Q&A

    • Is a specific type of electrical connection required for the product?

      You only need a dedicated power outlet connected to ground and a residual current GFCI circuit breaker. For three-phase products, a three-phase electrical line is required. You can find this information on the product sheet.

       

    • Where can I obtain the expanded views and diagrams of the products?

      1) Our catalogue available in digital and paper versions.  2) On our website, download the product sheet.

    • Is maintenance required?

      Maintenance is not required for any of our products.  However, we recommend the use a descaler which acts as a cleanser and descaler.

    • Where can I find the product manuals?

      You can find the manuals for our products directly on the website, on each product page. If it's an older product, you can contact customer service at 0212860028/0840850028
       

    • What material should be used for the drainage piping?

      The drainage piping can be done using standard PVC, galvanized or copper pipe.

    • What are the delivery lead times ?

      SFA South Africa is a manufacturer and does not sell directly. We recommend contacting your nearest retailer, who will be able to assist you. The list is available by clicking here https://www.sfapumps.co.za/en/find-partner.

       

       

       

    • How long are the products guaranteed for?

      All products come with a 2-year warranty. The warranty covers the cost of parts, labour, and travel, provided there is proper use and installation. You can contact customer service at [email protected] for more information. More information is available on the product sheets.

       

    • What size discharge pipe should be used?

      One of the advantages of SFA macerators and pumps is being able to discharge at a very small diameter (20-32 mm for the vast majority of products, with some large pumps like the Sanicubic range using DN50 and DN100), thereby avoiding major remodelling.The recommended discharge diameter may vary by device. Please check the site's different product pages to find the most suitable discharge pipe diameters for your project.

       

    • What is the difference between wastewater, sewage, and clear water?

      The terms "wastewater," "sewage," and "clear water" are used to categorize water based on its origin, composition, and potential for reuse or treatment. Here’s a detailed overview of these different categories. Wastewater -  Wastewater is water that has been affected by human use, making it less pure than in its natural state. This includes water from sinks, showers, toilets, and washing machines, meaning it contains a variety of substances such as organic waste, bacteria, viruses, and chemicals from cleaning products and detergents. Sewage water, The term "sewage" is often used to describe water that contains solid elements (organic matter, fibers, etc.), which can have a high particle size.  • Wastewater with organic matter.  • Rainwater loaded with leaves. • Floodwater containing all the materials gathered along the way. • Basement drainage water. • Runoff water. A second distinction specific to sewage is based on particle size, meaning the size of the particles present in the fluids. Clear water  - This term generally refers to water coming from natural sources such as rain, snow melting, or groundwater infiltration that has not yet been used for human activities.

       

    • What does legislation require regarding the drainage of appliances equipped with a grinding system?

      Legislation requires that appliances equipped with a grinding system discharge into the wastewater network (known as black water), while a simple lifting pump can discharge into the domestic water network (known as grey water). Additionally, the dedicated drainage pipe of the macerator/pump must be directly connected to the main sewage line (large diameter). Local regulations may impose certain restrictions, so we recommend checking with your local municipality to be informed. In a complex, we advise consulting the property manager before starting your project. 

    • Where is a Sanicubic station installed?

      The Sanicubic station is installed indoors or outside covered, on the ground. Some examples of applications include basements, multiple bathrooms, cellars, and garages.

    • How can I determine if my lifting station meets my needs?

      To meet your needs, the technical service team is available at: 084 085 0028 / [email protected]

    • What types of water can be lifted with a SFA Saniflo pump (wastewater, rainwater, sewage, etc.)?

      There are several ranges of pumps: 1. Domestic pumps: pump gray water from bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms. 2. Pumps: pump waste water and rainwater. 3. Cellar pumps: pump clear water from flooding (rainwater), gray water.

       

    • What is a lifting station? What is it used for?

      Lifting stations are powerful pumps that drain waste water from the home, and even from public buildings. Some models are equipped with a macerating system that pumps out waste water while other use Vortex technology. Whatever your project, be it an individual home, a commercial coffee shop or a communal shower block at a glamping site, Saniflo has a range of products to help you find the right solution. From the Sanifos range which are placed below ground and is perfect when drainage is too low for the sewer, or the Sanicubic and Sanicom ranges which sit above ground for easy installation and are designed to suit differing projects depending on your needs. The Sanicom range is perfect for removing grey water, whilst the Sanicubic range can deal with black water.

