Macerator toilet pros and cons: what to know before buying
Planning a toilet in the loft, basement or garden room, but the soil pipe is too far away? Moving drains is expensive and turns a simple project into a big renovation. A macerator lets you add a toilet or bathroom almost anywhere. Below, you'll learn how it works, which type fits your room and what to weigh up.
Quick summary
A macerator toilet is a smart choice when a standard toilet can't drain by gravity. Rotating blades grind waste, and a pump pushes it through a narrow pipe. You gain flexible placement and lower building costs. In return, it's noisier, stops during a power cut and only takes toilet paper. Check your inlets, lift height and space before you buy.
How does a macerator toilet work?
A macerator is a compact pump unit that sits behind or beside the toilet pan. After each flush, wastewater flows into its small tank. A switch then starts the motor. Sharp rotating blades grind waste and toilet paper into a fine slurry. The pump pushes this through a narrow pipe to the soil stack or main drain.
The waste is ground first. So the pipe can be far narrower than a standard 110 mm soil pipe. That narrow pipe fits easily in a stud wall or under the floor. Most units can also pump upwards and over longer distances. Every model has its own maximum lift height and pipe length, so always check the specs. In the UK, many people simply call it a Saniflo, after the best-known brand.
Which type of macerator do you need?
Not every macerator suits every room. The right type depends on what you want to connect.
Toilet macerators with blades
A toilet macerator has a grinder, so it can handle toilet waste and paper. It has a large inlet for the pan. Many models add extra inlets for a basin or shower. This makes a macerator toilet ideal for a cloakroom, en-suite or loft bathroom. Some toilets come with the macerator built into the pan. These look neat, but we don't stock them.
Grey water pumps without blades
Some units have no grinder and can't take a toilet. They pump grey water only: water from a basin, shower, washing machine or dishwasher. This type works well for a kitchen in an extension or a utility room. Our waste water pumps cover these situations.
Pumps for low shower trays
Many shower trays sit low, with little space underneath for a drain. A compact shower waste pump solves this. It fits under or next to the tray and pumps the water away.
Advantages of a macerator toilet
The biggest benefit is freedom. You decide where the toilet goes, not the drain. A macerator helps in these situations:
The room sits lower than the sewer or septic tank, such as a basement.
The soil stack is too far away for gravity drainage.
The existing drain pipe is too narrow for a standard toilet.
A traditional drain would mean breaking open floors or walls.
The narrow pipes also save time and money. You avoid digging and major building work. That's why a macerator is popular in loft conversions, extensions and outbuildings. It's an easy way to add a toilet to a garden office without laying a new drain.
Disadvantages of a macerator toilet
A macerator has a few drawbacks. Most are easy to limit once you know them.
More noise than a standard toilet
The motor runs for a few seconds after each flush. That makes a macerator louder than a gravity toilet. To reduce the sound:
Place an anti-vibration mat under the unit.
Keep the unit from touching the wall.
Fix the pipes with clips so they don't rattle.
Only toilet paper goes down the pan
Wet wipes, sanitary products, cotton buds and kitchen roll can block the blades. This applies to "flushable" wipes too. Keep a small bin next to the toilet to prevent blockages.
Regular maintenance
Limescale builds up inside the unit, especially in hard water areas. Descale it a few times a year with a macerator cleaner suitable for your model. Regular checks help you spot wear early and extend its life.
No flushing during a power cut
A macerator needs electricity. During a power cut, avoid flushing or draining connected appliances until the power returns.
UK building regulations
In England, a macerator toilet is only allowed if the home also has a gravity toilet. LABC explains this rule in more detail. For a new bathroom, check with your local building control first.
Is a macerator toilet a good idea for your home?
Yes, if gravity drainage isn't possible or would cost too much. If the drain is close and lower than the toilet, a standard toilet is simpler. Before you buy, check these points:
Appliances: which ones you want to connect, and how many inlets you need.
Lift height and distance: how high and far the unit must pump to the soil stack.
Space: how much room there is behind or beside the toilet.
Toilet type: whether you have a floor-standing or wall-hung pan.
Access: whether you can reach the unit for maintenance.
Second toilet: whether the home has a gravity toilet elsewhere.
With these answers, choosing a model gets much easier. Most handy DIYers can manage installing a macerator themselves. For the electrical connection in a bathroom, call in a qualified electrician.
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Ready to choose the right macerator?
A macerator makes a toilet possible where normal drainage can't reach. With a quiet set-up, the right paper and regular descaling, it runs smoothly for years. Compare our macerator pumps by inlets and installation spot to find your match. Not sure which one fits? Our customer service team is happy to answer your questions. Where would your new toilet go?
Frequently asked questions about macerator toilets
Below, you'll find quick answers to the questions people ask most about macerator toilets.