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Best RV Macerator Pump: Make Disposal Easier

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Editor’s Pick

SewerFlo Quick Release

SewerFlo Quick Release RV Macerator Pump - 12V, 12GPM

The SewerFlo Quick Release makes light work of transforming solid effluent into a fast-moving slurry and tops our list as our best RV macerator pump on the market. 

This impressive portable RV macerator pump minimizes the time it takes to pump waste with its 12 GPM flow rate. It will even pump uphill over a distance enabling RV owners to dump waste in awkward or unconventional situations.

It is easy to attach and remove hooking straight onto your RVs 3-inch drain valve and with its outtake valve connecting to any standard garden hose inlet.

The 12-volt motor is self-priming with thermal protection. As such, you can plug it in and get to work. Eliminating the contents of gray and black waste tanks doesn’t get much easier!

If you are looking to eliminate common dump station issues, the SewerFlo is an excellent unit. 

Bottom Line: The SewerFlo macerator pump system will turn your solid sewage into a gravity-defying slurry in a matter of minutes.

Best RV Macerator Pump: Make Disposal Easier

Dumping RV waste can be a major hassle when traveling on the road. Sometimes dump stations are located on top of a hill. Sometimes your solid effluent is too dense to make it through a gravity-fed system. What’s more, sometimes there are no dump stations at all! 

Standard gravity-fed sewage lines don’t always cut it. That’s why most RVers add an aftermarket sewer waste macerator pump to their rig. These incredible units slice and dice through solid waste, turning it into an easy-to-remove sludge. 

In this guide, we explain what features to look for in a high-quality macerator pump as well as answering some common questions about your RV waste disposal needs. We have researched the best RV macerator pumps on the market and included our unbiased RV macerator system reviews of the top seven models. 

Read on to discover the benefits of these incredible RV accessories. With the right RV macerator pump in your rig, you’ll be able to flush the toilet without having to worry about the aftermath.

Looking for the Best Macerator Pump for Your RV?

  • The benefits of using a macerating pump
  • What types of macerator pumps for RV use are available
  • What factors to consider when shopping
  • RV macerator pump reviews of seven of the best
  • Our unbiased review of the best macerator pump

What Is a Macerating Pump & How Does It Work?

To be blunt, an RV waste macerator pump grinds up solid sewage. These impressive aftermarket devices enable RVers to discharge solid effluent through regular garden pipes. This macerated sewage can travel faster and more efficiently than solids. They are also useful at eliminating clogs and other messy drainage issues. 

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Unlike firm sewage, the macerated slurry is less impeded by gravitational forces and density differences than regular human waste. As such, a good product also helps to eliminate otherwise prohibitive hazards, such as hilly landscaping and awkwardly positioned dump stations. Since these pumps grind sewage so well, they also enable travelers to dump their RV sewage into a private septic system such as in sewers and toilets.

What are the Benefits of Owning a Waste Pump for RVs

For many travelers, an aftermarket sewage elimination system is integral to an enjoyable experience on the road. An untimely solid waste issue can put a significant dampener on your road trip. Typically, a macerator waste pump is easy to install and operate with most connecting directly to a generator or your RVs battery. They also use a nominal amount of energy to slice and dice through thick effluent products.

In doing so, they enable RVers to overcome otherwise prohibitive obstacles, such as gravity-defying drainage systems and untraditional dump sites. Some macerating pumps even feature water hookups. These unique elements enable RV owners to flush out stubborn leftovers in their waste black and gray tanks.

Types of RV Macerator Pumps

Portable

A portable pump is a small motorized device that attaches directly to the waste outlet on the bottom of a recreational vehicle holding tank. Portable macerator pumps typically connect directly to a vehicle battery. Users can attach an outlet or garden pipe to drain their solid and liquid effluent after it has been churned into sludge. All models reviewed in this list are portable RV macerator pumps.

Permanent

Permanent RV macerator pumps work in the same way as portable pumps. However, they are typically hardwired and not intended to be removed and reinstalled regularly. These elements function a lot like sink garbage disposal units. Only, their job is to grind up human sewage and paper products rather than food scraps.

110-Volt

Last but not least, 100-volt macerating pumps offer more power and efficiency. These RV macerator pump systems tend to be pricier than portable or permanent models. However, they also speed up sewage removal. 

Further Reading: Want to learn the basics of your RV water system? Then follow our handy guide.

Important Considerations When Buying an RV Sewage Pump

Type

You need to consider all your requirements before settling on a specific type. Some pumps are small and portable. Meanwhile, others are hefty and powerful. Some pumps can crush and dispose of solid sewage over long distances. Whereas, others struggle to defy gravity. Ask yourself how often you will use your macerating unit? Will you be dumping effluent in unconventional locations? Will your recreational vehicle be parked downhill from dump stations? Take all this into consideration when choosing a product. 

