A toilet is not usually the star of a bathroom remodel. It is more like the dependable character actor: it does its job quietly, never asks for applause, and becomes extremely noticeable only when it fails. The Toto Drake II Close Coupled Toilet has built a strong reputation because it focuses on the things homeowners actually care about: a confident flush, sensible water use, comfortable seating height, and fewer unpleasant bowl-cleaning surprises.
The Drake II is a two-piece, close-coupled toilet, meaning the tank mounts directly to the bowl rather than sitting separately on the wall. It has a familiar traditional shape, but its performance features are much more modern than its classic silhouette suggests. For buyers comparing high-efficiency toilets, the Drake II often lands in the “not flashy, just very capable” category.
What Is the Toto Drake II Close Coupled Toilet?
The Toto Drake II Close Coupled Toilet is a high-efficiency, two-piece gravity-flush toilet designed for residential bathrooms. One of the best-known configurations is the elongated CST454CEFG model, which uses 1.28 gallons per flush and includes Toto’s CEFIONTECT ceramic glaze. A related CST454CEF version is similar but does not include that glaze.
“Close coupled” simply describes how the tank and bowl are joined. Unlike a wall-mounted tank system or a one-piece toilet, the tank is bolted onto the bowl. This design gives homeowners a few practical benefits: the toilet is generally easier to transport, replacement components are straightforward to identify, and the familiar two-piece format can be less intimidating during installation.
The Drake II is not trying to look like a spaceship from a luxury hotel lobby. It is a well-proportioned, high-profile toilet that works in many bathroom styles, from traditional homes to updated rental properties. Its appeal is practical: it looks polished without demanding that the entire bathroom start speaking in Italian marble.
Common Drake II Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Typical Drake II 1.28 GPF Configuration |
|---|---|
| Common model | CST454CEFG |
| Toilet type | Two-piece, close-coupled, gravity flush |
| Bowl shape | Elongated |
| Flush volume | 1.28 gallons per flush |
| Flush technology | Tornado Flush system |
| Bowl height | About 16 1/8 inches to the rim before the seat |
| Seat height | Approximately 17 1/4 inches with a compatible seat |
| Rough-in | 12 inches |
| Overall size | About 28 1/2 inches deep, 17 1/4 inches wide, and 30 inches high |
| Seat included | Often sold separately; verify the exact retailer package |
Exact dimensions, included accessories, finishes, trip lever position, and availability can vary by model number. Always check the product specification sheet before ordering. “Drake II” is a family name, not a magical phrase that guarantees every version has identical features.
Why the Toto Drake II Flush System Gets Attention
The defining feature of the Toto Drake II toilet is its Tornado Flush system. Instead of relying on a basic rim wash, the toilet directs water around the bowl in a swirling pattern designed to rinse more of the surface. The goal is not merely dramatic water choreography. It is to create a more complete bowl rinse while using less water than older toilets.
At 1.28 gallons per flush, the Drake II meets the efficiency level associated with WaterSense-labeled toilets. That is 20 percent less water than the older federal standard of 1.6 gallons per flush. The numbers may seem modest until you consider daily use. For example, a person flushing five times a day could save roughly 584 gallons per year by moving from a 1.6 GPF toilet to a 1.28 GPF model.
A lower flush volume does not automatically mean a weak flush. Older low-flow toilets earned a bad reputation because some models behaved like they were asking waste to leave politely. Modern high-efficiency toilet engineering uses improved trapway design, bowl rinse patterns, and flush valve systems to make better use of the water available.
Tornado Flush and Everyday Bowl Cleaning
The Tornado Flush system is designed to rinse the bowl more evenly than older rim-hole designs. This can help reduce the amount of residue left behind after routine use, especially when paired with Toto’s CEFIONTECT ceramic glaze.
CEFIONTECT is a super-smooth glaze intended to make it harder for waste and particles to cling to the ceramic surface. It is not a force field. You will still need a toilet brush, and the toilet will not suddenly begin doing your taxes. However, the smoother surface can make routine cleaning less demanding and reduce the urge to attack the bowl with an entire chemistry lab.
