Macerating Toilets: What you need to know

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PEX Universe (aka PEX-U) is a leading industrial equipment supplier offering high quality heating and plumbing solutions for real life professionals, homeowners + DIYers. The mission of the brand is to equip and empower consumers by providing the best products for heating and plumbing, delivering the most authentic customer service, and offering the most competitive prices available online. PEX Universe was established in 2004, and is based in Brooklyn, NY.
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Macerating pump systems allow for experienced DIYers to install toilets and full bathrooms in basements and other places below the main sewer line without any complex construction.
At our site you can find macerating toilet pumps, components and whole systems from two industry leaders - Liberty Pumps and SaniFlo. Toilets are available in elongated and round options, both floor-standing and wall-mounted. Macerating pumps available in standard (for light-duty use) and grinder (for heavy-duty use) options to meet both residential and commercial demands.
In this video I break down the most important points to understand about the Macerating toilet system.
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[@sandraneary8414]

I have a macerating toilet in my new-to-me travel van and wanted to understand a little about how they work. This was helpful.

[@utah133]

Saniflow makes a nice little self-contained unit that sits on the floor. I had very limited space when I installed a basement bathroom. No space for a separate pump tank. It was easy to install, but $1000 for a pooper is a bit high. It has a provision for shower/lav connection, but I opted for their mini grey water pump tank for that. The whole system works well.

[@bencampbell104]

Thanks, Jared Leto!

[@lanceshore]

Regarding the 3/4" discharge, can PEX be used? If so, I could run a solid piece with wide turns to the main drain with no fittings.

[@luaninter3015]

Can you unplug it, have neo bidet 120 but keeps flushing? How does it work

[@zachcoleman6285]

Wow! Very impressed with this product

[@willowbooks1]

I have this system working well for 5 years, but now shower not draining unless toilet flushed. Any help appreciated.

[@DontLookBehindYou1]

Any venting tips?

[@perrickrobinson1068]

Do we need a ptrap in the drain when using saniflo

[@FrustratedBaboon]

I didn't know these existed. Probably great for an apartment complex where people throw paper towels into the system.

[@marcgregoire1551]

i have been looking at many videos on these , he put the toilet gasket on backwords

[@TheGoldenboy717]

whats the best unit to buy if im just hooking up a sink to it and has a grinder to give me peace of mind that everything will go through it

[@janellesanti143]

I'm building a tiny house and would like to have the tub, sink,and a small stack washer in the bathroom. Could all three hook up to the toilet. What is the maximum that could hook up?

[@PEXUniverse]

You can absolutely do so! However the functionality what you are using will be dependent on the size of your tank

[@kh5835]

Hello. What happens if your Saniflo 3 doesn’t have a vent pipe? I had it installed a couple of years ago and recently noticed the plumber only installed the pvc line to the main line and plugged it in. It’s in the basement and rarely used. I also noticed he didn’t put the cap on the small, quarter-sized hole which explains some other issues we were having.

[@high_fructose_corn_syrup]

What exact model would i need for a toilet, shower stall and utility sink? Pls n ty

[@lorrainericketts8603]

Can you use any type toilets

[@heroknaderi]

Good to know

[@user-zv1qp4wn3k]

Excellent

[@nazarian3]

Can the outlet be connected to a 40 mm pipe (sink pipe) instead of a 4 inch sewer main pipe? I know the direct outlet is 32 mm inches but it goes pressurized, so the question is whether the macerating process is capable of leaving the waste fine enough so it can leave gravitationaly through a 2 inch pipe

[@frankiemoore1754]

Do these toilets with electric pumps use a lot of electric power? Causing your electric bill to go up?

[@johnnoboy1]

i am at my wits the saniflo i have has a intermittent on off problem .it kicks in for five secs on off i've had the bloke in and its still doing it .he said i need my pipes refitted .we have kept it clean used the recommended cleaner descaler .and its been serviced .we have had it four years now and have not put anything that would block it in the toilet or the sink .please help

[@tikeidonlo6979]

its lovely

[@phyllissnook]

Want to put a toilet & sink in basement but it is below-grade. Do you think this would be extremely costly with your product?

[@GrowthGuided]

Nice one

[@stephendumaine1575]

hey guys! would this product be suitable to pump waste out through a smaller than normal drain pipe? something smaller than 3 or 4" for example?

