If your Saniflo stops working, it’s certainly frustrating. Whether it’s your Saniflo toilet, Sanishower or other unit, a broken Saniflo can disrupt your day.
While the Saniflo system is reliable and long-lasting, as with any installation, things can sometimes go wrong.
Fortunately, at Sani Solutions, we offer a 24/7 Saniflo repair service throughout Dorset and Hampshire. We’ll get your Saniflo working again in no time. No hassle or fuss. Call 03300 882 552 for Saniflo repairs now.
Book Your Saniflo Repair Today. Call us Now.
Why is My Saniflo Not Working?
Below are some common Saniflo problems individuals and businesses might face.
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- Saniflo macerator is blocked
- Saniflo won’t turn off
- Saniflo stops mid cycle
- Saniflo won’t flush
- Saniflo box is very hot
- Saniflo isn’t pumping out
- Saniflo starts on its own
- Saniflo smells bad
- Saniflo is backing up
- Saniflo works on the toilet but not the bath or sink
- Saniflo is buzzing or vibrating
- Saniflo won’t activate
- Saniflo is leaking
- Saniflo activates constantly in short bursts
- Saniflo trips the electrics
- Saniflo air vent is foaming
Saniflo Macerator is Blocked
If your sink, toilet, bath or shower shows a higher than normal water level, this might be a sign that your macerator is blocked. Typical blockages include baby wipes, sanitary products, grease and food waste. It’s important to avoid putting these items down your Saniflo unit to prevent blockages. Blockages are one of the most common forms of macerator problems.
When you’re faced with a blocked Saniflo, the best thing you can do is call in the professionals. In the meantime, however, try and empty as much water as possible from the unit into a bucket. This will decrease the water level and reduce the likelihood of a leakage onto the floor (or even through the ceiling). You might want to put down some towels to soak up any excess water.
Saniflo Won’t Turn Off
If your Saniflo won’t turn off, the likely cause is a blockage in the system. There may be a blockage in the macerator, pump or the waste outlet pipe.
Alternatively, there may be a fault with the return valve or damage to the unit’s rubber membrane. Occasionally, this is caused by the microswitch misfiring.
Turn off the main water supply and contact a Saniflo professional who can advise you on the cause of the issue and how to fix it.
Saniflo Stops Mid Cycle
Saniflo units come with a thermal cut function. This stops the pump’s electrics when there is too much water running through the system and the motor overheats, often during hot washing machine cycles or hot baths. Usually, the unit simply needs to cool down. If this happens, avoid running any 90ºC hot washes. You might also notice water leaking out of the Saniflo box at the vent.
This is also common among older Saniflo pumps, where there might be signs of wear and tear.
Alternatively, it could be because the macerator pump is jammed. In this case, the thermal cut will activate to prevent motor damage. You should turn the pump off at the wall while waiting for a qualified Saniflo engineer.
Saniflo Won’t Flush
A faulty flush could be due to a lack of air compression in your Saniflo’s air pipe. In this case, a Saniflo engineer will need to shorten the air pipe to improve compression. If this doesn’t work, the flush button or the internal microswitch may need replacing.
In some cases, your Saniflo might not flush if it is jammed or if the capacitor or motor has blown. If the motor has blown, you will need a new macerator.
Saniflo Box is Very Hot
If your Saniflo box feels hot, this will likely be due to a jammed motor. If a jammed motor is left too long, it cannot be repaired and will need replacing. Before inspecting the motor, ensure the electric supply is disconnected first.
Saniflo Isn’t Pumping Out
When a Saniflo stops pumping out, this is usually due to frozen waste pipes. This can happen in extremely cold weather. The pipe will need to be thawed to push through the frozen blockage. Once the pipe is thawed, normal operation should resume, allowing the waste to be flushed again.
Saniflo Starts on its Own
If you find your Saniflo starting randomly at any time of the day (or night) there could be problem with the unit’s microswitch. In some cases, the microswitch could be misfiring due to waste getting lodged between the tank floor and the switch, causing the switch to think the tank is full. In others, there may be damage to the rubber membrane, causing waste to enter the switch. In this case, the membrane and switch will require replacing.
