Should I choose a macerator toilet or add more time to renovation?

[Clarita1983]

Hi

We are having our kitchen completely re-done, part of it made into a utility room/downstairs loo and everything redecorated, new flooring, etc. Originally we were hoping this could all be done by Christmas but this is now looking unlikely.

Despite the upstairs toilet soil pipe being nearby plus another sewer pipe under-ground also very nearby, the builder is saying that it is going to take a long time and be very difficult to rip up the concrete (which apparently is quite close to the foundations) to connect a soil pipe for the new loo.

He is suggesting getting a macerator for the toilet instead which would be much much easier to connect to the sewer pipe which is currently exposed (and open - that's a whole other story...)

Apparently neither option will cost us more or less as he will cover the cost of the work or buying a good quality macerator so the only variable would be the time. Bearing in mind we are currently without a kitchen and this can't be fitted until the toilet issue is addressed, flooring prepared, etc. before they can fit the kitchen. Also we stand almost no chance of being done before Christmas if we don't go with a macerator.

What would you all do??? We don't have great history with macerators in rented flats in the past and through work I've come across loads of them and always thought I'd never choose to have one...

Another avoid vote. Our friends have one and it’s a major pain.

Having had the misfortune of working on macerators for a national maintenance company. I wouldn't wish them on my worst enemy they are noisy, stink and super unreliable even if you are mega strict on what goes down the toilet. They will cause you endless cost and lost time in the future.

Just to add my voice to the throng. Bear in mind that should you come to sell, people like me will find out it is a macerator toilet and run a mile. It will actively devalue the work you are doing.

@domesticslattern
That was my thought too. Devalues property as 1) they are unreliable and 2) future buyers would wonder why it couldn't be done the normal way in first place so what else is wrong under foundations . It's so worth the extra week or two to get toilet pipes fitted & plumbed in.
Since builder priced up for proper full job and there's no extra cost, it strikes me that builder is looking for a easier route for him not you.

I think you've had your answer but yes, don't do it. Especially more so given you are able put a proper one in with a bit more time. Moderators are grim, noisy and unreliable. There was one in our house when we moved here. After blocking twice in the first month we completely got rid of the whole en suite. Turns out the whole thing was so badly installed, wires taped up in the loft, no window lintel, pipes going up rather than down. Awful.

Ditto to all the comments above.

I live in rented accommodation with a macerator toilet. They are a fucking nightmare. Way more trouble than they are worth.

I would never have a macerator. Would rather have no toilet!

I think you already have your answers there! was going to say same thing - just moved into property with macerator in one ensuite. It doesn't work and that also means we can't use the sink in there as it goes through the same drainage - as we discovered when DD3 used the sink to brush her teeth and we had a wet floor!
Also, you have to use special cleaner or else you risk rotting the seal with bleach/strong toilet cleaners.
They make an awful noise.
No good points.