FAQ

Have any questions about Saniflo? Here are some frequently asked questions by other customers. If you have any questions that have not been included, please email [email protected]

FAQ

Application / Pre-installation

- Where is the waste discharged?

All of Saniflo products are designed to pump out the waste into a city sewer, septic tank or soil stack.

- What material should be used for waste discharge?

Saniflo recommends to use PVC, CPVC, copper.

- What size discharge pipe should be used?

Depending on the pump model, the discharge pipe can be 3/4 or 1 inch diameter pipe.  The Sanicubic range uses 1-1/2" diameter discharge pipe.

- Does Saniflo products require a vent?

All of Saniflo products require an 1-1/2 inch vent pipe, which must be vented to the main vent stack as per plumbing codes.  The Sanicompact 48 and Sanistar models do not require a vent connection since they are considered self contained units.

It is not recommended to use an air admittance valve or a mechanical spring-loaded device as they only allow air to flow one way.

- Is maintenance required?

Maintenance is not required for any of our products.  However, we recommend the use Saniflo's Descaler which acts as a cleanser and descaler.

- What are the electrical requirements?

All of our products come with a plug power cord and requires 115 volts.  They must be plugged into a GFI receptacle which does not have to be a dedicated circuit.  The Sanicubic 2 requires 220/240 volts and must be hard wired.

- What is the difference between a macerating and grinder pump?

A macerating pump is designed to handle the flush of human waste and toilet paper only (Sanitop, Saniaccess3, Saniplus, Sanipro, Sanipack, Sanicompact and Sanistar). 

A grinder pump is designed to handle the flush of human waste, toilet paper and sanitary napkins such as feminine hygiene products (Sanibest Pro, Sanigrind Pro, Sanicubic 1 and Sanicubic 2).

- Do I need to break up the floor to install a Saniflo product?

There is no need to break up the floor.  Saniflo can easily be installed anywhere on any finished floor.

- What are gray water pumps?

Gray water pumps are designed to handle the drains of a sink, shower, bathtub, washing machine, dishwasher, kitchen sink, laundry sink but not a toilet.  The Sanivite, Saniswift, Sanishower are considered gray water pumps.

- Are there different colors available?

All of our products and toilets come in white only, except for the Sanicubic 2 which comes in gray.

Installation

- How long do they last?

Saniflo products lasts about 10 to 15 years, if not longer.  They have been tested for about 50,000 cycles, flushed 10 x a day = 3,650 flushes a year.  As this was a standard test, it was stopped at 50,000 cycles, therefore they will last much longer.

- Can a shower/bathtub be installed?

A shower can be installed on most of our products.  The shower base will need to be raised a minimum of 6 inches, but is recommended 8 inches.

- How do I install the extension pipe?

The extension pipe is designed to be used with the Sanitop, Saniaccess3, Saniplus, Sanipro and Sanibest Pro models. 

The extension pipe has one end with a rubber gasket built inside and the other end is hard plastic.  The end with the inner gasket built inside attaches to the back of the toilet (no need for a clamp on that end) and the other end of the extension pipe is clamped to the front of the unit; inside the pan gasket.

Usage / Operation

- What should I do if I encounter a problem with the pump?

If the pumps experience any issues, please contact Saniflo technical support at the toll free number (800) 363-5874.

- Is it necessary to have an access panel?

It is recommended to have an access panel either on the side or behind the wall in case the unit needs to be serviced.

- What happens if there is a power outage?

In the event of a power loss, do not use the toilet or any sanitary fixture connected to the pump since it will not work until the power is restored.

- How can the discharge pipe be set up?

The discharge pipe must be set up to pump straight up vertically to the highest point and then horizontal with a slope of at least 1/4 inch per linear foot into the main drain pipe.

- Is a p-trap required for Saniflo products?

A p-trap is required on any fixtures draining into the pump.  Even though macerating systems have built-in mechanical traps, most plumbing codes require a regular p-trap to be installed.

- Can I use 90 degree elbows?

It is not recommended to use 90 degree elbows on the discharge line.  For any turns, we recommend using two 45 degree elbows back to back or long sweeping elbows.

- Can the discharge pipe be increased?

Our products discharge the waste using either a 3/4 or 1 inch pipe.  You can only increase the pipe size when you start draining the waste through gravity since the 1/4" per foot will drain the waste.

- How much water does the system use?

The Sanitop, Saniaccess3, Saniplus, Sanipro and Sanibest Pro models use 1.28 gallons (4.8 liters) of water per flush.  The Sanicompact and Sanicompact Comfort models are dual flush systems and use 1 gallon (4 liters) and 1.28 gallons (4.8 liters) of water per flush.

Warranty / Part Sales

- What is the warranty period?

Saniflo offers a 2-year warranty for the pumps and a 1-year warranty for the toilet bowl and tank.  The warranty starts from the date of purchase.

- Where can I obtain parts if needed?

Parts can be ordered directly from Saniflo.  The number to call is (800) 571-8191. 

If a new pump is to be purchased, it must be purchased from one of our distributors listed on our website (www.saniflo.com).  Saniflo does not sell directly to the public.

- Can the warranty be voided?

The warranty is voided when any foreign objects are found in the macerating unit.  Pouring automobile anti-freeze, solvents paintings, acids, alkaloids, plastic bags, metal, plastic material, wood or anything that could halt, damage or corrode the unit, voids warranty.  The motor is filled with oil and sealed for life at the factory; draining the oil out of the motor voids warranty as well.