    • What are the key benefits of installing the SFA lifting station?

      The key benefits include no core cutting or pit digging, gravity-free drainage, no smell issues, and easy servicing and maintenance.

    • What safety features does the SFA lifting station offer?

      Most of the SFA lifting station comes equipped with IP68-certified motors and audible and visual alarms for added safety. Additionally, they come with a built-in control panel for easy operation and monitoring. Two pump lifting stations are also available to ensure continuous operation.

    • What size Sanifos pump station do I need?

      A Sanifos is normally sized based on the number of occupants of the dwelling with a calculation of 150-200 litres per person per day of water usage, your typical 4 bedroom house would have 5 occupants so a Sanifos 610 would be sufficient for this site.

    • The alarm keeps going off on my Sanicubic?

      If this is a new installation, then check the venting of the unit, if an air admittance valve (one-way or two-way vent) has been fitted to the unit then that is more than likely causing the problem and needs to be removed. If it has been installed a while, then recommend a visit from a SFA service agent as it may be a number of causes.

    • Can my Sanicubic be installed outside?

      Your Sanicubic unit can be installed outside remotely from the fixtures inside the house, we do recommend a cover to protect against the harsh effects of the weather.

    • Are there any specific precautions to take when using a product equipped with a grinding system?

      1. Only appropriate materials: Use only for organic waste and toilet paper. Never dispose of non-soluble products like wipes, sanitary towels, tampons, condoms, paper towels, plastic items, hair, or corrosive chemicals.  2. Descaling: Clean and descale the system once or twice a year, especially if the water is very hard in your area.  3. Usage precautions: Avoid prolonged stops: If the device is installed in a second home or is not used for an extended period, operate the device occasionally to prevent the seals from drying out.

    • Can I install a domestic grey water pump in a commercial application?

      Unfortunately we do not recommend this, using a domestic product in a commercial property can void the warranty on the product. We have an range of suitable heavy duty products that would be more suitable for the installation.

    • How noisy is a SFA grey water pump?

      A typical SFA domestic grey water pump like the Sanivite has a noise level of 43 decibels, to put this into perspctive the average dishwasher runs at the same noise level but it will run continually through a cycle for up to 1-1.5 hours whereas the Sanivite only cycles for just a few seconds at a time.

    • How do I install a Sanishower?

      The Sanishower is a lift pump that evacuates the wastewater from a shower or a washbasin. For the device to operate properly, the hight of the shower trap must be located at least 130mm off the ground. Non-compliance with this height requirement may result in water flowing back into the shower tray.

    • Can SFA grey water pumps handle hot water?

      Yes, SFA grey water pumps can handle hot water. Certain models can handle hot water up to 90ºC (5 min max) from appliances such as dishwashers or washing machines.

    • Where can the grey water pump be installed? Can grey water pumps be used in both residential and commercial settings?

      It can be installed in a variety of locations, including kitchens, utility rooms, basements, and laundry rooms. Its compact design allows it to fit into tight spaces. Yes, a grey water pump such as Sanivite is designed for residential use. Whereas, Sanispeed and Sanicom are designed for commercial environments to handle higher capacities and more intensive use.

    • Can grey water pumps handle waste from toilets?

      No, SFA grey water pumps are specifically designed for handling grey water only. For toilets, you can consider our macerator pumps. Grey water pumps are not intended for handling solid waste. They are designed to handle water with minimal suspended solids, such as soap residue and food particles (up to a certain particle size).

    • What is a grey water pump?

      A grey water pump is a type of pump designed to transfer wastewater from various sources, such as a kitchen sink, dishwasher, and washing machine.

    • What criteria should I consider when choosing the most suitable SFA toilet macerator for my needs?

      Please refer to our catalogue. Each section has selector guide, it takes into consideration what is being connected and shows which product meets those requirements. Further to this, it provides the distance that can be covered both vertically and horizontally.

