Simple Project Toilet Installation & Leak Issues Review

Data basis: Dozens of buyer comments and video demonstrations were reviewed between Jan 2024 and Jan 2026, with most feedback from written reviews and additional context from video demonstrations.

Top failures

Is the install harder than advertised?

Regret moment: You notice wobble or misalignment during the first use after installation.

Pattern: This is commonly reported and often shows up at first use or within the first week.

Category contrast: More installation fuss than most mid-range toilets, which typically align with a standard flange without extra shims.

Does it leak at the base or flange?

• Early sign: Water stains or damp floor noticed after the first flush indicate a bad seal.
• Frequency tier: This is a primary issue seen repeatedly across written feedback and videos.
• When it shows: Problems most often appear during the first use or when the toilet is shifted slightly.
• Cause: Misalignment, uneven flooring, or insufficient wax ring compression are commonly implicated.
• Impact: A leaking base adds extra repairs and potential subfloor damage if ignored.

Will the single 1.28 GPF flush actually clear waste?

• Summary: Flush performance is inconsistent — some buyers report good clears while others need multiple flushes.
• Usage anchor: Issue appears during daily use, especially for heavier loads or after longer gaps between flushes.
• Why worse: Worse than expected because many mid-range toilets balance water use and clearing better.
• Attempts: Buyers report trying additional plunges or repeat flushes to compensate.
• Fixability: Can sometimes be mitigated by changing water level or drain alignment, which adds time and cost.
• Hidden requirement: Proper trapway alignment and exact flange height are needed for reliable flushes.

How durable is the seat and overall finish?

• Primary signal: Seat soft-close function works initially but secondary wear appears within months for some buyers.
• Early sign: Hinge looseness or small cracks near the mounting points during normal use.
• Scope: This is a secondary issue — less common than leaks but persistent when it happens.
• When it worsens: Daily use and heavier users accelerate hinge loosening and cosmetic wear.
• Attempts to fix: Re-tightening or replacing the seat is reported, but replacement seats may not perfectly match.
• Impact: Cosmetic damage and functional annoyance reduce the perceived value for buyers expecting longer life.
• Edge case: Very heavy users may find this becomes a primary complaint over time.

Illustrative excerpts (not real quotes)

Excerpt: "Base felt uneven after install, started leaking on day two." — primary pattern.

Excerpt: "Had to flush twice for solid wastes, not reliable single-flush." — primary pattern.

Excerpt: "Seat hinge loosened after a few months of daily use." — secondary pattern.

Who should avoid this

• Buyers wanting easy install: Avoid if you need a single-person, no-adjustment setup; installation often requires extra hands or shimming.
• Low-maintenance households: Avoid if you won’t tolerate repeat flushes or occasional seat fixes during daily use.
• Properties with older plumbing: Avoid if you have a non-standard flange or uneven flooring, which raises leak risk.

Who this is actually good for

• Budget-conscious buyers: Good if you accept possible extra labor to save on purchase price and can handle minor fixes.
• People needing taller height: Works if you prioritize the 21" comfort height and can tolerate install quirks.
• Skilled DIYers or pros: Suitable if you have plumbing experience to shim, align, and tune flush settings.

Expectation vs reality

• Expectation: Reasonable for this category to advertise easy install; Reality: requires extra shims and often two people, which is more effort than typical mid-range toilets.
• Expectation: Single 1.28 GPF flush should clear routine waste; Reality: inconsistent clearing forces repeat flushes for heavier use.
• Expectation: Soft-close seat will be durable; Reality: some buyers report hinge looseness within months.

Safer alternatives

• Look for proven flush systems: Choose toilets with advertised multi-jet or pressure-assist flushing to neutralize inconsistent flushes.
• Confirm flange compatibility: Pick models with adjustable base or included flange adapters to avoid hidden alignment work.
• Prioritize replaceable seats: Buy models with widely available, sturdy replacement seats to reduce long-term wear risk.
• Budget for pro install: Factor in professional installation if you want to eliminate the higher leak and alignment risk.

The bottom line

Main regret: The combined installation and leak risk is the clear trigger for buyer disappointment.

Why worse: These issues occur at first use and are more disruptive than expected for this price class.

Verdict: Avoid this toilet if you need a low-effort, reliably sealing and single-flush solution; consider alternatives with stronger installation tolerance and flush performance.