Saniflo Smells Bad
When a bad smell starts coming from your old Saniflo, it’s usually a sign that the unit needs cleaning. This could be due to a build up of waste and limescale. Flush or fill and drain the basin with water to double check whether the smell is the same near the air vent. If so, it will need descaling. Only use Saniflo approved descalers as other types or general bleach can damage your Saniflo.
Saniflo is Backing Up
If your Saniflo or Sanishower is backing up or blocking, there is likely to be an obstruction in the waste pipe. Your trained Saniflo engineer will remove the blockage and clear out the waste pipe, ensuring the pipe is correctly aligned to return your Saniflo to full working order.
Alternatively, your Saniflo backing up could be caused by an issue with the motor, the microswitch or the rubber membrane. However, a blockage is the most common cause.
Saniflo Works on the Toilet but not the Bath or Sink
This is most likely due to blocked inlet pipes. Hair and soap are common obstructions. You’ll find the pipe valves inside of the macerator box. They can be removed and gently cleaned to remove the obstruction. Check your instruction manual for details, or call a professional today.
Saniflo is Buzzing or Vibrating
You might hear a buzzing or humming noise from your Saniflo. Or, it may start vibrating when you flush. If this happens, it’s probably due to an object lodged in the macerator blade, preventing maceration. Call a registered Saniflo repairs expert to come and fix the blade. You should not try this yourself.
Saniflo Won’t Activate
There are several reasons your Saniflo might not be activating. The breather pipe pathway at the back or side of your Saniflo might be blocked; there could be water in the membrane, the membrane could be damaged or warped, or the microswitch might be faulty. You’ll need a professional to come and inspect the system to identify the exact cause and solution.
Saniflo is Leaking
A leaking Saniflo unit can be caused by a number of issues. It may be due to a buildup of waste, causing the unit to back up or overfill. Or, it may be that the motor, microswitch or rubber membrane is worn and needs replacing. If you’ve used too much toilet cleaner on your unit, the rubber waste outlet may have shrunk. In these cases, waste water might be escaping from the air vent. Call a professional to come out and assess the problem to see why your Saniflo is leaking and to fix the issue promptly.
Saniflo Activates Constantly in Short Bursts
This is probably because the non-return valve is not working properly. It may simply need cleaning, which can be done by a professional or, in newer models, by undoing the jubilee clip at the top of the Saniflo system and pulling out the valve to clean before replacing it.
Saniflo Trips the Electrics
If you notice your Saniflo constantly tripping your electrics, it could be caused by water getting into the unit which shuts off the circuit. Alternatively, it could be due to a loose wire. If the fault is caused by a worn out motor, you will need a replacement macerator. When it comes to handling electrics, it is safer to call in the experts. Do not try to fix it yourself.
If you decide to inspect the Saniflo pump yourself, always make sure you turn the electrics off first.
Saniflo Air Vent is Foaming
This can happen when you have too much cleaner, bleach or bubble bath mixture inside the Saniflo system. Foam will stop the Saniflo pumping out properly. This can lead to excess pumping and overheating. Try diluting the water to reduce the amount of foam. Or, you could switch the Saniflo on for short bursts repeatedly to get rid of the foam. Try to limit the amount of cleaner or bubble bath you use with your Saniflo system.
Can I Descale My Saniflo with Bleach?
No. Bleach can damage the rubber membrane covering your Saniflo’s pressure switch, stopping it from switching off properly. Toilet cleaners such as bleach should only be used occasionally and you should avoid using large amounts. Check your Saniflo instructions for the amount you should use. You can purchase special descaler suitable for Saniflo products from Saniflo UK.
It is important that you do not attempt any repairs yourself without the necessary tools or training. Saniflo installation involves water and electricity and therefore can pose a risk if you try to fix any issues yourself. Incorrectly fixing a Saniflo issue could cause flooding in your property, damage or even injury. Which is why we recommend calling in approved Saniflo engineers, with years of training and professional Saniflo expertise.
If your Saniflo is not working, call in the Saniflo experts. Call Sani Solutions on 03300 882 552.
Need an emergency plumber in Bournemouth? Call Sani Solutions.
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