Installing a macerator or grinder toilet system is incredibly beneficial for residential and commercial properties. Installing upflush toilets allows contractors, homeowners, and business owners to add bathrooms to any location within their properties without breaking through concrete.
Macerator and grinder systems grind solid waste and send it to the main sewer line. While these two systems operate similarly, they do have some differences. Understanding the differences between macerator and grinder pump systems can help you choose the best system for your property or clients’ properties.
What Are Grinder and Macerator Pump Systems?
Macerator and grinder pumps are two different types of solids reduction pumps. They grind solid waste in wastewater before pumping it to a property’s main sewer line. Macerators and grinders don’t require a gravity drain, so homeowners can install them without breaking concrete.
Grinder and macerator pump systems are ideal for ground floor or basement applications because they can pump wastewater and solid waste upward to the main sewer system.
What Are the Benefits of Grinder and Macerator Pump Systems?
More Building and Remodeling Options
A grinder or macerator pump allows homeowners and contractors more freedom when designing or remodeling a building’s layout. With these upflush systems, bathrooms can operate effectively below sewer lines. A grinder or macerator’s capabilities enable homeowners and contractors to install bathrooms in areas below the sewer lines, such as basements.
Easy Installation
A grinder or macerator pump is easy to install. You can install either system without breaking concrete and altering your entire plumbing system. Grinders and macerators are free-standing units you can install behind a toilet or a wall. They use high-power capabilities to send wastewater and solid waste to the main sewer lines.
Reliable Performance
Grinder and macerator pumps operate reliably. They contain non-clogging propellers and thermal reset capabilities to extend system longevity. You can trust a macerator or grinder pump to work efficiently.
Macerator vs. Grinder Pump
While grinders and macerators grind and pump solid waste effectively, they differ in their grinding abilities. Consider the following differences between the two types of equipment:
Macerator Pump
A macerator contains a stainless steel rotating blade that liquefies solid waste and toilet paper. When waste mixes with flushing water, the macerator’s blade grinds the waste and toilet paper before pumping it to the main sewer system as a fine slurry. Macerators are intended for in-line pipe installations. An in-line pipe installation provides the constant liquid flow that a macerator requires.
Macerators are ideal for residential applications, and homeowners can install them anywhere in the home. Whether you install a macerator pump in the attic or the basement, it can grind and transfer solid waste away from your home.
Grinder Pump
Grinder pump systems are similar to macerators and use the same technology. However, a grinder contains a stainless steel blade that can grind solid waste, toilet paper, and sanitary items such as cotton swabs and tampons. While a macerator can grind small solids, a grinder can handle medium and large solids. It’s a more heavy-duty option ideal for residential rentals and commercial applications such as office buildings.
A grinder pump can function effectively with in-line pipe installations or channels. Unlike a macerator, a grinder pump can run dry without causing complications.
