Saniflo Installation Guide

If you are looking to install a Saniflo macerator in a spare room or a loft conversion then you’ve landed on the right page. Saniflo is a state-of-art waste management appliance. They are widely used in the UK especially with basement conversions or when converting utilising the space beneath a staircase.

The macerator and pump technology make Saniflo one of the most popular appliances. In this guide, serviceteam Saniflo engineers will explain its function and offer some useful information if you’re considering a Saniflo macerator installation.

A Saniflo appliance is also known as a macerator. This particular appliance differs from a traditional toilet in two ways. First, the high speed rotating blades break down human waste and paper.

Second, it can be positioned some distance from the main soil pipe (there are limits, however). The system uses a centrifugal pump to remove waste from the toilet and pump it into the soil stack. It can be connected to your WC anywhere in your property (within reason) positioned behind the toilet pan.

There are different types of Saniflo macerator with different characteristics. The pump sizes vary depending on your specific requirements. If it’s just for a toilet, a smaller unit will probably be sufficient. However, if the installation site is a distance from the soil stack then a unit with a bigger, more powerful pump would be needed.

We all know what happens in a standard toilet when you flush it. All the waste travels through the pipework finally exiting the property and into the main sewer pipe connected to the sewage works.

A Saniflo macerator works differently. 

A Saniflo toilet consists of 4 main components. Every part of the Saniflo macerator works to ensure the efficient removal of waste from the WC. They are:

• Impeller 
• Micro switch
• Blade (macerator)
• Float switch (membrane)

Most of the time, you will not face any restrictions when installing a macerator toilet at your property, so you don’t need special permission from the local authorities. However, you must follow the relevant building regulations for soil pipes and ventilation ducts.

A professional plumber knows about the latest updates and can give you adequate advice. Serviceteam Saniflo Plumbers are experts in installing Saniflo systems. Call us if you’re in doubt. We have reviewed a few tips below:

• The system also has a powerful pump that pumps waste into the main sewer. Always consult the manufacturer as to the ideal distance from the soil stack, as some online information can be contradictory.
• The macerator pumps the sewage up from a ground floor or basement conversion (again check with the manufacturer as to what is an acceptable distance).
• Electrical installations in bathrooms come under Building Regulations, so you need to engage a certified electrician to complete the electrical work or a plumber who is Part P qualified.
• Protect the pipework from freezing by adequate lagging.
• Keep your discharge tube as straight as possible and limit bends and elbows in your discharge pipe to help the pump work efficiently. Ideally, any elbows must be less than 45 degrees, and the pipe should be as straight as possible. Too many elbows or runs or pipework with undulations will have difficulty in discharging the waste resulting in blockages.  
• Support all pipework according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. 
• Whenever you move grey water or waste with a pump system the fall of the pipework is important. The correct/ideal fall of pipework can be obtained from the manufacturers technical department/hand book.