Installation Guide

Macerator Pump Installation Guide

A practical guide to positioning, connecting and commissioning a domestic macerator pump.

Important Before You Start

This is a general installation guide. Always check the installation instructions and technical limits supplied with your particular macerator pump before installation. Electrical work should be completed by a suitably qualified person.

Before Installation

Plan Your Installation

✓

Accessible Position

Position the pump where it can be reached and removed if servicing is required.

✓

Check Pipe Routes

Plan inlet and discharge pipework before fixing sanitary appliances into position.

✓

Check Pump Limits

Confirm the permitted vertical lift, horizontal run, pipe diameter and connected appliances.

✓

Qualified Installation

Plumbing and electrical connections must comply with the requirements applicable to the installation.

Position the Macerator Pump

Position the macerator close to the toilet and connected sanitary appliances. The pump should be installed on a stable surface and must remain accessible for future inspection, maintenance or removal.

Important: Do not permanently box the pump into an inaccessible space. Allow sufficient room around connections for servicing.

Connect the Toilet

Where the pump is designed for WC connection, connect it to a toilet with a suitable horizontal outlet. Slide the flexible WC connector securely over the toilet outlet and ensure it sits correctly without being twisted or excessively stretched.

01. Align the pump directly with the WC outlet.

02. Push the flexible connector fully onto the outlet.

03. Position and tighten the metal hose clip securely.

Connect the Shower, Basin or Other Inlets

Connect compatible sanitary appliances to the pump's available inlets using the correct rubber connectors, adaptors and hose clips. Every connection should be fully seated and securely clamped.

Unused Inlets Any inlet that is not being used must be properly sealed using the appropriate blanking cap supplied for the pump.

Shower Installation

The shower waste must have sufficient gravity fall towards the macerator. The reference installation requires the underside of the shower tray to be at least 120mm above floor level with a recommended 3% fall. Check the requirements for your particular pump before installation.

Basin Connection

Depending on the design of your macerator pump, a washbasin may connect through a side inlet or a dedicated upper inlet. Use the correct adaptor for the waste pipe and make sure the joint is properly sealed before commissioning the system.

Install the Discharge Pipe

Correct discharge pipework is essential for reliable operation. Always use a pipe size approved for your particular pump and keep the route as direct as reasonably possible.

Vertical First

Where a vertical lift is required, make the lift at the beginning of the discharge run.

Maintain a Fall

Horizontal discharge pipework should fall towards the soil stack.

Minimise Bends

Keep bends and changes of direction to a minimum to reduce resistance.

Horizontal Pipe Fall The reference guide specifies a minimum fall of 1:100 (10mm per metre) on horizontal discharge pipework towards the soil stack.

Avoid Tight 90° Elbows

Use smooth swept bends where possible. Where necessary, two 45° bends can provide a smoother change of direction than a tight 90° elbow.

Pumping Distance & Pipe Size

Maximum pumping distance depends on the individual pump, discharge pipe diameter, vertical lift and resistance created by bends and fittings. Increasing the vertical lift normally reduces the available horizontal run.

Do Not Assume All Macerator Pumps Have the Same Limits Always use the maximum vertical and horizontal pumping distances stated for the exact model being installed.

Electrical Connection

Electrical Safety Electrical installation should be carried out by a suitably qualified person. Isolate the electrical supply before carrying out installation, inspection or servicing work.

Follow the electrical instructions supplied with your particular macerator pump and ensure the installation complies with the applicable electrical requirements. The pump should be positioned so that it is not exposed to splashing during normal use.

Test & Commission the Pump

Once all plumbing and electrical connections have been checked, test each connected appliance separately.

✓ Flush the toilet and confirm that the pump activates correctly.

✓ Run the basin, shower and other connected appliances individually.

✓ Inspect every connection for leaks.

✓ Check that waste water clears normally and the pump switches off afterwards.

✓ Check taps and the WC cistern for drips that could repeatedly activate the pump.

What Can Go Through a Macerator Pump?

✓ Suitable

• Normal human waste
• Toilet paper
• Suitable household WC cleaner
• Normal waste water from approved appliances

✕ Do Not Flush

• Wet wipes
• Sanitary towels or tampons
• Cotton wool
• Condoms
• Kitchen roll
• Fabric or hard objects
• Solvents, acids or aggressive chemicals

Shower connection: Hair can accumulate within waste systems, so fitting a suitable hair trap to the shower waste can help reduce the risk of blockage.

Cleaning & Care

Periodic descaling can help remove limescale deposits from the toilet and macerator system. Use a cleaning or descaling product suitable for macerator pumps and follow its instructions.

1. Isolate the pump from its electrical supply.

2. Add a suitable macerator-safe descaling product as directed.

3. Allow sufficient contact time according to the cleaner instructions.

4. Restore power and thoroughly rinse the system.

Troubleshooting

Safety First: Disconnect the electrical supply before carrying out any inspection or work on the unit. Internal repairs or dismantling should be undertaken by an appropriately qualified repair engineer.

Pump does not start

Check that the electrical supply is available. If the supply is present but the pump will not operate, contact a qualified repair engineer.

Pump keeps activating intermittently

Check connected appliances for dripping water. A leaking tap or WC cistern can repeatedly introduce water and cause the pump to cycle. A problem with the non-return valve may also require investigation.

Pump runs for an unusually long time

Check that the discharge installation is within the pump's permitted height and distance, that the pipe is not kinked or obstructed and that excessive bends have not been used.

Water rises into the shower tray

Check that the shower has sufficient height and gravity fall towards the pump. The inlet or internal inlet valve may also require inspection or cleaning.

Pump makes an unusual rattling or humming sound

A foreign object may have entered the unit or there may be a motor/control fault. Switch the pump off and contact an appropriate repair engineer rather than continuing to operate it.

Final Check

Before You Finish

✓ WC connector secured

✓ Inlets secured and unused ports capped

✓ Discharge pipe correctly routed

✓ Correct pipe falls maintained

✓ Electrical installation checked

✓ All connections tested for leaks

✓ Pump remains accessible for servicing

✓ All connected appliances tested

Need Help With Your Installation?

If you're unsure about installation or need help choosing the correct macerator pump, contact our team.