Comfort, Height, and Bowl Shape
The Toto Drake II Close Coupled Toilet is commonly sold with a universal-height bowl. The rim sits around 16 1/8 inches above the finished floor, while the installed seat height is typically about 17 1/4 inches. This places it closer to chair height than many older standard-height toilets.
For many adults, taller users, and people who prefer easier sitting and standing, a universal-height toilet can feel noticeably more comfortable. It may also be a useful consideration for aging-in-place remodeling. However, taller is not automatically better for every person. Some shorter adults and children may find a lower toilet more comfortable because their feet rest more firmly on the floor.
The elongated bowl provides more front-to-back space than a round bowl. It is often preferred for comfort, although it takes up more room. In a compact bathroom, those extra inches matter. Before ordering, measure from the finished wall to the front clearance area. A toilet that performs beautifully but blocks your vanity drawer is not a dream upgrade. It is a porcelain ambush.
Is It ADA Compliant?
The Drake II specification identifies the toilet as ADA compliant when installed with the trip lever on the approach side. Still, homeowners should remember that an accessible bathroom is more than a toilet model. Proper seat height, clear floor space, grab bar placement, wall reinforcement, door swing, and reach ranges all matter. A toilet can support an accessible design, but it cannot single-handedly make an entire bathroom compliant.
Installation Considerations Before Buying
The most important number to verify before purchasing a Toto Drake II is the rough-in measurement. The standard Drake II close-coupled configuration uses a 12-inch rough-in. This is the distance from the finished wall behind the toilet to the center of the drainpipe or closet flange bolts.
Measure from the finished wall, not from the baseboard or trim. Decorative baseboards, thick tile, and old DIY patchwork can make a rough-in measurement surprisingly confusing. If the center of the bolts is near 12 inches, the standard version may fit well. If your rough-in is closer to 10 or 14 inches, you may need a different toilet model or a compatible alternate configuration.
What May Not Be Included
The Drake II is frequently sold as a bowl-and-tank set without a toilet seat. Some retailer bundles include a SoftClose seat, while others do not. The supply line is also commonly sold separately. Read the product listing carefully so your installation day does not end with a perfectly installed toilet and nowhere to sit.
A typical installation may require a new wax ring or wax-free seal, closet bolts, a flexible water supply line, a level, shims if the floor is uneven, and basic hand tools. A confident DIY homeowner may be able to install a two-piece toilet, but a plumber is often worth the expense when the flange is damaged, the floor is uneven, the shutoff valve is unreliable, or the bathroom has unusual plumbing conditions.
Do Not Confuse the 1.28 GPF and 1.0 GPF Versions
Toto has offered Drake II configurations with different flush volumes, including 1.28 GPF and 1.0 GPF models. The names are similar, but the tanks, bowls, parts, and performance details may differ. Use the full model number when comparing listings, ordering replacement parts, or asking a plumber for guidance.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
The Drake II is designed to be easy to maintain, but the best results come from using the right cleaning methods. For toilets with CEFIONTECT, use a soft-bristled plastic brush and a compatible gel-based toilet bowl cleaner. Avoid abrasive powders, steel wool, harsh acids, strong alkaline cleaners, and rough scrub pads that can damage the surface over time.
Maintenance is otherwise familiar. Check occasionally for a running toilet, inspect the flapper or drain valve components if flushing behavior changes, and make sure the fill valve is operating properly. The advantage of a two-piece toilet is that many replacement parts are accessible and identifiable without replacing the entire fixture.
A weak flush is not always the toilet’s fault. A partially closed shutoff valve, clogged rim pathways, blocked vent line, worn internal component, or drain obstruction can all cause problems. Before declaring war on the toilet, rule out the plumbing suspects.
