Top 9 Best Upflush Toilets for Every Location 2024
Are you looking for the best upflush toilet? This article is for you.
Install it in the basement, garage, under the stairs, anywhere you want because the upflush toilet is built for that! Upflush toilets are also called macerating toilets, because of the macerating pump – essential parts of the system.
I will cover the most important aspects of upflush toilets, offer you the selection of the best models on the market so you get the best one for your money.
Upflush toilets are pricey, and they need to be high quality to prevent messy disasters and clogs.
Their primary purpose is to pump the waste vertically, and you can install them below the sewer line. It allows you to convert almost any space to a toilet and get a second toilet for emergencies or homes with multiple family members.
But, how does an upflush toilet work? Let’s find out together!
What is an Upflush Toilet?
If you have never heard of or used an upflush toilet, here is a section for you. Families with large homes and a lot of family members need two toilets to ensure everyone gets enough time. But, installing a second bathroom is expensive, especially if you have to add pipes or build a spare room.
It is when an upflush toilet comes into the spotlight.
An upflush toilet exists since 1958 and is specially designed for tight spaces and installation away from sewer lines. An upflush toilet can be installed almost anywhere without adding pipes. Also, you don’t have to hire a plumber to help you set your second bathroom, you can do it yourself.
An upflush toilet differs from a conventional one in the discharge system. The primary parts of an upflush toilet are:
- Small-diameter pipe
- Macerator pump
The macerator has sharp blades and works as a grinder to shred waste and convert it to liquid waste. A pump pushes the waste through a narrow pipe vertically under pressure.
Because upflush toilets are designed to be used anywhere, the discharge pipe is small and can be easily installed in various locations.
As the pump pushes the waste, the pressure moves it through the pipe to your standard sewage system, holding tanks, or even a septic tank.
Watch this video to know more:
Upflush Toilet Installation
Most macerating toilets install very simply. All you need is an electrical supply, a small-diameter discharge pipe, space, and instruction to learn how to connect the inlet with the water supply.
It means you don’t have to demolish the floor, break the ceiling or invest a lot of money into expensive plumbing services.
I will walk you through the basic installation steps. That way, you can see how practical upflush toilets are.
- Step 1: Find the installation site, and cut the soil stack to install a Y-connector. It will hold the pipe for discharge for the toilet macerator.
- Step 2: Connect the toilet tank with the water supply. You can use an adaptor for the water line for connection. All you have to do is screw tap. You can use a sink, kitchen, or any other water line.
- Step 3: Connect the toilet to a nearby electrical circuit with a GFC interrupter.
- Step 4: If your upflush toilet requires venting, you have one more step to complete.
Vent the pump into your home’s vent system, but most upflush toilets with pumps can be vented anywhere as long as the air can move in and out.
Why Get an Upflush Toilet?
If you are still unsure whether getting an upflush toilet is a good idea, here are several reasons that might help you make up your mind.
Price
Upflush toilets might be pricier than a standard toilet with a tank, but the complete costs for installation are significantly lower than if you would install a conventional toilet.
You’ll have to pay expensive plumber services, possibly even contractors to adjust the space and pipes.
No Location Limitations
The beauty of an upflush toilet is that we can install it anywhere. That way, you can get a second bathroom in the unused corner of your basement, under the stairs, or make a guest bathroom.
Upflush toilets are hygienic, they don’t smell. You can also use them as temporary bathrooms on renovation sites.
Second Bathroom Increases the Value of Home
If you are planning to sell your home anytime soon, consider investing in a second bathroom. It can increase the value of your home by up to 20%.
Comfort
Some upflush toilets are small, but there are full-size upflush toilets. Those are as comfortable as conventional toilets.
Durability and Maintenance
Upflush toilets have a long lifespan of ten to 15 years. For that time, they require minimal maintenance. On top of everything, they are easy to clean and don’t develop odors.
Consider Making a Full Bathroom
If you save money on an upflush system, you can spend it on a shower and get a full bathroom at a fraction of the cost.
Upflush Toilet VS Composting Toilet
Some people mix composting and upflush toilets because the two models are relatively new in the USA.
Here is the difference. Composting toilet operates using decomposition and evaporation to handle waste and get compost for later use. But, an upflush toilet is just like a regular toilet, but with a distinctive discharge system.
