Adding a bathroom to a basement presents unique plumbing challenges, especially when dealing with below-sewer-line installations or concrete floors. Macerating toilets, or upflush systems, provide a powerful solution by grinding waste and pumping it upward to your main sewer line. This technology allows for flexible bathroom placement without the extensive excavation and cost of traditional plumbing.
Choosing the right macerating toilet depends on your specific needs, from a simple half-bath addition to a full bathroom suite. Factors like pump power, vertical lift capacity, and whether you need to handle gray water from sinks or showers are crucial. Our roundup features nine top-rated systems to help you find the perfect fit for your basement project.
Our Top Picks for Basement Macerating Toilets
- SANIFLO Saniaccess 3 Pump – Full Bath Macerator Pump
- Liberty Pumps ASCENTII-ESW 1/2 HP Macerating Toilet
- Thetford Bathroom Anywhere Macerating Elongated Toilet Kit
- Saniflo Toilet – Two-piece SaniPlus
- Thetford Marine Nano ECO MACERATING Toilet, 12V
- Jabsco 37245 Series Quiet Flush Marine Electric Toilet
- SANIFLO Sanibest Pro – Full Bath Install – Upflush
- Saniflo SaniPlus 023 Sanicompact Upflush Toilet
- Saniflo SANICOMPACT 48 C43 Toilet and Macerator
SANIFLO Saniaccess 3 Pump – Full Bath Macerator Pump
Designed for residential full-bath installations, the SANIFLO Saniaccess 3 is a robust 1/2 HP system. It can handle wastewater from a toilet, sink, shower, or bathtub, making it ideal for creating a complete basement bathroom. This unit can pump effluent up to 15 feet vertically or move it horizontally up to 150 feet to connect to your home’s soil stack.
Maintenance is simplified with two easy-access service panels on top of the pump. One panel provides access to electrical components and the level sensor, while the other allows you to reach the macerating blade for clearing any potential clogs. The built-in check valves on either side of the housing help ensure reliable, backflow-free operation.
Liberty Pumps ASCENTII-ESW 1/2 HP Macerating Toilet
The Liberty Pumps ASCENTII-ESW features advanced RazorCut technology, which provides improved maceration of waste for smoother pumping. This 1/2 HP system comes as a complete unit, including a toilet seat, and is built for reliable performance in basement applications. Its design focuses on efficient waste handling and user-friendly maintenance.
A key benefit is the removable service panel that grants quick access to the cutter area. This means you can perform routine checks or clear minor jams without the need to disconnect the plumbing, saving time and hassle. It’s a straightforward solution for adding a toilet where traditional drainage isn’t feasible.
Thetford Bathroom Anywhere Macerating Elongated Toilet Kit
Thetford’s Bathroom Anywhere kit is an all-in-one solution that includes a rear-discharge elongated toilet bowl, tank, and the macerating pump system. This integrated package is designed to tie directly into your home’s existing plumbing lines, simplifying the installation process for a new bathroom fixture.
This system is well-suited for challenging installations like basement additions, garage conversions, or rooms with slab foundations. By combining the toilet and macerator into a single kit, Thetford provides a cohesive and functional option for creating a bathroom in spaces where conventional plumbing would be prohibitively expensive or disruptive.
Saniflo Toilet – Two-piece SaniPlus
The Saniflo SaniPlus package offers a complete setup for adding a toilet virtually anywhere. It includes the SaniPLUS macerating pump, a white elongated toilet bowl, and a matching tank. This system is built on the principle of installing a bathroom without the need for breaking through concrete floors or walls to lay new drain pipes.
Its primary benefit is flexibility. The macerating pump allows you to place a toilet in a basement, attic, or other remote area of the home, as it can pump waste upward to the main sewer line. The familiar two-piece toilet design also provides a standard look and feel.
Thetford Marine Nano ECO MACERATING Toilet, 12V
The Thetford Marine Nano ECO is a compact, 12V electric macerating toilet with a remarkably low profile of only 11.6 inches in height. Constructed from Italian vitreous china, it is designed for use in marine and RV settings, but its compact size and macerating function can be advantageous for tight spaces like small basement bathrooms or utility rooms.
It operates with a quiet and fast flushing cycle while using a low amount of water. The toilet includes a plastic seat and lid with a slow-close feature. Its design is intended for installation on a raised platform, which can be a useful configuration for basement plumbing connections.
Jabsco 37245 Series Quiet Flush Marine Electric Toilet
The Jabsco 37245 Series is a marine-grade electric toilet known for its very quiet flush cycle, which is comparable to a standard household toilet. It features a single-button flush actuator with a dual-function water level control switch, allowing for either a full or partial flush to conserve water when needed.
This model is supplied with a PAR-MAX 4 self-priming pump that provides seawater or fresh water to rinse the bowl. While designed for boats, its efficient macerating and pumping system can be adapted for off-grid or specialty basement applications where a quiet, reliable flush is a priority.
SANIFLO Sanibest Pro – Full Bath Install – Upflush
The SANIFLO Sanibest Pro is a heavy-duty 1 HP pump system approved for both residential and commercial use. It is capable of installing a complete bathroom up to 25 feet below the sewer line or 150 feet away, offering greater vertical lift than many residential models. It can handle gray water from a sink, shower, urinal, and even an indirectly connected washing machine.