[@jeanbrousseau6930]

Yes that's the whole point of the maceration process ;)

[@MikeyB00o]

It sure be nice if it had closer to a 10yr warranty

[@petersalt]

I've had mine since 2008 with no issues.

[@Davicokeiro]

@@petersalt , you hadnt to take that away to maintance ever?

[@petersalt]

@@Davicokeiro not once. We make sure that everyone that uses that toilet knows what can go in it. It's like a blender and if you use it right it works.

[@Davicokeiro]

@@petersalt , im abou getting one and worry about maintance because its going to have problems sometimes. The overall is that people has good relantionship with that with kinda of 5 years with no problem.

[@aux1z11]

Can you get one of these toilets that still uses the hole in the floor that runs to a septic tank ?

[@steved8714]

Yes

[@thomasdamato4477]

Just installed in my house was a little tricky with the shower but works well in my basement the only issue I have is that when toilet fills after you flush there is only a little amount of water in it maybe the extension pipe is properly pitch ? Tried moving because there is some play in it but always the same

[@PEXUniverse]

Could be. Sounds like there may be a remaining bit of water somewhere down the drain line.

[@68enxy]

this may have just solved a design problem for an addition at my son's house. Could this toilet-pump also handle a kitchen sink, wash basin and shower? His house has no basement, so I was hoping to be able to pump the waste to his laundry drain.(cut in, below trap) Any comments? Thanks in advance.

[@38patriots]

I just saw on a This Old House link that you can add a shower and sink to this system. I'm sure a kitchen sink isn't an issue either if it can handle TP and human waste.

[@ediesaunders929]

They have a model for kitchen sinks that handle hotter water and grease.

[@amberlyoness555]

do they leave a bad odor in the rest room ?? or in the home? or outside?

[@manuelavendano2199]

Hi! I really enjoy your videos, I was wondering if you could help me... What characteristics am I missing to buy a new toilet, in order to save money and time for repairs in the future? Insulated tank Drain size of 3" A flush capacity of 1kg 3.8 or 4.8 liters per flush NOT dual.flush Elongated shape The brand doesn't matter

[@kalenagy]

can this hook up to a black tank in a van?

[@pauljefferies6817]

How noisy are these systems?

[@m0ntr0s0]

Can you flush toilet paper on this flushup sistem?

[@nervouswreck392]

Do it handle wet wipes ⁉️

[@freedomliberty5525]

Pending on the system with blades or with a grinder, the grinder can chew up a lot more than a bladed system. Go with a Saniflo, or Liberty choose a grinder over the blades. If you read the owner's manual where these things are sold online it will tell you what that system can handle.

[@larrymoore3763]

Do you have a toilet that could be used in an RV? Ours has a macerater but I'm about to replace it for the third time in 6 years. I'm tired of the noise and the fear that the pump is going to fail again.

[@PEXUniverse]

Hey Larry, you can refer to our list of macerating toilet systems here: www.pexuniverse.com/macerating-toilet-systems . From there you can choose a toilet bowl that fits your size and a pump that fits your needs. We would also suggest installing a high water alarm so in case of a pump malfunction you will know about it right away. We're here to help!

[@JonSchneck]

Are those black pipes (from the toilet and shower) protruding on the reverse shot for venting?

[@DaughteroftheKing3947]

I just bought a house with one mascerator pump in powder room.Three days ago I heard the motor humming even though toilet had not been used. Do I unplugged the unit (Saniflo Access 3)

[@PEXUniverse]

It could be that it is jammed, the motor has failed or the Saniflo capacitor has failed. Check that the macerator blade turns freely, if it does then check that the capacitor is in the recommended range plus or minus 5%

[@DaughteroftheKing3947]

@@PEXUniverse Thank you

[@sharingArtWmyCat]

Can this be used in a pool house situation where it is not heated in the winter??? It would only be used in the warmer months- Central New York

[@PEXUniverse]

Ideally warmer but not impossible

[@ArcolaBridge]

What is the flushing power of this unit? I have a downstairs bathroom already roughed in plumbing and everything and I even have a sewage style lift pump in the Central drain Basin in my basement. But I don't like the idea of sewage or shower drains going directly into the sump basin. I like the idea of lifting it directly up and out. What is all depending on the power of the flush. Their current toilets I'm using upstairs and on the main floor are extremely powerful and have no trouble clogging.

