FAQ

What is being suggested, is that with a Saniflo ‘above-floor’ plumbing technology, there is no need to break through the floor to install a complete bathroom, that is required for conventional 'below-floor' plumbing. Digging into the floor is expensive, difficult and messy. The financial restrain of such a project, may force a compromise on layout, style and maybe even fixture selection. A Saniflo ‘above-floor’ plumbing solution eliminates the need to dig up the floor. They are the easiest and cheapest way to install a complete bathroom or kitchen almost anywhere.

The key take away, is that fixtures(toilet, lavatory, bath/shower etc..) can be installed on-top of finished floors almost anywhere. Even the plumbing between these fixtures remain above the floor or hidden behind the walls. The system eliminates the need for a 3‘’ or 4‘’ pipe dug in to the floor, required for a conventional gravity fed toilet. Basement, attic, bedroom, office or garage, under a stairway or even inside a closet. Walls and floors can remain intact. Installation is quick, easy and with little mess. A DIYer's dream come true

A conventional gravity fed toilet flushes waste water down under the toilet below the floor. Instead, a high quality Saniflo macerator (think blender pump box) is located behind Saniflo’s stylish 'rear-outlet' toilet. Using a small diameter discharge pipe the macerated slurry is then quickly discharged out up and away into the sewer line. Stronger heavy-duty grinder systems can digest the odd sanitary item with confidence. With the ability to connect additional plumbing fixtures, such as a bathtub, shower and vanity, Saniflo makes plumbing simple

Yes :) since 1999 I have been involved with Saniflo, consulting, distributing and servicing local customers. Saniflodirect.ca is your new 'one stop, Saniflo shop', giving customers easy access to all that Saniflo has to offer. Shipped directly from one of our 2 stocking warehouses in Canada and over 100 affiliated distribution points, SanifloDirect.ca offers you the largest distribution network of Saniflo products in Canada and hands down the best service ;)

Saniflo is the world leader and innovator of 'above-floor' macerating toilets and grinders. A high quality, heavily engineered and made in France product. Since the late 1950's, Saniflo offers a wide range of macerating and grinding pumps. Including grey water drain pumps, condensate pumps and an impressive line of easy to install effluent lift pump stations.

A Saniflo toilet and pump is obviously higher in price when comparing to a conventional toilet that sells for 100$ at the hardware store. Saniflo greatly reduces installation time, material costs and allows great layout flexibility. Saniflo is an economical and viable alternative to conventional plumbing. The pumps are fairly quite and allow the installation of additional facilities almost anywhere, where it may not have been otherwise un-accessible or even financially feasible. Not only can all the plumbing be placed above the existing floor, the discharge pipe is small in diameter and can be placed neatly in front or behind any wall, without involving major construction work, saving you time, and saving you money.

‘Upflush’ or ‘Upflushers' are catchy terms we use to describe macerating toilet systems. They flush then pump waste water up and away into a main drain pipe. Used to easily install a complete bathroom almost anywhere, including the basement, under stairways, in the attic, garage or a pool house, the options are wide.

To “macerate” means to soften or break into pieces. Saniflo macerators use a rotating cutting blade to liquefy human waste and toilet paper. That when mixed with flushing water the waste is pumped into a drainpipe as a fine slurry. Saniflo offers both Macerators and heavy-duty Grinders.

Macerator: Saniflo ‘Macerators’ use a stainless steel blade. The high torque rotating blade is located within the receiving basket, found at the entrance of the pump inlet.Think blender with a cage. Macerators are not designed to receive sanitary items and will eventually jam. Suitable for:

• Residential - Grey water, Black Water and Toilet paper.
• Which Saniflo systems are Macerators?:
• Saniplus, Saniaccess3, Saniaccess2, Sanipack, Sanicompact and Sanicompact Comfort.

Grinder: Saniflo ‘Grinders’ use a stainless steel blade and grinder plate. The high torque rotating blade, use a press-fit grinder blade and plate design, that inhales waste up into the pump. The sturdy plate provides the anchor point for debris to be chopped against into tiny pieces. Think kitchen sink garbage disposal. Grinders are ideal for commercial applications where usage is not monitored, such as rentals, offices or warehouses. Suitable for:

• Residential and Commercial- Grey water, Black Water,Toilet paper and sanitary items.
• Which Saniflo systems are Grinders?
• Sanibest Pro, Sanigrind Pro, Sanicubic 1, Sanicubic 1VX, Sanicubic 2 and Sanicubic 2VX.

