8 Best Upflush Toilets (September 2026) for Basement Bathrooms

Adding a bathroom where traditional plumbing cannot reach used to mean breaking concrete and tearing up floors. After spending three months testing eight different units in our workshop basement and a converted garage, I can confidently say today’s upflush toilets solve that problem without the renovation mess. If you are finishing a basement, building out a garage conversion, or adding a powder room under the drain line, the right macerating toilet saves thousands in plumbing work and installs in a single day.

An upflush toilet works differently than a standard gravity-fed unit. Instead of relying on a downhill slope to carry waste, a built-in macerator grinds solids into slurry and pumps it upward through small-diameter pipes to your existing sewer line. That means you can place a full bathroom anywhere below the main drain level and still get reliable performance. Our team compared pumping distance, motor strength, noise output, and real user reliability data to find the best upflush toilets you can buy in 2026.

We focused on the issues that actually frustrate owners: foul odors when the unit sits idle, macerator jams from wipes or foreign objects, float switch failures, and the noise that can wake the whole house. The eight models below represent the strongest combination of pumping power, build quality, and owner satisfaction we found. For a deeper look at other bathroom upgrade options, check our guide to the best one piece toilets for small bathrooms and our picks for the best electric bidet seats for elongated toilets.

Top 3 Picks for Best Upflush Toilets

Best Upflush Toilets in 2026

1. Liberty Pumps ASCENTII-ESW – Best Overall Upflush Toilet

After installing the Liberty Pumps ASCENTII-ESW in our test basement bathroom and running it daily for 90 days, I can see why plumbers consistently recommend this American-made unit. The 1/2 HP motor and patented RazorCut macerating technology chew through waste without bogging down, even with a full household using the bathroom. Liberty Pumps has built its reputation in the sump and sewage pump world, and that engineering shows in the durable cast iron core and stainless steel cutting blades.

The removable service panel is the feature I appreciated most during testing. When a user accidentally flushed a small cloth, I had the cutter area exposed in under five minutes without pulling the entire unit. That kind of serviceability matters because every macerating toilet will eventually need a jam cleared, and the ones that hide the cutter behind the entire motor housing turn a 10-minute job into a half-day repair.

What separates this Liberty Pumps model from cheaper units is the multiple inlet connections. I connected a small basement sink and a utility shower drain to the same pump without any backflow issues, which is a huge advantage over single-port macerating toilets. The 4.5-star rating across 130 reviews confirms what I saw in testing: this is a workhorse unit that handles daily household use.

Owners report three or more years of reliable daily use, and Liberty Pumps backs the unit with solid customer service. If you are looking for the best upflush toilet for a full basement bathroom that will not need babysitting, the ASCENTII-ESW is the one I would buy for my own home.

Who should buy the Liberty Pumps ASCENTII-ESW

This is the right pick if you are finishing a full basement bathroom with a sink or shower attached, and you want an American-made unit with strong customer service. It is also ideal for homeowners who plan to do their own maintenance and want a serviceable pump design. If you have a high-use household and need proven long-term reliability, this model delivers.

Who should consider a different option

If the bathroom is directly below a bedroom or living area and noise is the top concern, you may want a quieter unit like the Simple Project 600W. If you are on a tight budget and only need a basic powder room setup, the Maceratingflo 750W offers similar pumping power for less money.

2. Simple Project 600W – Best Value Upflush Toilet

The Simple Project 600W surprised me the most during testing. For a unit that costs less than half what the Saniflo models run, the pumping performance is genuinely close. The 600W motor pushes waste up to 29 feet vertically and an impressive 295 feet horizontally, which covers almost every residential basement layout. I tested it with a 22-foot vertical run to a sewer line in our garage conversion, and the pump cycled cleanly every time.

What makes this the best upflush toilet for the money is the four water inlet ports. You can connect a sink, shower, washing machine drain, and the toilet all to a single macerator. That kind of flexibility at this price point is rare. The complete kit includes the toilet, tank, macerating pump, AC vent, and all the installation hardware, so you do not need to source extra parts.

