Can You Connect a Shower to a Saniflo Toilet? The Ultimate Guide

Hi there! I‘m Lillie Gabler, a home improvement expert who loves helping homeowners install bathrooms anywhere there‘s space. Today, we‘re tackling the question: can you connect a shower to a Saniflo toilet? The short answer is yes, you absolutely can.

In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll walk you through everything involved in installing a Saniflo toilet system with shower capabilities. I‘ll share my insider knowledge and pro tips to help you get the job done right. Let‘s get started!

What Exactly is a Saniflo Toilet?

For those new to Saniflo toilets, let me give you a quick rundown. Saniflo toilets utilize a small but powerful macerating pump that grinds up waste and pumps it to an existing drainage line. This allows you to install a toilet pretty much anywhere, even if there are no traditional drain lines available.

There are two main types of Saniflo systems:

• Saniflo Upflush Toilets: The toilet bowl connects directly to the macerating pump underneath, which pushes the waste up and out.

• Saniflo Gray Water Systems: The toilet feeds into a holding tank where waste accumulates. A separate pump then pushes the effluent to the drainage line. These systems allow adding a sink, shower, washing machine, etc.

Based on my experience installing hundreds of these units, I always recommend the gray water systems if you want to add shower capabilities. The additional volume capacity and more powerful pumps in these systems make them ideal for handling both toilet and shower waste.

How Do You Size a Saniflo System Properly?

One of the most important steps is choosing the right Saniflo system for your specific needs. You want to make sure the pump capacity and drainage distance match your particular bathroom setup.

Here are the key factors I consider:

• Number of Fixtures: Most Saniflo gray water systems can handle 1-3 fixtures depending on the model. Choose wisely based on whether you want just a toilet and shower, or also need a sink, washing machine, etc.

• Drainage Line Distance: The further horizontally and vertically you need to pump the waste, the more power you need from the pump. Always measure the total distance to your sewer stack or septic inlet and select a model rated for at least that distance.

• Usage Volume: A half bath with occasional use needs a smaller system than a frequently used full master bath. Think about your household‘s routines and choose accordingly. For example, the Sanivite can handle up to 15 flushes per day while the more powerful Sanibest Pro is rated for up to 36 flushes per day.

Let me share a quick sizing table to help choose the right Saniflo model:

Always follow the manufacturer‘s recommendations for your specific setup. Choosing the right size system ensures you get the pumping power and capacity you need.

Step-by-Step Installation of the Toilet

Once you‘ve selected the right Saniflo system, the installation process is actually quite straightforward. Here are the key steps I use professional plumbers follow:

1. Turn off water supply lines and drain any existing toilet. Remove old toilet if needed.

2. Secure the new Saniflo toilet in place by bolting down the base to the floor flange. I like to use an additional wax seal for stability.

3. Connect the water supply line to the toilet tank per the manufacturer‘s instructions. Make sure all fittings are secure.

4. Attach the discharge pipe from the toilet base to the inlet on the macerating pump. The toilet can now flush into the Saniflo system.

And that‘s the basics for installing the toilet itself! The key is taking the time to securely mount the toilet and properly connect all the fittings. Let‘s move on to hooking up the shower.

How to Connect a Shower to the Saniflo

Once the toilet is installed, we can move on to connecting the shower:

1. Fully install your new shower pan and enclosure per the manufacturer‘s directions. I recommend a molded stone resin pan for durability.

2. Attach the drain pipe from the shower pan to the inlet on the macerating pump, alongside the toilet discharge pipe.

3. Connect the shower hot and cold water supply lines. Make sure to install your shower head, mixing valve, and other fixtures at this point too.

4. Thoroughly seal all connections and test for leaks before closing up the walls. I recommend at least a 24 hour leak test.

Follow these steps properly and your shower will drain right through the Saniflo system just like the toilet. The key things to remember are properly sloping the shower pan to the drain point, sealing all connections with silicone or Teflon tape, and pressure testing the system before finishing the installation.

Installing the Macerating Pump

The final step is mounting the macerating pump and connecting it to the drainage line:

1. Determine the optimal location for the pump – it should be easily accessible for future service but out of the way.

2. Mount the pump securely in place at the proper elevation. I like to anchor it to floor joists or a slab for stability.

3. Connect the inlet pipes from the toilet and shower to the pump. Proper slope is crucial here for good flow.

4. Run the discharge pipe from the pump outlet to your existing sewer stack or septic system inlet.

5. Make sure all discharge piping is properly supported. Use hangers and clamps every 4-6 feet.

6. Connect the pump‘s power cord to a dedicated, grounded 110V electrical outlet.

Once all the connections are complete, test the system by running water through the fixtures and inspecting for leaks. Assuming no issues, the macerating pump will now grind up all the waste from the toilet and shower and push it to your drainage line.

Maintaining Your Saniflo System

While Saniflo systems are very reliable, I always recommend staying on top of maintenance:

• Inspect all connections periodically for leaks and re-seal if needed. Small drips can turn into big problems over time!

• Flush biodegradable cleaner through the system once a month to keep lines clear of gunk. Saniflo makes cleaning products specifically for this purpose.

• Every 6 months, check the motor and pump function while running water. Listen for odd noises that may indicate issues.

• Replace the macerator blade approximately every 3 years depending on use. Use only genuine Saniflo branded replacement parts.

• Follow any additional manufacturer maintenance recommendations to maximize the service life of your system.

Proper installation combined with regular maintenance gives you the best chance for a long-lasting, trouble-free Saniflo toilet and shower system.

Have an Expert Handle the Installation

While a reasonably skilled DIYer can install their own Saniflo system, I always recommend having a professional plumber handle it if you don‘t have prior experience. Paying an expert who has installed these units before is worth avoiding headaches from leaks, clogs, or faulty installation.

The great news is that Saniflo systems don‘t require full-scale demolition and construction like a traditional bath addition. Installation costs are very reasonable, often just a few thousand dollars depending on your market. And you gain peace of mind knowing it‘s done safely and correctly.

You Really Can Add a Shower Anywhere!

As you can see, installing a shower with a Saniflo toilet is completely doable with the right planning and preparation. These systems give you the flexibility to add a full, modern bathroom with shower virtually anywhere, even in spaces lacking traditional drainage.

I hope this guide gave you a great overview of how Saniflo toilet and shower systems work. Please feel free to reach out if you have any other questions as you plan your bathroom project! I‘m always happy to help homeowners find the best solutions.