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| Small bore systems  Installing extra bathroom/cloakroom facilities in a house or business is not only a useful and practical New Year resolution but can add real value to your property. Building Societies have confirmed that the addition of a second bathroom can add significant value to a property, and make it easier to sell. In addition, recent regulations have been brought in requiring the installation of specific cloakroom facilities for disabled people in commercial situations. In many cases these facilities cannot be installed by traditional means. You may choose to install one where it is impossible to use gravity drainage, for example in a basement, or where it would be too disruptive to use gravity drainage, such as where a large area of flooring would have to be lifted.It may also be beneficial when it becomes too expensive to use gravity drainage, where perhaps digging up concrete drives or flooring would otherwise be required. The most familiar of these types of product is a macerator pump, which is fitted to the back of a standard WC pan. For example, a Saniplus unit takes the waste from a bathroom suite and reduces it to a fluid, and then pumps it via 22 mm pipework to the soil stack. The pump is able to pump against gravity, which reduces most of the restrictions regarding where a toilet, or other facilities for that matter, can be installed. All units work on the same principle – that is, water and waste drain by gravity into the unit. As the liquid rises, a pressure switch automatically activates the motor. Waste and water are macerated, and then quietly pumped away through small bore pipework to a remote soil stack or sewer. When the toilet is flushed, the water level rises and at a preset level, a micro-switch in the float unit is activated, and the pump is switched on. The pump and blades are activated simultaneously, which disperses any solids present and, at the same time, pumps the liquidised waste to the discharge pipework. The Saniflo domestic range has models which will remove waste up to 100 metres horizontally or 5 metres vertically (or a lesser combination of both) through 22 mm pipework. It includes models that have macerators and are designed for use with a WC suite, as well as pump only units suitable in particular for use with kitchen appliances. In addition to the domestic range, there is our 'Professional Range' for use in demanding/high usage commercial situations. Before installing a macerator, there are two things you should consider, Building Regulations G4 (sanitary conveniences and washing facilities) which allow a macerator to be installed where there is also access to a gravity discharging WC in the dwelling concerned, and Part P (electrical regulations). The correct installation of the macerator unit is important for two reasons. Firstly it will ensure that it will operate correctly on a long term basis; and secondly it ensures that the product is covered by any manufacturer's guarantees. write your comments about the article :: © 2013 Construction News :: home page |