Where do macerator pump manufacturers (like FloJet) post the head capability of their pumps?Looked at several websites, downloaded some specific pump "manuals" but nowhere can I find how high the pumps will pump.Haven't measured it but I estimate the ground to the top of a holding tank in the pickup bed is going to be about five feet. I assume almost any pump would be capable but the higher (and/or farther) you pump the greater the strain on the pump and its motor.Also, does anyone have any specific pump recommendations?

It doesn't matter how far you're pumping, just the vertical rise. With the right size and type of line, one that doesn't increase friction losses, you could pump for miles with the smallest of pumps.

I've never seen a head rating for my Flojet Waste Macerator, only the caution to not pump greater than 25' through a 5/8" hose, 50' through a 3/4" hose over relatively flat terrain, which is what I do when servicing my tanks with the trailer parked here at the house. Since I carry my FJ in the trailer I always have the option when camping of off loading grey and / or macerated black water into containers sitting in the back of my truck and for that I just use a 25' 1/2" diameter hose, no issues at all. I've never tried it but I see no reason my Flojet couldn't just as easily pump through 50' of hose to containers sitting in the truck. Pics are in my gallery.

korbe wrote:It doesn't matter how far you're pumping, just the vertical rise. With the right size and type of line, one that doesn't increase friction losses, you could pump for miles with the smallest of pumps.Clearly the Flojet Waste Macerator owner's manual doesn't agree ...RECOMMENDED HOSE TABLEAPPLICATIONHose SizeMaximum Hose Length5/8” (16 mm)25 feet (7.5m) max3/4” (19 mm)50 feet (15m) maxRecommended lengths are based on horizontaldischarge. Longer discharge runs create higherresistance and may result in the pump motor overheating.

SoundGuy wrote:korbe wrote:It doesn't matter how far you're pumping, just the vertical rise. With the right size and type of line, one that doesn't increase friction losses, you could pump for miles with the smallest of pumps.Clearly the Flojet Waste Macerator owner's manual doesn't agree ...RECOMMENDED HOSE TABLEAPPLICATIONHose SizeMaximum Hose Length5/8” (16 mm)25 feet (7.5m) max3/4” (19 mm)50 feet (15m) maxRecommended lengths are based on horizontaldischarge. Longer discharge runs create higherresistance and may result in the pump motor overheating.Yes, for those size lines - which create friction losses.

korbe wrote:Yes, for those size lines - which create friction losses.And "those size lines" are what are recommended for use with the Flojet, none other. :R

? Macerator Pump Head Capability | Good Sam Community

wanderingbob
Explorer II
Nov 29, 2016
Also , the shortest electric cables that will reach made a big difference for me . I had a tough time pumping 75 feet thru a 3/4 hose with a 4 foot rise , so I carry a battery right down to the pump and it flies out of the hose !
SoundGuy
Explorer
Nov 29, 2016
korbe wrote:
I was attempting to explain to the OP that if he used larger sized lines that did not increase head loss or friction, then he would not be increasing the strain on the pump. Boy, do you always enjoy being so critical? :R

I merely posted what the Flojet owner's manual recommends for hose size ... what's "critical" about that? :h. Obviously an owner can use whatever hose they want but it's not recommended by the manufacturer nor is pumping any further than 50'. Any hose with a diameter greater than 3/4" would have to be adapted to screw on to the Flojet which has standard 3/4" GH male fittings.
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Nov 30, 2016
I have a portable Flojet
When at sisters in FL I pump 75' with a 2' rise thru 3/4" hoses

When out in the dunes I pump thru 25' hose into tote in bed of truck

Have to do it in 10 min sessions due to quantity being pumped....128 gallons

Been doing it with this pump for 10 yrs.

That's what I do Soundguy......OK with you?
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Nov 30, 2016
I have seen the specs.. Forget where but as I recall it's 12 feet UP HILL or 100-150 Feed away (Depending on hose size) NOTE; The bigger the hose the farther it can pump the lower or taller the slower it will pump.

I stress the "As I recall" part of this post. Hot Dang I found it.

The PDF with the chart in it Oh and I was wrong on the max height.
SoundGuy
Explorer
Nov 30, 2016
wa8yxm wrote:
I have seen the specs.. Forget where but as I recall it's 12 feet UP HILL or 100-150 Feed away (Depending on hose size) NOTE; The bigger the hose the farther it can pump the lower or taller the slower it will pump.

I stress the "As I recall" part of this post. Hot Dang I found it.

The PDF with the chart in it Oh and I was wrong on the max height.

And distance ... 50' max using 3/4" discharge hose, which is exactly what I've been doing for 10 yrs now. If I had to go 75' I would still do it by adding another 25' of 3/4" hose but if I had to go any further I wouldn't. YMMV, regardless Flojet's recommended discharge hose size and length has never been any different - 25' with 5/8" hose, 50' with 3/4".
Bucky_Badger
Explorer
Nov 30, 2016
SoundGuy wrote:
korbe wrote:
I was attempting to explain to the OP that if he used larger sized lines that did not increase head loss or friction, then he would not be increasing the strain on the pump. Boy, do you always enjoy being so critical? :R

I merely posted what the Flojet owner's manual recommends for hose size ... what's "critical" about that? :h. Obviously an owner can use whatever hose they want but it's not recommended by the manufacturer nor is pumping any further than 50'. Any hose with a diameter greater than 3/4" would have to be adapted to screw on to the Flojet which has standard 3/4" GH male fittings.

SoundGuy is correct. The flojet has a garden hose fitting in it so using a larger hose is useless.
korbe
Explorer
Nov 30, 2016
Bucky Badger wrote:
......... The flojet has a garden hose fitting in it so using a larger hose is useless.

If you use a larger diameter hose, you can pump further horizontally.
Z-Peller
Explorer
Dec 01, 2016
OP asked about head pressure....head pressure and hose restriction are two different things. Head pressure increases with height regardless of pipe size. Think water column pressure.
SoundGuy
Explorer
Dec 01, 2016
Creative solution for a long run with rise. :)
korbe
Explorer
Dec 01, 2016
Z-Peller wrote:
OP asked about head pressure....head pressure and hose restriction are two different things. Head pressure increases with height regardless of pipe size. Think water column pressure.

That's correct. My comments all along have been referring to horizontal run, when the OP mentioned "farther".