How do macerating toilets work?

When the toilet is flushed, the waste is directed to the macerator system, which activates automatically. Rotating blades mix the waste with water to form a slurry. This slurry is then pumped upward through a piping system to your existing main plumbing stack. Although this process occurs out of sight, you might hear a humming noise.

It's important to note that macerating toilets resemble the standard ceramic bowls found in most bathrooms. They operate similarly to regular toilets, allowing you to flush waste away with a lever or button. While some homeowners might consider composting toilets, many still prefer the reliable functionality of traditional flush toilets.

The primary difference between macerating toilets and conventional toilets lies in how the waste is transported to your septic tank or sewer line. Traditional gravity-flush toilets rely on gravity to move waste through the plumbing system. However, gravity-fed toilets are ineffective for basements or other rooms below the main plumbing lines.

What parts do a macerating toilet consist of?

The macerating toilet system includes a toilet bowl, a macerator pump, and a small-diameter pipe. When you flush the toilet, the waste and toilet paper are directed into the macerator pump, which grinds the solids into a fine slurry. This slurry is then pumped through the small-diameter pipe to the sewer line or septic tank.

Why would you need a macerating toilet?

Macerating toilets are perfect for homeowners looking to add a bathroom in areas without traditional plumbing access, such as basements, garages, or attics. They can be installed in just a few hours and, since they don't require extensive plumbing work, offer a cost-effective solution for adding a bathroom.

Additionally, macerating toilets are relatively quiet compared to conventional toilets. The macerator pump operates at a low decibel level, ensuring that you won't be disturbed by loud flushing noises.

How much are macerating toilets?

The cost of a macerating toilet can vary based on several factors, including the brand, model, and features. On average, a basic macerating toilet can range from $500 to $1,500, while more advanced models with additional features can exceed $2,000.

In addition to the cost of the toilet itself, you should also consider installation costs. These can vary depending on the complexity of the installation and the location of the macerating toilet. If additional plumbing or electrical work is required, installation costs may be higher.

It's important to factor in the long-term cost savings when deciding to purchase a macerating toilet. These toilets are generally less expensive to install than traditional toilets because they don't require extensive plumbing work. Additionally, since macerating toilets use less water per flush than traditional toilets, they can help reduce your water bill over time.

Overall, the cost of a macerating toilet depends on several factors, including the brand, model, and installation costs. However, the potential cost savings over time, along with the convenience of adding a bathroom in locations without traditional plumbing access, make macerating toilets an appealing option for many homeowners.

What are the best macerating toilets?

There are several macerating toilets available on the market, each with their own unique features and benefits. Overall, the best macerating toilet for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. It's important to consider factors such as performance, reliability, and ease of installation when choosing a macerating toilet. Some of the best brands on the market include Saniflo, Liberty Pumps, Intelflo, Kohler, Thetford, and TOTO.

• Saniflo: This company offers several models of macerating toilets explicitly designed for different home areas. For example, the Saniflo Saniplus Macerator uses a 1/2 HP pump system for a complete bathroom installation. The powerful macerator pump allows you to move waste water up to 15 feet below the sewer line or even up to 150 feet away from a soil stack. Saniflo is available through Rise in the United States and Canada.
• Liberty Pumps: This company specializes in all different types of pumping technology. The Ascent II macerating toilet system features a 1.28 GPF high-efficiency toilet that can pump up to 25 feet vertically and 150 horizontally through a 1" discharge pipe. Furthermore, the removable service panel provides quick access to the cutter area without disconnecting the plumbing. This makes maintenance easier should problems occur. The Ascent II is also one of the most water-efficient macerating toilets on the market and carries the WaterSense ® mark.
• Intelflo: Lastly, Intelflo is another company offering an affordable macerating toilet. They sell a 500-watt macerator sewage pump that makes it easy to move your waste uphill to the sewer lines. The fully automatic flushing system also has low noise levels.