Macerating system’s ability to pump wastewater upward allows homeowner to create a full bath below sewer line

Problem

BOKEELIA, FLORIDA — Adam Morris, owner of DPBM Unlimited, a small property management firm overseeing privately held rental properties, has handled numerous maintenance and renovation projects over the years. For a personal project, Morris was tasked with resolving an unusual plumbing challenge at his own home.

Several years earlier, he had fully renovated the ground floor of his residence, which was positioned within a coastal floodplain. This meant that the home’s sewer lines were situated above the ground floor level.

Due to this elevation difference, conventional below-floor, gravity drainage was not an option for the bathroom located on that level. To create a functioning full bathroom, it was essential to pump black and gray wastewater upward into the above-grade sewer line.

When he first installed the system in 2009, Morris relied on recommendations from peers and local professionals experienced with similar configurations in Florida. Their feedback made it clear that a macerator pump system was the most practical, above-floor plumbing solution in such situations.

The system consistently performed well for many years, effectively supporting high-use periods when family or guests were present. But over time, as wear inevitably occurred, Morris took proactive steps to replace individual parts to maintain its functionality.

Eventually, he decided to explore a newer model from the same manufacturer, since the original had proven reliable for several years and he wanted improved performance and long-term dependability in his home’s demanding environment.

Product Profile: Sanipack

Designed to be used with a wall-hung toilet, the Sanipack is a ½ HP pump system used to install a complete bathroom up to 15 feet below the sewer line, or even up to 150 feet away from a soil stack. It incorporates a macerating system which can handle human waste and toilet paper in residential applications. The blade is made from a hardened stainless steel material, eliminating the need for service or replacement.

In addition to the toilet waste, the Sanipack will also discharge gray water from a variety of other sanitary fixtures such as a sink, a shower, and a urinal. When adding a shower, a base will have to be constructed.

Engineered for durability and efficiency, the Sanipack is the ideal solution for full bathrooms in basements, garages, attics, or any remote, ADU-style installation, all while maintaining quiet operation.

Other key features:

Low inlets for easy installation

Certified: CSA (IPC/NSPC), IAPMO (UPC)

Limited four-year warranty

For more information, visit the product page

Solution 

After conducting further research, Morris opted for the SFA Saniflo Sanipack full-bathroom macerating pump system.

“All the plumbers and maintenance companies I talked to agreed Saniflo offered the best systems out there. The quality stood out to me.” Morris explains.

He was also confident of the product’s performance and reputation, noting the negative feedback he received from multiple repair professionals he consulted regarding alternative macerator brands, specifically lower-cost imports.

“The knockoffs just don’t last,” he says. “My motor repair specialist has seen a ton of unhappy customers because of the lack of longevity.”

Due to the Morris home’s layout, the macerator sits in a recessed cavity cut into the slab, which is a more complex setup than the standard in-wall installation the Sanipack typically involves. Morris and one of his maintenance technicians handled the installation themselves.

The process took approximately three to four hours, primarily due to the creation of the slab cavity and the tight workspace.

The unit receives drainage from four fixtures: two sinks and a shower as well as the toilet, all plumbed directly into the macerator pump. The second sink is on the other side of the wall. The Sanipack discharges wastewater seven feet vertically through a small-diameter PVC pipeline connected to the macerator pump. It then travels another ten feet horizontally through the first-floor ceiling before joining the home’s main sewer line.

With the installation completed, Morris was able to restore full functionality to the ground-level bathroom while improving overall reliability for years to come.

Results

Since the bathroom update in October 2025, the macerator pump has continued to operate reliably for Morris’ family. While daily usage is modest, it supports heavier traffic during family gatherings, pool days, and overnight visits.

“It has worked well,” Morris remarks. “Whenever we have had family over or big gatherings, the system has handled everything without any issues.”

As one who performs much of his home maintenance personally, Morris appreciates the clarity and consistency that the Saniflo pump system has provided. He notes that he would confidently consider Saniflo again for future projects, including potential bathroom additions in some of his rental homes.

“If I were ever to add bathrooms to a couple of my rentals, their layouts make Sanipack a very good candidate,” he says. “Pumping wastewater up is an unusual requirement, but Saniflo solves it well.”