Installation of a toilet pump in the basement

Whether you want to dig a semi-basement or convert an existing one, chances are you will have a bathroom and toilet in it. Be aware that there are two alternatives for basement toilet pumps: with a macerator and with a lift pump only.

How do you choose the type of pump that will make installing your basement toilet easy and using it convenient? Check out our comparison to learn more about these two types of pumps.

The macerator, the well-known wastewater expert

Probably the best-known system when it comes to wastewater disposal, macerator toilets – as their name suggests – grind waste with each flush using an electric motor. These particles, once reduced, are evacuated through a small-diameter pipe.

Particularly recommended in basements or small spaces where traditional gravity drainage is difficult or impossible, the macerator benefits from many other advantages. In addition to its flexible installation, there are:

• Great adaptability. We are talking about small spaces, but since it adapts to any drain pipe, it can also be a perfect alternative for equipping the toilets of vans, campers and even boats.
• Water savings. Since waste is reduced, it does not require as much water as traditional toilets to be expelled.
• Versatile aesthetics. Its classic or suspended design can blend into any decor.
• Easy installation. Since it only requires a standard pipe, a water supply, an electrical outlet and a drain connection to be installed, you could do it yourself! That said, if your plumbing knowledge is limited and to avoid any risk of damage due to poor installation, it is better to call a professional.

But behind this idyllic portrait, there are still a certain number of significant drawbacks:

• Noise. This is probably the most notable flaw of the grinder. Its motor can indeed be heard very clearly when it is activated, that is to say often.
• An electrical dependency. Without a socket nearby or in the event of a power failure, there is no chance of being able to use it.
• Sustained maintenance. To avoid clogging your grinder, you will have to clean it very regularly, in particular by descaling it with an appropriate product.
• A restriction in the waste thrown away. Whether we think of excessive quantities of paper or any other element likely to clog it, you will not be able to get rid of everything in a grinder. At the risk of causing permanent damage to the mechanism.
• Not very suitable for a main bathroom located in the basement.

As a result, despite the many advantages of toilets with macerators, it is legitimate to deplore their lack of versatility, power and their more complex maintenance. For these different reasons, the pump with integrated macerator in the tank can be positioned as an effective alternative for a secondary bathroom. As a separate system that is generally placed behind a standard toilet, it can even be installed in a closet for greater discretion. It is therefore no less unsightly than toilets with integrated macerator.

But what do we remember about its design?

• Its power is often greater than toilet models with integrated grinders.
• Its ability to be connected to several sanitary elements, such as sinks or showers.
• Its maintenance. The simple fact of being separated from the toilet unit makes the pump with integrated grinder easier to access, and by extension, easier to maintain.

And in terms of small disappointments, we will note again:

• The potential noise.
• The electrical operation without a plan B.
• A possibly higher cost.

Pump with catch basin: the ideal option for a basement toilet

The catchment basin is actually a reservoir buried underground. It will collect water from toilets and other sources in the basement, and the associated pump will evacuate it to the municipal network or another drainage system.

This type of system is particularly recommended for basements located below the water table or in areas subject to water infiltration:

• By allowing the accumulated water to be evacuated quickly, it limits the consequences of flooding, whether we are talking about structural damage to the foundations or deterioration of the installations.
• Another welcome feature: the presence of non-return valves. These elements, highly recommended by insurance companies, prevent sewer backups, another source of damage and bad odors.

The sump pump of the catchment basin allows wastewater to be raised from lower levels to the sewers. This is a fairly common system, usually found in multi-unit dwellings for example. The catchment basin is sealed with a pump that has an integrated grinder and a 2-inch discharge pipe, so it is the ideal option for sustained use. The whole thing uses a 120-volt or 240-volt outlet depending on the installation.

Here is an overview of its advantages and disadvantages which could be decisive when making your choice.

In terms of advantages:

• It is less noisy than a grinder.
• It handles a large volume of water. Therefore, fewer problems in evacuating wastewater from different sanitary devices, and less risk of blockage.
• It is known for being easy to maintain. Indeed, regular cleaning is enough to guarantee its durability and efficiency in the long term.

As for the disadvantages:

• The basin must be installed underground, so the work required is more significant. Moreover, the installation is more complex than that of a macerator. Unless you are a plumber yourself, you will have to call a specialist.
• Although initially presented as an advantage, its increased water consumption is also an inconvenience.
• It needs a continuous power supply to operate. In the event of a breakdown, the evacuation of wastewater is interrupted. If the shutdown drags on, hygiene could start to be questionable!
• The cost of the pump combined with the cost of installation can result in a higher total cost than a grinder.

In conclusion, which system should you choose for your basement toilet?

To make an informed decision, you will therefore need to take into account:

The use of the bathroom

• The location and height of the main drain.
• The available space.
• The noise generated.
• The number of devices to be connected.
• The risk of flooding or backflow.

And if you can’t decide which system is best for your basement toilet pump installation, talk to the Plomberie Roger Chayer team. With their experience spanning 4 generations, they will be able to guide you towards the appropriate solution to meet your constraints. Then, when will this basement bathroom be fitted out?

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Sources : 

• Montpellier Numérique. Quels sont les avantages et les inconvénients du sanibroyeur? [What are the advantages and disadvantages of the sanibroyeur?].
• Blog Maison. Les avantages et inconvénients d’une pompe de relevage sanitaire. [The advantages and disadvantages of a sanitary lifting pump]. 2023
• Eco Habitation. Pourquoi les sous-sol inondent ? Comment prévenir ces infiltrations ? [Why do basements flood? How can we prevent these infiltrations?]. 2021.
• Groupe Durasec. Catch basin installation. 2024.
• Upflush. Toilets & Bathrooms. 2024.