If you're tired of clogged toilets and a bathroom that smells like an outhouse, it's time to upgrade to a macerating toilet. Alternatively known as an "upflush toilet," a macerating toilet allows you to install a toilet with almost no plumbing.
They are easy to install and can be relatively inexpensive. The only drawback is that they need a vent pipe through the roof to provide sufficient air flow for the pumping mechanism. This is not hard to do.
I've tested the top macerating toilets on the market. This guide provides you with the pros and cons of 12 popular macerating toilets.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| NA | Best Overall |  |
| SewerFlo Quick Release RV Macerator Pump | Budget Pick |  |
| Saniflo Toilet | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. NA
Pros:
- Easy to install and serviced
- Durable and quiet
- Quality parts
- Great for remodels and new installations
- Very economical
- High efficiency and water conservation
- Sleek and contemporary look
- Fits almost any toilet
- Meets all EPA and health codes
- Safe for use and kids
Cons:
- Might not be as powerful as a traditional flusher, but it works great
- You’ll have to flush at least twice to make a huge difference
- Can’t be used on any toilet that is installed to a wall
The NABHC macerating toilet is a great upgrade for older versions. Not only does it look good, it works well and easy to install. This type of toilet is one of the most effective and environmental-friendly ones.
2. Saniflo SaniPLUS: Macerating Upflush Toilet Kit
Pros:
- Compact design with minimal plumbing work required
- Washerless ceramic design
- Uses standard toilet cartridges for easy maintenance
- Easier and faster than digging a septic tank
Cons:
- Noise and vibration are apparent
- Heavy and expensive
This product is highly recommended by reviewers, and it was a top pick because it is more compact and easy to install than many of the other macerating toilet systems. However, with the SaniPLUS, you’re going to end up spending slightly more than you would if you had a wall mounted or pedestal mounted toilet, and the installation might seem a little more daunting … but you’ll save a lot of time in the long haul. You won’t have to dig a septic tank or worry about where to put one, and it will be easier to maintain than many of its counterparts.
3. TMC Marine Electric Toilet Large Bowl
Pros:
- Excellent savings on fresh water usage
- Pure water discharge with clean, fresh smell
- Releases solid waste and liquids
Cons:
- Short power cord
- Takes a bit of time to get the right installation
Reviewers really love the TMC Marine 12V toilet for boats. This toilet is great for people who want to save water and do their part to protect the environment.
This toilet is especially great for both RV users and boat owners. It’s designed with an affordable price point in mind, so anyone can enjoy reliable and clean bathroom time.
The only issue customers mentioned is that the power cable isn’t very long. If you use the toilet in a location where power outlets aren’t easily available, you might have to do a bit of rewiring. But this isn’t too time consuming or difficult. Overall, this toilet is great if you want to save water on your boat or RV.
4. Macerating Toilet
Pros:
- Well-built and easy to install
- Easy to use controls
- Has a timer function
- Left- and right-handed operation available
- Comes with rubber mat and S-hook
- Easy to service
Cons:
- Unattractive design
- Some issues with consistency of flush
Kingston SB0105.
The back-siphonage model from Kingston is a macerating unit. It’s very easy to install and set it up in your bathroom. Without any certification, it takes only fifteen minutes to set it up and you’re good to go.
The power consumption is just 0.5-horsepower, and it has a very low-noise rating of only 56/62-dbA. You can also use the toilet to poop by adding brown water or using the drain line as a sewer by leaving the macerator off. This is often the case in America where you get a preponderance of waste.
5. Jabsco 37010 Series Electric Marine Toilet
Pros:
- One of the best reviewed macerating toilets
- Very easy to install
- Can fit just about any boat
- Inexpensive
- Outstanding customer service
Cons:
- Noisy
- Small holding tank capacity
- Large – might take up more space than you’re willing to give up
- Will require more maintenance than a standard marine toilet.
One of the best toilet upgrades for use on your boat is the Jabsco 37010 Series Electric Marine Toilet. While it’s not the biggest macerating marine toilet on the market, it offers outstanding value in terms of comfort, functionality, and versatility.
This is an inexpensive toilet first and foremost and will require some maintenance and cleaning. However, for its price, it’s hard to beat all the comfort and convenience that it offers. For instance, the toilet has three adjustable nozzle jets which can be exceptionally comfortable.
