Choosing a toilet for a bathroom renovation is often overlooked, but it's one of the most consequential decisions you'll make—especially if you're adding a bathroom in a basement, attic, or other space far from existing plumbing lines. Standard gravity-fed toilets and macerating (upflushing) toilets represent two fundamentally different approaches to waste removal, each with distinct tradeoffs in installation complexity, ongoing maintenance, cost, and placement flexibility.
This guide compares these two categories head-to-head based on real specifications and constraints homeowners actually face, so you can determine which is the right fit for your specific project and budget.
Standard toilets are the conventional fixture found in most homes. They work by using water pressure and gravity to flush waste directly into an underground main sewer line or septic system. Installation requires the toilet to be positioned relatively close to existing drainage pipes, and they require no electricity to operate. Brands and models are numerous, from budget-friendly to high-end designer fixtures, giving you maximum choice in style and price point.
Best for: Primary bathrooms in conventional locations with direct access to main drainage lines; homeowners prioritizing low cost and minimal maintenance; homes with limited electrical infrastructure or concerns about power dependency
Macerating toilets use a motor-powered grinding mechanism to break down waste and toilet paper into a fine slurry, which is then pumped through small-diameter pipes to the main sewer line or septic system. This technology eliminates the need for extensive excavation and rerouting of large drainage pipes. Premium macerating systems, such as those in the Simple Project line, feature state-of-the-art smart technology including smartphone-controlled water pressure, temperature adjustment, and self-cleaning functions, though these come at a higher upfront cost (average order value $300+).
Best for: Basement bathrooms and below-grade installations; attics or upper-level spaces where gravity-fed drainage is impractical; guest bathrooms or powder rooms far from main plumbing; renovations where minimizing structural changes is a priority
For conventional primary bathrooms, standard gravity-fed toilets remain the best choice: they're affordable, require zero electricity, and offer maximum brand/style variety with minimal long-term maintenance. You sacrifice placement flexibility but gain simplicity and reliability.
For unconventional layouts—basements, attics, powder rooms far from main lines—macerating systems like those offered by Simple Project justify their higher cost and electricity requirement by eliminating thousands in excavation and regrading. Premium macerating models add smart features (temperature control, smartphone integration, self-cleaning), but this convenience comes at a premium price ($300+ average order value). Standard toilets simply cannot work in below-grade or distant spaces without structural intervention.
The real tradeoff is structural: standard toilets force you to bring plumbing to the toilet; macerating toilets bring the toilet to your plumbing. Choose based on your space's drainage location and your tolerance for electrical dependency and maintenance frequency, not on hype around either category.
Yes. The grinding and pumping mechanism requires continuous electrical power. Standard toilets operate entirely on water pressure and gravity, requiring no electricity.
Macerating toilets require more frequent maintenance than standard toilets due to the grinding mechanism and pump. Standard toilets need only occasional tank cleaning and flapper replacement. Consult your macerating unit's manual for specific intervals.
Macerating toilets can handle regular household use, but they are less forgiving of non-flushable items (wipes, paper towels) than standard toilets. Heavy commercial use may require a commercial-grade macerating system. Standard toilets are generally more robust for sustained heavy use.
Standard toilets range from budget options under $200 to designer fixtures over $1,000. Macerating toilets typically start at $1,500–$3,000+ for the unit alone, not including installation. However, factor in avoided excavation costs (often $5,000–$15,000+) for below-grade installations when comparing total project cost.
Yes, macerating toilets produce grinding and pumping noise during and shortly after flushing. Premium models like those in the Simple Project line offer quieter operation, but they will never be as silent as standard gravity-fed toilets.
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