Macerator choice and install query

[BigAndyW]

thanks Scally-Ho and jj4091 - believe it not both in-laws are paranoid about the noise this unit will make. They have both heard what they consider to be very loud ones before (mainly in hotel en-suites) and they have both complained about the noise they have made. The ones they have heard were in the en-suite and visible )which they also didn't like) and so it has taken quite a lot of re-assuring that we can get one on the opposite side of the wall (hidden from view) and therefore potentially much quieter than the ones they have used previously. I've come across them before and the noise doesn't particularly bother me, as many have said, it's only for a few seconds unless you're in the shower and if you're in the shower, you probably wouldn't be bothered about it anyway.

They are extremely concerned about the potential for the noise, so the offer of providing a removable (for maintenance) acoustically insulated box has also given them some re-assurance on that front. They are both getting on in age and are both worriers, who need the shower and additional toilet; there were other options to consider, but this is by far the best one for them, as long as we can get over the noise thing.

We have reinforced the thing about wee, poo and toilet paper only, as well as bleach and hanging toilet cleaners - time will tell on that front I guess, but we can only continue to reinforce.

The overheating thing because of lack of ventilation is a minor concern I think, as if it doesn't work, we can remove the box, or make the ventilation holes larger, but it would be useful to know if anyone else has experience of this.

Genuine thanks for all help and advice given here

 

[jj4091]

If done a couple of times a year bleach is actually a good thing with macerators, as long as you are on mains sewage rather than a septic tank, in my experience. If you pour half a bottle of bleach into the bowl then switch off the macerator and give a short flush to get the bleach solution into it. Leave over night to soak then switch back on and give a good flush it will help keep it clean and need less maintenance.

 

[Rodders53]

As you will be buying one for a disabled person's usage, claim back your VAT.

You can't claim it back after paying the VAT. It must be zero vat rated when purchased.

e.g. an Installer would zero rate the Invoice for it, and its installation (with a suitable user declaration, if needed) as part of the disabled ensuite room addition works.

Not sure that's possible for a DIY conversion / install as a macerator isn't designed just for disabled use. (Bit like mobility scooter batteries attract VAT unless fitted by a shop as part of the service).

See https://www.gov.uk/guidance/reliefs-from-vat-for-disabled-and-older-people-notice-7017

Don't forget the grab rails and such to allow safe movement in that room!

 

[mattylad]

We have reinforced the thing about wee, poo and toilet paper only, as well as bleach and hanging toilet cleaners - time will tell on that front I guess, but we can only continue to reinforce.

The phrase is "If it has not been through you, it cannot go through this toilet".

Or words to that effect.

Speaking from expeience, having to strip one down and clean out wet wipes is one heck of a ****ty job.

 

[just pumps]

If done a couple of times a year bleach is actually a good thing with macerators, as long as you are on mains sewage rather than a septic tank, in my experience. If you pour half a bottle of bleach into the bowl then switch off the macerator and give a short flush to get the bleach solution into it. Leave over night to soak then switch back on and give a good flush it will help keep it clean and need less maintenance.

Bleach attacks rubber!!

 

[BigAndyW]

Thanks All,

Rodders53 - In terms of the VAT, , we think you’re right about the process – most of the suppliers can deal with the VAT thing, but like you’ve said we can’t find a way of claiming back afterwards. As the installer is going to be me, (FOC otherwise it would be cost prohibitive) with limited help from an electrician, there isn’t much that can be done with VAT on the contractor front .

There’s actually plenty of room for grab rails and the shower seat, they’ve gone for a slightly wider shower base to accommodate the seat - MIL doesn’t like the look of them, but on the flip side, they are both fortunate enough to have got to the time in their lives, when they’re needed.

mattylad – we’ve had more than one conversation about what can go in the loo – no flushable wipes, cotton wool buds, cotton wool etc and we’ve explained that there’s no way I’m going in there clearing blockages; if they do manage to block it up, we’re pretty sure the repair bills will stop them doing it again (we hope). We’ve recommended they keep anything that they shouldn’t flush down the loo out of the en-suite to hopefully remove temptation.

Work is hopefully going to start at the end of September - the in-laws are away before that and wanted to be around whilst work is going on, so unfortunately we can't start until a week or so after they return

I'll feedback on how things go