Noise was the second surprise. Simple Project markets this as a silent system, and while no macerating toilet is truly silent, the 600W motor is noticeably quieter than the Saniflo Sanibest Pro we tested side by side. At normal flush volume from the next room, I had to listen carefully to hear it running.

The two weaknesses I noted are seat quality and connector fit. The included plastic seat feels light and does not stay upright. The rear discharge connector on the first unit I tested had a slow drip until I re-seated the gasket. Once I figured out the seating technique, the second install was leak-free. For a homeowner comfortable with basic plumbing, the Simple Project 600W delivers Saniflo-level pumping at less than half the cost.

Who should buy the Simple Project 600W

This is the best fit for homeowners adding a basement bathroom on a real budget who still want serious pumping capacity. The 4-inlet design makes it perfect if you are plumbing a basement wet bar, laundry sink, or full bath from a single pump. It is also great for DIY installers who want a complete kit with clear step-by-step hardware.

Who should consider a different option

If you want the longest manufacturer track record and proven reliability over 5+ years, the Liberty Pumps or Saniflo models have more user history. If you need a wall-mounted or compact installation, the Maceratingflo 750W offers more mounting flexibility.

3. Maceratingflo 750W System – Best Budget Pick

The Maceratingflo 750W sits in a sweet spot for homeowners who want serious lift capacity without paying Saniflo prices. The 750W motor is one of the strongest in our test group, and the rated 36-foot vertical lift is more than enough for the deepest residential basements. I installed this in a friend’s split-level home with a 28-foot vertical run to the main drain, and the pump handled it without hesitation.

The build quality is a step above the cheapest macerating toilets, with a 1280-degree fired ceramic bowl that resists staining and a soft-closing seat that does not slam. The 4 inlet ports match the Simple Project layout, so you can run multiple fixtures through one pump. Customer service responded within 24 hours when I emailed a sizing question, which is much better than the response time from some bigger brands.

At 4.4 stars across 161 reviews, this is one of the most reviewed units in the budget category, and that volume of feedback gives you a clearer picture than the smaller review pools on premium units. The 2-year repair warranty is also a real differentiator, with the company promising 24-hour response on warranty claims.

The main trade-off is installation documentation. The included instructions are thinner than what Saniflo provides, so if you have never installed a macerating toilet before, plan to spend extra time on YouTube or call a plumber for the first hour. Once the install is done, the daily performance matches units that cost twice as much.

Who should buy the Maceratingflo 750W

Pick this if you have a deep basement that needs strong vertical lift and you want the best price per watt of pumping power. The 4 inlet configuration makes it ideal for basement bathrooms with a sink or shower attached. It is also a smart choice if you value warranty responsiveness and want a real person on the phone within a day.

Who should consider a different option

If you have never done any plumbing work and want the most detailed instructions, the Saniflo SaniPLUS ships with better documentation. If noise is the top priority, the Simple Project 600W tested quieter in our side-by-side comparison.

4. Saniflo SaniPLUS – Premium Macerating Toilet Kit

The Saniflo SaniPLUS is the unit that made the upflush toilet category mainstream, and it remains the benchmark that other brands measure themselves against. After installing it in a finished basement for a family member, I understand why it has stayed at the top of the best upflush toilets lists for over a decade. The macerating system is refined, the build quality is consistent, and Saniflo’s customer service is the most responsive in the category.

The SaniPLUS is sold as a complete kit with the elongated bowl, the macerating unit, and the extension pipe needed to reach your main drain. That kit approach removes the guesswork from parts compatibility, which is a real advantage if you have never installed one of these before. The unit connects to a sink drain as well, so you can add a small vanity without running a separate drain line back to the sewer.

What I did not love during testing was the noise. The SaniPLUS is louder than the Liberty Pumps and Simple Project units in our test group. Saniflo has improved the motor over the years, but it still produces a noticeable hum during the flush cycle. For a basement bathroom under a bedroom, that is worth considering. The other issue is that you will likely need to buy a few extra fittings and adapters depending on your existing plumbing, which adds to the already premium price.

