Macerator Pump Failure

[Dave]

Peggy,When I first bought my boat the head was an illegal direct discharge set - up. I installed a holding tank and macerator pump and y-valve to the deck discharge. The previous owner removed all this stuff and it was still available except the boat had a hand pump versus a macerator. Anyway it became legal. Last season I noticed the pump started tripping the circuit breaker a few times. I tried it this past Saturday for the first time this season and it was turning very slowly, an obvious drain on the electrical system, and it wouldn't prime. I ended up replacing the pump. Rebuilding it sounded kind of gooey and I wasn't sure if the motor was shot. The rebuild kit of impeller and pump housing is almost half the price of a whole pump. What is the best way to winterize a pump and what is the life expectancy? This pump lasted about 6 years.Best regardsdave

 

[Peggie Hall/Head Mistress]

6 yrs is about the life span of a Jabsco macerator

If the impeller is stuck, you'll get the symptoms you describe, but if the impeller is turning, a sluggish motor can only be one of two things: the motor is shot, or it's not getting enough power. Check the connections for corrosion, check the voltage output from the battery it's connected to. If the electrical circuitry is fine, it's time to replace the macerator. There's really nothing to do to winterize it except make sure it's clean. Change the impeller every spring. A btw, a "gooey" job now and then is just part of owning a boat. Somebody has to do 'em--you or the yard. You spend more time on the water if you do 'em.