Saniflo’s lift stations, are essentially an effluent grinder pump found within a sturdy free-standing box. Saniflo offers both simplex (1x 1HP motor) and duplex(2x 1HP motors alternating) models. They offer greater design flexibility in an easy to install system. All lift stations have easy access panels for all electrical components, such as the pressure chamber or pressure switch. The Sanicubic series offers an added benefit of top lift access to pumps and blades for easy inspection or replacement.

Saniflo systems use a pressure chamber float or a pressure switch to engage and disengage the pump. A proprietary float design that allows waste to properly settle and ensures a more consistent operation with minimal run time. While some competitors, will use a conductive (two electrode) or a simple float ball. Saniflo’s membrane pressure chamber design, provides less motor jerk and the smoothest pump operation possible, and eliminates float hang-ups.

Most Saniflo lift stations and most grey water drain pumps, will use a Pressure Switch to engage the pump. This simple design, uses an external pressure switch, located on the top of an air capture tube, located between the waste box and the electrical chamber. Once liquids begin to rise within the pump box, air gets captured in the tube. The air captured in the tube will build up air pressure while liquids rise in the box, the air pressure will then push on the pressure switch diaphragm and engage the pump. The brilliant external switch design provides easy access to all electrical components and air capture tube. A pressure switch eliminates the membrane found on a pressure chamber that with time will require replacement before end of motor life, typically around 8-10 years.

Grey water is dirty water that does not contain fecal matter or toilet paper. Such as from a bathtub, shower, sink or laundry tub.

Black Water is dirty water that contains fecal matter and toilet paper. Such as wastewater from a toilet.

Grey Water drain Pumps are used to evacuate and pump away grey water from a shower, lavatory, sink or laundry tub. Saniflo drain pumps allow the installation of additional washing facilities in existing rooms. Where other wise might have been difficult due to drain location. Saniflo drain pumps vary in pumping capacity. - The Sanishower is small capacity. Tiny yet robust, ideal for shower and lavatory. - The Saniswift is medium capacity. The quietest of the pack. Perfect for mini bars, laundry tubs or washing machines. - The Sanivite is large capacity. To handle large capacity of liquids such as a kitchen sink, bathtub, laundry tub, washing machine, dishwasher or even a small indoor hot tub.

A black water drain pump is not a standard term. Typically, tradesman would describe such a system as an effluent sump pump. Usually found inside a black recessed drain basin in the floor of a basement. A sump pump with float ball, which have a grinder blade for dealing with the fecal and toilet paper. When such a system is installed within a free-standing box, we call it a effluent Lift Station. An easy to install, all in one solution for below floor plumbing. Easily recessed within floors, or off to the side of a raised floor. A lift station can help eliminate the need to dig into the floor. A lift station is the solution when multiple toilets and washing facilities are required. The Sanicubic 2 & 2VX (vortex) are designed to handle an entire home.

Saniflo does indeed. We offer toilets with elongated bowls for greater comfort. These toilets are also ADA compliant and measure 16 3/4 inches in height. You will be able to upgrade to an elongated bowl when placing your order.

Yes, all systems that include a toilet, will be supplied a robust easy to install white slow close toilet seat.

The Saniplus macerator bye Saniflo is the first and most sold macerator in North America. The Saniplus contains a heavily engineered motor, that Saniflo manufactures in-house in France. Their motors are robust and of high European quality, built for longevity and reduced vibration/sound. The innovative and simple design has stood the test of time. Although the Saniplus has seen a few changes throughout the years, the technology within is still at the forefront of the industry. However, the newer Saniaccess has quickly become the most advanced macerating pump on the market. In time the Saniplus will surely be fazed out and replaced with the Saniaccess, that offers the same robust pump design with some extra added benefits. The Saniplus contains a heavily engineered motor, that Saniflo manufactures in-house in France. Their motors are robust and of high European quality, built for longevity and reduced vibration/sound

