Macerator pumps are used on boats to empty compartments that may hold a mix of liquids and solids. Unlike bilge pumps, these pumps grind solids into slurry, which can then be pumped out.» Read More
Macerator pumps serve two purposes on your boat. They grind solids into a thinned out slurry and pump it away. They’re most commonly used to drain waste holding tanks and fish boxes. Think of a macerator pump as a wastewater pump with a grinding system for solids. Read More
The macerator pump is a rotary pump, similar to most bilge pumps. They consist of a motor, an impeller, and a switch. Unlike the impellers in bilge pumps that are a soft rubber or lightweight plastic, the impellers in bilge pumps are hard plastic and stainless steel. These stronger materials allow the pump to grind solids into a slurry for pumping out. Where you run the macerator from is a personal preference. Some boat manufacturers place the switch in the cockpit, while others place it in the console. Some prefer to be within earshot of the pump as it runs to detect any issues.
Macerator Pumps for Your Boat’s Fish Boxes
Macerator pumps are required in a few instances. For fishermen, they’re most often required to drain fish boxes. This is for a few reasons. Unlike other storage areas, which can drain into your bilge to be pumped out by your bilge pumps, draining your fish box into your bilge could lead to some awful smells and insect problems. Read More
Additionally, normal bilge pumps aren’t built to stand up to the debris present in fish boxes, and would quickly fail. These pumps are perfect for the job, providing durable uphill pumping.
Macerator Pumps for Your Boat’s Holding Tanks
Live-aboard boats with large holding tanks also frequently use a macerator pump on their waste tanks. Similar to a fish box, your sewage tank is not something you want draining into your bilge. These pumps can turn toilet waste into a fine slurry to pump out of a sewage line at a disposal site or pump offshore when legal.
Keeping Your Macerator Pump Running
There are a few things you need to avoid on your macerating pump. Although they are durable and meant to macerate small solids, they can break if abused. On fish box macerating pumps, avoid putting sinkers, swivels, hooks, and lures in or near the macerator pump drain. These items can jam even a stainless steel macerating pump and cause it to fail prematurely. Read More
In the case of a holding tank macerating system, avoid putting paper towels in the system, and always be sure to use septic-safe toilet paper. Conventional toilet paper and paper towels can bind up the blades of a macerating pump. Try not to run your macerator pump dry for too long as it can cause harm if run dry for prolonged periods. Another way to improve your waste tank storage system is to use inline carbon vent filters. These filters help to reduce the amount of odor coming from your waste tanks.
Macerator pumps are a great fixture to have on your boat whether they’re used for pumping out waste tanks or fish boxes. With simple precautions, you can prolong your pump’s lifespan. When it is time to replace it or improve your system, Boat Outfitters has you covered on macerator pumps and accessories.
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A macerator pump is a pump that can break down and pump out both solids and liquids. On boats, they’re most commonly used to pump out waste holding tanks and fish boxes.
These pumps are a rotary pump consisting of a motor, a pump housing, and an impeller. Macerating pump works by either an internal metal or plastic blade that “chews up” solids into a slurry that is then pumped out, much like your home garbage disposal.
How long can you run a macerator pump? (show/hide)
Macerator pumps don’t have a specified run time. They should not be left on and should only be used while you’re paying attention to what you’re pumping out. Most of these pumps will be thermally protected from overheating, and some will be run-dry safe. When you’re done pumping out a tank, the sounds made by the macerator pump will be noticeably higher pitched. At this point, you should turn it off.
Yes! Not only is it a good idea, but it can also be a requirement in some instances. Macerator pumps allow you to pump out tanks that you don’t want draining into your bilge. This saves your bilge pump from a lot of work and keeps your boat from smelling awful.
