An ejector pump such as the Superior Pump sits in a sump basin under the bathroom’s plumbing. When the wastewater level in the basin reaches a certain level, the basement toilet pump turns on and begins pumping waste to the level of the main drain.
How to install an upflush toilet in a basement?
You only need four basic connections to install an upflush toilet:
- A SaniFlo upflush toilet pump system with top ratings
- A water supply inlet
- A narrow discharge pipe (3/4 to 1″)
- An electricity outlet with a GFI breaker.
What is the best toilet for a basement bathroom?
Upflush Toilets for Basements: What You Should Know
- An Upflush Toilet Is Also Known as a Macerating Toilet. Unlike a gravity toilet, which empties into a 3- or 4-inch hole in the floor, an upflush toilet empties out ...
- Upflush Toilets for Basements: Pros. ...
- Upflush Toilets for Basements: Cons. ...
- Who Makes Upflush Toilets for Basements. ...
- Installation of Upflush Toilets for Basements. ...
- Care and Maintenance. ...
Why would a basement toilet overflow without flushing?
Unfortunately, even cleaning products advertised as flushable don’t break down as quickly as toilet paper. A clogged sewer line can cause a flooded basement or an overflowing toilet. If the sewage isn’t able to drain, it’ll work its way back up your line. It’ll enter your home at its lowest point, usually a basement toilet.
How much does it cost to install an upflush toilet?
Upflush toilets typically cost $600-$800. A professional plumber can usually install one in an hour or two ($100-$200) for a total cost of $700-$1,000. Sewage ejector systems cost $400-$700 depending on the tank size. These systems do not come with a toilet, however, so one must be purchased at additional cost. Expect installation to cost $100-$300.
How does a basement toilet flush up?
The main component of the Upflush toilets is a macerating or a grinding pump. This shreds or grinds toilet waste, which in return is flushed and sent upwards through a narrow pipe and to the sewage system and/or a septic tank.
How does an Upflush toilet system work?
The powerful macerator has a rotating blade that shreds and grinds solid material like human waste and toilet paper. When mixed with flushing water, solid material changes to a fine slurry which moves easily through a narrow pipe upward. A quiet electric-powered pump moves the fine slurry upward under pressure.
Why is basement toilet not flushing properly?
If you have a toilet that doesn't fully flush, common causes include a clog in the trap, a worn-out flapper, blocked rim jets, a faulty float, or an issue with the handle and chain.
How do below grade toilets work?
0:493:31How to Install a Toilet Below Grade | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipInside there's a macerator a pump really that grinds up any solids. And a little sensor that saysMoreInside there's a macerator a pump really that grinds up any solids. And a little sensor that says when to come on when it does it starts pushing the waste.
Do you have to flush a Saniflo toilet everyday?
It's important to flush your saniflo at least once a day. Without daily flushing, the contents within the saniflo can dry, causing the tank to break down, making it difficult to restore. A saniflo or macerator toilet relies on electricity to power the macerator and pump the waste out of the toilet.
Where does the waste go from a macerating toilet?
It's the same with sinks and tubs. Macerating toilets (aka "upflush toilets"), on the other hand, send waste to a macerating unit located behind the toilet or in the wall. High-powered blades liquefy the waste, which is then pumped out of the unit through normal pipe that's been tied into the main drain line.
Why does my basement floor drain back up when I flush the toilet?
Improper item flushing: The single most common cause of main sewer backups is the flushing of improper items down toilets. This includes everything from diapers and baby wipes to feminine hygiene products, paper towels, and even “flushable” cat litter.
Do basement toilets clog easier?
Since main sewer lines are buried under the ground, a basement toilet is almost always nearest to it—and the plumbing fixture closest to the pipe problems will be the first to show signs of trouble. A clogged toilet in your basement can often be a clue that there's a major issue developing.
How long does an Upflush toilet last?
about 10-15 yearsWhile an upflush toilet includes a macerator system and pump unit, everything else looks virtually the same. Upflush Toilets Have a Long Lifespan. Upflush toilets last for about 10-15 years before any of the mechanical components need to be replaced.
How do you vent a basement Upflush toilet?
Find the highest wastewater drain connection on the vent-and-soil stack. This will be no higher than the uppermost floor with a toilet or sink. You must connect the vent pipe from the upflush toilet to a point on the vent-and-soil stack higher than this drain connection. The best place to connect is often in the attic.
Are Upflush toilets worth it?
Less Expensive Installation Cost – An upflush toilet is much cheaper than plumbing and installing a traditional toilet. This savings can be used for other home renovations within the home. Increase Home's Resale Value – Adding another bathroom to a home can increase the resale value more than 20%.
Why is basement toilet elevated?
The floor is very thin and can't accommodate the full slope. Or… The toilet is installed far from the main waste stack, the building is too cheap to install a closer stack, and extra height is needed to accommodate the required slope over the long distance.
Are Upflush toilets worth it?
Less Expensive Installation Cost – An upflush toilet is much cheaper than plumbing and installing a traditional toilet. This savings can be used for other home renovations within the home. Increase Home's Resale Value – Adding another bathroom to a home can increase the resale value more than 20%.
Does an Upflush toilet need a vent?
Vent the Pump. Unless you're using a SaniCOMPACT, which doesn't require venting, you'll need to vent the macerator pump into your home's vent system. This tends to be the biggest surprise with a Saniflo installation, but keep in mind that you can vent the toilet anywhere.
How far can an Upflush toilet pump?
Our macerator can pump from 15 feet upward and downward to the sewer line and septic tank or 150 feet horizontally. Don't worry about your bathroom floor.
