Saniflo operating query

I have recently fitted a new Saniflo unit after my original saniflo X2 model failed after 23 years service. The replacement was like for like and fitted into existing pipework.

The original model pumped the waste continually until emptied but the new model pumps in short bursts (2-3) and seems more powerful. The pressure when discharging causes the water in the sink U bend to enter the sink unless the plug is in place.

Are the short bursts in pumping correct and is there any way of stopping the pressure during discharge to eliminate the sink problem?

Thanks

Trigger

So your saying it comes back up the sink when it pumps away? Sounds like it is blocked or partially blocked further up the pipework it shouldnt be coming back up.

Originally Posted by HHP Ed

So your saying it comes back up the sink when it pumps away?

It's not the waste coming back into the sink but as the pump is stronger than the original it's causing a pressure wave and it's this which is causing the water in the U bend to splash out.

The Saniflo unit has to have it's own dedicated waste pipe to the soil and vent, if it is teed into the 32mm sink waste the chances are it will either come out of the sink or empty the water seal in the trap.

New Saniflo x2 machines work at a higher pressure than the old one.

Originally Posted by Muncher

The Saniflo unit has to have it's own dedicated waste pipe to the soil and vent, if it is teed into the 32mm sink waste the chances are it will come out of the sink.

New Saniflo x2 machines work at a higher pressure than the old one.

Yes it is teed into the 32mm sink waste, the pipework dates back to 1987 when the original X2 was fitted. The 32mm from the sink runs 4 feet along the wall then drops below the floorboards and in the joist space. The 19mm pvc pipe from the saniflo pushes into a ring-seal joint. The 32 mm pipe turns 90 degrees just beyond this tee and passes underneath the shower. The shower is plumbed into the same pipe but I don't know what diameter it is there. I do know that it drops to the room downstairs in what looks 50 or 60mm pipe.

I've been considering putting HepVo traps on the sink and the shower but was wondering if this would cause the pressure from the Saniflo to cause more problems elsewhere.

empty the water seal in the trap

Would this be the sink trap? There's only a small amount of water from the trap that enters the sink which runs back when the Saniflo has stopped.
(The toilet is only used for weeing so no real smell problems).

Thanks for your advice.

Trigger

Hi trigger,
legally any Macerator must have it's own dedicated discharge pipe to the soil and vent pipe in 1987 the saniflo instructions said a dedicated pipe is required,
simply sooner or later (I have seen it happen ) sewage will come out of the sink waste and hit the celing all it takes is a blocked pipe and it's one hell of a mess.

The fitting of anti vac traps, Mcalpine T28 non return valves or Hep traps only put off the inevatable it's better to get it right now than bodge it just have the mess later.

regards

I'll see if I can get a plumber interested.

The big stumbling block is that the access to the pipework is beneath a shower base.

Trigger