned the Cimarron and purchased a Toto Drake (ADA) model.

I had it professionally installed.

I was underwhelmed by the flush but read that most of the action was below the water surface.

The very first time out (under real conditions) it clogged and I had to plunge.

I am at a total loss as I read most if not all of the very positive posts here and I don't recall a one clog or negative comment about this product.

[Peanut9199]

Perhaps you should check to make sure nothing is clogging it.
I have seen with new installations people dropping things in the bowl while installing it like a roll of teflon tape and i have also seen wax gasket almost completley covering the flange.

[TSund]

I too have had a clog, tho there was a lot of TP going down and whoever built this house put in a angled drain says my friend who replaced old toilet which makes it prone to stoppage?. I figured I'd test the newish Eco-Drake, and plunge if it was too much.

PROBLEM: neither plunger seems to seal very well with the shape of the bowl drain. It is not unclogging and I am totally frustrated.

PLEASE HELP! Is there a particular plunger I should buy?

http://www.terrylove.com/images/korky_plunger.jpg

Thank-you



Most plungers have a small end that pulls out.
A little water in the bowl helps to seal.
TL

[oneilljf]

I have been using this forum as a reference for some time and really appreciate the useful info I have received. My first question concerns mounting the tank to the bowl. A relative offered to install my Drake for me and in the process left off the washer and nut that go between the tank and bowl. He thought they were extra's. It is not leaking but I worry that this could become a problem. Should I take it apart and redo it or leave well enough alone since it is not leaking. This Eco Drake replaced an old 80's toilet and seems to work better. Great product.



You can use the single nut and washer on the Drake,
Using both washers and nuts is better.
http://www.terrylove.com/images/ecodrake_tankbottom.jpg
Less chance of leaking with the extra nut and washer and it hold the tank to the bowl with less movement.
Terry

[oneilljf]

Thanks Terry. Sounds like I have a little work to do for the best results

[suceress]

This is an update: I purchased two Toto Drakes with SanaGloss almost a year ago. Due to natural disasters, injuries, illnesses, and various other lemons life has thrown at us, we've only installed one. It is currently the only working toilet in the house with four people (one of them is large enough to be two people-- and eats enough for three people).

The Drake is the first low-flow toilet we've owned and it took some getting used to. Certain people with digestive problems tend to spray diarrhea all over the bowl (above the waterline-- which didn't happen in the old toilets because the water level was so high). I imagine the SanaGloss would work fine if the toilet was cleaned immediately after. Unfortunately, the offenders don't clean up after themselves and I've been left to try to clean it up. I really have to scrub to get that stuff out. (Are there any special toilet brushes that are safe to use without scratching the finish?-- I think the SanaGloss finish in mine is now pretty much ruined from having to be scoured). Cling gel has made the cleaning a bit easier for me, but I don't know if it is worse on the finish-- the bowl is so stained now that I think the point is moot.

I'd also like to note that I was ignored when I told people in my household not to use the blue stuff in the tank-- and it will stain the bowl around the waterline (I'm not sure if this is permanent because it was covered by the iron/rust stain). Also, if you have unfiltered/unsoftened water like me (and have a lot of iron in the water) it will stain the SanaGloss. The water from my faucets comes out anywhere from yellow to red to brown and tends to yellow everything (I'm working on getting a water softening and filtering system setup, but we will need to pour cement first).

The toilet itself has only clogged about two or three times (not counting the past few weeks because the septic tank overflowed) and was easily cleared with a plunger. Even when clogged, I didn't really have an overflow problem until the septic tank got too full (we think maybe the overflow pipe from the septic tank needs to be cleared). Our old toilets were clogged once or twice every month, so this is a vast improvement.

The only other thing I will mention is that the lid on the back doesn't have a lip to hold it in place so it tends to slide when bumped. It's not a big deal, but its something to take into consideration if you care about that sort of thing.

Overall I'm still satisfied with the toilet. If you're not used to low flow it can make cleaning more challenging, but it flushes well.

I hope this made sense and was at least moderately helpful to people. Mostly, don't make the mistakes my family made. Get your water filtered first and don't use the blue stuff! (And if you are a sprayer-- please show some courtesy and wipe the brown away immediately so it doesn't dry on and stick).

[whtdove3]

We had a Toto Drake 1.6 gpf, round seat, installed last week and am very pleased so far. My hubby was a bit taken back by the low water in the bowl, but came out the first day and said, "One flusher...thumbs up!"

:D

[Photon1]

I bet the wax ring is pushed over the hole. I just don't see how a normal persons poo could plug this toilet....even if you use 5 large wads of TP it really shouldn't plug.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I purchased the Kohler Cimarron at Home Depot. Before the installer came I read about the Toto Drake on this board.

I happily returned the Cimarron and purchased a Toto Drake (ADA) model.

I had it professionally installed.

I was underwhelmed by the flush but read that most of the action was below the water surface.

The very first time out (under real conditions) it clogged and I had to plunge.

I am at a total loss as I read most if not all of the very positive posts here and I don't recall a one clog or negative comment about this product.

[99k]

Since I made my decision based in information from this site and forums I though it only proper to post. I replaced 20+ year old toilet with a basic round seat Eco Drake. I cannot believe that I can be so enamored with a toilet. This thing is great you flush, everything goes away and the bowl is clean. The first flush I though something was wrong because of the low water flow. One thing I really like is that there is none of the noise or potential parts failure of a pressure assist system. A good gravity design is the way to go!

Thanks
Robert

Toto Drake Installation instructions (http://www.terrylove.com/forums/showthread.php?t=743)


I installed them 3 months ago and I still smile every time I flush:D

[gusherb94]

I've got two toto drakes and i think for 1.6 gpf toilets they are one of the best toilets out their but they are still left in the dust by my 1959 "standard". I've had one of them installed for 2.5 years it's a round bowl model it has clogged but not with waste but rather with toilet paper, that was in my bathroom upstairs for two years then before christmas i moved it to our downstairs bathroom to make room upstairs for my "standard". the downstairs bathroom is the one my mom uses and the last two toilets i tested down their got complaints of too much smearyness the drake smears much less than the other two but still can smear pretty bad. since it's been in the downstairs bathroom it hasn't clogged once except when my dad tried to flush old vegetable soup down it with whole carrots in it:eek:, then i had to get the auger out:( . overall i think it's one of the best performing 1.6 gpf toilets on the market and it really passes the test in our house and we've put it through hell in the past 2.5 years. the second drake i got at christmas that's an elongated model i just set it up outside today for testing it performs just as great as the first one though im not ready to install it yet.

my moms friend has three drakes in they're three year old house they've had theirs clog too but just on toilet paper they're happy with there's and that's actually how i discovered toto's and decided i had to have one.

i very strongly recommend them to everyone i know.



Jonathan

[pauldv]

I just had an ada Drake installed. Great toilet, but a little to tall (measures at 17"). I have an American Standard Champion right height that is 16 1/2" tall. Just right.
The specs for the Drake ADA say that it is supposed to be 16 1/2" tall. I don't understand how the spec could be that far off.
The 1/2" should not make such a difference but it seems to.

I want to replace the American Standard with the same Drake but really want 16 1/2".

Can someone measure the height of their drake an see if its also 17" tall. (measurement without the seat)

[Reader Review]

Terry,
Thanks for the help yesterday and recommending the Drake. It works great!

J.D.
Snohomish WA

Your qualified model is the Toto Eco Drake CST744E

http://www.terrylove.com/wc/toto/drake_spec_gif.gif

[hudson]

After reading this forum, I decided on a Drake Elongated ADA toilet...CST744SL. I'm in NC. I went to the TotoUSA website and found the nearest supplier and called them. They said they had the CST744SL and gave me a price. I drove to the supplier and picked it up. When I got home, the tank said Eco on it....see attached picture. I called the supplier, she said that she could no longer get the 1.6 GPF Drake tank and by law she had to sell the Eco tank. She assured me that all was well and I called my plumber who installed it. The combination flushed very well. I noticed that the water didn't fill up to the place in the bowl where it looked like it should. Also the tank moved on the bowl...plumber error I believe. The bowl said 1.6 GPF; the tank said 1.28 GPF. I emailed TOTOUSA Support...they promptly replied that the combination was wrong and that I should have a ST743S tank. I called the supplier who said she would swap the Eco tank with one in the show room. She had someone check it out before I swapped the tank. When I got home to install it, it was missing hardware to connect the tank to the bowl. It was missing the hose and clip that goes from the Gmax fresh water inlet valve to the downspout. I bought 2 sets of hardware to get the identical bolt setup as in the installation instructions and a corky valve device to get the correct hose and clip. I finished the installation myself...the water in the bowl is correct...the unit flushes like none other. The tank fits tightly on the bowl. I love it...If you don't suceed at first try again! From all of the excitement above I learned that one should check and double check before you take anything off of the loading dock. If you get a Drake you should end up with 2 boxes a bowl with C744SL and a ST743S tank. Since I had half an Eco for a week, I found that the Eco really works well, and that will be my next purchase.

