Gerber Avalanche Elite WS-20-828 Toilet Review
A research-based look at the Gerber Elite WS-20-828 (GWS20828): a 1.28 gpf, 12-inch rough-in, two-piece ErgoHeight elongated toilet with a concealed trapway built on the Avalanche flush platform.
We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Learn more
The Gerber WS-20-828, now listed by Gerber as the Elite 1.28 gpf 12″ Rough-In Two-Piece ErgoHeight Elongated Toilet (GWS20828), is a two-piece, chair-height, elongated toilet with a concealed trapway, built on the same flushing platform as Gerber’s Avalanche line. It uses 1.28 gallons per flush and suits a standard 12-inch rough-in. Older listings and some retailers still call it the “Avalanche Elite,” which is why both names show up in searches.
This review is based on Gerber’s product listings, support documentation and Avalanche literature. We have not physically tested this toilet; our methodology page explains how we research products.
Status as of November 2026: Gerber’s US and Canadian websites both carry a current product page for GWS20828, and Gerber’s support site lists it in its seat and bidet-seat fit references, so the model appears to be in production. Gerber’s site did not let us load the full product page, so a few details (listed below) come from Gerber’s search-indexed page titles and support articles, and some specs remain unverified.
What the WS-20-828 is
Gerber describes the Elite as a two-piece design powered by the Avalanche flushing platform, with a “simple concealed trapway.” In a concealed-trapway (sometimes called skirted) toilet, the curvy S-shaped channel on the side of the bowl is hidden behind smooth china walls. The flush works the same way, but the outside is simpler to clean and looks more modern.
Gerber’s support documents identify the combination as bowl GAB21828 plus tank GAH28890. That matters for replacement parts: if a tank cracks years from now, the tank number is what you’ll search for.
Gerber Elite WS-20-828 specifications
| Brand | Gerber |
|---|---|
| Model | GWS20828 (WS-20-828); bowl GAB21828, tank GAH28890 |
| Bowl shape compatibility | Elongated; ErgoHeight (chair height) |
| Seat material | Vitreous china |
| Heated seat | No |
| Bidet features | No |
| Water heating | 1.28 gpf (4.8 Lpf), gravity flush |
| Warm-air dryer | No |
| Installation requirements | 12 in. rough-in |
| Power requirements | None |
| Warranty | Unverified |
| Dimensions | Unverified |
| Spec | What we could confirm | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Two-piece | Gerber product listing |
| Bowl shape | Elongated | Gerber product listing |
| Height | ErgoHeight; Gerber defines ErgoHeight bowls as about 16.5 in. or higher at the rim | Gerber listing and Gerber blog |
| Flush rate | 1.28 gpf (4.8 Lpf) | Gerber listing and support article |
| Rough-in | 12 in. | Gerber listing |
| Trapway | Concealed; size not confirmed by Gerber in sources we could access | Gerber toilets page |
| Flushing | Avalanche flushing platform (gravity) | Gerber toilets page |
| Seat included | Not confirmed | Check spec sheet |
| Warranty | Not confirmed for this model | Check Gerber warranty page |
| WaterSense | 1.28 gpf meets the WaterSense limit; certification not confirmed by Gerber in sources we could access | EPA WaterSense |
The Avalanche flushing platform
Because the Elite is built on the Avalanche platform, Gerber’s 2023 Avalanche collection brochure is a useful guide to the hardware philosophy, though it covers the standard Avalanche models rather than the Elite itself. It lists a tank shaped to maximize head pressure, a 3-in. flush valve, a Fluidmaster 400A fill valve, a rigid flapper, dual “QuietClean” rim jets, a dual-fed siphon jet and a fully glazed 2-in. trapway, along with a 1,000 g MaP result for Avalanche models. Treat those as Avalanche specs; confirm on the GWS20828 spec sheet which of them carry over to the Elite. Our Gerber Avalanche review covers the main line in detail.
Why the concealed trapway matters
On a standard two-piece toilet, the exposed trapway leaves curves and crevices along the base that collect dust and splashes. A concealed design swaps those for flat sides. The trade-off is that the base is bulkier, and some concealed-trapway toilets mount with their own bolt or bracket hardware at the floor. Check the installation guide for how this one mounts.
