Sanishower plus

Common Sanishower+ Problems

The Sanishower+ mainly receives wastewater from showers and wash basins. Consequently, its most common restrictions differ from those found in toilet macerators or kitchen pumps.

Hair, soap, shampoo, conditioner, cosmetic residue and limescale can gradually collect in the shower waste, inlet pipework, pressure chamber and internal pump components.

As deposits increase, water may reach the pump more slowly or the unit may need to run for longer during each cycle.

Longer operating times can increase motor temperature and place additional strain on the capacitor, pressure-control components and non-return valve.

Installation quality also has a major effect on reliability. Excessive bends, unsupported pipework, restricted discharge routes and poor access may all contribute to recurring faults.

When 22 mm discharge pipework is used, sharp 90-degree elbows can create unnecessary resistance. For this reason, we strongly recommend smoother changes of direction using two 45-degree bends or suitable long-radius fittings wherever practical.

Common Symptoms We Repair

• Pump runs continuously
• Pump does not start
• Motor hums but does not pump
• Slow pumping performance
• Water backs up into the shower tray
• Wash basin drains slowly
• Pump cycles too frequently
• Hair restricts the inlet
• Soap or limescale affects operation
• Pressure-control fault
• Capacitor failure
• Non-return valve fault
• Motor failure
• Internal leak
• Electrical fault
• Unit trips the electrical supply
• Unusual operating noise
• Bad odours

Every repair starts with a complete diagnosis of the pump and the surrounding installation.

First, we identify the cause. Then, we explain the most practical and economical repair option.

Common Faults We Repair

Customers often contact us after searching for one of the following Sanishower+ problems:

• Sanishower+ not pumping
• Sanishower+ keeps running
• Sanishower+ humming but not working
• Sanishower+ leaking
• Sanishower+ blocked
• Sanishower+ pumping slowly
• Sanishower+ making loud noises
• Sanishower+ smells bad
• Sanishower+ pressure switch fault
• Sanishower+ capacitor replacement
• Sanishower+ motor failure
• Shower not draining
• Shower tray filling with water
• Water backing up into the basin
• Grey water pump tripping electrics

Similar symptoms can have different causes. Therefore, we avoid replacing parts until we have tested the complete pumping cycle and inspected the connected drainage.

From Our Experience

The Sanishower+ provides dependable service when the model is correctly selected, installed and maintained.

Many pumps we attend have not failed because of a manufacturing defect. Instead, hair, soap residue, limescale or restricted discharge pipework often reduce performance over time.

In other cases, a worn capacitor, pressure-control component or non-return valve prevents normal operation while the motor and tank remain serviceable.

Customers sometimes assume that a pump which runs continuously or stops moving water needs complete replacement. However, a professional diagnosis often identifies a repairable restriction or service component.

We also find that access can affect long-term maintenance. A compact pump may fit beneath a tray or behind furniture, but the surrounding installation must still allow covers and components to be reached safely.

Correcting a pipework fault or improving service access can provide better long-term value than replacing the pump alone.

Our repair-first approach helps avoid unnecessary cost while protecting the reliability of the complete shower drainage system.

Annual Sanishower+ Servicing

Regular servicing helps keep the Sanishower+ operating efficiently and can reduce the risk of unexpected shower drainage problems.

The most suitable interval depends on usage, water hardness, the amount of hair and cosmetic residue entering the system, and the condition of the connected pipework.

What We Check During a Service

During a professional service, we inspect the motor, capacitor and pressure-control components.

In addition, we check the non-return valve, seals, electrical connections, internal condition and accessible discharge pipework.

Next, we inspect the shower waste and basin connection for hair, soap, shampoo residue, limescale and other restrictions.

We then test the complete automatic pumping cycle and confirm that the unit starts, removes water efficiently and stops correctly.

Early inspection can identify worn components before they cause a complete breakdown. As a result, preventative maintenance may reduce emergency repairs and bathroom disruption.

Optional Deep Steam Cleaning

For a higher level of preventative maintenance, we offer optional Deep Steam Cleaning for an additional €60.

High-temperature steam helps reduce bacteria, biofilm, soap residue, limescale and unpleasant odours without harsh chemicals.

This service can provide particular value in frequently used bathrooms or installations affected by hard-water deposits.

Sanishower+ Repairs

Most Sanishower+ faults do not require complete pump replacement. Therefore, every repair starts with an accurate diagnosis.

First, we test the electrical supply and operating cycle. Then, we inspect the pump, pressure-control system, inlet connections and discharge route.

We regularly repair these pumps by replacing capacitors, pressure-control components, non-return valves, seals, motors and other service parts where appropriate.

Hair or soap deposits may also restrict the inlet or pressure chamber. In such cases, careful cleaning and testing can restore normal operation without replacing the complete unit.

Because we specialise exclusively in Saniflo products, we understand how component faults and installation conditions can create similar symptoms.

For example, a weak capacitor may cause humming, while restricted discharge pipework may cause long running times or water to return towards the shower tray.

After completing a repair, we test automatic activation, pumping performance, switch-off operation and accessible joints.

Finally, we confirm that the connected shower and basin drain correctly before returning the system to service.

Sanishower+ Replacement

Repair usually provides the most economical solution.

However, replacement may offer better long-term value when the pump has extensive internal wear, repeated major faults or damage that makes further repair uneconomical.

Our replacement service includes removing the existing unit and installing a suitable genuine SFA Saniflo replacement.

Before installation, we confirm the exact model, available space, inlet arrangement, shower tray height, discharge route and electrical connection.

We also inspect the surrounding pipework for unnecessary bends, restrictions, unsuitable alterations and inadequate support.

