Since inventing the unique macerating toilets, Saniflo has worked to diversify its product range, offering highly efficient, powerful upflush toilets. However, despite being innovative, they aren’t perfect, so what are the Saniflo toilet problems?
Saniflo toilet problems include leaks, terrible smells, and the toilet humming but not flushing. Moreover, you may experience flushing issues and the toilet not filling with water. You must troubleshoot and fix these issues as soon as possible.
This post guides you into the issues to expect from your Saniflo toilet and the necessary steps to fix them. Keep reading to learn how to fix these problems yourself.
Saniflo Toilet Problems & Solutions (Quick Fix)
The table below gives a summary of problems to expect from a Saniflo toilet and how to fix them,
| Problem | Recommended Solution | |
| 1. | Toilet not filling with water | Check the fill valve and the water supply line. |
| 2. | Saniflo is humming but not pumping | Move the pump and establish whether the pump or the bearing is faulty. |
| 3. | Toilet not flushing | Call a professional to check it out. |
| 4. | Toilet leaking | Replace the rubber membrane and micro switch. |
| 5. | Toilet smells terrible | Get a high-quality Saniflo descaler. |
| 6. | Saniflo toilet won’t activate | Fix the broken membrane, defective microswitch, or a blocked pipe pathway. |
| 7. | Saniflo toilet leaking when It’s running | Fix the worn-out microswitch, rubber membrane, macerator, or rubber waster exit. |
Saniflo Toilet Troubleshooting
If your Saniflo fails to work, it is undoubtedly inconvenient and can ruin your day. Although the brand makes dependable and long-lasting toilets, things can go wrong from time to time.
This section delves into the most common problems with Saniflo toilets and their solutions.
1. Saniflo Toilet Not Filling with Water
When a Saniflo toilet doesn’t fill with water, it signifies a malfunctioning fill valve, incorrect float height, a leaky flapper, a damaged overflow tube, or insufficient water pressure.
Fix
- Examine the fill valve after removing the tank lid. You should also inspect the water entering the toilet by cutting off and detaching the water supply to the unit.
- Turn on the water at the valve after disconnecting the water supply line to ensure that the water flows properly. Test the supply line to ensure it is not connected.
- Place a container to collect the water spilled by the valve. A towel will also save you from making a huge mess.
- If your supply line and valve are clear, the issue is with the fill valve.
2. Saniflo Humming Not Pumping
Your Saniflo may make a humming noise or vibrate when you flush due to a trapped item in the macerator blade, inhibiting maceration.
Fix
- If you have access to it, try to move the impeller and then run the pump. In case you can’t move the impeller, figure out whether something is amiss with the pump or if a bearing is defective.
- If it turns easily, it is most possibly the capacitor. Depending on size, some devices feature two capacitors: one for the start circuit and another for the run circuit.
- If the pump boasts a start switch, it might potentially generate the hum if it invigorates both windings simultaneously.
3. Saniflo Toilet Not Flushing
A defective flush might be triggered by inadequate air compression in the air pipe of the Saniflo. If your Saniflo is stuck or the motor or the capacitor has blown, it could fail to flush.
Fix
- Contact a Saniflo technician to shorten the air pipe and enhance compression. If this fails, the internal microswitch or the flush button would need replacing.
- If you have a blown motor, consider getting a new one.
4. My Saniflo Toilet Smells Terrible
If you detect a strong sewage odor emanating from the Saniflo system, it has most likely been a few years and needs complete cleaning. Even if nothing clogs the unit, waste deposits will form.
Fix
- Invest in a high-quality Saniflo descaler. Avoid using bleach or regular cleaning products because these materials harm pump components.
- Follow Saniflo toilet guidelines to clean your unit correctly.
5. Saniflo Toilet Leaking When It Is Running
One cause of the Saniflo toilet leaking through the vent might be a considerable accumulation of waste. If changing the rubber membrane does not solve the problem, the entire microswitch needs replacement.
Another problem might be that the rubber membrane or the microswitch is worn, causing the water not to pump out quickly enough. When triggered, the water escapes out of the vent.
It’s also conceivable that the motor is reaching the end of its lifespan and can’t operate as it used to. It would imply you will need to replace the entire macerator.
