Troubleshooting Quick Guide
– Macerators
Macerator Troubleshooting Guide
The following is a brief trouble shooting guide listing symptoms, possible causes along with the possible remedies. It is
important to note that:
• Saniflo macerators incorporate blades on top of the motor not unlike your blender at home
• Need good flush volume for optimum function
• Like most pumps can be susceptible to blockages from foreign objects, sanitary products, excessive toilet paper
etc.
• Macerators can also be affected by poor installation or other usage issues
This trouble shooting guide is also available as a PDF download on the Plumber Portal where you accessed this guide.
If you don’t find your issue covered here, please call our technical hotline (numbers at end of presentation) or submit
warranty/service request from the Plumber Portal
Macerator Troubleshooting Guide
Symptom The motor does not activate – No noise
Possible Reasons Remedies
Electrical supply is turned off or faulty Check the powerpoint/fuse/circuit
breaker
The motor has gone into thermal Motor will try & restart after 30-45 mins.
shutdown – feel sides & top for warmth Look for origin of overheating – possible
as an indicator blockage, temperature output of
connected fixtures exceeds the pump’s
maximum temperature capacity
Problem with membrane (perforation), Examine parts and replace if necessary
pushrod micro-switch
Macerator Troubleshooting Guide
Symptom The motor hums, but does not run/activate
Possible Reasons Remedies
The motor or blades are blocked by a Remove the blockage from impellers or
foreign object blades – turn power off BEFORE working in
these areas.
Pump cover misaligned, impeller Check correct mounting of pump cover and
loose, or failed capacitor impeller.
Test and replace capacitor.
Macerator Troubleshooting Guide
Symptom The motor runs continuously
Possible Reasons Remedies
The discharge pipe is blocked preventing Clear the discharge line
water levels to drop
Hydraulic problem (pump body or Check the pump body and impeller and
impeller loose) realign/refit as necessary
The length or height of the installation is Check installation
over the specification, or too many
bends/elbows
The integral non-return-valve (NRV) is Check & clean/replace integral NRV
blocked/faulty/damaged
Macerator Troubleshooting Guide
Symptom The motor activates intermittently or short cycles
Possible Reasons Remedies
The connected appliances are Check and, if needed, repair the fixtures
running/leaking connected to the pump
The integral non-return-valve (NRV) is Check & clean/replace integral NRV
blocked/faulty/damaged
Over performance (discharge rate Increase vertical rise on pump line (within
overtakes incoming waste from fixtures) manufacturer’s specification)
Decrease pump line size to conform with
manufacturer’s specifications
Macerator Troubleshooting Guide
Symptom Bad or very slow evacuation
Possible Reasons Remedies
Vent hole clogged Clean the vent
Impeller or pump cover is faulty or Check impeller/pump cover/Discharge
discharge line pinched line
The length or height of the installation is Check installation
over the specification, or too many
bends/elbows
Not enough water for WC flushing Verify the correct flushing levels of
cistern – minimum 4.5litres
Partial blockage between pan outlet & Check & remove blockages
pump
Macerator Troubleshooting Guide
General Issues
Symptoms Possible Reasons Remedies
The unit does not start Drainage problem between shower & pump Clean the shower syphon, verify correct fall ratio
when shower is used between shower & pump
Backflow of water to Shower tray is installed too low Check the shower tray installation height – as a guide,
shower the waste should be approx 150mm above base of
pump
The lower, non-return flap on the inlet lateral Check and/or replace internal non-return flap
connection is jammed open, or needs replacing
Accumulation of deposit inside pump Clean the pump
Bad smell
Pump not vented to atmosphere Check integral carbon block filter and replace if
necessary
Leaking from lid (from Bypassing internally Secure & clip inner discharge pipe to pump cover outlet
vent, lid seal, upper Inner discharge pipe disconnected from pump cover Replace upper discharge pipe set
discharge pipe collar) Upper discharge pipe not sealing to lower discharge Realign pump cover or replace
pipe
Pump cover misaligned
ABOUT SANIFLO
For over 60 years, SFA Group along with Saniflo Australasia,
have been helping home and business owners easily install
bathroom fixtures, laundry rooms and kitchens anywhere
and without major work.
Our products are manufactured in France, and comply with
the strictest requirements and consistently exceed customer
expectations. To maintain our high level of excellence our
R&D and engineers are constantly developing state-of-the-
art products to suit any projects from light domestic to heavy
commercial applications.
ANY MORE QUESTIONS?
Call Saniflo Head Office
Australia - 1300 554 779
NZ – 0800 107 264
