Yes, you can use a regular toilet with a macerating pump. Macerating pumps are designed to help move sewage, blackwater, and feces from one point to another with ease and without having to install costly piping.
These pumps work by grinding up solid matter (such as feces), making it more liquid-like, and then pumping it through a special type of piping. Using a macerating pump means that you don’t have to tear up floors, walls, or ceilings to install new piping, which can save you time, effort, and money.
The pump will simply be installed in the area you wish to transfer waste to and then be connected to the toilet. Once the pump is installed and the connection between the toilet and pump is established, you will simply be able to use the toilet as normal, but the waste will now be pumped to the desired location rather than going down the traditional plumbing.
Where does the waste go from a macerating toilet?
The waste from a macerating toilet is moved through a specially designed pump and composite piping system, which enables it to be transported up to 100 feet vertically and/or 150 feet horizontally away from the toilet and discharged to a standard 2” or 3” waste line.
The pump then grinds the waste down into slurry and pumps it through a small pipe, generally made of PVC, a strong lightweight and very durable material. This small pipe prevents obstructions, even if the pipe is bent or turns at an angle, ensuring a reliable and safe waste removal system.
The pressurised pump force then carries the waste to an area where gravity drains the slurry mixture into the main public sewage, septic or holding tank system provided by the local government. The small-diameter composite pipe used to transport the waste is extremely flexible and resistant to corrosion, which prevents blockages and clogging, offering a neat and efficient way to dispose of the waste.
Why does my macerator toilet smell?
Macerator toilets can start to smell if the macerator isn’t working properly or loses its prime. If the macerator has lost its prime, there may be a clog, the wrong type of toilet paper, or too much solid waste for the macerator to process.
The macerator may also be blocked with solid waste, such as wipes, sanitary towels, and diapers, which would prevent it from functioning properly and can cause a smell to build up. Additionally, built up debris in the piping or a lack of ventilation in the pipework can also contribute to a bad smell.
If a thorough inspection has ruled out a clog and the PRV (pressure relief valve) is working properly, it is important to clean the macerator regularly to ensure it operates efficiently and helps to keep unpleasant smells at bay.
Cleaning the macerator involves removing the casing and cleaning the blades inside to remove any built-up debris and grime. If the smell persists after cleaning and inspecting the macerator, then it is likely that the pipework requires further investigation and potentially cleaning.
If you are still unable to discover the cause of the smell, then it is best to contact a plumber to look at the system.
Where is a macerator not acceptable?
Macerators are not typically used in commercial settings such as restaurants, hotels, stadiums, or other public facilities due to their high risk of injury due to their high speed rotating blades. Macerators are also not acceptable to use in areas where inflammable materials such as combustible materials, chemicals, and other flammable materials may be present.
They are also not acceptable for use on drainage lines that are pressurized, such as water mains, and fire protection systems. Additionally, macerators can be unsuitable for use on drainage lines that run through public lands, such as parks and trails.
Do you need building regs for a macerator toilet?
Yes, you do need building regulations approval for a macerator toilet. Building regulations approval is necessary regardless of the type of toilet that is being installed. Regulations approval is required to ensure the installation meets standards for safety, environmental protection, and energy efficiency.
The regulations approval process may involve inspections and certifications of the building’s plumbing by local authorities, so it is important to make sure any plumbing work done in the home is properly evaluated and approved before installation.
Additionally, the macerator should be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions and local building regulations to ensure it is working correctly and safely.
Are macerator toilets worth it?
Macerator toilets can be worth it for certain applications due to their smaller size, quiet operation, and easier installation. When compared to regular toilets, macerator toilets offer a number of advantages.
These toilets are generally smaller in size, meaning that they are able to fit into rooms that are too small for regular toilets. The macerator feature also makes it easier to install a toilet, as the plumbing and drainage can all be run through tight spaces.
Most macerator toilets are also quieter than regular toilets, making them more comfortable to use. Additionally, macerator toilets will save water since the tank automatically refills after every flush, reducing the need for multiple flushes.
However, macerator toilets can be expensive to purchase and install, so it’s important to determine if they are the right choice for your project. It also can take some time to install the plumbing and electrical components.
Additionally, the tankless design of macerator toilets can result in reduced flushing power when compared to regular toilets, which may cause issues with clogs if not properly maintained.
Overall, macerator toilets can be worth the investment for the right applications. Many people find the reduced size, quiet operation, and easier maintenance to be worth the cost. However, it’s important to consider the full cost of installation and potential maintenance issues before making a purchase to ensure that the toilet is the right fit for your project.
Does a macerating toilet need to be vented?
Yes, a macerating toilet does need to be vented. Venting is used to act as an exhaust for the toilet and to help control odors. It’s important for these toilets to be vented properly to ensure that the toilet is working correctly and to keep it running smoothly.
Normally, the vent is installed at the base of the bowl using a p-trap fitting. This fitting ensures that the venting is done correctly and that the toilet is maintained properly. It’s also important to make sure that the vent is connected correctly in order to prevent blockages and other problems that may occur.
Venting a macerating toilet is an important step in ensuring that the toilet is functioning properly, and if it is not installed properly, getting the needed repairs can be costly.
How often should you clean a macerator toilet?