Furthermore, the rubber waste exit may have shrunk due to using too much toilet cleaning, causing your toilet to leak.
Fix
- Replace the worn-out rubber membrane and the microswitch.
- You can also change the rubber waste exit and the macerator if they are responsible for leaking.
6. Saniflo Toilet Won’t Activate
Many things can prevent your Saniflo toilet from activating, including a broken membrane, defective microswitch, or a blocked pipe pathway at the back and side of the toilet.
Fix
Call a professional to troubleshoot your problem.
7. Saniflo Toilet Not Pumping
This is mostly caused by frozen waste pipes in areas with severely cold conditions.
Fix
- Shut off the Saniflo, and if you suspect the waste will overflow, try and remove some of it manually. You may either wait for temperatures to rise or warm up the plumbing with hot clothes.
- Outside pipes must be well-insulated to minimize frost damage.
Saniflo Pump Troubleshooting
If your Saniflo toilet doesn’t shut off, the most likely culprit is a clog in the pump. Apart from that, there could be clogging in the waste outlet pipe and the macerator.
You should also check for faulty return valves and the rubber membrane.
Why Does My Saniflo Keep Blocking?
In this case, the waste pipeline or the internal unit is clogged. When you or the plumber install the outlet pipes incorrectly, waste pipe clogs might occur.
If the waste pipe exiting the pump is at 90 degrees, it shows that you placed the Saniflo incorrectly.
Fix
- Start by clearing out any clogs in the water tank or macerator. If this doesn’t work, the blockage is most likely in the waste pipe.
- You can hire a qualified Saniflo engineer to dismantle and clean the pipes. Additionally, ensure the engineer installs them at a 45-degree angle.
How Long Should a Saniflo Last?
The lifespan of a Saniflo is dependent on appropriate setup and operation. However, devices have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years with minimum care, such as annual cleaning and descaling.
It’s also contingent on the pressure switch membrane replacement and the water condition in your area.
Can I Use Bleach in a Saniflo Toilet?
Avoid using bleach in a Saniflo toilet. The strong chemicals will corrode the seals and mechanisms, resulting in worse difficulties in the long run, including your Saniflo not functioning.
To prevent harming a Saniflo, use a specially created Saniflo descaler solution to sanitize and descale the unit while being mild on the system. The fluid eliminates calcium from the water deposits that form within the toilet.
How To Unclog a Saniflo Toilet
Before diving into how to unblock your Saniflo toilet, here is a list of the things you’ll need:
- Mask
- Rubber gloves
- Wrench
- Plumbing snake
- Toilet brush
- Phillips screwdriver
- Towels
- Bucket
After getting all the tools, follow this procedure:
Step 1
Wear a protective mask and rubber gloves while covering other body parts to avoid contact with solid human feces.
Step 2
Disable Saniflo’s power supply.
Step 3
Turn the lever towards the rear of your toilet tank to halt the water flow.
Step 4
Drain as much water as you can from the toilet.
Step 5
Set a bucket beneath the pipe that extends from the top of the Saniflo. Use a wrench to loosen the pipes and allow the leftover water to flow into the bucket.
Step 6
After draining fully, dismantle the pipes and clean any clogs with a plumbing snake or warm water. Remove the screws at the Saniflo system’s base and squeeze the ends of the metal clip on the Saniflo-toilet connector to release it.
Step 7
Remove the Saniflo from the rear of the toilet. If any more water spills, clean it up with a towel.
Step 8
If the connector behind the toilet or the hole in the Saniflo system becomes clogged, flush it with warm water.
Step 9
There shouldn’t be any more blockages after this. Reinstall the pipes and Saniflo mechanism.
Reactivate the water flow and replug the power. Wait for the toilet tank to fill with water before flushing it.
NOTE: Keep in mind that dismantling your Saniflo system voids the warranty. If your device is still under guarantee and you are unsure about doing this operation yourself, feel free to contact a Saniflo professional.
Final Remarks on Saniflo Toilet Problems
Determining the source of defects in Saniflo toilets is challenging, not to mention repairing them. However, most problems stem from improper installation, which causes frequent clogging.
Refer to this post should you spot issues with your unit or contact a professional to bail you out.
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