[@iamdenislara]

ArcolaBridge 25 feet high!

[@margieschwartz8413]

The pump handles this. If you go to Home Depot's site and search for macerating or uplift toilet, their products have an install manual posted there, so you can see how it would tie into your present system.

[@Canada3381]

If there's a sink in the room, can one guess that this product could be installed there?

[@c.barrett5114]

Yes I'd like to know this too, hopefully they will answer it!!!

[@N2UPROD]

Yes but what I found out is that these systems don’t like certain soaps I guess it messes up the sensors in them If u plan on buying it just use it for the toilet purpose only

[@c.barrett5114]

@@N2UPROD How do you know which kind of soaps you can use? I hope I understood you correctly, sorry if I didn't. I don' tmind buying specific soap for that location

[@N2UPROD]

@@c.barrett5114 I’m not sure exactly which kind but I’m assuming it’s ones with or just the conditioner There is videos on here we’re a guy went through three 3 of them and how he fixed them he had a liberty ascent toilet which is the one I would trust but I noticed the sensors are the problem when they get in contact with certain soaps my guess is just to use it as a toilet nothing else otherwise the headaches aren’t worth it

[@volvos60bloke]

what's the biggest dump it can deal with

[@charleensavoie3776]

Does in pump require cleaning ? What is used to clean it?

[@freedomliberty5525]

Depends if you have hard water or not, with hard water a scale will form and would require phosphoric acid or something of that nature to dissolve it.

[@rict.4938]

Can you expand to a larger pipe ? Say, after you've sent it in a downgraded angle under the floor, into the basement. Once you've gotten to the basement, at a downgraded angle, can I transition to a little larger pipe??

[@newunderthesun7353]

Yes.

[@PanamaVail]

Hi what if the sewage line is clogged past the Macerating Toilet? How do you snake it? I have a Basement where the cement floor and foundation has sunk slightly. So I think the drain pipes leaving from my toilet don't have proper slope. My toilet flushes with liquid but we don't put solids. The house is on the side of a Mountain so the sewer drains great. This basement toilet is on the far side of the house that has a problem. The shower and sink drain fairly well in this basement bathroom. Will the Macerating Toilet work well in this situation? Thanks

[@shahsmerdis]

You have to be careful . If the line is clogged and there are other things going into the same drain . Then it will blow out poop into the path of least resistance But good thing is if it's the only thing on the line then it should fix your problem by cleaning the line as you go. If you can make a quick sketch that would be greatm Alternatively you can run a pipe outside the home and tie the pump outside the house past the poor pitched pipe.

[@WagnerJ]

Can I use a 2” cent for discharge?

[@screennamie]

Is the macerator required? Will it flush like a normal toilet? I have access to down hill sewage already. Don't want to buy the pump.

[@gregoryconnors7370]

The design of these types of systems is to allow for installation at a lower level than your existing plumbing/sewer/septic, like in a basement. The macerating unit is to chop up solids small enough so they can be evacuated through a smaller diameter pipe, and the pump is there to push the waste upwards to the existing sewer or septic line. If you're already flowing downhill, there's no reason to spend money on this type of system.

[@thomasfury6927]

It's a small detail, but how is it secured to the floor? It's not obvious and I've only ever installed the pumps, not the toilets

[@PEXUniverse]

If you can screw it into the ground then that's an option. We haven't been able to make an installation video yet but I found one where they do a complete installation. You can check it out here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpLXnKKgnN-WbpI

[@MrSteved06]

Drill some holes into the ground comes provided with bolts and tighten into the ground I installed one of these units in my basement in august.so far so good. Bathroom sink and shower also connected to it 👍

[@richardbivens3290]

@@MrSteved06 a friend wants me to install a saniflow toilet, sink, shower for him. How much total labor would you charge? Was thinking $2,000

[@dwho432]

after I flush the motor stays on sometimes. what causes this and can I fix it? I have the sanifloplus I think

[@andysalvia9316]

Could be the membrane

[@anuvarghesein]

Is there any option to have batteries hooked up to this pump ? If yes, does it charge rechargeable batteries ?

[@ArcolaBridge]

You could just get a battery pack for this. It takes AC current, very easy idea

[@laur-unstagenameactuallyca1587]

he looks kinda like diego from the umbrella academy

[@stephenh.3094]

What is the exact model number of the unit shown?

