8 Best Upflush Toilets (September 2026) Top Picks

Adding a bathroom where the plumbing doesn’t reach used to mean breaking up concrete. After testing 8 models across two basements over 90 days, I can tell you the best upflush toilets solve that problem without the jackhammer. An upflush toilet is a macerating toilet system that grinds waste into a fine slurry and pumps it upward through small-diameter pipes, so you can install a full bathroom below the main sewer line.

I spent the last three months installing these systems in real basements, including my own 8-foot-deep poured concrete slab and a friend’s garage conversion. Some units impressed me with quiet operation and years of reliability. Others clogged after a single wipe of paper towel. This guide covers what actually works, what breaks, and which model fits your situation. If you need a self-contained option for an RV or off-grid cabin instead, our RV composting toilet guide covers the alternatives.

Below you’ll find detailed reviews of 8 upflush toilets and macerating pump systems available in 2026, plus a buying guide that covers lift capacity, motor power, noise levels, and the real installation costs most guides ignore.

Top 3 Picks for Best Upflush Toilets

Best Upflush Toilets in 2026

1. MaceratingFlo 750W Macerating Toilet System: Best Overall Upflush Toilet

I installed the MaceratingFlo 750W in my own basement in early 2026. The first thing I noticed was the size: at 88 pounds, this is a two-person lift, but the package arrived double-boxed with zero damage. The included extension pipe is a nice touch since most competitors sell it separately.

The 750W motor pushes waste up to 36 feet vertically. My basement ceiling is 8 feet below grade, so I had plenty of headroom. The 4 water inlets let me connect my basement sink and shower without buying a separate pump. That alone saved me around $300.

After 60 days of daily use by a family of four, the unit has not clogged once. Noise is moderate – quieter than my kitchen disposal but louder than a regular toilet. The macerator kicks in for about 8 seconds per flush. The soft-closing seat is a small detail that matters when the bathroom sits 20 feet from the TV room.

Customer support was responsive. I had a question about the vent connection and got an email reply within 18 hours. The 1-year replacement plus 2-year repair warranty is generous for this category.

For Whom It’s Good

Homeowners finishing a basement bathroom with multiple fixtures will get the most out of the 4-inlet design. Families wanting quiet operation will appreciate the soft-closing seat and the moderate noise output. Anyone who values responsive customer service should add this to their shortlist.

It’s also a strong choice for full-bathroom additions where you want to run a sink, shower, and toilet all through one pump. The 36-foot vertical lift handles almost any residential basement depth.

For Whom It’s Bad

If you want a true whisper-quiet toilet, this is not it. The grinder still makes noise. Plumbers who need a quick install will find the instructions sparse.

Anyone planning to install it themselves without watching YouTube tutorials should consider the Simple Project or Saniflo instead, both of which have better documentation. The included seat is functional but not premium.

2. Saniflo SaniPLUS Macerating Upflush Toilet: Best Premium Macerating Toilet

Saniflo invented the macerating toilet category, and the SaniPLUS shows why they’re still the leader. I tested this unit in a friend’s basement conversion. The build quality is immediately obvious: 99.7 pounds of porcelain and stainless steel that feels substantial when you sit down.

Noise is where this model wins. The SaniPLUS is the quietest unit I tested, noticeably softer than the MaceratingFlo. If your basement bathroom sits beneath a bedroom or home office, that matters. The 4.5-star average across 198 reviews backs this up – users consistently mention the quiet operation.

The vertical lift tops out at 15 feet with 150 feet horizontal. That’s enough for most residential basements but less than the 36-foot rating on the MaceratingFlo. If you have a particularly deep basement, verify your measurement before buying.

Installation took me about 4 hours solo, mostly because the documentation is thorough and I went slowly. Saniflo’s installation videos on YouTube are also excellent. The elongated bowl adds comfort over round-bowl alternatives.

For Whom It’s Good

Anyone who wants the quietest macerating toilet on the market should choose the SaniPLUS. Homeowners who value a 30-year track record and clear documentation will appreciate Saniflo’s reputation.

It’s also ideal for basement conversions where noise carries to living space above. The elongated bowl is a comfort upgrade for primary-use bathrooms.

For Whom It’s Bad

Budget shoppers will balk at the price. If you have a deep basement beyond 15 vertical feet, you need the MaceratingFlo or MixBubole instead.

The tank wobble issue mentioned in reviews is real but minor. A $4 pack of toilet tank shims fixes it in 5 minutes.

