A macerating toilet is installed in basically the same way as a standard gravity flush toilet.

The macerating toilet uses a pumping mechanism to help remove sewage from homes. Waste is ground up (or 'macerated') before it leaves your home, which greatly reduces the amount of water pressure required for flushing.

Macerating toilets are sometimes confused with pump-assisted gravity flow toilets, but the main difference is macerators do not produce any water pressure within the conventional plumbing system.

They depend entirely on their own powerful motors or pumps and typically use 1/3 less water than conventional flush toilets. A macerator works like a garbage disposal. It shreds waste and other solids like human waste and toilet paper into a fine slurry for removal outside of the home.

Do macerating toilets work well?

Macerating toilets work very well as long as power and water supply is available. When properly installed, they perform as well as conventional gravity flush toilets.

Are there any drawbacks to macerator toilets?

There are very few drawbacks, but the initial cost of the products may be prohibitive for some. There are also slightly more frequent maintenance needs with macerating systems because you have to clean them more often than a typical gravity system.

They are run by electricity, which means that it's possible for your pump to stop working in inclement weather (i.e., if there's an electrical storm). Finally, smaller septic tanks can sometimes pose issues with pumping fine slurry or liquids out completely when you're emptying the tank. However, installing a larger tank with a pump system will solve this difficulty.

How do I install a macerating toilet?

Before you decide to install a macerating toilet, you may want to check with your municipality regarding codes and regulations for using these systems within your area. Some areas have special requirements depending upon septic tank size and sewage flow volume. Best to check with a plumber if it will need dedicated sanitary plumbing. Also, track down the macerator manufacturer's installation manual before you buy anything so you know what you'll need to purchase and how everything will be set up.

A macerating toilet is installed in basically the same way as a standard gravity flush toilet, but it does require that your drain line is capped off because the water from the tank doesn't run into the bowl as usual.

The wastewater instead pumped from your home through small diameter pipe to a sump pump mounted inside an underground pit or below the ground floor area. This pump sends the liquid waste away from your home via larger diameter plumbing pipes to a local sewage treatment facility or septic system leach field.

The below guide will give you an overview of how to install a macerating toilet.

Attach the discharge pipe

Attach a Y-connector to the soil stack before you link the pipe (important for drainage system) to the macerator of the upflush system. Again, if you are not comfortable installing the macerator pump yourself, then taking help of a professional is a good alternative.

Link the toilet to the water supply

A macerator toilet will also need to be connected to a water supply, ensuring it works properly after flushing. After flushing, organic waste will go towards the macerating unit to be disposed of. You can combine an adaptor to the primary toilet line, screw it into place, and join it. You can also connect a toilet to the P-trap with an adapter on the drain line. The adapter can be connected from the sink, kitchen, behind the toilet, another side of the wall, or anywhere alike.

Attach the pump to the power source

Ensure that the macerator pump is connected to a power source so that the macerating process works. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters can be connected to a toilet through a plug. A 15-amp circuit will be sufficient.

Venting the pump

Macerators will need to be vented through your home's vent system. It doesn't matter where the venting occurs as long as it meets current building regulations and the air moves in and out.

What tools do you need to install upflush toilets?

You will need four basic connections:

  • A top-rated upflush toilet pump system

  • A source of electricity with a GFI breaker

  • A small discharge pipe (3/4 to 1")

In just half a day, a qualified plumber can install upflush toilets or complete bathroom for a fraction of the cost of traditional full bathroom construction. For further information, you can contact with a plumber experienced in installing new toilet and maceration process.

Where does the waste from a macerator go?

Normally, the wastewater from your toilet or urinal is sent into your septic tank via conventional solid plumbing pipes. A macerator pump chops up the waste and then sends it out of the home through a special micro-sized discharge pipe to your local sewage treatment facility, but some are powerful enough to send it all the way outside of your property's boundary line.

Do you need a special toilet for a macerator unit?

You don't necessarily need a special type of toilet, but it can be helpful if you have a dual-flush system. This lets you choose between two levels of flush power depending upon the amount of waste you're trying to remove from your toilet bowl, which means that you save water and money on every flush. However, keep in mind that a standard gravity flush toilet does not work properly with a macerating pump. You'll need a HET (high-efficiency toilet) or another modern style flushing system for best results.

Can you use a macerator pump on a normal toilet?

Although you can get an adapter kit to use your existing toilet, some people prefer to purchase a specific macerating product. These systems often have more powerful or larger septic tanks built-in, which means better performance for your bathroom over the long term. They also include pumps that can work with ebb and flow systems, which means you won't have to worry about your bathroom or toilet having reduced capabilities even if the power goes out.

How long do macerators last?

It depends upon how your pump is used. Some people have been running their macerating systems for as long as 20 years without significant problems or failures, but it all depends upon proper installation procedures and regular maintenance protocols. In many cases, the switch from a gravity system to a macerator can extend the life of your septic tank or holding tank substantially. The pumps themselves require little in the way of repairs over time and there are very few moving parts other than a small motor. The only thing you need to take care of is regular maintenance protocols.

Do macerator toilets smell?

The only smells that might be detectable in some cases are coming through your water drain in the bathroom, which should only happen if you notice trouble with pumps or valves in your home. If you do have a smelly septic system or another type of plumbing problem, contact professional plumbers in your area to have it fixed properly.

Does a macerator pump need electricity?

While a macerator pump does have a small motor, it might not need electricity to be pumped properly. The motion of the blades turning is enough to provide you with sufficient power to clear your bowl every time you use the standard toilet or urinal in your home.

How big a tank does a macerator use?

The tanks on most modern macerating systems can be a little larger than what you'd find on traditional gravity-feed toilets, but this isn't a significant difference or source of concern. A float switch turns the pump once the wastewater reaches a certain height.

Is it hard to install a macerating system?

Some DIY enthusiasts will be able to install a macerating unit in an afternoon, but you'll need special tools and bits in order to get the job done right. It's also important that you choose the proper pump for your home and purchase all necessary parts and attachments beforehand, which means hiring a licensed plumber is often the best idea in most cases.

Is a Saniflo system suitable for use with an existing septic tank?

The Saniflo pump can be used in many instances when a soil stack or toilet tank is already installed. It is vital to ensure the toilet is not drawing from the existing system. The Saniflo installation instructions will also list situations where a pumping chamber is needed bathroom, shower or sink. In addition, a Saniflo shower macerator can be joined to other machines in the house such as a dishwasher or a washing machine.

Where does the waste go from a macerating system?

Waste is pumped into a city sewer and flushed through drainage pipes in order to be disposed of. Using some products, waste does not go directly into the outlet pipe after flushing. Instead, it enters a unit and is converted to liquid in just a few seconds by a macerator. Looking to install a macerating system in a boat? Take a look at this guide from Maritime Safety Queensland.

What is a high-efficiency toilet?

A high-efficiency toilet (HET) uses less water when compared to older models of toilets, but they still work much like older models when you need them to function. A macerating HET can typically handle solids and liquid waste with ease, which means you don't have to worry about frequent clogs in your sewer or drainage system malfunctions that result in unpleasant odours and expensive bills.