Saniflo toilets, also known as upflush or macerating toilets, have revolutionized the toilet industry thanks to their ability to overcome traditional plumbing limitations. However, the models are not immune to challenges that demand knowledge about Saniflo toilet problems.
Before buying and installing a Saniflo toilet, be ready to confront flushing issues, leaking, failure of the unit to fill with water, and the fixture running but not flushing. Additionally, your macerating toilet could grapple with terrible smells, clogging, and failure to activate.
This post focuses on Saniflo toilet problems and their potential causes. It also gives expert solutions to prolong your upflush system’s lifespan and keep it performing optimally.
Saniflo Toilet Problems And Fixes Discussed In Detail
| Problem | Possible Cause | Recommended Fix | |
| 1. | Toilet Not Flushing | Blown motor Insufficient air compression Clogged pipes | Replace the macerator Shorten the pipes Remove the clog |
| 2. | Leaking | Worn-out rubber membrane Degraded rubber waste exit Old motor | Replace the rubber membrane Replace the motor |
| 3. | Failure To Fill With Water | Faulty fill valve Malfunctioned overflow tube Inaccurate float height | Replace the fill valve Examine the overflow tube Adjust the height of the float |
| 4. | Toilet Humming But Not Pumping | Trapped item in the macerator Frozen water pipes | Remove the trapped object Warm the pipes |
| 5. | Foul Smell | A buildup of human waste and limescale Trapped air in the unit Improper ventilation | Regular cleaning Enhance ventilation |
| 6. | Clogging | Improper pipe installation | Install the pipes at 45 degrees |
| 7. | Failure to activate | Faulty microswitch | Call an expert |
1. Toilet Not Flushing
A Saniflo toilet not flushing is hugely frustrating if you rely on this innovative fixture for your bathroom needs. Sometimes, it will flush, but not with sufficient power to whisk waste into the drain.
The unit’s flushing woes stem from insufficient air compression in the mechanism. This, coupled with a blown motor, will result in the capacitor or motor malfunctioning, culminating in a failure in effective flushing.
Besides that, you can trace flushing failures or slow flushing to clogged pipes and low water pressure.
Fix
- Replace the flush button and the internal microswitch.
- Inspect and replace the motor if it’s blown.
- Call a certified expert, preferably from Saniflo, to adjust the air pipe to increase compression.
- Avoid flushing sanitary products, paper towels, and other non-biodegradable materials into your fixture.
2. Leaking
Toilet leaking is a common problem among toilets, and a macerator unit is no stranger. It is an issue that inflates water bills and leaves you with extra repair costs.
One common cause of Saniflo toilet leaks is a worn rubber membrane, which is responsible for creating a watertight seal within the unit. Prolonged usage and exposure to abrasive cleaning agents weaken and crack the rubber component, causing water to seep through the fractures.
Another culprit behind the Saniflo toilet leaking is waste buildup within the unit. Over time, solid waste, minerals, and debris accumulate and cause blockages that compromise the integrity of the macerating system.
As pressure builds up in the plumbing system, the water tries to find an escape route. The connections and the seals happen to be the convenient spots for the issue, and this will cause leaks.
A degraded rubber seal exit can also contribute to your macerating fixture leaking. The rubber that connects the Saniflo toilet to the discharge pipe can deteriorate with time, lose elasticity, and eventually give up its sealing abilities.
As a result, you will see water pooling around the base of the toilet, a telltale sign of a leak.
Moreover, an old or malfunctioning motor can be a source of leaks in your Saniflo toilet. A worn-out and damaged motor induces insufficient pumping action in the fixture.
What follows is a gradual accumulation of water and leaking from the air vents.
Fix
- Replace the old microswitch and rubber membrane.
- Buy and install a new motor.
- Change the rubber waste exit.
- Avoid using excess toilet cleaning agents.
3. Failure To Fill With Water
Imagine walking into your restroom, relieving yourself, and flushing the unit, only to realize the Saniflo toilet won’t fill with water. Bothersome, right?
The good news is you can trace the problem to some causes, one of them being a faulty fill valve. It is the component that controls water flow into the tank, meaning any defect will cause it not to open and close as it should.
It further suggests that water won’t flow to the tank, forcing you to endure weak flushes.
Saniflo experts also link the unit’s failure to fill with water to a malfunctioning overflow tube. The manufacturers designed the accessory to divert excess water into the bowl and drain to prevent your toilet from overflowing.
With time, the overflow tube may develop defects that cause it to disrupt the normal water flow. It deprives your toilet tank of water and thus will not refill.
Improper float height is another potential reason your macerating tank is not filling with water. Setting the ball-shaped device lower than the recommended height prevents the fill valve from opening fully, culminating in inadequate water filling.
