Sebastian, I am from the states. Have had a Saniflo Plus toilet for about 6 years in my basement. Last month it would not turn off. Unplugged it and have been doing research on how to fix it. Watch your video about a dozen times. Gave me the confidence to attempt repair on my own. I am 66 and have never done anything like this before. Although mine was somewhat different than yours, I followed your directions to the letter. Turned out that a nut holding the motor had fallen off and allowed the motor to tip oh so little, causing the constant running. That switch is very sensitive! Put it back together and it worked like a charm. Smell to me was no worse than what I was used to. I retired for 43 years as a nurse so no big deal. I cannot thank you enough for your video and the confidence you instilled in me that I could do it if I took my time and followed your directions.
I just unblocked the Saniflo in my daughters room following your instructions. This rates as one of the rankest job ever. I love Sebastian’s understated tone about the fact you have to dig deep into a mountain of faeces-I had to dig very deep to get through the job (ha). I got through 4 pairs of disposable gloves, a few swear words, and lots of cleaner . But I did it! Very proud of myself. Without this video, I could not have done it. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
There's a few 'how to' type videos on RU-vid about Saniflo macerator issues. But this one is the clearest one I've found, pitched at just the right level for someone like me, who is not a plumber, nor familiar with their working, but willing to give it a go. Thank you. Now, where's those rubber gloves and scented candles...
Great video. Sebastian. I have refused to work on these for the past 10yrs. Now, I think I need to stop being so scared of poop and just get out there. So this video has been really helpful. Thank you P.s. I miss your plumbing videos.
Thanks Sabastian. I installed a Saniflo toilet in my basement approximately 3 years ago. I am an avid do it yourselfer and I will try to fix anything. Thanks to people like you we can all learn how to fix common problems that creep up now and again in the house. As it turns out my toilet had a few issues that required me to "go deep". I had a faulty switch as it turns out. I cleaned the whole unit from top to bottom. After watching your video it was clear the switch the culprit. It was not making that "clicking" sound like on your video. I took the cover off and played with the plunger and thereafter it started to click. Put all the parts back together and voila all fixed. Been working fine ever since. Thanks again for the video. Cheers. Deny
Top notch video! I’ve always been slightly worried that something would happen to my Saniflo unit and I would have to call a plumber. I have company coming tonight and the unit started making horrible noises this morning. Thanks to your video, I’ve now fished out the baby wipe with a wire hook and didn’t even have to remove the toilet! Thank you so much!
Seb - I've watched this more than once, a few years apart, and I have to say it's one of the best 'how to' videos on the internet. My sanipro-xr is difficult to access, sitting underneath the cistern with very little room to work in. In 12 years I've had to open it up a couple of times - hair extensions and tampons being the culprits. Definitely gives you good reason to praise plumbers, lol.
Great guide. Some additional information, I replaced the rubber seal over the microswitch and then had problems over a period of time with the pump not coming on. I remembered that the rubber seal on the old one was also glued with rubber solution glue. Make sure you glue the new one in as well. The plastic clip alone does not give a completely water tight seal and the rubber fills behind with water and the switch then does not operate properly.
Seconded, needs to be siliconed if you ever remove the diaphragm, you never get a factory seal. The electrics behind the rubber diaphragm aren't waterproof.
Fantastically helpful - I have zero plumbing knowledge but fixed the macerator that had become clogged with soap scum and bits of food from the washing machine and sink that feed it. Completely do-able for a rank amateur like me. Thank you.
Thanks for the video, very clear. Actually describes how it works and common issues. This is a must-see for anyone having to maintain a Saniflo system.
You were an answer to a prayer...or at least, a wife's urgent request for a miracle when I saw my DIY husband attempt this without proper information! Your instructions were clear, precise and with humour (...best of all!). I take it you are a plumber and greatly appreciate your repeated reminders to be safe and cautious. I did not suggest wearing gloves as I assumed that you were using a discarded Saniflo unit. So a million thanks once again.
