How to Install a Basement Toilet

Co-authored by Asia Denson

Last Updated: September 19, 2024 References

To have a toilet in a basement, a macerating toilet can be used. This kind of toilet connects to a macerator unit behind it, which pumps waste through a 3/4-inch (1.9 cm) discharge pipe after grinding it up with stainless steel blades. The macerating unit should be installed in the basement first since the unit goes behind the toilet and connects to piping that sends waste up to and through a house's main plumbing system. Try following these steps to install a basement toilet.

Steps

The unit will connect to the back of the macerating toilet.^{[1]
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Connect a discharge pipe to the macerator's drainpipe. The discharge pipe can feed into a piping system and connect with the house's main drainage system to get rid of waste.
- Fit the macerator unit manufacturer's discharge adapter onto the discharge pipe and the macerator's outlet port to connect them. The port is on top of the macerator unit.
- Tighten the discharge adapter with the nut driver so it is secure.
- A gate valve is recommended on the discharge line near the macerator's outlet. This will come in handy if the macerator needs to be serviced. Without the macerator in place there won't be anything to hold the waste in the vertical run of the discharge line.
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Connect the macerator unit to an existing vent stack inside the house with PVC vent piping. This provides necessary ventilation.^{[2]
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- You may need to apply PVC pipe primer and cement before fitting the PVC piping to the vent stack and macerator unit.
- A new vent line may be ran if an existing vent stack is inaccessible.
Mark the mounting holes for the toilet on the floor.^{[3]
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Drill pilot holes into the basement floor.
An accordion-like gasket may work as a connector. Secure the connection with a stainless steel clamp tightened with the nut driver.
Open the water shut-off valve.^{[4]
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(Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter)
Check for any leaks.

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Question

Can I still install a basement toilet if I don't have a macerator unit?

Asia Denson
General Contractor and Construction Professional
Asia Denson is a general contractor and construction professional based in Detroit, Michigan. With over 10 years of experience, Asia is the founder and CEO of Denson Construction Services, specializing in crafting innovative, impactful construction solutions with an emphasis on energy-efficiency. She works with clients on a variety of projects across Detroit, including renovating historic property, developing affordable housing, and cutting-edge container homes. Asia has previous experience as a civil engineer inspector and a heavy highway engineer for the Michigan Department of Transportation. She has a bachelor’s in Industrial Technology from Jackson State University and a Master’s in Construction Management from Eastern Michigan University.

Asia Denson

General Contractor and Construction Professional

Expert Answer

Yes, you still can, but only if the underground plumbing is set up the right way. If it’s not, you’ll flush and it’ll just back up onto the floor, which is the last thing you want. You’ll also need to bolt the toilet securely to the concrete, and if you’re raising the floor with tiles or anything else, make sure the flange is raised too so everything lines up properly.

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Tips

The macerator unit can also connect a sink (lavatory) or shower for basement plumbing as well. PVC pipe and fittings are needed for the connections.

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An up-flush toilet may be another name for the macerating toilet. It will empty itself of waste each time it is flushed.

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Other waste storage systems such as creating a sewage basin or using a floor-mounted polyethylene tank can possibly be used in basements. These options use a standard toilet, which works differently from a macerating toilet.

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Warnings

Check with your local building code enforcement authorities to see if you can install a particular kind of toilet or plumbing system you are considering.

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A macerating toilet may be required for basement plumbing in your area.

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If using a sewage basin system in a basement, moisture problems can occur in homes with a high water table due to an underground hole required for holding a waste storage tank.

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