Installation Guides
INSTALLATION + FUNCTION
How does a Saniflo macerating upflush toilet work?
An upflush toilet has been engineered to solve common bathroom installation problems. While their interiors are hardworking machinery, their exteriors are a fashionable complement to any decor. Their main difference from standard fixtures is the discharge system, whose key components are a macerator/pump and a small-diameter pipe. The powerful macerator has a rotating blade that shreds and grinds solid material like human waste and toilet paper. When mixed with flushing water, solid material changes to a fine slurry which moves easily through a narrow pipe upward. The macerator/pump is sealed for life and requires NO maintenance! And no waste sits inside the unit like other brands.
A quiet electric-powered pump moves the fine slurry upward under pressure. The small-diameter discharge pipe (as small as 3/4" across), solves many structural problems as it can be run virtually anywhere. The fine slurry moves easily through this pipe to the normal sewage system, septic tank or holding tank.
To better understand the system, please watch this 2-minute instructional video:
Do macerating systems, gray water pumps and fixtures need to be vented?
All macerators and gray 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.
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.
WASHING MACHINE ADDITION
Which units can handle a washing machine discharge?
Our Saniswift, Sanivite, SaniBest Pro, Sanigrind Pro 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.
SHOWER + BATH TUB ADDITION
Can I also install a shower or bathtub?
Yes, see our “Product Comparison” chart for all the units that handle shower inputs. Note, 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 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.
INSTALLATION MANUALS
Can I get the installation manual and instructions for a specific Saniflo model?
Yes, all the installation manuals are posted on our website on the product description page. Just look for the "Specifications & Installation Manual" section and click on the link underneath. The manual will open directly in your internet browser.
