How to Choose a Saniflo Toilet System – A Complete Guide

Are you considering switching to a Saniflo system? If yes, read this guide to find all the information you need to know about this type of toilet. We’ll review more important aspects of having such a system and try to help you determine which Saniflo you need.

Hopefully, this aids you with your best decision and makes the transition period easier and quicker.

What is a Saniflo Toilet?

Also referred to as a macerator toilet, this is a specific type of unit which macerates or breaks up the human waste and paper using a blade, after which a centrifugal pump flushes the macerated material into the general waste system.

It differs from the other toilet types, as there is no need for exit pipes to the sewage drain. This means that you can fit your toilet pretty much anywhere at the property with access to an outflow pipe. 

How Does a Saniflo Toilet Work?

Macerator toilets comprise a few principal parts:

• Blade
• Float Switch
• Microswitch
• Impeller

After a flush, the system transfers human waste and toilet paper to the blade. It macerates the material into smaller particles. Then, the waste flows through a pipe, much smaller than the one a conventional toilet has. Once the blade completes the macerating process, the slurry goes into the toilet tank. It remains there until it reaches a certain level, enough to activate the float switch.

The switch then operates the microswitch that activates the impeller. As a last step of the process, the pimp activates to drain the material into the local drainage system. Professional Saniflo installers can give you a bit more information on how those units operate and which one might be the best fit for your home?

What is the Best Macerator?

There are various types of saniflo toilets and they all have distinct features. Below, we’re going to review the best and most popular choices that you should definitely consider before buying.

SaniPLUS

SaniPLUS is the most favoured macerator type for domestic properties. It’s relatively easy to install, quiet, powerful and comes with a 2-year warranty. SaniPLUS toilets are very compact, which makes them suitable for smaller spaces.

The best feature of this system is that it takes care of the waste from your toilet, bidet, sink and shower. The carbon filter prevents unwanted clogs.

SaniBEST Pro

SaniBEST Pro is an easy to install, heavy-duty, upflush toilet system, suitable for both domestic and commercial properties. It’s a powerful solution designed to handle flushing of waste and even sanitary products. SaniBEST Pro has a single-lever flush mechanism and uses 1.6 gallons of water per flush, which is relatively good for a toilet of this rank. 

SaniPACK Pro

Similar to the SaniBEST Pro model, this macerator toilet system is suitable for both domestic and commercial properties. It’s great to use with a wall hung toilet and therefore the perfect choice for those of us who’d like to have a very discreet and modern toilet design or simply save up some space. It’s the ideal solution for a complete shower room, including a WC, basin, bidet and shower. 

SaniCOMPACT

This is a highly efficient saniflo toilet has an electrical, dual flush mechanism using 1 gallon of water for a half flush and 1.28 gallons of water per full flush. This makes it the most water-efficient saniflo model on the market. One thing though, there should be an electrical outlet nearby.

As the name suggests, the SaniCOMPACT macerator is extremely small and could fit almost anywhere. There is no external water tank, and the pump and grinder are concealed under the base of the toilet. It’s more appropriate for domestic properties.

The system comes with a 2-year guarantee, but if you register with Saniflo, they could increase it up to 3 years. This unit is more complex and could be difficult to install, so it’s best to leave the task to the professionals. They can ensure that everything is properly done and avoid future issues.

SaniSTAR

SaniSTAR macerators have an efficient macerator pump and are most suitable when water pressure is low. These toilet systems are wall-hung, which, similar to SaniCOMPACT, makes them a perfect option for smaller bathrooms or unconventional spaces. The unit can be more expensive than the rest of the Saniflo systems, though. The electrical flush mechanism minimises water consumption. In addition, SaniSTAR is easy to install and maintain.

SaniGRIND Pro

SaniGRIND Pro toilet systems have a powerful grinder mechanism and that makes it great for commercial sites. As a benefit, you could fit the unit 25 feet below the sewage pipeline, and up to 150 feet from any soil stack. SaniGRIND Pro’s vent system complies with the latest building regulations and standards.

Saniflo Pros and Cons

There are advantages and disadvantages you should take into consideration before choosing a Saniflo toilet for your private or commercial property. Here’s a list of positives we’ve gathered:

• They’re easier to install – There is no need to break floors, drill holes, or anything along those lines. The macerator is an upflush system, so you won’t need to make major changes to your plumbing pipework. This ensures that the installation is quick and at a low cost.
• You can install a macerator anywhere in the property – Given the way Saniflo systems work, an engineer could easily fit it wherever you want.
• Both energy-saving and water-efficient – Ideal for those of us who are environmentally cautious.
• A 2-year warranty – You can get an extended warranty if you register with the manufacturer. 
• Compact and discreet – With saniflo, you can create a contemporary, minimalistic bathroom design.
• Durable – If properly maintained, macerator systems could last as long as traditional toilets.

Some negatives we’ve determined are:

• Pricey – Macerator toilet systems are usually more expensive, so carefully consider both the advantages and disadvantages.
• Noisy – Saniflo systems are noisier than conventional toilets.
• Unusable if the power goes out – Since most macerators operate with an electrical flush mechanism, you won’t be able to use it if there is a power outage.
• Water pressure issues – The lower water pressure, sometimes, could leave waste behind, which causes a foul odour.
• Prone to blockages – More likely to get clogged, when it comes to unblocking a toilet, compared to a regular loo.

Building Regulations

In most cases, you won’t face any restrictions on installing a macerator toilet at your property. And often, you won’t need a permit. You should, however, follow the relevant building regulations for the soil stacks and vent pipes. A professional builder or plumber knows about the latest updates and can give you adequate advice. 

The diameter of your waste pipe shouldn’t exceed the right dimensions. There can’t be any obstructions in the way of the waste material. Consider sound protection to restrict the loud noise. It’s unpleasant not just for you, but also for your neighbours.

How Much Does Saniflo Cost?

With all the benefits it has, you might ask yourself how much does a Saniflo toilet cost. The straight answer is that it depends on the type, size and pump capacity. You can buy and install a smaller, less powerful macerator to service only your toilet, or a bigger, more powerful one for your entire bathroom. Price may start from around £260 for a basic system to about £500 for a more complex and powerful one. The best thing is that you get a basic 2-year guarantee and many more benefits included within the initial cost.

Saniflo Installation Cost

Most Saniflo systems are not too difficult to install. Still, if you don’t feel up to the challenge, professional plumbers can do the task for you. You should consider the building regulations, and this might prove challenging. 

Takeaways

There are a few key things to keep in mind when deciding whether to switch to a Saniflo toilet system. All those questions can help you choose the best option for your home and contribute to your peace of mind.

• What is the most suitable macerator for your needs;
• What pros and cons do Saniflo toilets offer;
• What are the building regulations and laws;
• What’s the product price and installation cost;
• Would you install it yourself or hire a professional to do it for you;

How to Choose a Saniflo Toilet System – A Complete Guide

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