What is a Macerator Pump?

A macerator pump isn’t something we commonly see here in the UK, but that doesn’t mean it’s not used at all. There’s a lot of situations where a macerator pump can be useful.

However, what is a macerator pump? What purpose does it serve in your typical pumping stations? Well, it’s actually a fairly interesting bit of technology, so let's take a look at it.

So, What is a Macerator Pump?

Alright, let’s take a look at what a macerator pump is. This is a special type of pump which is connected to your toilet. In some situations, it’s included with the toilet itself, but you’d have to buy a specialist macerator toilet yourself.

The role of a macerator pump is to grind up solid waste. This means that it can be pumped with gravity a lot more effectively. Although this isn’t a commonly used pump,  it can serve an important role so it is necessary to know what it is.

When to Use a Macerator Pump

There are a couple of situations where you can use a macerator pump. They are mostly used in homes where there are basement bathrooms. After all, they are designed to make solid waste turn to liquid so it is easier for an existing sewage pipe or outlet to pump the waste from below ground.

Any bathroom which is installed in a cellar or basement will benefit from this, because it is an affordable, accessible way of getting waste out from underground. However, you do also see a lot of macerators in commercial settings, such as office blocks, because a lot of bathrooms are below ground level. Newer models are highly flexible, and can be connected to other types of plumbing fixtures. This is more for domestic settings though, as things like baths and washing machines don’t always appear where commercial macerators get placed.

The Benefits of Macerator Pumps

The big advantage of a macerator pump is the convenience factor. As extending your sewage system can be complicated and expensive, the pump is a cheap, easy alternative.

The other big advantage is that it can last a long time in the right conditions. A macerator could last up to 15 years if it is used infrequently. However, daily usage brings the lifespan down to 10 years - still an admirable amount. The notable exception to this is the commercial macerator, which needs swapping out every five years or so.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to things like a macerator pump, it’s definitely a useful piece of technology which can be employed to make your life easier. They’re not frequently seen in the UK because there aren’t many buildings which have bathrooms below ground.

However, if you happen to have the need for a commercial pump like this, it can be useful and easy to work with. They’re an inexpensive alternative to other types of building work and that makes them popular. It’s easy to see why they work so well.