Upflush Toilets for Basements: What You Should Know
- An Upflush Toilet Is Also Known as a Macerating Toilet. Unlike a gravity toilet, which empties into a 3- or 4-inch hole in the floor, an upflush toilet empties out ...
- Upflush Toilets for Basements: Pros. ...
- Upflush Toilets for Basements: Cons. ...
- Who Makes Upflush Toilets for Basements. ...
- Installation of Upflush Toilets for Basements. ...
- Care and Maintenance. ...
Full Answer
How to install an upflush toilet?
You only need four basic connections to install an upflush toilet:
- A SaniFlo upflush toilet pump system with top ratings
- A water supply inlet
- A narrow discharge pipe (3/4 to 1″)
- An electricity outlet with a GFI breaker.
How to plumb an upflush toilet?
These will help ensure you enjoy a successful project and seamless installation:
- Consider an Extension Pipe. If you’ve purchased an extension pipe to hide your macerating pump behind a wall, you’ll have to keep in mind that the maximum length is 18”. ...
- Support Your Pipes. ...
- Protect Against Freezing. ...
- Connect to a Ground Circuit Interrupter. ...
- Keep Your Discharge Pipe Straight. ...
How does an upflush toilet work?
How Does An Upflush Toilet Work? Using gravity, traditional toilets flush down the slope to your pipes. The waste from an Upflush toilet system flows out the back of the bathroom and into a pump with a macerator. The macerator contains a rapid-cutting blade, which is turned on automatically and transforms the waste into a fine slurry. This is ...
What is the best toilet for a basement?
- Upflush Toilets. Upflush toilets work by pumping waste upwards, against gravity, when you flush them.
- Macerating Pumps.
- Composting Toilets.
How do upflow toilets work?
The primary difference between the two is that, while traditional toilets flush gravitationally, down into the drain, an upflush toilet discharges out the back, into a macerator and pump tank, which shreds the waste, then pumps it up, straight to your existing stack.
Do Upflush toilets smell?
Why Does My Upflush Toilet Smell? Bad smells can be triggered by a build-up of solid waste or limescale in the 2-3 inches of water that always remains in the macerating unit. To determine if it's your upflush toilet that's emitting the bad odor, flush the toilet or fill the basin with water and then unplug it.
Can you poop in an Upflush toilet?
The simple answer is that yes you can poop in a Saniflo toilet. As with normal toilet systems you can put any organic waste into the toilet bowl and use the flush mechanism to remove it—which includes toilet paper—although like a standard toilet too much toilet paper can lead to blockages occurring.
What is an Upflush toilet system?
The main difference of upflush toilets from standard fixtures is the discharge system, whose key components are a macerator/pump and a small-diameter pipe. The powerful macerator has a rotating blade that shreds and grinds solid material like human waste and toilet paper.
How much does an upflush system cost?
Compare with similar itemsThis item Saniflo SaniPLUS: Macerating Upflush Toilet Kit (with Standard Bowl)Saniflo Sanibest Pro: Macerating Upflush Toilet Kit (with Elongated Bowl)Price$1,295.40$1,485.80Sold ByplumbingwholesalerplumbingwholesalerItem ShapeElongatedelongatedItem Weight99.70 lbs—5 more rows
How do you maintain an Upflush toilet?
Pour two to three cups nonacidic toilet bowl cleaner down the toilet. Allow it to remain for at least two to three hours. During this time, the toilet bowl cleaner breaks up any deposits and grime found inside the macerator.
Is there a toilet that doesn't need plumbing?
Composting Toilets A composting toilet is the original toilet without plumbing. Designed to compost waste in a hygienic and environmentally-friendly fashion, these composting toilet systems are popular in both homes and outbuildings. They are good for the environment and they are also known as "dry toilets”.
Do Saniflo toilets smell?
