Macerator pump issues

Yep. Been there done that. That's how I learned that M pumps need taken apart cleaned and impeller replaced periodically. Someone may have put a candy wrapper or a sani napkin too.

Get a bucket or pan a hose rubber gloves. Clear the area of pets and children and have at it.

Please report back.

Old Biscuit, Big Katuna - THAT'S what I was afraid of! Was hoping someone could offer a way to avoid it! DW said from now on we should only " do number 1" in that bathroom!

tommy salmon wrote:
Old Biscuit, Big Katuna - THAT'S what I was afraid of! Was hoping someone could offer a way to avoid it! DW said from now on we should only " do number 1" in that bathroom!

You can avoid it by taking it to the dealer. DIY or pay someone else. Those are your options. I remember fixing the pump on our house septic once. Take this issue x 100. Wasn't fun but I got over it and saved some money. Good cleanup and a beer afterwards and all was right with the world.

If it's as you've described, then it's a pretty simple operation. Plan on it taking you about 60 minutes and about $30 in parts.

1. Close knife valve.
2. Remove all wiring from the pump.
3. Remove the 3" semi rigid flex hose.
4. Remove the bypass hose.
5. Remove 4 screws attaching the pump to the coach.
6. Remove the pump assembly.
7. Take the pump assembly apart. (see link below)
8. Inspect ALL interior parts. The stainless two piece grinder is usually the one that gets the hair and gunk attached to it.
9. Inspect and replace, if necessary, the impeller. This is your pump mech that pumps the fluids through the macerator.
10.Reassemble the pump assembly and reinstall it the opposite order of removal.
11.Attach all wiring.
12.WITHOUT turning the pump ON, slowly open the knife valve and check for leaks. Tighten as necessary.
13.If no LEAKS, turn the pump on and flush away.....

It's best to have a repair "kit" before you begin. The big kit will be about $50. There's a gasket between the two halves of the pump itself. This gasket has a tendency to break if you're not careful. You can make a new one by buying a sheet of gasket material for about $6 at NAPA....If you clean the macerator annually as part of your yearly maintenance, you'll not need the impeller kit, but if this is your first time in there, I'd buy and use the $50 kit....Dennis

Jabsco Service Kit

You can google the part number and maybe find it less expensive. I simply used the above as a reference...feel free to PM me is you have a particular question. I've installed several of these pumps and service mine yearly....D

Thanks everyone! I think I will use Old Biscuit's illustration and just bite the bullet and do it, but I will most definitely do it outdoors and have a water hose handy!

I also have a 35F and why did they not think to put a drain plug in that compartment with the macerator. We had a coupling come loose and when we pulled the handle, things got ugly pretty quickly. Ended up being buckets sponges and then the shop vac. The smell is still not completely gone. Oh and buy the way lets put the inverter in there for good measures.

You either need a hair trap on your shower drain or somebody is putting things down the toilet that shouldn't be going down there.

tommy salmon wrote:
The macerator pump is located AFTER the bayonet valve.

My confidence in the engineers at Winnebago has been restored. Good luck with the repair.

ljr869 - there isn't any shower. This is a black tank for a half bath (toilet only) and as far as I know, nothing but "normal" black tank content. My teenage daughter "may" have put something else in there, but being a typical Dad, I don't know. Guess I'll find out when I take it apart.

tommy salmon wrote:
ljr869 - there isn't any shower. This is a black tank for a half bath (toilet only) and as far as I know, nothing but "normal" black tank content. My teenage daughter "may" have put something else in there, but being a typical Dad, I don't know. Guess I'll find out when I take it apart.

Teenage daughter would be a clue around here. They wouldn't want anything in the trash because it might accidentally be discovered. Out of sight, out of mind and you'll NEVER know, even though you told her. I know how that works,,,,,, at least around here.