This unit is built for demanding applications and easier servicing. An easy-access service panel on top of the pump houses the electrical components, including the capacitor, microswitch, and electronic board, allowing for straightforward maintenance. The built-in check valves contribute to dependable operation.
Saniflo SaniPlus 023 Sanicompact Upflush Toilet
The Saniflo SaniPlus 023 Sanicompact is a one-piece upflush toilet that combines the toilet and macerating pump into a single, space-saving unit. This integrated design is particularly useful for small bathrooms, closets, or basement additions where floor space is limited. It provides a clean, modern look without a separate tank.
As an upflush system, it requires no below-floor plumbing, making installation significantly less invasive. The macerator efficiently grinds waste, allowing it to be pumped upward to the main drain line. This model is a popular choice for creating a half-bath or powder room in a basement.
Saniflo SANICOMPACT 48 C43 Toilet and Macerator
The Saniflo SANICOMPACT 48 C43 is another all-in-one toilet and macerator unit, designed for easy installation in locations where traditional drainage isn’t available. Its compact, one-piece profile makes it a discreet solution for adding a toilet to a basement, office, or studio apartment.
This model functions like a standard toilet but houses a powerful macerator pump inside its base. When flushed, the unit macerates the waste and pumps it through a small-diameter discharge pipe to the nearest soil stack. This eliminates the need for major construction and offers a practical bathroom solution.
What to Look For in the Best Macerating Toilets for Basements
When I was looking to add a bathroom to my own basement, I quickly learned that a standard toilet wouldn’t cut it. That’s where a macerating toilet system comes in. It’s a game-changer because it uses a powerful grinder pump to liquefy waste and toilet paper, allowing you to pump it upward and connect to a sewer or septic line that might be higher than your basement floor. But not all macerating toilets are created equal. Here’s what I focused on to find the right one.
First, consider the pump power and vertical lift. This is arguably the most critical spec. The vertical lift (or “head”) is the height the pump can push the effluent. My main drain line was about 12 feet above the basement floor, so I needed a unit rated for at least that, with a little extra for peace of mind. More powerful pumps can also handle longer horizontal runs. Don’t skimp here; getting a unit with more capacity than you technically need is smart.
Next, think about the bowl and tank design. Do you want a one-piece or two-piece unit? One-piece toilets are sleeker and easier to clean but can be more expensive. Two-piece models (a separate tank and bowl) are often more affordable and familiar to install. Also, check the bowl shape—elongated bowls are generally more comfortable, while round-front bowls save space, which can be crucial in a small basement bathroom.
Then, look at the additional inlet connections. Many macerating toilet units, often called “upflush toilet systems,” come with inlets for a sink, shower, or even a laundry drain. This lets you connect your entire basement bathroom to the same pump. If you’re planning a full bathroom, a model with multiple inlets is incredibly convenient and cost-effective compared to installing separate pumps.
Finally, pay attention to noise level and reliability
A regular toilet relies on gravity. You flush, and the water and waste simply fall down through a drain pipe. In a basement, the main sewer line is often above the floor, so gravity won’t work. A macerating toilet has a built-in tank with a grinding blade. When you flush, the waste and paper are quickly macerated (ground up) into a slurry. A powerful pump then activates, pushing that slurry up through a small-diameter pipe (usually 3/4″ or 1″) to your home’s main drain line. It’s a pressurized, pump-driven system instead of a gravity one. In many cases, yes! This is a huge advantage. Lots of macerator pump units are designed with extra inlet ports on the side. You can route the drain pipes from a nearby vanity sink, bathtub, or shower stall directly into the same pump unit. The pump handles everything together. It’s essential to check the specifications of the specific model you’re buying to confirm it has these inlets and that its pump capacity is rated for the additional volume from fixtures. They are generally quite reliable if used properly. The key is to only flush the “three Ps” and toilet paper designed for septic/macerating systems. You must avoid flushing anything else—no wipes (even “flushable” ones), feminine hygiene products, paper towels, or grease. These can jam the grinder or clog the small discharge pipe. With correct use, a quality unit should run for years without issue. The non-clogging performance is a major reason they are a top solution for basement bathrooms. I found it to be more straightforward than installing a traditional underground drainage system. Since the discharge pipe is small and doesn’t need the same steep slope, you can run it along walls or joists, avoiding the need to break up concrete floors. The most complex parts are the electrical connection (it requires a dedicated GFCI outlet) and ensuring all plumbing connections are sealed properly. A competent DIYer with plumbing experience can often handle it, but hiring a professional plumber is recommended if you’re unsure. Routine maintenance is minimal. It’s a good idea to occasionally use a specific cleaner designed for macerator systems to help prevent buildup and keep the blades sharp. Never use harsh chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage the pump seals and components. Listen for any unusual sounds during the flush cycle, as a change in noise can be an early indicator of a potential issue. Periodically checking the external connections for leaks is also a smart habit.Frequently Asked Questions
How does a macerating toilet work differently from a regular toilet?
Can I connect a sink and shower to my macerating toilet?
Are macerating toilets prone to clogs or problems?
How difficult is the installation process?
What maintenance do they require?