As a home improvement specialist with over 15 years of experience in renovations and repairs, I‘ve installed my share of macerating toilets. Homeowners often ask me, "Are macerating toilets actually reliable?"
While no system is 100% foolproof, I‘m happy to report that when properly installed and maintained, today‘s quality macerating toilets can deliver 50+ years of near uninterrupted service.
But problems do crop up if you‘re not diligent about maintenance or make some common mistakes. Read on for my complete expert guide to maximizing macerating toilet reliability.
What Exactly is a Macerating Toilet and Why Would I Want One?
First, let‘s quickly cover what a macerating toilet is for those who aren‘t familiar…
A macerating toilet grinds up human waste using a built-in pump and discharges it to your home‘s plumbing system. This lets you install a toilet in a basement, attic, or anywhere conventional gravity drainage won‘t work.
Macerators are ideal when installing a bathroom where running new drain lines isn‘t feasible. The pumping action lets them use smaller diameter pipes too.
Now let‘s look at why you might consider a macerating toilet:
Add a bathroom anywhere – Basements, attics, garages…the possibilities open up.
Avoid major construction – No need to break floors/walls to route new drains.
Water savings – Macerators use less water per flush, saving 1000s of gallons yearly.
Quiet operation – Well-built models make little noise.
Compact size – Great for small spaces with plumbing limitations.
Reliable performance – Modern macerators can last 50+ years.
But it‘s that last point we really want to dig into…just how reliable are these things?
Macerating Toilet Lifespans – What Owners Experience
The lifespan of your macerating toilet depends on 3 key factors:
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Brand Quality – Stick with proven brands like Saniflo, Liberty Pumps, etc. Avoid "white box" units.
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Proper Installation – Usually best left to experienced plumbers.
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Regular Maintenance – Critical to maximize lifespan.
The best macerators, like the Saniflo Saniplus, are engineered for decades of service.
With proper care, you can expect 50+ years of reliable performance.
Let‘s look at some key maintenance tips to make that happen…
9 Maintenance Tips to Maximize Macerator Lifespan
Follow these tips religiously to keep your macerating toilet running smoothly for decades:
Tip 1: Annual Inspections
Mark your calendar to thoroughly inspect/test your macerator each year. Check blades, mounting, seals, pipes, electrical connections, etc.
Tip 2: Professional Servicing
Hire a plumber to professionally service the unit every 1-2 years. They have specialized expertise.
Tip 3: Avoid Unsuitable Items
Only human waste and toilet paper should go in. No wipes, tampons, toys, etc. These can jam the macerator.
Tip 4: Use a Trash Can
Never treat your toilet like a trash can! Put a small trash can next to it.
Tip 5: Listen for Changes
Unusual sounds can indicate problems. Investigate immediately.
Tip 6: Watch for Leaks
Leaks indicate worn seals or loose fittings. Again, address promptly.
Tip 7: Limit Overuse
Avoid large "dumps" of waste materials whenever possible to prevent clogs.
Tip 8: Clean Pipes Yearly
Use an enzyme cleaner annually to clean sludge buildup.
Tip 9: Replace Parts Promptly
Replace any failing parts like motors right away. Use OEM parts.
Follow those tips religiously and even a "cheap" macerator can provide 10-15 years of service. Pair them with a quality unit like Saniflo and you can expect 50 years or more of reliable performance.
Next let‘s examine the most common problems that affect reliability when maintenance falls short.
Top 10 Macerating Toilet Problems
While macerators are generally reliable, here are some typical problems that can arise:
Problem #1 – Clogs
Incorrect items like wipes get lodged and clog the macerator. Never flush anything except waste/TP!
Problem #2 – Leaks
Leaking most often results from loose connections or damaged seals. Check annually.
Problem #3 – Burnt Out Motor
Motors can fail after 5-10 years. Replace immediately with OEM part.
Problem #4 – Worn Blades
Blades dull over time. Replacement preserves performance.
Problem #5 – Blown Fuse
Electrical issues can blow the fuse. Call a plumber for repair.
Problem #6 – Overflows
Too much waste or TP causes overflows. Use moderately.
Problem #7 – Corrosion
Leaking salts/acids corrode components. Fix any leaks!