[@PEXUniverse]

Hi Stephen this model is Part#: ASCENTII-RSW

[@chrisseidel8999]

@@PEXUniverse Is it a Saniflo or an Ascent? Aren't they two different companies?

[@waterfowler99]

What about putting p traps on the shower or lav?

[@rudyyarbrough5122]

Most shower applications raise the shower floor about four inches so you would have a "P" trap space.

[@hannahcarter7869]

I totally expected you to mention pex with installation at some point.... but can pex be used as the waste line? We have pex used primarily for our water lines and I know its chemical resistance, etc. but we like it’s ease of use and especially hoped we could use it for such a long run. Thanks!

[@SomeOne-vy5gv]

IF YOU CAN FIND PEX THAT 1 INCH IN DIAMETER YES BUT THEY DONT

[@martinmarin841]

Can I use 1"drain instead of 3/4

[@SADFORIAN]

I used 1" on a unit I installed in my new auxiliary bathroom about 3 years ago and it works well. I should point out that my installation only has a few inches of vertical lift on the discharge with one 90 degree turn before a short horizontal run of ~ 7 feet before turning 45 degrees left and down vertically to the lower level of the house and converting to a 1.5" 30 degree downward 6' pipe to the stack, so it's a pretty easy path for the pump to manage Any serious amount of vertical lift or longer horizontal runs and I'd stick with the smaller diameter pipe Also make sure you get the venting right. Apparently most of the fixes that plumbers run into with these is poor/improper venting I installed a urinal in tandem with the toilet on a separate drain (not to the stack) so that the pump only has to operate once or twice a day instead of 5 or six times a day

[@comeinhandynow]

This might be a useful video for when the water level is too high or pump doesn’t run: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iX2QfoaZoZpmf7csi=DimuPh-0154_e-Qi

[@beltycat5490]

Will these units work with an Air Admittance Valve like a Studor ?

[@yankkesrule]

Did you watch the video?

[@beltycat5490]

@@yankkesrule yes

[@charlesdekanter]

do NOT use air admittance valves! The pump needs air intake and exhaust to work properly.

[@Lazerlazer1375]

@@charlesdekanter that was my first thought was hey i could studor it but it does say in the video no air admittance valves. While it does need fresh air it does not have exhaust electric pumps don't have exhaust. If it ran on gas then sure it would have to have an exhaust pipe separate from fresh air intake. But not electric.

[@CathyRobitaille]

Can this be used in a camp with no septic system? Where does the waste go when it leaves the unit?

[@howardrash2446]

where ever it can.

[@avman2cl]

Keep researching

[@jimbob4692]

may I suggest a luggable loo portable toilet, plastic bags and cat litter for your "camp".

[@CathyRobitaille]

@@jimbob4692 I'd just use the old fashion cat hole method outside

[@iasimov5960]

Just goes to show: there IS such a thing as a stupid question.

[@jameskemp4363]

How much dose this system cost ?

[@PEXUniverse]

Hello, the price depends on the model, you can see and compare what's best for your application here: www.pexuniverse.com/saniflo-macerating-toilet-systems

[@maryclark1855]

You mentioned in the video that the self contained unit is good for older people. Is that because it can be installed at varying heights? Does that unit also contain a grinder? Thank you

[@PEXUniverse]

The SaniSTAR unit I was referring to does not have a grinder in it but the grinder only has use for grinding personal hygiene products. And yes, It's good for elderly people because you can install it at any height, making it easier for people that can't sit too low. Here's a link to the product from our site where you can look at pictures to see the inside contents of the toilet. www.pexuniverse.com/saniflo-012-sanistar

[@melissawilliams-freeman5305]

It would be good for elders who can’t climb stairs to an upstairs bathroom.

[@Paranimal86]

I get the point of the toilet but what’s this Temporary situation you speak of? Lololol who takes toilets with them 😂🤣

[@PEXUniverse]

Yea I haven't ever had to do that but apparently some people care about it.

[@thomasfury6927]

Imagine a job site toilet thanks could tie into a drain as small as 3/4". I'm not saying it makes sense all the time, but it's smaller and cheaper than mobile toilets for a month

[@ThePowerfulMach5]

temporary, meaning that in some cases this is an ideal option for the elderly.. but unfortunately that's short term.