    • Is the SFA toilet macerator compatible with all types of toilets?

      We have various macerators for various applications, these have been developed over the years with market experience gained. If we don't have a macerator that is compatible we will recommend other products such as inground or lifting stations.

    • What is the lifetime of a Saniflo macerator?

      The lifespan of a SFA toilet macerator primarily depends on proper installation, use, and maintenance. However, we regularly observe a longevity of about 10 to 15 years, with the only maintenance being regular cleaning and descaling, depending on the water quality in your area. The product is also repairable, and we have a network of authorized service stations and offer numerous spare parts to repair your product and extend its lifespan.

    • Where is the Sanicompact's water cistern?

      Water supply for all SANICOMPACTs works using a solenoid valve. There is therefore no need for a cistern. The quantity of water used per cycle is 1.8L/3L. The water pressure must be at least 1.7 bars to ensure that the SANICOMPACT is properly rinsed.

    • What is the minimum water pressure required for operating a Sanicompact?

      The minimum water pressure for operating a SANICOMPACT is 1.7 bars. If your water pressure is lower than this, we recommend you install a traditional toilet bowl, behind which you can install an adaptable macerator like the Sanitop or Sanipro, etc.

    • How long does a Saniflo macerator run when the toilet is flushed?

      The flush discharge generally triggers 2 to 3 cycles lasting 1 to 2 seconds each.

       

    • Is a Saniflo macerator noisy?

      The Saniflo macerator is no louder than a toilet flushing. The sound volume emitted in decibels may vary from one installation to another, depending on the product and especially the surroundings (tiled room or not, size and shape of the room, etc.). That is why we do not provide a value in decibels for our devices. Furthermore, it is crucial to follow the installation instructions to avoid the propagation of sound vibrations (no contact between the macerator and the wall, place the anti-vibration pads under the tank, mount the piping at intervals, etc.).You can also opt to lay a layer of sound insulation between the macerator and the floor and/or wall for even better soundproofing.

    • Can a Saniflo macerator be connected to a septic tank?

      A Saniflo macerator may indeed be installed, even if you have a septic tank. The macerator's action on waste materials is mechanical (maceration and pumping) only, with no chemicals involved whatsoever. It can therefore be used with a septic tank.

       

    • Do I need to break up the floor to install a Saniflo product?

      There is no need to break up the floor.  Saniflo can easily be installed anywhere on any finished floor.

    • What is the difference between a macerating and grinder pump?

      A macerating pump is designed to handle the flush of human waste and toilet paper only (Sanitop, Saniaccess3, Saniplus, Sanipro, Sanipack, Sanicompact). A grinder pump is designed to handle the flush of human waste, toilet paper and sanitary napkins such as feminine hygiene products (Sanibest Pro, Sanicubic 1 and Sanicubic 2).

    • Do SFA products require a vent?

      All of SFA products require an 1-1/2 inch vent pipe, which must be vented to the main vent stack as per plumbing codes.  The Sanicompact 43 do not require a vent connection since they are considered self contained units. It is not recommended to use an air admittance valve or a mechanical spring-loaded device as they only allow air to flow one way.

    • Where is the waste discharged?

      All SFA products are designed to pump out the waste into a municipal sewer, septic tank or soil stack.

    • What maintenance does a Saniflo macerator require?

      The macerator does not require any special maintenance; however, to ensure many years of good service, we recommend that you clean and descale your macerator regularly with SFA approved descaler. th SFA descaler is designed to remove scale while preserving the internal workings of your device. This should be done more or less frequently depending on the hardness of your water. If you have an adaptable macerator, you can use standard products to clean your toilet bowl (similarly for the SANICOMPACT range). Please note, however, that unblocking products or any other acid should not be used as they may damage the internal elements of your adaptable macerator.

Is a specific type of electrical connection required for the product?

You only need a dedicated power outlet connected to ground and a residual current GFCI circuit breaker. For three-phase products, a three-phase electrical line is required. You can find this information on the product sheet.

 

Still need assistance?

Assistance

If you haven't found the answer to your question, don't worry! Out team is here to assist you with any additional inquiries. Feel free to reach out for personliazed support.

Need assistance?