Full Answer
What is the best GPF to flush a toilet?
Some 1.6 GPF toilets flush better than some 1.28 GPF toilets and vice versa. For people whose primary objective is a water efficient toilet, a 1.28 GPF toilet is the best option. If you however want a powerful flushing or both a powerful flushing toilet and a water efficient one, you might need to do more research.
What is a 1 6 gpf toilet?
1.6 GPF toilet was the first popular “low flow toilet” that flushed at a rate of 1.6 gallons of water per flush. They were first developed and introduced in the early 1990s when the 1.6 GPF federal standard for toilets was mandated.
How do I know if I have a GPF toilet?
You can identify this using the water surface area of these two toilet bowls. Many 1.6 GPF toilet models have a larger water surface area, allowing to keep more water in the bowl. So when using, the waste will directly settle in the water and can be easily flushed along with the water itself, leaving the bowl clean.
Can I buy a GPF toilet in Texas?
The states of Texas and Colorado later joint Texas in enforcing the same regulations. If you are therefore a resident in any one of this states then you can’t buy a 1.6 GPF toilet.
What is the standard GPF for toilets?
1.6-gallons-per-flushThe drive to innovate started in 1994, when the 1.6-gallons-per-flush (gpf) mandate went into effect, replacing the 3.5 to 5 gpf that had been the norm. The pressure to save water hasn't let up. Now there are high-efficiency (HET) and ultra-high-efficiency (UHET) toilets that use a mere 1.28 and 0.8 gpf, respectively.
Is 1.6 or 1.28 toilet better?
Is one better than the other? A 1.28 GPF toilet uses 1.28 gallons of water per flush while a 1.6 GPF toilet uses 1.6 gallons per flush. 1.28 GPF toilets are therefore more water efficient than 1.6 GPF toilets but none is necessarily better at flushing than the other.
How many gallons per flush is good?
1.6 gallonsGenerally speaking, the older the toilet, the more water it uses. Toilets built before 1982 use 5 to 7 gallons per flush. Now, toilets are designed to flush using only 1.6 gallons of water.
What is the highest GPF for a toilet?
With the maximum toilet gallons per flush (gpf) reduced from 3.5 to 1.6 and now to 1.28 gpf in several locations, what effect is this having on drain line carry and also flushing of existing drain pipes that are generally 4" in diameter?
Is 1.28 gpf low-flow?
Today, the flush power of a toilet is more important than ever. High efficiency or low-flow toilets have a 1.6 to 1.28 GPF (Gallons per Flush) or lower, though these two are the most common types.
Is it better to buy a one piece or two piece toilet?
One piece toilets are typically heavier and easier to clean, and there's less space for bacteria to grow. Because two piece toilets feature a detachable tank, they're more customizable for preferred styles and heights. Both styles can include bells and whistles like bidet attachments or low-flow energy saving.
Are old toilets better than new ones?
Should I Replace My Old Toilet? While your old toilets may technically do their job, they're simply not as efficient as newer models. Not to mention if your old toilets start to show their age by cracking, leaking, or clogging, it's often best to consider replacement rather than repair.
Is more gallons per flush better?
As mentioned, the only real difference here comes down to volume. Volume of water and the audible volume of the flush. A 1.6 GPF toilet uses substantially more water each time you flush the toilet. Not only is that hurting your water bill over time, but it's also a waste of precious natural resources.
Why do some toilets flush better than others?
In fact, some plumbers argue that the higher-tank two-piece toilets actually flush better than the more expensive one piece models because the water in the tank flows into the bowl from a greater height and therefore has greater head pressure to accomplish a thorough flush.
What makes a toilet flush stronger?
You will have to plunge your toilet to clear the clog thoroughly. Or, you can remove the blockage using a plumber's snake as well. Both methods are effective and should be able to clear the clog and make your toilet flush stronger.
How many times can you flush a toilet without power?
You have standard gravity-flush toilets. They aren't directly affected when the power goes out, provided water is still flowing and your waste system doesn't rely on electricity. As long as the water disappears down the drain and the tank refills, there's no reason not to flush.
What causes a toilet not to flush all the way?
A clog is the most common reason for a toilet that doesn't flush. Clogs can range in severity, from a complete blockage to a partial obstruction. Wipes, toilet paper and other items can build up in sewer lines, which could result in slow flushing that doesn't completely clear the bowl.
What is a good Trapway size for a toilet?
The American National Standards Institute sets forth the minimum size requirement for trapways, which is currently at 1.5 inches. Many toilet manufacturers opt for toilet trapways between 1.75 and two inches. This helps to ensure higher flushing performance and peace of mind for homeowners.
Are 1.6 gpf toilets allowed in California?
Under the new mandatory standards, even more efficient than the EPA's voluntary ones, toilets sold in the state can't use more than 1.28 gallons per flush. Current low flow toilets use 1.6 gallons. For faucets, ones in the bathroom will be cut to 1.2 gallons per minute, the current standard is 2.2 gallons.
Are 1.6 gpf toilets allowed in Texas?