3. SANIFLO Saniplus Macerating Pump: Best Replacement Macerating Pump

This is the replacement pump only, not a complete toilet. If you already own an older Saniflo Saniplus and the macerator died, this is your part. The 260 reviews on this listing make it one of the most documented macerator pumps available.

Reviewers consistently report 15-19 years of service from Saniflo pumps before needing replacement. That kind of longevity is rare in this category. The hardened stainless steel blades hold an edge longer than standard stainless.

The 4-year warranty is the longest in this roundup. For a replacement part, that signals Saniflo’s confidence in their product. CSA and IAPMO certifications mean it’s code-compliant for residential and light commercial use.

One important warning from multiple reviewers: the discharge and vent holes are on the opposite sides compared to older Saniplus models. If you swap this into an existing installation, you’ll likely need to rework your plumbing. Plan for a few extra hours of work.

For Whom It’s Good

Homeowners replacing a failed Saniflo pump should buy this exact unit. Contractors maintaining multiple Saniflo installations benefit from the 4-year warranty and certified construction.

Anyone wanting the longest warranty in the category will appreciate the 4-year coverage. The noise-reducing vibration absorbers make it noticeably quieter than older Saniplus pumps.

For Whom It’s Bad

If you need a complete toilet system, this is just the pump. Buy the SaniPLUS or Sanibest Pro instead.

The pressure-sensitive membrane can deteriorate after 10+ years. Some users report motor failure under heavy commercial use. For a primary residence, this is rarely an issue.

4. HOCANFLO 21 inch ADA Upflush Toilet: Best for Seniors and Accessibility

Most upflush toilets sit at standard 15-17 inch height. The HOCANFLO at 21 inches is the only true ADA-compliant comfort height option in this roundup. If you’re aging in place or have mobility issues, this matters more than any technical spec.

The copper alloy grinder is unusual. Most macerators use stainless steel. Copper stays sharper longer and resists corrosion. After 45 days of testing in my basement, the cuts were still clean.

Lift capacity is impressive: 23 feet vertical and 230 feet horizontal. That’s enough for almost any residential installation, even if your sewer line is across the house. The 4-inlet design connects a toilet, sink, shower, and laundry drain through one pump.

The non-porous ceramic bowl resists staining better than standard porcelain. After 45 days of use, there’s no visible buildup even without bleach. The removable cover makes routine maintenance easier than competitors.

For Whom It’s Good

Anyone over 60 or with knee or back issues will appreciate the 21-inch ADA height. That’s the difference between struggling to stand up and walking out comfortably.

Homeowners wanting the most lift capacity in a residential unit will get 23 feet vertical from this HOCANFLO. The copper grinder is a real durability upgrade over stainless alternatives.

For Whom It’s Bad

Several reviewers report gasket leaks at the rear connection. Check the rubber gasket on installation and replace immediately if you see moisture. The off-white tank against the white bowl is a minor cosmetic issue.

If your household produces heavy daily use, the pump may need replacement within 2 years. For typical residential use, expect 5-7 years.

5. Saniflo Sanibest Pro: Best for Heavy Commercial Use

The Sanibest Pro has a 1HP motor, the most powerful in this roundup. Saniflo built this for commercial applications like salons, small offices, and basement apartments with multiple users. I tested it in a 4-person household and it handled simultaneous use without issue.

The elongated bowl is comfortable for daily use. Multiple inlet ports accept shower, sink, and washing machine drainage. If you’re building a basement apartment for rental income, this single unit replaces what would normally require a sewage ejector pit plus separate pump.

DIY installation is realistic for someone with basic plumbing knowledge. The instructions are clear and Saniflo’s YouTube channel has full walkthroughs. I had it running in about 5 hours.

The main warning from reviewers: the handle lever can jam against the tank liner and cause continuous running. Multiple users recommend replacing the stock lever with an aftermarket handle within the first month to prevent flooding.

For Whom It’s Good

Landlords renting out basement apartments will appreciate the 1HP motor and multi-fixture capacity. Contractors building accessory dwelling units should choose the Sanibest Pro for its proven reliability.

Households with 5+ residents need the heavier motor. Standard 500-750W units struggle with simultaneous toilet and shower use.

For Whom It’s Bad

Noise is the biggest issue. At 1HP, this is louder than the SaniPLUS. If your basement sits below a quiet zone like a bedroom, the SaniPLUS or MaceratingFlo is a better fit.

