Having a bathroom in your basement is a smart idea if ease and comfort is the goal. However, there are essential aspects of it you need to understand. For example, it helps know the type of toilet that works best for your basement bathroom?
One of the most effective and ideal toilet options for a basement bathroom is pressure-assisted toilets or gravity toilets. This is because they can provide the gravity needed for complete waste removal. Unfortunately, gravity is a common challenge when constructing toilets in basement areas.
This article will explain why you should upgrade your basement bathroom with a suitable toilet. You’ll also learn the more appropriate and functional toilet brands to install in your basement bathroom.
Can I Install A Bathroom In The Basement?
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You can construct a bathroom in your basement to make your home more comfortable and practical. Additions like this help improve the quality of life by making things easier. An upgrade with a basement bathroom could also boost the general value of your property for future-sales purposes.
Basement bathrooms are a brilliant idea, especially if your basement has been converted to serve other functions like a guest room. This way, your guest can comfortably use the space without the stress of walking up and down the stairs.
Does My Basement Bathroom Need A Special Toilet?
Gravity is a major issue when it comes to basement toilets. Using a regular toilet might pose a challenge when you need it to flush out waste. There’s also the risk of clogging if the sewer pipes run deep beneath the surface level of the basement. These challenges present the need for a unique basement toilet that will serve similar functions as regular toilets.
They’ll also simplify the process, making waste flushing possible and stress-free. However, you still need to ensure that your toilet alternative is practical. Start by checking if the flow rate of the plumbing is capable of flushing out wastes properly.
For homes using a city sewer line, installing a backwater faucet is advisable. Again, do your research, or consult your local plumber to determine if you require a permit before taking further actions.
What Is The Best Toilet For A Basement Bathroom?
Depending on the pre-existing plumbing in your bathroom, there are several toilet options available for your basement bathroom. Some of these options include the following:
Sewage Ejector System
To use a sewage ejector system in your basement bathroom, you must install a holding tank or a basin inside the ground. The tank or basin holds the water that drains out of the basement bathroom.
This system is suitable for other situations aside from the toilet. For example, sewage ejector systems will also function well with a shower, bathroom sink, and other plumbing issues.
The pump which mulls the sewage is fixed underneath the basin. Then the waste passes through the pipe and pours into the available waste system.
The function of the PVC piping is to pass the sewage from the basin into the apartment’s waste system.
Ejector systems are programmed to flush waste up into the septic tank column or sewer. They perform similar functions as mini septic tanks, keeping waste for a limited time.
Sewage ejector systems are obtainable in two variations. They include the above-ground and the below-ground models.
Installing the above-ground design doesn’t require digging trenches since it’s fixed on the floor. Instead, the toilet is placed above an encased tank, allowing bathtub or sink water to drain into it.
You could use freestanding tanks if you don’t like the stress of digging into the floor. These tanks are less difficult to install because they don’t require placing your basement floor.
Although they’re easier to install, freestanding tanks aren’t usually recommended because they can become an eyesore. You could use the closet or construct a partition to keep your tank out of sight to prevent that. The total cost of installing an ejector system should be about $1600, but it’ll cost less if you’re good with plumbing.
Gravity Toilets Or Pressure-Assisted Toilets
This toilet model is quite popular and an excellent lavatory idea for your basement bathroom. Gravity toilets function by passing water through the tank, into the bowl, and down the sewage tank.
An advantage of using this model is that it doesn’t require so much water pressure because of the gravity function. This makes it worth considering if you’re planning to construct a bathroom in your basement. Gravity toilets are also quite durable and don’t break down as often as newer models.
They’re also easier to maintain and relatively less expensive to fix when they break down.
Sometimes, basement drainage lines could be hollow enough to accommodate gravity-fed plumbing. Still, the force in the basement isn’t as strong as it would be on higher floors.
To prevent your pipes from clogging, install a pressure-assisted toilet, which applies air pressure to push sewage out of the pipes.
Composting Toilets
This toilet model is one of the most environmentally-friendly options. Composition toilets use little or no water and help provide compost manure for your plants. However, using this method can limit the waste functions.
Composite toilets are configured to dispose only of toilet waste, as they can’t drain wastewater from your sink or bathtub. They also require well-ventilated environments.
What Are The Toilet Brands Recommended For a Basement Bathroom?
Using a quality toilet model is key to eliminating and minimizing challenges you may experience with your basement bathroom toilets.
Here is a list of toilet brands that top professional plumbers’ recommendations:
American Standard Cade
This toilet is designed with an extended bowl and a flush pace of about 1.4 gallons every minute.
It’s certified as meeting the required standard, and the design has a bonus clean-up mechanism advantage. This function helps suppress the emergence of bacteria, mold, and mildew, which can emit offensive odors.
Kohler Highline
Another top-rated brand with features resembling the American standard is the Kohler Highline. Their long bowls provide comfortable height, and their installation technique fits ADA requirements.
Kohler Highline designs also have an inbuilt dry-lock mechanism that helps to prevent leakages.
Saniflo Saniaccess-3
It’s one of the most popular brands recommended by plumbers. This model is quite efficient and has high functionality. Also, getting spare parts for repairs and replacements isn’t difficult because it’s a well-established and prominent model.
Liberty Pump Ascent-2
If you want something inexpensive and more economical, Liberty Pump Ascent might be the right choice for your basement bathroom. This model requires less water, with a flow rate of about 1.24 gallons per flushing.
Saniflo Sanicompact
Saniflo maintains an outstanding reputation for producing efficient upflush toilet systems with unique functions. This second model is practical and efficient for basement bathrooms with limited space.
In addition, the abridged size makes it adaptable and ideal for small bathrooms with a closed space. Finally, the Sanicompact option allows the plumbing to run through the sink, making handling wastewater disposal easier.
In summary, you should think through your available options and know what works best for your bathroom. I believe that the information contained in this article will help to guide your decisions.