Can you put tampons down a Saniflo toilet?
Like most toilets, Saniflo systems will get blocked up if you're flushing the wrong things. These include: Sanitary towels. Tampons.
What is an up flush toilet?
Upflushing toilets vary in look and operation, but generally include a pumping mechanism hidden within or behind the toilet. Some upflushing toilets permit additional waste-producing fixtures, like sinks and shower units, to drain into them. Upflushing toilet systems are expensive, but money is saved on installation costs.
How to prevent sewer backup in basement?
If waste water drains by gravity into municipal sewer lines, install a backwater valve to prevent sewage backup in the basement. A backwater valve may require a permit, so check with your local building department and consult a plumbing contractor before you begin.
How much does a Saniplus toilet cost?
The Saniplus allows for accompanying sink and bath/shower graywater discharge as well, costs around $900, and is easily installed and serviced. Composting toilets are also viable solutions for belowgrade situations, but they are meant strictly for toilet waste.
What is a freestanding sewage system?
The freestanding or aboveground sewage-ejector system is another waste removal option that does not require cutting through concrete . These systems are typically housed within an enclosure, and the toilet (usually not included) sits on top. These systems are essentially mini septic tanks. The toilet, sink, shower/bath, and washing machine can drain into these holding tanks, which also house the pump to discharge the waste up and into the home’s drainage lines. Because sewage-ejector units sit aboveground, fixtures like toilets and showers or baths will have to be elevated about six inches to gravity-drain into the tank. The Up Jon system from Zoeller sells for around $600, but does not include a toilet. Saniflo also sells similar graywater and sewage-ejection systems designed specifically for bathtubs, showers, laundry units, and kitchen sinks.
Can you transport sewage to sewer?
Transporting bathroom or basement wastewater to sewer or septic lines can be achieved in a number of ways. Aboveground solutions include the “upflushing toilet,” freestanding sewage-ejector systems, and composting toilets. Aboveground solutions are those that do not require the homeowner or installer to cut through any existing basement slab, resulting in lower installation costs. Upflushing toilets vary in look and operation, but generally include a pumping mechanism hidden within or behind the toilet. Some upflushing toilets permit additional waste-producing fixtures, like sinks and shower units, to drain into them.
Is it expensive to up flush a toilet?
Upflushing toilet systems are expensive, but money is saved on installation costs. “Upflushing toilets sit on top of the floor, you don’t have to break the concrete, and servicing them is easy,” says Larry Sturm, a master plumber in Pennsylvania and owner of Sturm Plumbing, the Faucet Doctor plumbing supply store, and UpFlushToilet.com, an online retail store. “Tie-ins take about a half hour, and recovering accidentally flushed items is pretty easy.”
How long does it take to install an upflush toilet?
A plumber can install an upflush toilet in hours or a complete bathroom in just a day at a fraction of the cost of a traditional full bathroom construction.
What is an upflush toilet?
As you can see, an upflush toilet has been engineered to eliminate installing expensive plumbing. Yet, while their interiors are hardworking machinery, their exteriors are a fashionable complement to any decor. The main difference of upflush toilets from standard fixtures is the discharge system, whose key components are a macerator/pump ...
What is the difference between up flush and standard flush?
The main difference of upflush toilets from standard fixtures is the discharge system , whose key components are a macerator/pump and a small-diameter pipe. The powerful macerator has a rotating blade that shreds and grinds solid material like human waste and toilet paper. When mixed with flushing water, solid material changes to a fine slurry which moves easily through a narrow pipe upward. A quiet electric-powered pump moves the fine slurry upward under pressure. The small-diameter discharge pipe (as small as 3/4" across), solves many structural problems as it can be run virtually anywhere. The fine slurry moves easily through this pipe to the normal sewage system, septic tank or holding tank.
What is an up flush toilet?
For all intents and purposes, an upflush toilet is exactly the same as any standard toilet. Waste goes in and flushes out the bowl with the help of strong water pressure. The only difference is what happens to that waste after you flush.
How long does it take to install a Upflush toilet?
You can Install It Yourself. With an Upflush toilet, you can install your own toilet in about four hours, without any prior plumbing knowledge. If you’d prefer, you can just as easily hire a professional plumber to do it for you. Your new bathroom will be up and running in just a few hours.
What is the difference between composting and upflush toilets?
So, what’s the difference? While composting toilets use decomposition and evaporation to deal with waste and provide composting benefits, an upflush toilet is the same as the toilet you already know and love . It just runs on a system that’s engineered differently. Here’s a breakdown to help you see the difference:
How long do upflush toilets last?
Upflush Toilets Have a Long Lifespan. Upflush toilets last for about 10-15 years before any of the mechanical components need to be replaced. They Require Minimal Maintenance.
What is the difference between an upflush toilet and a regular toilet?
If you walked into a bathroom with an upflush toilet and a regular toilet side-by-side, you probably wouldn’t notice the difference. Both feature large, heavy porcelain bowls and standard seats. They both look like, you know, a toilet. They feature all the right things in all the right places.
How much does it cost to add a bathroom to a house?
Unfortunately, installing a traditional bathroom can cost about $50,000. When you install a bathroom with an Upflush toilet, however, you save money and earn a better ROI down the road.
When was the Upflush toilet invented?
In fact, Saniflo invented the first version of the Upflush toilet in Western Europe in 1958 . The toilets were designed to solve for tight spots and make it easier to install bathrooms below preexisting lateral lines. This upflush unit is using an extension pipe to hide the pump behind a wall.