Question: Should water and air bubbles come out of the base of the GMax/Korky style inlet valve...(all inside the tank)?

[hudson]

On the www.diehards.org website:

http://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=35320&start=0

[Redwood]

Question: Should water and air bubbles come out of the base of the GMax/Korky style inlet valve...(all inside the tank)?

Yes the water does come out of the bottom of the Korky and it usually will have bubbles as well.

Sorry to hear everthing got mixed up at the supplier. Usually things work out better than that.

I like those boxes that say made in USA...

[Redwood]

That forum got off to a rough start but it looks like the investors kicked it up a notch in the end...

Looks like Toto Drake is a winner in the investment community...

[Terry]

With the Drake, you can use the E bowl with either the S tank or E tank.

I haven't seen an S bowl in some time now.

When they pull fixtures out of a showroom, any number of things could be robbed. Sometimes, knowing they will never see water, they barely assemble them.

[hudson]

Thanks for the helpful replies!

When you flush the Toto Drake...and do not hold down the lever, only about half of the water goes out of the tank.

I think that's by design, but I'm not sure.

[Redwood]

Yes that is by design.

[hudson]

With the Drake, you can use the E bowl with either the S tank or E tank.

I haven't seen an S bowl in some time now.



Does that mean that the classic CST744SL with the C744SL bowl is hard to come by?



I can't tell a difference between the two bowls side by side.
I can tell that the tanks use different parts.
Terry


http://www.terrylove.com/wc/toto/drake_spec_gif.gif

[hudson]

Is this correct?

A Toto Drake tank properly filled has about 3 gallons of water. If you push down the handle till it stops and promptly let it go (Toto calls it a "full stroke".) then a 1.6 gallon flush takes place. That means that you still have about 1.5 gallons left in the tank just in case you need a second flush...a full 1.5 gallon, no wait flush. This second flush could be needed not to flush "bulk" but as a bowl wash.

The details and coaching you get on these forums are invaluable!
I'm searching for an excuse to go get an Eco Drake Elongated ADA or an Eco Elongated ADA Ultramax to replace my old 3.5 gpf perfectly good toilet.

Since water is plentiful and prices are low, it would take about 14 years to get payback on an Eco Drake ADA Elon.

[Mikey]

Since water is plentiful and prices are low...
I doubt that will always be the case, but that's another debate.

[jadnashua]

The reason ALL (well, probably all) 1.6g flush toilets (and smaller) have more water in the tank is to provide pressure...it's the height that's important. If you were to try to immediately flush again, it wouldn't be very forceful. Now, since you didn't use much, and it starts filling as soon as you flush...don't know.

[Jetta Whirlpool Baths]

Now presenting the Drake II

Formerly the Gwyneth: 1.28 Cyclone flush, ADA Universal Height, Sanagloss and only $20 more then the ADA Drake!

http://www.totousa.com/ProductDetail/tabid/75/Default.aspx?ProductId=1d273fb4-a8a5-4c11-ba1e-a4256133daa0&SearchId=d561aa8a-7672-47ce-9032-bf7e243c7b32

[hudson]

are there any MAPP test results for the Drake II?

800 Grams for the 1.28 gallon version

[Probedude]

are there any MAPP test results for the Drake II?

800 Grams for the 1.28 gallon version

And anything over 500g is overkill.

http://www.terrylove.com/forums/showpost.php?p=189112&postcount=2

[oclaw714]

Toto toilets are the best period. Absolutely love my elongated Drake. Don't understand why the other companies can't just copy the design. 60% of the toilets at Lowes and Home Depot are weak and considered junk. 30% are mediocre.

It's not rocket science, yet AS and Kohler still produce weak perfoming toilets and charge you a premium. I refuse to pay more for a inferior product.

Toto toilets are taking over America and soon Europe. Reminds me of a company named Toyota that took over the U.S number 1 sales slot.

[Johnny Drama]

I bought a Toto Drake about 4 years ago when one of my toilets in my condo took a crap. It is without a doubt the best toilet I have ever used. I've sold my condo and am moving into a new townhouse, but unfortunately the builder doesn't use Toto. I want to tear my Toto out of the condo and take it with me to the new townhouse, but I don't think the guy who bought my condo would appreciate it too much.

Oh well, I'll just have to go buy another one.

[Peanut9199]

toilets in my condo took a crap.

No pun intended

[Reader Review]

I have been installing the Toto Drake for my childrens school centers.

Toilets we have been removing are the Baby Devoro. They plugged too easily.

We tried the Niagara Flapperless, it would be called Pegasus now.
Handle prolems.

We tried a couple of the Cadet 3's

We now install the Toto Drake whenever we need a replacement.
Twelve in the last year for our schools.

Newport Childrens School

[rerod]

I had 3 ADA drakes installed for my dad. These things are great and what I will order when Iv had enough of my old kohler's.

Highly recommended!

[Reader Review]

Thanks Terry. First toilet installed yesterday w/out a hitch. Flange was a bit above floor level so I went with just the one wax ring and the fit seemed very good. The family loves the Toto !
Jeff M
Edmonds WA
CST744S

[Reader Review]

Terry,
These toilets are great! They're worth every penny.
Thanks again,
David M
Seattle WA

[Reader Review]

Terry and Jamie,

My wife and I want to thank you for your prompt, courteous, and efficient installation of our new Toto Drake Toliets. I doubt that my wife will ever again let me embark on a do-it yourself project! Our initial impressions of the new Drakes are very favorable. My wife is especially impressed with the soft closing lids!

Also, thank you for your website which was a big help in choosing the Drakes.

Sincerely,

T Allan
Medina WA

[Shay]

Hello,

This sight is very informative. I am interested in purchasing a Drake. However, on the TOTO website, there are several types: Bolt down lid, insulated tank and both combinations. Are the bolt down lid and insulated tank suggested?

Also, is the Drake very quiet, as we have a small place and the bathroom is next to the kitchen and bedroom.

Finally, is the Drake II better than the original Drake,

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

[Terry]

The bolts down lid would be for something like a gas station to prevent tampering. (I've never sold one) ST743SB

The ST743SD insulated tank is for areas of high humidity and very cold water.
I sell a few of these in Alaska.

Normally I sell either the ST743S or the ST743E tanks.

The (Gwyneth) Drake II has the double cyclone and Sanagloss with the taller bowl.
It's a nice setup for someone that wants a taller bowl.

[Shay]

Thank you very much. It appears that the bolt and insulation are not necessary in my area (midwest). I will most likely go with the CST743S or CST744SG. I assume that they are both quiet.

Thanks again.

Best
Shay

[Reader Review]

Hi Terry,
We love the Toto Drake so far and just wanted to mention that James was great!
Thanks,
Joanna & Mike
Seattle

[Reader Review]

Our Eco Drake is awesome.
We are ordering a second one from Terry
It's everything he said it would be.

P & C Schmidt,
Issaquah WA


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGWWEoXlCxM

[Reader Review]

We do love the toilets.

Three of the CST744SG-01 Toto Drake with SS114 softclose seats

M Hurd
Sammamish WA

[Reader Review]

Hi Terry,
I love my new Toto Eco Drake! So far haven't had to use the plunger.

J Humphries,
Bellevue WA

[Reader Review]

I purchased an Eco Drake from you over a year ago and it works great.
J Galow
Spokane WA

[Reader Review]

I bought a Toto from you a few years back – works great. 2004

Recently my wife put a Clorox tablet cleaner in the tank and over the period of a week or so disfigured the flapper so much it wouldn’t stop the water. I replaced the flapper and it’s fine, but have you ever heard of that sort of product doing so much damage to a flapper? It felt like sticky, soft candy.


