If you’ve ever installed a new shower, tub or sink in a bathroom, you probably know the fuss it involves. From tearing up the floors to replacing pipes and fixtures, bathroom installations are no small undertaking.
Luckily, there’s a solution if you’re looking to make this tedious process easier. Designed by Star Water Systems, the Powerflush Optima is a one-size-fits-all toilet system that saves time, money and hassle. Keep reading to discover the benefits of adding a bathroom to your basement with Powerflush Optima!
What Is the Powerflush Optima?
The Powerflush Optima upflush toilet system offers a convenient way to add a toilet just about anywhere. An upflush toilet is essentially the same as your run-of-the-mill toilet — water pressure flushes out the bowl to remove waste and toilet paper. In terms of size, appearance, comfort and stability, there isn’t a major difference between the two.
What happens after you flush is where things get different. A traditional toilet flushes downward toward your pipes, but an upflush system discharges the waste through the back of the toilet. It pushes it into a pump with a macerator, which is basically a garbage disposal. The macerator blades grind up the waste, then send it through a copper, PVC or CPVC pipe to your sewage system or septic tank.
Another difference is that an upflush toilet uses a pump, which usually sits on the floor behind the toilet. Alternatively, it can be attached to an extension pipe using an electric outlet, hiding the pump behind a wall.
The second option makes it virtually indistinguishable from a regular toilet system. Aside from the pump and macerator, all other elements, like the bowl, seat and flushing handle, look practically the same, making it a seamless addition to your basement bathroom.
Upflush Toilet Installation Options
You can install the Powerflush Optima in almost any new or existing space in your home. Aside from basements, this simple, streamlined solution also works with:
- Pool houses
- Workshops
- Warehouses
- Cabins
- Garages
- New homes
- Home additions
- Commercial buildings
Installation is generally quick and easy. You can hook up the Powerflush Optima to your sink, shower or bathtub to efficiently dispose of used water. It mounts directly to the floor, vertically transferring wastewater to existing sewer lines up to 20 feet. So, you don’t have to cut into concrete or perform an extensive plumbing overhaul.
The 1/3 horsepower (HP) macerator pump with stainless steel cutting blades mounts to the rear outlet of the bowl, sitting directly under the toilet tank. When you flush the toilet, everything moves into the macerator.
The blades deliver a scissor-like cut to any waste flowing through the system. The pumping system features two side inlets, allowing you to hook up additional hardware like a tub, shower, sink or urinal.
Powerflush Optima Pro
There’s also the Powerflush Optima Pro, which features a more robust 1/2 HP grinder pump. Its two cutting blades grind up the discharge into a slurry, then flush it toward your septic tank or sewage system.
The grinder pumps can move medium-to-large solids up to 20 feet high while running dry, unlike the Powerflush Optima’s macerator blades. A macerator system can’t run dry, making it more suitable for smaller solids like wipes and hair.
Whether you choose the Powerflush Optima or Powerflush Optima Pro, you have many options with this upflush toilet system. For one, you can choose a round or elongated bowl — either way, the modern flair and sleek curves ensure a stylish, comfortable and functional toilet. You can also install it freestanding or use an extension kit to conceal it behind a wall. Then, choose your desired toilet seat type.
The Benefits of Upflush Toilets
Whether you opt for a half or full bathroom, installing the Powerflush Optima in your basement has many perks. Let’s look at some advantages of upflush toilets.
1. They Save Money
You can install an upflush toilet at a fraction of the cost of a standard toilet. When you think about the price of hiring a plumber and the work for an average bathroom installation, you can save considerably with the Powerflush Optima, making it a great choice when you’re on a tight budget.
Plumbing labor fees can range anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000. You can attach a macerating toilet to an existing draining system, lowering installation costs. While an upflush toilet might cost a bit more upfront than some standard ones, installing it yourself can potentially save thousands of dollars.
What’s more, an upflush toilet is typically more water-efficient, helping keep those monthly water bills in check. The money you save in the long haul by investing in a Powerflush Optima can go toward other home renovations — or anything else, for that matter! And not to mention the eco-friendly benefits of saving water.
2. They Can Increase Property Value
Adding another bathroom with an upflush toilet can increase your home’s resale value by over 20%. Of course, you will have to consider the price of installing a new bathroom. The average cost of adding a half bathroom to an existing space can range anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000, and it can cost $10,000 to $30,000 to install it in a new space.
Naturally, a full bathroom will cost even more than a half bath. For a full bathroom in a new or existing space, you can expect to spend anywhere from $15,000 to $35,000. If you ever decide to sell your house down the road, you’ll likely be able to snag a higher sale price to the return on investment.
3. You Can Add a Bathroom Anywhere
The Powerflush Optima system is incredibly versatile, letting you install an extra bathroom practically anywhere in your home. Whether transforming an old closet or a section of your basement into a functional guest bathroom, an upflush toilet is a simple, flexible and cost-effective way to flush waste upward. You can also add a wooden or plastic toilet seat based on your preferences.
Maybe you have a chock-full household and need an extra restroom downstairs. On the other hand, you might need a more accessible bathroom for a family member that has difficulties traveling up and down stairs. Maybe you need a temporary bathroom for a home under renovation. Perhaps you just want to install another bathroom for yourself or visitors because you can. Whatever the case, the Powerflush Optima is the versatile solution you need!
4. They’re Easy to Install
You don’t need to be a plumber or even have any prior plumbing expertise to install the Powerflush Optima. While you can hire a professional to do it for you if you want, it’s simple to install on your own in just a few hours. The Powerflush Optima comes with a step-by-step instruction manual, making the process straightforward and easy to follow.