Ease of Use/Installation

Most consumers prefer pumps that are easy to install with color-coded power cords. Most RV macerator pumps must be clamped onto the outlets of RV waste tanks. The outlet should be compatible with a garden or drainage hose and connections watertight and obvious. Make sure your macerating unit also comes with a clear set of installation instructions.

Does it come with accessories, or do you need to buy them separately?

Some pumps include all the essential accessories, including couplings, hoses, and wires. However, other pumps don’t include any. Make sure that any add-ons are durable and made to last. Also, check to see if the unit can be paired with a standard garden pipeline.

Some pumps can only be used with proprietary hoses. Accessories such as these are typically more challenging to access. Usually, these accessories can only be purchased online so if you have an issue you can’t just run to your local hardware store for a quick fix.

Pro-tip: Consider investing in a clear elbow hose attachment. This is a see-through piece of plastic piping that you can attach. Using such a device allows you to see when there is no more slurry exiting your black tank.

Cost

It’s never a good idea to cut corners when it comes to waste management. Still, there are macerating pumps for all budgets. Set clear expectations and do not exceed the limits of your budget. You should be able to find an adequate solution for any budget.

Pump Strength/Flow Rate

Pump strength is given in gallons per minute. A powerful pumping system will save you time. The most powerful option we came across was capable of dispersing 15 gallons of effluent in just a few minutes. A powerful maceration unit will also help you defy gravity. If you’re constantly pumping uphill or around obstacles, a high flow rate is essential. 

RV Macerator Pump FAQ

Q: How far can a macerator pump?

These devices can send (formerly solid) sewage as far as 150 feet. Of course, not all consumers want to store and handle a 150-foot waste outlet hose. Find a pump and hose pairing that meets your basic distance requirements.

Q: What kind of hose should I use?

Most people prefer to use standard 1-inch garden hoses with their unit. Since macerator pumps turn solids into sludge, the effluent has no issue traveling down the narrow diameter of a garden hose. These hoses are also very easy to clean and store. However, a garden water pipe requires a threaded outlet. If your macerating unit demands a proprietary hose, so be it. 

Q: How do I use an RV macerating pump?

In most cases, you can connect your macerating device directly to your RV wastage tank. After that, connect a drainage hose. Finally, press the power button. Make sure that the drainage hose is fed directly into a dump station, toilet, or another suitable sewage system. The sewage will be churned into a slurry and sent down the hose. Let the unit run through a complete cycle. Turn it off when waste stops flowing and effluent ceases to exit the drainage hose. 

Q: How do I maintain my macerator pump?

Experts recommend using toilet cleaner and macerator descaler to remove solids from macerating pumps. Of course, regular household vinegar is an excellent alternative. Insert the cleaning fluids into your RV toilet and flush the contents. Turn your pump on for a couple of seconds and allow the chemicals to enter. Allow the chemicals to loosen any stuck-on dirt and grime. In a few hours, add some water to the waste tank and turn the pump on again. Then, allow it to run through a complete cycle.

Best Macerator Pumps for RVs: Reviewed & Rated

SewerFlo Quick Release

Editor’s Pick

SewerFlo Quick Release RV Macerator Pump - 12V, 12GPM

The SewerFlo Quick Release makes fast work of transforming solid effluent into a fast-moving slurry and is our choice for the best portable macerator pump on the market.

The connection hookup does a phenomenal job of eliminating obstructions. So all you need is a power source, such as a standard electrical outlet or generator, and a small garden hose. 

With a flow rate of 12 GPM and the ability for uphill pumping, and over distance, you will have no trouble dumping sewage into private sewers and awkwardly placed dump tanks. It has a thermally protected motor, overcurrent protection, and intermittent duty cycling so you can relax and let this powerful device do its thing.

Many customers have said they installed a clear connector (also known as a clear elbow) to the intake valve of the SewerFlo. This enables you to see the flow rate of the ground-up slurry. You can also speed things along by adding water to your black tank. 

If you want a macerating unit that will enable you to eliminate waste at nearly every campsite, check out the SewerFlo. This device exceeded our highest expectations!

  • PROs

    • Self-priming motor with an intermittent duty cycle
    • Thermal Protection
    • Can be attached and removed with ease
    • Long-distance dumping
  • CONs

    • Makes a loud screeching sound when it is run dry
    • The outlet connection is not threaded

Bottom-Line: The SewerFlo macerator pump will empty your black and gray water tanks in a matter of minutes.

Flojet 18555-000A Portable 13 GPM

Best for Flow Rate

Flojet 18550000A 13 GPM RV Macerator Pump

This Flojet model has an outstanding flow rate. Emptying a 30-gallon tank at a distance of under 25 feet will take only a few minutes. 