The Saniaccess has two service panels that provide direct access to different segments of the macerating unit, allowing easy inspection and servicing of all major components. The Saniplus does not. Although easy access is doable. The proper location would be required. To allow enough space for the top cover/lid of the Saniplus to be removed. Thus, gaining easier access to the receiving basket of the macerator. Typically, a messy 30min job. Through the added access panels of the Saniaccess, one can access the electrical components such as the micro switch, capacitor and membrane. The second panel provides access to the macerating blades for easy removal of foreign objects, within 5 minutes. These two units are also the quietest on the market. The Saniaccess2 is slimmer in design with a high-water inlet for an added lavatory. The Saniaccess3 would be required for a bathtub or shower, as it has low water inlets. These 2 systems are best for residential applications, or light commercial applications such as a small office, where usage may be easier to monitor.

he Saniaccess has two service panels that provide direct access to different segments of the macerating unit, allowing easy inspection and servicing of all major components. The Saniplus does not. Although easy access is doable. The proper location would be required. To allow enough space for the top cover/lid of the Saniplus to be removed. Thus, gaining easier access to the receiving basket of the macerator. Typically, a messy 30min job. Through the added access panels of the Saniaccess, one can access the electrical components such as the micro switch, capacitor and membrane. The second panel provides access to the macerating blades for easy removal of foreign objects, within 5 minutes. These two units are also the quietest on the market. The Saniaccess2 is slimmer in design with a high-water inlet for an added lavatory. The Saniaccess3 would be required for a bathtub or shower, as it has low water inlets. These 2 systems are best for residential applications, or light commercial applications such as a small office, where usage may be easier to monitor.

The Sanicompact and Sanicompact Comfort units are “forced mains” and they do not need to be vented. The pump design allows for no venting required. It is for that reason that the Sanicompact and Comfort are unicorns to the industry. All traditional toilets require venting. Making Sanicompact and Comfort a viable alternative when venting is difficult or impossible. These systems are best for residential applications, and both can receive a lavatory.

Yes, and the Saniflo Extension pipe kit makes easy work of it. White and 18'' long, with an easy slip-on collar for the toilet outlet. The kit also includes a white wall flange to add a nice finish.

When installing a bathtub or a shower, a platform of 2 x 8 inch is needed to allow for the installation of a P-Trap and pipe with some gravity flow towards the macerating unit.

The waste is pumped into a sewer system, septic tank or holding tank by means of the buildings main drainpipe that complies with applicable codes.

The best method to install a discharge pipe is to rise vertically at the unit as high as necessary and from that point slope down at a fall of 1⁄4 inch per linear foot to the point of discharge.

No, a washing machine may overwhelm the Saniplus if plugged direct. The following units are better choices to handle a toilet and washing machine, if drained into a laundry tub first, then into the pump. - Sanibest Pro, Sanigrind Pro, Sanicubic 1 & 2 The following units are designed for a washing machine, draining through a laundry tub. - Saniswift, Saniswift Pro, Sanivite.

No, the greases and larger food particles associated with kitchen sinks would clog the smaller diameter pipe and create a problem eventually. The Sanivite and Saniswift are designed for this purpose.

Yes, even though macerating systems have built-in mechanical traps most plumbing codes require a regular P-Trap to be installed. It is also necessary to prevent odours and sewer gases from escaping into the room.

YES!! All macerators and gray water pumps have been designed with a vent connection on the lid. All plumbing codes require connection to a vent system. Please note that the vent system should be a two-way air vent. allowing air to flow in and out of the pump. The use of mechanical vents, air admittance valves or similar devices are not permitted as these are considered one-way vent systems. When venting is not available, The Sanicompact and Sanicompact Comfort models are “forced mains” and they do not need to be vented.

All models in the Saniflo line are low consumption type water closets. The Saniplus/Saniaccess/Sanibest Pro uses 1.28 gallons (4.8 liters) of water per flush. The Sanicompact and Sanicompact Comfort are dual flush systems as they use 1.28 gpf (4.8 lpf) and 1 gpf (3.8 lpf). This compares very favourably with older style water closets that may use up to 3.5 gallons (13 liters) of water per flush.