D. Evans
Seattle WA

[Terry]

http://www.terrylove.com/wc/toto/st743s_chlorine.jpg



I bought a Toto from you a few years back – works great. 2004

Recently my wife put a Clorox tablet cleaner in the tank and over the period of a week or so disfigured the flapper so much it wouldn’t stop the water.

Clorox and Rubber don't mix well.
Chlorine will void the warranty for all manufacturers.
Lowes carries the replacement flappers.
2004, that was a while ago.

How a Toto toilet flushes (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OWMcFuI1gg)

[Reader Review]

I just read some of the posts regarding the Toto Drake and wanted to add that having had 2 for the last 8 months I agree with the quiet flush, effective flush, good looks, etc. I would reinforce the comment I saw only once (I'M surprised) regarding the poor bowl cleaning effectiveness of the flush. I now have to clean the bowl far more often than with the prior toilets. I just figured that this comes with the 1.6 gallon flush.
My question is - Is the Cyclone flush more effective at cleaning the bowl??
Also, how do I post this kind of a message?
Goldmiester

[Terry]

Since 1992, when the country moved to 1.6 gallons, there has been less bowl wash.
Anything with Sanagloss will help with bowl wash.
The Cyclone works pretty well.

[Reader Review]

http://www.terrylove.com/wc/toto/toto_drake_buyonsale.jpg
Our half bath remodel is complete and our Toto Drake ADA toilet has been installed (including new travertine tile and mosaic instead of baseboards...this was to replace hardwood that had buckled from a leaking toilet).

The Toto Drake is wonderful (so much we bought a second one for our master bath).

Thanks for everyone's advice and for Terry for creating this forum.
buyonsale3

[Bill Deleeuw]

This toilet is, in my opinion, the best flushing 6 litre toilet in the market. Had one for two years, no problems, never plugged, even with big daddy usage, and never broke down. We just moved, and our current toilet, although a Toto, is not a G-Max, and flushes well, but not as well as the drake. My plan is to replace it with a drake, and also the big American standard downstairs that uses a swimming pool's worth of water to flush a pee and has plugged several times on us also. G-Max Totos are the BEST, and the Drake is the cheapest model.

[wired711]

Hi folks,
This is my first post although I've been lurking for some time reading through the entire AS Cadet 3 forum and various posts in this one. I was seriously considering getting a Cadet 3 to replace our 3 "crappy" 9 year old 1.6 GPF builder grade toilets after a friend had one installed in his townhouse a month ago and reported good results. However, after reading about the numerous "hit or miss" quality control issues and the overwhelmingly positive reviews of the Drake, I've decided to spend a little more and get the Drakes.

Here's my quandary - my preference is to get the 1.6 GPF Drakes since they've been out longer than the relatively newly designed toilets that use 1.28 GPF and I get the sense that in "general" the 1.6s may give better bowl wash (although I realize that they are still low-flow). I also really like the idea of the Sanagloss and would like to get this feature since it also seems to help with bowl wash. The problem - I need a bone colored unit for my powder room and it seems that the 1.6 Sanagloss is ONLY available in white! That will be fine for my two white toilets upstairs but I really want Sanagloss for my powder room toilet since it gets the most traffic (so to speak). I will probably get the ADA height for the powder room toilet as well and standard height for the two upstairs toilets.

So, given that my primary motivation in replacing the toilets is performance, can anybody help me figure out if it is more important to get the 1.6 GPF Drake in bone but not available with Sanagloss (please correct me if I'm wrong about this) or if it's better to get 1.28 in bone that DOES come with Sanagloss? I guess another way to ask this is:

1. Are you finding that the Sanagloss really does make a positive difference?
2. Do you think (from personal experience or otherwise) that the 1.6 GPF Drakes perform better than the 1.28 GPF Drakes?
3. Does anybody know if the 1.6 Drakes with Sanagloss ARE available in bone but I've somehow missed it?

Thanks to all for your valuable input and thanks to Terry for this great site!
Cheers!
Wired

Drake 800 grams by Veritech Video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmuzFve6O4k)

[wired711]

Anybody? I've got plumbers working on quotes for both the 1.6 GPS and the 1.28 GPS and would like to consider your knowledgeable feedback before pull'n da trigga! I'd really appreciate it.

Wired

[Runs with bison]

I don't have an answer for you as I don't have a comparison. I'm waiting for the truck that has my EcoDrake with sanagloss to come in. Get this: my Toto is stuck in Kansas...oh the irony. "I'll get you my pretty and your little dog too!" :eek:

My understanding is that the flapper on the Eco (1.28 gpf) can be modified to turn the toilet back into 1.6 gpf Drake if needed. That's my back up plan and why I decided to give this a go. If it works as intended I plan to buy two more.

[wired711]

RWB,
Thanks for the reply. Yeah, in doing some more poking around the boards, I did find some discussion about being able to modify the 1.28 flapper to still get a 1.6 flush if the 1.28 GPF wasn't working out. Also, I read that you could also hold down the handle a little more which some said empties the whole tank (rather than 1/2 the tank) and gets more of a flush like a 1.6. Don't know if that one is true or not but at least the flapper thing does give me a remediation plan if I find that 1.6 GPF isn't doing the job.

Please do let me know whow things work out for you once it is installed and hopefully the great OZ or anybody else "behind the curtain" can help move that Eco Drake outa Kansas for you. If not, you might try clicking your heels together.

Wired

[Terry]

The 1.28 works fine.
I have one in the master.

If you hold the handle down, it's more like flushing with 3 gallons.

The Sanagloss is nice.


In the Seattle area, I'm bringing in some 10" Toto Drake toilets (http://www.easycarts.net/ecarts/terrylove/WaterSense_Toilets.html#cst744ef.10).
They only need 9-1/4" to install.

CST744EF.10 or CST744SF.10

Comfort height, elongated bowl with either the 1.28 gallon Watersense Eco Flush
or the 1.6 gallon G-Max flush.
http://www.terrylove.com/pdf/cst744ef.10.pdf

[wired711]

The 1.28 works fine.
I have one in the master.

If you hold the handle down, it's more like flushing with 3 gallons.

The Sanagloss is nice.

Thank you for the reply Terry. Would you mind quantifying just a bit specific to the questions I posted? This would help a lot. Thanks again!

1. Are you finding that the Sanagloss really does make a positive difference?
2. Do you think (from personal experience or otherwise) that the 1.6 GPF Drakes perform better than the 1.28 GPF Drakes?
3. Does anybody know if the 1.6 Drakes with Sanagloss ARE available in bone but I've somehow missed it?

[Peanut9199]

1. Are you finding that the Sanagloss really does make a positive difference?

I have the Soiree with Sanagloss and for cleaning i find a big difference (positive)


2. Do you think (from personal experience or otherwise) that the 1.6 GPF Drakes perform better than the 1.28 GPF Drakes?

1.6gpf has a map test of 900 and the 1.28 has a map test of 600, so yes it does flush less, but 600 is a great performance.
Would you notice a difference, no you wouldn't.


3. Does anybody know if the 1.6 Drakes with Sanagloss ARE available in bone but I've somehow missed it?

Sanagloss is only available in White and only #01 Cotton White

[wired711]

Peanut9199,
Thank you for addressing each of my questions. I really do appreciate it. I think we will go with the 1.28 gpf, Sanagloss, Comfort Height in Elongated / Bone (to match color/style of what we have now in powder room). For upstairs (master & hallway) still deciding if we'll go with 1.28 or 1.6 gpf since those are white anyway so I could get Sanagloss in either gpf. I'm leaning toward the 1.28 at this point given the feedback I've gotten since I could always "apply" more water to the flush if I wanted to (flapper mod or just hold handle down longer). It seems that in most cases it sounds like the 1.28 will seem to do the job anyway. Thanks again to you and everyone with their helpful replies.

Wired

[Peanut9199]

I think we will go with the 1.28 gpf, Sanagloss, Comfort Height in Elongated / Bone (to match color/style of what we have now in powder room).

You cannot get the Sanagloss in Bone.

