TOTO Double-Flush Problems and Installation Issues — Review

Data basis: This report drew on dozens of buyer comments and a handful of video demos collected from Jan 2020 through Feb 2026, with most feedback from written reviews supported by a smaller set of installation videos.

Why does the toilet sometimes need two flushes?

Regret moment: Buyers commonly report having to flush more than once when clearing moderate solids.

Pattern & context: This recurring issue appears during regular daily use and is reported as one of the most common complaints for this model.

Category contrast: Compared to a reasonable mid-range baseline, this product is more likely to demand an extra flush, which adds water use and frustration.

Is installation more work than expected?

• Hidden requirement: The listing notes a wax ring and flange bolts are purchased separately, which buyers repeatedly flagged during setup.
• Early sign: Installers report realizing missing parts only after unboxing and positioning the bowl.
• Frequency tier: This is a primary setup issue seen across many buyer reports and videos.
• Impact: Extra trips or courier orders add time and can delay bathroom use by hours or a day.
• Fixability: Fixing requires extra parts and some plumbing time, not immediate at-point-of-install.

Will the seat and accessories be ready out of the box?

• Seat missing: The tank and bowl ship without a soft-close seat by default, a common buyer surprise.
• Compatibility note: Buyers often need to buy a TOTO-specific seat or check fit, adding cost.
• Usage anchor: This becomes clear during final install when the buyer expects a one-package finish.
• Secondary pattern: Seen in many written reports where users assumed the seat was included.
• Cost impact: Adding a seat raises the initial purchase price versus some competitors that include a seat.
• Effort to replace: Upgrading later requires extra time to secure a compatible seat and sometimes remove shipping caps.
• Expectation mismatch: Buyers who consider a full ready-to-use toilet will feel the extra purchase as an avoidable hassle.

Does the bowl really stay cleaner as advertised?

• Claim vs reality: The CEFIONTECT glaze is marketed to reduce sticking, but many buyers still report spot-staining and more frequent scrubbing.
• When it shows up: This problem becomes visible after weeks to months of normal use, not just initial installs.
• Scope signal: This is a secondary but persistent pattern across written feedback and cleaning demo clips.
• Why it feels worse: For a water-saving 1.28 GPF model, leftover marks are more frustrating because lower water volume can make removal harder.
• Hidden cost: Users add stronger cleaners or more frequent scrubbing, which offsets the water savings.
• Attempts: Buyers report temporary improvement with concentrated cleans, but marks often return.
• Fixability: Long-term improvement usually requires heavier cleaning routines than expected for this class.
• Category contrast: Many mid-range bowls with similar glazes stay cleaner with the same maintenance level, so this model demands extra effort.

Illustrative excerpts (not actual quotes)

Excerpt: "Had to flush twice for medium solids, wasted time and water." — Primary pattern

Excerpt: "Unboxed and realized I needed a wax ring and bolts." — Primary pattern

Excerpt: "No seat included; had to order a soft-close separately." — Secondary pattern

Excerpt: "Bowl showed rings after a month despite the special glaze." — Secondary pattern

Who should avoid this

• Buyers needing one-flush reliability: Avoid if you expect consistent single-flush clearing without extra attempts.
• Owners wanting a ready-to-use kit: Avoid if you need a toilet that includes seat and all install parts out of the box.
• Low-maintenance seekers: Avoid if you cannot accept slightly increased cleaning or stronger cleaners over time.

Who this is actually good for

• Savvy installers: Good if you accept extra install parts and have plumbing experience to finish setup quickly.
• Height-conscious buyers: Good if you want the comfort of a universal-height elongated bowl despite possible extra maintenance.
• Those upgrading for durability features: Good if you prioritize the TOTO build and are willing to add a seat and parts.

Expectation vs reality

• Expectation (reasonable): Water-saving 1.28 GPF toilets usually clear solids in one flush.
• Reality: This model more often needs a second flush, increasing water use and dissatisfaction.
• Expectation: A glazed bowl means low cleaning frequency for similar mid-range toilets.
• Reality: Visible rings and more frequent scrubbing were reported after weeks of use.

Safer alternatives

• Shop for one-flush tests: Look for toilets with many buyer-reported one-flush success to avoid repeated flushing.
• Choose included-seat listings: Prefer models that explicitly include a seat to prevent extra purchases.
• Prioritize higher-flow options: If one-flush reliability matters, consider slightly higher GPF mid-range units known for clearing power.
• Check install checklists: Pick listings that list all required installation parts to avoid hidden-trip hardware purchases.

The bottom line

Main regret: The dominant complaint is the need for frequent double-flushes and the surprise of extra install parts.

Verdict: If you prioritize reliable one-flush performance and an out-of-box ready toilet, this model carries higher-than-normal risk compared with typical mid-range alternatives and is worth avoiding.