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Original poster

To Saniflow or not to Saniflow?

17 replies

sallycinnamum · 02/09/2013 16:15

We live in a 30s semi and planned to have a downstairs toilet installed in what will become a utility room but is actually the old kitchen.

We've had 8 builders out now and all have said that to install is a very big job as to join it up at the soil stack would mean digging into the foundations. We've had quotes from £1500 up to £5000.

All of the builders have suggested putting in a Sani top system, which save us a great deal of upheaval and mess not to mention money but reviews are so mixed on whether they're an utter pain in the arse or not.

The loo would only be used by visitors and us if the bathroom upstairs is in use and I'm well aware that you can't put anything down but loo paper and human waste.

So, tell it to me straight....do we go with Saniflow or spend a small fortune getting the loo routed into the main sewer (providing we can find someone willing to do it)?

OP posts:
TheWookiesWife · 02/09/2013 17:45

Go saniflow route - this is an extra loo - not the main one - put a sign up and a discrete bin in for 'other items' and breath a sigh of relief that you didn't have to spend a fortune putting it in !! It will add value to your home - will add convenience too - and at a fraction of the cost of a 'proper loo' - what's not to love !!!

WhatWillSantaBring · 03/09/2013 12:55

I lived in a house with a saniflow. 'Twas fine till we had a lodger in (grrrrr). If i was doing again, I would only have a saniflow downstairs (they are noisy if your partner/flatmate is sleeping) and I would be very clear on the notice (and leave a strategically placed bin). Not just an oblique "loo paper only in the loo", but a proper "absolutely no tampons, wet wipes or sanitary towels in the loo please".

Also (no-one told me this) - no acid cleaning products can be used!!! (But I don't suppose you'll be asking your guests to clean, so just something for you to remember). I'm a fan of saniflow if it means you can squeeze another loo in!!

georgedawes · 03/09/2013 13:49

DO NOT INSTALL A SANIFLO!!!

Bet the builders wouldn't put one in their own house. It's worth the extra money for proper drainage. I have a broken saniflo and cannot get a plumber to even look at it, not one. They're fine til they break..

georgedawes · 03/09/2013 13:50

I also don't think £1500 is that much either for proper drainage. like I said, I can't find a plumber to even look at my saniflo, it is a total pain in the arse.

charfree · 03/09/2013 14:35

georgedawes, you can find a saniflo engineer from the saniflo website:
www.saniflo.co.uk/homeowners/warranty/where-to-find-sfa-product-installation-repair

LifeofPo · 03/09/2013 14:36

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

georgedawes · 03/09/2013 14:44

I think you've just proved my point charfree..the nearest one is 75 miles away.

PigletJohn · 03/09/2013 16:33

NOT

SuperiorCat · 03/09/2013 16:43

I knew PigletJohn would be saying no Grin

We have one in our en-suite for sink, shower and toilet...but... it is only used by me and DH so no chance of tampons / wipes etc being bunged down there; I impose a no solid rule for the toilet and DH is a Gas Safe Assessor so hopefully knows what he is doing - he installed proper copper pipe and not plastic push fittings, and checks it regularly (it runs through roof space)

LifeofPo · 03/09/2013 17:25

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

PigletJohn · 03/09/2013 17:38

"the nearest one is 75 miles away."

That's good, you won't be able to smell him unless the wind's from that direction.

georgedawes · 03/09/2013 17:42

That website just shows how hard it is to find a plumber who'll touch them, looked at Manchester and there's 3! For the whole city?!

Don't blame plumbers for not wanting to do it though.

PigletJohn · 03/09/2013 18:46

Only three people who are willing to be showered with minced poo, as their daily job?

georgedawes · 03/09/2013 19:10

Oh I agree, why would anyone want to do it?! It wasn't me that installed a saniflo in this house and I'd never ever tell anyone else to have one. Work of the devil.

Original poster
sallycinnamum · 04/09/2013 20:45

You see this is what I thought and I've told the builders who have suggested it that I'd rather pay to have a proper toilet installed.

OP posts:
Relaxedandhappyperson · 07/09/2013 14:48

We used to have a poo-grinder loo in the bathroom on the top floor.

It was fine, didn't break down or anything but it really doesn't doo to think about the poo-grinding. Plus it's noisy when someone goes in the middle of the night.

I see your dilemma, but I'm not sure I could bring myself to install a poo grinder, personally. I'd put the loo somewhere else.

barebranches · 07/09/2013 14:58

parents had/still have one... my dad always seemed to have has hand in the macerater de blocking it....plus so loud ( its connected to the shower and roars throughout). it didnt seem to cope with too much... but i do have 4 brothers Wink

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