[wired711]

You cannot get the Sanagloss in Bone.

I knew I couldn't get 1.6 Sanagloss in bone but I thought I saw the 1.28 gpf + Sanagloss was available in multiple color choices including bone. I guess I'll have to double-check that. Thanks for the reply.

[Peanut9199]

The bowls are both 1.28 and 1.6gpf the difference is the tank that what makes it either 1.28 or 1.6 as in ST743E (1.28) or ST743S (1.6).

The bowls are C744EG "E" is actually classed as 1.28 and the "G" is the Sanagloss.
Although it is classed as 1.28 it will also take 1.6gpf.
It doesn't matter if you add more water to the bowl, but it wouldn't work if the bowl was designed for 1.6 and you try to put 1.28 in there wouldn't be enough water in the tank to get rid of the water in the bowl.

Hope that's makes sense.

[wired711]

Thanks for the explanation. It makes sense and I realize now that it's not gonna be Sanagloss that makes me decide on 1.6gpf vs 1.28gpf since I the bone color doesn't exist for Sanagloss regardless. Thanks again!

[Terry]

The Drake II can be gotten with Sanagloss and Bone.
CST454CEFG-03

Otherwise, you would be looking at the Vespin CST764SG-03
Bone with Sanagloss
Basically a deluxe Drake

[wired711]

The Drake II can be gotten with Sanagloss and Bone.
CST454CEFG-03

Otherwise, you would be looking at the Vespin CST764SG-03
Bone with Sanagloss
Basically a deluxe Drake

Is the Drake II the name for the Drakes that are 1.28 gps (aka EcoDrakes)? That was my impression. I'll also check the Toto site. Thanks Terry, I'm getting dizzy between thinking I can get the Drake+Sanagloss+Bone in 1.28gpf and then thinking I can't.

Edit: OK, I've looked into it and see that Drake II has the 1.28 GPF Double Cyclone Flushing System. Looks like this may add around $30-$50 or so. Thanks.

[Peanut9199]

Eco-Drake is just a regular Drake with a float on top of the flapper that closes it faster allowing only 1.28 gallon of water to leave the tank.
The Drake II used to be called the "Gwyneth" and they just changed the name to Drake II.
Toto has done this often not sure if it is because the Gwyneth name was trade marked by someone else or because it was too hard to pronounce.

The Drake II is a very good toilet it has all the options that Toto gives:
Double cyclone flush (good for rim wash)
Sanagloss (good for cleaning)
Eco (1.28gpf)
Universal Height (2" taller rim, good for getting up and down easier)

Map test on it is 800grams

[wired711]

Great info Peanut. Thanks! (I'll have to check with the local supplier and also the plumber who are both working up estimates for me and see how much this change would bump up the price). I'm considering quotes from the supplier and do it myself (or provide those parts to my plumber) vs. having the plumber provide the parts/labor as a package.

[Runs with bison]

Initial review: Eco Drake elongated, standard height with sanagloss (1.28 gpf Watersense certified)

Replacement for 1994 round Gerber (three of them in the home.) MaP for the old toilet is about 150, with a 1.6 gpf nominal flush. This is a test install, ironically in place of the only Gerber that has not clogged on us. I wanted to see the new Drake in place before ordering for the other two baths and this one is in the master bath so that I could judge its performance more closely.

Appearance:
The Eco Drake is a very attractive toilet with simple lines. The bowl was made in Vietnam according to its box. The tank was U.S. made according to its box. In the bowl there is a slight geometric left/right assymetry of the forward water siphon ledge that is under the water line. Underneath at the trap outlet ledge there was also a slight deformation toward the backside of the toilet. If this had been a showroom situation rather than an order, I probably would have rejected the bowl for another because of the cosmetic blemish. I'm curious to see how the next two look. If they look better I might move this one to the basement or even request an exchange.

Install:
Install was straightforward with regards to assembling the toilet. No problem achieving 3 points of contact with a little tightening, no leaks anywhere. The closet flange face in the home was over 1/4" below tile level that was being compensated for with a jumbo wax seal on the old toilet. Rectified this with a Sioux Chief 7/16" extension ring.

Performance:
No problems observed so far, only three full days of use.

Flushes quickly and cleanly...emphasizing cleanly. Material would sometimes stick to the porcelain of the Gerber, especially at the back above the tiny water spot. This sometimes required a second flush and other times a brush. I've not yet seen any reason for a second flush with the Drake. The toilet will save a lot more water than the 1.6 to 1.28 gpf nominal difference.

The waterspot of the Toto is well conceived. The depth in the actual trap is better than the old Gerber at keeping smelly solids below the surface. The shallow pool surrounding that provides a generous waterspot (about 4 times the area of the Gerber.) The Gerber's poor waterspot/trap design led to extra courtesy flushes to minimize odor as well as trying to prevent stains/skid marks.

The elongated bowl and larger waterspot is a big improvement for me (male) when doing my business at night without turning on any lights. No annoying drips and I can hear that I've hit the ample water target immediately. When seated the elongated bowl also eliminates unwanted contact of an appendage with the front of the rim--so glad to be rid of the round bowl!

During flushing I've not observed any splash, mist, or spray from the bowl so far. I also did a seated flush to verify this impresson. Overall, this is a much more hygenic toilet than what I've been saddled with in the past.

Water consumption: I've only done a crude water meter test so far of two separate flushes. They came in at ~1.4 gpf +/- about .1 gpf. I'll retest with multiple flushes when I get a chance. Things such as the level and chain appear to be properly adjusted, but I'll recheck them. By comparison the Gerber came in at 1.8 gpf vs. 1.6 nominal.

Conclusion: I've requested two more Eco Drakes through the supply house. :cool: They will get more difficult duty and I'll learn if there are any flush performance issues. The other two Gerbers have both clogged once in the past 48 hours. :( The Drakes can't come soon enough...

[wired711]

Great review RWB - helps make the case for anyone (including me) weighing a 1.28 Eco Drake against 1.6 Drake for pure performance reasons. Please keep us informed as time and usage goes on!

Wired

http://www.terrylove.com/wc/toto/toto_drake_buyonsale.jpg

TOTO Drake 800 grams by Veritech, Video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmuzFve6O4k) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmuzFve6O4k)

[romumok]

Hello All. I am newby here.

I just got installed a Drake Elongated ADA toilet to replace an OK Eljer Patriot 1.6 gpf per Terry’s recommendations. The Eljer was able to handles all my needs but I got tired of wasting extra water in a second flush to completely clean the bowl. Most of the time there are always some residues left behind. But the main reason is that my wife always clog the toilet as a result of one of her side effects of being pregnant i.e. constipation. So as a devoted husband, I have to unclog the toilet every time she uses it. :o

There is the interesting observation. I will describe it without too grossing you out. After the install, everything is so far so good. The Drake has a powerful flush, water doesn’t splash out compared with the Eljer. So far I am happy. The next day I took the toilet for a real world test flush. Once done, I push the lever and whoosh! Everything there is gone!. I was happy until my wife had to go. After a short time, my wife calls me and said she clogged the TOTO. Yep, she did it. :eek:

She made the mistake of trying of flush again and the water level was about 3 inches before spilling out from the bowl. No problem, I pulled out the plunger and began to work. Nope! It didn’t bugged. Tried again and still nothing. Definitely is not excessive paper. So I pulled my little hand crank auger and once I inserted it about a foot, I felt the obstruction. Apparently, two chunks of solids got wedged side by side plus some paper made the toilet clogged. So, I just pushed the obstruction a bit and next thing there was a big whoosh! Everything went down to the drain. I was really surprised since it was a first time I have seen this. Other toilets will flush but not as powerful as I have seen when gets unglogged. I have to say, the trapway design is very efficient without any tight turns.

My wife felt bad that even we spent a good amount of money for a good toilet she still able to clog the toilet. I told her not to worry that could be an unusual situation. To end this story, I just got a call from my wife. She told me that this time NO clogged TOTO toilet! Yey! Everything went down with a single flush! Now she is happy. Therefore, I am happy.! :)

cheers!

[Terry]

Here is a nice little video on the Toto Drake flush

TOTO Drake 800 grams by Veritech, Video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmuzFve6O4k)

[dmt9544]

Is there a similar model to the Toto Drake that is 16" to 17" high?



