Blog>Expert Advice>Macerator toilet problems: What to do and how to fix it
Last updated: 17 December 2024
Macerator toilet problems: What to do and how to fix it
Struggling with macerator toilet problems? Learn about common issues, warning signs and troubleshooting tips in our detailed guide plus how to hire a professional to get the problem sorted.
Macerator toilets are a great option if you want to install a toilet in a place in your home where there is no direct drainage. So, in a basement for example or an attic or garage.
But like any household fixture, macerator toilet problems do arise now again. Macerator systems can fail, block, and sometimes break.
That's where our detailed guide can help.
Remember it’s always better to tackle macerator toilet problems as soon as they happen to prevent further damage down the line.
The best course of action is always to call a professional plumber from Checkatrade who can help.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
What is a macerator toilet?
Unlike regular toilets, macerator toilets (also known as upflush toilets) don't need to be positioned near your home's main soil and vent stack (the vertical downpipe through which waste leaves the house into the sewer).
Instead, macerating toilets use blades to chop up the waste and toilet paper, mixing it with water to form a liquid.
Then, a macerator pump pushes the slurry through narrower pipes for quite a long way (depending on the model of the toilet) before reaching the soil stack and on to the main sewage line.
For these reasons, you can position a macerator toilet far away from your home's soil stack.
Other common uses for a macerating toilet include:
Below-grade installations: Such as basements and cellars or where the sewer is significantly below the toilet site
Small spaces: Macerator toilets have small drainpipes so can be installed in tight spaces (say an en-suite) where a standard toilet wouldn't fit
Outbuildings: Such as sheds, garages and other exterior structures where access to plumbing is limited
Retrofit bathrooms: Great for adding a bathroom without the need for major plumbing renovations
Cost to install a macerating toilet
The cost to install a macerating toilet is not that high, but these toilets offer many benefits. Find out about macerators or saniflo toilets here.
Common macerator toilet problems
Macerator not working? Here's a list of common macerator toilet issues.
You can try tackling some of these problems yourself. But for peace of mind we recommend an experienced plumber in your area who will identify and fix the issue.
Blockages
Non-flushable items such as wipes and sanitary products can cause blockages in the pump, waste pipe, or air vent system. This can then lead to slow drainage, backups, or bad odours.
You might also notice that the macerator toilet keeps running even when turned off. (Although this can also be due to a damaged rubber membrane and misfiring microswitch).
What to do:
For a macerator blockage fix try looking for any visible blockages from the macerator or water tank
But remember to switch off the power supply before you do anything
A better idea is to contact a local, qualified plumber who can remove the waste safely and properly and get your toilet back up and running
Noisy macerator toilet
If your macerator is vibrating, grinding and making a loud noise, it's likely to be because of worn parts or a blockage in the blade mechanism.
What to do:
Excessive noise should never be ignored
Get in touch with a plumber who can remove the foreign object or look to replace faulty or damaged parts
Leaking macerator unit
Damaged seals, cracks or loose parts may be the reason for a leaking macerator toilet. A significant build up of waste can also put pressure on the system and lead to leaks.
A faulty microswitch that doesn't activate the pump properly can cause water to overflow and leak.
What to do:
Carefully inspect the connections, base of toilet and the vent pipe to identify where the leak is coming from
Make sure all connections are properly tightened and clean out any debris or build up in the macerator unit
If the leak is significant or you can't identify the source, it's best to call a professional plumber
Motor failure
Loud buzzing noises during flushing, a burning smell, no water drainage or the motor running continuously can all indicate a failing motor.
Unfortunately a damaged or faulty motor is usually unrepairable - and you may need to replace the entire macerator.
What to do:
First check for any obvious blockages
Check the microswitch - it may need to be restarted or replaced
Check if waste pipes are frozen
If the problem persists it's best to contact a qualified plumber to diagnose and replace the motor
Foul smells
Bad odours coming out of your macerator can be really unpleasant and can be down to blockages or poor installation. It you've had your macerator for a long time, it could be time for a deep clean of the system.
