Upflush (Macerating) Toilets: How They Work and Which SNFLEX Model to Buy

How an upflush toilet lets you add a bathroom without breaking concrete, what pump power and pumping distance mean, and the SNFLEX range compared – 500W, 600W and 750W, from $639.

By Vincent · Published · Prices checked against official sources November 4, 2026 · How we review

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On this page
  1. How an upflush toilet works
  2. SNFLEX models compared (Nov 4, 2026)
  3. Our picks
  4. Policies to know
  5. Upflush or tall toilet?
  6. Key takeaways
  7. Frequently asked questions

Short answer: For a half bath near the drain, the SNFLEX 500W two-piece ($639) is the value pick. For a full basement bathroom – toilet, sink and shower on one pump, or a long pipe run – get the SNFLEX 750W two-piece ($724): Simple Project lists the longest pumping distance (360 ft) and four inlets. Short on space? The one-piece slim ($759) has a 5-inch tank.

Prices and specs are from Simple Project’s US store on November 4, 2026. We haven’t installed these units; figures are the maker’s. Pumping distances are maximums under ideal conditions – vertical lift reduces how far a pump can push horizontally.

How an upflush toilet works

  1. You flush; the bowl empties into a pump box behind the toilet.
  2. Blades macerate (grind) the waste.
  3. The pump pushes it through a small pipe up and along to your existing drain.

That means no trench in the slab. You still need a power outlet, a water supply, and a route to a drain or soil stack – and local codes usually require venting and sometimes a permit.

SNFLEX models compared (Nov 4, 2026)

ModelPricePumpListed pumping distanceExtra inlets / notes
Two-piece 500W$639500W230 ftShower, sink or tub; 115 L/min
Two-piece 600W$659600WNot statedToilet, sink, shower, tub, washing machine
4-inlet basement system$659Not statedNot statedFour inlets for a full bathroom
19” comfort height 500W$687500WNot statedTaller seat
19” extra tall 600W$688600WNot statedTaller seat
One-piece 600W$709600WNot statedDual flush 0.8/1.28 GPF; washing machine listed
19” tall 750W$722750W360 ftBackorder; four inlets, WaterSense
Two-piece 750W$724750W360 ftFour inlets, WaterSense
One-piece slim tank$759600W295 ft5” tank; three inlets; 145 L/min

Swipe to see the full table →

Bar chart: SNFLEX listed pumping distance – 500W 230 ft, 600W slim 295 ft, 750W 360 ft

Our picks

SNFLEX Two-Piece 750W

Best for a full bathroom

Best for: Basement bathrooms with a shower and sink, or a long pipe run

Pros
  • Longest listed pumping distance (360 ft)
  • Four built-in inlets
  • WaterSense certified
Cons
  • $85 more than the 500W
  • Needs a dedicated outlet and venting per local code
Visit Simple Project

SNFLEX Two-Piece 500W

Best value

Best for: Half baths close to the existing drain

Pros
  • Lowest price ($639)
  • Connects a shower, sink or tub
  • Activated-carbon odor filter
Cons
  • Shortest listed pumping distance (230 ft)
Visit Simple Project
See the SNFLEX one-piece slim model

Policies to know

  • Returns: 30 days. Items must be unused, uninstalled and in the original packaging; on change-of-mind returns you pay the return shipping.
  • Warranty: 1-year limited warranty on the toilet and the macerator pump.
  • Spare pumps are sold separately ($289.99–$299.99 for the two-piece models in stock on Nov 4), which is useful to know for long-term ownership.
  • Ships to the US only.

Upflush or tall toilet?

If you’re adding a bathroom below the drain, you need an upflush. If you’re just replacing a toilet and want an easier seat height, a regular tall toilet is much cheaper – see comfort height and 21-inch tall toilets. Also measure your rough-in when replacing a standard toilet.

Key takeaways

  • An upflush (macerating) toilet sends waste to a pump box behind the toilet, which grinds it and pumps it up and along a small pipe to your existing drain – so you can add a toilet below the sewer line without breaking concrete.
  • SNFLEX upflush toilets from Simple Project cost $639–$759 (Nov 4, 2026) with 500W, 600W or 750W pumps.
  • Simple Project lists up to 230 ft of pumping distance for the 500W two-piece, 295 ft for the 600W slim one-piece and 360 ft for the 750W models.
  • Most models accept extra inlets – sink, shower or tub – so one pump can serve a full basement bathroom; some 600W models also list a washing machine.
  • Returns: 30 days, unused, uninstalled and in original packaging; customer pays return shipping on change-of-mind returns. Warranty: 1 year on toilet and pump.

Frequently asked questions

How does an upflush toilet work?

The toilet empties into a sealed pump unit behind it. The unit's blades grind the waste and a pump pushes it through a small-diameter pipe, upward and sideways, into your home's main drain or soil stack. That's why it can go where a normal toilet can't drain by gravity.

Which SNFLEX upflush toilet should I buy?

For a simple half bath close to the drain, the 500W two-piece ($639) is enough. For a full bathroom with a shower and sink, or a longer pipe run, the 750W two-piece ($724) has the most listed pumping distance. If space is tight, the one-piece slim model ($759) has a 5-inch tank.

Do upflush toilets need a vent?

Local plumbing codes usually require the system to be vented. Simple Project says its units have activated-carbon odor control and that a vent pipe connection is available on request; check your local code and installation manual before installing.