From the looks, all the toilets are the same, but this is not true. Toilets come in a lot of variations (One-piece, two-piece, elongated, wall-hung toilet). Water consumption is another significant difference. Some toilets use 1.6 gallons per flush, while others use 1.28 GPF water to remove the waste.
In the late ’80s, toilets tend to consume 3.5 to 7 gallons of water per flush. It was later replaced by 1.6 GPF water in 1994. Modern toilets have significantly reduced water consumption, more and more highly water-efficient toilets have been introduced.
Among all the bathroom fixtures, the toilet uses approximately 30% water. As a result, the Federal government came up with a law that all toilets should consume no more than 1.6 GPF water. Today, toilet manufacturers produce low water consumption toilets. In some states like Colorado and California, the water consumption rate is 1.28 GPF.
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Features Comparison: 1.28 VS 1.6 GPF Toilets
Features |
1.28GPF |
1.6GPF |
| Water Consumption: | 1.28 Gallons Per Flush | 1.6 Gallons Per Flush |
| Water-Saving: | Yes | No |
| Powerful Flush: | No | Yes |
| 1 Flush Enough? | Sometimes may need two flush | 1 Flush is Enough |
| Sound | Quieter | Quiet |
| Eco-Friendly: | Yes | No |
| Bowl: | Smaller | Larger |
| Space Saving: | Yes | No |
| Laws: | Allowed in all US States | Not allowed in all the States. |
| Popularity: | Increasing | Decreasing |
| Bowl After Flush: | Clean | Marginally Cleaner |
Our recommendation 1.28 vs 1.6 GPF Toilet
Laws about the Toilet 1.28 and 1.6 GPF
In 1995, the National energy policy Act started requiring toilet manufacturers and homeowners renovating the bathroom should buy 1.6 GPF water-consuming toilets.
In States like California, Colorado, and Texas, homeowners must install toilets that use only 1.28 gallons of a water flush. In Georgia, homeowners are required to install WaterSense toilets.
In Washington, New York, Connecticut, and Nevada, you need to install a toilet meeting the Federal standard of 1.6 gallons of water per flush.
An Overview of 1.28 GPF Toilets
Nowadays, manufacturers are designing high-efficiency toilets that help you save water. The 1.28 GPF toilets are becoming popular; they approximately consume one-third of a gallon than the standard recommended 1.6 gallons per flush. The 1.2 GPF toilets consume less water but are still very effective in cleaning the toilet. In some states buying 1.2 GPF toilets makes you eligible for rebates.
Advantages of using 1.28 GPF Toilets
- Water-Saving
The 1.28 GPF toilet will help you save approximately 3000-4000 gallons of water annually. Low water consumption means cutting off your water bill and supporting an eco-friendly environment. - Rebate
Some states offer a discount for installing a low water consumption toilet. If you are living in an eligible state, consider buying a 1.28 GPF toilet.
Disadvantages of 1.28 GPF Toilets
- Clogging Issue
Some users had a bad experience of using lower flushing toilets; they experienced clogging. At the same time, other users complained that heavier waste needs to be flushed more than once, resulting in more water consumption.
An Overview of 1.6 GPF Toilets
Since 1992 1.6 GPF toilets were the real deal. In appearance, both toilets have no difference, but internally, the 1.6 GPF toilet consumes a bit more water. These are the federal standard toilets, but most states do not recommend 1.6 GPF toilet installation. These toilets smoothly remove all the waste and do not cause clogging problems.
Advantages of 1.6 GPF Toilets
- Effective Flushing
Since 1.6 GPF toilets use more water, therefore they flush better than the 1.28 GPF toilets. These toilets don’t need to flush twice; they will efficiently remove large amounts of waste without leaving stains on the bowl.
Disadvantages of 1.6 GPF Toilets
- High Water Consumption
The 1.6 GPF toilets need more water for every flush than its counterpart. These toilets offer better flushing, but the extra water consumption is not suitable for the environment.
Read About: Best Kohler Toilet
Features Comparison: 1.28 VS 1.6 GPF Toilets
Flushing efficiency
When buying a toilet, people often ignore the amount of water the toilet consumes. In the 1980s, toilets used more than 7 GPF, which was reduced down to 3.5 GPF. In 1994 the Energy Policy Act was enforced, and it required toilets to use less than 1.6 GPF water.
The 1.6 GPF toilets are powerful and don’t require the users to flush the toilet twice. Whereas the 1.28 GPF toilet has a low flushing power, but they are environment-friendly toilets.
Size of the toilet
Usually, 1.28 GPF toilets are compact when compared to 1.6 GPF toilets. If the toilet size is essential for you, you should consider buying a 1.6 GPF toilet. However, if you have a small size bathroom, consider selecting a 1.28 GPF unit.
Ease of maintaining
The 1.28 GPF toilets tend to clog. However, this is not the case with 1.6 GPF toilets. The large water consumption helps in eliminating the waste efficiently without causing the clogging issue.
EPA WaterSense certified
The 1.28 GPF toilets are referred to as high-water-efficient toilets; these toilets reduce the water bill. The low water consumption toilet earned an EPA WaterSense certificate. In some states, you will get a rebate for installing eco-friendly toilets.
Pricing
Though the 1.28 GPF toilets are expensive, when we look at toilets’ water efficiency and receive a lower water bill, a 1.28 GPF toilet is worth buying. Even in some states, you may get a rebate for installing the low water consumption toilets.
1.28 Vs 1.6 GPF Toilet – Which type of toilet should you buy?
Both types of toilets are extremely efficient and give excellent performance. 1.28 GPF toilet will conserve water and may get a rebate on installation. However, if you consider the price, the 1.28 GPF toilets are expensive than the 1.6 GPF toilets.
Read About: Best Toto Toilet
Conclusion
Whether you are replacing the toilet, remodeling your bathroom, or installing a toilet, it is beneficial to know about both toilet types.
If you have a big household, you might save water and reduce the water bill. Likewise, if you are concerned about the environment, consider buying a 1.28 GPF toilet. However, if you want an efficient flushing system and prefer not to spend much time cleaning a toilet bowl, you better consider choosing a 1.6 GPF toilet.
Still, if you have questions related to 1.28 vs 1.6 GPF toilets, feel free to write in the comment section below.