Macerator toilets should be regularly maintained and cleaned. To keep the toilet running smoothly, it is recommended that the macerator is cleaned at least twice a year. Before cleaning, disconnect the power source and ensure that the toilet is not connected to a plumbing system.
When you are ready to clean the macerator, start by filling a bucket with warm water and some disinfectant solution. To dislodge any solid material inside the macerator, insert a pipe cleaner into the outlet pipe and move it around.
Then flush the toilet several times to push out the material. Carefully remove the macerator cover and locate the float assembly. Remove any solid material from this area. This can be done with a brush or by vacuum cleaning.
Once your macerator is emptied, the cover can be replaced and the float assembly secured. Rinse the entire macerator using the warm water and disinfectant solution. Ensure the macerator is completely dry before reconnecting the power source.
It is important to perform regular maintenance of the macerator toilet to ensure that it operates correctly and efficiently. Making sure it is cleaned and cared for on a regular basis will help avoid any blockages, breakdowns, and costly repairs.
How far away can a macerator be from the toilet?
The distance a macerator can be from the toilet will depend on the type and model of the macerator and the type and size of pipes being used. Generally, it is recommended to keep the macerator as close to the toilet as possible, preferably within 6 feet of the toilet.
However, some macerators can be connected to pipes up to 100 feet in length. It is important to be mindful of the pipe length in relation to the motor’s power capability, as the longer the pipe, the more the motor has to be powerful to push the waste through the system.
Additionally, the longer the distance the macerator needs to carry waste can also reduce the safe, usable debris capacity of the macerator. When in doubt, an expert should always be consulted to ensure the correct type and model of macerator is chosen for the specific application.
How long do macerator toilets last?
Macerator toilets generally last from 10 to 20 years, depending on usage and maintenance. If they are well taken care of, they can last much longer. Of course, things like electric components may degrade or need to be replaced during the lifespan of your macerator toilet.
It is important to keep the tank and the blades clean and lubricated, and to check and replace the blades, scissors, and other parts periodically, as needed. Additionally, it is helpful to flush the macerator toilet regularly and use appropriate amounts of toilet paper to help prevent blockage.
Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for proper installation and use, and perform recommended yearly maintenance to get the most out of your macerator toilet.
What is a macerator pump toilet?
A macerator pump toilet is a type of toilet system that has a built-in pump and a cutting blade, which allow waste and toilet tissue to be ground up and pumped away to a distant location. This allows for more efficient and easier disposal of waste from otherwise difficult areas, such as lofts and the upstairs portion of a two-story building.
With the help of a macerator pump, waste can be discharged up to six metres vertically and up to 100 metres horizontally. Some systems even feature a one-way system, allowing the waste and tissue to travel down the pipe to the eventual destination but preventing foul sewage coming back up the pipe.
The macerator pump toilet requires its own energy source, and usually operates on an electric power supply. As such, they are generally quite a bit more expensive to install than traditional toilets.
However, the convenience of being able to access areas that would otherwise be impossible to connect to drainage systems more than makes up for the initial cost. Furthermore, the operation of the macerator pump toilet is relatively quiet, meaning that it won’t disturb your normal daily activities.
What can you not put in the macerator?
It is important to note that a macerator can only process soft materials such as toilet paper. Things such as towels, wipes, or any paper products other than toilet paper should not be put in the macerator.
Additionally, objects such as cotton buds, tampons, sanitary towels, condoms, cigarette butts, and nappies should not be put in the macerator. Any hard objects, such as glass, stones, metal, wood, plastic, bones, or any other solid object should also not be put in the macerator.
Furthermore, any chemicals or oils should not be put in the macerator as well as it could damage the device and possibly result in blockages.
Do macerator toilets need servicing?
Yes, macerator toilets do need servicing. Due to the high-powered motor contained within, macerators require regular maintenance to ensure a smooth, reliable operation. They should be serviced at least once a year to check for signs of wear, as well as ensuring that all moving parts are properly lubricated and functioning efficiently.
Additionally, the blades of the macerator should be checked for any damages or signs of wear. Any potential issues should be rectified as soon as possible to protect the longevity of the macerator. It is also important to check the macerator’s hoses, which can become clogged over time and are prone to wear and tear.
Finally, the flush system should be cleaned out regularly and the motor inspected to ensure it is in good working order.
Do you have to empty a Saniflo toilet?
Yes, you do have to empty a Saniflo toilet at some point, though how often this is required depends on the model and how much it is being used. Saniflo toilets generally require emptying every two or three months, or when they become full.
Emptying a Saniflo is similar to emptying a standard toilet as it involves flushing out the waste with a garden hose and emptying the macerator pump. It’s important to wear gloves when doing this to keep your hands clean and to dispose of the waste properly.
When done correctly, Saniflo toilets should run more efficiently and last longer.
What is the lifespan of a Saniflo?
The lifespan of a Saniflo can vary depending on the type and model, as well as how it is regularly maintained by the homeowner. Generally, users can expect a Saniflo to last between 10 and 15 years when properly maintained.
To prolong the device’s lifespan and reduce the risk of it will breakdown, the manufacturer suggests replacing the macerator unit every 7 to 10 years. Additionally, it is important to regularly inspect the unit for signs of corrosion and mineral build-up, as well as flush it with a descaling liquid once a year to prevent clogging and keep the components working properly.
Following this schedule can help ensure that your Saniflo will last for many years and provide you with a reliable waste removal system.