julielmsfield

[julielmsfield]

Hi,

We are about to convert our loft into a master bedroom with ensuite bathroom, but have been told by the architect that there is no route for a conventional outflow pipe. He has suggested we opt for a Saniflo system to carry the waste from the loo, basin, shower and bath.

My questions are:
Are they noisy and how long does the noise last - is it only as long as the emptying takes?
Can a Saniflo pump work in conjunction with a power shower? My husband likes a strong shower and this would be our only option.
Whilst we would be careful what goes down the loo, should we nevertheless opt for a commercial use Saniflo system for power, but will this be noisier?
Can they be used in conjunction with any bathroom suite?

Many thanks for any advice

 

[Simon F]

welcome along.

they are a bit noisy, but that is only whilst pumping.
there will be a maximum speed of clearing, so check that against the shower flow if it's particularly powerful.

but why can a standard waste pipe not be fitted?
the saniflo still needs a pipe, just smaller, and more versatile

 

[julielmsfield]

Hi Simon F, Thanks for the info.
I understand there will only be room for the smaller diameter pipe as it would have to be fed under the floor in order to come down the house on the correct side for the mains drain.

 

[rpm]

He has suggested we opt for a Saniflo system to carry the waste from the loo, basin, shower and bath.

You can no longer have a bath connected to the Saniflo if it is connected to the toilet and keep the 2yr warranty.

My questions are:
Are they noisy and how long does the noise last?

It used to be that you just hear it when the cistern refills but there are ways of sound proofing. With the pipe correctly installed and going down it will run for approx 6 secs and will pulsate on - off in approx 1-2 sec bursts with a shower

Can a Saniflo pump work in conjunction with a power shower?

Yes, up to maximum of 15 L per minute from the shower (Selected models only)

Should we nevertheless opt for a commercial use Saniflo system for power, but will this be noisier?

Yes, much noisier.

Can they be used in conjunction with any bathroom suite?

Yes.

Many thanks for any advice

Lastly, check which way the joists under the floor run and try to run the pipe with the joists and not through them, and lastly lastly take a look at Saniflo`s 10 Golden Rules at their web site.

Oh and welcome to the forum Julie.
(just realised my answers are in the quoted section above) duh!

Sorted for you - Croppie

 

[paulusgg]

Hi Julie, I work for a Loft Conversion company as one of their plumbers and in the 25odd years I've been doing it I can count the number of Saniflo's I've fitted on my fingers.
The soil pipe is quite often the trickiest part of the loft conversion (for the plumber) but with some consideration, and co-operation with the builders, can usually be installed.
Check the run of new joists, whether there are steels to be installed that may prevent the soil pipe from getting to the original stack, the depth of the loft floor to ensure the correct fall can be achieved.
I'd also recommend checking your existing sewer runs as it may be possible to install a new manhole and soil stack.

If all that fails then it's a Saniflo for you!

 

[Riley]

RPM legend

 

[rpm]

RPM legend

Behave!

 

[rpm]

Thanks for the edit Croppie. It is much clearer that way.

 

[Riley]

Mate credit where credits due you know your game

 

[Masood]

Mate credit where credits due you know your game

He certainly know his s***...

 

[julielmsfield]

thanks for all your help everyone. I will discuss with the architect and a builder or two but fear Saniflo might still be the only way forward

 

[oz-plumber]

Hi Julie,

You should be the one in charge of the architect and the builder at this stage.

Conventional drainage would be the better and best option.

The Saniflo should be an extreme last resort.

I'm sure there would be a way to run a drain across the building, particularly when you are doing major works like you are doing.

I would get the architect to design something that would allow for conventional drainage.
Or get him / her to consult with a Plumber to see what options are available.

To me, what they are telling you doesn't sound right, it sound like they want an easier option.

You are the one that will be living there - not them

 

[rpm]

Hi Julie,

You should be the one in charge of the architect and the builder at this stage.

Conventional drainage would be the better and best option.

The Saniflo should be an extreme last resort.

To me, what they are telling you doesn't sound right, it sound like they want an easier option.

It is no secret that I make my living from these pumps yet I still tell people "Only as a last resort"
Totally agree with oz and paulusgg above.