It disposes of the waste, just in a different way, using a macerator to grind the waste and push it into the sewer line.
Common Upflush Toilet Problems
Before you find the best toilet with an upflush system, let me walk you through the most common problems with upflush toilets.
The Macerating Pump Won’t Stop
There could be several reasons for the macerating pump malfunction. The microswitch issue is the easiest one to fix, but blockage in the macerator, pump, or waste pipe is more likely to happen.
You can check if some debris has got into the waste pipe, macerator or pump and clean it when the toilet is unplugged. You don’t have to call a plumber for it.
The Macerator Trips the Electric
When your macerator trips the electricity often, it is a sign that you’ve got a damaged toilet and should handle it with care. Unplug it and inspect for damage. Most likely, the motor is faulty, and there could be water inside, which causes a short circuit.
The Toilet Back the Waste up To Shower
When a macerating toilet backs up to the shower basin, it is safe to conclude that the unit or waste pipe is blocked. It can happen because of the poor installation.
Detach the unit and clean the pipes. Ensure a waste pipe is installed at 45 degrees before you start using the toilet again. That way, the waste won’t go back to the tank.
Now, let’s check the best upflush toilets with low chances for these potential problems!
What are the Best Upflush Toilets in 2023?
Saniflo is the inventor of upflush toilets, and it has a long history of making toilets with a macerator pump. The Saniflo upflush toilets are reliable and durable. On the other hand, Jabsco makes exceptional upflush toilets within an affordable price tag.
Both brands have excellent customer service, so you don’t have to worry about getting a faulty toilet!
In reality, there are many great upflush toilets worth your consideration. All the best ones are mentioned in the list below!
- Best Overall: Saniflo 023 Porcelain Upflush Toilet
“Stylish and durable upflush toilet with water-efficient flush and included seat, can be installed everywhere” - Best Budget: Jabsco 37010 Electric Uplfush Toilet
“Compact electric toilet with flow preventer and soft-closing lid, reliable enclosed motor and lightweight” - Best for Basement: Liberty High-Efficiency Upflush Toilet
“Large and comfortable, water-efficient toilet with a powerful pump and insulated tank, and a long battery life” - Best for Garage: Intelflo Dual-Flush Upflush Toilet
“Reliable upflush toilet with hidden powerful macerating pump, and water-efficient dual flush system” - Best with Grinder: Saniflo Sanifbest Pro Electric Upflush Toilet
“Automatic activation of macerating pump, simple installation and reliable performance, heavy-duty pump, universal compatibility with sinks” - Best Marine: Five Oceans Low Profile Upflush Toilet
“Compact marine toilet that can be installed at home with a pressurized water system, easy to clean, dual-function pump- pumping and grinding waste” - Best Compact: Thetford Marine Electric Upflush Toilet
“Tiny toilet designed to fit tight spaces, powerful flush and macerating pump, sturdy construction, soft-close seat included” - Best For Under Stairs: Silent Venus Round Plastic Upflush Toilet
“Compact toilet with tankless design and a built-in macerating pump, plastic and copper construction, horizontal and vertical pumping” - Best for Home: Sanimove 500W Three-Piece Upflush Toilet
“Large and easy to clean and install upflush toilet with a powerful pump hidden behind the toilet, sink connection enabled”
Comparison Table 2023
Here is a quick breakdown of the all best upflush toilets you can find. The table contains the necessary information, so you get a glimpse of the current market offer. Keep reading for more information and detailed, unbiased reviews.
The Best Upflush Toilets Reviews
Have you found your top pick yet? If you haven’t, don’t worry. The reviews will reveal everything about best upflush toilets, so you can confidently choose the model for your second bathroom.
I also covered the toilets for basements, garages, and other locations. Hopefully, you’ll find the section useful.
1. Saniflo 023 Porcelain Upflush Toilet
(Best Overall)
If you are looking for a reliable, durable, and compact upflush toilet, the popular Saniflo 023 might be a perfect choice. It is a self-contained toilet that can be installed almost everywhere.
The toilet has a macerating pump and can support vertical pumping up to 9 feet. It can also be installed 100 feet from the sewer line horizontally. Moreover, this Saniflo toilet supports a sink connection.
The toilet isn’t only compact and reliable, it is also water-efficient. The total amount of water it uses per flush is 1 gallon.
