Research Lab Replaces Faulty Pump, Resolving Kitchen Plumbing Issues Without Disruptive Renovations

Case Study | June 2024

To resolve persistent plumbing issues without requiring extensive renovations and disruptive construction, Prevail Therapeutics installs Saniflo’s Sanicom 1 commercial drain pump, transforming its office kitchen into an efficient and reliable workspace.

Problem

NEW YORK, NY — Prevail Therapeutics, a leading research lab specializing in genetic testing and the study of neurodegenerative diseases, encountered a significant plumbing challenge in its New York City office. Located in the Alexandria Building’s West Tower, Prevail employs around 120 staff members, with daily kitchen usage ranging from 20 to 50 employees. In 2021, Prevail became a subsidiary of Eli Lilly, a prominent pharmaceutical company.

The office kitchen at Prevail originally featured a lab sink with a plumbing system specifically designed for chemical waste disposal. This setup proved ill-suited, leading to recurrent pump malfunctions and clogging due to food particle accumulation.

“The previous pump we had could not handle any food particles,” says Jack Orchard, Prevail Therapeutics’ site lead. “We were experiencing pumping issues from foods as small as seeds, which made the office kitchen less functional.”

The existing system’s inability to handle food particles resulted in frequent operational disruptions and maintenance issues.

Solution

To address these issues, Orchard replaced the inadequate pump system with a more effective solution. After researching potential alternatives and considering commercial plumbing codes, he opted for the Saniflo Sanicom 1 commercial drain pump, known for its ability to sustain the toughest commercial applications. Prevail selected the Sanicom 1 drain pump due to its ability to withstand liquids with highly acidic properties, its compact, quiet design, and its compliance with all applicable codes for this installation.

While the Saniflo Sanicom 1 is not marketed as a macerator or grinder, it effectively handles small food particles up to ⅜”. Saniflo recommends installing a strainer in all drains to ensure smooth operation and to maintain the health of the pump.

“The Saniflo Sanicom 1 drain pump has been a game-changer for our kitchen plumbing system,” Orchard states. “It effectively handles all food particles, reducing clogs and pump failures.” The compact design of the Sanicom 1 was an important consideration. “The compact design of the Sanicom 1 drain pump freed up additional space in our kitchen area, while its quiet operation contributed to a better working environment,” he explains.

According to Orchard, the pump was ordered directly from the Saniflo online distributor and arrived within 2-3 days. The installation involved coordination with a general contractor for plumbing services, professional plumbers for the new pump installation, and a separate vendor for the necessary electrical connections. The entire installation process took approximately five hours, causing minimal disruption to office activities.

Results

Orchard says the installation and performance of the product have exceeded his expectations.

“The Sanicom 1 drain pump has significantly improved the kitchen’s plumbing performance,” he states. “The new pump effectively handles all types of small food particles, reducing clogging and pump failures. The kitchen plumbing system now operates smoothly, supporting the needs of all our employees.”

“Overall, we are really pleased with how the product performs,” Orchard concludes.

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ABOUT SANIFLO
SFA SANIFLO NORTH AMERICA – whose France-based parent company, SFA Group, originated macerating plumbing technology — offers a complete line of waste and drainage pumping systems for residential, commercial and industrial applications. SFA Saniflo developed its innovative, “above-floor plumbing” technology 65 years ago and has led its commercialization worldwide. Today, the company markets macerating technology through 27 subsidiaries doing business in more than 70 countries and has sold more than eight million units worldwide since 1958. SFA Saniflo markets through independent sales agents throughout North America, and the product line is currently available at distributor and dealer locations throughout the continent.

For more information, contact SFA Saniflo USA at 1-800-571-8191, or visit the website at Saniflo.com. To contact SFA Saniflo Canada, dial 1-800-363-5874, or visit Saniflo.ca.

For editorial assistance, contact Madelyn Young ([email protected]) c/o GreenHouse Digital + PR: 708-428-6385.

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