Where 22 mm discharge pipework remains in use, we pay particular attention to bends and route design. Sharp 90-degree elbows should be avoided wherever practical because they increase hydraulic resistance.

Finally, we test the complete installation and confirm correct automatic operation under normal shower and basin flow.

Our online Quick Quote calculator provides an estimated replacement price for a standard installation.

If additional pipework, access work or installation improvements are required, we explain the requirements and costs before work begins.

Our Professional Recommendation

The manufacturer’s current product description permits 22 mm or 32 mm discharge pipework, while the technical table lists a 32 mm external discharge connection.

For a new route, we generally prefer correctly installed 32 mm discharge pipework wherever practical because the larger internal area can reduce resistance and provide more tolerance for minor deposits.

However, correctly designed 22 mm pipework can operate reliably on this model when the route remains short, direct and free from restrictive fittings.

Avoid 90-Degree Bends on 22 mm Discharge Pipework

When 22 mm pipework is used, we strongly recommend avoiding sharp 90-degree elbows wherever practical.

Instead, use two 45-degree bends or suitable long-radius fittings to create a smoother change of direction.

This recommendation is especially important on compact shower pumps because every unnecessary restriction can increase pumping time and motor workload.

Shower Tray Height and Inlet Fall

The pump has a low activation level, but the shower waste must still provide a suitable gravity fall into the inlet.

Before installation, we assess the tray height, waste position, connecting pipe length and expected shower flow rate.

A pump cannot correct poor gravity flow between the shower waste and its inlet.

Service Access and Electrical Safety

The unit may sit under or next to a tray, but it must remain accessible for inspection, cleaning, repair and replacement.

Electrical installation should follow the manufacturer’s instructions and applicable bathroom electrical requirements.

These recommendations reflect our practical experience servicing Saniflo systems since 2015.

Typical Lifespan of a Sanishower+

A professionally installed and regularly maintained Sanishower+ can provide many years of dependable service.

However, there is no single lifespan that applies to every installation.

Actual service life depends on shower use, water hardness, hair and soap deposits, installation quality, discharge conditions and preventative maintenance.

The pump may operate several times during every shower. Therefore, busy bathrooms can place greater demand on the motor and service components.

Components such as the capacitor, pressure-control system, non-return valve and seals may wear before the main casing reaches the end of its useful life.

As a result, the failure of one component does not automatically mean that the complete pump requires replacement.

Hair, limescale and soap deposits may also imitate mechanical failure by restricting water flow or affecting activation.

Regular inspection helps identify these problems before they cause prolonged running or a complete breakdown.

Where practical, worn service components can often be repaired or replaced individually.

From our experience, correct pipework, regular shower-waste cleaning and prompt attention to abnormal operation provide the strongest foundation for reliable long-term performance.

How to Extend the Life of Your Sanishower+

Long-term reliability depends on correct installation, sensible daily use and preventative maintenance.

Small amounts of hair and soap naturally enter shower drainage. However, regular cleaning can reduce the amount that reaches the pump.

Clean the Shower Waste Regularly

Remove visible hair from the shower waste before it moves into the connecting pipework.

In addition, keep the waste clear of heavy soap, shampoo and conditioner deposits.

These simple steps support better gravity flow into the pump and reduce the risk of inlet restrictions.

Respond to Early Warning Signs

Longer pumping cycles, frequent activation, unusual noise, slow shower drainage and recurring odours may indicate developing restrictions or component wear.

Therefore, arrange an inspection when operation changes rather than waiting for the pump to stop completely.

Protect the Pump from Unsuitable Materials

Avoid allowing the following materials to enter the system:

• Excessive hair
• Wet wipes
• Paper towels
• Cleaning cloths
• Plastic packaging
• Building materials
• Paint residue
• Plaster or grout
• Any unsuitable non-biodegradable material

Maintain the Discharge Route

Keep the pipework correctly supported and accessible where practical.

When 22 mm discharge pipe is installed, avoid sharp 90-degree bends and unnecessary changes of direction.

Finally, keep the pump itself accessible so future maintenance does not require avoidable damage to the bathroom finish.

Why Choose Saniflo.Irish?

Compact grey water pumps require specialist product knowledge and careful assessment of the surrounding installation.

At Saniflo.Irish, we specialise exclusively in Saniflo products.

As an Approved Saniflo Engineer authorised by SFA Saniflo, we have serviced, repaired and replaced Saniflo systems since 2015.

We work throughout Dublin and the surrounding counties.

Our experience helps us identify component faults, hair and soap restrictions, pipework problems and access issues that may affect reliability.

Every visit begins with an inspection of the pump and the connected drainage.

First, we identify the true cause of the problem. Then, we explain the most suitable repair options and any recommended preventative work.

We believe in honest advice, transparent pricing and professional workmanship.

If an economical repair is available, we recommend repair first. When replacement provides better long-term value, we explain the reasons clearly.

Our objective is to restore dependable shower drainage while avoiding unnecessary parts, replacement and disruption.

Request Your Sanishower+ Quote

Whether your Sanishower+ needs preventative servicing, professional repair or complete replacement, we are ready to help.

Our online Quick Quote calculator provides an estimated price for many standard service and replacement enquiries.

Simply select the service, property type and area. Afterwards, complete your contact details and tell us more about the problem.

Uploading clear photographs of the pump, shower tray and surrounding pipework can help us understand the installation before the visit.

If you are unsure whether repair or replacement is the better option, we can inspect the existing unit and provide honest advice based on its condition.

In many cases, professional cleaning or replacement of a worn service component can restore reliable operation without replacing the complete pump.

Our objective is simple: restore efficient shower drainage while avoiding unnecessary work, cost and bathroom disruption.

Get Your Sanishower+ Estimate