I also need to mention the comfortable bowl height. Without the seat, the toilet is 18.5 inches high, which means it can be considered an ADA-compliant toilet.
Saniflo, model 023 also comes with a toilet seat and chrome hinges for a stylish appearance.
Key features:
- Vertical pumping
- Sink connection supported
- Chrome hinges
- Seat included
Pros
- Compact
- Easy to install
- Durable
- Suitable for installation in various places
- Water-efficient
Cons
- The seat is difficult to replace.
Product specifications:
| Brand | Saniflo |
| Weight | 62.2 pounds |
| Dimensions | 18.25 x 14.5 x 15.75 inches |
| Water consumption per flush | 1 gallon |
| Vertical pumping distance | 9 feet |
| Horizontal pumping distance | 100 feet |
| Flush type | Gravity flush |
| Warranty | 2-year |
2. Jabsco 37010 Electric Uplfush Toilet
(Best Budget)
Jabsco is a marine toilet, which means it is portable and built to withstand different conditions and years of use. But, it is also an excellent choice if you are looking to save some money on your upflush toilet.
Jabsco has a high-capacity macerator and bowl scavenger pump. It ensures installation in various places, below the sewer line.
Moreover, the Jabsco toilet is reliable and has a built-in backflow preventer, so you don’t have to worry about potential disasters after clogging.
The bowl is made from white vitreous china and has a baked enamel seat and a matching cover. It is comfortable and resembles a standard household bowl, with a seat height of 17 inches.
The toilet is electric and the pump has a power of 12 volts.
Key features:
- Standard bowl shape
- Marine type toilet
- Electric toilet
- Includes flow preventer
- Fully enclosed motor
- Push-button flush control
Pros
- Affordable
- Sturdy construction
- Easy to flush
- Lightweight
Cons
- The flush switch isn’t included in all purchases.
Product specifications:
| Brand | Jabsco |
| Style | 12 Volt |
| Weight | 38.6 pounds |
| Dimensions | 14 x 14.8 x 19.1 inches |
| Type | Electric toilet |
| Warranty | 1-year |
3. Liberty High-Efficiency Upflush Toilet
(Best for Basement)
If you have a spare space in your basement, you can use it to install an additional toilet. The Liberty toilet will work exceptionally well because it is an upflush toilet with a high-power pump for waste maceration. The toilet can pump up to 25 feet vertically, and 150 feet horizontally. The discharge pipe can be only 1 inch wide.
It is an excellent choice for the basement because the toilet has built-in insulation, and it won’t sweat during hot weather and will work even at low temperatures.
The toilet is easy to install and doesn’t require you to demolish the concrete floor. Therefore, the Liberty toilet is an excellent choice for a second bathroom wherever you have space.
Key features:
- Watersense certified
- It comes with a toilet seat
- One-flush system
- Available in round and elongated
- ADA-compliant
- Two-piece toilet
Pros
- Suitable for different climates
- The average battery life is long
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
Cons
- Larger than average upflush toilet.
Product specifications:
| Brand | Liberty |
| Dimensions | ‎29.75 x 20 x 32.25 inches |
| Weight | 0.01 ounces |
| Average battery life | 3.5 hours |
| Amperage | 8 Amps |
| Installation | Floor-mounted |
| Warranty | 3-year warranty |
Watch this video to know more:
4. Intelflo Dual-Flush Upflush Toilet
(Best for Garage)
The Intelflo toilet has a macerating pump, which means it effectively grinds the solid waste into liquid, so it can easier dispose of it through the waste outlet.
The tank has a powerful pump that pumps the waste up to 20 feet vertically, and 160 feet horizontally. Because of it, you can install it in your garage, even if it is on the other side of the backyard.
The toilet has a dual-flush system and a high-efficiency flush. Full flush uses 1 gallon of water, while partial or eco flush needs 0.75 gallons of water.
The toilet maceration is easy to activate with a push of a button. If you are careful with what you’re flushing, the toilet won’t clog and the odors will rarely occur.
The Intelflo toilet is compact, so you will easily find a place for it.
Key features:
- Dual-flush system
- Water-efficient
- The macerating pump is located inside the tank
- ADA-compliant
Pros
- It needs small space for installation
- Durable
- The toilet saves water
- It uses a much smaller sewer pipeline than standard toilets
Cons
- You might need to hire a plumber for installation.
