Macerator Question (R29)

[fishheadbarandgrill]

I went offshore today to discharge my black water tank for the first time since I purchased the boat. I'm familiar with macerator operations from my previous sailboat. The macerator did turn on but did not discharge any liquids (discharge valve was open). The macerator tripped the breaker on the DC panel after about 10 seconds. I unscrewed the deck fitting to see if the vent was clogged and again, no discharge and the breaker tripped after about 10 seconds. Both times the motor did run. I'm pretty sure it's been a couple of years if not more since the macerator has been used so my initial thought is that the impeller is shot and can't prime the pump. Also curious if others have had problems with the macerator priming because of it's location. Mine is mounted forward of the aft Air Conditioner. Baring any thing enlightening, my plan is to replace the macerator, although I can't believe a bad impeller would cause the motor to trip a breaker.

Thanks,

 

[BradOwens]

I know you said the discharge valve was open, but are you sure? A tripped breaker usually means the pump is trying to pump but can't. If the valve is definitely open, then maybe something is lodged in the tubing. If you have a strong stomach, you could try disconnecting the discharge hose before the valve, put it in a bucket, (secured with tape or cordage) and VERY briefly turn on the switch. That should tell you if it's blocked or a bad pump.

 

[fishheadbarandgrill]

I know you said the discharge valve was open, but are you sure? A tripped breaker usually means the pump is trying to pump but can't. If the valve is definitely open, then maybe something is lodged in the tubing. If you have a strong stomach, you could try disconnecting the discharge hose before the valve, put it in a bucket, (secured with tape or cordage) and VERY briefly turn on the switch. That should tell you if it's blocked or a bad pump.

I’ve considered that and haven’t come up with a way that doesn’t have me and the cave covered in poop. 😀

 

[1Harrison]

Ok been here a few times. Most likely you have a clog in the pickup. This is most likely due to the use of domestic toilet tissue. Easiest solution is to backflush at the discharge by getting in the dingy and using the raw water pump. Not pleasant but effective. If this does not work the problem is more terminal.

 

[Irish Mist]

I had mine do that after not having used it for a couple years.. I just reset the breaker and tried again.. I just ran it and shut it off then again and seemed it primed itself and started working. No trouble since that one time

 

[Scottfree]

Ok been here a few times. Most likely you have a clog in the pickup. This is most likely due to the use of domestic toilet tissue. Easiest solution is to backflush at the discharge by getting in the dingy and using the raw water pump. Not pleasant but effective. If this does not work the problem is more terminal.

Or maybe ask someone you don't like to swim around and blow into the discharge through hull. :lol:

 

[fishheadbarandgrill]

I’m going to use the deck fitting to pump and flush the system several times. Then use a combination of borox and Calgon water softener to clean and treat the tank. See if that knocks out any clogs at the pick up. Agree with the comment on toilet paper. We don’t flush toilet paper but that doesn’t mean that the previous owners didn’t. I’ve co side red a backflush and will try that as well if needed. Bottom line, as long as the pump operates, I will keep trying.