What to do:
Deep clean the macerator - check the instructions how to do this
Contact a plumber if this still doesn't fix the problem
Other macerator toilet problems include:
Microswitch misfiring
Damaged rubber membrane
Water level never lowers
Foaming from the vent
Macerator is running but not pumping water out
Toilet keeps tripping the electrics
Pump starting on its own
If you don't have any experience working on plumbing systems, especially with macerator toilets, it's best to call a qualified plumber to handle the problem.
Plumber cost guide
Whether you are planning an exciting renovation or have a troublesome issue, our plumber cost guide contains daily, hourly and emergency rates.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
Troubleshooting macerator toilet problems
Before you call in the experts, try these troubleshooting tips if your macerator isn't working properly.
Always turn off the power before inspection
Listen for any unusual noises like buzzing or humming
Check if the toilet bowl is filling with water and if the flush button activates the motor
Inspect for any visible blockages
Ensure the power supply is working properly
When to call a professional for macerator toilet problems
Getting in touch with a recommended plumber is the best option if you experience any of the following:
Persistent flushing failures
Ongoing motor problems
Recurring blockages
Unusual noises
Significant water leaks
Pump running continuously
Toilet not emptying properly
Foul odours
If the toilet frequently trips the circuit breaker
DIY macerator toilet repairs can be dangerous especially when electricity and water are in such close proximity. There's also the risk of you doing a bad job which might lead to further damage - and extra expense to rectify the problem.
Instead, book a trusted expert from Checkatrade. Pop your postcode in the search box below for a list of recommended plumbers in your area.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
Why hire a trusted tradesperson for macerator toilet repairs?
It's always best to hire a trusted tradesperson to tackle macerator toilet repairs.
Some of the benefits of hiring a Checkatrade professional include:
Expertise in identifying the root cause
Access to proper tools and replacement parts
Prevent long-term damage and costly repairs
You can search for plumbers experienced in macerator toilets
Compare quotes and work out what's best for you
Contact or pay a trade through Checkatrade and you’re covered by our 12-month guarantee of up to £1,000*
How to prevent macerator toilet problems
There are some things you can do to prevent macerator toilets from going wrong.
These include:
Only flush toilet paper and human waste (wet wipes and sanitary products can quickly clog the system)
Regularly clean and descale the system with specialist macerator cleaning products
Check regularly for leaks, unusual noises, or flushing problems to catch potential problems early
Make sure the pipes are in good condition and clear of blockages
If your macerator is old, consider replacing worn parts like the microswitch or membrane
If you experience regular power surges, considering installing a surge protector
FAQs
Why is my macerator toilet so noisy?
A noisy macerator toilet is usually caused by something getting stuck in the macerator blade. Worn-out parts and poor installation can also lead to vibrations and noise.
Get in touch with a professional who can diagnose and fix the issue.
Can I unblock a macerator toilet myself?
While you can unblock minor waste blockages yourself with a plunger or cleaning solution, we strongly recommend calling a professional plumber. The sharp blades and electrical components inside a macerator can be dangerous to unblock and fix yourself.
If you do decide to try unblocking a macerator turn off the power supply and wear protective gear.
How much does it cost to repair a macerator toilet in the UK?
Repair costs will vary depending on what's wrong with the macerator and how long it will take the plumber to fix.
The average plumber cost is £50 per hour or £350 per day.
It's useful to get several quotes as different plumbers will have different prices. However, it’s important to also take the plumbers’ level of experience into account as this will affect the cost.
Simply put, the cheapest quote will not always be the best option.
What should I avoid flushing down a macerator toilet?
Avoid any sort of wipes (even if they say flushable), paper towels, sanitary products and facial tissues. Thicker or quilted toilet paper can also clog up the toilet and cause blockages.
Ready to get your macerator toilet problems fixed? Pop your postcode in the handy search bar below for a list of trusted plumbers in your area.
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