Why does my Saniflo smell? Bad smells can be due to a build-up of limescale and human waste in the 2-3 inches of water that's always left in the Saniflo. To see if it's your Sanilfo that's emitting the bad smell, flush your toilet or fill your basin with water and then unplug it.
How do you put a toilet in a basement without breaking concrete?
0:000:37How to Add a Toilet in The Basement Without Breaking Concrete in ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt was easy and we save so much money because we didn't have to break the floor or fanic la masaMoreIt was easy and we save so much money because we didn't have to break the floor or fanic la masa raiders and pumps can be used anywhere in the home you can also install a bathroom in the garage.
Where does the waste go from a macerator toilet?
The macerating unit softens and churns up waste that passes through the pump. This makes it easier to dispose of. When you flush your toilet (with a macerator pump attached to it), waste passes through the pump instead of moving directly to the outflow pipes.
Is Saniflo a good idea?
Thanks to Saniflo, I was able to build a bathroom in my basement with a shower, sink and toilet. I also hooked up a sink from the laundry room to the Saniflo. The Saniflo sent the waste waters up 4 feet into the sewage pipe going to my septic tank. Almost 20 years of constant usage, that is remarkable.
How do you install an upflow toilet?
1:106:26Saniflo Upflush Toilet Installation Tips, Actual Installation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo again sweeping turns only on the discharge line and install that ball valve it's a smart ideaMoreSo again sweeping turns only on the discharge line and install that ball valve it's a smart idea again right right as you start the PVC just put a little ball valve here that you can isolate it.
What is an upflush toilet?
As you can see, an upflush toilet has been engineered to eliminate installing expensive plumbing. Yet, while their interiors are hardworking machinery, their exteriors are a fashionable complement to any decor. The main difference of upflush toilets from standard fixtures is the discharge system, whose key components are a macerator/pump ...
Do you need to drop a ceiling to install an upflush toilet?
You don't need to drop a ceiling! You don't need custom equipment! You don't need to break up the floor! A plumber can install an upflush toilet in hours or a complete bathroom in just a day at a fraction of the cost of a traditional full bathroom construction. This is a high level view.
What Is an Upflush Toilet?
An upflush toilet system depends on a pump coupled with a macerator to move the waste from your toilet to the septic tank or main sewage line.
Do Upflush Toilets Smell?
The waste isn’t housed for extended periods, which means wear and tear on the toilet, for instance, the Saniflo macerating toilet or the Saniflo Saniaccess, and an accumulative bad odor becomes the least of your worries. Once the toilet bowl reverts to its cleaned-out default, the grey matter is long gone.
How Much Does it Cost to Install an Upflush Toilet?
The price of an upflush toilet, for instance, a Saniflo upflush toilet, ranges from $600 to $800. Typically a professional plumber can install it in 1 to 2 hours at up to $200. Depending on the toilet tank size, a sewer ejector system can set you back anywhere between $400 and $700. It’s worth noting that these systems don’t come with a toilet.
Do Upflush Toilets Need Ventilation?
As an installation type for the wet bars below the existing drain line, bathrooms, and kitchens, an upflush toilet system must be vented in the same way as a traditional drain line. The vent pipe terminates the vent stacks at the roof of your home.
Similarly, Does a Saniflo Toilet Need a Vent?
All products manufactured by Saniflo require a 1 to 1.5-inch vent pipe that must be vented into the main vent stack according to the plumbing codes. Models such as the Saniflo Saniplus doesn’t need a vent connection as they’re regarded as a self-contained macerating or upflush unit.
Does a Macerating Toilet Require a Roof Vent?
Unless you opt for a Saniflo Compact or Saniplus that doesn’t need venting, the macerator pump must be installed into your home’s vent system. Although this is usually the biggest surprise with a Saniflo installation, remember, you can vent the toilet anywhere.
Do You Require a Special Toilet for Your Basement?
While a basement toilet is a necessary addition to your basement bathroom, the plumbing involved is a different ballgame. One foolproof option for basement plumbing is underground waste and water pipes.