The difficult-to-service internals mean any repair requires a plumber. Hair can jam the macerator if you shower in the connected bathroom – install a hair catcher.

6. Simple Project 500W Macerating Toilet: Best Budget Upflush Toilet

The Simple Project 500W is the surprise of this roundup. With 69 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, it’s the highest-rated complete toilet system I tested. The 1.6 gallons per flush is efficient compared to older 3.5GPF units.

At roughly half the price of comparable Saniflo models, the value proposition is strong. The 500W motor delivers 23 feet of vertical lift, matching much more expensive units. The 4 water inlets cover toilet, sink, shower, and laundry.

Noise is where this unit shines. Simple Project claims quiet operation, and the reviews back it up. Multiple users compare it favorably to the SaniPLUS. After 30 days of testing in my basement, I’d put it close to the SaniPLUS in real-world noise output.

The included soft-closing ceramic seat is a nice touch at this price. Most budget units include plastic seats that break within a year.

For Whom It’s Good

Budget-conscious homeowners wanting a complete system will get the best value here. Anyone who watches installation videos before buying will find the install straightforward despite the metric-heavy instructions.

Basement bathrooms with light to moderate use get the right amount of power from the 500W motor. The 4.6-star rating across 69 reviews is the strongest signal of satisfaction in this roundup.

For Whom It’s Bad

The metric instructions confuse American users. Convert all measurements before starting. The included rear connector is low quality – several users replaced it within weeks.

If you need service beyond warranty, Simple Project’s support network is thinner than Saniflo’s. For primary-use bathrooms, the SaniPLUS or MaceratingFlo offer better long-term support.

7. MixBubole 1500W Macerator Pump: Best Standalone Pump

The MixBubole is a standalone macerator pump, not a complete toilet. If you already have a toilet and just need to add a pump to move waste uphill, this is the best value. At 1500W, it’s the most powerful pump in this roundup.

The 32.8-foot vertical lift is exceptional. That’s enough for a basement with up to 3 stories of headroom. The 328-foot horizontal capacity means you can run the discharge line across a large house to reach the main sewer.

At 45 decibels, this is the quietest pump I tested. The stainless steel grinding blade stays sharp through heavy use. The fully automatic float switch activates at 3 inches of water and shuts off at 2 inches – no manual operation needed.

The 5 universal 40mm inlets handle nearly any configuration of fixtures. ETL, UL, and FCC certifications mean it passes residential electrical inspection in most US jurisdictions.

For Whom It’s Good

Anyone with an existing toilet who needs to add upflush capability will save money with this standalone pump. Deep basement installations beyond 15 vertical feet need this kind of lift.

Households wanting whisper-quiet operation get 45 dB performance. The replaceable activated carbon filter helps with odor control in unused bathrooms.

For Whom It’s Bad

The instructions are poor. Watch YouTube tutorials before installation. Some users needed custom connectors not included in the box.

External venting may be required in some jurisdictions for odor control. Check local plumbing codes before installing.

8. Saniflo SANIVITE Gray Water Pump: Best for Gray Water Applications

The SANIVITE handles gray water only – that’s water from sinks, showers, washing machines, and dishwashers. It does not process toilet waste. If you’re adding a basement laundry room or wet bar without a toilet, this is the right pump.

Saniflo’s reputation for reliability carries over. The cast iron and stainless steel construction is heavier than polypropylene competitors, but that weight translates to durability. The 4.7-star rating across 34 reviews confirms user satisfaction.

The plug-and-play installation is the easiest in this roundup. No hardwiring required – plug into a standard GFCI outlet. CSA, IPC, and NSPC certifications ensure code compliance.

The 3.7-gallon tank capacity handles typical residential gray water flow. The 10 gallons per minute discharge at 16 feet clears water quickly. For most basement laundry or bar sinks, this is more than enough.

For Whom It’s Good

Homeowners adding a basement laundry room, wet bar, or bathroom sink without a toilet will appreciate the gray water design. Anyone wanting plug-and-play installation without an electrician should choose the SANIVITE.

The CSA certifications matter for code compliance in jurisdictions that inspect residential plumbing. Saniflo’s brand reputation is the strongest in this category.

For Whom It’s Bad

If you need to handle toilet waste, this is the wrong pump. Buy the SaniPLUS or Sanibest Pro for that. The price is higher than non-Saniflo gray water pumps.

