A toilet macerator is a device that is designed to reduce solids in wastewater to a more manageable size, allowing it to easily be pumped and transported through a smaller diameter pipe. Typically, these are used in areas that require a large amount of wastewater to be pumped through pipes with a very tight radius or for applications which are located a long distance from the main sewer connection.
The macerator works by grinding waste that is flushed down the toilet into small bits and then allowing it to be pumped away, up to a maximum of one hundred feet. This makes it useful for locations that would otherwise be difficult to reach and keep the wastewater flowing.
It can also provide an additional line of defense against clogging and blockages in the drainage system, and eliminate the need to dig large trenches in order to reach the main sewer line.
Where does the waste go from a macerator toilet?
The waste from a macerator toilet goes through a pump that reduces the solid waste matter into finer particles. These particles are then transferred to a drainage pipe. Depending on the design of a particular macerator toilet, the drainage pipe may connect directly to the sewer system or it may go through a separate tank for storage.
The tank usually contains a set of blades that further break down the solid waste matter so it is released in smaller particles that can easily pass through the drainage pipe. The point of the maceration process is to reduce the volume of solid waste and prevent potential blockages or clogs that may occur in the drainage pipe.
What is the advantage of a macerator?
Macerators are a great asset for any plumbing situation, offering a number of advantages over traditional plumbing methods.
The first advantage of a macerator is that it is much easier to install than traditional plumbing. Macerators are small, compact units that are easy to install and require no digging or extensive plumbing experience.
All that is needed is a power socket and an existing waste outlet, meaning they can be installed quickly and with minimal disruption.
Macerators also take up less space than traditional plumbing as they can be mounted to the wall, eliminating the need for bulky pipes. This makes them ideal for bathrooms where space might be restricted due to other fixtures and fittings.
Additionally, macerators offer greater flexibility than traditional plumbing, as they can be used in a variety of locations and are able to process waste from multiple sources. This means that they are perfect for areas without access to large waste systems such as second bathrooms, wet rooms and small utility rooms, as they can connect directly to the existing waste outlets.
Finally, macerators are much quieter than other plumbing solutions, as the motor works to grind up the waste before it is sent through the pipes. This makes them a much more pleasant option for anyone in close proximity to the macerator.
Are macerator toilets worth it?
Macerator toilets can be worth it depending on the circumstances. If you have an older bathroom that is not equipped to handle traditional plumbing, or if you need to raise the height of a toilet, a macerator toilet might be a good choice.
The biggest benefit to a macerator toilet is that it is much easier and cheaper to install than a traditional toilet, as it requires just a single connection to a waste pipe. Additionally, macerator toilets can handle more than one drain point like a shower, basin, bath, and sink, and can help to save space when you need to run pipes in difficult spaces.
However, a macerator toilet will be noisier than a traditional toilet, as it needs to grind up the waste before pumping it away. Additionally, they do require electricity, so if there is no power supply already available nearby, it will be necessary to wire one in.
All in all, if you are unable to install a traditional toilet, it is definitely worth considering a macerator toilet.
Can you put toilet paper in a macerator toilet?
No, it is not a good idea to put toilet paper in a macerator toilet. A macerator toilet is a device that grinds and liquefies the waste before it is discharged, so it is designed to deal only with liquid waste and not solid waste such as toilet paper.
The paper can clog the unit and cause serious operational problems. Toilet paper should be placed in a separate waste bin to be disposed of in the normal way. It is important to use the correct toilet paper in a macerator toilet, as standard toilet paper can be susceptible to clogging.
To avoid this, always use a “macerator-safe” toilet paper designed for use with macerator toilets.
Do macerating toilets smell?
Macerating toilets, which are also known as “upflush” or “grinder” toilets, use a built-in grinding system to break down solids and pump them up and away, helping to minimize clogging and allowing them to be installed in places not usually suited for regular toilets.
Generally, macerating toilets do not smell because the grinding system is designed to reduce solids and contain odors. However, one potential downside of this system is that, because they lack a full-size trap like a traditional toilet, they may be more prone to odors coming up from the waste system.
If you experience a smell when using a macerating toilet, it could be caused by one of several factors, including a dry “P” trap caused by its infrequent use. To help prevent odors from a macerating toilet, you should ensure that your toilet bowl stays well-filled with water with a regular flushing schedule and clean out the system regularly.
If the problem persists, you may need to call a professional to inspect the system.
What can you not put in the macerator?
You should never put anything in your macerator that is not designed to be processed into a slurry. This includes items such as plastics, metals, paper, and glass. Additionally, because these machines are quite powerful, you should never put items that could potentially be hazardous such as sanitary products, rags, chains, cloth, and cardboard.
Furthermore, it is important to never put any solids into your macerator that are larger than the manufacturers’ recommended maximum size, as this could not only damage your machine, but also create blockages.
How long do macerator toilets last?
Macerator toilets generally have a long life-span of around 10-15 years, although this will depend on the make and model. To ensure you get maximum longevity out of your toilet, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for regular maintenance and cleaning.
Additionally, it is a good idea to routinely check for signs of wear and tear on structural components such as the motor, blades and seals to prevent any problems arising from faulty parts. Ultimately, taking proper care of your macerator toilet will be the best way to ensure that it lasts as long as possible.
Can a macerator handle a tampon?
Yes, a macerator can handle a tampon. Macerators are designed to dispose of all types of waste, including feminine hygiene products like tampons. In order to ensure that the macerator can handle a tampon, it is important to wrap it in toilet paper and to break it up before disposing of it, as larger or whole items have the capacity to cause blockages.
It is also important to check the manufacturer’s instructions to see what size of the waste should be put into the macerator. In any case, if you are disposing feminine hygiene products in a macerator, you should check regularly to make sure your macerator is not clogged and it is working properly.
