How to Guide

WHAT IS A MACERATOR?
To “macerate” is to soften, to break in
pieces. Our macerating systems use a
rotating cutting blade to liquefy human waste
and toilet paper. When mixed with flushing
water the waste is pumped into a sanitary
sewer as a fine slurry.
WHERE CAN I USE MACERATING SYSTEMS?
These systems can be used anywhere extra
sanitary facilities are needed or wanted. Extra
bathrooms can be installed in basements,
cottages, hotels, motels, etc.
IS SANIFLO EXPENSIVE?
The greatly reduced labor costs and the
incredible flexibility makes Saniflo an
economical and viable alternative when
gravity flow systems cannot be installed.
CAN I ALSO INSTALL A SHOWER OR
BATHTUB?
When installing a bathtub 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.
DO I NEED TO BREAK UP THE FLOOR TO
INSTALL THE MACERATING SYSTEM?
No, Saniflo can easily be installed on top
of any finished floor, which totally
eliminates the need to dig up a floor as
present methods using a sump and
sewage ejector pump requires.
Additionally, there is no need to leave an
accessible space, as is the case with an
in-floor sump system.
WHERE IS THE WASTE DISCHARGED?
The waste is pumped into a sewer
system, septic tank or holding tank by
means of a proper waste pipe system
that complies with applicable codes.
CAN I DISCHARGE THE WASTE BY
MEANS OF UPWARD SLOPES?
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.
CAN A WASHING MACHINE BE
DISCHARGED INTO THE SANIPLUS?
Our Saniswift, Sanivite, Sanibest Pro,
Sanigrind Pro, Sanicubic 1 and Sanicubic
2 units are designed for this type of
application. The washing machine must be
drained into a laundry tub or sink first if
using any of these units.
CAN I DISCHARGE A KITCHEN SINK
INTO A MACERATING SYSTEM?
No, the greases and larger food particles
associated with kitchen sinks would clog the
smaller diameter pipe and eventually create
a problem. The Sanivite and Saniswift are
designed for this purpose.
DO I NEED TO INSTALL A P-TRAP IN VANITIES,
BATHTUBS, AND SHOWERS?
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 odors and sewer gases
from escaping into the room.
WILL I VOID THE WARRANTY,
IF I INSTALL THE SYSTEM MYSELF?
No, but since proper building plumbing and
electrical codes must be followed, we suggest
that the system is installed by a trade
professional.
CAN THE WARRANTY BE VOIDED?
Yes, when any foreign objects are found in the
macerating unit that has to be retrieved by a
plumbing or service person. Also, by pouring
automotive anti-freeze, solvents, paints, etc.,
into the system, or by opening the motor or
pump of the macerating unit.
DO MACERATING SYSTEMS, DRAIN WATER
PUMPS AND FIXTURES NEED TO BE VENTED?
All macerators and drain 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. The use of mechanical vents, air
admittance valves or similar devices are
not permitted as these are considered one-
way vent systems. The Sanicompact and
Sanistar units are “forced mains” and they
do not need to be vented.
HOW MUCH WATER DOES THE
SYSTEM USE?
All models in the Saniflo line are low
consumption type water closets. The
Sanitop/Saniplus/Saniaccess3/Sanibest
Pro uses 1.28 gallons (4.8 liters) of water
per flush. The Sanistar and the
Sanicompact48 are dual flush systems as
they use 1.28 gpf (4.8 lpf) and 1 gpf (3.8
lpf). This compares very favorably with
older style water closets that may use up to
3.5 gallons (30 liters) of water per flush.
WHAT IS THE DISCHARGE CAPACITY?
Depending upon the discharge installation,
the Saniplus/Sanibest Pro/Saniaccess3 can
pump up to 27 gallons per minute and the
Sanivite can pump up to 18 gallons per
minute. The Sanicompact/Sanistar cannot
pump more than 1.28 gallons at a time as it is
an electrically timed system.
WHAT ARE THE NEW FEATURES
OF THE SANIACCESS3?
Two service panels provide direct access to
different segments of the macerating unit,
allowing easy inspection and servicing of all
major components. Through one opening, one
can access the electrical components such as
the level sensor mechanism of the pump. The
second panel provides ready access to the
macerating blades for easy removal of large
objects.
HOW LONG WILL MACERATING
SYSTEMS LAST?
A nationally recognized laboratory tested the
Saniplus system for 50,000 cycles, e.g. flushed
10 x a day = 3650 x a year = 13.69 years
lifetime. As this is a standard test, it was
stopped after 50,000 cycles; therefore the
Saniplus may last much longer.
SHOULD I WINTERIZE THE SYSTEM?
When installed in areas that are prone to
freezing, all parts need to be properly
drained, e.g. the macerating unit, the
discharge piping, the tank, the supply pipe
etc. Alternatively, plumbers anti freeze may
be poured into the system until the
macerating systems start up.
DOES THE SYSTEM NEED MAINTENANCE?
No, the motor is filled with oil and sealed
for life.
WHERE CAN WE PURCHASE PARTS?
Parts can be purchased through our
Technical Department by calling toll free
US: 800-571-8191, Canada:
800-363-5874 and from our
website at www.saniflo.com
WHAT WARRANTY IS PROVIDED
BY SANIFLO?
The pump units have a 2-year warranty
while the porcelain (toilet bowl and tank)
have a 1-year warranty from date of
purchase.
WHAT ARE THE UPGRADES ON THE NEW
SANIBEST PRO AND SANIGRIND PRO?
The basics were kept the same for these
two models. The motor for both systems
was upgraded to a 1 HP motor – 25%
more power than the previous generation.
Another unique advantage is the removable
service panel on the top of the macerator
which provides direct access to the main
pump components.
DOES SANIFLO OFFER OTHER TOILET
DESIGNS?
We offer toilets with elongated bowls for
greater comfort. These toilets are also ADA
compliant and measure 16
3
⁄4 inches in height.
FAQ’s
MACERATING TOILETS AND DRAIN WATER PUMPS