Understanding the Value of a Product Warranty

When consumers shop for products, particularly ones that are more expensive, they want to feel confident they are making a smart purchase. They want to believe that their investment will last; and, if something goes wrong with the product, that it will be promptly fixed or replaced.

Suppose you are planning to complete a home remodel or make improvements to your space and need to purchase above-floor plumbing like macerating toilets and drain pumps. In that case, to feel secure in your decision, you research and decide on the highest-quality product with the most protection.

How did you come to make that decision? There are many above-floor toilet and drain pump options on the market today. But not all are created equal. If you’re planning to add an above-floor-plumbing system to your home, it helps to have a list of things to look for when purchasing such a system — whether for a new addition or to replace an existing one.

One difference maker you’ll want to pay particular attention to is the product warranty. Specifically: Is one offered? What does it cover? And for how long?

Product warranties set expectations and offer protection to the purchaser. To a customer buying a plumbing product, the warranty implies they are protected if the product malfunctions. Most major plumbing products come with one, but if you cannot find the warranty on your own, you can always check with a contractor or the manufacturer.

Buying a product that offers a quality warranty presents many benefits. Let’s take a closer look at each advantage.

Product warranties protect the customer

Manufacturers often use warranties to distinguish their products from others within the marketplace. When you're living through a renovation, it can start to feel uncomfortable as the costs add up. In such situations, a lower price-point product may seem more appealing. But if a product comes with a short warranty — for example, one-year — or none at all, regard it as an immediate red flag.

While tempting, purchasing cheaper products often means frequent replacements, causing more harm and costing more money in the long run. Things happen, and a potential malfunction can occur, further damaging your home. You'll want to purchase something with protection to avoid the financial liability of an expensive replacement or repair.

In sum, although the cost may be slightly higher, a higher-quality product with long-term protection will save you money by avoiding costly and frequent replacements. That is why you should consider purchasing plumbing products with a multi-year warranty.

What to look for

If a good warranty can be a deciding factor when evaluating macerating-technology products, how do you know which warranty offers the best protection? Here’s what to look for:

1.     What the warranty does and does not cover: If your product malfunctions, you’ll want to know what the manufacturer will cover. Be sure the warranty states clearly that the maker will pay for new parts or a complete replacement.

2.     How long the warranty will last: You should know exactly how long you have to return a product or to ask for a repair. Most plumbing products are designed to last years, which is why you should consider purchasing products with a longer warranty period.

Many above-floor plumbing systems offer only one-year warranties. To mitigate frustration, more reputable, established manufacturers will offer an extension.

For example, Saniflo offers a standard two-year warranty for their macerating pump products. But a user who registers their product online can obtain an additional two years of protection. Previously, Saniflo only offered a three-year warranty (2 + 1 year if registered), but decided to extend it another year because of the low aftersales failure rate and minimum issues customers had.

Saniflo stands confidently behind its products and knows the quality they offer to their consumers. In short, they believe that the longer the warranty, the greater your peace of mind.

3.     What assistance is offered in handling warranty concerns: When you need support on your product return or defect, you’ll want to call the manufacturer's toll free number to sort it out. However, some customer service operations are based in a foreign country, which can be unhelpful, unreliable, and hard to communicate with.

It would be best to communicate with U.S. or Canadian-based customer service agents to ensure quicker responses, more reliable problem-solving and more effective communication. Saniflo has offices and multiple warehouses in both countries to ensure optimal availability and support, especially during global supply shortages.

4.     Online reviews of the product or manufacturer: Searching the internet for feedback can help in deciding which product to use. Saniflo specializes in above-floor plumbing systems, so our product and application experts are trained to help you choose the right system for your needs.

Remember, after making your purchase, be sure to register it online. Simply complete the form here. With your new above-floor plumbing system protected by an extended, four-year warranty, you will enjoy even greater confidence in your purchase.