Hi Peggy, We have a macerator for overboard discharge. We don't use it very often as most of our sailing is in the bay and we pump out. It appears that it is frozen or clogged from lack of use. What is the suggested procedure for 1)unfreezing and 2)maintenance to keep this from happening. Thanks.
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Most likely not clogged, but stuck
Go here for the instruction sheet, which I suggest you download, print and keep aboard for future use: http://www.jabsco.com/prodInfo/overview/18590_MACERATOR.PDF In it you'll find the following: "After long periods of nonuse, the flexible impeller may stick to the pump body preventing the macerator pump from turning freely. If this occurs, the impeller can be broken free by removing the plastic cap on the shaft at the rear end of the motor, inserting a screwdriver in the slot and rotating the shaft clockwise a quarter turn or more. When impeller is broken free, reinstall the plastic cap on the motor shaft." Since breaking the impeller free can also break impeller vanes, I strongly recommend that you also replace the impeller. You can prevent this problem by flushing out your tank and rinsing out the macerator several times a year, especially if you won't use the boat for a while or in prep for winterizing.
Go here for the instruction sheet, which I suggest you download, print and keep aboard for future use: http://www.jabsco.com/prodInfo/overview/18590_MACERATOR.PDF In it you'll find the following: "After long periods of nonuse, the flexible impeller may stick to the pump body preventing the macerator pump from turning freely. If this occurs, the impeller can be broken free by removing the plastic cap on the shaft at the rear end of the motor, inserting a screwdriver in the slot and rotating the shaft clockwise a quarter turn or more. When impeller is broken free, reinstall the plastic cap on the motor shaft." Since breaking the impeller free can also break impeller vanes, I strongly recommend that you also replace the impeller. You can prevent this problem by flushing out your tank and rinsing out the macerator several times a year, especially if you won't use the boat for a while or in prep for winterizing.
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