YOU’RE SICK OF TOILETS THAT SWALLOW HALF YOUR TINY HOME’S SQUARE FOOTAGE
That cramped corner in your compact space feels like a bad joke every time you squeeze past a bulky porcelain throne. You’ve measured, re-measured, and cursed the day you realized standard TOTO models demand the same footprint as a small sofa. The worst part? You still want TOTO’s legendary flush power and sleek design—just in a package that doesn’t mock your minimalist dreams.
Here’s the hard truth: most “space-saving” toilets are just shrunken versions of the same clunky designs, with weak flushes and awkward shapes that make your knees bump the wall. You need a TOTO that actually fits, performs, and disappears into your layout like it was built for it. Below, I’ll walk you through the only three TOTO models that solve this problem—plus exactly how to install them without turning your tiny home into a plumbing war zone.
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THE 3 TOTO TOILETS THAT WON’T DESTROY YOUR FLOOR PLAN
TOTO MS992CUMFG#01 NEOREST AC
This is the ninja of compact toilets. At just 21 inches deep, it’s a full 5 inches shorter than TOTO’s standard models. The wall-mounted design means no bulky tank hogging space, and the concealed trapway keeps the profile razor-thin. The best part? It still packs TOTO’s tornado flush—no weak “tiny home compromise” here. You’ll pay for the privilege (around $2,500), but it’s the only model that makes your bathroom feel twice as big.
TOTO CST454CEFG#01 DRAKE II
If wall-mounting isn’t an option, this is your next best bet. The Drake II’s compact elongated bowl shaves 2 inches off the depth of TOTO’s standard elongated models, landing at 26.5 inches. The skirted design eliminates the usual nooks where dust and grime hide, and the 1.28 GPF flush keeps water usage low without sacrificing power. At $350, it’s the budget-friendly workhorse that doesn’t scream “I settled.”
TOTO CST744SL#01 CARACALLA
For round-bowl purists, the Caracalla is the undisputed king of small spaces. At 25.5 inches deep, it’s the shortest TOTO toilet with a traditional tank. The round front saves 2 inches of depth over elongated bowls, and the 1.6 GPF flush is still efficient enough for most tiny home water systems. It’s the no-frills, no-surprises option that just works—especially if you’re retrofitting an existing space.
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HOW TO INSTALL THEM WITHOUT A PLUMBING DISASTER
STEP 1: MEASURE LIKE YOUR SANITY DEPENDS ON IT
Grab a tape measure and map out these critical dimensions:
– Rough-in distance (12 inches is standard; 10 or 14 inches will require adjustments).
– Clearance from the wall to the center of the drain (12 inches minimum for comfort).
– Total depth of the toilet (measure from the wall to the front of the bowl, not the tank).
– Side clearance (at least 15 inches from the center of the toilet to any wall or fixture).
Pro tip: Use painter’s tape to outline the toilet’s footprint on the floor. Walk around it. Sit on a stool in the same spot. If your knees brush the wall or you can’t open the door, keep shopping.
STEP 2: PREP YOUR SPACE FOR THE SMALLEST MODEL
If you’re going with the Neorest AC (wall-mounted), you’ll need:
– A 2×6 or 2×8 stud wall reinforced to hold 500+ pounds.
– A 12-inch rough-in carrier (like the TOTO WT153M) installed behind the drywall.
– A licensed plumber to run a new water line and drain (this isn’t a DIY job unless you’re a pro).
For the Drake II or Caracalla (floor-mounted):
– Shut off the water and drain the existing toilet.
– Scrape off the old wax ring and inspect the flange. If it’s cracked or misaligned, replace it now.
– Check the floor for rot or soft spots. Tiny homes often have subfloors that can’t handle the weight of a new toilet—reinforce with plywood if needed.
STEP 3: INSTALL THE TOILET (OR HIRE A PRO IF YOU VALUE YOUR WEEKEND)
For wall-mounted (Neorest AC):
1. Attach the mounting bracket to the carrier, ensuring it’s level.
2. Hang the toilet bowl on the bracket and secure it with the provided bolts.
3. Connect the water supply line to the inlet on the back of the toilet.
4. Install the seat and lid, then test the flush and bidet functions.
For floor-mounted (Drake II or Caracalla):
1. Place the new wax ring (or wax-free seal) on the flange.
2. Lower the toilet onto the flange, aligning the bolts with the holes in the base.
3. Press down firmly to compress the seal, then hand-tighten the nuts.
4. Alternate tightening the nuts to avoid cracking the base.
5. Connect the water supply line to the fill valve and turn the water back on.
6. Test for leaks by flushing several times and checking around the base.
STEP 4: OPTIMIZE THE LAYOUT TO MAKE IT FEEL EVEN SMALLER
– Swap out the standard seat for a soft-close lid to save space when it’s up.
– Mount a slim shelf or cabinet above the toilet for storage (keep it shallow—6 inches max).
– Use a wall-mounted sink or corner sink to free up floor space.
– Install a pocket door or barn door to eliminate swing clearance issues.
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WHAT TO DO IF IT STILL DOESN’T FIT
You’ve measured, you’ve installed, and somehow, it’s still too tight. Here’s your backup plan:
– Rotate the toilet 90 degrees. Some tiny homes have drains positioned for a side-to-side layout instead of front-to-back.
– Switch to a composting toilet. Brands like Nature’s Head or Separett fit in spaces as small as 20×20 inches and don’t require plumbing.
– Use a macerating toilet (like Saniflo) if your drain is in a non-standard location. These grind waste and pump it to the main line, allowing for flexible placement.
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FINAL VERDICT: WHICH ONE SHOULD YOU BUY?
If money is no object and you want the ultimate space-saver: Neorest AC. It’s the only TOTO that truly disappears into a tiny home.
If you need a balance of price and performance: Drake II. It’s the Goldilocks option—small enough to fit, powerful enough to perform.
If you’re retrofitting an TOTO MACAU.