FAQ
Installation
Can a Saniflo be installed if I have a septic tank?
A Saniflo product may indeed be installed, even if you have a septic tank. The macerator's action on waste materials is mechanical (maceration and pumping) only, with no chemicals involved whatsoever. It can therefore be used with a septic tank.
What material should be used for the discharge piping?
The discharge piping can be done with standard PVC pipes.
What is the discharge pipe diameter?
One of the great advantages of Saniflo macerators and pumps is being able to discharge at a very small diameter (22-32 mm for the vast majority of products, with some large pumps like the Sanicubic or the SANIFOS line using DN50 and DN100), thereby avoiding major remodelling.
The recommended discharge diameter may vary by device. Please check the site's different product pages to find the most suitable discharge pipe diameters for your project.
What is the minimum water pressure required for operating a Sanicompact?
The minimum water pressure for operating a SANICOMPACT is 1.7 bar. If your water pressure is lower than this, we recommend you install a traditional toilet bowl, behind which you can install an adaptable macerator like the Saniflo, Sanipro, etc.
How do I install a Sanishower?
The Sanishower is a lift pump that evacuates the wastewater from a shower or a washbasin. For the device to operate properly, the axis of the shower trap must be located at least 8 cm off the ground. Non-compliance with this height requirement may result in water flowing back into the shower tray. We also recommend that you install a check valve on the outlet of any other sanitary fixtures connected to the Sanishower (on the outlet of a washbasin for example). For more information, you can download the manual for this product from the product page or contact our technical support service at 046 97 33077. It is open Monday to Friday from 9.00 am until 5.00 pm
Where is the Sanicompact's water reservoir?
Water supply for the SANICOMPACT works using a solenoid valve. There is therefore no need for a reservoir. The quantity of water used per cycle is 1.8L/3L or 3.8L/5L depending on the SANICOMPACT model. The water pressure must be at least 1.7 bars to ensure that the SANICOMPACT is properly rinsed.
Use / Operation
What are the statutory requirements concerning wastewater discharges from devices fitted with a macerating system?
Legislation requires that appliances equipped with a macerating system discharge into the blackwater network; whereas a simple lift pump can discharge into the greywater system.
In addition, the macerator/pump's discharge pipe must be connected directly to the main wastewater pipe or soil pipe (large diameter).
What maintenance does a Saniflo macerator require?
The macerator does not require any special maintenance; however, to ensure many years of good service, we recommend that you clean and descale your macerator regularly.
Saniflo descaler is designed to remove scale while preserving the internal workings of your product. This should be done more or less frequently depending on the hardness of your water and frequency of use. If you have an adaptable macerator, you can use standard products to clean your toilet bowl (similarly for the SANICOMPACT range). Please note, however, that unblocking chemicals or any other acid should not be used as they may damage the internal elements of your macerator.
How long does the Saniflo run when the toilet is flushed?
The flush discharge generally triggers 2 to 3 cycles lasting 1 to 2 seconds each. If your macerator runs for longer periods than previously, it may be that the rubber membrane system of your product requires cleaning/descaling. You can also use white vinegar or preferably, Saniflo’s descaler to do this: disconnect your fixture from the power supply, then pour 2 litres of descaler into the bowl of your toilet. Leave it to work for a few hours and then reconnect to the power supply and flush.
Is a Saniflo noisy?
The Saniflo macerators are no louder than a toilet flushing. The sound volume emitted in decibels may vary from one installation to another, depending on the product and especially the surroundings (tiled room or not, size and shape of the room, etc.). That is why we do not provide a value in decibels for our products. Furthermore, it is crucial to follow the installation instructions to avoid the propagation of sound vibrations (no contact between the macerator and the wall, place the anti-vibration pads under the tank, mount the piping at intervals, etc.).
You can also opt to lay a layer of sound insulation between the macerator and the floor and/or wall for even better soundproofing.
What is the lifetime of a Saniflo?
The lifetime of a Saniflo depends mainly on proper installation and proper use. However, devices typically have a lifetime of 10 to 15 years with minimal maintenance, i.e. cleaning-descaling annually, and, depending on the quality of the water in your region, the replacement of the pressure switch membrane.
Troubleshooting
Where can I find the manual for a Saniflo product?
You can find the manuals for our products directly on our website at ww.saniflo.ie, in the Downloads section.
If it is an older product, in the Professional part of the site you can easily find it via the instruction manual selector.
The motor of my Saniflo product does not start.
Check whether the macerator is properly connected and whether the power supply is working properly. A foreign body may be blocking the device. You may be able to remove the foreign body by yourself. To do this, disconnect the power supply - IMPORTANT - before you begin, and separate the macerator from the toilet. Using a screwdriver, remove the obstruction that is preventing the blades from rotating. For all other issues, please contact your nearest authorised service engineer – see website for your local engineer.
The motor runs at the wrong time
Check that the sanitary fixtures connected to the macerator are not leaking (toilet, taps, etc.). The check valve (located in the macerator's discharge elbow) may be leaking. If this is the case, clean or change the check valve.
The suction does not work properly
We recommend that you contact our technical support team at 046 97 33077
Warranty / Delivery / Pricing
How much does a Saniflo macerator cost?
SFA/Saniflo Ltd is the manufacturer and therefore does not make direct sales. We are therefore unable to provide retail prices. You must contact your nearest retail outlet for information. The list is available on our site: www.saniflo.ie in the "Saniflo Stockist” section .
How long are Saniflo products guaranteed for?
The basic 2-year warranty for every product covers parts and labour, subject to proper installation and use of the product. You can contact the after-sales service at 046 97 33077 from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, to find out how to obtain a replacement for a defective part.
The Saniflo UP, Sanitop UP, Saniplus UP, Sanipack Pro UP, Sanipro UP, Saniwall Pro UP, Sanivite+, Sanishower+ and Sanispeed+ all have an extended 5 year warranty option when you register your product within 3 months of installation.
How long does it take for the delivery of a Saniflo product to arrive?
Since SFA/Saniflo Ltd is the manufacturer, we do not make direct sales to domestic customers. We are therefore unable to provide retail prices and delivery times. You can purchase our products through all Independent and National Merchants and through our main Distributors. We strongly recommend that you contact your nearest stockist, who may have the product you are looking for in stock. Check out the Stockist page on our site.