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Macerator on sewage

PostPosted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 6:56 pm
by ialwaysneedaroadtrip
I think I spelled it right :?:

Anyway, does anyone have one of these?

What do you love or hate about it?

Re: Macerator on sewage

PostPosted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 7:05 pm
by Bethers
I don't have one. I do know that it seemed to take forever for someone with one to dump in front of me - little rig, long time dumping it. Not sure if that's normal.

You might want to read this:
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fusea ... 026212.cfm

Re: Macerator on sewage

PostPosted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 7:35 pm
by ialwaysneedaroadtrip
OOOoooooo...thank you Beth.

Ha..that's funny since they always advertise how fast they work.

Well, I wonder if it;s the brands themselves :?

I've got the RV Sani-Con, and I was reading that that brand is a standard appliance installed in some hi-end coaches.

So...DH...was recommending that I start out with a little more water in the black tank that usual, so that it would be constantly sloshing around the tp. But he's basing that on the fact that our TT with its mid-bath hung up the tp all the time.

Based on this thread you hooked me up with, though...I'm thinking until I know how this thing works...to not let it get too full...

Re: Macerator on sewage

PostPosted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 10:40 pm
by Bethers
Actually, that thread made it sound like they all do not put tp down because of the macerator.

And all black tanks will work better if you don't flush them too often. Let them get 3/4 or more full before doing so. But always make sure you use enough water, especially if you are putting tp down. The macerator line is smaller than the regular dump line - so can clog easier - which I believe is probably why most quit putting tp down. Lots of us rarely put tp down even with the macerator - especially when boondocking.

Re: Macerator on sewage

PostPosted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 11:12 pm
by ialwaysneedaroadtrip
Good points...all.

I wouldn't have a problem not putting tp down...I'd have to convince DD when she comes with me, though. She might be grossed out by it.

We'll try it the first time with a lot of water, and let it get full like you're saying...and see what happens. I'll definitely report back for the benefit of all.

After all if it's a good system...I'd want to counter the common belief with an alternative story.

Re: Macerator on sewage

PostPosted: Fri Jun 21, 2013 11:46 am
by JudyJB
I put a minimal amount of TP down the toilet, but I just had a problem because I did not want to gross out my guests, so let them put all they wanted in toilet. There were six of us staying in my unit, which included three kids and three adults. Also, they were trying to conserve water and did not flush long enough, so not enough water to dissolve stuff. (Found out they confused conserving water going to grey tank with stuff going to black tank.) Last day, I had a huge TP clog that took three days to get rid of.

The problem is mostly not enough water and not enough time taking place to break up the paper. If you use a septic safe paper, it will dissolve, but not immediately. So you should not flush until tank is almost full, which will take 1-2 weeks. And as people who have been on this board a long time will point out, I had a problem 9 months ago, so should have learned my lesson and been less concerned about freaking people out.

I suspect with two of you, assuming you add enough water when you flush, that you will not have big problems if you minimize the amount of TP you use. Tell her 3-4 sheets or whatever if she wants to flush it down. I keep a ziplock bag under the sink in the bathroom so it is out of sight and toss it two or three times a day. I buy those really cheap sandwich bags.

Re: Macerator on sewage

PostPosted: Fri Jun 21, 2013 11:59 am
by ialwaysneedaroadtrip
Thank you Judy. That is great advice.

Yeah...I could just see you kicking yourself after the guest situation.

That's exactly what was happening in our 2011 month-long TT trip when it was the 3 of us...not enough water going down the black. DH was complaining the whole time.

I've got a plan, now. And I'm getting some of those baggies!

Re: Macerator on sewage

PostPosted: Fri Jun 21, 2013 12:34 pm
by Bethers
A coffee can, or anything with a lid that seals, works good also. I only need to empty what I use every couple days. Seals, no smell, etc.

Still use lots of water with #2 for it to dissolve, though.

Re: Macerator on sewage

PostPosted: Fri Jun 21, 2013 12:40 pm
by ialwaysneedaroadtrip
Right....

That might be better in my case, as I don't have any kind of cabinet inside the bathroom...it's actually just outside the door, where the sink is.

Yeah, I like the can, or sealed container idea...

Re: Macerator on sewage

PostPosted: Fri Jun 21, 2013 2:54 pm
by mitch5252
..

I use the little one on the right - lined with a grocery bag, emptied every day. I was thinking about a diaper pail, but never really looked into it. Don't they have like "super seals" on them for all that gooey, stinky baby crap?

Image

..

Re: Macerator on sewage

PostPosted: Fri Jun 21, 2013 3:19 pm
by Redwahine
Ditto. Very little TP in BW tank. Found the X large doggie poo bags at ROSS. A box of 120 bags for .99. Bought all they had...6 boxes :roll: But now I've got plenty for both humans and fur babies :lol:

Re: Macerator on sewage

PostPosted: Fri Jun 21, 2013 5:12 pm
by ialwaysneedaroadtrip
Well...the diaper pails I used when Mae was a baby sure didn't seal well...but that was 26 years ago.

I COULD assume they have better ones today...accept that everything today is now made in China, and usually don't work as expected...at least for me :roll:

Although several months ago, when I searched for a 100% stainless steel electric water kettle...I had to buy it from a merchant in China :lol: who was contracted for it to be made by a Japanese company :lol:

Yeah...none to be had here from any American merchants...weird.

But I digress...that step-on pail...even the small one, Mitch might still be too big for my little floor space. I could look at them tho...

Don't they sell those at Bed Bath & Beyond?

Re: Macerator on sewage

PostPosted: Fri Jun 21, 2013 5:43 pm
by mitch5252
..
I got the little one either a BBB or WallyWorld. I don't actually remember. My bathroom floor space is like 2.5' x 2'. It's a tight potty squeeze for my 5'9" friend! She's never showered in the Mobile Marlin.
..

Re: Macerator on sewage

PostPosted: Fri Jun 21, 2013 6:06 pm
by ialwaysneedaroadtrip
Ok...thanks Mitch.

I have to go to BBB anyway to get new bedding for MINE!

WM...is right around the corner, tho...I should just pop in there first...they might have the bedding I want too. BBB is 10 miles away.

I know that I don't even have 2.5' though.
The floor space in front of the toilet and shower is only big enough for human feet ;)

I WOULD like to use that little one tho...cause I'll bet that you can use grocer bags inside of it....huh?

Re: Macerator on sewage

PostPosted: Fri Jun 21, 2013 6:19 pm
by monik7
I got a really small flip-top can at Walmart. It's in my rig, but I'd guess it's no more than 9-10" high and 6-7" in diameter.
Sandi