by Dan |
Last Updated: April 25, 2023 Table of Contents
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While the 12 inch rough in toilets is almost becoming the industry standard, there are several old homes that use 14 inch rough in toilets .
Fourteen inch toilets are not so common. So, there’s a high probability that your local plumbing does not stock lots of these. But you could find them from several online sources.
The purpose of this guide is to help you find a toilet that fits your requirements in terms of flushing performance, efficiency, ease of cleaning and, of course, price.
Top 14 Inch Rough In Toilets
- Kohler K-3949-0 Highline
- Our Rating: 9/10
- Water Consumption & Flush:
1.28 GPF
Class Five(R) - Dimensions:
39.8x35.4x31.9" - Features:
Saving Water, Comfort Height, Best-In-Class Bowl Cleanliness - Price:
- Kohler K-3947-0 Wellworth
- Our Rating: 8/10
- Water Consumption & Flush:
1.28 GPF
Class Five(R) - Dimensions:
47.5x41.5x23.5" - Features:
Ideal Solution For Smaller Baths, Standard Height Seating - Price:
- Sterling 402078-0 Windham
- Our Rating: 7/10
- Water Consumption & Flush:
1.28 GPF
Gravity Flush - Dimensions:
29.2x16.9x28.6" - Features:
Requires Less Space, Optimized Siphonic Flush Action - Price:
1. Kohler K-3949-0 Highline – Editor’s Choice
Stylish Water Efficient Toilet
Our first pick here is also the priciest and, therefore, ideal for homeowners who are ready to spend a little more for a commode that brings all the good features of a good toilet.
We can’t deny that the Kohler K-3949-0 Highline is good-looking thanks to its nicely curved tank with a flat top tank and a stylish elongated bowl. These 2 components have been glossed over to give the entire fixture an attractive smooth finish which might look great in most bathroom designs.
Comfort Height
You should expect a toilet with the comfort height. This makes it a comfortable stand for many including the elderly, people with arthritis, and those who are taller than average.
The elongated bowl design comes to complement the comfort height by offering you excellent support at your backside.
What’s more is that the K-3949-0 Highline uses Kohler’s Class Five flushing technology which, according to the manufacturer, has been designed for bulk waste removal.
Water Saver
Another impressive feature is that this system is an excellent water saver despite its high-power flushing performance. It utilizes a right-hand flush trip lever that releases 1.28 gallons per flush.
The installation time might also be slightly shorter seeing that the tank comes pre-installed with 3 installation bolts.
Round Front Bowl Saves Space
The Kohler K-3947-0 Wellworth comes as an alternative to K-3949-0 Highline which might be somewhat tall for people of short stature. This model is also notably cheaper and ships free (when typing this).
3 Catchy Colors
The K-3947-0 Wellworth has an impressive, clean and modern exterior design and comes in 3 catchy colors: white, almond, and biscuit. Take note though. The price may vary with the color.
This toilet features Kohler’s K-3947 toilet tank and the K-4197 round-front bowl. The main advantage with this toilet’s 2 piece configuration is that each component is independently replaceable in case of damage.
Saves Space
Its round front bowl helps in cutting the amount of space it grabs at the front. It might also be comfortable for people who feel like that the elongated bowl design is way too large for their backsides.
The K-3947-0 Wellworth borrows the Class 5 flushing technology from its high-profile sibling. You should, therefore, expect a toilet that does quite well in pushing waste down the drain and leaving the bowl clean.
Low Water Consumption
This toilet also aims at helping you cut down your household’s water bills thanks to its WaterSense-certified water consumption per flush (1.28 GPF).
The major complaint that we picked from its reviews was its standard height. But that’s because there’s no mention of it on anywhere in its descriptions.
3. Sterling 402078-0 Windham – Budget Buy
Incredible Durability And Resistance To Discoloration And Corrosion
The Sterling 402078-0 Windham costs half the price of our first pick and ships free (from our recommended online retailer).
This one has a pretty basic design with biscuit color. The manufacturer states that the 402078-0 Windham has been crafted from Grade A vitreous china. This material has a tougher and shinier finish and it’s known for its incredible durability and resistance to discoloration and corrosion.
Considering its great price and durability, this toilet might give you a good value for money for years to come.
Sterling 402078-0 Toilet Performance
This Sterling toilet utilizes a siphonic flush action that promises bulk waste removal in a single flush. Its flushing power gets a boost from the glazed interiors and trapway. Scanning through the reviews section, most homeowners affirm that the flush system does a good job of cleaning the bowl and eliminating waste.