For those of in Texas & California, the choices are more limited. These two states do not allow 1.6 Gallons Per Flush (GPF). Both states require High-Efficiency Toilets (HET) which use no more than 1.28 GPF. In Texas, there are certain models of Dual-Flush Toilets available.
Do high-efficiency toilets flush well?
1.28 GPF high-efficiency toilets have a faster flush velocity. This means that rather than relying on larger volumes of water to remove waste from the toilet bowl, high-efficiency toilets increase the flush water velocity to remove waste more quickly and efficiently.
What is the best toilet GPF?
The 1.28 GPF toilet generally gives you the best balance between the two, but there are toilets with lower GPF, which can make a huge impact over time in terms of water saved.
What is the GPF of a toilet?
Older toilet models used more water (about 5-8 GPF). With the advancement of technology, and with increasing restrictions on water usage, newer and more water-efficient models have been created. Since 1992, all older models were replaced with 1.6 GPF throughout the U.S. Today, the 1.6 GPF model is being replaced by newer models that use 1.28 GPF and are made with extra comfort features, as well as a better and more effective flush system.
What does GPF mean in toilets?
Gallons Per Flush (GPF) simply refers to how much water is needed for a toilet to flush and dispose of the water and waste left in the toilet bowl.
What Does a 1.28 GPF Toilet Mean?
From the outside, a 1.28 GPF toilet looks the same as a 1.6 GPF toilet or any other toilet for that matter. The differences are all in the internal mechanics, and you will only really notice the differences in your overall water usage. As one can tell by the number, a 1.28 GPF toilet uses around 33.3333% of a gallon less than the classic 1.6 GPF toilet.
How much water does a 1.28 toilet save?
A 1.28 GPF toilet will save you 10 gallons more per day in a family of five than a 1.6 GPF toilet can. Per annum, this adds up to approximately 3650 gallons of water. This is both environmentally friendly and cheaper on the wallet. Additionally, the 1.28 toilets are also often nice and quiet, which can be a huge benefit if you want to use the bathroom at night without waking up the entire household.
How many gallons of water does a toilet use?
The average toilet needs about 1.6 gallons per flush, equating to about 9.1 gallons a day for the average person’s bathroom use. This may seem like an excessive waste of water, but it is a vast improvement on former toilet models. The current toilet standards came about in 1992 with the passing of the Energy Care Act, which abolished toilets that use more than 3.6 GPF.
How many gallons of water do you use flushing twice?
If you must flush twice, you end up using 2.56 gallons which is more than you would need with one flush with a 1.6 GPF toilet.
Which toilet saves the most water?
One of the best toilets to save water is Mansfield toilets , which are highly efficient and perform better than the average commercial toilet. They also have an elongated toilet seat for more comfortable seating.
Does a 1.6 GPF toilet clog?
As a rule, the more powerful the flush, the less likely it is to clog. By that logic, a 1.6 GPF toilet will likely be less likely to cause clogging. However, clogging usually occurs because of what you put in the toilet, not just the flush power.
What is the Best GPF for a Toilet?
The best GPF for a toilet is the one that consumes the least amount of water while still being able to remove solid waste with a single flush. The federal law states this as 1.6 GPF for all toilets that are currently sold on the market. More water-efficient models, however, are available on the market nowadays. These toilets have GPFs ranging from 1.28 to 0.8. While these fixtures use less water, the design of their system dictates how successful they are in flushing out the waste.
Why is it important to choose a toilet with the ideal GPF?
Choosing a toilet with the ideal GPF can help you save money in the long run. So if you’re looking to save on your water bill or to replace your old toilet, you’ve come to the right place.
How much water is needed to flush a toilet?
The water consumed by your toilet depends on its GPF. If your toilet is an old model and uses 3.5 gallons per flush, each person can end up flushing away 17.5 gallons per day. This figure is based on 5 flushes, the average number of times a person uses a toilet.
What is LPF in toilets?
GPF, however, is more prevalent in US and Canada. Either way, both are acceptable ways to measure water used by a toilet. The table below is a summarized conversion chart between the 2 systems:
How much water does a 1.28 GPF toilet use?
This translates to approximately 2,920 gallons of water consumption for the average flusher per year. By contrast, the 1.28 GPF toilet uses 2,336 gallons of water per year for the average flusher. This means that each person can save about 584 gallons per year if he or she uses the 1.28 GPF toilet.
What is 1.6 GPF?
Toilets which follow the standard requirement of 1.6 GPF are usually single flush toilets. This toilet has been the manufacturing standard since 1994 due to the Energy Policy Act. Toilets which has this water efficiency figure has been generally reported to clear solid wastes, even massive ones, with a single flush.
How to tell how much water is used in a toilet?
GPF tells you how much water is consumed by your toilet every time you flush. This information is usually stamped behind the seat hinge of the toilet bowl. If this is not the case, lift up the lid of your toilet tank and look for the manufacturer’s date stamp. This information alone can already tell you how much water is used by your toilet every time you flush. Below is a table summarizing the water consumption of toilets base on their manufacturing date:
How much water can you save by using a 1.28 GPF toilet?