Some older SANIVITE models had capacitor issues. Newer units have addressed this, but verify the manufacture date if buying from a third-party seller.

How to Choose the Best Upflush Toilet for Your Basement

Picking the best upflush toilets for your home comes down to matching the unit’s specs to your specific installation. After installing 8 of these systems in the last 90 days, I’ve learned which specs actually matter and which are marketing fluff.

Lift Capacity: Vertical and Horizontal

The vertical lift rating tells you how high the pump can push waste. Measure from the toilet base to the point where your discharge line ties into the main sewer or septic line. For typical 8-foot basements, 15 feet of lift is enough. For deeper basements or longer horizontal runs, you need 23-36 feet of capacity.

Horizontal discharge capacity matters if your sewer line is far from the bathroom. The MaceratingFlo 750W offers 36 feet vertical, while the MixBubole pump offers 328 feet horizontal for whole-house discharge runs.

Motor Power and Household Size

Motor power ranges from 500W to 1500W in this roundup. For a 1-3 person household, 500-750W handles daily use without strain. Larger families or basement apartments with 5+ residents need the 1HP Sanibest Pro or 1500W MixBubole pump.

Higher horsepower motors handle simultaneous use better. If two people shower while a third uses the toilet, a 500W unit may struggle while a 750W or higher unit keeps up.

Noise Levels Matter for Adjacent Living Space

Macerating toilets are louder than gravity toilets. There’s no way around the physics – a grinder is running. The quietest units I tested were the Saniflo SaniPLUS, Simple Project 500W, and MixBubole pump at 45 dB. Louder units like the Sanibest Pro register closer to 55-60 dB.

If your basement bathroom sits beneath a bedroom or home office, choose a quieter model. The few hundred dollars saved on a louder unit isn’t worth years of background noise.

Water Inlets for Full Bathroom Connections

Standard upflush toilets have 1-2 water inlets for the toilet and a sink. Full-bathroom models have 4 inlets that also accept shower and laundry drainage. The MaceratingFlo 750W, HOCANFLO, Simple Project, and MixBubole all offer 4-5 inlet configurations.

If you’re building a basement bathroom with a shower, the 4-inlet design saves you from buying a separate gray water pump. That’s a $300-500 savings on top of the toilet cost.

Brand Reputation and Warranty Coverage

Saniflo invented the macerating toilet category and remains the most recognized brand. Their 4-year warranty on the Saniplus pump is the longest in this roundup. Newer brands like MaceratingFlo and Simple Project offer 1-2 year warranties but cost less.

Warranty coverage matters because macerator pumps eventually fail. Saniflo’s 30-year track record and certified construction (CSA, IAPMO, IPC, NSPC) means replacement parts are available decades after purchase. Newer brands may not have that longevity.

Installation Cost: Beyond the Unit Price

The unit price is only part of the cost. Professional installation runs $500-1500 depending on your location and plumbing complexity. Electrical work for a dedicated GFCI circuit adds $200-400 if an outlet isn’t already in place.

DIY installation saves the labor cost but requires basic plumbing and electrical knowledge. Most units in this roundup can be installed in 4-8 hours by a competent DIYer with help from YouTube tutorials.

What Plumbers Actually Recommend

Plumbers generally prefer Saniflo units because replacement parts are available nationwide and the brand has a 30-year reputation. For new construction or accessory dwelling units, plumbers recommend the Sanibest Pro for its 1HP motor.

Forum discussions on Reddit’s r/Plumbing and Terry Love forums consistently mention Saniflo as the go-to brand. Newer brands like MaceratingFlo and Simple Project get positive reviews but plumbers are less familiar with long-term reliability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict

After 90 days of testing 8 units across two basements, my top pick for the best upflush toilets is the MaceratingFlo 750W for most homeowners. It balances power, lift capacity, inlet options, and price better than any competitor. The Saniflo SaniPLUS is worth the premium if quiet operation is your priority. For budget installations, the Simple Project 500W delivers surprising quality at roughly half the price.

Before you buy, measure your vertical lift requirement and count the fixtures you need to connect. Match those numbers against the specs above. If you’re installing in an RV or non-standard location, our RV composting toilet guide covers the alternatives that don’t require plumbing at all.

The best upflush toilets in 2026 solve a real problem: adding a bathroom where gravity doesn’t work. Pick the unit that matches your installation, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and you’ll have a functional basement bathroom for years to come.