MACERATOR PUMP NOT WORKING ... AGAIN!!!!

[Karsty]

VEHICLE: 2012 Winnebago ERA with a macerator pump to drain the waste water tanks.

I had a problem a year or so ago where the pump was apparently blocked with waste material and keep blowing a fuse every time I tired to use it. Took to dealer ... fixed to the tune of $150.00.

Since that time I no longer use the black water tank ... only the gray tank. Had no problem earlier this year emptying it ... worked fine. Today nothing. Pump does not turn on. Fuse is fine.

I'm guessing maybe the waste pump switch???

QUESTION: Has anyone converted their macerator system to a gravity system on a Class B? In my view the macerator pump is a nuisance and just something else to go wrong ... too many times to suit me.

Thanks for any thoughts.

[Gene_in_NE]

Karsty wrote:
...snip...Just have to find a way to get under the darn thing. Looks like a set of DIY ramps are in order to get this thing up off the ground enough to get under and see what is what...snip...

I have used the curb in front of my house. Drive either the left wheels or the right wheels up on the curb depending the side that needs to be crawled under. Not very dangerous, provides quite a bit more crawling room, and always available. 🙂

[Karsty]

Yes Davydd ... that's they way it is suppose to work. I notice that several manufactures now offer a dual dumping system. And even Winnebago has gone to gravity with their newer model ERA's. I'm not sure why but maybe there has been an identified issue with the macerator system on previous units (like mine).

Looking forward to seeing your "next" B. 🙂

[Davydd]

Traditionally many RVs had black and gray gravity dump through one 3" hose. Before that black and grey usually were a combined tank. The idea was to pull the black valve first, close when finished and then flush with the grey water to reduce cleanup. The water hose at most dump stations could then be used to do a final cleaning of the 3" corrugated dump hose if needed. I don't have a macerator but assumed one would prudently follow the same procedure and always dump black first. We don't have problems with the black since we use it quite a bit for number 1 and number 2 only in emergencies. Being a little liberal with the flushing also helps add water to the black tank. The idea I think is to not let your black tank get too dry and use the right kind of toilet paper that disintegrates.

Our next B will have a macerator but connected to a 3" diameter outlet that you can uncouple and add a 3" corrugated hose to to gravity dump as well. Best of both worlds so to speak.

[wincrasher65]

And people say my van is "weird" because it has a discharge pump on the grey tank. Thankfully it has gravity drain on the poo.

[Karsty]

"RoyB" ... it is definitely not the black water tank. It is clean as a whistle and never used. I am using a composing method right now.

The macerator pump and switch worked fine a couple weeks ago when I drained the gray water. Just not working now. The fuse is fine ... so I am thinking switch or as someone suggested from another page ... perhaps a wire. He had a similar problem and it was a loose wire from the pump motor.

Just have to find a way to get under the darn thing. Looks like a set of DIY ramps are in order to get this thing up off the ground enough to get under and see what is what.

Thanks for your suggestions.

[Semperfi_66]

I found that using a 1/2 inch discharge hose it would overheat and internal circuit breaker would blow. Switched to a 3/4 hose and it worked fine.

[bullydogs1]

Could be something as simple as a plug/connection out of place...I'd call Winnebago for support and ask where to look.

[tkcas01]

The way I read the OP, the problem is that the pump will not operate even though the fuse is fine, so it is not a problem with the tank - and besides he says he is using grey tank only.

[RoyB]

I suspect all of the BLACK TANK bottom floor is now solidified since not being used or properly drained anymore. Possibly blocking the drain plug hole.

Once everthing turns to solid waste it will be very hard to get it cleaned out...

This is what I would investigate first... Maybe remove the pump and associated hose path etc and try to fish a snake or high pressure water hose wand back up inside the black tank. Sometimes you have direct access to the black water tank from the toilet.

These are just guesses on my part - It maybe just be a failed motor on the pump... Hopefully your motor pump can be removed and tested - I'm betting the intake is totally stopped up...

I have used the portable 12VDC FLOJET 18555-000 Waste Water Pump Kit with a long 3/4-inch water hose. This is a nice RV TOOL BOX item to have around.. Mine has stopped up on me a couple of times but was easy to fix.


Roy Ken