A macerator pump is a really handy tool that can make dumping your holding tanks much easier. These pumps grind up solid waste so it can be pumped through a garden hose to a remote location.
There are a lot of benefits to having one of these on hand, but there can be some drawbacks. Let’s take a detailed look at RV macerator pump pros and cons!
RV Macerator Pump Pros And Cons
We live in our RV on 10 acres of land, and when we first moved here, we didn’t have any hookups. We ran off of a generator, our fresh water tank, and a macerator pump to get rid of our waste.
That macerator pump was our savior. It made dumping our holding tanks so much easier.
Pros
- They can be used in remote locations: If you don’t have hookups, a macerator pump can make it possible to dump your tanks. They grind up solid waste so it can be pumped through a garden hose to a remote location.
- They make dumping easier: If you’ve ever dumped a holding tank, you know that it’s not the most pleasant experience. Macerator pumps make it much easier. You don’t have to worry about trying to get all the solid waste out of your tank. The pump will do it for you.
- They’re fast: Macerator pumps are much faster than traditional RV dump valves. If you’re in a hurry, they can be a lifesaver.
Cons
- They’re expensive: Macerator pumps can be quite costly. If you’re on a tight budget, they may not be an option for you.
- They require an additional hose: In order to use a macerator pump, you’ll need an extra long hose, because you don’t want to dump your waste close to your RV. Longer or bulkier hoses can be difficult to store and transport.
- They can be loud: Macerator pumps can be quite loud. If you’re trying to enjoy a peaceful camping trip, the last thing you want is a noisy pump ruining the mood.
What Does An RV Macerator Pump Do?
Macerator pumps are designed to grind up solid waste so it can be pumped through a garden hose to a remote location.
They make dumping your holding tanks much easier, and they can be used in locations where traditional RV dump valves wouldn’t be possible.
To use a macerator pump, you simply fit it onto your holding tank pipe where you would normally connect your sewer hoses.
Then connect a garden hose to the other end of the pump and run it away from your RV. Then open your holding tank valve and turn on the pump.
The pump will grind up the solid waste and pump it through the hose to your desired location. Once the tank is empty, turn off the pump and disconnect everything. Then be sure to rinse out your hoses with clean water before storing them.
Macerator pumps are a great way to make dumping your holding tanks easier, but they do have their drawbacks. They can be expensive, and they require additional hose.
They can also be quite loud. But if you’re looking for a way to dump your tanks in a remote location, they may be worth the investment.
Is An RV Macerator Worth It?
There are a few situations in which a macerator pump is worth the investment. If you enjoy camping in remote locations, it allows you to dispose of your waste without having to drive back to a hookup.
They also make dumping your tanks much easier and faster. A macerator pump is also useful if you find your self needing to pump waste uphill.
Traditional sewer hoses work using gravity, so they need to flow downhill in order to drain your tanks. A macerator pump will force your waste out, no matter which direction it needs to go, so if you’re parked below your dumping location, you don’t have to move to empty your tanks.
Another great reason to invest in a macerator pump is for fertilization. If you have a garden, waste makes a great fertilizer. Does it sound disgusting? Yes! But it works.
If you continue to dump your waste in the same location over and over, you’ll find that the grass grows surprisingly well in that spot. So use that to your advantage if you have plants or landscaping.
RV Macerator VS Gravity: Which Is Better?
Macerator pumps are designed to force liquids and solids through a hose by grinding them up. This makes it possible to pump waste uphill or over long distances.
Traditional RV sewer hoses, on the other hand, rely on gravity to pull liquids and solids through a hose. This means that you need to be parked downhill from your dumping location in order to use them.
Macerator pumps are more expensive than traditional RV sewer hoses, but they offer a lot of convenience.
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to pump your waste uphill or over a long distance, a macerator pump is worth the investment.
How Do You Use A Macerator Pump? A Step-By-Step Guide
Using a macerator pump is relatively simple. Here are just a few easy steps:
- Connect the pump to your holding tank valve: It should connect just like a traditional sewer hose. Place it on the valve and twist it to lock it in place.
- Attach a garden hose: On the other end of your pump, attach a garden hose. Be sure that the hose is long enough to reach your desired dumping location. Stretch it out and make sure it’s positioned where you want to deposit your waste.
- Turn on the pump and open the valve: Once everything is attached, turn on your pump and open your holding tank valve. The pump will begin grinding up waste and pumping it through the hose.
- Disconnect everything and rinse your hoses: Once you’re finished, disconnect everything and rinse your hoses with clean water. This will help to prevent any odors from lingering.
- Store your hoses and pump: Make sure your hoses and pump are stored in a dry, clean place (this is particularly important during winter). This will help to prolong their lifespan.
Can A RV Macerator Pump Uphill?
Yes, a macerator pump can pump waste uphill. This is one of the main advantages of using a macerator over a traditional RV sewer hose. If you’re parked below your desired dumping location, you can still empty your tanks without having to move your RV.
As a matter of fact, for a long time, we had a portable waste tank in the bed of our pickup. We would use the macerator pump to move waste from the holding tanks up into the tank in the truck, and then transport the waste somewhere safe for dumping.
The pump was able to force the waste directly up the hose and into the holding tank without worrying about parking downhill.
What’s The Best Macerator Pump For RVs?
There are a lot of different macerator pumps on the market, and it can be tough to choose the right one for your needs.
Here are just a few of the best RV macerator pumps that we’ve used:
1. Flojet 03526-144A Triplex Automatic Self-Priming Pump
This pump is our top pick for the best macerator pump. It’s a high-quality, durable pump that can move up to 17 gallons per minute.
It also has a self-priming feature, which means that it can start pumping without having to be primed first. This is a great feature if you’re in a hurry or if you need to pump waste uphill.
2. Waste King L-2600 Garbage Disposal with Power Cord
This is a slightly different type of macerator pump, but it’s still a great option. It attaches directly to your garbage disposal and grinds up waste before it enters your plumbing.
This can help to reduce clogs and odors. It also comes with a power cord, which makes it easy to install.
3. SHURflo 2088-594-144 Fresh Water Pump
This is another great option for an RV macerator pump. It can move up to 3.5 gallons per minute and has a self-priming feature. It also comes with a built-in check valve, which helps to prevent backflow.
Conclusion
There are a lot of reasons to use a macerator pump. You can definitely use it with your RV, but they are versatile machines that can be used for basement plumbing or garbage disposal.
It’s a worthwhile investment for dedicated RVers and boondockers. The benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.
Through this blog, I want to share all of my hints and tips, along with reviews of the best RVing accessories. I hope this blog will help others with their RV trips, and make traveling easier for you.
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