Can you use a regular toilet with a macerating pump?
Yes, you can use a regular toilet with a macerating pump. A macerating pump is designed to effectively break down and liquify solid waste, typically including macerated paper, so it can be easily pumped away to its destination.
This makes it incredibly useful for areas where the termination point for the waste is far away from the toilet, such as basements. A macerating pump will take an existing regular toilet and use it in much the same way, only it will break the waste down into liquified form, allowing it to be more easily pumped away and cleared from the pipe.
This makes it a great option for those who need to pump sewage away from the toilet up to a higher level, such as in a basement, or in areas where the waste must travel a longer distance.
Are Macerators a good idea?
Macerators can be a great idea, depending on your needs. If you need to install a bathroom in a room that doesn’t have a conventional drainage system, a macerator can be a great solution. Macerators can turn ordinary waste pipes into powerful, mini-pumping systems, making them ideal for spaces with limited plumbing.
They are designed to quickly break down solid waste and pump out the gray-water from shower, sink and toilet outlets. They also save space since they can fit into small cavities and their installation can be much simpler than traditional drainage systems.
Macerators are also considered to be more reliable and typically need less maintenance than conventional drainage systems.
That being said, macerators can be expensive and the cost of installation can be daunting. If you’re looking at adding a bathroom to a space that is already equipped with a traditional drainage system, it may be cheaper and more efficient to go with the conventional system.
In the end, it all comes down to your constraints and needs. If you are looking to install a bathroom in a room that doesn’t have a traditional drainage system, a macerator may be the best choice. However, if money is the primary concern and you have access to a conventional system, then it might be more cost-effective to go with the traditional system.
Can you use a macerator with any toilet?
No, you cannot use a macerator with any toilet. Macerators are devices that are specifically designed for installation in confined spaces with limited access, such as a cupboard or a loft space. As such, they can be used to create a pump-assisted gravity flow system to a WC or a separate discharge outlet (such as a sink).
When installing a macerator, it is important to ensure that it is compatible with your existing bathroom suite and in particular your existing toilet. Generally macerators are only suitable for installation with wall-hung pans and would not be suitable for installation with a close coupled toilet, a low level pan, a back to wall pan, or a corner pan.
For a macerator to work, it must have suitable inlet and outlet connections. These connections should be sized accordingly with the use of adaptors for inlet and outlet sizes. For additional flexibility, macerators may also feature additional outlets for baths, showers, basins, and other appliances.
In conclusion, a macerator should not be used with any toilet, but should be assessed on a case by case basis to ensure compatibility with your existing suite and toilet.
Can you drain a sink into a macerating toilet?
Yes, it is possible to drain a sink into a macerating toilet. A macerating toilet, also known as a “upflush toilet”, is an innovative system that allows wastewater from certain types of plumbing fixtures to be pumped up and out of the home.
Macerating toilets have a powerful motorized impeller which grinds up the waste and expels it through a small diameter pipe. This makes it much easier to install a toilet in areas not served by traditional plumbing, such as a basement bathroom or other addition.
In order for a macerating toilet to be compatible with a sink, it must have a special type of connection. This connection is a combination of a check valve, a solenoid valve, and a venturi. The check valve prevents wastewater from going the wrong way and the solenoid and venturi provide the vacuum needed to suck up the wastewater.
Once a compatible connection is in place, you should be able to connect the sink to the macerating toilet.
In order for the macerating toilet to work as intended, it is important to avoid using harsh detergents and keep the macerator blades and motor clean and out of any clogged material. With proper maintenance and installation, your macerating toilet should be able to efficiently and conveniently drain your sink.
What can go wrong with a macerator toilet?
Macerator toilets are a convenient, viable solution when dealing with limited space and plumbing, but they come with a few potential problems that, if left unchecked, can cause major issues. These are the most common issues:
1. Clogging – Clogs are the most common difficulty that arises with macerator toilets. Failing to regularly inspect, clean and maintain the blades will increase the risk of clogging. It is important to only flush toilet paper and waste down the toilet, not anything else like facial tissues, towels, tampons, baby wipes, etc.
The blades in the macerator won’t be able to handle the extra fibers and objects that can cause clogs in a hurry.
2. Mineral buildup – Calcium and lime deposits can accumulate in areas such as the blades, hoses, and motors. It is important to regularly deep clean the macerator and its components to prevent buildup over time.
3. Electrical failures – The macerator toilet has an external power source, which can be exposed to water. If the macerator is not securely wired, or the power source is not sealed, the macerator itself could be damaged or short out the circuit breaker.
To avoid electrical issues, make sure that the macerator is constructed properly, and check to make sure that the motor is functioning properly.
4. Air blockages – Air bubbles can form when installed improperly, as the high water pressure will push the air back toward the motor and reduce the toilets power. This can be remedied by adjusting the water pressure downwards or ensuring that all of the connections are secure and properly sealed.
5. Leaks – Leaks can occur in a number of areas including the macerator, hoses and fittings. To prevent leaks, the hoses should be regularly inspected for any cracks or other damage, and the macerator should be sealed properly.
It is also helpful to install a new seal when reinstalling the macerator.
Do macerator toilets need servicing?
Yes, macerator toilets will need servicing from time to time, just like any other type of toilet. The main areas that require service are the impellor and blades, which need to be inspected for obstructions and then checked for wear and tear.
Other components, such as the motor and seal, also need checking for damage and wear. In addition, the outlet pipes also require periodic maintenance to ensure they remain free from blockage. Finally, the tank itself should be checked for cleanliness and debris.
Depending on the model, a professional plumber may be required for some of the work. Avoid using bleach or chemical-based cleaning products in the tank, as those may damage its internal components.