Problem #8 – Jammed Pump
Unsuitable items get lodged in pump. Don‘t flush trash!
Problem #9 – Noisy Operation
Loud noises usually indicate worn parts. Have it serviced.
Problem #10 – Odor
Sewage smells indicate a leak. Clean and seal all joints.
As you can see, common issues like clogs and leaks are often preventable with proper maintenance and avoiding incorrect items!
Lifespans of Popular Macerator Brands Compared
Now you may be wondering about lifespan differences between the major brands. Here‘s a comparison:
| Brand | Average Lifespan |
|---|---|
| Saniflo | 50+ years |
| Liberty Pumps | 50+ years |
| Sanivite | 40-50 years |
| Saniplus | 35-45 years |
| American Standard | 30-40 years |
The key takeaway is to stick with proven brands like Saniflo, Liberty, or Sanivite to maximize lifespan. Read consumer reviews as well to spot any brands/models with quality issues.
Installation mistakes also drastically reduce lifespan across any brand. Always hire an experienced plumber familiar with macerators.
When to Call a Plumber for Repairs
While some basic repairs are DIY-friendly, you shouldn‘t attempt any work on your macerator that involves:
- Disassembling the macerator unit
- Removing/replacing the motor
- Adjusting electrical wiring
- Opening sealed connections
- Accessing internal components
Safely leave tasks like these to qualified plumbers:
- Unclogging – Removing obstructions from the macerator
- Leak repair – Finding and sealing sources of leaks
- Motor replacement – Installing a new macerator motor
- Blade replacement – Swapping out dull/damaged blades
- Troubleshooting – Diagnosing complex operational issues
- General servicing – Professional preventative maintenance
Also replace any parts only with 100% identical OEM certified replacement parts to ensure functionality and safety.
In the next sections, we‘ll cover costs, alternatives, and provide a maintenance checklist.
What Does Repairing a Macerator Typically Cost?
Here are some typical costs for professional macerator repairs:
- Unclogging – $150-300
- Motor replacement – $300-600
- Complete rebuild – $500-1,000
- Seal replacement – $200-400
- New flange kit – $250-500
- New macerator unit – $600-1,200
As you can see, repairs can get pricey in a hurry! That‘s all the more reason to take good care of your unit upfront through proper maintenance and operating conditions.
Alternatives to Macerating Toilets Worth Considering
Macerators aren‘t for every situation. Here are a few alternatives worth looking at:
Gravity Toilets
Much simpler, but require proper downward drainage. Limit positioning.
Composting Toilets
Mix waste with sawdust/soil to produce compost over time.
Incinerating Toilets
Burn waste to ash instead of flushing. High energy costs.
Chemical Toilets
Use chemicals to treat waste. Odors and handling waste drawbacks.
Cassette Toilets
Allow removal of waste tank for emptying. Some odor potential.
For most homeowners, the choice often comes down to macerators vs standard gravity toilets. But if installation challenges rule out a macerator, the options above give you additional choices.
Macerating Toilet Maintenance Checklist
Here is a quick maintenance checklist you can follow annually:
- Inspect macerator body, blades, seals, bolts, hose fittings
- Check electrical connections and power cord
- Confirm mounting is secure, adjust if loose
- Flush toilet repeatedly, listen for changes
- Watch multiple flush cycles for proper function
- Check for leaks, water on floor, etc
- Test floor around toilet for softness that indicates leaks
- Clean macerator housing thoroughly
- Lubricate internal parts per manufacturer instructions
- Replace seals and gaskets
- Clear any small clogs or obstructions
- Filter & descale all hoses
Following that checklist annually will go a long ways towards maximizing the lifespan of your macerating toilet.
Final Thoughts
Macerating toilets may seem like an intimidating concept at first, but armed with the expert advice in this guide, you can install one with full confidence.
The key takeaways are:
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Select a proven brand for maximum durability
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Hire an experienced plumber for installation
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Never flush anything but human waste and toilet paper
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Follow the maintenance tips religiously
Do those things and your macerating toilet can easily outlast you – providing 50+ years of reliable service with minimal repairs needed.
Here‘s to never having to plunge or snake a toilet again! Give me a shout with any other home improvement questions.