What we like
- Concealed trapway with smooth sides that are easier to wipe
- Built on Gerber's Avalanche flushing platform
- 1.28 gpf, below the federal 1.6 gpf limit
- ErgoHeight chair-height bowl
- Current Gerber product with published bowl and tank part numbers
Things to consider
- Warranty, trapway size and seat inclusion not confirmed in sources we could access
- 12-in. rough-in only for this model number
- Concealed base hides the flange area, so fix flange issues before installing
- Fewer retail listings than big-box brands
Elite vs standard Avalanche
If you are choosing between the two, the deciding factor is the trapway styling, not the flush rate. Both are available as 1.28 gpf, 12-in. rough-in, two-piece, elongated ErgoHeight toilets.
| Model | Gerber number | Trapway styling | What Gerber publishes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elite 1.28 gpf, 12 in., ErgoHeight elongated | GWS20828 | Concealed (“simple concealed trapway”) | Product listing and support references |
| Avalanche 1.28 gpf, 12 in., ErgoHeight elongated | GWS31818 | Not described as concealed | 2023 brochure with detailed hardware and a 1,000 g MaP result |
The standard Avalanche has more published detail, which makes it the easier choice to verify. The Elite makes sense if the smoother sides are worth a little more homework.
Who it’s for
- Anyone who wants an easier-to-clean base without moving to a one-piece toilet.
- Taller users or anyone who finds a low toilet hard to use. ErgoHeight puts the rim at chair height. The ADA Standards specify a seat height of 17 to 19 in. measured to the top of the seat; Gerber describes its ErgoHeight bowls as ADA height, but confirm for commercial or accessible projects. See our chair height vs standard height guide.
- Water-conscious homeowners who want a 1.28 gpf toilet. The EPA notes that 1.28 gpf uses 20 percent less than the 1.6 gpf federal standard.
- Bidet seat buyers. Gerber publishes a seat-spacing reference for bidet-seat shoppers that includes this model, listing a 2-3/4 in. measurement. Compare it with the bidet maker’s requirement before you order.
What to check before you buy
- Model number. Look for GWS20828 or WS-20-828. Gerber also lists a 10-in. rough-in Elite (GWS20817), a 1.28 gpf round-front Elite (GWS20852) and 1.6 gpf Elite versions, so the suffix matters.
- Rough-in. Measure from the finished wall (not the baseboard) to the center of the floor bolts. This model needs 12 in.
- Seat. Ask whether a seat is included. If not, buy an elongated seat and check Gerber’s seat recommendations article, which lists how various seats fit Gerber bowls.
- Warranty. Read the warranty on Gerber’s site for this specific model number.
- WaterSense. If you want a rebate, search EPA’s WaterSense product list for GWS20828 before you buy, since rebate programs generally rely on that list.
- Flange condition. A concealed base hides the flange area after installation, so fix any flange problems first. Call a plumber if the flange is cracked or sits well below the floor.
Frequently asked questions
Is the WS-20-828 the same as the Gerber Elite GWS20828?
Yes. WS-20-828 is the older hyphenated style of the same number, and Gerber’s current listings use GWS20828. Retailers sometimes add “Avalanche” to the name because the Elite uses the Avalanche flushing platform.
Is the Gerber Elite WS-20-828 discontinued?
It does not appear to be. As of November 2026, Gerber’s US and Canadian sites list a product page for GWS20828, and Gerber’s support documents still reference it.
Is it a chair-height toilet?
Yes. Gerber lists it as ErgoHeight, Gerber’s name for bowls with a rim of about 16.5 in. or higher. With a seat, that puts the top of the seat around typical chair height.
Does it use pressure assist?
No. The Elite is built on Gerber’s Avalanche flushing platform, which uses a gravity tank with a flush valve and flapper. Gerber’s pressure-assist toilets are sold under the Ultra Flush name.
Bottom line
Next steps: compare it with Gerber’s pressure-assist Ultra Flush UL-20-318 or browse all toilet reviews.
