By: Luis Arias, Inside Technical Sales, SFA Saniflo Submersible pumps have been game-changers for over a century, far outpacing old-school pumping methods and becoming essential tools across residential, commercial, and industrial applications. These workhorses, built to get dirty in the fluids they pump, broke through the constraints old tech couldn’t handle, providing contractors a way Read more
Saniflo North America
By: Luis Arias, Inside Technical Sales, SFA Saniflo
Submersible pumps have been game-changers for over a century, far outpacing old-school pumping methods and becoming essential tools across residential, commercial, and industrial applications. These workhorses, built to get dirty in the fluids they pump, broke through the constraints old tech couldn’t handle, providing contractors a way to install more efficient and dependable pumps.
Let’s focus on the compact units – the ‘sewage ejectors’ – that contractors throw in daily for home and light commercial jobs. Rolled out in the early 20th century, these nifty little pumps chucked the rulebook for gravity-based systems, offering a slick solution for moving sewage out of the deepest basements or flat yards where gravity checks out. When sewage ejectors hit the market, they didn’t just raise the bar; they threw it out and set a new standard in wastewater management, clearing the path for the updated tech used now.
But let’s cut to the chase: sewage ejector tech hasn’t seen much action since it first appeared. As homes and systems age, installers are stuck with the same old tech, facing the same old headaches. The lack of new gear means they deal with the same float switch failures, blockages, and nasty repair jobs.
Consequently, advancements are urgently needed to tackle the everyday battles installers face with float switches, clogs, and the clean-up that comes after. It’s time for the next leap forward to make installation easier and keep businesses pumping.
Too Soon to Fail
The lifespan of sewage ejectors is a concern for many industry professionals. Generally, these devices have a lifespan of around 7 to 10 years. However, a common issue during this timeframe is the malfunctioning of the float switch component.
The float switch, responsible for controlling the pump’s activation and deactivation, often fails after two to five years of usage. This frequent occurrence has become a well-known challenge in the field, prompting installers to anticipate and prepare for the potential need for repair or replacement within a relatively short span. Addressing this issue is crucial to ensure the continued reliable operation of sewage ejectors and to minimize disruptions in wastewater management systems.
Here are other common challenges of existing sewage ejectors:
- Frequent clogging and jamming: Sewage ejector pumps move wastewater from lower to higher elevations. In the process, they can encounter solid waste and a potential excess of sanitary napkins or toilet paper, which can cause blockages. If the pump is not properly equipped or maintained, these blockages can disrupt the flow of wastewater and result in backups and overflows, causing potential health hazards and property damage.
- Frequent occurrence of system failures: Sewage ejector pumps can experience mechanical issues, such as motor or pump malfunctions, leading to pump failure and ineffective wastewater conveyance. Furthermore, improper installation or sizing of the pump can also contribute to system failures, as it may need more capacity to handle the volume and pressure requirements.
- Frequent repairs with high maintenance costs: Over time, these sewage ejector pumps can become prone to issues such as motor burnout, worn-out seals, or, as mentioned, malfunctioning float switches. These problems can result in pump failures, leading to sewage backups and potential health hazards. The costs of frequent repairs, including parts and labor, can quickly add up.
- Messy Repairs: Traditional sewage ejector pumps can be difficult, dirty, and time-consuming to repair and may require extensive professional assistance. Complex repairs may even involve digging up floors to access and replace the pump. Furthermore, the mess and odors associated with sewage pump repairs can be unpleasant and unhealthy.
Grinder Pump Technology: Alternative Solution
Dominick Rudd, a seasoned plumber at Bush Plumbing outside Indianapolis, has successfully implemented the SFA Saniflo Sanipit 24 GR retrofit pump kit as a reliable solution for replacing faulty sewage ejectors. This innovative product is compatible with existing 24-inch basins from major manufacturers like Liberty Pumps, Zoeller, and Myers, simplifying installation without extensive modifications.
Rudd praises the Sanipit for its easy installation, maintenance convenience, and dry-cavity design that separates the motor from sewage. The built-in, 1-horsepower grinder motor efficiently handles waste, improving performance and customer satisfaction. Rudd highlights the pump’s easy access for maintenance and its long lifespan, promising minimal upkeep and fewer replacements for homeowners.
Major Benefits for Contractors
By incorporating the Sanipit 24 GR retrofit pump kit into his projects, Rudd is poised to overcome the common challenges associated with sewage ejectors across North America.
Fellow contractors like Rudd benefit from simplified installations, reduced maintenance requirements, and the ability to offer cost-effective solutions to their clients.
Notably, the Sanipit 24 GR retrofit pump kit aligns perfectly with Bush Plumbing’s commitment to providing its customers with top-notch service and innovative solutions. By leveraging the kit’s features and benefits, Rudd and the Bush team deliver value to their clients, enhancing their company’s reputation as trusted plumbing experts.
With a four-year warranty, contractors can now enjoy peace of mind for their clients, knowing they installed dependable and efficient waste management systems. At the same time, they have also found a cost-effective, reliable replacement solution that streamlines their work and enhances their professionalism.
About the author: Luis Arias has been working for SFA Saniflo for 15 years as Inside Technical Sales. His vast knowledge of pump systems and the plumbing trade has been used on many large-scale projects. Luis has contributed to the overall company success by working directly with architects, engineers, and trade professionals on engineering bids.