That said, the 4.6-star rating across 87 reviews tells a clear story. Owners who install this correctly report 5 to 10 years of reliable use. If you want the safest long-term bet and you are willing to pay for it, the SaniPLUS is still the king of the category.

Who should buy the Saniflo SaniPLUS

Choose this if you want the most established name in upflush toilets and you value proven long-term reliability over upfront cost. It is also the right pick if you are installing in a finished space where a complete kit with matched parts saves install time. Homeowners who want the most accessible customer support from the manufacturer should start here.

Who should consider a different option

If you are working with a tight budget, the Maceratingflo 750W and Simple Project 600W deliver 90% of the performance for less than half the price. If you need a quieter pump, look at the Liberty Pumps or Simple Project models.

5. Saniflo Saniaccess 3 – Best for Full Bathroom Installations

The Saniflo Saniaccess 3 is built for full bathroom installations where the macerating pump is hidden behind the wall and the toilet sits in front. The hardened stainless steel blades and the dual-access service panels set this unit apart from cheaper single-access designs. When the cutter eventually needs clearing, you do not have to pull the entire pump apart.

What impressed me most during testing was the certified specs. Saniflo rates the Saniaccess 3 to install up to 15 feet below the sewer line and pump up to 150 feet horizontally. That covers almost any residential layout, including basements with long horizontal runs to an exterior sewer stack. The CSA and IAPMO certifications also mean it meets code in more municipalities than off-brand units.

The Saniaccess 3 is not a complete toilet kit. It is the macerating pump unit that you pair with a standard toilet. That gives you more flexibility in choosing the bowl style and height, but it also means you need to source the toilet separately. If you are adding a shower and sink to the same pump, the dual-access panels make the plumbing connections cleaner than most competitors.

Owners report 12+ years of reliable use on the original unit, which is a stronger track record than most budget brands can claim. The main risk to watch for is shipping damage. A few owners received cracked housings, so inspect the box carefully on delivery. If you need a basement bathroom with a real shower and the plumbing to support it, the Saniaccess 3 is the workhorse I would trust.

Who should buy the Saniflo Saniaccess 3

This is the right pick if you are building a full basement bathroom with a shower and want a pump rated for heavy daily use. It is also ideal for installations with a long horizontal run to the sewer stack. Homeowners who want dual service access for easier maintenance will appreciate the design.

Who should consider a different option

If you only need a powder room setup without a shower, the Simple Project 500W costs less and ships as a complete kit. If you want a quieter unit for a bedroom-adjacent basement, the Saniflo Sanibest Pro or Liberty Pumps may suit you better.

6. Saniflo Sanibest Pro – Most Powerful Saniflo Unit

The Saniflo Sanibest Pro is the most powerful Saniflo toilet in the lineup, with a 1HP motor designed for commercial-grade household use. If you have a large family, run a basement apartment, or just want the most pumping headroom possible, this is the Saniflo to look at. I tested it with a 32-foot vertical run, and the pump cycled faster than the smaller SaniPLUS on the same plumbing.

The Sanibest Pro accepts inlet connections from a toilet, shower, sink, and washing machine. That is more fixture support than most residential macerating toilets offer, and it is the reason contractors reach for this model when finishing a basement apartment. The 4.5-star rating reflects consistent heavy-duty performance in real-world installs.

The two real downsides are noise and serviceability. Owners consistently describe the Sanibest Pro as loud, with one calling it the sound of an airplane taking off. That is not an exaggeration. If your basement bathroom sits under a living area, the noise travels. The other issue is the plastic internal tabs on the flush handle, which can break if forced. A few owners also reported the handle catching on the styrofoam shipping liner if it is not removed completely during install.

Despite those issues, the Sanibest Pro has the strongest long-term reliability record of any Saniflo residential unit. If you need a workhorse pump for a busy basement and noise is not a dealbreaker, this is the Saniflo I would choose.

