Macerator unblocking

Clearance of a macerator pump and its small bore discharge pipe.

Macerator unblocking restores the function of a small bore pumped wastewater unit, often known by the brand name Saniflo, used to serve a downstairs WC or basement bathroom. Typical causes of blockage include wet wipes, cotton products, excess paper, scale build-up around the cutting blades and faulty pressure switches. Engineers usually isolate the power, disconnect the unit, clear the impeller chamber and verify the small-bore discharge pipe is free. Pipework runs of 22mm or 32mm are particularly sensitive to scale on London's hard water supplies, especially in Camden, Westminster and Kensington. Macerators should be installed and maintained in accordance with BS EN 12050, and homeowners advised that only the three Ps (pee, poo and paper) should ever be flushed.