Before you continue reading, if you're not familiar with what a macerating toilet is, please click here to check out our previous article.
Background Question:
Adding a new bathroom at home can be exciting yet daunting, especially when it comes to modifying existing plumbing. If a friend has recommended a macerating toilet system, you may wonder: Is this device truly reliable and hygienic? Or will it bring additional complications?
To address these concerns, we’ve compiled a comprehensive analysis of macerating toilets, examining their advantages from the perspective of supporters while addressing common doubts raised by skeptics. This guide will help you make an informed decision.
What Supporters Say
1. Flexibility and Ease for Plumbing Challenges
Macerating toilets are ideal for homeowners who want to avoid large-scale plumbing modifications. Without breaking floors or walls to install complex drainage systems, these toilets can be easily placed in basements, attics, or far from the main drainage line. Compared to costly plumbing renovations that can run into thousands of dollars, macerating toilets offer a high-value solution.
2. Perfect for Small or Unconventional Spaces
If space is limited, such as under a staircase or in an attic, the compact design of macerator pump toilet makes them an excellent choice. They’re also widely used in temporary settings like construction sites, events, or mobile homes, showcasing their versatility.
3. Multi-Functional and Fully Customizable
Many macerating pumps include extra inlets that can connect to showers, sinks, or other fixtures, allowing homeowners to build a complete second bathroom with ease.
4. Vent-Free Options for Odor Control
For locations where vent pipes are impractical (e.g., basements), macerating toilet systems can use activated carbon filters to control odors. For areas requiring compliance with local building codes, vented options are also available to ensure proper inspection approval.
5. Simple Installation and Low Time Investment
Macerating upflush toilets are straightforward to install for experienced plumbers or DIY enthusiasts, often taking just a few hours. If only the toilet is being installed, the process may take as little as 30 minutes.
6. Reliable Hygiene with Long-Distance Pumping
Many people may wonder, how far can a macerating toilet pump? Thanks to powerful macerator pumps, upflush toilets can move waste vertically up to 29 feet and horizontally up to 295 feet (as seen with SNFLEX Macerating Toilets). This flexibility allows homeowners to create customized drainage layouts. The grinding process also breaks down waste more evenly, making it easier for waste systems to handle.
Concerns Raised by Skeptics
1. Messy Repairs in Case of Malfunctions
Just like traditional toilets, macerating toilets can encounter clogs or issues. To minimize these, regular cleaning with gentle, non-foaming cleaners is recommended. Avoid allowing hair, floss, wet wipes, or non-degradable items to enter the system, and schedule annual maintenance to extend the device’s lifespan.
2. Higher Cost
Upflush toilet systems typically range from $700-$1000+, which is at least double the price of standard gravity-fed toilets. However, when you consider the high expense of plumbing renovations that traditional toilets may require, macerating toilets can save money overall.
3. Dependence on Electricity
Since upflush toilet pumps rely on electricity to function, they may not be suitable for areas prone to frequent power outages.
4. Noise During Operation
The noise from macerating upflush toilets primarily comes from flushing and pump operation. While the noise level varies across brands, our SNFLEX Macerating Toilet operates at a modest 35-45 decibels, ensuring it won’t disturb normal conversations.
5. Concerns About Odors
Thanks to activated carbon filters and well-designed plumbing systems, properly installed and maintained macerating toilets effectively prevent odors, ensuring hygienic usage.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Overall, macerating toilets offer exceptional flexibility and adaptability for challenging installation scenarios, particularly when traditional plumbing is difficult or impractical. However, their dependence on electricity and higher upfront cost should be carefully considered.Before purchasing, consult a professional plumber to ensure the chosen model suits your home’s needs. If you have further questions, feel free to leave a comment or contact us directly. We’re here to help!