A basement bathroom is convenient and suitable for home appreciation. When you renovate your cellar to include a shower, sink and toilet, you maximize the downstairs area’s potential for comfortable living.
Whether you intend to make it a second family room for watching television or gaming, turn it into a guest living space or prepare it for renters, the possibilities are endless.
However, because of the location, you must purchase the best flush toilet system for a basement bathroom. Otherwise, you could have significant plumbing problems that cost a fortune to repair.
Methodology
When choosing a new flush toilet system for the basement, you want to balance performance and water efficiency with design and personal amenities. Additionally, it should be reliable and last for years. The following components are crucial to factor into your investment:
| System Type | Research different toilet types suitable for a basement bathroom, including how each product pulls waste through the pipes. |
| Features and Specifications | Look for a Maximum Performance rating and EPA WaterSense labels to determine pressure and water efficiency. Also, what is the bowl shape? Is the toilet compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act standards? Does it come with dual-flush features? |
| Installation and Compatibility | Check the compatibility of the toilet with your existing plumbing and water supply line. Likewise, determine how complicated the installation process is — do you need to hire a professional installer, or can you do it yourself? |
| Reputation and Reviews | Read online reviews about the brand and each product. Research independent review websites and look for testimonials from real buyers. |
| Costs and Maintenance | What is your budget for the new toilet? How long is the expected lifespan? What are the potential costs for maintenance and repairs? Does it come with a warranty? What are the potential savings on your water bill? |
Always determine your needs when selecting the best flush toilet system. For instance, you should question the importance of a powerful single-flush model versus needing several flushes. Also, toilets should meet specific sustainability requirements to reduce water consumption and lower water bills. Do you share your home with others? A quiet flush system may be better to avoid disturbing other household members.
5 Flush Toilet Systems for Your Basement Bathroom
Whether upgrading a basement bathroom’s fixtures or doing a major renovation, installing one of the best flush toilet systems will improve the space’s look and feel. Of course, with so many options available, you want to make the right choice for style and optimal comfort. These five flush toilets are worth considering.
Powerflush Optima Pro by Star Water Systems
The Powerflush Optima Pro by Star Water Systems offers a comfortable design. It allows you to choose between a round or elongated toilet seat bowl and comes in comfort height, making it more accessible for taller people and those with mobility issues.
The 1/2 horsepower (HP) grinder pump efficiently breaks down feces and toilet paper and moves the waste upward in residential settings. The HP output is also low enough to save energy compared to higher HP pumps. You can opt to purchase the extension kit if you want to conceal the pump behind the wall. This approach might be more aesthetically pleasing in an upscale bathroom design.
Star Water Systems offers warranties that vary by product. The general warranty covers repairs and replacements of defective components or poor quality. However, it does not cover replacement parts for regular wear and tear.
Customers should also register their Star Water Systems toilet online so the company can contact you if there is a safety concern or recall. Registration also helps the team assist you with your product warranty.
Key features:
- Round or elongated toilet seat bowl options
- Comfort height for enhanced accessibility
- 1/2 HP grinder pump
- Option to purchase an extension kit for behind-the-wall concealment
- Product warranty available
- Product registration for enhanced customer support
Qwik Jon Premier Ship-to-Home by Zoeller Pump Co.
The Quik Jon Premier Ship-to-Home upflush toilet by Zoeller Pump Co. is a comprehensive grinder pump system for a basement bathroom installation. This particular fixture is practical for residential applications with light to moderate waste streams.
Avoid costly modifications, such as breaking through concrete for new plumbing. Likewise, the Qwik Jon Premier toilet does not need a gravity drain and easily connects to compatible tubs, showers and sinks. You can also purchase the extension kit to hide the grinder pump behind the wall in an adjacent utility room.
The grinder uses trademarked Tri-Slice Cutter technology to deliver 250,000 cuts per minute. The vortex impeller is also nonclogging, giving you peace of mind and ensuring easy maintenance.
Zoeller’s flush toilet systems come with a two-year limited warranty, and the business offers excellent product support and part replacements. Like Star Water Systems, you will want to register your toilet with Zoeller Pump Co. for safety updates and better assistance with warranty issues. Additionally, you can locate a Zoeller upflush toilet near you using the website’s locator tool.
Key features:
- Elongated toilet bowl and tank
- 1/2 HP grinder pump
- Convenient for above-grade bathroom installations
- Trice-Slice Cutter technology produces 250,000 cuts per minute
- Nonclogging vortex impeller mechanism
- Two-year limited warranty
SNFLEX Two-Piece Macerating Toilet by Simple Project
The SNFLEX Two-Piece Macerating Toilet by Simple Project is an efficient system for more confined spaces. It melds powerful performance and easy installation with a stylish and eco-friendly design.
The powerful 600-watt macerator pumps slurry 29 feet vertically and 295 feet horizontally. It does not require the main line and enables connection to a shower, sink, bathtub and washing machine. Likewise, you can opt for the extension kit to hide the pump behind the wall.
The built-in carbon filter helps neutralize foul odors, while the toilet’s WaterSense label certifies that it saves 20% to 50% of water, lowering your utility bills. It is also quieter than other models at 35 to 45 A-weighted decibels (dba).
Simple Project toilets come with a one-year limited warranty, promising defect-free materials and high-quality craft during the relevant coverage period. This includes protection for the toilet seat, chinaware, general mechanical parts, macerator pump and overall functionality.