Yes,
The ADA Drake
CST744EL and the CST744SL

[glnow]

What is the brown material used in that video? I mean, she's touching it without gloves, so it can't be what I'm thinking.

[Terry]

What is the brown material used in that video? I mean, she's touching it without gloves, so it can't be what I'm thinking.

It's a bean paste.
They get it from a restaurant supply.

http://www.terrylove.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=9096&stc=1&d=1259524628
2Bgreen's TOTO Drake

[Runs with bison]

What is the brown material used in that video? I mean, she's touching it without gloves, so it can't be what I'm thinking.

So you don't believe she took the time to "roll her own" and figured she didn't need to worry about germs because it came from her anyway? :D You just can't fool some folks...

[Reader Review]

Hello guys,

The toilet in the master bath works fine; great job once again - thanks.
Dave in Bothell


Dave now has two Toto Drake elongated toilets

[yaozer]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for your feedback on this toilet. I can't wait to install it. The Johnny seal that the plumbing store gave me for my new Toto Drake seems a bit thin or more low profile than the regular rings (about half the thickness). Do Toto toilets use thinner rings to seal the base?



You may or not need a single or a double wax ring.
Unless the flange is above the floor, you will need two wax rings.

[jadnashua]

The wax ring needs to be thick enough to squish when you set the toilet. Each situation is a little different. Depends on where your flange is and the toilet to determine the thickness needed.

[Terry]

The Toto Drake is the best two-piece toilet.

It has a consistent rinse and flush.
Parts are easy to get.
Less then 1% defects, which is almost unheard of in the industry.

The Sanagloss option is nice too for even better cleaning.

The bowls are flat on the bottom.
And they will cover most old footprints, which is a real plus when replacing toilets.

A good solid flush, with little noise.

[dholling]

Terry,

Thank you very much for your web site. After much research on your site and others, I went with the Toto Drake to replace one of our builder grade "toilets".

I installed it myself and then planned some tests. The hardest part of the install was taking out the older toilet. The Toto was a very easy install. I can consistently plug up industrial grade toilets. The builder's grade toilet that I replaced required a plunging each time and 3-4 flushes. To test the Toto, I did my best, and included a lot of paper. Swoosh, glug, glug. ONE FLUSH!

By the way, I emailed Toto to get two color chips to get an exact match on the color in our bathroom. Toto sent the chips the next day. Other manufacturers required that I pay for the color chips, make other phone calls to other departments, etc. - not!

I will be replacing my other toilets in the house with Toto Drakes.

Thanks again,
David

[stalag]

I did a bit of research before requesting permission of my landlord ( I live in an apartment) for replacement of my toilets with ADA compliant toilets. The toilet I had in my last apartment were American Standard toilets and in my current place they were round Sterling toilets. Neither brand worked well for my purposes and the American Standard toilets were very prone to clogging and the round sterlings barely letting me do both #1 and #2 simultaneously without urine on the floor. Being a big guy with some current health issues I had the need for an elongated ADA replacement. After some digging I found this site where I read the reviews and after receiving permission from my landlord I bought the toilet from a local plumbing supply house. The apartment maintenance who installed the toilet had never experienced the toilet before and when testing the toilet was shocked at the quick flush. I am so far happy with the performance of the commode and have stopped using the other bathroom in my apartment that has a sterling still installed in the bathroom. I would recommend this toilet to others who have need of a good solid toilet.

stalag

[Presto]

I installed 2 Drake CST744SG's barely a year ago and really like them. A couple of problems though. The chrome on flush knobs are bubbling and the plastic "spud" that goes through the tank holding the flush knob on one of them has broken where the nut threads on. I just got done speaking to Toto tech and they are sending the parts, as a courtesy! Not covered under warranty. I would expect these items to have a better design life for the money!

[Runs with bison]

I installed 2 Drake CST744SG's barely a year ago and really like them. A couple of problems though. The chrome on flush knobs are bubbling and the plastic "spud" that goes through the tank holding the flush knob on one of them has broken where the nut threads on. I just got done speaking to Toto tech and they are sending the parts, as a courtesy! Not covered under warranty. I would expect these items to have a better design life for the money!


Presto, has anyone used any cleaning materials that might have caused the bubbling (as in anything other than simple soap and hot water?) If so, what material was it so that I can avoid the problem? Thanks!

[TSund]

Hello,

We installed an Eco-drake in our lake house and loved it so much that we decided to replace our home's masterbath toilet with one. That toilet had frequent cloggin problems, remedied with a plunger.

My dad installed the toilet, and noted that the the drain is put on a Y. He said that is due to mismeasurement by contractor?

I don't know if this is the cause of the problem, but I need to do something. We still get frequent clogs. I need a recommendation. Will raising toilet up help? Would the flapper modification be the same as replacing with a regular Drake? If I"m to replace another toilet in the house on the 2nd floorm should I switch this one with a more powerful flush? Looking for most cost effiecient way to do this, but WANT the problem solved.

I so appreciate your help. I am bummed about this. I guess I wouldn't have put in the smaller eco-drake if I"d known about the Y in the drain.

THanks

TRS

[Terry]

I would pull the bowl and make sure there is nothing blocking the exit.

The directions on the box of wax, show the wax stuck to the "bowl".
Plumbers put the wax on the "floor" and then drop the bowl on that.

Also, some horn wax rings will flatten out on some flanges.
There is a high rise in Bellevue, where the entire building was plumbed with Sterling toilets and the small closet flanges.
We're changing out the building bathroom by bathroom with Toto toilets it seems. And not using the horned wax there.

[Reader Review]

Dear Terry.....I've personally installed a dozen Toto Drake 1.6 gpf toilets in my rentals and for family. They are great low flow toilets that really work as you have indicated.

I've come across a new Toto Eco Drake 1.28 gpf with a E-max flush system.......Do you have any thoughts or experience on this toilet?

Thanks/Rick

[Reader Review]

The toilet is working great. Thanks!

Jodie
Redmond WA

[Reader Review]

We bought a 1.6 gpf Toto from you a few years ago. It works very well. We are now considering getting another Toto. I see there are now some 1.28 gpf totos on the market: the CST 743 and 744.

Do these 1.28 gpf totos flush as well as the 1.6?

Thanks

Don T
Olympia

[Reader Review]

Terry,
Thanks for the great work! Your man, I apologize I forgot his name, was truly great and quite the character!
John

[Reader Review]

Hi Terry,

A number of years ago, you directed me to buy a Toto toilet for one of our other bathrooms. I heeded your recommendation and purchased, and installed, a Toto Drake elongated-bowl and have been very pleased. It's performed extremely well since for almost 8 years.

Don A
Urbana, IL

[jlg]

Hey folks, I just installed a Toto Drake, but I'm not sure all is well. The tank seems to move quite a bit forward/backward if I push on it. How solid should the tank be with the toilet? Should it move at all??
I'm pretty sure I DON'T have the back point of contact made (but can't really see it), but I have the bolts snugged down pretty tight, and the tank is level. I'm not sure how hard I can tighten down the bolts that mounts the tank to the bowl without cracking anything, but I'm just not sure
it's mounted correctly. I have it filled with water, and no leaking, but I'm not comfortable that it is correctly mounted.

Any help appreciated!

[jadnashua]

You can keep tightening until it is just shy of tight. A half turn, side-to-side evenly. The porcelain doesn't compress, so you don't want to try to get it so tight there's any tension, or you'll crack it, but as long as you can still move it slightly, it's not too tight. I like to put a piece of paper in between, and stop when it starts to get tight but I can still pull it out without tearing. On most, there's a little stub sticking out, and if you put the paper between the bowl and that stub or leg, you'll have a good measure.

[david1701smith]

Will the TOTO Drake flush better than a higher flow 1988 toilet ( cheap American Standard, I think)?
My upstairs toilet has never flushed as good as my isentical downstairs toilet. Would reducing the 3"
drain just below the toilet to 2 & 1/2" make it flush better by improving the siphoning power?
Thanks

[jadnashua]

The comparison between many toilets and a Drake is dramatic...yes, the Drake will flush better. No, you cannot change the drain..it must remain at least 3". The flushing ability of the toilet is 99% determined by the design and quality of construction. As long as the drain pipe is not clogged, it should work.

