Macerating toilets are a special type of RV toilet that work by chopping up solids into small pieces before flushing them through a small-diameter pipe. This allows the toilet to be able to thoroughly process and flush waste from the RV without requiring a large, bulky sewage tank.
To accomplish this, the macerating toilet contains a cutting blade that is powered by electricity. As you press the flush button, the blade starts to spin and grind up any solid waste present in the bowl.
This macerated waste is then moved by a powerful pump to the main sewage pipe. These systems are particularly useful in RVs because they allow waste to be flushed more quickly and easily than with a regular RV toilet.
This can make dumping tanks much faster and easier, saving time and effort for RV owners.
Where does the waste go from a macerating toilet?
A macerating toilet works by using a special pump that breaks down solid waste using very fast spinning blades. The resulting mix is then pushed out through a small diameter pipe, around 22mm in most cases.
This pipe then goes up into the home’s waste stack, where the mix is drained into the municipal sewers. The small diameter pipe also helps reduce any potential blockages, as the mix is less likely to form a clog.
In some cases, the waste might be pumped out through a more traditional soil stack, or even directed out to a septic tank or cesspool. In this case, the waste needs to be removed periodically for proper maintenance of the tank.
How do you empty a macerator toilet?
Macerator toilets are practical in places where a normal toilet would be difficult to install, as the waste is able to be pumped away rather than needing an access to the sewers. To empty the toilet, you’ll need to first identify the pump used – this can either be a grinder or a cutter pump.
The grinder pump is round and has a few flat surfaces with inlets and outlets, while the cutter pump usually has four tapped holes.
If your toilet has a grinder pump, turn off the power, then open the lid to the pump and look inside. You’ll likely find a black canister with a handle – this is the collection chamber. To empty the toilet, simply pull out the handle and pour the contents in the drain.
If your toilet uses a cutter pump, turn off the power and unscrew the four bolts at the bottom of the motor. This will expose the cutter blade and collected waste, so you should pour the waste into a receptacle and then discard it safely.
Once the waste has been removed, you can then reassemble the motor and turn the power back on.
No matter what type of macerator toilet you have, you should clean the motor periodically to ensure that it is running correctly. Also, you should use the toilet responsibly, avoiding flushing items such as sanitary towels or other large bits of debris that could clog the motor or cause a leak.
Can you drain a sink into a macerating toilet?
Yes, you can drain a sink into a macerating toilet, provided the sink is plumbed into the waste lines and an additional macerating pump is installed. Macerating pumps are designed to turn solid waste into slurry, allowing it to be pumped through a small diameter pipe or tube.
The macerating pump installed near the sink uses a number of blades to reduce larger solids into a liquid state, which can then be pumped through the smaller tubes to a disposal point. This setup is common in new homes, and can even be installed in existing homes.
The cost of the pump and installation should be considered when deciding if this is the best option. One major advantage of macerating a sink is that it can expand the housing of other fixtures and therefore increase the usability of the available plumbing.
Can you put toilet paper in a macerator toilet?
No, you cannot put toilet paper in a macerator toilet. Macerator toilets use a different type of plumbing system that grinds and macerates waste to make it easier to pass through the small pipes used in the system.
Toilet paper does not grind easily and can cause a blockage in the macerator system if it is used. Although paperless toilets are the best option for macerator toilets, there are restroom cleaning wipes that are specially designed for use with macerator toilets.
These wipes are softer and breakdown more easily than traditional toilet paper, making them much safer to use in any macerator system.
What can you not put in the macerator?
You should never put the following items in a macerator: fibrous or bulky materials (such as cotton balls, sanitary products, diapers, wipes, rags, etc. ), foreign objects (such as stones, screws, jewelry, glass, etc.
), grease, oil, fats (including food oil, bio oils, and fats), flammable liquids, caustic chemicals (such as bleach, bleach tablets, toilet bowl cleaner, acids, etc. ), bleach pads, paint, cement, and any items that do not dissolve.
Additionally, you should never put immersible pumps, sumps pumps, grinders, or any other type of electric motor in the macerator, as this can be dangerous.
Why does my macerator toilet smell?
Macerator toilets are designed to grind and flush away unwanted waste, however if the macerator toilet is not correctly installed or serviced then it can lead to a smelly odour. This is usually caused by the macerator not being properly installed or serviced.
It is important to ensure that the macerator is correctly sealed off to prevent any odors from escaping. Additionally, the macerator must be serviced regularly to ensure that it is functioning properly and that it is clean.
Any blockages in the macerator will cause an unpleasant smell. It is also important to note that the smell may come from other sources such as insufficient ventilation, a blocked vent stack, or poor plumbing practices.
Over time, this can cause bacteria to build up and lead to an unpleasant smell. In order to prevent this from happening, it is important to properly ventilate the area and maintain good plumbing practices.
Do macerator toilets need servicing?