Toto Drake II Close Coupled Toilet Pros and Cons
| Pros | Potential Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Efficient 1.28 GPF flush volume | Seat may be sold separately |
| Tornado Flush bowl-rinse system | Elongated bowl may feel large in a tiny bathroom |
| Universal-height comfort for many adults | Usually costs more than entry-level builder-grade toilets |
| CEFIONTECT option supports easier cleaning | Not every Drake II model has identical specs |
| Two-piece design allows practical service access | Requires a standard 12-inch rough-in for the common configuration |
Who Should Buy the Toto Drake II?
The Toto Drake II Close Coupled Toilet is a strong option for homeowners who want a dependable high-efficiency toilet without moving into luxury smart-toilet territory. It makes sense for primary bathrooms, guest baths, rental upgrades, aging-in-place projects, and remodels where performance matters more than trendy styling.
It is especially appealing for buyers replacing an older 1.6 GPF or higher-volume toilet and looking to reduce water use without sacrificing confidence in the flush. It may be less suitable for very small powder rooms where a round-front bowl would preserve more walking space, or for households that specifically want a skirted toilet with a fully concealed trapway.
Real-World Experience With the Toto Drake II Close Coupled Toilet
Living with a Toto Drake II Close Coupled Toilet is less about dramatic bathroom excitement and more about noticing the absence of small frustrations. That may sound like faint praise, but in the world of toilets, fewer frustrations are practically a standing ovation. The first thing many homeowners appreciate is the familiar two-piece design. It does not require a new relationship with your bathroom. The tank is where you expect it to be, the flush lever is where your hand naturally reaches, and the bowl shape feels comfortable without looking oversized or overly futuristic.
In a busy household, the 1.28 GPF flush becomes one of the strongest practical benefits. The toilet uses less water than an older 1.6 GPF fixture, yet the flush does not feel timid. That matters on rushed weekday mornings when several people are trying to get ready, someone is hunting for a missing shoe, and the bathroom suddenly becomes the most popular room in the house. A toilet that clears reliably in one flush can quietly improve the rhythm of daily life.
The elongated bowl is another feature that tends to make an immediate difference. It feels roomier than a round bowl, especially for adults. The universal-height seating position can also make standing up easier for taller adults or anyone with stiff knees. At the same time, families with small children may want a step stool nearby, because a higher seat can make it harder for little feet to reach the floor comfortably.
The CEFIONTECT glaze is not a substitute for cleaning, but it can change the cleaning routine. Instead of feeling like the bowl requires intense scrubbing after every few days, many users find that regular maintenance feels more manageable. A soft brush and an appropriate cleaner are usually enough for routine upkeep. The key is resisting the urge to use abrasive cleaners simply because they are sitting under the sink and look intimidatingly powerful.
The two-piece construction also has an ownership advantage. If a fill valve, flapper, or drain valve component eventually needs attention, the toilet does not become a mysterious sealed appliance. Replacement parts are easier to locate when you have the full model number, and a plumber can generally service the internal components without replacing the toilet itself. That is useful for homeowners who think long term and do not want a minor maintenance issue to turn into a full bathroom renovation.
The most important part of the experience happens before installation: measuring. A properly matched 12-inch rough-in creates a clean, comfortable fit against the wall. A poorly measured rough-in creates the kind of surprise that makes everyone suddenly interested in learning plumbing vocabulary. Measure carefully, confirm whether the seat is included, and choose the correct model number. Once those details are handled, the Toto Drake II feels like the kind of purchase people forget about for the best possible reason: it simply works.
Final Verdict
The Toto Drake II Close Coupled Toilet is a smart choice for buyers who value reliable performance, water efficiency, comfortable universal height, and easier routine cleaning. Its design is not flashy, but that is part of the appeal. It offers the kind of dependable, practical performance that makes a bathroom feel upgraded every day.
Before buying, verify the model number, 12-inch rough-in, bowl shape, trip lever location, finish, and whether a seat is included. For the common CST454CEFG configuration, the combination of a 1.28 GPF Tornado Flush, elongated bowl, and CEFIONTECT glaze makes it one of the most balanced choices in the high-efficiency two-piece toilet category.