[jacksan]

Was all ready to get the AS Champion 4 or Kohler Cimarron then I came to this site. After some research it looked like I should also look at the Toto Drake. Terry's steadfast convition that the Toto had a better design helped me make up my mind.

We bought the Drake (round, 2-piece, 1.6gpf, non-ADA, beige) 2 months ago and have not looked back.

A few comments:
It looks and works great ... i guess we still have a plunger, somewhere! :D

I reached my fingers inside the trapway at the bowl and drain openings and it was rough like sandpaper, I think they should make it smoother. I was afraid it would grab passing TP so I took some 400 grit sandpaper and carefully smoothed out some of the burrs at the entrance and exit.

This acts like a 2-mode flush unit but that isn't mentioned anywhere. A quick flush and you barely get more than a glurp, I'm baffled it clears as good as it does! You can hold the handle down for 2 seconds and get the full flush. Not sure which of these flush modes the 1.6gpf rating falls into.?
--> Can you swap out the flapper, this one has a hole in it so it closes very quickly, so you don't have to hold the handle down so long (I have well water and a septic tank so water conservation is lower on my list)?

Bowl rinse is adequate but nothing like the old days 5gpf tornado rinse that went on forever.


P.S. when is someone going make an elongated plunger and get rich?!!! ;)

[SteveW]

1. Terry has pointed out that the "rough" trapway may be intentional. A smooth trapway is more likely to cause wet wipes to adhere to the sides of the trapway, which in turn could cause a clog. Having a less smooth trapway prevents flat sheets, like wet wipes, from adhering, and so may actually make the toilet less likely to clog.

2. Your toilet is not really intended to be a 2-mode unit. The gpf rating is for a flush which is done as Toto intended - push the lever down all the way and let go. Yes, you can hold the handle down longer, and you get a higher gpf.

[Gary Swart]

There is "extra" water in the tank is for three reasons. Yes, you can hold the handle down and drain it, but in reality, it is seldom necessary. The other reason is the added water height provides more pressure to the flush. One other possible benefit is that if you live where condensation on the outside of the tank is a problem, since only half of the tank is used per flush, the incoming cold water mixes with the remaining water which is at room temperature and thus eliminates most, if not all, of the condensation problem.

[Terry]

The higher the water starts from the better.
That's why historically, the short tanks have never worked well.

[Reader Review]

We bought the home new five years ago.

It came with Mansfield Alto round bowl toilets.
All three plugged the first day we moved in.
They plugged often.

Then two years later, my son replaced the downstairs toilet with a Sterling Wyndham 1.6 gallon toilet.
That was an improvement, but still plugged it occasionally.

The two years ago, that was removed and replace with a Toto Drake toilet.
The Drake has never plugged.
I like the fact that we got the elongated bowl, and the softclose seat.
Not only does it work well, but it's comfortable.
Sandy L
Lynnwood WA

[Reader Review]

Hi, I have a question. I bought a TOTO DRAKE CST744SG (1.6 g flush) and am totally in love w it; think that I've only had to clean it twice in over a year, and it was an easy chore. I need another replacement toilet and was going to purchase another CST744SG, however after perusing your web site, I noticed that TOTO now makes another Drake with a 1.28 g flush - ECO DRAKE CST744E. Can you tell me if this lower water usage toilet works as well as the 1.6 g Drake does?
Many thanks, Rick.

[Reader Review]

Thank you for the great job as always!
Asako
Sammamish

TOTO Drake CST743E with SS113 softclose seat.

[thebigsee]

I just replaced two 1991-era "Kilgore" toilets at my mother-in-law's with two Toto Eco Drakes. They are fantastic. Everything about them says "quality". We tried to go the cheapo route and use American Standard Cadets, and the Eco Drake is just miles ahead in terms of performance, looks, and finish. They cost about $100 more each but they are totally worth it. Very easy to install, took about 30 minutes at most with minimal tools. If you can remove the old toilet, you can install this one.

To the person who asked if the 1.28 gallon flush works as well as the 1.6 -- yes it does. Have had zero issues with clogging with this toilet, and it seems like if you keep holding the handle down, it sends more water through, though I don't think it would ever be necessary. There is a lot of force going on with even the 1.28 gallon flush.

If I had a complaint, it would be that at the end of the flush there's a bit of gurgle noise. Not a big deal, purchase with confidence. I personally have Toto Aquia II's and I think they are much nicer to look at, but the Eco Drake is really solid.

[Reader Review]

Terry Love -

Thanks again.
On your recommendation< ACTION PLUMBING ordered a Toto Drake and the results here have been dramatically different from Pro Flow and the other standard toilets we've had...no more Richard Pryor jokes!

Marianne J

[Reader Review]

Love the Drake, man.
Thanks again for all your help.
Dan M

[markusmile]

Just had 4 Toto Drake toilets installed replacing some 'builder supplied' Mansfield lo-flo troublemakers. Over the past 3 years these previous toilets have been such trouble and majority of the clogs are empty bowls -- something isn't right in the toilet. Dishwasher soap, toilet bowl cleaner - be gone! The new Toto's are AS-ADVERTISED -- simply a 1st class product. These Toto toilets (Drake model) are international mfg as the bowl was USA, the tank said Mexico, and the toto softclose seat said Canada. they all work together nicely! I'd recommend these and go for the max and replace them all! Now what to do with that plunger....and all of that extra toilet bowl cleaner. Cheers.:cool:

[Markee]

I found a guy locally online selling 2 Toto toilets $100 a piece maybe both for $150 used but he says in like new condition
I asked what model he says Model number is ST743S

Says there beige colored and elongated bowls

This is the picture below

Can some tell me exactly which Drake model this is from that model # and the picture ?

I plan on grabbing these just looking for any advice on what I should look for when i meet the guy to buy them to make sure I"m getting a good deal and not someone else's problems

I'm no toilet master

[Terry]

ST743S is the tank number.
That's a good second hand price.

[Markee]

I assumed that was just the tank # coz when i googled the # tanks just came up

Any way to know what model toilet it is ?

Anything i need to look out for buying a second hand toilet ?





ST743S is the tank number.
That's a good second hand price.

[Terry]

Good question,
I don't sell second hand plumbing.

You can check for cracks.
The tank belongs on a Drake bowl



Anything i need to look out for buying a second hand toilet ?




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuzOUnL8F1k

[Reader Review]

Hi Terry:
Two months ago I bought a Toto Drake that my contractor picked up and installed in my newly remodeled bathroom. I've been using the bathroom just about a month now and boy ... am I in love with my toilet. I never knew there could be a low-flow toilet that actually works with one flush but this Toto Drake is amazing. Just what all the reviewers on your site said. I couldn't be more satisfied with my purchase or happier to have found your site and that you're local. Thanks for a wonderful service!

Cheers,
Robyne C.

[Markee]

Well never thought i could get excited about a toilet but I was able to grab 2 brand new Drake, CST744S off craigslist $175.00 for them both. They were pulled from a old age home tenant there needed special toilets installed and couldn't use them.

Also confirmed with Toto that they do have the Sana-gloss option
Toto said If you take your finger, start in the middle of the bowl, and run it up to the lip. If it stays smooth, you have Sanagloss. If it turns rough, you don't.

Both installed and working great






I found a guy locally online selling 2 Toto toilets $100 a piece maybe both for $150 used but he says in like new condition
I asked what model he says Model number is ST743S

Says there beige colored and elongated bowls

This is the picture below

Can some tell me exactly which Drake model this is from that model # and the picture ?

I plan on grabbing these just looking for any advice on what I should look for when i meet the guy to buy them to make sure I"m getting a good deal and not someone else's problems

I'm no toilet master

[bsmitts]

Hello, I have read all the posts for the Drake toilet and am impressed, however I am wanting to replace an old American Standard 3.5 gpf toilet. The house is 45 years old with cast iron sewer lines. Never had clogging issues in the past. Does anyone have any insight on the Toto CST423SFG? I'm not getting any younger and would like to have a toilet with a higher bowl since I'm over 6 ft. tall. Does anyone have any experience with this model before I pull the trigger on this and order it online(not a dealer within 300 miles of me). I am told that it has the 3" flush valve and G-max features of the drake. If i'm right I don't see any Drake model that has a bowl height more than 14.63". If I'm wrong please correct me on this as it will help me with my decision. Thanks for your input.

