Buying a property with a Macerator

vratnayaka

Thank you for the all the useful info, EachPenny.

EachPenny wrote: »

So if I understand your description and plan correctly, then (a) toilet is somewhere left of centre on the wall marked with the 4 dots, and is connected via a 4" pipe to the macerator which is behind the access doors the other side of the bath?

(or (b) do the 4 dots represent the macerator position).
If (a) is correct then they have run the soil pipe for about half the width of the room in the opposite direction to where the outside pipes are. If they have done this, then it would have been just as easy to run the waste pipe in the opposite direction (towards the outside pipes) and have a gravity solution. This also rings an alarm bell because I'd question whether the pipe between the toilet and the macerator has an adequate fall.

If (b) is true, then it will be an especially unpleasant job trying to do any maintenance on the macerator (hands and knees job in a tight space). And I don't understand why they then didn't put access doors to the macerator on the other side of the toilet.

I think the Macerator sits right behind the toilet. Please ignore the dots. They don't represent anything. It seems like the macerator is as left most as it can be behind the toilet. Perhaps due to the non-straight wall behind the panels.

It looks tight, but there is quite a bit of space in there.

perhaps the constraint you mention could be the closing internal and external wall?

Interesting I've seen quite a few toilets under the eves online, I think it could be workable. Maybe something to consider in the future. The eves aren't that steep.

Also, do the pipe work look ok. Someone else has mentioned they are untidy?

Mutton_Geoff

The pipework is very untidy & amateurish. There are a lot of pipes and the shower pump located in an unheated, uninsulated part of the roof void. The ply work is poor and the shower pump not mounted properly, that is going to vibrate throughout the house when in use (try it when you next view).


The door to the pipework isn't insulated so lots of heat loss in the winter (if the pipes haven't frozen first).


Is there a fused spur for the macerator? I wouldn't have left the junction box loose on the floor, the twin and earth should be pinned and the connection through a switched fused spur to allow for easy isolation for maintenance. And not left on the floor where it is going to be the first thing that gets wet if there is a leak.


Single sheet MDF on wide studs for the new wall? That is going to sound and feel horrible. I wonder how long before the grout cracks on the tiles behind the bath.

All in all, it looks like a very cheap job. I wouldn't be happy with it.

eddddy wrote: »

I guess the awkwardness of having to tell guests what they can/can't put down the toilet might be an issue. And it might be embarrassing if they forget.

No different than living off the sewer network and having a cesspit or Klargester in the garden.

EachPenny

vratnayaka wrote: »

Also, do the pipe work look ok. Someone else has mentioned they are untidy?

As Mutton Geoff says, there is a lot of stuff I wouldn't accept if it were my home, but then there are millions of homes out there with very similar issues.

Take for example the junction box used for the macerator electrical connection. One screw costing less than a penny and taking no more than 30 seconds to fit would have put the junction box onto one of the studs and safe from being trodden on or getting wet if the macerator leaks.

By itself it is relatively minor, but taken with the other items it screams 'cowboy'. That should lead you on to thinking about other issues such as whether roof spaces have adequate ventilation and insulation.:(

Owain_Moneysaver

EachPenny wrote: »

By itself it is relatively minor, but taken with the other items it screams 'cowboy'. That should lead you on to thinking about other issues such as whether roof spaces have adequate ventilation and insulation.:(

Or even whether the floor is strong enough for conversion in the first place.

Doodles

I have two macerators in our basement, one for the toilet/shower/sink and another for the washing machine.

We have learnt some things which I hope will be helpful.

Quality really does count when it comes to macerators. As does having someone that knows what they are doing when it comes to fitting them.

They are a little noisy.

Use cheapie/basic toilet rolls, as easier for the macerator to handle/tear.

Never put anything like cotton wool, ear buds, sanitary towels into your toilet.

AdrianC

eddddy wrote: »

Will that bathroom be used by guests, or just family?

I guess the awkwardness of having to tell guests what they can/can't put down the toilet might be an issue. And it might be embarrassing if they forget.

When you're on a septic tank, you get over any embarrassment quickly, and just leave little notes in each bog where any user will see them.

Owain_Moneysaver wrote: »

Going by the standard of that plastic piping I don't think they employed a plumber at all. It's all over the place. A complete disgrace.

IME, DIYers tend to take the time to do it more neatly than a pro who's against the clock.


I'm not saying that there aren't really tidy pros, and I'm not saying that there aren't utter bodgemonkey DIYers... "tend to".

But as for the concept of a turdmincerbog, I'm just surprised nobody's yet posted this link to a true net classic : http://www.diyfaq.org.uk/humour.html#saniflo

phill99

Saniflows. Invented by the French and exported to Britain as retribution for their losses at Agincourt and Waterloo.


Awful things.

topsales

Had a macerator in a previous house and no problems in 7 years - not any noisier than an ordinary toilet really. Just be careful what is put in the toilet - no sanitary products etc. Wouldn't put me off buying a house in any way.

alumende27

vratnayaka wrote: »

Has anyone got any positive stories regarding macerators?

No.

Whenever anyone mentions macerators, I am always reminded of this UK.d-i-y faq post:

http://www.cucumber.demon.co.uk/diy_test/Q9.1.html

saversfriend

Personally it would not be a deal-breaker for me at all. I lived in property for 6 years with the only toilet going into a macerator, and now I let it out to a tenant. Never had any problems and noise is not bad at all.


Golden rule is to be careful what gets flushed down it - and maybe buy some waterproof warning stickers to place in a prominent position to make sure guests are sensible! These are mine - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Waterproof-Warning-Macerator-Toilets-Saniflo/dp/B01NBRMI6K.



That said it costs £££ to replace a macerator so it would certainly make sense to see if you can replace it long term!

I hope that helps!!