Furthermore, insufficient water pressure from the main supply hinders the water flow into the Saniflo toilet tank. It could arise from clogged pipe networks or low water supply.
A leaky flapper also compounds the reasons your unit is not filling with water. Since the device prevents the unwanted flow of water from the tank to the bowl, improper installation or damage allows continuous leaking water, resulting in inadequate water levels.
Fix
- Cut off the water supply to the toilet.
- Examine the fill valve for any defects.
- Disconnect the supply line for water, then turn on the water valve.
- Have a container or a towel ready to collect or absorb any water spilling from the valve.
4. Toilet Humming But Not Pumping
If you have a Saniflo toilet emitting a humming sound but fail to pump the waste out of the system, there are a couple of potential causes to investigate. One possible reason is a foreign item lodged in the macerating unit.
Over time, debris, dirt, and other foreign objects can find their way into the upflush unit and hinder the functioning of the fixture. The obstruction inhibits the macerating blades from rotating and breaking down waste, which explains why you’ll hear a humming sound with no pumping activity.
Besides foreign objects, extreme cold conditions can freeze Saniflo toilet pipes. The freezing restricts the water flow, preventing it from reaching the macerating unit, resulting in a humming noise.
Disrupting the water flow impairs the pumping action of your toilet. It creates additional problems, such as inefficient and improper waste disposal.
Fix
- Switch off the upflush and lift the lid.
- Adjust the impeller and activate the pump.
- If you can’t adjust the impeller, determine whether you have issues with the pump or the bearing.
- If the impeller moves effortlessly, examine the capacitor, bearing in mind some macerating units feature two capacitors.
- During the fall, warm the pipes using hot towels.
5. Foul Smell
As a homeowner, you strive to ensure fresh air overwhelms your bathroom and adjacent areas. Nevertheless, Saniflo toilet smelling bad can ruin your efforts.
A common cause of foul smell in a macerating unit is the accumulation of human waste and limescale within the system. It is more pronounced when you forego maintaining and cleaning your toilet for a prolonged period.
Human waste and limescale build up to create a conducive environment for bacterial activities within the pipes and the macerating unit. The microbial activity will then emit the characteristic unpleasant odor into your restroom.
Trapped air in the Saniflo system also contributes to the foul smell invading your bathroom. If you don’t vent the plumbing system properly, air blockages will form, giving rise to stagnant air and the accumulation of odors.
On top of that, failing to incorporate a proper ventilation system when installing an upflush toilet is detrimental to the breathable air in the restroom. Inadequate airflow traps odors within the space, which creates an unpleasant environment.
With that in mind, proper cleaning and maintenance are paramount to maintaining fresh air in a bathroom with a Saniflo toilet. However, experts advise against using bleaching products in descaling.
Fix
- Clean the unit regularly using a high-quality descaler. A vinegar and water mixture can also suffice.
- Flush the toilet with hot water to dissolve solid waste.
- Install air freshener after placing the toilet.
6. Saniflo Toilet Clogging
A macerating toilet experiencing frequent clogging issues can discount the trust and value you placed on the fixture the day you bought it. It is a frustrating and inconvenient issue that demands immediate diagnosis and resolution to prevent additional problems.
Improper pipe installation is the most typical cause of clogging in upflush units. Misaligning the pipes or placing them at 90-degree angles impedes the flow of waste, leading to obstructions.
Additionally, installing pipes with smaller diameters than the manufacturer’s guidelines will cause clogging problems. Using incompatible materials will worsen the condition even further.
Problems with the motor, such as wearing down, insufficient power supply, and malfunctioning, hinder its performance. If the motor operates below its optimum level, it will struggle to macerate and pump the waste out of the system.
Interference with the rubber membrane and the microswitch also contributes to your Saniflo toilet’s clogging misfortunes. These are critical components of the plumbing system, meaning any misalignment, damage, or malfunction will cause inadequate waste disposal, followed by clogging.
Fix
- Switch off the power supply to the toilet.
- Install Saniflo waste pipes at 45 degrees.
- Remove the clogs in the macerator, toilet tank, and bowl using a plunger or snake.
- Check the motor and remove trapped items.
7. Toilet Doesn’t Activate
If your toilet cannot activate, it may have a faulty microswitch. A defective switch cannot detect when the unit is in use and will not trigger the pumping system.
Another possible cause is a broken membrane. The membrane disrupts the activation process since it allows water to leak out of the toilet.
Moreover, a clogged pipe pathway at the side and back of your Saniflo unit is also something to investigate. Debris, minerals, and dirt obstruct wastewater flow through the pipes, resulting in failed activation.
Concluding Thoughts On Saniflo Toilet Problems
A Saniflo toilet is susceptible to problems discussed in the post. Diagnosing them early so you can maintain functionality and efficiency before the issues escalate is essential.
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