Frequently asked questions about Macerator Pumps
Category : Clean and Check , News , Sewage Pumps
Our Basement Sump and Pump experts have pulled together a list of the most frequently asked questions that we have received regarding problems with macerators.
The most frequently asked questions, regarding macerator pumps are as follows;
What is A Macerator Pump?
A macerator is a pump that is attached to a toilet that grinds up solid waste using a high speed rotational blade which then pumps the waste into the drainage system.
Exactly What Does a Macerator Do?
Macerators are designed to pump away waste materials from toilets, as well as other waste waters without depending on a regular drainage system.
How to Install a Macerator?
Every macerator is unique; therefore it is essential to comply with the instructions within the manual which comes with it. However, as a basic guideline, the majority of macerators slide behind the toilet. You should then be able to pull the rubber over the opening of the toilet from the macerator pump.
Once this is done, you must plumb in the opening from the macerator to the soil pipe or stack. When this step is completed, it is essential to have an electrician present, as you could possibly be violating industry regulations and the law.
What would happen if I put incorrect substances in the macerator?
In the event you insert the wrong substances down the toilet, there would most likely be a jam or block use of the rota along with the outlet waste that is being pumped out, resulting in an emergency call out.
I live in a rented property, What if the macerator gets blocked, is the landlord accountable for this?
In the event the macerator is blocked it is the duty of the landlord to ensure it is safe. Provided that there is certainly a primary toilet within the house, the landlord is within his legal rights to arrange a plumber to visit on a standard weekday.
Nevertheless if perhaps the problem of the macerator is a result of misuse, then this will be the accountability of the tenant. It is wise to determine if there is power getting to the macerator, as it establishes if the macerator needs replacing or not.
Why Is Macerator Pump Making A Loud Noise?
Macerators can seem to be loud however, only potentially as loud as a washing machine or even a dishwasher.
How Much Does Is It Cost To Install A Macerator Pump?
Macerator costs range between, £150 to £600 based on the manufacture, the guarantee, the brand and what the macerators will likely be useful for.
A reliable macerator would most likely cost roughly between, £280 to £600. To get a macerator installed this would cost on average £500.
How Long Does a Macerator Pump Last?
The common rule regarding macerator pumps, is the machine, which will usually last up to 15 years, if handling a small amount of waste. With standard usage in a main bathroom in a domestic home, you can assume a macerator to last at least for about 10 years.
If the macerator has been utilised in a high traffic for example on a commercial property, you would then calculate approximately 3 years.
However there are actually specific macerators which are made specifically for commercial usage, though the cost for one will be considerably higher than a domestic macerator.
Can a macerator also take other appliances?
Dependent on the type of macerator, a macerator will take all types of soil waste, provided that it is within the guidelines and there are certainly no solids going down, such as kitchen waste or even wet wipes. See our list of things not to be put down a sewage pump.
Should a qualified person be needed to install a macerator?
Provided that the instructions are followed appropriately in full together with meeting all regulations then a qualified person, such as a plumber is not necessarily needed.
However if in any doubt consult a qualified expert for further advice.
What Should I do If My Macerator Is Not Working?
On many occasions, broken macerators can only be replaced, while any substitution on a macerator voids the guarantee, it is highly recommended to never try to exchange the components simply because of the kind of work required.
Hopefully, you are fortunate enough to have a macerator that is only obstructed with undesirable item or the switch has accidentally been turned off or perhaps the fuse has gone.
In the event the fuse has gone, it will always be beneficial to examine the cause, as the motor may need replacing or a common fault with the device.
Install, Service and Maintain Macerator Pumps
If you are looking to install, service or have maintenance on your macerator pumps then it is always best to contact an expert.
At the Basement Sump and Pump Company, we have over 10 years of experience in the macerating industry and we are also members of the Property Care Association so you can be assured that the work carried out will be to the highest of standards possible.
To get in touch with our team by clicking the link down below or call us on 0800 019 9949.
When our engineers take a pump out to clean most of our customers are shocked at just how much dirt and build up of scales can happen over a year between “Clean and Checks”.
We all tend to forget how hard electrical equipment works whilst it’s working, but when the unthinkable happens and it breaks down we start to panic! Just think if your boiler broke down in the dead of winter! 
Here’s another great example of what our engineers find in customers sumps. On a recent annual ‘Clean & Check’ visit our engineer prepared to start the cleaning of the sump – nothing strange there, until he looked inside the sump and found 3 inches of mud in the bottom of the sump! The customers property had a stream running nearby which as a result caused unexpected levels of mud and silt build up in the sump.