Typically, it’s quicker and easier to install than a standard toilet, as it doesn’t warrant extensive plumbing system changes and installations. Since it’s not a big hassle to install, an upflush toilet is also portable, making it easy to move and relocate if needed. Really, all you have to do is unscrew a few bolts.
5. They’re Built to Last
The Powerflush Optima is relatively low-maintenance and designed to last as long as its standard counterpart. If properly cleaned and maintained, an upflush toilet will usually last about 10 to 15 years — sometimes longer — before you need to replace any of its mechanical components. Additionally, an upflush toilet rarely clogs since it shreds waste before pumping it through the plumbing fixtures.
Of course, the toilet’s service life will largely depend on how well you clean and maintain it, like anything else. You can clean your upflush toilet bowl the way you would with a traditional toilet to remove limescale or calcium deposit buildup. But cleaning the macerator pump looks a little different.
Every few months, clean the pump with toilet bowl cleaner and descaling fluid. You’ll need to shut off the power that leads to the macerator before cleaning the pump. Pour some cleaner and descaler into the bowl, then turn on the macerator to let the cleaner flow into it. Turn it off again and let the cleaner sit for about two or three hours.
This allows the cleaner to dissolve any deposits and scum inside the macerator. Make sure no one uses the toilet during this time. After a couple of hours have passed, reactivate the power supply to the macerator and flush the toilet.
6. They’re Comfortable and Stylish
The Powerflush Optima has the style, visual appeal and comfort of a traditional toilet. Appearance-wise, there isn’t a vast difference between an upflush toilet and a standard one.
As we mentioned earlier, you can also install the pump behind a wall with an extension kit for a cleaner look. The Powerflush Optima provides a comfortable bathroom experience, allowing you to choose a round or elongated toilet bowl.
Upflush Toilet Applications for Your Basement
When you want to save money by not having to break concrete and install plumbing, adding a half or full bathroom to your basement with the Powerflush Optima is a great choice. It’s also practical when you want to increase your home’s value. Below, we’ll look at different upflush toilet uses and some options for adding one to your basement.
Add a Half Bathroom
A half bathroom contains a sink and toilet but no shower or tub. With the Powerflush Optima, you can add a half bathroom when finishing a basement or to an already finished basement. A half bath is a great addition to basements with rec spaces or home offices, since you won’t need to go all the way upstairs to use the bathroom.
Though you won’t have the option to shower in the basement, installing a half bathroom is cheaper and requires less work than adding a full bath. With that in mind, this route is ideal if your budget will only cover installation costs for a toilet and other minor fixtures.
Add a Full Bathroom
A full bathroom has a sink, toilet, shower and bathtub. A bathroom with a sink, toilet and shower — but no tub — is considered a three-quarter bath.
When installing an upflush toilet system, you can attach these units to create a three-quarter or full bathroom. Normally, installing a full bathroom is time-consuming and expensive. The Powerflush Optima makes it easier to add a sink, tub and shower to make a full bathroom for you, your family and guests. Plus, there’s the perk of having another place to shower in your home!
Installing an upflush toilet with a sink, shower or tub is an ideal option when you’re finishing a basement or converting one into an additional living space, especially one with a guest room. Simply plumb these additional units directly into the grinder and tank unit.
Installing an Upflush Toilet in Your Basement
The Powerflush Optima manual from Star Water Systems outlines the basics for adding this system to your bathroom. Here are the general steps you can expect during this process.
1. Pick a Location
First, determine where you’d like to install your Powerflush Optima in your basement. Make sure there is ample space for the macerator pump and discharge pipe. Plumbing an upflush toilet might also require additional inspections and permits, depending on where you live.
Be sure to check your local plumbing codes before moving forward with installation. You can always consult a professional plumber for assistance if you’re not comfortable doing this on your own. You can even have them perform the installation.
2. Install the Macerator Pump
You should install the macerator pump as close to the toilet as possible. Follow the Powerflush Optima manual instructions to install the pump, ensuring it’s secure and level.
3. Attach the Macerator Pump to the Toilet
The next step is attaching the macerator pump to the toilet using the PVC discharge pipe. Make sure the pipe is tight and secure to avoid some messy results!
4. Connect the Pipe to the Macerator Pump
The macerator pump should attach to the PVC discharge pipe, which leads to the main drain line. Connect the pump and pipe with the correct fittings. Once again, make sure they’re tight and stable.
5. Test Your Upflush Toilet
At this point, you should have successfully plumbed your upflush toilet. To test the system and ensure things are functioning properly, flush the toilet to see how it pumps out waste. Confirm that nothing is leaking. Try tightening up the macerator pump or drainage pipe if you spot any leaks.
6. Complete the Installation
After you’ve tested the system and ensured it’s flushing correctly, you can secure the toilet to the floor and connect the water supply line according to the Powerflush Optima instructions. Then, the installation is complete, and your toilet should be ready to go!
Find a Powerflush Optima Distributor Near You Today!
Now that you’ve discovered the amazing benefits of an upflush toilet system, you might be considering installing a Powerflush Optima or Powerflush Optima Pro in your basement.
Whatever solution you choose, you can enjoy a hassle-free installation with the comfort and style of a regular toilet. Star Water Systems is your source for all your residential water supply needs. In addition to our pumps, water softeners and other products, we’re proud to offer a simple yet groundbreaking way to add a new bathroom to your home.
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about the Powerflush Optima or Powerflush Optima Pro. If you’re interested in adding one to your space, find a Powerflush Optima retailer near you today!