Product specifications:
| Brand | Intelflo |
| Dimensions | ‎23.75 x 21.25 x 17.5 inches |
| Weight | 57.5 pounds |
| Maximal vertical pumping distance | 24 feet |
| Maximal horizontal pumping distance | 240 feet |
| Warranty | 1-year |
5. Saniflo Sanifbest Pro Electric Upflush Toilet
(Best with Grinder)
Saniflo makes excellent upflush toilets, and the Sanibest Pro model is praised for its grinding pump with reliable performance and durable construction. The toilet has a comfortable elongated design for more comfort while sitting and standing.
The Sanibest Pro model has a heavy-duty pump and can be installed 18 feet below the sewer line. The toilet supports pumping up to 150 feet horizontally. But, what makes Saniflo toilets stand out is the ability to support connection with all showers, sinks, and washing machines.
The installation of this upflush toilet is simple because there are only four lines to be connected. First of all, connect the pump with a horizontal toilet outlet, connect the tank to the water supply, connect the pump to the discharge pipe. Lastly, connect the pump to the electrical supply!
Key features:
- Elongated shape
- Simple, four-step installation
- Compatible with various sinks, tubs, showers and washing machines
- 18 feet below sewer line installation
Pros
- Automatic start of the macerating pump
- Powerful flush
- No plumber needed for installation
Cons
- Potential shipping issues.
Product specifications:
| Brand | Saniflo |
| Dimensions | ‎17.4 x 13.3 x 11.3 inches |
| Weight | 27 pounds |
| Water consumption per flush | 1.6 gallons |
| Warranty | 2-year |
6. Five Oceans Low Profile Upflush Toilet
(Best Marine)
The Five Oceans toilet is a small and portable, but sturdy marine-type toilet. It is an electric-type toilet with smart flush control. The toilet is short, and the height is only 13 inches. Therefore, it can fit in tight spaces, such as RVs, boats, or even small areas in your home.
The toilet comes with a soft-closing seat to prevent harsh slamming and unpleasant noise.
Macerator is activated with a flush, and the toilet has pre-wetting. Therefore, the cleaning is simple.
The Five Oceans upflush toilet only pumps the waste two feet vertically. But, it is excellent for the sea, because it needs to be installed only 25 inches above the water.
However, if you want to install the Five Oceans toilet more than two feet lower than the sewer line, you can buy and install a pressurized water system, preferably with a solenoid valve.
Overall, the toilet is water and power-saving, but the installation is limited.
Key features:
- Marine type toilet
- Pumps two feet vertically
- Dual-function pump
- Smart flush control
- Slow closing lid included
Pros
- Compact
- Perfect for boats and RVs
- Simple installation
- Easy to clean
- Lightweight
- Quiet
Cons
- Low pressure limits the installation locations.
Product specifications:
| Brand | Five Oceans |
| Dimensions | ‎ 5 1/8 x 14 27/32 x 14 3/8 inches |
| Weight | 35 pounds |
| Amperage | 18 amps |
| Warranty | 1-year |
7. Thetford Marine Electric Upflush Toilet
(Best Compact)
This Thetford upflush toilet is the most compact upflush model that ensures good performance at the same time. It is an electric toilet, with a total height of 11.6 inches, which makes the toilet fit tight spaces.
But, because it is so low in height, the toilet isn’t very comfortable.
However, the toilet is designed to be installed on a raised platform, which improves comfort.
The durable vitreous china bowl is sturdy, and the plastic seat features a slow close mechanism.
The toilet is self-contained and has an energy-saving feature with a controllable flush. The macerating pump is powerful, and the high-pressure nozzle effectively cleans waste with minimal water consumption. That way, you can get more flushes per tank.
Key features:
- Self-contained toilet
- Electric-type
- Rocker-style flush
- Water and energy-saving design
Pros
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Powerful flush
- Easy to clean
- The toilet can be installed on a raised platform
Cons
- Not very comfortable.
Product specifications:
| Brand | Thetford |
| Dimensions | 45.3 pounds |
| Weight | 11.6 x 14.6 x 17.5 |
| Seat height | 11.6 inches |
| Seat | Slow-close |
| Warranty | 2-year |
8. Silent Venus Round Plastic Upflush Toilet
(Best For Under Stairs)
If you have unused space under the stairs, you can make a half-bathroom with this Silent Venus toilet. It is the perfect size to fit under the stairs. The toilet is made from a combination of sturdy plastic and copper.
