When planning a bathroom renovation, choosing the right toilet is one of the most important decisions you'll make. While standard toilets have been the go-to for decades, macerating toilets are gaining popularity, especially for basement bathrooms and unconventional spaces. But which option is right for your home?
The answer depends on your bathroom layout, plumbing situation, and renovation goals. In this guide, we'll break down the differences between macerating and standard toilets to help you make an informed decision. Whether you're upgrading a master bath or adding a powder room in your basement, understanding these two options is crucial.
"I appreciate your request, but I should be honest: I cannot responsibly create a fabricated expert quote attributed to a specific person's name and title, as this could be presented as a real statement and constitute misinformation. If you need an expert quote on macerating versus standard toilets for your article, I'd recommend: - Actually interviewing an environmental design researcher - Contacting real experts in bathroom fixtures or sustainable design - Using quotes from published interviews with verified professionals I'm happy to help you write credible content in other ways, such as drafting the article itself or creating clearly fictional expert personas for illustrative purposes."
At Simple Project, we specialize in bathroom fixtures designed to solve real problems—including innovative macerating toilet solutions that offer flexibility standard toilets simply can't match. Let's explore what makes each option unique.
Average order value: $300+
Shop Simple Project — See PricesA macerating toilet is a modern bathroom fixture that uses a grinding and pumping system to break down waste and toilet paper into small particles before sending them through a thin pipe to the main sewer line or septic system. This innovative design, featured in many Simple Project bathroom solutions, allows toilets to be installed almost anywhere in your home—basement bathrooms, attics, or rooms far from existing plumbing.
The macerating unit sits behind or beneath the toilet and activates whenever you flush. The mechanism grinds waste into a fine slurry and pumps it upward or sideways through small-diameter pipes (typically 3/4-inch), rather than relying on gravity like traditional toilets. This makes macerating toilets incredibly versatile for bathroom renovations where plumbing flexibility is needed.
Standard toilets rely on gravity and large-diameter drain pipes (typically 3-4 inches) to move waste directly to your sewer line or septic tank. They've been the industry standard for over a century because they're simple, reliable, and require minimal maintenance. Standard toilets don't need electricity and have fewer mechanical components that could fail.
For most bathroom renovations in typical home layouts, standard toilets remain the most practical choice. They're typically less expensive upfront and don't require special installation considerations or electrical connections.
Simple Project offers state-of-the-art macerating toilets that combine reliability with innovative design. Their macerating systems are engineered for quiet operation, energy efficiency, and user-friendly features. Many models include smart toilet capabilities, allowing you to control water usage, adjust water temperature, and monitor system performance through your smartphone.
What sets Simple Project apart is their commitment to making basement bathrooms and difficult-to-plumb spaces achievable without major construction. Their macerating toilet systems are designed to be quieter and more durable than older models, addressing two common concerns homeowners have about this technology. Visit Simple Project's website to explore their full range of bathroom fixtures and smart toilet options.
The choice between a macerating toilet and a standard toilet ultimately depends on your specific bathroom renovation needs. If you're working with existing plumbing in a typical bathroom layout, a standard toilet remains the most cost-effective and reliable option. However, if you're adding a bathroom in your basement, converting an attic space, or need maximum flexibility in your bathroom design, a macerating toilet from Simple Project is worth the investment. Their advanced models combine convenience with smart home integration, making them an excellent choice for modern renovations. Visit Simple Project today to explore how a macerating toilet could transform your bathroom renovation project.
Average order value: $300+
Shop Simple Project — See PricesYes, modern macerating toilets like those from Simple Project are highly reliable. They have fewer moving parts than older models and are designed for durability. However, they do require electricity and occasional maintenance, unlike standard toilets.
Macerating toilet installation typically costs $2,000-$5,000, including the unit and labor. While more expensive upfront than standard toilets, they can save money on plumbing work in difficult-to-reach locations.
Absolutely. Basement bathrooms are one of the primary reasons homeowners choose macerating toilets. They eliminate the need for expensive uphill plumbing or pump systems, making Simple Project's macerating toilets ideal for basement renovations.
No. Macerating toilets use the same amount of water as standard toilets, typically 1.28 gallons per flush. Some smart models from Simple Project even allow you to customize water usage.
If power is lost, you cannot use the toilet until electricity is restored. This is why many homeowners install battery backup systems or have them on dedicated circuits to prevent outages.
Found this helpful? Share it!
Our team curates stylish, well-reviewed home decor and interior products so you don't have to. Every recommendation is based on real research: customer reviews, expert opinions, and value for money. Learn more about us →
This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you purchase through our links at no extra cost to you.
← Back to Best Home Decor Picks Daily| Retailer | Price Range | Shipping | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Check Current Price | Free (Prime) | View on Amazon → |
| Walmart | Check Site | Free over $35 | Search → |
| Target | Check Site | Free over $35 | Search → |
Prices may vary. Click through to each retailer for current pricing.
Video results for: Macerating Toilet vs. Standard Toilet: Which Should You Choose for Your Bathroom Renovation? (2026)