A macerator is a piece of equipment used as an attachment to some garbage disposals and toilets
A macerating unit chops up solid waste into small, manageable tiny pieces that can then be flushed down the drain or disposed of in a waste container.
The exact mechanism by which it works varies depending on manufacturer and model; most typically, however, a rotating grind ring with cutting teeth (similar to those found on a rotary cheese grater) grinds food waste against another surface until it is finely chopped.
Macerating units attach directly to the discharge pipe and typically sit beneath the unit; they usually come with their own metal drain line attachments conforming to standard plumbing sizes for wastes from kitchen sinks.
Macerator pumps are also used on some toilets, where they are attached to the underside of the bowl. Flushing one of these toilets sends waste down a pipe and into an external septic tank or soil stack, where it is stored until treated at a sewage plant.
Macerating toilets flush waste water through floor drainage lines to a sewage ejector or a sewage access. Then the waste water from the plumbing flows through gravity into a macerator.
By rotating the stainless steel blades of the pump, solids (e.g. human waste, toilet paper) and fluids can be transformed into fine slurries. Under pressure, the fluid is released through small-diameter pipes (3/4" or 1") and expelled into the sewer line or septic tank.
With a macerating system appropriately sized, it can handle all fixtures in a bathroom, including the shower, toilet, and tub without any blockages.Additionally, the macerator can be placed up to 150 feet away from septic tanks or sewage access points, as long as it is 15 feet below the sewer line. In addition to kitchen sinks and showers, macerator pump are also installed for toilets and under bathroom floor where conventional drainage is unavailable.
Macerator pumps grind up organic material into small pieces, making it easier to pass down a drain or through a septic system. This allows the homeowner to dispose of food scraps by running them through their garbage disposal unit. The pump is relatively inexpensive and easy to install. It comes with everything that you need to attach it to your existing plumbing system successfully. Some homeowners use this type of unit specifically for composting because it reduces waste considerably before being disposed of at the location of choice.
A macerator pump comes in two distinct styles: continuous feed and batch feed models. Continuous feed models take raw plant matter and grind it continuously as long as they are connected and turned on. Batch feed models only grind the matter when you tell them to, which is accomplished by flipping a switch or plugging them into an outlet.
Many macerators allow for separate attachments that clean out the grinder blades, keeping them free of any build-up. This is especially helpful if the unit must grind tough materials like coffee beans, bones or fruit pits so there is no risk of blocking the drain.The primary advantage of a macerator pump is convenience, as it makes organic waste very easy to dispose of without having to lug heavy bags out to your curb for weekly collection. It also helps make composting solids easier; you don't have to worry about mixing your food scraps with yard trimmings to empty into the bin at the end of the week.
The macerating process requires different drainage and sewer installation than conventional plumbing. However, installation of macerator pumps in the primary toilet or in a new bathroom or in a new toilet are easier than you think. Depending on your existing plumbing system. The unit is usually installed underneath or next to the sink in order to keep it out of sight and close at hand for when you need to use it. You can either install a macerator pump or undergo more serious renovation and extend the existing sewer outlet down into the basement. First, you must unplug any appliances that share the same circuit with your garbage disposal, since these items will not operate while the disposal is turned on. Then decide where you want to place your unit, marking off a rough area that seems appropriate for the proper operation of the device. Make a hole a bit larger than what's required for your specific model's drain connection tubing, allowing plenty of room for expansion from normal usage over time. Once your macerator is properly in place, you can begin connecting it to a water supply and a drain. Toilet waste lines are usually fine for this purpose, but in some cases, you may need to purchase adapters or consult an expert about whether or not that's the best option for your plumbing system's configuration. Macerators typically have between 1/2-inch and 3/4-inch diameter openings, so keep that in mind when hooking up your device. In most cases, there should be easy access to both these points on your existing pipes. Before connecting the unit to any appliance or plumbing fixture, turn down the pressure on the incoming line using a valve dedicated exclusively for this purpose. If you don't, you could experience problems with the macerator's ability to perform effectively. Once all your connections are made and you've double-checked to make sure everything is turned off, you can turn your garbage disposal on for a few seconds at a time in order to ensure it works properly. Then plug in any appliances that need to be hooked up one by one as you run water through them so they can be operated independently of the macerator. A complete bathroom can be functional within half a day. You may need to contact a professional plumber if there are any complications during installation of the machine in your basement or bathrooms.
The truth is that, to a large degree, this type of unit operates much like any other toilet in terms of its ability to control odours. However, this usually hinges on both proper installation and the user diligently following all directions closely.
A macerator pump can seem noisy but maybe as noisy as a dishwasher or even a washing machine. But if it makes more sound than usual or vibrates too much, you may need to take advice from an experienced plumber. A pump can make a loud noise when it has something stuck in the blade mechanism of the macerator. You can fix this by removing the foreign object from the blade manually. Just remove the object and turn the pliers counter clockwise to install it again.
It's important to check local regulations regarding sewage disposal before installing anything on your vessel. Boat toilets have to be able to be pumped out while the boat is in motion, so it's a good idea to choose a macerator model that can function effectively in this environment. If you live on a boat and want a properly functioning system for disposing of your sewage, you should hire a professional plumber to help you make the correct connections.