Macerator toilets are widely used in homes across the UK and remove waste when flushed from below the drainage line.
Macerator systems are quiet and powerful, but problems cans arise sometimes. The toilet pumps can fail, block or even break.
These innovative upflush toilets are increasingly becoming common in homes with minimal space to install traditional bathrooms. These toilets allow you to eliminate waste when flushing from below the sewer line. Macerating pumps come also have pros and cons. Although they require minimal plumbing work and suit basement bathrooms, they often block, fail, or break at some point, and you'll need to learn how to deal with such problems.
Otherwise, you'll have to hire a professional plumber to help you when issues arise.
We, GuardianPlumbers, are here to help. We're experienced and reliable in servicing your Macerator ranging from repair services to routine maintenance. In this article, we will identify common potential issues with upflush toilet problems and how to cope with them.
Several macerator problems come up when using a macerator toilet. We've highlighted the issues and the solutions to each problem to help you fix it if you experience one.
If the pump keeps starting by itself, it could be a problem with the microswitch. It has to have either a fault with a misfiring microswitch, or the rubber membrane may have become damaged. A new switch and rubber membrane will need to be fitted as soon as possible. This will require a new device, and then the pump can reset. A service technician will have to replace the switch and membrane to make the pump work properly and ensure it works. A technician will also need to fit a new rubber membrane into the pump and a new pump to get the pump working correctly.
A toilet pump that continually trips the electrics will need to be dealt with with care. Water is getting into the electric system meaning the circuit will be cut off to avoid further damages. A trained technician is needed to repair the toilet pump. Contact us at PlumbGuardian to get this service. A damaged motor needs replacement as it can't be fixed. Water and electricity could be the issue in some cases.
Contact a qualified electrician, PlumbGuardian, to check the electrical connection.
If the Macerator is running but not pumping the waste away, then the pipes may be frozen. Hot towels will be used to heat the pipes and loosen up the frozen blockage. If the waste has overflowed, then the service engineer will remove the frozen pipes. If that happens, then the equipment will then pump the waste out of the system.
Switch off the macerator unit and try to remove the about-to-overflow waste manually. Wrap hot towels along the length of the waste pipe to loosen the frozen blockage and finally flush out the waste.
If your toilet pump is overheated, the toilet pump will not pump waste water out correctly. It is due to the overuse of toilet cleaner and bleach being used. A microswitch should replace toilet cleaner or bleach to make the pump work correctly. Otherwise, it'll be impossible to keep the motor working correctly.
Try to replace the rubber membrane protecting the microswitch. The rubber becomes loose at its age, making it use more pressure to activate the switch. Replace the entire microswitch if the problem persists even after replacing the rubber membrane.
Problem is caused when the pump keeps running even though the Macerator is clear. A reason for this may be the pump may have already flushed and continues to do so. The problem could be caused by a faulty pump or a faulty wiring system.
Turn off the power to the pump at the mains supply and check if there is a blockage in the macerator pump's unit. If so, clear using thin-nosed pliers and slowly turn the blade counter-clockwise.
Check if cotton buds or other debris are blocking the impellers and remove them. Lift the motor out o the unit and turn the unit upside down to access the motor.
Check if the return valve is blocked. The blockage can return the waste as it hits the blockage. Use thin-nosed pliers to remove the lid of the upflush unit, then clear any blockage in the return valve. Sometimes, the return valve can be faulty and will require replacement.
Solid waste can lodge between the switch and the tank floor, causing the switch to think that the tank is full and needs flushing. Clear the tank manually and restart the pump.
The rubber membrane is the thin sheet of rubber that water presses upon to switch on the pump. The unit's rubber membrane can get damaged, causing constant flushing. When damaged, wastewater can enter the switch causing it to fail.
If the macerator/pump makes a horrible vibrating noise whenever you flush the toilets, there could be a foreign object caught in the macerator blade. You can choose to get your hands dirty and fix the issue yourself or call in a service plumber.
Turn off the pump power at the mains supply (Never remove the macerator lid unless the pump is turned off). Carefully remove the cover, then check inside the pump's Macerator for any foreign object tangling the blade. Use a pair of thin-blade pliers to remove the thing while slowly turning the blade counter-clockwise.
