Macerating toilets can be complicated to get used to since you may encounter a few problems here and there. This is why it’s important to know what might be causing your macerating toilet problems.
It could be a minimal clog in the pipeline that needs cleaning or simply an obstruction on the impeller blade. Other times it could be the toilet running continuously, foul odor, or the water level in the toilet bowl failing to go down when you flush.
So this article will walk you through some of these common macerating toilet problems and how to fix them.
Common macerating toilet problems
1. Leaking problem
When you have a macerating toilet leaking, it is important to know the type of leak.
There are two types of leaks that can happen with this system – one is an internal seal failure and the other is an external leak.
With an internal seal failure, water will constantly be seeping from the back wall where your tank connects to the bowl.
You might also want to check the water level in the reservoir of the macerator (the tank where all the waste gets chopped up). This might not seem like an issue if you’re only having minor leaks or drips, but it can lead to major problems with flooding over time as more water enters into your system without being used.
You’ll need to call a plumber if this happens so they can replace parts in order for it not to continue happening over time.
An external leak could just require tightening connections which would take five minutes on your part or less depending on how many connections you have.
2. The toilet is running continuously
If your macerating toilet is running continuously, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem.
Check whether or not any buttons on the front of the tank have been pushed and if so, make sure that they’ve been pressed in all the way.
Also, open the cover on top of the fill valve by turning it counter-clockwise with an Allen wrench or screwdriver (slot near the bottom).
You may need to also turn off power at the breaker box for a short period of time by flipping breakers until it stops running before turning them back on again.
If this doesn’t work, reach out to a professional as soon as possible because other parts might be broken or damaged which will require more extensive repairs.
3. Foul odor coming from the toilet
Macerating toilets are designed to reduce bad odors compared to traditional toilets.
This is because they tend to grind the solid waste into a slurry before it is flushed down through an outlet and into the drain.
This means that there is less surface area for bacteria to grow on when they are not confined inside one large chunk of solid waste.
However, the only thing you may notice is a faint sewage smell when you first use them – but this should dissipate after just one day. If it doesn’t happen, it could be due to a plumbing problem that may need to be fixed by a professional.
4. The water level in the bowl doesn’t go down when you flush it
There are a few things that could be going on with the macerating toilet water level not going down when you flush.
The first thing is to check if there is any debris in the bowl or clogging up your pipes. If this seems to be an issue, try cleaning out any gunk and then run some hot water for about ten minutes before flushing again.
During winter the waste pipes could be frozen. So running hot water through them will help to melt the ice and unclog anything further back in the pipe which may have been causing problems.
In addition, it will help to get rid of any smells from sitting too long inside your drain pipes and causing a foul odor.
See also: Upflush toilets pros and cons
5. Macerator toilet making a loud noise (gurgling or humming)
The humming or gurgling noises your macerating toilet is making could be a sign that there’s something wrong.
The most common culprit is small rocks or debris in the trap way area of your system, which can cause a vibration when water passes through it and into the tank.
Other potential causes include loose bolts, not enough water pressure to fill the reservoir, incorrect plumbing connections on either end of the pipe going into or out of the tank.
To determine what’s wrong with your system you’ll need to turn off power to any electrical components associated with using (or flushing) your toilet for about 10 minutes. Clear out any obstructions and then flush so there is no air left inside before turning back on the power again.
6. Bubbles in the bowl
Macerating toilet bubbles in the bowl can be caused by an excess of air from your pipes. The reason for these bubbles is due to air being released from the drainpipe or because of an open vent line.
This could be due to a clog somewhere in the plumbing system that needs to be cleared out immediately.
7. Takes too long to refill after flushing
Macerating toilets are designed to handle a lot more than just liquid waste.
They can also be used for food scraps, which is why they take longer to refill after being flushed.
If you’re looking for relief in the bathroom and your macerator toilet seems like it’s taking too long to fill up again, try adding some water from the sink or bathtub.
This will help flush out any small bits that might have been left behind by larger items. Also, it helps to rehydrate all of the contents within your toilet bowl. You may find this makes flushing easier on your next visit!
See also: Ways to avoid poop sticking on the toilet bowl
8. Why is the macerator pump not pumping?
If your macerator pump isn’t pumping, there are a few things you can check before calling a plumber.
First, make sure that the unit is plugged in and receiving power.
Next, check the inlet and outlet pipes to see if they are blocked or kinked.
Finally, check the float switch to see if it is stuck in the “on” position. If none of these solutions solve the problem, then it’s time to call a plumber.
9. Reasons why macerator toilet won’t flush
If your macerator toilet won’t flush the first thing you should do is turn off the breaker for the bathroom and restart it. Sometimes this is all that’s needed to reset the system.
