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What is a macerator pump?

A macerator pump, also known as a macerator toilet, toilet-waste grinder or sewer pump, is simply a collecting tank in which a pump has been placed. Wastewater that ran from a toilet, a washbasin, a bidet, a washing machine, or a shower into the macerator will be processed and discharged by it. A macerator pump can be placed anywhere in the house, even if there is only a small drainpipe or none at all.

The device is often placed in cellars/basements where extra living space has been created with, for example, a shower, a toilet, a washbasin, and/or a washing machine. Basements are usually situated lower than the central drainpipe in the house or the sewage system, which means that the wastewater has to be pumped horizontally and/or partly vertically to be discharged. The macerator is also used for spaces situated at a higher level, where no direct connection to the drainpipe can be made. A macerator usually has sufficient power to drain wastewater up to 6 metres vertically/60 metres horizontally. If you want to place a washing machine or even a toilet in a location with no direct connection to the drainpipe, the macerator will be an ideal solution.

Where can you install a macerator pump?

The macerator pumpis often placed in cellars/basements where extra living space has been created with, for example, a shower, a toilet, a washbasin, and/or a washing machine. Basements are usually situated lower than the central drainpipe in the house or the sewage system, which means that the wastewater has to be pumped horizontally and/or partly vertically to be discharged.

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The macerator is also used for spaces situated at a higher level, where no direct connection to the drainpipe can be made. A macerator usually has sufficient power to drain wastewater up to 6 metres vertically and 60 metres horizontally. If you want to place a washing machine or even a toilet in a location with no direct connection to the drainpipe, the macerator will be an ideal solution.

Installing a macerator

A macerator is placed directly behind the toilet. Depending on the type of macerator, other applications such as a washbasin, a shower, a washing machine, and/or a bidet can also be connected to it. The water is collected in the collecting tank, and when a certain level is reached, the pump will be activated automatically, processing and then discharging the content of the reservoir. Large particles such as faecal matter and toilet paper need to be cut up in order for water that contains this to fit through a narrow drainpipe.

In this blog, we have created clear step-by-step instructions on how to install a macerator.

What are the advantages of a macerator?

Depending on specific needs and situations, a macerator has several advantages, which include the following.

  • They drain wastewater. Macerators are able to pump wastewater upwards or over a greater distance to a drainpipe.

  • They are convenient if there is no drainpipe nearby, offering the possibility of installing sanitary appliances in places with no direct access to a drainpipe.

  • They are suitable for installation directly behind the toilet. Most macerators have been designed to be placed directly behind the toilet, which makes installing easier and more flexible in existing or new bathrooms.

  • They can be used with various sanitary appliances, such as for draining wastewater from toilets, showers, washbasins, and other appliances.

A macerator not only facilitates processing waste water in places with limited access to drainpipes but also provides practical solutions.

Are there any disadvantages?

Although macerators offer many advantages, a few things need to be considered. 

  • Noise level: Macerators can produce noise during the grinding of human waste and the pumping of wastewater. Modern variants have been designed with sound-absorbing materials to minimise noise, but the noise level varies per brand and pump model. 

  • Maintenance: They require regular maintenance and descaling because blockages may occur as a result of unsuitable materials being processed.

Despite these drawbacks, however, macerators can still be an excellent solution in specific situations. 

Which macerators do we supply?

We supply macerator pumps made by DAB and Saniflo.

With more than 40 years’ experience, DAB is one of the key players in the water management and displacement market. The company is well known for supplying reliable and technically advanced products that are efficient and easy to install.

Since 1958, Saniflo (part of the SFA Group) has stood for innovation, comfort, quality, and simplicity. This is reflected in their ability to find and to provide simple but ground-breaking solutions.

Which macerator is suitable for me?

Before you purchase a macerator, it is best to acquaint yourself with the available specifications. Consider the following features beforehand:

  • A toilet connection is needed or not;

  • The type of toilet connection;

  • The number of connections for other applications;

  • Delivery head;

  • Noise level;

  • Accessibility of reservoir and/or motor.

A macerator without a grinder

A macerator pump for a washing machine does not need a grinder because there is no toilet paper or human excrement in the wastewater. This model is specifically designed to be compact and space efficient.

A macerator with a grinder

A macerator toilet with a grinder has been designed specifically for processing wastewater that contains toilet paper and human excrement, as it has a larger opening than the non-grinder models. Models are available both for floor mounted or wall hung toilets, and are installed directly behind the toilet. Depending on the type of macerator, other appliances such as a washbasin, a shower, a washing machine, and/or a bidet can also be connected to it.

With a floor mounted toilet, the connection is on the wide side, while with wall hung toilets it is on the narrow side so that the pump can be put inside the wall cavity behind the toilet.

Do you need help in selecting the right macerator?

If, after having read this information, you are still not certain about which macerator would be suitable in your specific situation, we provide a choice guide to select one in the main menu. In addition, our experienced customer service team is at your disposal. Please contact us by telephone, email, or complete the online contact form. We will be happy to help you find the appropriate model.

What is a macerator toilet used for?

A macerator toilet is used to grind human waste and toilet paper and to pump wastewater, making it possible to install sanitary appliances in locations where traditional drainage systems are difficult to implement.

How do toilet macerators work?

Toilet macerators cut up toilet paper and human waste into small particles, then a pump transfers the wastewater to the existing drainage system.

Can you put toilet paper in a macerator toilet?

Yes, toilet paper can be used in a macerator that is fitted with a grinder. Modern models have been designed to dispose of toilet paper effectively. However, never flush foreign objects such as wet wipes, food, female hygiene products and the like. 

Are macerator toilets noisy?

Modern macerator toilets have been developed and fitted with sound-absorbing materials to minimise noise. However, the noise level may vary between the different brands and models. The quietest option produces 46 dB and the loudest 62 dB, which is similar to the background noise a refrigerator makes when turning on or the audible sound of a normal conversation.

Do macerators need cleaning?

Yes, it is important to descale the macerator several times a year. Moreover, it is recommended to check the macerator’s connections and pipes at least once a year in order to prevent blockages and to guarantee the system’s continued efficient operation.

Do macerators use electricity?

Yes, macerators use electricity to power the grinding and pumping processes. Power consumption may vary, depending on the specific model.