Designed to replace faulty sewage pumps and its components from major manufacturers in North America, the new innovative Sanipit 24GR offers an easy, mess-free and reliable replacement solution SFA Saniflo, a division of Group SFA, the world leader in above-the-floor macerating, grinder, drain pumps and lifting stations, today announced the launch of its new innovative Read more
Designed to replace faulty sewage pumps and its components from major manufacturers in North America, the new innovative Sanipit 24GR offers an easy, mess-free and reliable replacement solution
SFA Saniflo, a division of Group SFA, the world leader in above-the-floor macerating, grinder, drain pumps and lifting stations, today announced the launch of its new innovative Sanipit 24GR retrofit pump kit.
Faulty sewage pumps continue to pose persistent challenges for plumbing contractors and homeowners, such as high maintenance costs, float issues, and messy repairs. With the launch of the Sanipit 24GR retrofit pump kit, SFA Saniflo provides the most reliable and hassle-free sewage pump replacement solution on the market.
This new retrofit pump kit offers a built-in 1 HP grinder motor and air pressure mechanism that fits most 24-inch basins. With the ability to retrofit into 24-inch basins from Liberty Pumps, Zoeller, and Myers, the pump kit offers versatility and compatibility with existing pump systems. The current basin stays in place while the Sanipit 24GRs retrofit cover easily adapts to it.
“As sewage pumps have been a largely unchanged and problematic part of the plumbing industry for over 50 years, this solution is poised to disrupt the North American market by offering a hassle-free and high-performance option for replacing faulty sewage pumps,” says Regis Saragosti, CEO of SFA Saniflo North America.”
“The U.S. retrofit pump market, particularly the cast iron pump segment, has lacked reliable options for installers,” he continues. “SFA Saniflo identified this opportunity and leveraged our innovative design team, extensive research and development capabilities, and vertical integration as a manufacturer to create a game-changing solution. The result is a complete pre-assembled pump design that delivers the same high level of reliability and performance as our macerator and grinder pumps.”
Thermo-magnetic motors: Key to SFA Saniflo’s solution is the utilization of short cycling, thermo-magnetic type motors, a feature incorporated into existing Saniflo pumps. This design caters to the specific needs of installers, while a complete package system meets the requirements of engineers and other specifiers, providing superior reliability, redundancy, and a wastewater detection system.
While SFA Saniflo offers a heavy-duty, above-ground pump called the Sanicubic 1, it is not meant to be installed in existing sewage pump systems. By leveraging the benefits and features of the Sanicubic and incorporating them into the new retrofit pump, SFA Saniflo has created the solution that truly meets the needs of installers seeking a “white glove service” — an easily maintainable and replaceable solution without the mess associated with sewage and waste.
Mess-free replacement: One of the key differentiators of the Sanipit 24GR is its ability to create a dry cavity within the pit. Unlike other pumping systems that sit directly in sewage, SFA Saniflo’s design keeps the components and the motor separate, ensuring a hassle-free and mess-free experience for plumbing installers and service technicians.
“The U.S. market lacks a product that creates a dry cavity within the pit, one that delivers unparalleled cleanliness and ease of maintenance,” says Saragosti. “Our pump design, backed by our extensive experience in building systems and solutions worldwide, embodies a failsafe, reliable, and easy-to-use replacement solution for existing sewage pits.”
The Sanipit 24GR boasts a range of top-of-the-line features, including a 2-inch discharge rubber adapter with a built-in check valve and a 2-inch vent rubber connection, direct access points for motor and air pressure switch inspection and replacement, as well as inspection and cleaning of pressure dip tubes.
Its fail-proof wastewater sensing mechanism with triple redundancy provides added reliability. A gasket that protects against odor and sewer gas ensures a sanitary and worry-free operation.
Other Key Features:
- Pre-assembled, heavy-duty retrofit insert that easily fits 24-inch basins.
- Easy access for maintaining all major internal components, including motor, grinder blade, and pressure switches.
- Powerful 1-horsepower motor, equipped with stainless steel grinder blade meant for residential and commercial applications: Traditional sewage pumps often suffer from frequent clogs, causing significant inconvenience and disruptions to homeowners and plumbing contractors. With the Sanipit 24GR retrofit pump kit, these clogs are a thing of the past. A built-in grinder motor and an efficient air pressure mechanism ensures smooth and uninterrupted wastewater flow, eliminating the hassle of frequent clogs and costly repairs.
- Pumping distance up to 25 feet (maximum shutoff head: 33 feet).
- External control panel and visual/audible alarm system.
- Fail-proof air pressure switch system with triple redundancy: Float issues are a common source of frustration when dealing with sewage pumps. The Sanipit 24GR addresses this problem with its advanced triple-pressure switches, ensuring accurate and reliable control of the pump’s operation.
- Superior wastewater detection system delivers a longer life expectancy without any maintenance.
SFA Saniflo has a long-standing reputation for excellence and innovation in the sanitary technology industry. With a commitment to customer satisfaction and superior service, SFA Saniflo has grown into a trusted brand with 27 subsidiaries doing business in more than 70 countries. The company’s dedication to maintaining the highest performance, quality, and service standards has led to successful partnerships with industry professionals worldwide.
For more information on the Sanipit 24GR, visit: https://saniflo.greenhousedigitalpr.com/sanipit-24gr