If that doesn’t work, there may be something causing a blockage in the macerator water tank. Try clearing any blockages and see if that fixes the issue.
See also: Will bleach unclog a toilet?
10. Why is the macerator not turning on?
If your macerator isn’t turning on, there are a few things you can check.
First, make sure the switch is turned on and in the “on” position. If it is, check to see if something may be blocking the blades from spinning inside the unit.
Finally, if everything looks good but your macerator still isn’t working, it might be time to call in a macerating toilet engineer for professional help.
Are macerator toilets noisy?
In a word, yes, macerator, Upflush, and Saniflo toilets are noisy.
While they may not be as loud as a gas-powered model, they still produce some noise when in use.
If you’re looking for a toilet that is quiet, this probably isn’t the best option.
However, if you don’t mind a little bit of noise and want the convenience of a macerating system, then one of these toilets could be perfect for your home.
See also: Best one piece skirted toilet
Can you poop in a macerator or Saniflo toilet?
Yes, you can poop in a macerator or Saniflo toilet.
When you flush, the poop gets chopped up into tiny pieces and goes through a small pipe directly to the sewer system.
This process is called “maceration” and it helps keep your bathroom smelling fresh by breaking down the waste particles quickly.
If you have a septic tank instead of a city sewer service, using one of these toilets can actually help extend the life of your tank by reducing the amount of solid that has to be processed.
But seriously, if you’re considering one of these types of toilets for your home, be sure to do your research and make sure it will fit your needs. And always consult with a plumbing professional to get their expert advice on what type of toilet will work best for your specific situation.
Can you use regular toilet paper in a macerator toilet?
While most people assume that you cannot use regular toilet paper in a macerator toilet, the truth is that you can, but it is not recommended.
Macerator toilets are designed to break down solid waste into small pieces so that they can be easily flushed down the drain.
However, if you attempt to flush large pieces of regular toilet paper down the drain, it can cause the toilet to become clogged.
As a result, it is recommended that you use specially-designed macerator-compatible toilet paper instead.
See also: How to unblock toilet paper clog
How to unclog or unblock a macerator toilet?
Macerator toilets are a unique and convenient way to deal with waste, but they can also become blocked if not used correctly.
Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to unblocking an Upflush or macerating toilet as the steps you take will vary depending on the specific situation.
However, some general tips on how to unblock a macerator toilet include using a plunger or snake to try to remove the obstruction.
You can also try pouring baking soda and vinegar down the drain to help dissolve the blockage and using a high-pressure water jetter to clear away any debris.
If all else fails, you may need to call in a professional plumber.
See also: Will a toilet eventually unclog itself
Is Saniflo toilet same as a macerator toilet?
No, Saniflo toilets are not the same as macerator toilets although most people tend to use the names interchangeably.
A macerator toilet is a type of toilet that uses a special motor to grind up human waste into a slurry before pumping it out of the home.
Saniflo toilets, on the other hand, use a small electric pump to pump waste up through a pipe and into the municipal sewer system.
How long does a Saniflo or macerator toilet last?
It depends on how often it’s used and what kind of material is being flushed.
Generally speaking, a Saniflo or macerator toilet should last for around 10 years with regular use.
However, if you’re flushing materials like cotton balls, baby wipes, or feminine hygiene products, then it may only last for a few years.
Do macerator toilets need servicing?
Macerator toilets do need servicing, but it’s not a difficult job to do. All you need is a basic tool kit and some plumbing experience.
The good news is that macerator toilets usually don’t break down very often, so it’s not something you’ll have to do very often.
If you’re not comfortable doing the job yourself, you can always call a professional plumber to come and take care of it for you.
But be prepared to pay premium rates because macerator toilets are still relatively new technology, so there aren’t many plumbers who are familiar with them yet.
Are macerating toilets reliable?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the reliability of macerating toilets will vary depending on the specific model and brand.
However, in general, macerating toilets are considered to be reliable devices. They use a grinding mechanism to break down waste and eject it through the sewage system.
This process effectively eliminates any clogs or backups, making macerating toilets a very reliable choice.
Thus, they are often a popular choice for people who want a discreet toilet option that doesn’t take up a lot of space.
Conclusion
Macerating toilets are a great option for people who want to live in an eco-friendly home. They save water, require less maintenance than standard toilet systems and they’re more comfortable to use because the bowl remains at a constant level with no need to refill it after every flush.
These benefits may not be enough though if your macerator is experiencing any of these problems – leaking, running continuously, or making unusual noises like gurgling sounds when you flush.
If this is happening, we recommend having professional plumbers come out right away to diagnose your macerating toilet problems. This will get your system back up and running quickly so that you can enjoy all of the benefits mentioned above without interruption.
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