In 1992 US President George H. W. Bush signed the Energy Policy Act. This law made 1.6 gallons per flush a mandatory federal maximum for new toilets. This law went into effect on January 1, 1994, for residential buildings and January 1, 1997, for commercial buildings.
Before 1980, plumbers had to rely on greater flush volumes (or rates) to provide a flush with enough force to push media down through the trapway and into the drainage system. When the EPAct of 1992 went into effect, it mandated that all toilets sold in the U.S. must flush at 1.6 GPF or less.
A little necessary background: Before 1993, toilets used 3.5 gallons per flush (gpf). In 1994, all new homes were required to have water efficient toilets that averaged 1.6 gpf and now high-efficiency toilets (HETs) go as low as 1.28 gpf, with some even using as little as 1.0 gpf.
Toilet models made before 1994 used up to 7 gallons of water per flush. Since 1994, low-flow toilets that use 1.6 gallons per flush or less have been the federal standard.
Placing the water tank very high relative to the bowl maximized the flushing power as the water could fall a longer distance. Modern toilets can flush effectively and even use less water doing so without this long drop because of improvements to the trap, that curved passage leading to the drain.
As you don't have to bend as far to reach the toilet bowl. A comfort height toilet is also beneficial to the elderly and disabled. Especially those suffering with knee and mobility issues as the seat is at a much more convenient height. They're even helpful if your just a tall person!
With residential toilets, the tank provides enough water pressure for a successful flush without any bathroom clogs. With a commercial toilet, the water needs to come from a larger diameter water supply line. A residential line simply does not have enough water pressure to flush a commercial toilet.
If they do not operate properly, they may not force waste far enough down the drain, which can lead to clogs and other plumbing system issues.
The Toilet's Age
A general rule of thumb is to replace a toilet around every 25 years, though your mileage may vary.
If the flush volume is 1.28 gpf or less, it does not qualify for a free replacement because your toilet is already considered to be one that saves water. The manufacture date, if present, is often stamped inside the tank on the back wall or on the bottom of the tank lid.
1.6 Gallons Per Flush ( gpf ) is a little over one and a half gallons ( 6 quarts ) of water and 1.28 gpf is a little more than 1 and a quarter gallons of water (5 quarts ) per flush. So if you're looking to save water, which I highly recommend, the 1.28 gpf is the way to go.
Low-flow toilets have smaller passages and use less water, making them prone to clogging if operated and maintained incorrectly.
On average, and according to detailed (external) research the average person flushes their toilet 5 times a day! to be more precise, a brown flush - you guessed it.. happens about 1.5 times a day by one person alone, the rest are classed as yellow flushes.. you guessed that too.
In 1988 Massachusetts became the first state in the US to mandate the use of low-flush toilets in new construction and remodeling. In 1992 US President George H. W. Bush signed the Energy Policy Act. This law made 1.6 gallons per flush a mandatory federal maximum for new toilets.
Regular low-flow toilets may only use up to 1.6 gallons of water per flush, but some high-efficiency models use 1.28 gallons or less with each flush. Look for a WaterSense label to find a toilet independently verified for performance and efficiency.
Gallons per flush (gpf) is a measurement, in gallons, of the total volume of water required to flush a toilet or urinal.
Standard toilets us approximately 7 gallons per flush, while the regular low-flow toilet model uses 1.6 gallons per flush. (Some models are even more efficient.) This means an automatic reduction in you water bills each month, and over a full year the savings can add up to be tremendous.
Because low-flow toilets reduce water usage, they are ideal for cutting down on the amount of water that enters septic systems. Low-flow toilets are also used by homeowners that do not have a residential sewage system, as a means of reducing overall water consumption.
Install a Toilet Booster Pump
One important upgrade for any low-flow toilet is installing a toilet booster pump. A booster pump utilizes air pressure to add suction and flow to the plumbing system, helping it flush waste more quickly and efficiently.
As the name suggests, a tankless toilet is any toilet that does not rely on a tank of water to clear its bowl. Instead, tankless toilets receive water directly from a supply line at a high enough pressure that a single flush can carry human waste through the drainage system.
Flushing Systems
Water pumps through a chamber inside the toilet bowl, which builds up enough pressure to forcefully push waste down the drain when you pull the handle. Because commercial toilets typically get a lot more use than residential toilets, they need a more powerful flushing system to handle all the traffic.
Residential toilets store water in their tanks. The water from the tank then pushes out the water and waste in the bowl when it's flushed, and re-fills the bowl with clean water. Commercial toilets, on the other hand, receive water from a water supply line at a high level of pressure.