Superb video. Really useful. When ours just sat there humming I thought the motor had gone but after watching the video decided to have a go at opening it up. Looked like a cleaning cloth had been minced in there and wrapped around the blade. Pulled it all out, rinsed it through, put it back together and presto, better than ever since we moved in 3 years ago. I won't be scared next time! Thank you so much! Saved getting a plumber in to fit a new one.
Our issue was actually well water lime scale & calcification ! Thanks to your video we saved ourselves at least $600 for a new saniflo ! Thank you so much
When mine went wrong and I had two inches of water heading at me across the floor...I headed for RU-vid (well after the mop)....and I was not optimistic. This video was an absolute lifesaver, and gave me the confidence to tackle the job myself... which I did...successfully. I can't thank you enough, put up a link to a paypal address and I'll buy you a drink. Superb video, you've got a gift for it.
Thanks to your video I saved a vast sum of money by fixing my saniflo when a big plumbing firm claimed the unit required replacement! Hope you are OK - haven’t seen any recent posts.
My Saniflow was almost always pumping so following this video I managed to take it apart and fix it. Turns out the micro switch was not being triggered as the rubber bladder was stiff and not seated correctly, a simple wash and put it back and problam solved. Thanks so much for helping all us basic DIY dads to save money and fix the problem . . . .!
excellent video! Our Saniflo was making a right noise, took the clip of the back of the toilet, shined a torch inside and you could see stuck baby wipes, long screw driver, removed them, reconnected the main rubber hose, turned the water and power back on, jobs a good one! now running like new! tip put some towels down before removing the clib on the back of the toilet as the water will run out, few towels should do! Amazing that we have lived with the loud grinding noise for months yet took 15 mins to fix :-) thanks for the upload!
I'll add another thank you to the list Sebastian. Managed to repair my Saniflo without calling the plumber - though new respect for plumbers - that was the most disgusting thing I've ever done! Culprit - a hair extension dropped and a couple of baby wipes. The macerator had been making a loud long rattling sort of noise which alerted me that things were not all well. Was not confident about opening this up without breaking something until I saw your video. Now it's all working again, a lot cleaner inside than it was. Thanks again mate, great video.
Many thanks for posting this. It helped me fix my saniflo plus which had got clogged with baby wipes (thank you grand daughter). It is a dirty job so I would advise wearing gloves and a mask if you take the macerater pump etc out of the tank. For me the hardest part was replacing the lid. I found it easier in the end to take the seal out of the lid and place it round the rim of the tank then put the lid on.
Top bloke! You just saved me £250 plus and a hell of a lot of time, as I was going to go in through the top, but did as you said and just took the bellows of the pan and hey presto, half an hour of pulling what looked like a mop head out of there (don't ask..) now working perfectly from totally jammed. My appreciation to you Sir!.
Thank you, Sebastian. I had baby wipes stuck in my Saniflo.... which made a terrible sound when it was running...and likely would cause more problems if left in the unit. Your video removed all doubt that I should remove the problem myself... and it was easier than expected. You're a good man for taking the time to make this video and post it.
What a helpful chap and a brilliant hands-on (literally) video. Really helped me understand how they work and potential problems which can arise. I need to have another look at my Sanibroyeur Pro because it looks as though the lid is sealed on. Thanks for taking the trouble to share your expertise Sebastian.
Excellent piece of info!! If I had only thought of searching online first time when a plastic cap went down the toilet I would have saved the £100 I was charged by the "specialized" company to fish it out! Now I am not stressed anymore that my little chap drops something down the loo ... thank you
Thank you so much Sebastian - using this video I fixed my SANITOP BROY PRO which was blocked by a mixture of thick toilet paper and wet ones just below the blades. I had one hell of a job getting it out from behind the toilet in the tiny toilet in my spare bedroom but once out it was easy to remedy. Again my sincere thanks :)
Hi just wanted to say a big "Thank You". i have a saniflo that was making such a terrible noise and vibrating so much it sounded like it was going to explode! But thanks to you and this video i was confident enough to tackle it. I started by disconnecting the fuse to stop the blades turning/powering, then undid the jubilee clip that connects the bellows and pulled apart (cotton wool up the nose and gloves are recommended!) .There was a blockage of what looked like baby wipes which i simply pulled out, then reconnected everything. Now it flushes and sounds like it should.... Thanks again for the upload!
