The Situation: SFA Saniflo Untangling an Illegal Plumbing Tangle in Bedfordview

In 2017, a property sale in the affluent suburb of Bedfordview in Gauteng, South Africa, hit an unusual hitch. While conducting due diligence, a grave and legally objectionable condition was found: the outhouse on the property was found to be illegally connected to the neighbouring property's sewerage system. This illegal connection needed to be resolved prior to finalising the property transfer since South African law categorically forbids such an arrangement.

The outhouse was not a simple structure; it had a full bathroom with toilet, basin, bathtub, and shower, and a kitchen with sink, dishwasher, and washing machine. This required a full wastewater management solution that would handle both blackwater (sewage) and greywater (non-toilet wastewater).

The Challenge: Overcoming Distance and Vertical Lift to a Legal Relationship

Although separate greywater and blackwater pumps might have been able to deal with the bathroom and kitchen wastewater individually, since there was open external pipework, the main obstacle was in providing the legal sewer connection point. This acceptable connection was a whopping 30 meters away at the main house and included a 3-meter vertical rise along the route of discharge. This combination of horizontal distance and vertical height was a great hindrance to traditional drainage systems.

The contractor and plumber concerned did appreciate the complexity of the issue and sought professional advice. They called upon an SFA Saniflo expert which led to a thorough on-site examination and protracted discussion to establish the optimum and most legally acceptable solution.

The Solution: The Robust Reliability of the Sanifos 110

Following a critical review of the site's specific needs, Sanifos 110 submersible lifting station was identified as the ideal solution. Its durable nature and higher pumping capacity were ideal to meet the special needs of this Bedfordview home.

The Sanifos 110 boasts a generous 110-litre holding capacity, a crucial feature considering the potential for scheduled load shedding, a common occurrence in South Africa at the time. This capacity provided a buffer, ensuring continued wastewater management even during power outages. Furthermore, its impressive pumping performance, capable of discharging wastewater up to 110 meters horizontally or 11 meters vertically, effortlessly met the site's 30-meter horizontal distance and 3-meter vertical lift requirements.

To its advantage, the 5-meter maximum immersion depth of the Sanifos 110 easily made use of an existing excavated pit available, which the contractor had already built prior to SFA Saniflo’s involvement. This avoided extra groundwork, which was time- and money-saving.

The Result: A Seamless Property Transfer and Enduring Peace of Mind

Shortly after the Sanifos 110 installation, the client reported a minor technical issue. Demonstrating their commitment to professional service, the SFA Saniflo team promptly visited the site, quickly identified a minor installation fault, and rectified it on the spot. Since this swift intervention, the Sanifos 110 has operated flawlessly, with no further issues reported by the satisfied client.

This Bedfordview project is a solid case study of how what seemed to be a complex and potentially tricky situation, one that could have endangered the transfer of the property, was swiftly and successfully resolved by specialist advice, the selection of the right product – the reliable Sanifos 110 – and responsive, professional service from SFA Saniflo.

This satisfactory outcome not only facilitated the lawful conveyance of the property but also provided the new owner with a sound and compliant wastewater collection system for their outhouse.

Why This Matters to You

This case emphasises the need for:

• Professional Diagnosis: The determination of the underlying cause of plumbing issues is crucial for successful solutions.
• Durable Technology: SFA Saniflo’s lifting station Sanifos line offers heavy-duty and robust solutions for demanding wastewater applications.
• Professional Support: Technical expertise and timely after-sales service ensure project success and customer satisfaction.
• Legal Compliance: Sorting out unlawful plumbing connections is fundamental for property exchange and long-term peace of mind. 

Should you be faced with tough plumbing problems in South Africa, trust the expertise and practical solutions offered by SFA Saniflo. Contact us today to discuss your project!