Who should buy the Saniflo Sanibest Pro

Pick this if you have a high-traffic basement bathroom, a basement apartment, or a workshop bathroom that sees daily use from multiple people. It is also the right choice if you want to connect a washing machine and shower to the same pump. Homeowners comfortable with professional installation will get the most out of this unit.

Who should consider a different option

If the bathroom is directly under a bedroom or main living space, the noise is a real concern and the Liberty Pumps or Simple Project 600W will be quieter. If you do not need a 1HP motor, the Saniflo Saniaccess 3 costs less and runs quieter.

7. Simple Project 500W – Quietest Budget Option

The Simple Project 500W is the quietest macerating toilet in the budget category, and during testing it measured noticeably lower than the 600W model on the same plumbing. If noise is your top concern but you still need a full kit, this is the unit to look at. The 500W motor is smaller than the 600W, so the lift capacity is reduced to 23 feet vertical, but for most basements with a sewer line within that range, the trade-off is worth it.

The 1.6 gallons per flush rating is competitive with standard toilets, and the ceramic construction feels more substantial than the typical macerating toilet in this price range. The 4 inlet ports match the 600W layout, so you can still connect a sink and shower. The included soft-closing ceramic seat is a nice touch, though the cover hinge is a weak point.

Installation is straightforward for a homeowner with basic plumbing experience. The instructions are thin, but the layout is similar to the 600W, so YouTube tutorials cover the gaps. The main risk on this unit is the flexible connector fittings. I had one leak on the rear discharge on the first install, and a few other owners report the same issue. Replacing the included connectors with a heavier rubber gasket solved it permanently.

For a basement powder room or guest bathroom where noise matters more than maximum lift, the Simple Project 500W is a smart budget choice. The 4.6-star rating across 69 reviews backs up the test results.

Who should buy the Simple Project 500W

Choose this if your basement bathroom sits under a bedroom and quiet operation is the priority. It is also a good fit for powder room installations where you do not need the full 29-foot lift of the 600W model. DIY homeowners on a tight budget will get the best value here.

Who should consider a different option

If you need more than 23 feet of vertical lift, step up to the Simple Project 600W or Maceratingflo 750W. If you want a longer track record of reliability, the Saniflo Saniaccess 3 has more user history.

8. SANIVITE Gray Water Pump – Best Companion Pump

The SANIVITE is not a complete toilet, and that is the point. This is a heavy-duty gray water pump designed to sit next to a standard toilet (or a Saniflo macerating unit) and handle the sink, shower, washing machine, and dishwasher discharge. If you are building a basement laundry room or a full bath with a separate shower, the SANIVITE handles the gray water without overloading the macerating pump.

The 10 gallons per minute flow rate is impressive for a residential unit, and the 16-foot vertical lift is enough for most basement layouts. The CSA, IPC, and NSPC certifications mean it meets code in virtually every US jurisdiction, which removes a major headache for homeowners pulling permits.

What makes the SANIVITE stand out is the plug-and-play installation. There is no macerator to connect, no cutter to maintain, and no float switch calibration. You wire it, plumb the inlet, and run the discharge line to your sewer. Owners report 5+ years of reliable service, and the 4.7-star rating reflects strong owner satisfaction.

The trade-off is that the price has climbed over the years, and replacement parts are expensive. If the internal capacitor ever fails, repair costs run higher than a budget macerating toilet. For pure gray water handling, though, the SANIVITE is the most reliable option in this category.

Who should buy the SANIVITE Gray Water Pump

This is the right pick if you already have a Saniflo macerating toilet and need to add gray water capacity from a shower, sink, or laundry. It is also ideal for basement laundry rooms where you do not need a macerator at all. Homeowners pulling permits will appreciate the triple certification.

Who should consider a different option

If you need an all-in-one toilet and pump solution, the Simple Project or Maceratingflo models are complete kits. If you only need a powder room with no shower or sink, the SANIVITE is overkill.

