The macerator pump seems to have quit on me and the tank is partially full. Should be almost no "solids", just water. Has anyone tried to pump out the tank using a shop vac through the pump out fitting? The pump out stations are closed for the winter. thanks Greg
- Status
Are you sure the macerator has failed?
That you don't just have a blocked tank vent that's causing the macerator to pull a vacuum till it overheats and shuts off? If the motor runs, but it's not pumping anything out, the problem is most likely just a fried (from running dry) or worn out impeller. If there's a y-valve in the pumpout line (if not, now you know why there should be...not just a tee fitting), close it, put a pan under the hose connection to catch the small spill of waste that'll be in the hose between the y-valve and macerator pump...remove the macerator and replace the impeller. Even without a y-valve, if you can aim the hoses up, you should be able to get the macerator out without a major spill...though it may be a two person job. However...I don't know how you could legally be using the macerator in the first place..'cuz you'd have to be at sea at least 3 miles offshore from the EAST of Long Island to use it legally...which is a long trip from anywhere in CT...one I doubt you're making just empty a tank.
That you don't just have a blocked tank vent that's causing the macerator to pull a vacuum till it overheats and shuts off? If the motor runs, but it's not pumping anything out, the problem is most likely just a fried (from running dry) or worn out impeller. If there's a y-valve in the pumpout line (if not, now you know why there should be...not just a tee fitting), close it, put a pan under the hose connection to catch the small spill of waste that'll be in the hose between the y-valve and macerator pump...remove the macerator and replace the impeller. Even without a y-valve, if you can aim the hoses up, you should be able to get the macerator out without a major spill...though it may be a two person job. However...I don't know how you could legally be using the macerator in the first place..'cuz you'd have to be at sea at least 3 miles offshore from the EAST of Long Island to use it legally...which is a long trip from anywhere in CT...one I doubt you're making just empty a tank.
Does the macerator motor turn?
Mine quit once and it was because a wood screw had been sucked into it, preventing it from turning and when I took that out, it worked fine again. It was not necessary to remove the contents of the tank to fix the macerator. No, I do not know how a wood screw got into my holding tank. Another time, the pump did not work because the deck fitting was loose and leaking air. That broke the seal and caused the pump not to work. Check the vent too.
Mine quit once and it was because a wood screw had been sucked into it, preventing it from turning and when I took that out, it worked fine again. It was not necessary to remove the contents of the tank to fix the macerator. No, I do not know how a wood screw got into my holding tank. Another time, the pump did not work because the deck fitting was loose and leaking air. That broke the seal and caused the pump not to work. Check the vent too.
A good solution for all involved might be to
call a septic tank guy to come out and pump it for you before things freeze. Better for you to have a nice clean, dry & empty tank if you need to work on pump or hoses. Keeping a few of Peggie's points in mind, whatever you were planning if the pump did work could be "unpleasant". As for the rented shop vac, I'd hate to be the guy taking it back to the rental yard.
call a septic tank guy to come out and pump it for you before things freeze. Better for you to have a nice clean, dry & empty tank if you need to work on pump or hoses. Keeping a few of Peggie's points in mind, whatever you were planning if the pump did work could be "unpleasant". As for the rented shop vac, I'd hate to be the guy taking it back to the rental yard.
motor doesn't turn
If the motor doesn't turn...it could be that the pump is only slightly froze up and won't allow the motor to start up. The end of the motor shaft should have a slot for a screwdriver to check that the motor and pump are free, or to loosen it if its not frozen up hard. There might be a plastic plug covering the slot.
If the motor doesn't turn...it could be that the pump is only slightly froze up and won't allow the motor to start up. The end of the motor shaft should have a slot for a screwdriver to check that the motor and pump are free, or to loosen it if its not frozen up hard. There might be a plastic plug covering the slot.
- Status