Macerator smell! Help please

Onward_2

Hi All

I'm hoping someone can advise the best way to approach this....

I have a Sanislim macerator connected to an ensuite toilet. The sink and shower also run to the same waste to the macerator. All of this was in the house when I moved in about a year ago. When using the sink and shower the macerator is activated, which I assume is normal due to all the wastes running to the macerator? Is this a normal set-up?

The major issue now is that when the macerator is activated, there is a strong pong. Is this a case of powering off and opening the macerator to remove a blockage or could the blockage be in the pipework? I'm assuming also it is a blockage.

Any advice on steps to take gratefully received and thanks in advance.

Nilrem

Your setup sounds fairly standard assuming the model of saniflo is rated for showers (depending on model they can do sink/sink & toilet, or sink, toilet and shower)

I don't have much experience with saniflo products (thankfully, I hate the things, I know of three people who have them, all had issues), but it sounds like you may have a seal on it that is either not seated, loose or damaged, or you may need to look at the trap on the shower and sink to make sure they're retaining the water needed to keep the drain smells out.
I doubt it's a blockage as Saniflo's are very happy to let you know when there is one, usually by stopping pumping the waste (at which point it's time to get a big bucket, some rubber gloves, and empty the system starting at the macerator**).

Have a good sniff and try to work out if the smell is stronger around the shower, sink or saniflo.

If it's the seal on the saniflo I'd expect it to be probably around the lid or access panel, it should be easy to check as with many saniflo's people end up having to clear jams in them on a regular basis* (whoever came up with the idea and design for at least the older models should be locked in a half full septic tank for eternity - except they'd probably like it).
I doubt any seal that isn't working would be below the water line as you'd notice the smelly water leaking.
There may also be a "one way" air valve somewhere which can also cause a smell when it starts to fail (it's meant to let air in, but not back out of the pipework, at least in normal toilets and sewerage systems, I don't know if saniflo's have one or not).


*There is a great article from a plumber describing his thoughts of the saniflo from the 90's.
**Not a nice job as you can end up with a lot of the waste in the pipework flowing back.

yangptangkipperbang

I had a Saniflo in my last house for 5 years (as did my neighbour - a builder) - we never had the slightest problem.
Most of the negative comments are either of the "heard down the pub" variety or caused by maltreatment.
All Saniflos state VERY clearly " human waste and toilet paper only" (and water, obviously). It is amazing what people think a Saniflo will eat without harm !

(Some years ago on MSE a reader was slagging off his "rubbish" Saniflo - it eventually transpired that he had a toilet and a washing machine feeding into it. That is an absolute NO-NO ......... Saniflo tell you that, but this character obviously knew better !)

Back to your problem - the first thing I would check is that there are water traps in the waste pipes from the shower and sink. If there aren't, the smell will migrate from the Saniflo and back out of the waste pipe.

muckybutt

Majority of Sanifo products have a small carbon filter fitted to them on top of the machine - could well be that, it might be missing.

Once you have sorted the smell have a look on line for Saniflo Descaler I maintain several of the darn things and the descaler really helps to keep things clear.

Onward_2

Thanks nilrem, yangptangkipperbang and muckybutt for your replies, most helpful.

The Sanislim is in my ensuite so very unlikely to have anything down it that it shouldn't. I've managed to have a look in it and the blades and holes are clear, and there is hardly any smell from inside the macerator. I've noticed that the flush is not always taking all waste away first time and the water level rises on flushing, I'm not sure what this is telling me? The water traps are there and appear to be working. I had trouble getting to the non return valve but I get this is the next thing to check? Any advise gratefully received..

yangptangkipperbang

Onward wrote: »

I've noticed that the flush is not always taking all waste away first time and the water level rises on flushing, I'm not sure what this is telling me?

This is fairly "normal" - sometimes a second flush is required.

The water level rises on flushing because with a conventional flush there is (in effect) a 4" pipe from the pan to the main waste pipe. This will shift any material in the pan pretty quickly by a combination of the downward flush of the water and the syphon effect from the "S" bend.
In a Saniflo the waste has to be macerated, then pumped (usually uphill) through a relatively small bore pipe, so it will take longer to clear the waste from the pan into the Saniflo.

I always flushed my Saniflo at least once a day even if it hadn't been used - this ensures that no (ahem !) solid material can sit in the pipe and solidify.

nisnooz

Onward wrote: »

Thanks nilrem, yangptangkipperbang and muckybutt for your replies, most helpful.

I've noticed that the flush is not always taking all waste away first time and the water level rises on flushing, I'm not sure what this is telling me? The water traps are there and appear to be working. I had trouble getting to the non return valve but I get this is the next thing to check? Any advise gratefully received..

Onward, I am having the same problem... has yours been fixed? I've just been quoted £700 to change the saniflo!!! I've just moved into my flat and this is a big financial blow, previous owners maintain nothing went down the loo and nothing was wrong with the system.. Any feedback would be much appreciated.
My full post on https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/66072858#Comment_66072858

boatboy

How to repair/ service a Saniflo Macerator by Sebastian Hibbert.
That youtube video was excellent and helped me fix my Saniflo.

Please search youtube.

Also, a simple thing like a 90 degree bend in a pipe, rather than a staggered 45 then 45 degree can contribute to problems.

There is also an interesting saniflo promotional video on you tube.
Cheers

Fraise

All you need do to keep your Saniflo from smelling is to give it a good long flush with hot water and washing up liquid. I take it your hand basin goes into it too? Just pour a giant dollop of liquid down the sink, run the hot water tap as hot as you can get it for about 4 minutes, and it will be fresh, clean and no smells.

You can also pour white vinegar, baking powder and a sweet smelling disinfectant like Zoflora down it, and leave overnight.

Do this once a week and you'll smell nothing.

Carbon filters are good too, but the best if all is to fill a bowl with Catsnap Kitty Litter and place it by the macerated. The cat litter absorbs ALL bad smells, it doesn't just disguise them, and it really does work. Lasts a good length of time too.