Macerator Toilet

[stevec59]

Hi,
We're currently renting a bungalow whilst we look for one to buy. When we buy we will need 2 toilets, we haven't been too bothered about that as we can install a Macerator Toilet, however, the landlord of the rental had a Macerator Toilet installed, it's a Grundfos Sololift 2, I think this cost @ £250, we've noticed that it's quite noisy, the flush is normal and then a few seconds later the Macerator kicks in and it sounds like a dishwaher! It could be because it's in a En Suite that has tiled wall, so it echo's around. Are all Macerator Toilets noisy?
I guess I could get the Full specification and see if they state the noise level (db?).
I guess it could be a real pain and lots of expense to put a proper toilet in, especially if the bungalow has a solid floor and a lot of the do.

Any advice appreacited.

Thanks

Steve

 

[Belboz]

One of the numerous experts on here will give you definitive advice but, IMHO, never go for a macerator. The amount of issues they throw up appear to be numerous and most plumbers will advise to steer clear. There have been loads of threads on here about macerators so well worth using the search facility and read up on them.

 

[OwainDIYer]

Yes, they are noisy, and they have other problems too.

 

[bernardgreen]

Mascerators behind the toilet pan are a never a good idea. Noisy as you know, messy when ( not if ) they over flow and very un-pleasant when they have to be stripped to repair them or to remove the cloth that has clogged the mascerator.

If you cannot get a gravity drop into the sewers from the second toilet then consider gravity into a small pumped system outside the house. This will allow for several flushes before the pump / macerator starts to run. Handy when there is a power cut..

It is NOT permitted to have a direct coupled mascerator on the main toilet in a residential property ( an external pumped system is permtted provided it can take several flushes during power failure ).

 

[Nige F]

If you're staying in Hertfordshire then Andy of Hertsdrainage is the man for you ( he posts here too )

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

Come back when you've found somewhere you intend to buy. All depends on the existing build, where you want to put another W.C. in relation to existing drains etc. A new connection can go through the outside wall, not absolutely necessary to dig the floor up internally.

Avoid a macerator. Or you will regret it.

 

[endecotp]

Are all Macerator Toilets noisy?

Yes.

Personally I'm not as negative about them as some of the people who post here. Maybe that's because they are professional plumbers who only see macerators when they have gone wrong! Obviously you should fit full-size pipes if possible. If it comes down to the difference in cost, do allow for periodic maintenance costs for the macerator vs. none for normal plubing. And if you suspect a problem, act immediately!

 

[bernardgreen]

Maybe that's because they are professional plumbers who only see macerators when they have gone wrong!

I am not a plumber ( though I do DIY plumbing ) but have a friend who has a macerator on one of their toilets. Using it at night wakes people up. He once thought of fitting a time switch so it could not be used in the quiet hours. Then he realised that after two flushes a mop and bucket would be needed. We had to have a domestic pumped sewage system for the house we built and that was no trouble at all. Well only when someone flushed some cloth down the toilet.

 

[stevec59]

Thanks everyone, I didn't expect so many replies. The guys that fitted the Macerator Toilet, said to avoid them, but I assumed that's just because they want you to ask for a proper toilet and they can charge a fortune.
The problem with coming back once I've found a property is that they sell so fast, you have to say you'll buy them fairly quick, maybe I'll get a builder \ Plumber to take a look before I buy.

Thanks again.

Steve

 

[flameport]

A proper toilet is a one time cost.

A macerator is cheaper initially, but will cost you money continuously as it will get blocked, stop working, require dismantling, cause sewage to spill onto your floor and put the toilet out of action for days/weeks while parts are obtained.

Also note that the basin in this new toilet room will have to go via the macerator as well, meaning it will operate even if someone just washes their hands or whatever.

 

[stevec59]

Very true!

Just going back to the response that Hugh put in
A new connection can go through the outside wall, not absolutely necessary to dig the floor up internally.

That makes sense, I guess the close to the sewage pipe the better.

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

http://www.diyfaq.org.uk/humour.html

 

[stevec59]

LOL

 

[mattylad]

My house has a downstairs loo with no way of getting a proper soil pipe out so uses a macerator.

Worked OK for the first year then kept going wrong, the reverse flow thingy had failed, couldn't find a replacement without spending oodles so we just stopped using it. 4 years later after tidying up the downstairs cupboard I decided to give it another go, found a reverse flow pipe fitting and fitted that instead of the proper one.

All works OK now but I'm not looking forward to when it goes wrong again, it is handy being there though.

No way am I taking the lid off to clean it out & fix it, there was someone elses poo in there!

 

[Dextraneous]

The question is surely "what is the purpose of a macerator"?