The team is also committed to superior customer service and will return your message promptly within 24 hours. If unsatisfied with the upflush toilet, Simple Project allows 30 days for return requests.
Key features:
- 600-watt macerator pump with a push range of 29 feet vertically and 295 feet horizontally
- Option for extension kit for seamless behind-the-wall grinder pump installation
- WaterSense certification ensures water conservation
- Low noise, 35-45 dba
- One-year limited warranty
- 30-day return policy
Ultra 750W Macerating Toilet by MaceratingFlo
The Ultra 750W Macerating Toilet by MaceratingFlo has a 750-watt motor for vertical flow up to 36 feet, making it a powerful flush toilet system for basements without traditional plumbing.
The product’s four-inlet upflush design can handle several waste sources within the same macerator pump. For instance, you can connect the toilet, sink, shower and washing machine with ease and efficiency. It also comes with activated carbon ventilation duct filters to eliminate odors. The built-in nonreturn valve also ensures you will not have to worry about sewer backflow.
MaceratingFlo offers a two-year warranty on the toilet and pump if something is wrong with the product. However, it may not cover improper installation or use, so it is crucial to hire a professional. The MaceratingFlo team can help customers with any other problems outside of warranty coverage, including replacement parts and repairs.
You also have 30 days to return your purchase for a full refund as long as it is unused and in new, resellable condition. Some returned products might be subject to a restocking fee or a 30% return handling fee.
Key features:
- 750-watt motor with the ability to pump slurry up to 36 feet vertically
- Extension pipe kit for concealing the pump behind the wall
- Standard 16.5-foot height
- Round toilet seat and bowl
- Two-year warranty on the toilet and pump
- 30-day return policy
Macerator Toilet With 700W Waste Disposal Upflush Toilet System by Dreamsani
The Dreamsani macerator upflush toilet system delivers a 700-watt motor for optimal grinding power and vertical waste flow up to 36 feet. Its design also offers four water inlets for integration with other plumbing needs, including a sink, shower and bathtub.
The grinder pump’s stainless steel blades promise maximum durability and quiet performance. This ensures the bathroom system works well with a sump pump, especially since the stainless steel impeller blade creates a slurry to avoid clogging the pipe during transport. The built-in return valve prevents reverse flow, while activated carbon ventilation also helps to eliminate foul odors and deliver fresher air.
Customers will appreciate quick five- to eight-day delivery times across the United States, plus free 30-day returns for unused items in pristine condition. Unless the return is due to a defect or error, you are responsible for return shipping costs.
Likewise, all Dreamsani products come with a one-year warranty from the date of purchase. Those who become members will receive an extra year’s warranty. It is critical to understand the terms and conditions, as some situations may not be covered.
Key features:
- 700-watt motor with 29.5-foot vertical flow and 328-foot horizontal flow
- Four inlets for additional plumbing integrations
- Low noise at 45 decibels
- Stainless steel impeller blades
- 12-month warranty
- 30-day return policy
Do You Need a Special Type of Basement Bathroom Toilet System?
Because basement bathrooms are below the main sewer line, they usually require an upflush or macerating toilet system. An upflush toilet uses a macerating pump to grind waste and move it to the sewer line.
One of the benefits of a macerating toilet is that it does not need additional pipes, making it a much more convenient and affordable option for installing a basement toilet. The system often accommodates sink and shower hookups to create a full bathroom downstairs.
Keep in mind, however, that upflush toilets require more maintenance than conventional systems. You will need to flush it more often to remove air from the pump and descale it regularly to avoid foul odors. These fixtures also tend to clog more often, presenting a bigger issue than you might realize — you cannot use a plunger on an upflush toilet.
How Much Does an Upflush Toilet System Cost?
On average, you can expect to pay $750 to $1,500 for an upflush or macerating toilet before labor costs. Hiring a professional to install the flush toilet system could be anywhere from $150 to $450, but it may cost over $900 in some instances.
Ultimately, the price of a basement bathroom flush toilet system depends on whether you are replacing an existing fixture or installing a new one. Adding a toilet to a tight area or a space with obstructions could also drive costs up due to a lack of accessibility.
Some upflush toilets have advanced features and technologies for greater comfort and functionality, making these models more expensive than standard systems.
Should You Hire a Plumbing Professional for an Upflush Toilet Installation?
Even if you have extensive experience with do-it-yourself home projects, experts say you should never attempt plumbing and electrical work. According to one pro, you could spend a lot more time and money making mistakes than you would if you had hired a professional. Licensed plumbers and electricians maintain the proper tools and knowledge to complete the installation properly and safely.
Upflush toilet systems are not always straightforward, either. If mismanaged, they may leak, malfunction or cause electrical problems. By hiring someone, you can avoid costly damage and ensure your macerating basement fixture meets local codes and regulations. Additionally, some warranties are void if you accidentally damage the toilet while installing it.
Create the Perfect Basement Bathroom With an Efficient Flush Toilet System
An upflush toilet is the finishing touch for a convenient, functional basement bathroom. It prevents people from having to venture upstairs. Likewise, it helps enhance additional living space for renters, guests or other household members. Research and careful consideration can help you decide the best flush toilet system to install to complete your basement bathroom renovation.