Yes, macerator toilets need servicing to ensure they are running properly and efficiently. Regular servicing helps identify any potential issues before they become a larger problem. Servicing should include checking the operation of the macerator pump and blades, checking for any blockages, and cleaning both the interior and exterior of the unit.
Additionally, a professional plumber should replace any worn or damaged parts as necessary. If any problems are found during the service, they should be repaired promptly to avoid further complications.
Regular servicing of macerator toilets can help extend their life and ensure you can rely on them for years to come.
Do you have to empty a Saniflo toilet?
No, you do not have to empty a Saniflo toilet. Saniflo toilets use macerator technology which grinds and pumps solid waste out of the toilet and into the sewer system without needing to manually empty it first.
The macerator uses spinning blades to break down the waste and then pumps it out using a powerful motor. This method is both efficient and hygienic and means Saniflo toilets require less maintenance than normal toilets.
Can a macerator pump run dry?
No, a macerator pump should not be run dry. This is because the pump is designed to work by running at a low velocity and should never be allowed to run dry as this can lead to it suffering a seizure.
When running, the macerator pump should always be supplied with a liquid medium, such as wastewater or water, in order to lubicate the internal components of the pump and ensure heat transfer away from sensitive areas.
In addition, running a macerator pump dry can also cause the pump to run at an elevated temperature which can cause damages to its internal components, as well as cause it to wear more rapidly. Furthermore, running a macerator pump dry can also cause blockages within the rotor, further damaging and eventually leading to the failure of the pump.
Therefore, it is important to ensure that the macerator pump is properly supplied and maintained with liquid media in order to ensure its longevity and efficient working.
How far can you pump with a RV macerator pump?
The range of a RV macerator pump depends on the model, as well as the strength of the pump motor. Most RV macerator pumps are designed to support up to a 30-foot vertical lift and up to a 100-foot horizontal distance, although it may be possible to pump slightly further in certain circumstances.
Factors like the size and composition of the hose, the type of liquid being pumped, the number of bends in the hose, and the elevation at which the pump is being used could all affect the range of the pump.
Generally speaking, if the RV macerator pump is of adequate size and quality and it is used correctly and correctly maintained, it should be more than capable of pumping for long distances.
Do RVs have macerator toilets?
Yes, many recreational vehicles (RVs) are equipped with macerator toilets. A macerator toilet uses a macerator pump to crush and grind waste and eliminate the need for a tank — allowing for a more compact design than traditional toilet designs.
Macerator toilets are designed to be convenient, affordable and easy to maintain. They typically feature a small flushing system that uses less water than traditional toilets, and they don’t require an external water source to operate.
In addition, macerator toilets are quieter than traditional toilets, making them ideal for RVs. The reduction in size and noise that macerator toilets offer makes them an attractive choice for many RV owners.
What is the advantage of a macerator in an RV?
The primary advantage of a macerator in an RV is that it allows for waste and sewage to be disposed of independently. A macerator is a device that breaks down solid waste and sewage into a liquefied form.
This makes it much easier to pump out of the holding tanks and expel from the RV. This makes for a much easier process of waste disposal and helps reduce early clogs and blockages in your plumbing system.
Additionally, the liquefied waste much easier to store and compact than the solid waste which makes it ideal for off-grid camping and disposing of waste in areas that don’t have access to a motorhome sewage connection.
In general, the use of a macerator in an RV provides more flexibility and convenience when disposing of waste.
What kind of toilets do RVs have?
Most recreational vehicles (RVs) come equipped with one of two types of toilet. The first option is an ordinary-style flush toilet, which is like a typical residential toilet. This type of toilet requires a direct connection to a sewer system, like an RV park or a septic tank.
The second option is a portable cassette toilet, which has a cassette tank that attaches to the toilet. The tank then needs to be emptied periodically into a waste disposal facility. Some higher end RVs have a mixture of both types of toilets.
Generally, flush toilets need more maintenance and upkeep than the cassette toilets, which are typically more user friendly because they are more portable and don’t require connection to a sewage system.
Cassette toilets are also a more affordable option. Regardless of the type of RV toilet you choose, both will require regular maintenance and cleaning in order to keep them functioning properly.
How is sewage handled in an RV?
In terms of handling sewage from an RV, there are a few different ways to do it. The most common method is to use a holding tank, which is essentially a large container that receives liquid and solid waste from the various drains and sinks in the RV and stores it until it can be properly disposed of.
This method requires that the RV be regularly serviced and the tanks emptied at sanctioned dump stations that are equipped to handle the waste safely.
Another way to handle sewage in an RV is by using a connection to a septic system, either at a campsite, park, or somewhere that offers the service to RVers and allows them to connect to the septic main line.
This eliminates the need for emptying the tanks and waste can simply be sent to the main line and emptied into the system.
Finally, some RVs are equipped to handle their own waste disposal by using a built-in tank, much like those found in house trailers. This tank is usually connected to the drainage system of the RV and will require regular maintenance to ensure that it does not become clogged.
However, this method is generally more expensive and is only necessary if you will be staying somewhere for an extended period of time.