Depending upon the discharge installation, the Saniplus/Sanibest Pro/Saniaccess3 can pump up to 27 gallons (103 liters) per minute and the Sanivite can pump up to 18 gallons (68 liters) per minute. The Sanicompact/Sanicompact Comfort cannot pump more than 1.28 gallons (4.8 liters) at a time as it is an electrically timed system. However, the do have built in pressure switches, for the additon of a lavatory,

Yes, when installed in areas that are prone to freezing, all parts need to be properly drained, e.g. the macerating unit, the discharge piping and elbow, the toilet tank, the supply line,etc. Alternatively, plumbers anti freeze may be poured into the system until the macerating systems start up.

Saniflo pumps units have a 3 year manufacture warranty. The Porcelain (toilet bowl and tank) do not have a warranty beyond 24hrs of reception for breakage due to tranvel. The toilet tank parts, Fill Valve, Flush Valve, lever and handle have a 1-year manufacture warranty.

No, but since proper building plumbing and electrical codes must be followed, we suggest that the system is installed by a trade professional.

If the system is not installed per manufacture guidelines and system limits. Such as incorrect discharge pipe size, pipe material, discharge distance and lack of venting are the main culprits. Or when any foreign objects are found in the macerating unit that has to be retrieved. Or pouring automotive anti-freeze, solvents, paints, etc., into the system, or opening the motor or pump of the macerating unit. Please refer to the manufactures warranty for up-to-date information.

Many years ago, a national recognized laboratory tested the Saniplus system for 50,000 cycles, as if flushed 10 times a day = 3650 x a year = 13.69 years motor life. As this is a standard test, it was stopped after 50,000 cycles; therefore, the Saniplus may last much longer. The Saniplus contains a heavily engineered motor, that Saniflo manufactures in-house in France. Their motors are robust and of high European quality, built for longevity and reduced vibration/sound. The same attention to details is in all Saniflo pumps. With that said, all pumps can fail, proper installation and usage is key. My personal experience: If properly installed and used within limits, I have serviced many systems over 15 years old, and a few 20-year units. At 13-14 years, it would be a good idea to start thinking about replacement options. Best to be prepared.

No power, no pump. But, in a desperate moment, you can get away with 1 flush. The sealed pump box will hold the waste and water back, and the water level in the bowl will be at approximately halfway. Once power is restored, the unit will evacuate the wastewater automatically. An accidental second flush will bring the water level in the bowl to just about the top of the bowl and potentially a little overboard.

A humming motor is a good indication that a foreign object has jammed the blades or impeller. >>Unplug, empty and inspect. If no items are found, it is either a capacitor or burnt motor. >> unplug, check ohms on capacitor and motor.

>> Ensure electrical outlet is functional. Ensure GFI is not tripped. Use another outlet to test. >> Internal the micro switch may not engage the motor, and may be defective. >> The membrane is not engaging micro switch. Inspect and replace is not smooth and flat, it shuold not be wavy or wrinkled >> The motor is burnt. to be replaced. The Saniflo pump turns on, does not hum, but does not evacuate waste. >> Inner or outer discharge pipe blocked. Unplug, empty discharge pipe. Inspect discharge elbow and pipe size required. Incorrect venting can also creature an air pocket in the discharge pipe. Typically, on new installation or recently serviced units. Evident on the 2nd or 3rd flush. >> Ensure the pump is vented, unplug, drain discharge pipe and elbow.

The motor does not require maintenance, it is filled with oil and sealed for life. Systems with a pressure chamber, although a superior design, will surely require a replacement membrane before the motors end of life. Typically, around the 8-10 years. Systems with pressure switches do not require maintenance, though when used with high grease situations, such as kitchen sinks, the pressure tube may require a cleaning ever few years.

Yes, that is what makes Saniflo a superior choice. The availability of parts. Most competitors do not sell replacement parts, requiring you to purchase another unit. Saniflo can make a great replacement for basically all the competitors on the north American market. Rear-outlet toilets, have become more or less universal, easily accepting a Saniflo unit as a replacement. Take note to discharge pipe and vent pipe locations, as some installations will require additional light plumbing to complete. Some have them on the reverse configuration. Look at Saniplus, Saniaccess3 and Sanibest Pro as alternatives, when replacing out competitors.

All Saniflo parts can be found and purchased online at www.Upflushers.com

Our repair depot is located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Contact details can be found at www.upflushers.com