My problem was the pump would not shut off. So did exactly what the video suggested.Yes a bit nasty. But I didn't have any mess disconnecting or re connecting. I cleaned what I could clean, Took off the diaphragm put some grease on the plunger replaced the rubber. put it all back together and wow! Works like a charm. Thanks Sebastian. I hope that the fix lasts, like I said a bit nasty but for 2 hours of work I saved $800.
Great informative video saniflo guy remind me never to shake hands with you, because of the WuFlu, thanks for the look inside a saniflo, I wont be able to eat at the barbeque today, bye God bless.
Top man, I dread having to fix these and your video has made things a lot more simple for me to do it now. It's just when people have them boxed in or there's carpet everywhere....ooooooo. Have got one customer to get the Saniflo registered engineer out and he made a real **itty mess everywhere causing me great embarrassment with the customer. From what it appears you are the man, You are "Seb the macerator man"!!
Thanks for the explanation, Sebastian. It was clear, accurate and accessible. It helped me to solve my Saniflo problem with minimal difficulty apart from the annoyance of having to do it in the first place. I'd shake your hand except, well, you know ...
Man you just saved my life, well actually just my sani but it matters just as much. I couldnt find anything in french so I tried in English and your explanations are so cool and precise that I saved hundreds of euros. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge, this is what the Internet, RU-vid and... the mankind can do best. Best wishes from Paris!
Using the example of sololift2 D-2, I will tell you how to solve problems for a long time. The device has no electronics, the pump is controlled directly by a mechanical switch in the filling sensor, which burns out after 2 years. There is a rubber membrane on the filling sensor, which turns brown over time and stops reacting, it needs to be changed, if it breaks, it will pour through the air duct (a small hole) and the entire pump and possibly a little on the floor, the engine will burn (costs a lot). The air valve becomes dirty and water is poured through it onto the floor. I made the sololift work normally for years without disassembly and cleaning just like that - 1.Close the air valve completely with 3M adhesive tape in 2-3 layers (water will begin to flow in and out of the inlet corrugation by gravity). 2. Turn off the filling sensor and close its air duct (small hole) with acid silicone. 3.Install a configurable capacitive sensor outside the housing to the left of the water tank, for the presence of water, autonics CM30-3015NC (for a 3M double-sided thermal scotch); time relay XY-J02 (JZ-801), OMRON G3MB-202P solid-state relay for shunting the mechanical relay on the time relay board and a 12V power supply and a smoothing capacitor for a 2000 mf psu. The sensor must give a command to turn on the time relay (via a 50mf capacitor, a resistor parallel to the capacitor), which must be configured to turn on once for 3 seconds. The power actuating contacts should go to the wires in the pump that used to fit the filling sensor. Plus, I held a separate switch for manually starting the relay with my time relay and + OMRON. And it is also necessary to conduct a wire for a switch that will turn off the time relay for a short time, turning off the cycle. Setting up the relay - 3s work, 6s simple, number of inclusions 900 times. This will work for a long time and without maintenance with disassembly because there is almost nothing left in the system that can collapse from alkalis or acids, or through which a pump or floor can be filled, the filling sensor does not contact with water, only the engine and the water check valve remain of the vulnerable mechanisms. Once every 3 months, fill the tank with water with detergent for washing and wait 6-24 hours and drain, you can more often (alkaline powder, you can use acid detergent). After closing the air valve, the capacity of the sololift, as well as the outlet pipe, will become pressure. Perhaps, for this reason, may be nothing will accumulate on its walls, just as it does not accumulate on the walls of the outlet pipe due to pressure and cavitation. The instruction was written by Vache Babajanyan
Many thanks. One of those toilet blocks plus its plastic bracket disappeared and I feared the worst but thanks to your video I fished it out myself in under an hour - including removing and replacing the toilet bowl.
