Below grade 4pc bathroom

6/22/2012 at 7:32:33 PM

The up-flush sytems are designed for rural properties that have a septic tank. They are required because the septic tank is located above the basement floor.

Don't be tempted to use one, they are noisey and it's one more thing that will break down on you. You need to break up the concrete floor to run the drain for the toilet.

Depending on how much concrete needs to broken the cost for both systems will be around the same, when you add the extra cost for the up-flush toilet. Generally basement bathrooms will start at $6000.

6/22/2012 at 7:52:05 PM

Hi James,

Perhaps, you could educate me on different types of toilet sytems. The system I would like to have an opinion on is called "Sanilfo", and it claims to be used anywhere in the building, even at below-grade level without breaking the ground. It's supposed to break organic matters (Macerating System) and to pump the waste (liquid) out to an existing sewer system. It seems very promissing.

Since, there is no jack-hammering, I thought it should be more economical to use in the basement.

Can anyone comment on it?

6/22/2012 at 10:32:17 PM

Pro and cons to both...

I personally would prefer the original method of breaking the concrete and running a line directly to the sewer line coming into the house. This method is always the best.

The Saniflow system is good when your sewer main line is above your floor level, and less work or intrusive. The drawback to this system is that if there is a power outage, it will not work. You will be without a toilet until power comes back on.

So there you have it..

6/24/2012 at 10:32:15 PM

The economics are about the same. A normal toilet is $300, breaking up the concrete, say $500, and $100 for piping, for a total of $900 for a normal toilet.

Your Saniflow will be at least $1000 and $100 for piping, for at least $1100 total, and you still have a mechanical toilet that will break down, and cost a lot to fix.