What are the pros and cons of upflushing toilets?
Upflushing toilets offer numerous benefits, including flexibility, portability, cost-saving, and water efficiency. However, they also come with some downsides, such as high price tags and noise levels. In this section, we outline the pros and cons of upflush toilets to help you make an informed choice.
What is a macerating toilet?
A macerating toilet system allows you to attach other commonly used bathroom hardware such as sinks and showers and take advantage of the same drainage system provided they are compatible and installed correctly.
How much does it cost to build a full bathroom?
Unfortunately, constructing a full traditional bathroom can cost as much as $50,000.
Do upflush toilets come sealed?
All upflush toilets come sealed and ready to operate . What’s more, they require very minimal maintenance for the entire life of the pump. They are specially designed to prevent stains and remain sparkling clean for long.
Is there a difference between an upflush and a regular toilet?
When it comes to the appearance, size, stability, and comfort of an upflush toilet, there’s really no difference between this system and the regular one-piece or two-piece toilet you already have in your home.
Is an up flush toilet good?
If you’re looking for a toilet fixture with a quieter flush, an upflush toilet may not be the best option for you. Most traditional, compact toilet units are less noisy since they don’t have the mechanism to churn the waste and make it ready for pumping.
PROS
Off-the-grid location – The one big advantage to upflush toilets is the possibility of installation in places far from the main drain line. In fact, it can pump the effluent up to 15 feet vertically and up to 150 feet horizontally. [ 1]
CONS
Higher initial cost – It may sound contradictory, but upflush toilets can be also more expensive upfront, especially if you’re buying a well-known brand.
How To Clean An Upflush Toilet?
The outside of your macerating toilet is cleaned the same way you would clean other traditional toilets. This includes removing the black streaks, calcium deposits, or limescale.
How To Unblock An Upflush Toilet?
It’s possible for an upflush toilet to get blocked if overused, as the pump itself can fail. Also, flushing non-flushable products can block any toilet, not just this one.
What is an Upflush Toilet?
If you have never heard of or used an upflush toilet, here is a section for you. Families with large homes and a lot of family members need two toilets to ensure everyone gets enough time. But, installing a second bathroom is expensive, especially if you have to add pipes or build a spare room.
Upflush Toilet Installation
Most macerating toilets install very simply. All you need is an electrical supply, a small-diameter discharge pipe, space, and instruction to learn how to connect the inlet with the water supply.
Why Get an Upflush Toilet?
If you are still unsure whether getting an upflush toilet is a good idea, here are several reasons that might help you make up your mind.
Upflush Toilet VS Composting Toilet
Some people mix composting and upflush toilets because the two models are relatively new in the USA.
Common Upflush Toilet Problems
Before you find the best toilet with an upflush system, let me walk you through the most common problems with upflush toilets.
What are the Best Upflush Toilets in 2022?
Saniflo is the inventor of upflush toilets, and it has a long history of making toilets with a macerator pump. The Saniflo upflush toilets are reliable and durable. On the other hand, Jabsco makes exceptional upflush toilets within an affordable price tag.
Comparison Table 2022
Here is a quick breakdown of the all best upflush toilets you can find. The table contains the necessary information, so you get a glimpse of the current market offer. Keep reading for more information and detailed, unbiased reviews.
What is an upflushing toilet?
An upflushing unit makes the job much easier. Instead of using gravity to drain, an upflushing toilet has a heavy-duty pump activated by a float and switch.
How high above the floor should a tub drain be?
This does not pose a problem for the sink, because its drain is usually 16 inches above the floor. The tub, however, usually must be raised so the drain line can flow down to the upflush unit. One solution is to rest the tub on a shallow platform made of 2x4s and plywood. Vent pipes must be run in the standard manner .
How far does a macerating toilet go?