Its filling noise is also quiet compared to several traditional toilet systems. Therefore, it may be a solution to homeowners with bathrooms that are close to the bedroom.
Worth mentioning is that the Sterling 402078-0 has a round-front bowl that aims at offering you a little bit more legroom at the front. Its sibling, the Sterling 402079-96 offers an alternative to those who want the added comfort of an elongated bowl.
Which Is The Best 14 Inch Rough In Toilet?
Editor’s Choice
The Kohler K-3949-0 Highline is our number recommendation for the best 14 in rough in toilet. It might be quite expensive than our other picks but it has a lot of benefits to it. It is an excellent flusher, has the most sought-after elongated bowl, and also has comfort height.
The Sterling 402078-0 Windham is our runner-up on this list. This one may fit the bill for homeowners who don’t want to sell their kidney for a toilet. However, most people report that it arrived broken. So, be sure to check its condition right away.
Best 14 Inch Rough In Toilet Comparison Chart
| Rank: | Model: | Summary: | Price: | Our Rating: | Water Consumption: | Flush Type: | Dimensions: | Type: | Special Features: | Rough In: | Shape: | Material: | Color: | Finish: | Weight: | Installation Method: | Certification: | Warranty: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Kohler K-3949-0 Highline | Best Overall (Our Pick) | $$ | 9/10 | 1.28 GPF | Class Five(R) | 39.8x35.4x31.9" | Two Piece | Saving Water, Comfort Height, Best-In-Class Bowl Cleanliness | 14" | Elongated | Vitreous China | White | White | 96.5 pounds | Floor Mounted | WaterSense | 1-Year Limited Warranty |
| #2 | Kohler K-3947-0 Wellworth | Premium | $$$ | 8 /10 | 1.28 GPF | Class Five(R) | 47.5x41.5x23.5" | Two Piece | Ideal Solution For Smaller Baths, Standard Height Seating | 14" | Round | Vitreous China | White | White | 89.7 pounds | Floor Mounted | WaterSense | 1-Year Limited Warranty |
| #3 | Sterling 402078-0 Windham | Budget | $ | 7/10 | 1.28 GPF | Gravity Flush | 29.2x16.9x28.6" | Two Piece | Requires Less Space, Optimized Siphonic Flush Action | 14" | Round | Vitreous China | White | White | 86 pounds | Floor Mounted | WaterSense | 5-Year Limited Warranty |
The Big Question:
Can I Replace My Old Toilet With A 12 Inch Rough In Toilet?
Most of our readers who live in old homes with 14 inch or 10 inch rough in measurements for their toilets have one common question, ‘’ Can I replace my old toilet with a 12 inch model?’’
For those who are new to these fixtures, the 12 inch rough in is almost becoming the standard measurement.
Since the market is choking with these fixtures, it becomes quite easy to get a model that ticks all the boxes on your wish list. We cannot say the same about toilet with 14 inch rough in or 10 inch toilets.
While you may force a 10 inch or 12 inch into 14 inch rough in measurements, the fixture might leave a lot of empty space at the back. This might make your bathroom look somehow unplanned.
Again, forcing things might lead to lots of inconveniences including constant leaks and maintenance expenses. This might cost you more than you’d have incurred to remodel the rough-in measurement in the long run.
Toto’s Unifit Adapter To The Rescue
Remodeling your bathroom’s rough in measurement from 14 inch or 12 inch to the recommended 12 inch might involve breaking the slab. This can be quite expensive and time-consuming.
Luckily, Toto has now availed a patented Unifit modular rough in system that you can use to adapt your toilet to any rough in measurement. This eliminates the expensive process of breaking slabs and also makes painting the wall behind the toilet quite simple since it’s easy to remove.
The unfortunate bit, however, is that the Unifit rough-in can only be used on the following Toto toilets and not any other brand:
- Carlyle II
- Carolina II
- Pacifica
- Carrollton
- Aimes
- Legato
- Vespin II
- Lloyd
- Soiree
- Guinevere
Conclusion
Getting the right toilet for your bathroom’s rough in measurement eliminates lots of inconveniences including regular leaks and flooded and rotten floors.
But there’s more to consider other than the rough in. Don’t forget to throw your comfort, water efficiency, and reliability (think of minimal to zero clogging issues) into the mix.