Macerator should ordinarily have instructions on how to clean it. Macerators are more likely to need a deep cleaning after operating for an extended period.
Use a high-quality up flush toilet descaler to clean the pump. Avoid general cleaning chemicals or bleach as they can damage the pump components.
If your upflush toilet frequently blocks and backs up to the shower basin, the internal unit or waste pipe is likely blocked. Waste pipe blockage often occurs when the outlet pipe was installed incorrectly. Typically, the waste pipe should be installed at 45 degrees to ensure that solid waste is thoroughly cleared from the pump and won't flow back to the tank.
Remove any blockage from the water tank or Macerator. If it fails to work, then the blockage is probably in the waste pipe. Call our PlumbGuardian certified plumber to inspect and clear the blockage. More importantly, ensure the pipes are installed at an angle of 45 degrees.
Saniflo macerator pump deals with cutting up and removing waste when it is too far from the drain line. The toilet is the primary use for a Macerator; however, it can also be used in other bathroom and kitchen areas and utilities. These solutions should only be attempted if you feel confident enough in your abilities to carry them out correctly. Don't hesitate to get in touch with our PlumbGuardian certified saniflo engineer to help you with installations and related services.
Saniflo's microswitch could be worn, causing insufficient water pumping. A significant build-up of waste could cause the problem resulting in water spraying from the vent. It's also possible that the motor may be nearing the end of its lifespan and can't work efficiently as before. The rubber waste outlet could have shrunk because of too much toilet cleaner. If water is leaking from the vent, you will have to replace the rubber circuit outlet. Replace the motor and the entire Macerator.
The Saniflo microswitch might be misfiring because it keeps thinking the tank is full. It's possible that water could be getting into the saniflo via an overflowing toilet. If waste gets into the microswitch, then it will cause a problem - you have to remove it and reset the pump. Buy a new rubber membrane and switch in time to fix your pump and prevent it from starting again automatically.
The general rule about a macerator is that the machine is an added 2 nd toilet and only built for a small amount of traffic. On an average used home, you would expect a macerator to last about ten years. If used in high traffic such as on commercial premises, it can last for three years. However, there are special Macerators that are more suitable for commercial use.
Most macerators slide behind the toilet that has already been fit. You can easily pull the rubber over the outlet of the bathroom from the Macerator. It would be best to plumb in the outlet from the Macerator to the soil pipe or stack. Once this has been done, call our technicians to ensure compliance with the law.
Landlords must book in an emergency plumber on a typical weekday. However, if the fault of the Macerator is misuse, the responsibility is down to the tenant. If the main toilet in the house is blocked, it is a good idea to find out if there is power. If a tenant misuses the toilets, it's the responsibility of the landlord to save the toilet.
To unblock the macerator, first turn off the power supply. Then remove the lid of the macerator. The blockage will most likely be tissue paper or other waste that has become stuck in the blade.
Use pliers and then rotate the blade counterclockwise and carefully remove the waste accordingly.
If the pump is blocked, then the motor will need to be replaced from the toilet. Turn upside down to make impellers visible.
When it comes to DIY plumbing, this type of work can be hazardous. You're most likely to cause more damage. Apart from causing more damage, you can end up harming yourself in the process. Contact our reliable team to help you with all your macerator needs.
You can poop in a Saniflo toilet, just like with typical toilet systems. You can put organic waste into the toilet bowl and use the flush mechanism to remove it, including toilet paper, although too much toilet paper can lead to blockages. Saniflo toilets can be used in the same manner as a standard toilet to dispose of human waste.
A macerator toilet disposes of waste differently from a standard toilet. When you flush, the waste is moved directly into the macerator unit instead of the drain pipe. A fast rotating blade reduces solids to liquid before being pumped into the drain. The fluid is pumped into your standard waste pipe once you reach a certain level. A micro-switch is activated once the level of the toilet is reached.
PlumbGuardian is a plumbing and drainage expert that offer reliable macerator toilet repair at affordable prices. We offer flexible appointments to suit customers' busy schedules. Contact us for free advice or to book a routine service.
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