COST GUIDES
How much does it cost to install a macerating toilet in 2026?
Updated 06/26
The cost to install a macerating toilet is not that high, but these toilets offer many benefits. Find out about macerators or saniflo toilets here.
Fast Facts
A macerating toilet costs an average of £380
For installation, expect to pay a plumber an average of £650
Installation can take up to two days
One of the key reasons any homeowner opts to install a macerating toilet is because the location they wish to add a toilet is too far from the main drain line to work.
The cost of altering the current drainage runs may be very high, and the only sensible option is looking for alternative solutions.
Macerating toilets, also called macerators, saniflo toilets, or upflow toilets, have several advantages over regular toilets.
They also have eco-friendly benefits because they use less water and create a sludge easily broken down into manure.
How much does it cost to install a macerating toilet?
| Cost provided item | Unit | Range - Low | Range - High | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Macerating toilet supply cost | Per toilet | £260 | £500 | £380 |
| Macerating toilet installation cost | Per toilet | £500 | £800 | £650 |
| Macerating toilet installation hourly cost | Per toilet | £40 | £60 | £50 |
| Last updated: June 2026 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | ||||
The cost to install a macerating toilet can be broken down into two parts. The first is the cost of the toilet itself, and the second is the labour cost of installing it.
In general, a macerating or saniflo toilet costs between £260 and £500.
The average cost of the toilet installation is between £500 and £800.
The price of a macerating toilet depends on how big it is, its pump capacity, and its type. So, you’ll need a small one for a small toilet, but if you’re installing a bathroom, you might need a larger one.
Depending on the complexity, the plumber could take between 10 - 16 hours to install it.
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What affects the cost of a macerating toilet installation?
The exact cost you pay to install a macerating toilet can depend on a few things, including:
Make and model of the toilet
Unit size and pump capacity - a larger or more heavy-weight for commercial use will be more expensive than a small domestic one
Length of waste pipe needed
Access - the easier the toilet is to install, the less time it'll take your tradesperson
Type of installation - it's usually cheaper and quicker to replace an existing toilet compared to adding a new one
Your location - plumber labour rates in areas like London and the South East tend to be higher
The cost of adding a saniflo toilet could be incorporated into a bigger quote if you're fitting out a full new bathroom.
What is a macerating toilet?
A macerating toilet - also called a saniflo or upflow toilet - uses motor-driven blades to break down waste and toilet paper, then pumps it through a narrow pipe into general waste.
Because it moves waste by using pressure rather than gravity, you can install one anywhere in your home, even if there's no soil pipe or sewage drain nearby.
When you flush a regular toilet, its contents are pushed whole, with the force of water into the drainage. Regular toilets can be cheaper and simpler to install, but you're a little more limited with where you can put them.
Macerator toilet problems: What to do and how to fix it
Struggling with macerator toilet problems? Learn about common issues, warning signs and troubleshooting tips in our detailed guide plus how to hire a professional to get the problem sorted.
How does a macerating toilet work?
When you flush a macerating or saniflow toilet, a pressure switch activates the macerator unit. This is usually a box-shaped housing behind or beside the toilet pan.
Rotating blades grind the waste and toilet paper into a fine slurry, and a centrifugal pump pushes it through a 22mm pipe to your home's main soil stack.
The whole cycle takes a few seconds and uses less water than a standard gravity-flush toilet.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a macerating toilet?
With many homeowners undertaking house extensions, a macerating toilet can be a great way to fix tricky house layouts where an additional toilet is a top priority and access to the main drain line is impossible.
It can be a good solution, but it can have a few drawbacks compared to a regular toilet.
Pros of macerating toilets
They can be installed anywhere in your home, even if there's no sewage pipe nearby - great for a garage or loft conversion.
Some of the models can be quite portable, so they can be moved to a different location if needed.
They're less disruptive to fit, with no need to break up floors or install new plumbing.
They last for anywhere between 10 and 15 years.
They use less water to operate.
Cons of macerating toilets
They're noisier than a standard toilet, with a louder pump.
A power supply is needed to run the motor.
There are higher repair or servicing costs if the toilet breaks down.
Regular toilets can be found for much lower costs.
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How long does a macerating toilet installation take?
Installing a saniflo toilet takes around 10-16 hours - so, up to two working days.
A like-for-like swap, in which you're replacing an existing toilet with a new macerating model in the same spot, can be as quick as just half a day.
But for a first-time installation, in which the plumber needs to run a waste pipe and connect an electrical supply, you're looking at something closer to two days.
Can I install a macerating toilet myself?
It's possible to install a macerating toilet yourself, with a little plumbing know-how. However, installing the power supply requires a qualified electrician.
If you're fitting one in a completely new room, it's worth getting a plumber and electrician to work through the job together. Search for a checked plumber near you if you want a quote before deciding.
At Checkatrade, we're here to help, whether it's with finding costs, planning a renovation, or searching for ideas and inspiration, you'll find plenty of content on our blog to make your project a success.
Get a macerating toilet installation quote
So if you are ready to explore installing a macerating toilet and want installation quotes, search for a regular plumber. You don't normally need to ask for a macerating toilet specialist.
You can also use our ‘Request a quote’ tool to send your requirements to local plumbers in your area. Then, sit back as they contact you with macerating toilet installation quotes!
Of course, it's always best to compare prices between at least three companies to get the most competitive rate.
Try the job estimate calculator
Get a rough idea of how much your macerating toilet installation may cost with our job estimate tool.
Just type out a few details, and the calculator will dig into Checkatrade cost data to give you an estimated quote - so you know what to expect from tradespeople.
Job Estimate Calculator
FAQs: Macerating toilet costs
Macerators are tested to the same standards as a regular toilet. As a result, you will get over 50,000 flushes, and they’ll last you around 10 - 15 years.
You would need a plumber to unclog a macerating toilet. That's because clogs in these toilets are usually caused by toilet paper jammed between the macerating blades. To fix this, they would need to unplug it from the electrics and open it up.
Yes, standard toilet paper is fine. However, you may need to avoid thick, quilted paper and wipes, even if they're branded as "flushable".
The macerator grinds the waste into a fine slurry and pumps it through a 22mm pipe to your home's main soil stack, just like a standard toilet. The only difference is that it travels under pressure rather than by gravity.
For rooms where conventional drainage isn't practical, a macerating toilet is a practical and cost-effective solution - such as a loft conversation, basement, or extension.
On the other hand, it may not be the right choice for a main bathroom where standard drainage is already in place, because running costs and servicing are higher.
Find a macerating toilet fitter near you
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