[@biljanas7931]

im looking for temp solution when i do reno on one and only bathroom.

[@familyguy5081]

Of course the answer is simple, for those of us who refuse to sit on anyone else’s toilet but our own... they do exist you know (have an in-law who’s notorious for this). It’s hysterical to me

[@kingbulldog107]

yea i install a new one every 6 months at tbe same house, but they dont follow the rules, ONLY TOILET PAPER!!!!!!!!!!!

[@freedomliberty5525]

If you have control over what is flushed install whatever model you want, otherwise you need an industrial model with a grinder.

[@davidcarroll6483]

does it mater what kind of toilet paper is used with the macerating toilet?

[@PEXUniverse]

No, the brand or type will not have an effect on the macerating toilet. However, like any other toilet, too much of a good thing could become a bad thing. We advise not to use more toilet paper than needed, if you decide to get the Grinder version then you'll know that the toilet paper and some feminine hygiene products will be taken care of no problem.

[@rudyyarbrough5122]

@@PEXUniverse I would say treat it like you would on any boat toilet and use no more than two sheets per flush.

[@russcannon6725]

@@rudyyarbrough5122 Two sheets!!!??? I use more than that when I pee!!!

[@victoryang2094]

My parents have something like this and when the electricity goes out and comes back their unit keeps pumping until it over flows and floods the basement, is there a guard or flood sensor that could be installed?

[@AmericanWhyGull]

You might be looking for something like a Taco leak breaker. It's basically an automatic shutoff valve that senses for leaks.

[@utah133]

Lesson here: You can make 💩 run uphill after all, but it will cost you $1000.

[@paulkrupa]

If you have to cut into the concrete and tie into a subterranean soil drain you.are spending way more than $1000 and you need some specialized equipment as well as containment equipment for the dust when you cut and hammer into concrete.

[@Salzouby]

I would rather pay the $1000 than having to dig a hole in the concrete for an ejector pump.

[@utah133]

I got one. And never said it was a bad idea. And it does make 💩 run uphill very nicely.

[@pompey758]

@@utah133 how much did everything cost

[@yudikanelsky2279]

Mine makes a lot of noise when it grinds anyway to turn off that noise?

[@volvos60bloke]

smaller dumps

[@rezamovie]

How much is it?

[@iasimov5960]

A lot.

[@derekmcdowell2547]

Stay far far away from these units! coming from a licensed plumber do your self a favour and put in a sewage pit, will cost the same

[@denisel4736]

Okay here is my dilemma. Multiple toilet-clogging household members. Toilet clogged daily, unapologetically overflowing when unsuspecting, innocent non-huge-anus-beholder eliminates after the poop gods and goddesses and subsequantly attempts to flush their modest deposit, unbeknowst to the awe-inspiring, however disgusting, maelstrom of sinister waste lying in wait just under the visible surface of the seemingly innocuous water peacefully glimmering in the bottom of the toilet. Is there a way to install some sort of grinding mechanism (like the kitchen garbage disposal) beneath the toilet and still have everything function properly?

[@freedomliberty5525]

@@denisel4736 Yes, they have one with the macerating pump in the toilet.

[@johnstutt5927]

Sani flow toilets suck! Ask any plumber that needs to service this crap.

[@freedomliberty5525]

Only when you got to tear open the wall because some fool did not leave an access panel. Either way, the older models are a nightmare, but the newer ones are not as bad, there has been a big improvement over the years. If it has been installed behind the toilet and not in the wall much easier to get at. Installed behind a tile wall, "HOLY CRAP" I don't want to talk about it but the job has just increased to a minimum of $1,000 bucks for my time in addition to other costs, carpentry work, and replacement parts. That was decades ago I don't plumb anymore except for family aka labor of love.

[@geraldklump9536]

Not a great product. Loud pump and toilet water in bowl is very low. So there will be skid marks that smell up the room. Bad design.

[@freedomliberty5525]

Yeah, that is what I dislike about them although not that loud about 10db for the unit I had.

[@laur-unstagenameactuallyca1587]

why is he good looking 🥲 and why am i on a video about toilets 🥲🥲

[@ronaldosalazar8125]

Can it be installed on the same level as the stack? And can it be connected to the stack witch is 4 inch cast iron?