Macerator stuck

[Chuck Graser]

COLUMBINE'S C-30 macerator is stuck. We know that it should be turned on periodically, but we pump-out unless we are in the ocean. We hope that someone has a simpler solution to freeing the impeller than pulling the pump. (It is almost impossible to get to two of the screws holding down our pump, and the screw heads have been damaged. At least we have cleared the line by pumping out with the thru-hull open.

 

[Bob Camarena]

Two Ideas

1. Some of the newer model macerators have a slot in the end of the motor shaft that allows you to use a screwdriver to turn it manually to unstick the impeller. Check this first.2. Fill your holding tank and waste lines enough to ensure that the macerator impeller is below water. Let it soak for a few hours (or maybe even over night) and try again. If your macerator is mounted higher than your holding tank you will need to fill from your pump out line. Hopefully this will soften the muck that's locking up your impeller.

 

[John Mavrovich]

Reverse It

I haven't tried this personally but saw this in a post to this site. Disconnect and reverse the wiring to the macerator pump. Then energize it briefly. Rewire it properly and see if the reversing freed it up. My guess is that you can try this several times. Good luck.

 

[Bob Camarena]

If reversing works...

If reversing works, wouldn't it be neat to wire in double pole double throw (DPDT) switch to reverse polarity at will? If you could find a switch that was spring loaded to default to the normal position, even better. Let us know if you try reversing and it works.