[nukeman]

Hello, I have read all the posts for the Drake toilet and am impressed, however I am wanting to replace an old American Standard 3.5 gpf toilet. The house is 45 years old with cast iron sewer lines. Never had clogging issues in the past. Does anyone have any insight on the Toto CST423SFG? I'm not getting any younger and would like to have a toilet with a higher bowl since I'm over 6 ft. tall. Does anyone have any experience with this model before I pull the trigger on this and order it online(not a dealer within 300 miles of me). I am told that it has the 3" flush valve and G-max features of the drake. If i'm right I don't see any Drake model that has a bowl height more than 14.63". If I'm wrong please correct me on this as it will help me with my decision. Thanks for your input.

Here is the taller version of the Drake: http://www.terrylove.com/pdf/cst744sl.pdf

You should also take a look at the Drake II. It has a lot of nice features. http://www.terrylove.com/pdf/cst454cefg.pdf

[staceyneil]

Can someone briefly describe the differences between the regular Drake and the Drake II/Eco Drake/Gwyneth-Vespin?

I am looking for a toilet for our hall bath that is this price range or less. Also considering the Cadet 3 line. We have a Toto Aquia III and although I love the looks and comfort, and it's never clogged, my husband REALLY hates the "skid marks" that happen all the time. He's adamant that the new toilet is designed to avoid these. I suspect a larger water spot is key? The Cadet 3 advertises 9" x 8" water surface, anyone know what the Drake 2 has for water surface size?

Thanks!

[bsmitts]

Thanks for the quick response, however these look like elongated bowls, I am in need of a round bowl style. Any other suggestions?


Here is the taller version of the Drake: http://www.terrylove.com/pdf/cst744sl.pdf

You should also take a look at the Drake II. It has a lot of nice features. http://www.terrylove.com/pdf/cst454cefg.pdf

[Terry]

Toto Dalton CST733F
Tall bowl that is round, 26-1/4" long.

Or CST743 round bowl Drake
The CST423EG Promenade with Sanagloss and round.

[Reader Review]

Hi Terry,
I am thrilled with my new toilets and the wonderful job Jamie did!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

M. Hooley
Bellevue WA

[CentralTXPreacher]

After reading all the reviews on Toto, I finally broke down and bought a Drake. To be honest I didn't want to spend the money and was about to go with the Dalton, but realized that if I broke the difference down for 10 years, it was pennies on the dollar.

My decision to buy a new toilet finally came about after spending a morning plunging my old toilet, again. That was not the excercise program I wanted. Also, it "flushed" twice on its own in the middle of the night. So I knew it was also wasting money. I knew not to waste my money on a new flapper on a toilet that I was contiually plunging. That afternoon on the way home from work I picked it up and by that night I had it in. It was easy to install, I only worried about cracking it by getting the nuts too tight.

When I flushed it, I don't know what I expected, but my wife and I looked at each other and went, "wow". It was so fast compared to our old one we almost missed it. In fact we have joked that if our little beagle dog were to get too close to it, that it would suck him in.

After several weeks of using it, I can say, "This toilet is a winner!" I'm now saving my nickles and dimes to replace the one in the guest bath with a drake also.

All I can say to those who are looking to purchase a new toilet, this one is great and keep your small animals away from it because you may never see them again!;) I never dreamed I would be so excited over a toilet!

CentralTxPreacher

P.S. I just realized that I should have posted this under the Drake Review...don't know what I was thinking starting a new post. If the moderator wants to move it to there, that would be great! Sorry about that.

[Redwood]

Another convert to Totoism... :D

I just wanted to let you know it is okay if you bring house guests to see your Toto Drake flush...

It really is!

It happens frequently with new converts to Totoism...

[tspriggs]

I am about to order the Toto Drake, but ambivalent if no seat comes with it. But, it appears this toilet is good enough to overlook that fact. Does the manufacturer make a standard seat for it? I would hope so. What if I bought a Corvette and they said, "So sorry, it doesnt come with seats--those are extra." hahaha


Outstanding website! Very helpful and informative.

I followed your advice and bought a Toto Drake (elongated) unit. I am very happy with it. A couple of negatives; No hold-down bolts included. No wax doughnut included; No seat included; None of this was on the boxes. Fortunately, I do a lot of work on the house although I?m not a plumber and I had this stuff ?in stock?. For DIYs, it might mean another trip to the hardware store. It is louder than I expected although not nearly as loud as the contractor special that came with the house. I?m just curious whether the Ultramax would have been a better choice.

I purchased the Drake for about US$ *** including what turned out to be a nice seat ($**). The Ultramax would have been only $35 more and it included a seat. I chose the two-piece Drake partly because it would be easier to lug up the stairs and drop over the hole. I think my next one will be the Ultramax.

Overall, very happy. I?ll be recommending it to my neighbors (Tract subdivision with the same crappy toilets in all (no pun intended J ) ). They will be needing new ones soon.

Thanks again for the great resource.

Jeff

Toilets don't come with other parts like wax, closet bolts, supply tubes or seats.
Just as cameras don't come with film and memory cards either.
Terry

[Mikey]

Most of the big-box stores are now selling toilets in kits, complete with all installation supplies. The toilets are usually junk, but you do get the "free" seal, bolts, caps, and seat. Our local orange store has a complete kit for $98; I'll bet you get what you pay for. As for what we think of Toto, we are an all-Drake house, and my wife wants to send her sister one for a birthday present.

[tspriggs]

I think I'll be the next follower of Totoism. Toto Drake soon to be installed. Have a plumber friend who is getting prices and will install for cheaper than I thought. I've done the "research" and this one is top shelf from what people are posting.

[Obama the Plumber]

Almost no two piece toilets come with seats, from any manufacturer.
Some one-piece toilets come with seats, but not even for all of those.

Sometimes a homeowner will want to use their old seat, I have no idea why, I think it's kind of disgusting to put an old seat on a new bowl.

[jdon88]

I just replaced a 1962 Sears Roebuck toilet with a Drake, CST744EL. Easy to install, barely fit my 11" rough in. I went with a $14. seat from HD instead of the toto seats and it is fine. So far I love the operation and the amount of water saved is ridiculous. Maybe I'll have to replace the 1954 American standard in my other bathroom with another Toto. Here are before and after pics.

[pwjone1]

I see here a lot of testimonials for the Toto Drakes, and that's definitely goodness. Nothing like real world experience.

One thing I noticed, the latest MaP ratings, showed the Drakes as topping out at 800 (which is also the high for all the Totos), as versus the 1000 for some of the other toilets.

http://www.cuwcc.org/WorkArea/linkit.aspx?LinkIdentifier=id&ItemID=14058

I've tried to net it down more clearly, from the spreadsheet, so you can see the MaP ratings, attached below.

Now, 800 is still a pretty decent rating, and it says really nothing about bowl cleaning action/capability, one of the fortes of the Drakes, and I suppose there might be a trade-off between bowl cleaning and raw flushing ability/capacity. Any thoughts?

[Redwood]

I see here a lot of testimonials for the Toto Drakes, and that's definitely goodness. Nothing like real world experience.

One thing I noticed, the latest MaP ratings, showed the Drakes as topping out at 800 (which is also the high for all the Totos), as versus the 1000 for some of the other toilets.

http://www.cuwcc.org/WorkArea/linkit.aspx?LinkIdentifier=id&ItemID=14058

I've tried to net it down more clearly, from the spreadsheet, so you can see the MaP ratings, attached below.

Now, 800 is still a pretty decent rating, and it says really nothing about bowl cleaning action/capability, one of the fortes of the Drakes, and I suppose there might be a trade-off between bowl cleaning and raw flushing ability/capacity. Any thoughts?

Hi PW,

My thoughts on this is actually a mix of information...

While the MaP Report is a great resource it is only part of what makes a toilet good.

If you read the entire report you will see that the reason they don't test above 1,000 grams per flush and that the reason the WaterSense certification threshold was set to 350 grams per flush is that 350 grams is larger than the fecal size for the 99th percentile of the male population.

Toilets use 1.6 gallons per flush, and new ones use 1.28 gallons per flush...
There is even one that uses 0.8 gallons per flush...

