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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Plumbing Questions >> Macerators https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1105024629 Message started by bruciebonus on Jan 6^th, 2005, 3:17pm

Title: Macerators
Post by bruciebonus on Jan 6^th, 2005, 3:17pm

I'm installing a shower-room in my basement and a macerator seems like the only option to provide a waste outlet.

The shower and wash-hand basin will be about 2 and 1 metres respectively from the w.c. which has 2 metres vertical and 4 metres horizontal travel to my soil stack.

Saniflo seem to have the marketing budget to dominate this area, but are there any other makes which are tried and tested. Also, if Saniflo is the preferred option, which model is suitable and any top tips for installation and where to get them without paying over the odds etc.

Title: Re: Macerators
Post by billythekid on Jan 6^th, 2005, 3:47pm

here are some links to help you BB

http://www.plumbworld.co.uk/23-0000?eid=0001-0068
http://www.bathroomtechnology.co.uk/saniflo.asp
http://www.showerright.co.uk/grundfos_macerators.htm
http://heatandplumb.com/acatalog/Macerators_and_Sewage_Treatment.html

most of these will have links in them for specs

Specs for sanisplit and saniflo
http://www.plumbingpages.com/featurepages/sanisplitspec.cfm
http://heatandplumb.com/acatalog/info_3384.html

Personally I have only ever been in contant with saniflo so cant really compare between brands.

Hope these help you

ßilly

Title: Re: Macerators
Post by jasonB on Jan 6^th, 2005, 4:08pm

This should help you find the right one for your job (excuse pun)

http://www.saniflo.co.uk/San_housemap.asp

Same as BTK, I've only ever used saniflo stuff, don't fancy going back to sort out a cheap one when it busts!!

Jason

Title: Re: Macerators
Post by billythekid on Jan 6^th, 2005, 4:34pm

yeah when your cutting through a 22mm plastic pipe thats solid with, well you know what goes in them, to clear it out you soon get to appreciate running drains all round the building!

Title: Re: Macerators
Post by HandyMac on Jan 6^th, 2005, 5:18pm

I thought that was the job for the apprentice?

Wot? No apprentice? Take one on for the day, then find he isn't suitable..... ;)

HM

Title: Re: Macerators
Post by bruciebonus on Jan 6^th, 2005, 10:34pm

Okay, that's enough jobbie jokes!

Thanks for your views guys, you rightly suggest it's not the piece of equipment to be taking chances on and paying for someone elses research & development.

But, what's the noise level like if it's enclosed in a built in unit and also how does it handle the shower waste - are you left ankle deep before it clears itself.

Title: Re: Macerators
Post by JerryD on Jan 6^th, 2005, 11:54pm

I've fitted a few of these but not had to do one for maybe 5 or 6 years so this info may be out of date. However, from memory the Saniflo has to be set lower than the shower waste so that gravity clears the shower. The Saniflo has a float which activates the macerator and pump which quickly clears the waste.

Inside the shower the waste water would just run away as normal with the Saniflow kicking in and out as it fills and empties.

These things are (or were) noisy! I know one person who has one and they can't use that particular loo at night because their neighbours can hear it!

We also had one that was problematic. Saniflo sent a rep round pretty quickly, he fiddled with it (what a crap job ::)) but a week or so later it was playing up again so they replaced it and installed it themselves for no charge. I was quite impressed with their service. It was just a faulty unit.

Title: Re: Macerators
Post by jasonB on Jan 7^th, 2005, 10:41am

As JerryD says the bottom of the tray has to be a certain height above the bottom of the unit (120mm springs to mind)

There are only a couple of units that can handle a shower, same for being built into units with a BTW pan, so your choice will be quite limited.

Noise is about the same as a shower pump but they run in short bursts as the float switch kicks in.

Remember to leave plenty of rodding eyes/access caps and use bent pipe if using copper or two 45 degree bends not elbows to avoide restrictions. All the ones I have fitted have used 32mm waste rather than 22mm.

Jason

Title: Re: Macerators
Post by bstyle on Jan 7^th, 2005, 10:46am

Just dont put any maxi pads down the loo!

Title: Re: Macerators
Post by billythekid on Jan 7^th, 2005, 3:28pm

wrote on Jan 7^th, 2005, 10:46am:

Just dont put any maxi pads down the loo!

Oh hell no!!!

In fact thats good advice for any installation, macerator or not! In fact if I am called to clear a toilet/drain and its a drip rag blockage, the bill goes up by £50, same with bloodey toilet duck, hang over the bowl things.

Title: Re: Macerators
Post by bstyle on Jan 7^th, 2005, 3:37pm

I hate that blue sh1te they put in the cistern , dont see it too much nowadays.

The stuff is an absolute nightmare, especially when you've gotta change the syphon. I remember the last one I did I ended up sucking all the water out with an aqua vac.

Oh by the way JasonB's spot on with all of his comments.

I put a saniflo in b4 christmas, first time for years and I was shocked at how noisy it was. If there is any chance at all to connect into the drain via 110mm pipe...do it!!!

Title: Re: Macerators
Post by Kesh on Jan 7^th, 2005, 11:52pm

A good way to cut down the noise of a macerator on floorboards is to have some carpet underlay (or other insulation) underneath it. It mutes the vibrations.

Title: Re: Macerators
Post by The_Trician on Jan 8^th, 2005, 1:17am

An even better way is to dispense with the machine altogether and just cut an oval hole in the floorboards and sh*t thru' that instead!

Oops - 'TT's ben to too many 3rd world hotels!'

TT