Macerating pump system enables basement bathroom installation without costly, time-consuming renovations
A fourth-generation plumber overcomes a sewer line challenge with the Saniplus macerating pump, transforming a finished basement into a fully functional workplace for the homeowner-customer.
Problem
NEEDHAM, MASSACHUSETTS — Travis Jonasson, a fourth-generation professional plumber, works with his father Carl, who has run Jonasson Plumbing since its founding a half-century ago in 1976. Jonasson Plumbing specializes in plumbing, heating, air conditioning, drain work, and everything from service work to remodeling projects in residential and light-commercial settings.
A longtime residential client recently approached Jonasson with a request to add a bathroom in his already fully finished basement. The concept was simple enough, but the installation posed a significant challenge.
The home’s sewer line was on the opposite side of the basement, behind finished ceilings and walls, creating a major obstacle.
“The homeowner didn’t really have a great situation,” Jonasson explains. “There were closets we could have used, but no space that would have worked without a pump system.”
Traditional plumbing would have required breaking through finished areas to reach the existing sewer line, making the project costly, disruptive, and time-consuming.
Solution
Being familiar with macerating pump systems, Jonasson selected for this project the Saniplus macerating system from SFA Saniflo, a brand his company has relied upon for years. The unit allowed them to pump wastewater both vertically and horizontally from a rear-discharge toilet (shipped with the macerator) and a sink to the sewer connection without damaging the existing finishes.
The installation process was straightforward and timely, with Jonasson and one other plumber working a full day to complete the project. One installer focused on the bathroom setup while the other ran the discharge pipe across the ceiling.
The discharge line extends vertically approximately five feet from the rear-discharge toilet and sink before traveling horizontally another 25 feet to reach the sewer connection, according to Jonasson.
“The Saniflo system allowed us to pump wastewater across the ceiling and to the access point we needed,” he says, adding that the unit’s design sets it apart from other systems he had installed.
“Saniflo gives us plenty of room to work on things,” Jonasson continues. “The accessibility through the unit’s cover allows us to clean the tank if need be. We can pull the toilet right off — it’s one of the easiest things to do.
“We can also readily source replacement parts,” he continues, whether it’s just the toilet alone, the pump alone, or just the internal parts of the pump.”
Product Profile: Saniplus
The Saniplus is a 1/2 HP macerating pump system that makes it easy to install a full bathroom up to 15 feet below the sewer line or 150 feet away from a soil stack.
Designed for residential use, it grinds toilet waste and toilet paper into a fine slurry using highly durable stainless steel blades and efficiently pumps it away. It also handles gray water from sinks, showers, bathtubs, and urinals.
The sealed motor and the minimal number of moving parts ensure long-lasting, low-maintenance performance. With built-in noise-reducing features, flexible inlets, and certification to U.S. and Canadian standards, the Saniplus is a reliable and quiet solution for bathroom installations that do not lend themselves to conventional plumbing drainage solutions.
Other key features:
Low inlets for easy hookups to other fixtures
Stainless steel macerator blades run at 3600 RPM
Rotating discharge elbow with built-in non-return valve
Quiet operation with vibration absorbers (reduces noise by 10dB)
Certified to CSA, IAPMO (UPC), ASME, and CSA B45.9 compliant
Limited four-year warranty
Results
According to Jonasson, the macerating pump system has delivered excellent performance since its installation. The homeowner, who works from a basement office, finds the bathroom addition extremely convenient.
“It’s wonderful for him,” Jonasson notes. “It’s clean, it’s neat, it’s not loud at all, and the performance is fantastic.”
When comparing Saniflo to other products his company has used, Jonasson emphasizes that they consistently rely on Saniflo products, citing their reliability, strong customer support, and dependable warranties.
“We always go with Saniflo. We like their products, we like their customer support if we ever need anything, and we like their warranties. Everybody’s been happy with them.”