The toilet has a quick release for easy disassembly if you need to service it, and it also comes with an adapter that allows you to attach a macerator pump.
6. SewerFlo Quick Release RV Macerator Pump
Pros:
- Budget friendly
- Quick-release mechanism
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Extra parts required
- Doesn’t come with fittings for connecting to pipes
The SewerFlo Quick Release RV Macerator Pump with 12.5 feet of discharge hose efficiently pumps waste directly into a RV septic tank. The pump automatically drains a tank when the water level rises above 10 inches.
It has a running current of 12v, and its total current conveys 12 amps. The maximum discharge rate for this pump is approximately 12 gpm, and it drains the water at a depth of 2 feet. It must be connected to pigtails that are sold separately.
7. Saniflo Toilet
Pros:
- The quietest of any model we tested
- Solid construction, feels high-end
- Relatively easy to install
- Includes Saniflo's patented two-piece design
Cons:
- The bowl doesn't swivel
- No remote controls or other advanced features
- Takes a lot of water to flush (that's the point)
- Longer than a conventional bowl
If you want the best toilets reviews of 2018 then you will not be disappointed with the Saniflo 002. The two-piece design can be installed anywhere inside the wall where a plumber can get his fill tube and flush tube out.
Each model has the ability to flush both liquids or solids depending on the Flushometer’s setup needed. This is a great feature, particularly when there are kids in the house. The best part is that this toilet is very quiet. In fact, it’s the quietest model we tested.
Saniflo has also added a patented dash of their own called "Sanifloetto." This motion design creates a visual effect that reminds the user of stagnant water. The good news is that it works, which helps reduce the number of flushes when you are in a pinch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best macerating toilet system?
The first way to judge a toilet is the design and construction of the vessel itself. Some toilets come with more features than others. The second aspect you'll want to look at is the tank. Finally, it's all about the flush efficiency.
Most good macerating toilets will sport a 2-inch flush valve with an electronic fully variable flush. However, there are some features you might want to consider if you want something more advanced. For instance, some tanks are anti-vortex and anti-splash features that feature a secondary trapway that is designed to prevent the swirling of the tank water. That way, when the toilet flushes, there are no splash marks left on the walls or floor.
How long do Upflush toilets last?
The biggest problem with this type of toilet is that it needs constant maintenance. If you think you can just install this toilet and then ignore it or have someone else handle the maintenance, you are in for trouble. It needs to be cleaned often and flushed with chemicals regularly. This means you or someone in your family will have to be the toilet maintenance person in order for it to keep operating.
The other potential issue with upflush toilets is that the float ball and inlet valve are not as reliable as a standard two-piece flushing system. So, if your flushing is weak or if your toilet is leaking, then there is a fair chance that the problem is the inlet valve / float ball. As you can imagine, it is a little difficult to replace these components by yourself.
How long do Macerators last?
A macerator is a small unit that is hooked up to a toilet. It grinds up any waste and flushes it out, replacing the need for a flapper and tank. On average, the macerator should last for about twelve years or so. However, this can range greatly, depending on your lifestyle and the local environment. The biggest factors that affect what affects the life of your macerator are water pressure and the amount of time it sits without being flushed. If you live in an area with a low water pressure, then your macerator is more likely to break down faster.
What is the best toilet for a basement bathroom?
Macerating toilet is the only appropriate option for a basement bathroom. A lot of people choose a compact toilet when looking for a good toilet for a small or tiny bathroom. While that might be a good choice, a compact toilet is often not a very good option for a basement bathroom.
The issue here isn’t space; the issue is that compact toilets don’t have decent macerators on them. That means they don’t have a system that can flush waste as fast or as well as a macerating toilet. That leaves you with the option of sending the waste to the main drain line or using an infrequently emptied tank. For most people, that isn’t going to be a great solution as the leftover waste can smell foul and cause a very uncomfortable bathroom experience.
Conclusion
This buying guide should be an important resource for those who not only need a toilet, but want to understand how to better evaluate the options available to them. You’ll be able to use this guide to better understand what upflush toilets are and how they compare to other types of toilets on the market. You’ll also be able to assess the options available to you and decide which one is the best in terms of price, size and performance for your home.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| NA | Best Overall | |
| SewerFlo Quick Release RV Macerator Pump | Budget Pick | |
| Saniflo Toilet | Upgrade Pick | |