Planning a bathroom renovation can be overwhelming, especially when you're faced with choosing between different toilet types. While traditional toilets have been the standard for decades, macerating toilets are gaining popularity as a modern, flexible alternative—particularly for basement bathrooms, powder rooms, and unconventional spaces.
At Simple Project, we specialize in innovative bathroom fixtures including macerating toilets and smart toilet solutions designed to maximize your space and enhance your bathroom experience. Whether you're renovating a tight basement corner or updating your primary bath, understanding the differences between these two options is crucial.
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In this guide, we'll break down macerating toilets versus traditional toilets to help you make an informed decision for your specific renovation needs.
Average order value: $300+
Shop Simple Project — See PricesA macerating toilet, also known as an upflush toilet, is a compact bathroom fixture that grinds waste and toilet paper into a fine slurry before pumping it upward to your main sewage line or septic system. Unlike traditional toilets that rely on gravity to move waste downward, macerating toilets use a powerful motor and blade system to process waste and push it through small-diameter pipes.
Simple Project's macerating toilet options are engineered with quiet, efficient motors and sleek designs that fit seamlessly into modern bathrooms. These units are particularly valuable for basement bathrooms where traditional plumbing installation would be costly or impossible.
Traditional toilets operate using gravity and water pressure to flush waste directly down the drain stack to your septic system or municipal sewer line. They require larger diameter pipes and must be installed above or at the same level as your main sewage line. This gravity-dependent design has remained largely unchanged for over a century because it's reliable, simple, and requires minimal maintenance.
However, traditional toilets are inflexible when it comes to placement. Installing one requires proximity to existing plumbing infrastructure, which can be a significant limitation in basement renovations or when adding bathrooms to unusual locations in your home.
One of the biggest advantages of macerating toilets is their installation flexibility. Simple Project's macerating toilet systems can be installed virtually anywhere in your home—up to 10 feet horizontally and even 6-8 feet vertically upward. This makes them ideal for basement bathrooms, attic spaces, or any area far from your main sewage line.
Traditional toilets, by contrast, must be installed directly above your drain stack or within a few feet of your main plumbing line. This severely limits where you can place a new bathroom in your home during renovation projects. If you want a basement bathroom but your sewer line is far away, a traditional toilet installation becomes exponentially more expensive.
The Verdict: The right choice depends on your renovation goals and bathroom location. If you're renovating a standard bathroom with existing plumbing nearby, a traditional toilet remains cost-effective and reliable. However, if you're adding a basement bathroom, creating an ensuite in an unusual space, or want maximum flexibility in your renovation design, a macerating toilet is the superior choice. Simple Project's macerating toilet systems combine innovative design with smart features, making them an excellent investment for modern home renovations. Explore Simple Project's bathroom fixture options to find the perfect solution for your project.
Average order value: $300+
Shop Simple Project — See PricesModern macerating toilets, including those from Simple Project, operate at 75-85 decibels—similar to a running toilet or sink drain. Advanced motor technology and sound dampening in newer models makes them much quieter than older versions.
Most macerating toilets can be flushed 1-2 times during a power outage before the holding tank fills. Simple Project recommends considering a battery backup system if power reliability is a concern in your area.
Macerating toilets typically cost $1,500-$3,500 installed, while traditional toilets cost $300-$800. However, when factoring in expensive plumbing work for difficult locations, macerating toilets often save money overall.
Yes! Basement bathrooms are the primary use case for macerating toilets. Simple Project specializes in basement toilet solutions that pump waste upward to your main sewage line.
Most macerating toilets work with septic systems, though you should verify compatibility. Simple Project's models are designed to integrate seamlessly with both municipal sewer and septic systems.
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