The main differences between sewage ejector pumps and upflush toilets are scope and installation. You can install sewage ejector pumps in a sump basin beneath your basement floor and serve multiple fixtures, while upflush toilets are self-contained units attached to a single toilet with built-in macerators.
When you understand each option and its pros and cons, you can make the best decision for your home project.
What Is a Sewage Ejector Pump?
A sewage ejector pump is a submersible device that collects wastewater in a sump basin — a gravel-lined pit beneath your basement floor — and pumps it upward to your main sewer line. Ejector pumps are common in basement bathrooms and laundry rooms where the sewer line or septic drain field is above them. Without an ejector pump, waste can solidify in your pipes, causing sewage backup and flooding.
Drain lines from various basement fixtures slope down and connect to the sump basin’s side. When the wastewater level in the basin reaches a specific height, a float lifts and turns on the sewage ejector pump, sending wastewater to the sewer or septic line. Once the basin level and float fall back down, the pump turns off until the basin fills up again.
Considerations for Sewage Ejector Pumps
Sewage ejector pumps transport sewage cost-effectively using less energy than upflush toilets. They require no maintenance aside from annual service. However, there are specific requirements for installing one, such as:
- Codes and regulations: Consult with a plumber or your local building office to learn about the requirements for installing and sewage ejector pump. You may need a permit to install one of these systems.
- Vents: Sewage ejector pumps must have a vent to release gases and equalize pressure when pumping.
- Check valve: Sewage ejector pumps require check valves to connect to the sewer line and prevent wastewater from flowing back into the toilet. These pieces also prevent odors from escaping.
- Size: Sewer ejector pumps come in various sizes, so you must choose the right one for your home.
What Is an Upflush Toilet?
An upflush toilet is a self-contained unit with a built-in macerator pump that grinds waste and pumps it upward to your sewer line. Unlike standard toilets that rely on gravity to transport waste to the sewer line, upflush toilets can push waste vertically through a small-diameter pipe. This allows you to install a toilet in your basement without breaking concrete. Upflush toilets have two tanks. One is the standard ceramic toilet cistern. The other contains a built-in macerator pump that chops waste before sending it to the main sewer line.
You can install an upflush pump for a toilet almost anywhere. It can pump waste up to 20 feet vertically, eliminating the need for floor excavation or new drain lines. Upflush toilets are also energy-efficient, low-maintenance and last 10-15 years, sometimes more.
Considerations for Upflush Toilets
Assess these factors when purchasing an upflush toilet:
- Cost: The initial price of upflush toilets can be high. They usually cost more than standard toilets.
- Noise: It can be noisy when the blades pulverize waste.
- Electricity: This toilet style requires electricity.
- Possible pump strain: Frequent use can strain the pump, so upflush toilets are only suitable for households with a few people.
Sewage Ejector Pumps vs. Upflush Toilets
Even though sewage ejector pumps and upflush toilets serve the same purpose, one may be better for you than the other. Here are some factors to consider when choosing which one you want:
- Efficiency: Sewage ejector pumps handle higher waste volumes and use less water and electricity than upflush toilets, making them more energy-efficient for large households.
- Cleanliness: Sewage ejector pumps clean both pipes and toilets with vented systems that prevent odors. Upflush toilets reduce stains and clogs better than standard toilets, but may retain odors without proper venting.
- Design options: Upflush toilets offer customization with elongated or round bowls and freestanding or concealed installation. These toilets look and function like standard toilets, requiring you to push a button to flush them. Sewage ejector pumps are installed beneath the floor and work with most standard toilet designs.
- Valves: Sewage ejector pumps use check valves to connect to the main drain line, preventing sewage backup and odors from entering your home. Upflush toilets use front flush valves instead. Both get the job done, but front flush valves may leak.
- Installation: Sewage ejector systems are harder to install. They require a plumber and sometimes a permit. Upflush toilets are easy to install and connect to your existing system.
- Price: Upflush toilets cost more than standard toilets but tend to cost less than sewage ejector pumps.
- Durability: Both systems are durable. Sewage ejector pumps can last up to 10 years, while upflush toilets can last up to 15 years.
Which Is Best for You?
Still need to narrow down your decision? Here are some common use cases for each option.
Choose an upflush toilet if:
- An easy-to-install solution is needed.
- The project has a lower budget.
- The household is small, or few people will use it.
- Portability is desired, such as moving the toilet to another room.
Select a sewage ejector pump when:
- A solution that cleans pipes and toilets is desired.
- The household is large.
- Maximum energy efficiency is a priority.
- Waste from multiple fixtures needs to be handled.
- Professional installation is not an issue.
The bottom line is that sewage ejector pumps cost more upfront but handle higher capacity and last longer. Upflush toilets offer easier installation and lower initial cost, but serve only one toilet and can use more energy.
Check out Star Water Systems Sewage Ejector Pumps and Upflush Toilets
Star Water Systems offers high-quality sewage ejector pumps and upflush toilet systems to meet your needs. Our Powerflush Optima and Powerflush Optima Pro upflush toilet systems are excellent for residential basements.
With the appropriate tools and basic plumbing know-how, you can install these powerful toilets yourself and expect professional-grade performance. Both are customizable to fit your needs. They feature non-clogging vortex impellers and automatic reset features to minimize clogs and prevent the pump from overheating.
The primary difference between Powerflush Optima and Powerflush Optima Pro is that the Pro model can handle medium to large waste because it has two cutting blades and a ½-horsepower macerator. Powerflush Optima handles small to medium-sized waste with its ⅓-horsepower macerator.
If you need a sewage ejector pump over an upflush toilet, consider the Star Water Systems Sewage Pump. Our submersible sewage ejector pump has a bottom suction inlet with a nonclogging vortex impeller. It can pump 80 gallons of water per minute and send 2-inch solids to your main sewer. The pump also features a thermal overload protector to prevent it from overheating.
Find a Star Water Systems Dealer Near You
You can find high-quality Star Water Systems products at retailers near you or online through Amazon and Lowe’s. Whether you choose a sewage ejector pump or an upflush toilet, you can trust that it’ll get the job done well.
Feel free to contact us with any product questions or concerns!