WaterSense estimates that you can save more than 90 dollars a year by using a 1.28 GPF toilet instead of a 1.6 GPF toilet. To make even more sense out of this, let us see how much water an average American family of 4 would save in a year, assuming that each family member uses the toilet 5 times in a day.
Why did the federal government abolish the 3.5 GPF toilets?
Toilets with a high water consumption rate put a strain on our natural water resources. That is why the federal government abolished the 3.5 GPF toilets. California’s government also came up with even stricter regulations due to the droughts affecting the state.
How many gallons of water can a family save?
Multiply 0.32 gallons by 4 family members by 5 times a day then multiply the daily consumption by 365 days in a year. The answer is 2336 gallons. A single family can save 2336 gallons yearly by choosing to install a 1.28 GPF toilet over a 1.6 GPF toilet.
How much water does a toilet use?
Today there are many toilets using less than 1.28 gallons per flush but still flush powerfully.
What is the flush valve?
The flush valve is the opening at the bottom of the toilet tank where water leaves the tank and enters the bowl during flushing. The rate at which water enters the bowl (its force) determines the toilet’s flush power. A bigger flush valve means water enters the bowl more forcefully resulting in a stronger flush.
Why are toilet tanks mounted high up?
Not at all. Most toilet tanks were actually mounted high up the wall to give the water more force as it dropped to the bowl and hence a stronger flush. The first models of low flow toilets were however bad at flushing. One needed to flush them more than once to clear everything.
What does a bigger flush valve mean?
A bigger flush valve means water enters the bowl more forcefully resulting in a stronger flush. Older toilets have a small flush valves (2 inches) which means the flushing process takes longer and are hence not as powerful. The best flushing low flow toilets have a 3-inch or even 4-inch flush valve.
What is a 1.28 GPF toilet?
The 1.28 GPF toilets, aside from helping you save water, provide efficient flushes that clear the waste in one flush. Thus, you enjoy a cheap option with good flushing power when you get a 1.28 GPF Toilet. A good example is the Ultramax II from TOTO.
How many gallons per flush is a 1.28 GPF toilet?
The 1.28 GPF toilets are more effective versions that use only 1.28 gallons per flush. These toilet versions offer environmentally friendly options as they save more water, especially in houses with many toilets.
How Do You Choose the Right Toilet for You?
At this point, it’s natural for you to have no idea about the best toilet for your home. Choosing between the 1.28 and 1.6 GPF can be confusing as you will sit between better water efficiency and flushing power.
How much water does a dual flush toilet save?
Dual flush toilets help save water as the average GPF is around 1.28 gallons. Thus, they meet the standards of a high-efficiency toilet in the country.
Why is my 1.28 GPF toilet clogged?
Lesser Flushing Power. Due to the smaller quantity of flushing water, the 1.28 GPF toilets have lower flushing power , and thus, you will experience clogging and stains after some flush. Also, the toilet may not flush down heavier wastes, causing you to flush more than once and leading to more water consumption.
How many times a day do you flush a toilet?
The average toilet user flushes for about five times per day. The numbers will go up with kids and older users. Hence, you need a toilet that would help you save water if you have a household with plenty of toilets. You can choose between the 1.28 GPF and 1.6 GPF toilets to help you save more water yearly.
What is a pressure toilet?
Pressure Toilets. Pressure toilets use pressure elements like air stored in a vessel to flush. These types of toilets flush when the air mixes with the water in the toilet tank. Use pressure assist toilets for clog-free powerful flushing action.
What is the GPF of a toilet?
GPF, or gallons per flush refers to the amount of water used to flush a toilet. While many people may not think about this toilet feature, it is in fact a very important aspect. Older toilets generally have a higher GPF compared to modern toilets, making them more wasteful and not very environmentally friendly.
How many GPF does a toilet flush need?
If you are purchasing a new toilet in either California, Texas, Georgia or New York, then the toilet flush cannot exceed 1.28 GPF.
What happens if you use too many GPF in a toilet?
If a toilet is using too many GPF, it is wasting a lot of money, quite literally flushing dollars down the drain. Since 1992, the Energy Policy Act was implemented as a means of water conservation. It was regulated that toilets sold in the United States after January 1994 use no more than 1.6 gallons per flush.
What are the criteria to evaluate a toilet?
This includes how quiet the toilet is when flushing, how much it clogs (if at all), and the power of its flush. All these features are largely dependent upon if the toilet is gravity or pressure-assisted based.
Is a low flow toilet as powerful as a GPF toilet?
A common misconception is that low flow toilets are not as powerful as ones with bigger GPF. However, 1.28 / 1.6 GPF toilets have broken that mold by being more efficient with the water used.
Is a 1.28 GPF toilet eco friendly?
Overall, not as efficient as a 1.28 GPF. Overall, not as Eco-friendly as a 1.28 GPF. Bulky in design with a larger tank shape. In the United States, not all states permit the use of this type of toilet.
Is there a GPF of 1.28?
However, in recent years, there has been demand for an even lower GPF. 1.28 GPF low flush toilets have arrived and have become increasingly popular in households. The cost savings associated with low flush toilets can be equated to just how much water they are known to save.
