Question 1

Macerators and Grinders: a common pump design that is commonly misunderstood

Accepted Answer

A submersible pump which contains a grinding / macerating action are designed for applications where the statis head and / or lateral distance to be pumped are high and required discharge flow rates are low.  The macerator / grinder breaks down the pumped medium so that the liquid can be transferred via a smaller bore discharge pipe, therefore retaining pressure within the pipe work and reducing the need to large kw motors, where as a larger kw motor would be required on alternative solids handling pump units which handle sewage waste as a whole without the need to macerate.  Grinders / macerators are great when new, all the cutting blades are sharp yet unless they are maintained frequently and exposure to common flushed items such as wipes, sanitary products are reduced, the blades deteriorate and this type of pump therefore increases the risk of blockage and system failure.

Question 2

How do macerator pumps work?

Accepted Answer

A macerator pump works by breaking the solid matter suspended in the liquid using a rotating shredder. This rotating system shreds the solids before they are passed through the pump.

Question 3

What is a macerator pump?

Accepted Answer

A macerator pump is a submersible pump fitted with a cutting system in the suction side of a pump allowing the pump to handle a heavier application.

Question 4

How do you clean a macerator pump?

Accepted Answer

With the pump isolated, rotate the pump 180° to gain access to the suction side of the pump, inspect for any debris caught up in the mechanism and carefully remove with a suitable tool, rinse with pressured water to clear the loose debris.

Question 5

How do you replace a macerator pump?

Accepted Answer

Contact one of our team with your model type or duty details, and we can assist with finding the correct replacement.

Question 6

How do you install a macerator pump?

Accepted Answer

A macerator pump can be installed using an auto coupling kit or freestanding base as you would with a standard submersible pump.

Question 7

Can a macerator pump discharge up an incline?

Accepted Answer

The maximum head/lift is listed on the datasheet as with any pump. This is the same for a macerator pump and can be matched to your application by one of our team.

Question 8

Can you pump macerated waste?

Accepted Answer

Macerated waste can be pumped. All sewage pumps have a maximum free passage that determines the size of the solid it will freely pass.

Question 9

Do I need a grinder pump for sewage?

Accepted Answer

A grinder pump is not always required for sewage applications. A grinder pump may only be required should the solid contents need reducing to suit the existing pipe size.

Question 10

How long do grinder pumps last?

Accepted Answer

Pump longevity is determined by the service program on-site, for uninterrupted working hours, and regularly scheduled maintenance is highly recommended.

Grinder and Chopper Pumps

Cri-Man PTS 40 - Submersible Chopper Pump

Cri-Man PTS 65-150 Series - Submersible Chopper pump

Cri-Man PTS 100K-200 - Submersible Chopper Pump

T-T305/T-T505/T-T510 - Sewage Transfer Pump

T-T1008/T-T1409 - Sewage Transfer Pump

Zenit GR Blue Professional Range - Electric Grinder Pump

Zenit GRN & GRI Range - Grinder & Cutter Pumps

Zenit GRG Range - Submersible Grinder Pump

Grinder and Chopper Pump FAQs

Head Office