We were also impressed at how efficiently this model diced up waste and tissue. It doesn’t matter if you are parked at the bottom of a hill or at an odd angle the Flojet will discharge your waste far faster than a gravity-fed elimination system. 

It also allows for the utmost versatility. If you don’t have access to a conventional dumping station, you can use the Flojet to send waste into a residential sewer cleanout, a portable “blue-boy” wagon, or a traditional septic tank.

We did notice that the impellers were capable of jamming. However, if you do find yourself dealing with a jam, you should be able to loosen the impeller blades with a standard screwdriver. 

This model fulfills its purpose with excellence and is the type of unit you can use over an extended period. 

  • PROs

    • Discharge port can be fitted with a standard garden pipe
    • Self-priming engine
    • Hooks onto a 3-inch slip-on hose
  • CONs

    • Housing is susceptible to cracks

Bottom-Line: If you are in a hurry, or generally just have little patience for waste disposal, the Flojet RV Macerator Pump will empty a 30-gallon holding tank in just a few minutes.

Zerone Macerator

Best Value

Macerator Pump Portable RV Waste Pump RV Macerator Pump DC 12V RV Mount Macerator Waste Water Pump 45 LPM 12 GPM Open Folw for Camper Boat Kitchen Industry

If you only have a small budget for your new RV macerator pump then this model from Zerone will do just the job. 

Despite the budget price, this unit is well made using durable materials and as such, you can expect it to hold up through several years of regular use. The casing is made from engineered plastic, stainless steel, and copper. Whilst the motor has overcurrent and overheating protection to prevent it from reaching unsafe current levels or temperatures. 

The impeller is also powerful, using a double blade design to make light work of solid waste and paper tissues. You can even use the Zerone for garbage disposal. 

  • PROs

    • Made of high-quality, long-lasting materials
    • Thermal protection and intermittent duty cycling
    • Easy to install and troubleshoot
  • CONs

    • Will jam if large hard objects run through it

Bottom-Line: The Zerone is a surprisingly affordable and efficient solution for recreational vehicle waste removal.

Amarine Made MP-4500 12-Volt 45 LPM

Recommended

Amarine Made 12V 45 LPM RV Mount Macerator Waste Water Pump for Boat RV Marine Macerator Pump, Self Priming, Run Dry Protection,Waste Evacuation

The Amarine Made MP-4500 makes waste removal easy with its unique blade design. This powerful unit has 4 stainless steel blades which, combined with its 12 GPM flow rate, efficiently pumps out waste from your RV’s septic tank in minutes.

This is a self-priming model with up to 5-foot lift when wet, second-highest on this list behind the SewerFlo, and 4 foot when dry. It doesn’t matter if your recreational vehicle is parked at the bottom of a hill or around a corner, a lengthy outlet hose will enable you to drain sewage in a variety of complicated settings.

If you avoid certain campsites or locations because the dump station doesn’t meet basic requirements then this inexpensive unit will give you the freedom to park wherever you want.

  • PROs

    • Self-priming engine
    • RV discharge mount
    • Intermittent duty cycle
    • 12 volts, 16 amps of power
  • CONs

    • Outlet does not fit a standard garden pipe
    • May need to purchase aftermarket parts

Bottom-Line: This Amarine Made MP-4500 eliminates the hassles involved in emptying waste tanks at a very affordable price.

Jabsco 18590 Series

Longest Duty Cycle

Jabsco 18590-2092 Macerator Pump, Self Priming, Run Dry Protection, Waste Evacuation, 12 Volts DC

This Jabsco 18590 Series model has the longest duty cycle on this list at a whopping 15 minutes. Along with run-dry protection, you can set this unit up to do its business and just let it do its thing.

This powerful electric pump has a permanent magnet motor with a stainless steel motor shaft capable of pumping macerated waste several feet without the help of gravity. It has a four-blade design that cuts particles up to under 1/8″. Combined with a 9-gallon flow rate, this model can empty up to 180 gallons of solid waste in one 15-minute duty cycle. 

Our only qualm is that the Jabsco does not have a threaded outlet. As such, you will need to make a few small improvements if you want to connect a garden pipe. Still, the add-ons are well worth it when you consider how much time you will be saving.

  • PROs

    • Self-priming engine offers a 15-minute duty cycle
    • Dry-run protection
    • Stainless steel shaft won’t break during jams
    • Empties a standard 30-gallon tank in less than 3 minutes
  • CONs

    • Does not have a threaded outlet
    • Some reported leaks

Bottom-Line: With the longest duty cycle on our list the Jabsco 18590 Series enables you to empty up to 180 gallons of solid waste in less than 15 minutes.

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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