Simple Project One-Piece Upflush Toilet Review: The Smartest Basement Bathroom Upgrade in 2026?
Adding a bathroom in your basement, garage, or home addition usually comes with one big problem—plumbing. Breaking concrete floors and installing new drain lines can quickly turn into a costly renovation.
That's where the Simple Project One-Piece Upflush Toilet steps in.
Unlike traditional toilets, this model combines a modern ceramic toilet with a built-in 600W macerator pump, allowing wastewater to be pumped vertically and horizontally without major plumbing work. If you've been searching for the best upflush toilet for basement installations, this model deserves serious consideration.
After reviewing its specifications, features, and overall design, here's my honest opinion.
What Is the Simple Project One-Piece Upflush Toilet?
The Simple Project One-Piece Upflush Toilet is a complete macerating toilet system designed for locations where conventional gravity drainage isn't possible.
Instead of relying on underground sewer connections, the integrated pump grinds waste and pumps it through small-diameter pipes, making it ideal for:
- ● Basement bathrooms
- ● Garage conversions
- ● Guest suites
- ● Rental units
- ● Home offices
- ● Attic bathrooms
- ● Tiny homes
Its hidden pump design gives it the appearance of a premium one-piece toilet rather than an industrial plumbing solution. The system includes a WaterSense-certified dual-flush toilet, a concealed 600W macerator pump, and three auxiliary inlets for connecting additional fixtures such as sinks or showers. It can discharge waste up to approximately 29 feet vertically or 295 feet horizontally, making installation flexible in challenging spaces.
Key Features & Benefits
1. Powerful 600W Macerator Pump
The biggest selling point is the integrated 600W motor.
It quickly macerates waste before pumping it through narrow pipes, eliminating the need to excavate concrete floors.
For homeowners adding a bathroom below the main sewer line, this can save thousands in installation costs.
2. Hidden Pump Design
Many upflush toilets have bulky external tanks sitting behind the toilet.
Simple Project hides the pump underneath the toilet, giving it a clean, modern appearance that blends into contemporary bathrooms.
3. Ultra-Quiet Operation
Noise is one of the biggest complaints with older macerating toilets.
This model operates at approximately 35–45 dB, making it much quieter than many traditional macerator systems.
4. Water-Saving Dual Flush
The toilet is WaterSense certified and uses:
- ● 0.8 GPF for light flushes
- ● 1.28 GPF for full flushes
This helps reduce water consumption without sacrificing flushing performance.
5. Three Extra Inlets
One feature I really like is the ability to connect additional fixtures.
Besides the toilet, you can hook up:
- ● Bathroom sink
- ● Shower
- ● Bathtub
That means you can create an entire bathroom using one pumping system.
6. Compact Design
Space matters in basement bathrooms.
The slim tank and compact footprint help maximize usable floor space while still providing the comfort of an elongated bowl.
Installation Experience
Compared to traditional basement bathroom construction, installation is surprisingly straightforward.
The unit comes largely preconfigured and uses a standard household electrical outlet (110–120V) for the pump. According to the manufacturer, setup can often be completed in around 30 minutes when the plumbing connections are ready.
If you're comfortable with basic plumbing, installation is manageable. Otherwise, a plumber can usually complete it much faster than a conventional basement bathroom installation.
Performance Review
Performance is where this toilet stands out.
The flushing action is strong, and the fully glazed trapway helps minimize clogs. The macerator activates automatically after flushing, efficiently moving waste through the discharge line.
The optional activated carbon filter also helps control odors, a welcome feature for enclosed basement bathrooms.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- ✔ Modern one-piece design
- ✔ Powerful 600W macerator
- ✔ Quiet operation
- ✔ Water-saving dual flush
- ✔ Hidden pump
- ✔ Connects sink, shower, and bathtub
- ✔ Excellent for basement bathrooms
- ✔ Compact footprint
- ✔ Easy cleaning
❌ Cons
- ✖ Requires electricity to operate
- ✖ Higher upfront cost than a standard toilet
- ✖ Macerator systems require proper use—only human waste and toilet paper should be flushed to help prevent jams.
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My Opinion
If I were building a basement bathroom today, this is exactly the type of system I'd consider.
Traditional plumbing can easily cost several thousand dollars once concrete cutting, drain installation, and repairs are included.
This toilet eliminates much of that complexity.
What impresses me most is that it doesn't look like an upflush toilet. Most competing systems have bulky tanks or exposed pumps. The hidden pump and sleek ceramic design give it the appearance of a premium bathroom fixture.
The quiet motor is another major advantage. Older macerating toilets often sounded like garbage disposals every time they flushed. Keeping operation in the 35–45 dB range makes this much more pleasant for everyday use.
How Does It Compare to Other Upflush Toilets?
Simple Project vs. Saniflo
Saniflo has long been one of the best-known names in the upflush category.
However, the Simple Project model offers several competitive advantages:
- ✔ Modern concealed pump
- ✔ Slim one-piece appearance
- ✔ WaterSense dual flush
- ✔ Three fixture connections
- ✔ Competitive pricing
If aesthetics matter, Simple Project has a clear edge.
Simple Project vs. Traditional Toilets
Traditional toilets are better when existing gravity plumbing is available.
However, for basements and home additions, a standard toilet often requires extensive excavation.
That's where an upflush system becomes the more practical and economical choice.
Who Should Buy This Toilet?
This model is ideal for:
- ✔ Homeowners finishing a basement
- ✔ DIY remodelers
- ✔ Guest bathrooms
- ✔ Garage apartments
- ✔ Tiny homes
- ✔ Rental properties
- ✔ Home offices
If your bathroom is below the main sewer line, this is one of the easiest ways to add a full bathroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does it require breaking concrete?
No. That's one of its biggest advantages. Wastewater is pumped through small discharge pipes instead of relying on gravity drainage.
2. Is it noisy?
Not really. The manufacturer rates the pump at approximately 35–45 dB, which is relatively quiet for a macerating system.
3. Can I connect a sink and shower?
Yes. The integrated system supports additional connections for fixtures like a sink, shower, or bathtub through its extra inlets.
4. Does it save water?
Yes. The dual-flush system uses 0.8 or 1.28 gallons per flush, helping reduce water usage while maintaining effective performance.
5. Is it suitable for a basement?
Absolutely. That's precisely what it was designed for.
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