Silent Venus is a self-contained toilet that can be installed easily without construction work. The toilet can pump 16 feet vertically and 164 feet horizontally. Therefore, you can install it away from the sewer line and have a second bathroom.
The brand offers a one-year warranty, and CE and ROHS certifications. Therefore, getting the Silent Venus upflush toilet is a safe purchase, because the brand has excellent customer service and will replace any damaged or malfunction parts free of charge.
Key features:
- Eco-friendly
- Self-contained
- The macerating pump is inside the unit
- No external water tank design
- One-piece toilet
Pros
- Compact
- Easy to install
- Excellent horizontal and vertical discharge
- Great customer service
Cons
- Plastic construction
- It doesn’t allow the sink to be attached.
Product specifications:
| Brand | Silent Venus |
| Dimensions | ‎22 x 20 x 17 inches |
| Weight | 60 pounds |
| Material | Plastic/copper |
| Horizontal discharge | 164 feet |
| Vertical discharge | 16 feet |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Watch this video to know more:
9. Sanimove 500W Three-Piece Upflush Toilet
(Best for Home)
Upflush toilets aren’t as comfortable and good-looking as standard toilets you would install in your home bathroom. But, it isn’t the case with this Sanimove toilet.
The toilet ensures long-lasting performance with a strong electric motor with 2/3 horsepower. Compared to some other toilets, this one is very powerful, but uses less energy. It makes it an excellent choice for everyday use.
The toilet can be attached to a sink, bidet, another toilet, or a shower easily. It has four water inlets to ensure effective waste discharge.
The vertical pumping is available at 24 feet, and the toilet can pump up to 240 feet horizontally.
Key features:
- Three-piece toilet
- Standard toilet size
- Vertical and horizontal pumping
- Sink, shower, bidet connection enabled
- Available in elongated and round shape
Pros
- Comfortable
- Energy-saving
- Easy to clean
- Simple installation in various locations
Cons
- The pump is behind the model, so you need more space for installation
- Heavy.
Product specifications:
| Brand | Sanimove |
| Dimensions | ‎33 x 26 x 20 inches |
| Weight | 102.8 pounds |
| Horizontal discharge | 240 feet |
| Vertical discharge | 24 feet |
| Warranty | 1-year |
How to Choose Upflush Toilet – Buying Guide
The following section will point out important features to consider when choosing your upflush toilet. If you are up for a simple renovation project, keep reading to simplify your quest for an upflush toilet.
Uplfush toilets are pricier products than standard toilets, but simple installation actually makes them a cheaper investment. Here are things to check when buying an upflush toilet.
Location
Before you purchase an upflush toilet, decide where you will install it. How far away is the sewer line vertically and horizontally? Is there any sink or shower on-site? How much space do you have available for the toilet?
Those are the clues that will help you eliminate models that don’t fit your needs.
Pumping Distance
When you know the location, check how powerful the pump of your desired toilet is. Find the one that can match the distance between the location of the toilet and the nearby sewer line.
Some toilets can pump up more than 20 feet vertically, and some marine toilets only pump 2 feet in height.
Therefore, it is important to know the configuration of your sewer lines and the toilet itself.
Sink Connection
Because some macerating toilets don’t have built-in plumbing, you have to make it work by attaching it to the nearby sink or shower.
It is especially important if you are planning to make a full bathroom since not all models come with these features. Some only attach to the sewer line.
Power
Macerating pumps are designed for waste grinding. But, how powerful are the pumps? Is there any consideration when it comes to toilet paper and chemicals used for cleaning?
Make sure you get a toilet with a pump powerful enough to handle everyday use and toilet paper. You want to be sure your macerator has enough power to grind it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Upflush toilets are relatively new on the US market. So, you might have additional questions. Please check the next section and ask more questions in the comment if you have any.
My Top Pick
My top pick is the Saniflo 023 Porcelain Upflush Toilet. It is exceptionally practical. The toilet can last as long as a standard toilet and will cost you less money for installation and maintenance.
You can use it to create a guest bathroom, temporary toilet at the construction site, to use the space in the basement, under the stairs, or in the garage.
Have you tried upflush toilets? What is your experience?
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