Are you in the market for a new toilet? If so, you may be wondering whether to choose a model that has a 1.28 gallon per flush (GPF) or one that has a 1.6 GPF.
Both of these options are available on many models of toilets, so it can be difficult to decide which is best for your needs.
In this blog post, we will compare and contrast the two types of toilets to help you make an informed decision.
Short Answer
When it comes to toilet tank sizes, there are a few things you need to consider: how often you’ll be using them, how big your home is, and whether or not you have children.
If you have a large family or if you entertain often, then you’ll likely want to invest in a toilet that has a higher gallon per flush rate.
On the other hand, if you live alone or have a small family, then a toilet with a lower gallon per flush rate should suffice.
Below are the detailed comparisons that will help you figure out things a little better than this short answer.
1.28 GPF Toilet vs 1.6 GPF Toilet
Multiple factors differ between the 1.6 and 1.28 GPF toilets. We’ll cover them one by one here-
Small Tank Means You’ll Save on Water Bill
The first difference is that the smaller tank on the 1.28 GPF toilets will save you money on your water bill. This is because it takes less water to fill up a smaller tank than it does a larger one.
Over time, this can add up to quite a bit of saving, especially if you have a family or live in an area with high water rates.
1.6 GPF models use up around 30% more water per flush than their smaller counterparts. Now, if we suppose that you pay 100 bucks per month for water and 30% of it is consumed in the toilet, then you’ll save around $10 on the water bill per month with a 1.28 GPF toilet.
So, it’s 120 bucks a year which you could surely use for buying a surprise gift for your partner or children.
Shorter Flush Time Means More Convenience
Another difference is that the shorter flush time on the smaller tank will mean more convenience for you. This is because it will take less time to fill up the tank and thus, your toilet will be ready to use sooner.
This can be a big deal if you have a large family or entertain often, as you’ll likely need to use the toilet more frequently.
While this doesn’t seem a big deal, it will become an irritating scene once you start experiencing this.
10 seconds of waiting time feel like a minute when someone is waiting outside to use the restroom.
1.28 GPF Options are Environment Friendly
This is because they use less water per flush. As a result, they are more eco-friendly than the standard toilets that use 1.6 gallons of water.
Less than 1% of the world’s water is usable. So, we have a responsibility to consume as less as possible so that the next generations don’t blame us.
Small Tank Means You May Need to Flush Twice
The smaller tank on 1.28 GPF toilets means that you may need to flush twice to get rid of all of your waste. This can be inconvenient if you’re in a hurry or if there are guests in your home.
Other than the inconvenience, flushing twice in a 1.28 GPF toilet means you’re using a lot more water than a 1.6 GPF toilet for getting rid of the waste.
While this may not be the case in most cases, occasionally flushing twice will also irritate you for sure.
1.28 GPF Toilets are Quieter
This is because the smaller tank doesn’t make as much noise when it’s filling up. If you have a baby or small child in your home, this can be a big deal.
You may also appreciate the quieter flush if you live in an apartment or condo and don’t want to disturb your neighbors.
While some 1.6 GPF toilets come with a quiet flush mechanism nowadays, they tend to cost a lot more than regular toilets.
1.6 GPF Offers You Control
Almost all 1.6 GPF models come with dual flush buttons or handles. This means you can choose to use less water for liquid waste and more water for solid waste.
This is a big deal if you’re trying to conserve water or if you’re on a septic system and need to be careful about how much water you use.
So, you have the same perk of saving water with a 1.6 GPF toilet along with the powerful flushes that be needed occasionally for a large volume of waste.
You’ll Also Need to Consider the Cost
The initial cost of the toilet is another factor you’ll need to consider. In most cases, the toilets with a higher gallon per flush rate will be more expensive.
This is because they tend to be made with higher quality materials and have more features than the lower-end models.
If you’re on a tight budget, then you may want to opt for a toilet with a lower gallon per flush rate.
Saving Water vs Saving Time
The bottom line is that it really comes down to a matter of personal preference. If you’re worried about conserving water, then you’ll want to choose a toilet with a lower gallon per flush rate.
On the other hand, if you’re more concerned with saving time, then you’ll likely want to opt for a toilet with a higher gallon per flush rate.
Of course, there are other factors to consider as well, such as the initial cost of the toilet and the features that are important to you.
But at the end of the day, it’s really up to you to decide which is more important: saving water or saving time.
Our Pick for the Best 1.28 GPF Toilet: American Standard Cadet 3 FloWise 2-Piece Toilet
Looking for a top-quality toilet that is both efficient and stylish? Look no further than the American Standard Cadet 3 FloWise 2-Piece Toilet.
This sleek and modern toilet is perfect for any bathroom, with its combination bowl and tank design and convenient seat.
The best part is that it is highly efficient, using only 1.28 gallons of water per flush – 20% less than a standard toilet.
Not only will you save water and money, but you’ll also be doing your part to help the environment.
This toilet meets EPA WaterSense criteria, meaning it has been independently verified to reduce water consumption without sacrificing performance.
And with a 16-1/2″ rim height, it is accessible for everyone in the family. The powerful siphon action jetted bowl delivers a clean and powerful flush every time, while the smooth-sided, concealed trapway makes for easy cleaning.
So don’t wait – upgrade your bathroom today with the American Standard Cadet 3 FloWise 2-Piece Toilet.
Our Pick for the Best 1.6 GPF Toilet: American Standard Champion 4 Elongated 1-Piece Toilet
Looking for a powerful, yet quiet toilet that can move a lot of mass? Look no further than the American Standard Champion 4 Toilet.
This best-in-class toilet is designed for ultimate clog-free performance and features a convenient 15” rim height.
The modern 1-piece design includes a 2-3/8” fully glazed trapway and a mindblowing EverClean surface which inhibits the growth of stain- and odor-causing bacteria, mould and mildew.
Plus, at 1.6 GPF, this toilet is highly efficient so you can save water without sacrificing performance or power.