A macerating toilet is useful if a bathroom will be well below the sewer line (as much as 12 feet) or if pipes must travel a long distance (up to 150 feet) before connecting with the main sewer line. A macerating toilet has a rotating blade that grinds waste before pumping it away.
Can a macerating toilet be a horizontal outlet?
A macerating unit must be connected to a horizontal outlet toilet. Some manufacturers combine a toilet and pump. You can choose between stand-alone macerating toilets and units with connections for a tub/shower and a sink. (With either type the tub/shower must be raised to facilitate drainage.) Advertisement.
What is an upflush toilet?
Upflush toilets are increasingly becoming common in homes with basements or minimal space to install traditional bathrooms. These innovative toilets allow you to eliminate waste when flushing from below the sewer line. However, there are certain common upflush toilet problems that you need to learn how to deal with.
Why is my upflush toilet blocking the shower?
If your upflush toilet frequently blocks and backs up to the shower basin, it’s likely that the internal unit or waste pipe is blocked. Waste pipe blockage often occurs when the outlet pipe was installed incorrectly. Typically, the waste pipe should be installed at 45 degrees to ensure that solid waste is thoroughly cleared from the pump and won’t flow back to the tank.
Why does my pump keep flushing?
It could be triggered by one problem or a mixture of issues, including: A blockage in the macerator or pump. A blockage in the waste pipe leading to the external drain system.
Why does my toilet smell bad?
Bad smells can be triggered by a build-up of solid waste or limescale in the 2-3 inches of water that always remains in the macerating unit. To determine if it’s your upflush toilet that’s emitting the bad odor, flush the toilet or fill the basin with water and then unplug it.
How much does it cost to install a macerating toilet?
While prices vary widely depending on your specific circumstances, the average cost to install a macerating toilet ranges between $210 and $320 (assuming you won’t be installing completely new plumbing systems- which can get much more expensive). The cost can run as high as $550 if you require a new plumbing network.
Can you put a toilet in the basement?
With traditional toilet systems, it is impractical to have a toilet in the basement as most models rely on gravity to eliminate waste. However, upflush toilets feature a powerful macerating pump to push up waste even if the toilet is positioned below the main sewer line.
Where does wastewater drain from a toilet?
Instead, wastewater drains out of the back of the toilet and through to the macerating chamber. The Maceration Process. Last but not least, let’s take a closer look at the actual maceration process itself. After the flush, when sufficient water enters the maceration chamber, a sensor located in the unit is tripped.
When will the new toilet be installed in 2021?
July 25, 2021 by Brent Collins. No matter how you look at it, installing a new toilet can be a hassle. It is often necessary to tear up part of the bathroom or basement floor in order to complete the installation. If you are creating a whole new bathroom, there will also be plumping and other elements to fool around with as well.
What is the difference between a macerating toilet and a drain pipe?
The Drain Pipe. One of the key differences with a macerating toilet is that water does not drain out of the bottom. This is because the drain line running through the base of the pedestal doesn’t rest on the floor. Instead, wastewater drains out of the back of the toilet and through to the macerating chamber.
What is a macerating toilet?
Macerating toilets come with a bowl that is seated on a pedestal, while the tank portion also rests on the pedestal. There is also a standard toilet seat that is installed over the top of the toilet bowl. However, instead of sitting on the top of a sewage drain pipe, these models feature a large pipe in the back.
What happens if a toilet breaks down too quickly?
If your new model breaks down too quickly, you will have to go through the selection process all over again. Not only will this mean a loss of time, but it will also end up costing you extra money.
What is a Saniflo 023?
The Saniflo 023 Sanicompact Self-Contained Toilet is one of the most compact models in the company’s collection. It is set in just one piece, which means that it takes up considerably less space. This also means that it is easier to work out how to install this model.
Does a macerating toilet use less water?
The good news is that macerating toilets tend to use much less water than a regular toilet. However, the amount of water that is used per flush can still vary widely. It is a good idea to take a close look at how much water your new model uses per flush.