Mentioned in the MaP report is bowl wash. The higher flush ratings often come at the expense of bowl wash...
This bowl wash is what leaves the bowl clean after flushing...
What good is a toilet than needs brushing and a 2nd flush after after every use?
Yes some are that bad!

[Terry]

Some of the very early MaP testing had the Toto Ultimate MS854114 at 325 grams.
I had one installed in my home for two years, and installed four in my church.
They were flawless.

I then installed a Kohler Cimarron with double the MaP rating, and it was plugged weekly.
There was no bowl rinse at the back of the bowl either.

There is only so much you learn from a test done in just one way.
Since the MaP has started wrapping the paste in plastic, so the can reuse the media over and over again, is that the test numbers went way up.
It didn't mean the bowls were better, just that the test method had changed from lightweight sticky media to heavier slippery media.
Of course the numbers go better.

I've found that in real use, anything with a 500 MaP is extremely good. And yes, bowl wash is very important, and no, the MaP doesn't test for:

Does not test for:
Bowl Wash
Quality of porcelain,
Fit and finish
How long the internal tank parts last
How loud they are
How much water gets splashed onto the seat
What percentage are defective from the factory
Whether the entire bowl is rinsed, or just portions,
Whether you can get replacement parts,

This is where our reporting comes in, we listen to husbands, wives and children and find out what is working for them.
I've seen grandchildren that won't use certain toilets, sometimes you go into a home, and the young kids are using ear muffs when they use the toilet.
One of the Consumer Reports "Best Buy" toilets are so startling, that the women in my household wouldn't leave me alone until I replaced it. They absolutely hated it. That model isn't sold anymore, parts became non-existent and the manufacturer that made the inner tank went out of business. Not something that Consumer Reports seems to care about.
They now give a best buy to the Gerber dual flush tank with the Chinese tank. They have been failing withing six months for me, so I quit selling that tank.
That doesn't stop Consumer Reports from giving it a "Best Buy" though. I thought that 40% returns in six months was horrible.

Has the Toto been rock solid, yes.
I sell hundreds and hundreds, most of them repeat sales.
I can sell any toilet one time to a customer, but you can't make them buy a second one, unless they really liked the first one.

Here is their original method of testing using un-wrapped media, the floaty sticky stuff.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmuzFve6O4k

[Mikey]

One day, after a spectacular poop, I decided to weigh it just to see what an 800 MaP toilet ought to swallow. I remember being disappointed, but don't remember the exact weight -- around 350g, I think. An 800 MAP certainly works for me.

[goshenplumber]

Toto Drake: Comparison between reviews at this site & at "***************"

After reading the consumer reviews of the Toto Drake at this web site, I am convinced that the Drake is the toilet to replace our dinosaur 7GPF toilet.

Terry, I do have a question about consumer reviews of the Drake. There is another web site, "***************", that also has consumer reviews of the Toto Drake. And I noticed that about 10%-15% of consumers at that site had a strong negative review of the Drake, either due to leaks or to clogs.

Terry, do you have an opinion on why the difference in positive reviews between your web site and "***************"? Do you think the difference could be due to poor installation by either consumers with not enough experience or plumbers who make mistakes?

Thank you.

[jadnashua]

There's a small percentage of people who have extremely hard, large stools, and few toilets will pass them without clogging. The Caroma is often recommended for them. Terry recommends a 10-second precaution task when installing a tank on a two-piece toilet...quickly sanding the surface to smooth the raw porcelain where the bolt and gasket go. Often not needed, but a quick, easy precaution from a small bump preventing the washer from sealing. Then, many people are afraid to tighten the tank up, and this can lead to leaks. Last, during transport, the big nut that holds the flapper seat assembly to the tank might need a tightening to ensure it will seal. These are all little things a DIY'er may not know about or consider, but could lead to a leak. It just makes sense to make sure everything is tight before installing it. If this is done, there rarely is a leak. The last thing is if a toilet leaks from the base flange seal. No toilet will maintain a good seal if it rocks after installation. If it does not sit flat, it must be shimmed, or it WILL break the seal. You may not see a leak, but it could happen. So, properly installed, no toilet should leak, but especially on a two-piece one, you have some extra places where it could leak, and the little precautions should prevent them from occurring.

Few DIY'ers replace many toilets, so they don't know all the tricks of the trade. My feeling is, that the problems listed could and probably would have happened with any toilet they installed.

[Terry]

"My feeling is, that the problems listed could and probably would have happened with any toilet they installed."

I concur.
They would have those problems with any toilet.
Proper installation is a must.
And any toilet can clog. You have to have a little common sense.
People mention clogs here, and those posts are on the site and answered.
If you have medical issues, then Caroma is a better choice for the less then 1% of the population that suffers that way.
For the rest, you can't use it as a garbage can.

The customers buying from me, using my instructions are getting good results.

The other thing to consider, is it even a Toto "Drake" they are reviewing?
Many plumbers sell the CST703 or the CST723 Carosoe when someone asks for a Toto.
In fact many of those plumbers have never even seen a Drake CST743 or CST744.
Anytime a review mentions splash, it's not the Drake. Perhaps the Carosoe, which frankly I don't even sell.
Without seeing pictures of what they are really reviewing, it doesn't mean much.
Most of my TOTO sales are repeat purchases. But then, I sell the Drake and better, I don't sell the builder grade stuff that other plumbers install.

[tspriggs]

Installed the Drake ADA in the beige color just yesterday. My plumber was impressed with it and he had installed 150 toilets so he said. It is quiet and quick. A costly expense for me at this time but it was worth it. There is also a 1.28 GPF Drake for the same price but I was not sure if it would work as good. Maybe Terry can evaluate it.

[gib323]

I am so happy with how this toilet works compared to the old Mansfield piece of junk I had in my bathroom. I was wasting so much water and time playing out the plunge-flush-plunge-flush cycle for solid waste. I’ve had the Toto Drake now for about two months, and only in one circumstance did I have to flush it twice. Every other time it was one flush and whoosh it was gone, and I am certain the old toilet would still be plugged. There are great products out there, and this is one of them. It is worth every penny, and I know I am saving money by conserving water, so there is a long-term payback as well. Great design, great looks, great function.

I don’t know why I waited so long to check into this. I am so happy with it that I am considering taking it with me to my next house. But we’ll see about that. Buy this. You won’t be disappointed.

[Reader Review]

Hi Jamie and Terry.

My name is Suzie S and I purchased two Toto toilets from you in May of 2009.

Love them

Just learned that my father-in-law, Jack S, is looking to buy some Toto toilets as well. I gave him your card and told him to give you a call.

He is 80 and hard of hearing. So be patient with him. : )

But he is looking for something very similar to what we purchased (invoice #996899) but likely a taller seat height for ease/comfort with older age.

Just thought I’d give you a heads up. You may be hearing from him soon.

Thanks for your great product and services. We are very happy with our bathroom upgrades.

Thanks,
Suzie.

[Runs with bison]

It's been a year since I installed the first of 3 EcoDrakes elongated--(installed one in Sept. and two of them in October '09 IIRC). I can now officially declare them a resounding success. No operational problems whatsoever and we use Northern tissue which is a known clogger.

Previously we had strict rules about TP usage and flush frequency with the old 1994 vintage Gerbers...and they still routinely clogged on me and the kids much too frequently. I actually can't remember where my plunger is anymore. Our water usage is down as a result of the conversion, cutting both water and sewer charges.

I recommend the small adder cost of the Sanagloss finish as well...from what I've seen with ours the only stains that require periodic cleaning occur above the water line--it is well worth it.

Thanks, Terry, for the site and information.

[purple goat]

I am interested in the "normal height" Toto Drake but am wondering if the ADA height would give a better flush. I am interested in the 1.28 GPF. Also, is there any difference in the flushing system or bowl cleaning between the Drake and the Drake II ?

Thank you so much for all of you who have shared your experiences. I've been reading posts for over four hours. Originally was going to get an American Standard Cadet but have become a Toto Drake convert.

[Runs with bison]

When I purchased my Drakes (standard height, elongated) the ADA height had higher MaP scores. The lowest scores were for the round standard height variants of the same toilet. I've had no trouble at all with my non-ADA, elongated EcoDrakes.