A macerator pump is a viable solution to maintain a proper working condition of the sewage system. Though it is predominantly used in recreational vehicles and boats, it is also ideal for campers and small cottages. It functions by grinding solid toilet waste into tiny particles, which can be discharged overboard or into tanks. Powered by electricity, it forms a compact and robust system.

A sewage pump, usually sits atop a sewage basin that is located at the lowest part of an area, which is to be drained. It is submerged adequately to ensure that it is constantly functioning, with some fluids. There are several types of sewage pumps; some are meant for individual houses, and some for an entire residential area or town. They are graded by horsepower, and the grade determines the cost as well. The main purpose of installing a toilet waste pump is to prevent clogging and backlash, by ensuring sanitary disposal of waste. A macerator accomplishes this task using lesser water, as it deals with waste that is already liquefied. In the liquefied form, the waste easily flows into the sewage, preventing clogging an accumulating.

A macerator toilet consists of a macerator that runs through the pump, which directly empties into the septic pump. Though it is relatively expensive, its advantages are worth the cost.  It resembles an ordinary toilet, and has a grind box fitted to it, to liquefy the waste. While the cutter does the macerating part, the waste is softened and liquefied by steeping in liquid or water. This in turn makes it easy to flow into the sewage system. It can be installed in any part of the house, thus eliminating the problem of clogged toilets or flooded sewage basins.

Larger hoses or lines, measuring about one-and-a-half inches to two inches are required to allow solid waste to pass through, allowing grinding impellers suck them up. The inlet lines that send the solid waste to a macerator pump should be rigid usually made of PVC flexible hoses or even wire reinforced hoses. They must particularly withstand the suction force of the macerator, without collapsing. The resulting product is pushed into one inch hoses or lines, in order to be forced into the holding tanks or receptacles. The outlet lines need not be rigid, as they deal with macerated discharge waste.  Therefore, less water is required on the input side of the macerator device, which is a crucial factor in portable configurations, where small holding tanks are used. Further, it can be powered by an automobile battery, which usually supplies 12v DC current. The installation procedure is also simple, and an average user can do it using screw-drivers, cutting pliers and strippers. Both the inlet and outlet lines, along with the fittings and connections should be checked often for wear and tear, and leakage.

Macerator pumps that are used in boats are not necessarily screwed permanently, as manufacturers are widening their product range by offering portable macerator pumps. Therefore, it can be fixed only when necessary. An additional feature is that they can run dry for lengthy durations without getting damaged. These pumps are basically fixed with bronze blade cutters, to ensure a rust-free and strong device. An impeller pump is used to discharge the effluents from holding tanks.

Macerator pumps are different from marine sanitation devices, which make use of electrolytic decontamination or chemical reaction, in order to eliminate, as well as decontaminate waste. These sophisticated systems are subject to several norms and regulations. A macerator pump is, indeed, an essential device to ensure health and hygiene in houses, vehicles and make-shift camps. It offers a solution that is far ahead of the conventional sewage pump.