Macerator blockage

[madmart]

How easy is it to remove and refit a macerator with a blockage?
😱

 

[sonray ltd]

easy if you have a wet/dry vac.
waste should have a drain point, but not many have.

 

[david williams]

if you open it mind your fingers very very sharp blades

 

[Muncher]

Depends on the make of machine but a aqua vac is essential

 

[md68]

When faced with a blocked macerator my favorite option is throw it away and fit a new one. One of the worst experiences of my life was opening one. Never never again🙂🙂.

 

[NickH]

Ummhhhh Spicy !

 

[Bartdude]

When faced with a blocked macerator my favorite option is throw it away and fit a new one. One of the worst experiences of my life was opening one. Never never again🙂🙂.

Agree with you there. I'd go to great lengths to avoid repairing one of those things.

 

[Muncher]

It's like most things if you understand how they work then there simple, most people run a mile that's why I used to repair an awful lot of machines, Saniflow's along with T11 & T12 machines were the worst Grundfos are similar also made by SFA anyway, ABS, Actana, Jung, Lomac. Vortoplast are the easiest by far as the air cooled motor & pressure switch is just under the lid and not in contact with the cack in any way.
Most machines dont actualy require replacement just a quik repair,
They are changed because nobody wants to open them up and the lack of spares more proffit in a new machine and the problems gone away,,,,
still that's only my experence..

 

[oldplumber]

It's like most things guys if you understand how they work then there simple, most people run a mile that's why I used to repair 800 to 1000 machines a year, Saniflow's along with T11 & T12 machines were the worst and Vortoplast are the easiest as the motor pressure switch is just under the lid and not in contact with the cack in any way most machines dont require replacement, still that's only my experence..

Bet you drink on your own when you go to the pub!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1lol

 

[Muncher]

The wet suit & febreez helps a lot !!!!!!!!!

 

[BogBoy]

How easy is it to remove and refit a macerator with a blockage?

Judging by some of the threads, I think it depends on the brand. I am not a qualified plumber but have had considerable experience in this field. I suppose it is more a case of what you are prepared to tackle. I fitted a VortoPlast 2 macerator back in the early 90's and everything was fine until last week when it got blocked up. After checking on prices for a replacement (£390+) I decided to try and clear the blockage. I recommend a gas mask if you’re squeemish, a pair of strong rubber gloves, a Vax and a bit of common sense. You have to remember that these machines have some very sharp and vicious blades within.
The obvious first. Turn off the water supply and disconnect the unit from the electrical supply. After removing the water from the toilet pan and cistern with the Vax, remove both (don’t forget to uncouple the water supply to the cistern) to allow plenty of access to the macerator. There will still be some residual matter inside the opening where the pan fits into the macerator. Use the Vax to clear as much of this out as possible. There are two screws securing the macerator lid, remove these and unclip the lid. You should now be able to tip the components of the macerator from the container casing. Be sure to have plenty of clean water with added disinfectant available for cleaning up. You also need to cover the surface with plenty of cloths to avoid soiling. Once the components have been emptied from the containing tank, disconnect the two hoses by releasing the circlips securing them in place. You should now be able to gain access to the cause of the blockage. Using a long snipe-nosed pair of pliers, carefully pull away as much of the material causing the blockage as possible taking great care not to damage the blades. Avoid skin contact with the blades, they are extremely sharp. I did not find it necessary to go beyond this to clear the blockage but you may need to dismantle the pump housing to access any further blockage. You should be able to test whether the pump motor is free by carefully rotating the surface of the motor. Remember the warning about sharp macerator blades!

All that needs to done now is to re-assemble the macerator unit and work in reverse order of assembly, and refitting the pan and cistern. Once completed, ensure the water supply is turned on and that the electrical supply is connected. Test for leaks! Now flush the toilet and fingers crossed, if you have any left that is, your macerator should be back in working order. OTE]

 

[Dorset Plumber]

It's like most things if you understand how they work then there simple, most people run a mile that's why I used to repair an awful lot of machines, Saniflow's along with T11 & T12 machines were the worst Grundfos are similar also made by SFA anyway, ABS, Actana, Jung, Lomac. Vortoplast are the easiest by far as the air cooled motor & pressure switch is just under the lid and not in contact with the cack in any way.
Most machines dont actualy require replacement just a quik repair,
They are changed because nobody wants to open them up and the lack of spares more proffit in a new machine and the problems gone away,,,,
still that's only my experence..

I agree with you, they are simple to fix if you know how.
Cant understand why so many so called plumbers are scwimish of a bit off phoo.

 

[secret squirrel]

I agree with you, they are simple to fix if you know how.
Cant understand why so many so called plumbers are scwimish of a bit off phoo.

Because its awful! I work on them but this comes at a price, I call it dirty money. Anything to do with toilets I charge a bit more.

 

[GQuigley67]

i have unblocked one in a chinese restaurant, was used for oven waste, was still a horrible experience all sorts of gunge and fat. Fitted a macerator in a club and told the bloke don't bother phoning me when it breaks down phone the manufacturers as I don't repair them, simples.

 

[jackyp1234]

I do atleast 3 a week in a local hotel, without a wet vac, just whip the toilet out, whip the saniflo out, take it outside, get a hose pipe and give the whole thing a wash out. then i take the top of the cover off, where the blades are and carefully remove the blockage, then i disinfect the whole thing and wipe down the lid, sides, seals and other bit, be careful not to disturb the float valve.....isolate electric saftley, turn water off and WHERE GLOVES!!!!!! Good Luck, Jack x

 

[Muncher]

Working with Macerators for over 20 years of all makes and written the instructions for a few I can confirm that They are not Rocket sicence far from it.
The Vortoplast Macerator is an indirect macerator where the motor is external it's one of the simplest machines going with only 1 internal moving part in the poo, the pressure switch is just under the lid and non return valve is external.

The problems for any make of Macerator begins with installation.

When the units are slapped against the wall jammed in with the pan and no thought given on how to easily remove them if there are future problems & you can bet your life there will be at some stage.

Any Instructions are taken home so no incriminating evidence should be left on site that the customer should ever see.

Allways install the machine so as you can remove it easily without taking the pan out & I know that will be virtually impossible in every case.

Unless your buying one of the cheep crappy Made in China clone of a 1986 Vortoplast machine & now Saniflo machines there will be a dedicated help line with hopefully an experenced person on type to guide you through your problem but the first thing to do is READ the instructions for the machine.

Then if in any doubt call the help line for assistance rather than blag it & tell every one how bad the job was.

Well that' what I would do....