Gerber is among the most popular toilet manufacturers known for its affordable, high-quality, and easy-to-install toilets. The Gerber Viper is a popular choice for homeowners on a budget, and it’s no wonder.
Like most products, the Gerber Viper comes with its pros and cons. Here, we’ll be analyzing the most critical features of the Gerber Viper (the 1.28 model in particular) to help you gain a better understanding of its capabilities.
Gerber Viper
High marks with the practicality crowd.
What People are Saying
Generally speaking, reviews for the Gerber Viper are overwhelmingly positive across the board. Gerber toilets are generally praised for their impressive, high-quality flush technology, and the Viper is no exception. In addition, many reviewers frequently mentioned how easy the installation process is to complete. Which would make sense, as this is something that Gerber is known for with their toilets. Plus, the affordability of this toilet is a key selling point for many customers.
It’s also worth noting that the customer service of Gerber is really quite good. Even though they are a well-known toilet manufacturer, they still take the time to communicate with their customers to help them troubleshoot issues, and make things right when they go wrong.
What We Like About the Gerber Viper
We weren’t able to actually install this model, but as we’ve found from secondhand accounts, the Viper is also an easier model to install. Weighing in at just over 80 pounds, it’s an incredibly light toilet. Additionally, Gerber has good documentation online for installation, so it would be entirely plausible to assume that most anyone with the inclination could install this themselves without help from a plumber.
There were some things that we noticed right away about the Viper (and Gerber in general). Aside from coming with a 5-year warranty and being affordable, the Viper model has many features that make it a practical option for anyone looking for a new toilet to add to their household. So let’s take a closer look at some other specific characteristics associated with this bathroom addition.
The Dimensions
Let’s take a look at some of the numbers:
- Height: 29.37 inches
- Seat Height: 17 inches
- Width: 17.5 inches
- Depth: 30.75 inches
- Trapway: 2 inches
- Weight: 81 lbs.
- MaP Flush Rating: 800
Aesthetics
Visually, the Gerber Viper has a relatively traditional, classic look. This makes it ideal for most bathrooms, be they modern or conventional. Typically, this toilet comes in a white shade, although homeowners are welcome to paint over this to suit any individual preferences. The color-matching trip lever on the right-hand side amplifies the minimalist look.
The model we’ve focused on, the Gerber Viper GWS21518, offers an elongated bowl shape. This bowl type is often considered the more “hygienic” choice due to the larger surface area. A longer or wider bowl is also easier for people with mobility issues.
One potential downside to an elongated bowl is that it may take up slightly more space than its rounded counterpart. For this reason, the Viper may be better suited to larger bathrooms than smaller ones. Or at least a larger toilet space in the bathroom.
The Installation
Again, as a company, Gerber prides itself on its easy-to-install toilets. All Gerber toilets come with a complete set of installation instructions that are easy to follow. While the two-piece design may add a couple of extra steps during installation, the process is relatively straightforward. If customers get stuck, there are many step-by-step tutorials available.
Plus, everything you need comes within the package, including wax rings, floor bolts, and, most importantly, the toilet seat. Many people may be surprised that this model includes a toilet seat as it’s common for toilets to omit this feature, leaving buyers to invest in one separately.
Of course, it may be worth hiring a plumber to put everything in place if you are unsure of your abilities for best results, or if you don’t have time. However, considering all the relevant instructions are included with your purchase, many people opt to install their toilets themselves and avoid the extra cost of hiring a professional.
Flush Strength and Map Rating
When seeking the right toilet for your bathroom, it’s natural that you’d want to get a better idea of how powerful the flushing mechanism is. Luckily, there is a whole industry dedicated to testing flush strength.
Maximum Performance (MaP) is a company that assigns toilets with scores based on how much waste a toilet can take on before any blockages happen. It’s recommended that buyers seek out toilets that have a score of at least 500 grams. The Gerber Viper’s gravity-based system gives it a MaP rating of 800g, putting it at an advantage compared to other models.
Perhaps this model’s most remarkable feature is its high-quality flush capability. With its dual-fed siphon jet, the Gerber Viper performs a highly efficient flush each time, using only 1.28 gallons of water. In addition, the 3-inch flush valve helps to ensure maximum flushing power and water flow.
What’s more, many customers report that the appeal of this toilet is heightened because it offers a quiet flush and refills with the help of the Fluidmaster 400A Fill Valve. This is a handy feature, especially if you find yourself often using the bathroom at night and don’t want to wake anyone up.
Durability
Another great feature of the Gerber Viper is that it is long-lasting. The toilet is made from durable ceramic that prevents waste and dust from sticking. This means that the Viper can be used for many years after installation.
The average life expectancy is around 50 years, give or take. However, issues with internal mechanisms may require replacement before then. Therefore, it’s recommended that homeowners regularly clean it using non-abrasive products to extend your toilet’s life.
Bells and Whistles
Some Gerber Viper features may not be available just anywhere. For example, we mentioned that the toilet uses a Fluidmaster 400A fill valve, ensuring quick and efficient refills. The best part is that most Fluidmaster flush valves usually have a 5 to 7-year warranty.
Another unique feature of the Gerber Viper is the dual-fed siphon jet. Siphonic jet toilets tend to leave behind cleaner toilets after flushing. This is because they have higher water levels than gravity-fed toilets. A high-water level is also beneficial as it seals noxious gasses from the plumbing located below.
And while it isn’t a “bell and whistle” necessarily, the fact that a toilet this affordable also has a 17 inch seat height is amazing. So much so that we feel it needs an extra mention here in this section.
Height
To further that sentiment, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) advises that all public toilets need to be between 17 and 19 inches in height. That way, the toilets are accessible for most people, no matter their individual needs. At 17 inches, the Gerber Viper absolutely fits into this category.
Although these ADA requirements are only applicable to public restrooms, in-home toilets that comply with these regulations tend to be more comfortable and accessible. However, it is still possible to find versions of the Gerber Viper in the standard height for people who prefer this option.
Where the Gerber Viper Toilet Could Be Improved
There is always room for improvement for toilets, and the Viper is no exception. Although, it’s worth remembering that any qualities that the Viper lacks may be made up for in other Gerber models that fulfill the necessary criteria. Let’s take a closer look at some potential downsides to the Gerber Viper.
Trip Lever Quality
Some customers complained about is the quality of the trip lever. Buyers have reported that it has been known to break if too much pressure is applied. Plus, although it is made from a metal-like material, the trip lever is still prone to cracking over time. Some people may not want to undergo the extra cost of replacing this feature.
Limited to Larger Spaces
As mentioned earlier, the elongated bowl may not be the best option for smaller bathrooms. However, not all hope is lost. There are plenty of alternative options to suit smaller bathroom spaces on the Gerber website, or look through the reviews here on our Gerber page. To measure whether your bathroom is the right size for a Gerber Viper, it’s worth completing your toilet’s rough in – the distance between the finished wall to the flange.
The ToiletsMan Verdict
Like all Gerber toilets, the Viper is an excellent choice for anyone looking to update their bathroom. Not only is this toilet an affordable option, but it also comes with many attractive features that make it long-lasting and practical.
The Gerber Viper should be in your top 5 toilets if you fall into these categories:
- Want an easy-to-install toilet
- Don’t want to break the bank
- Prefer a taller toilet seat
If you fall into those categories, especially all three, then the Gerber Viper is a very strong candidate for you, and would come with our recommendation for purchasing.
As a 20 year plumber I have probably installed over 100 Vipers, to date have not been back to one for a problem. Can’t recommend this toilet enough!
That’s great to hear Billy! We’re big fans of Gerber, so we agree!