Wastewater drainage is an important but often overlooked part of commercial building design. Offices, restaurants, hotels, healthcare facilities, salons, educational institutions and other properties can have fixtures located in areas where gravity drainage is difficult.
Grey water from sinks, showers, washing machines, dishwashers and similar appliances needs a reliable route to the main drainage system. When the available drainage point is positioned above or far away from the fixtures, a lifting pump can provide a practical option.
For smaller applications, a single pump may be sufficient. Larger or busier facilities, however, may need additional operational redundancy.
SFA’s Sanicom 2 grey water lifting pump is designed for busy commercial environments. It has two motors, with one operating while the other acts as a standby unit. This arrangement is intended to provide continuity of service in applications where wastewater drainage is important to daily operations.
The system can handle wastewater from fixtures including sinks, washing machines, dishwashers, showers, baths and bidets. SFA specifies a 34-litre tank and a maximum flow rate of 16 cubic metres per hour, with pumping capability of up to 15 metres vertically under the relevant conditions.
This type of equipment can be considered for commercial kitchens, cafés, restaurants, offices, salons, shopping facilities, sports centres, healthcare locations and other buildings that generate significant grey water.
One reason a lifting system can be useful during renovation is that it may reduce the need for extensive excavation. A floor-standing system can be installed where creating a new underground drainage route would be disruptive or expensive, subject to the site’s requirements.
The two-motor configuration is another consideration for businesses. If wastewater disposal is essential to the operation of a facility, having a standby motor can provide an additional level of operational resilience. It does not eliminate the need for maintenance, but it can provide redundancy within the pumping system.
Temperature should also be considered. Commercial kitchens and laundry areas can produce warmer wastewater than domestic applications. Sanicom 2 is specified for a normal working temperature of 35°C and can handle temperatures up to 90°C for short periods, according to SFA’s product information.
Correct sizing remains essential. A pump should be selected according to the actual number and type of connected fixtures, expected wastewater volume, vertical lift, horizontal distance and pipework arrangement.
The surrounding installation should also allow access for inspection and servicing. Commercial equipment should be designed with maintenance requirements in mind from the beginning rather than after installation.
A dedicated grey water lifting station can therefore help commercial property owners address drainage challenges without redesigning an entire building.
Sanicom 2 is one product that can be evaluated for applications where higher usage and operational continuity are important. The final selection should be made after reviewing the project’s hydraulic requirements and the manufacturer’s installation guidance.