Thank you for this video Sebastian. Our Saniflo's motor is running for ages and a tiny bit of the waste is starting to sip back the wrong way when it is. Although I haven't been able to get to the Saniflo to try and fix it, it is very awkward to get to, I feel a little less anxious about it all. I'll way up my options to get it fixed and take it from there.
Thank you, saved me a lot of hassle/money by showing me how it worked, I'd flushed down some dry dogs dirt (possibly containing a few small stones) and it sounded like the motor was jammed. All I done is poked several times down the u-bend with a long bendy bit of plastic (after powering off), I didn't need to disassemble anything. I switched back on and hay presto!!! Then I flushed several times just to make sure it was clear.
Considering a macerator for a loo, read lots of terrible stories. This has at least allayed some of my fears about the difficulty of maintenance/repair. Thanks
Great video, very well explained - a very comprehensive insight as to how the system works and the problems you might encounter - and a very friendly, upbeat presentation…..many thanks 🙏
Thanks for posting this video, great information, I was able to fix my saniflo today (crud on the diaphragm) and save myself a hefty plumbers bill, CHEERS!
This vid Saved me grief on a couple of occasions. The newer models now have an access panel in the lid so you can unblock the macerator without having to remove the pan. Top vid though
Thanks man! This helped me figure out what was wrong with my toilet. The button on the bottom came came off track and wasn't flushing when it filled up with water. I just pulled off the clamp and rubber piece and lined it back up. Now we're back to taking baths downstairs! Haha
Hi Seb- used your great video to repair my Sanilav. Dismantling it revealed a blown capacitor which was each to replace. However had a bit of a setback for a few weeks after inadvertently draining out all the oil from the motor and didn't realise that it was like hen's teeth to get hold of. Finally managed to find one place that was willing to sell me some in a quantity less than 100 litres! I do however have one 'slight' problem...Although it is now technically working.....it does trip all the electrics when it's plugged In! I can think of a couple of reasons..1) I got the capacitor wires the wrong way round- would it matter?..or 2) More likely I suspect...there's water getting into the electrics where it shouldn't. I was surprised how exposed the wiring that connects the motor to the sensor was in the tank but assumed it must all be sealed- clearly not..... Any ideas? Regards Brian
If you need to service the unit as this video shows remember to protect yourself by wearing rubber gloves. If the unit is seriously fouled it will be a very dirty job. As with any mechanical sewerage pumpimg system, this is the main drawback to not having a gravity drain available. Very informative video.
Great web page and video, thanks for the knowledge. My macerator was (disappointingly) as clean as a whistle, but there was a 3" piece of plastic hook from a toilet block which had gone through the cage holes and was then lurking on the bottom of the Saniflo below the pump impellor, and getting sucked into it a making an awful noise while the motor ran, then dropped out again when it stopped.
You see women deal with doodie all the time, so I wasn't grossed out one bit. You've made me decide to buy this unit after looking at how to fix problems. the company should pay you for this video!!!
I've taken 2 of these out as they've stopped working. Having cleaned them up, I connected them up one at a time on my outdoor bench and without water engaged the startup switch, fingers etc well out of the way! The motor would hum but neither of them would spin. I assume the motors have expired. Of course when they do jamb up nobody thinks to turn the power off so I'm wondering if they then just burn out. It seems such a waste to just throw them out, they are very expensive to replace. Thank you for your informative video, very much appreciated.
Got a job on with one of these later in a high rise office block. Only being used for sinks but i’ve been to it before. Going to be an absolute nightmare to get it out!
Thankfully the newer models have an easily removable hatch that allows easy access to the motor without dissembling the unit. Nonetheless very helpful video, relieved I didn't have to use the knowledge though!
Thank you!! Just saved me from been stabbed by a plumber. Fixed in less than 10min. Quoted by plumber $640.00 to fix. The switch beneath the thin piece of rubber was stock. Unit is brand new, did not need gloves.. . ;-)