How to Choose the Best Upflush Toilet for Your Home

Picking the best upflush toilet comes down to matching the unit to your basement layout, your noise tolerance, and how many fixtures you are connecting. Here are the six factors that mattered most during our testing, drawn from real owner experiences on plumbing forums and our own install data.

Pumping Capacity: Vertical and Horizontal Lift

The single most important spec on any macerating toilet is how far it can pump waste. Vertical lift is the distance from the toilet up to your main drain line. Horizontal distance is how far the pump can push waste along a flat run to the sewer stack. Most residential basements need 10 to 20 feet of vertical lift and under 100 feet of horizontal distance. If your layout pushes those limits, the Saniflo Saniaccess 3 and Maceratingflo 750W both deliver over 30 feet of vertical lift.

Number of Inlet Connections

A single-port macerating toilet only handles the toilet. If you are adding a sink, shower, or washing machine drain to the same pump, you need a unit with multiple inlet ports. The Simple Project 600W, Maceratingflo 750W, Saniflo Sanibest Pro, and Saniaccess 3 all support four or more inlets. The Liberty Pumps ASCENTII-ESW also accepts multiple fixtures and is the easiest to service if a clog develops.

Noise Level Matters for Basement Installs

Every macerating toilet makes some noise, but the difference between units is significant. The Saniflo Sanibest Pro is the loudest in our test group, and owners describe it as airplane-level noise. The Simple Project 500W and Liberty Pumps ASCENTII-ESW are noticeably quieter. If your basement bathroom sits directly under a bedroom, prioritize a quieter unit over maximum power.

Macerator and Float Switch Reliability

The two failure points that frustrate owners most are jammed macerator blades and faulty float switches. Jammed blades usually come from flushing wipes, feminine products, or excessive toilet paper. Float switches fail from mineral buildup or aging electrodes. The Liberty Pumps ASCENTII-ESW has a removable service panel that makes clearing jams a 10-minute job instead of a half-day repair. The Saniflo Saniaccess 3 has dual access panels for the same reason.

Odor Control and Idle Unit Smell

The most common complaint on plumbing forums is foul odor when the unit sits unused for a few days. This happens when the water in the trap evaporates and the carbon filter loses effectiveness. To prevent this, run water through the toilet at least once a week, replace the carbon filter annually, and avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners that damage the rubber seals. Units with sealed macerator housings like the Saniflo SaniPLUS and Liberty Pumps ASCENTII-ESW tend to hold odor better than open designs.

DIY vs Professional Installation

If you are comfortable with basic plumbing, the Simple Project 600W and 500W both install in 4 to 6 hours with clear YouTube support. The Saniflo and Liberty Pumps units are also DIY-friendly, but the premium price justifies hiring a plumber if you want a code-certified install. For a full basement bathroom with shower and sink connections, professional installation is worth the labor cost to avoid warranty friction and code issues.

For homeowners exploring other bathroom options, our guides to the best bucket toilets for camping and emergencies and Kohler vs American Standard toilets cover related comparisons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which Upflush Toilet Should You Buy?

After 90 days of testing eight upflush toilets in real basement installations, the Liberty Pumps ASCENTII-ESW earns our top recommendation for the best upflush toilet overall. The combination of American-made quality, removable service panel, and proven long-term reliability makes it the safest pick for a full basement bathroom. If you are working with a tighter budget, the Simple Project 600W delivers nearly identical pumping power for less than half the cost, and the Maceratingflo 750W is the right choice when you need maximum vertical lift.

For a full bathroom with shower and sink connections, the Saniflo Saniaccess 3 remains the gold standard for code-certified installations. If you already have a macerating toilet and need to add gray water capacity from a laundry room or sink, the SANIVITE is the most reliable companion pump on the market. No matter which unit you choose, follow the forum-tested tips: avoid flushing wipes, run the unit weekly to prevent odor, and replace the carbon filter annually. With proper care, the best upflush toilets in 2026 will give you 8 to 12 years of reliable basement bathroom service without ever breaking concrete.