Saniflo USA | Mini Case Study | Prevail Therapeutics | Sanicom 1

Research Lab Replaces Faulty Pump Resolving Kitchen Plumbing Issues Without Disruptive Renovations

To resolve persistent plumbing issues without requiring extensive renovations and disruptive construction, Prevail Therapeutics installs Saniflo’s Sanicom 1 commercial drain pump transforming its office kitchen into an efficient and reliable workspace.

Problem

NEW YORK, NY — Prevail Therapeutics, a leading research lab specializing in genetic testing and the study of neurodegenerative diseases, encountered a significant plumbing challenge in its New York City office. Located in the Alexandria Building’s West Tower, Prevail employs around 120 staff members with daily kitchen usage ranging from 20 to 50 employees. In 2021, Prevail became a subsidiary of Eli Lilly, a prominent pharmaceutical company.

The office kitchen at Prevail originally featured a lab sink with a plumbing system specifically designed for chemical waste disposal. This setup proved ill-suited, leading to recurrent pump malfunctions and clogging due to food particle accumulation.

“The previous pump we had could not handle any food particles,” says Jack Orchard, Prevail Therapeutics’ site lead. “We were experiencing pumping issues from foods as small as seeds which made the office kitchen less functional.”

The existing system’s inability to handle food particles resulted in frequent operational disruptions and maintenance issues.

Solution

To address these issues, Orchard replaced the inadequate pump system with a more effective solution. After researching potential alternatives and considering commercial plumbing codes, he opted for the Saniflo Sanicom 1 commercial drain pump, known for its ability to sustain the toughest commercial applications. Prevail selected the Sanicom 1 drain pump due to its ability to withstand liquids with highly acidic properties, its compact, quiet design, and its compliance with all applicable codes for this installation.

While the Saniflo Sanicom 1 is not marketed as a macerator or grinder, it effectively handles small food particles up to ⅜”. Saniflo recommends installing a strainer in all drains to ensure smooth operation and to maintain the health of the pump.

“The Saniflo Sanicom 1 drain pump has been a game-changer for our kitchen plumbing system,” Orchard states. “It effectively handles all food particles, reducing clogs and pump failures.”

The compact design of the Sanicom 1 was an important consideration.

“The compact design of the Sanicom 1 drain pump freed up additional space in our kitchen area while its quiet operation contributed to a better working environment,” he explains.

According to Orchard, the pump was ordered directly from the Saniflo online distributor and arrived within 2-3 days. The installation involved coordination with a general contractor for plumbing services, professional plumbers for the new pump installation, and a separate vendor for the necessary electrical connections. The entire installation process took approximately five hours, causing minimal disruption to office activities.

Results

Orchard says the installation and performance of the product have exceeded his expectations.

“The Sanicom 1 drain pump has significantly improved the kitchen’s plumbing performance,” he states. “The new pump effectively handles all types of small food particles, reducing clogging and pump failures. The kitchen plumbing system now operates smoothly, supporting the needs of all our employees.”

“Overall, we are really pleased with how the product performs,” Orchard concludes.

Product Profile: Sanicom 1 Drain Pump

The 1.3-horsepower Sanicom 1 simplex drain pump is designed to drain high-temperature gray water in demanding residential and commercial applications. Its ability to handle temperatures up to 194°F makes it especially ideal for commercial kitchen dishwashers that must meet exacting health and sanitation standards. In addition, the unit can handle highly acidic liquids.

The heavy-duty pump can provide drainage for two water fixtures simultaneously. Gray water enters through one of two side inlets before being discharged up to 25 feet vertically or a maximum of 250 feet horizontally to the sewer or septic tank.

Other Key Features:

• 2” low inlets for easy installation
• Certified by CSA and listed by IAPMO for nationwide compliance
• Limited four-year warranty
• Capable of handling up to 194°F water

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