Winterizing Macerator Pump

[mstaglia]

Anyone have a good way to winterize the macerator pump? Does it even need to be done? One guy told me to pump out my tank before I get ready to store for the winter, and run soap and water softener through the system after letting it sit overnight. That should get any residue out of the bottom of the tank. Then after I'm out of the water, run 2 gals. of the pink stuff through the pump. Sounds like it might be a problem. Any good ideas??
Mike:huh:

 

[Lazy Daze]

Anyone have a good way to winterize the macerator pump? Does it even need to be done? One guy told me to pump out my tank before I get ready to store for the winter, and run soap and water softener through the system after letting it sit overnight. That should get any residue out of the bottom of the tank. Then after I'm out of the water, run 2 gals. of the pink stuff through the pump. Sounds like it might be a problem. Any good ideas??
Mike:huh:

Do you have a macerator or a T-pump? Running some pink through it can't hurt.

 

[mstaglia]

It is a macerator that pumps out through a Seacock on the bottom.

 

[Lazy Daze]

It is a macerator that pumps out through a Seacock on the bottom.

OK, gotcha. The only reason I ask is that a lot of people confuse a mac with a t-pump, even though they serve the same purpose. If it was a t-pump, another option would be to unscrew the top plate and pour some pink in.

 

[mstaglia]

So do you think I'm good?

 

[Lazy Daze]

Well, it might take a couple of flushes to get the soap out of the tank. But, other than that, running a couple a gallons of pink through the tank and mac would be fine. The tank doesn't need it (but also won't hurt it), but it's probably the easiest way for you to get it through the mac - without pulling off hoses.

I don't know if the pink would affect whatever chemical you use during the season, so just be sure to flush real well again in the Spring. Pump it out, first, to get most of the pink out.

 

[boatrboy]

I pump mine out very well at the end of the season before bringing the boat home. While this is not for the faint of hart, I open the seacock and turn the macerator on in the driveway (since we can't use macerators around here). If I did a good job pumping out, no big deal I flush a couple of gallons of antifreeze directly into the head and pump it out until I see pink (sorta) in the driveway. I keep the hose handy.

This keeps antifreeze in the vacuum tank, holding tank and the macerator pump and hoses. I never have any problems or any smells during the year either.

Mark

 

[teddiamond]

Dennis,

When you say t pump do you mean T12 Discharge and Macerator Pump? I question the Mac part. I have a T12 which is causing me some problems. I am lifed out for the season and have now discovered that my holding tank has not been empted as I thought. Indicators now working. T12 also seems not to be working???? I replaced the duck bill valves on the pump a couple of months ago. Help>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>:smt100

Ted

 

[Lazy Daze]

Dennis,

When you say t pump do you mean T12 Discharge and Macerator Pump? I question the Mac part. I have a T12 which is causing me some problems. I am lifed out for the season and have now discovered that my holding tank has not been empted as I thought. Indicators now working. T12 also seems not to be working???? I replaced the duck bill valves on the pump a couple of months ago. Help>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>:smt100

Ted

Hi Ted,

Dometic/SeaLand makes an "S" (suction) and a "T" (transfer) pump. They've had different versions of the T & S over the years (The new ones... you can barely hear them!). The difference is the S-Pump has 4 duck bills. The S-Pump is used for your vaccu-flush system. The T-pump is used as an overboard (or thru-hull) discharge. It does not chew-up up the stuff like mac, but it does serve the same purpose. It can run dry, basically, indefinitely, too.

While someone holds the key on for the T-pump (discharge), try tapping the motor with a mallet. Also, you could try jumping 12v right to the motor.

Tell 'ya what, though. Your post may require more questions and answers. Let's start a new thread so we don't hi-jack this one too much. You'll get some more responses on a new thread, as well.