Preserving History, Modernizing Comfort: How SFA Saniflo Adds Bathrooms to the Oldest Homes
Historic homes are full of charm—but plumbing upgrades often mean tearing into treasured architecture. SFA Saniflo’s above-ground pump technology changes that. By eliminating the need to dig or trench, it allows homeowners to add bathrooms in attics, basements, or garages without compromising structure. From brownstones to carriage houses, Saniflo offers a smart, code-compliant way to modernize comfort while preserving the past. From attic offices to historic brownstones, see how above-ground plumbing preserves charm while delivering 21st-century convenience.
When Traditional Plumbing Hits a Wall
Renovating a historic home is a delicate balancing act. You want to update it for modern living—but tearing through hand-laid tile or original plasterwork just to add a bathroom? That’s often a nonstarter.
That was exactly the dilemma facing a developer converting a 1900s-era building into stylish apartments. The original floors were terra-cotta. The ceilings, ornately plastered. Installing conventional plumbing meant demolition, which would have destroyed the very character that made the property special.
Instead, they turned to SFA Saniflo, whose innovative macerating technology allowed them to route plumbing discreetly—without touching the building’s defining features.
The Game-Changer: Above-Ground Plumbing
Saniflo’s macerating systems grind waste into a slurry and pump it through small-diameter pipes—just ¾ inch in some cases—up to 150 feet horizontally or 25 feet vertically. That means no trenching, no floor removal, and no major structural upheaval.
This flexibility unlocks creative options for older homes where the layout—or local building code—makes traditional plumbing nearly impossible. Saniflo units can be installed behind walls or in closets, connecting to a back-outlet toilet and also managing greywater from sinks, showers, even laundry appliances.
In one case, a historic carriage house was turned into a charming guest suite—complete with full bathroom—without damaging the antique floors. “Conventional plumbing would have meant demolishing the old flooring,” the homeowner said. “Saniflo saved us time, money, and stress.”
Meeting the Needs of Older American Homes
Whether it’s a Chicago brownstone, a Brooklyn row house, or a Craftsman bungalow in California, American homeowners often run into the same problem: plumbing systems designed a century ago, and no good way to modernize them.
Older properties typically lack main-floor bathrooms, offer cramped powder rooms, or have inaccessible plumbing stacks. SFA Saniflo enables you to bypass these obstacles while maintaining the structure—and often increasing resale value by adding much-needed amenities.
It also empowers bold design ideas: an under-stair half-bath, a basement suite, or an attic studio can all be upgraded with minimal disruption.
Where It Works Best
- Basement conversions
- Attic remodels
- Historic home renovations
- Accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
- Garage or garden suites
- Tiny homes and cabins
- Wet bars, outdoor kitchens, and underused spaces
Global Proof: A Historic Hotel Adds a SPA
To solve complex plumbing challenges isn’t limited to homes. It’s also trusted in commercial heritage properties—like Down Hall Country House Hotel in rural Ireland, a Tudor-style estate turned luxury hotel.
When the hotel planned to transform an underground wing into a spa and fitness suite, traditional drainage wasn't feasible. Working with Saniflo and engineer Brian Driver, the team installed a Sanicubic unit—basically an above-ground sewage pump system hidden discreetly behind the scenes to preserve aesthetics and ensure reliability.
“The Sanicubic has two pumps, so if one fails, the other kicks in. That kind of backup is essential for uninterrupted service,” Driver explained.
“This job wouldn’t have been possible without Saniflo. Their advice and the technology made the project viable.”
Contractor-Approved. Homeowner-Trusted.
From certified installers to weekend renovators, Saniflo has earned praise for its ease of installation and design flexibility. Systems range from compact residential units to professional-grade solutions, all certified for use across North America (CSA and IAPMO approved).
Plus, most Saniflo toilets meet WaterSense standards, helping conserve water and reduce strain on septic or aging sewer systems—a real advantage for rural properties and eco-conscious upgrades.
Final Thoughts: A Smarter Way to Renovate
Modernizing an older home doesn’t have to mean tearing it apart. Saniflo provides a smarter way forward—one that respects the past while embracing the needs of today.
Whether you’re converting a Brooklyn brownstone, a guest loft above your garage, or a 19th-century farmhouse, Saniflo lets you rethink what’s possible—without the jackhammer.