Using an RV Macerator Pump to Dump Your Camper at Home
Even full-time RV travelers sometimes take a break from the road. If you’re staying with family or friends, you can easily dump your RV without being parked right next to a sewer by using an RV macerator pump.
Is It Legal to Dump Into a Residential Sewer?
In most areas, it’s legal to dump your RV into a residential sewer, but double-check local regulations if you’re staying long term. Most homes have a sewer cleanout pipe near the house, which connects to the main sewer line. It works similarly to RV park sewer hookups, so you can often use regular RV sewer hoses to empty your tanks.
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Why Use an RV Macerator Pump?
If you can’t park close to the cleanout pipe, a macerator pump is the perfect solution. It grinds up sewage with blades and pumps it through a garden hose-sized outlet into the sewer. Some macerators handle up to 50 feet of hose, while heavy-duty models can pump much farther.
See Also: How To Maintain RV Holding Tanks To Prevent Clogs & Odors
In this review, I’ll cover the best portable macerator pumps for RVs and more permanent heavy-duty options for setups over 100 feet away from the sewer inlet.
Best RV Macerator Pumps for at Home RV Dumping
1. Flojet Portable RV Waste Pump
Key Features
- RV-Ready: Connects directly to camper sewer pipes.
- Garden Hose Compatible: Fits standard hoses for drainage.
- Built-in Rinse: Rinse tanks without detaching the pump.
- Stainless Steel Blades: Grinds particles to 1/8 inch.
- 12V Power: Runs on a battery with clips, or lugs (not included).
- Remote Control: 6-foot wired remote for easy operation.
- Overheat Protection: Prevents damage from overheating or dry runs.
- Pump Distance: Recommended for 25–50 feet, depending on hose size.
- Portable: Lightweight and includes a storage box.
- Versatile: Pumps into sewer cleanouts or toilets.
The Flojet Portable RV Waste Pump is a reliable and well-designed macerator pump that’s perfect for RVers who need a portable and efficient waste management solution.
It’s quick to set up, crafted with high-quality materials, and includes features like overheat protection, a rinse-out connection for easy cleaning, and a compact storage box.
Whether you’re camping at a friend’s home, staying long-term in one spot, or using your RV as a guest house, this pump simplifies the dumping process, making it cleaner and more efficient.
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My Verdict
The Flojet macerator pump is a top choice for RVers who want an efficient and portable solution for dumping their tanks at home.
With RV-specific features and a straightforward setup, it’s a reliable tool for off-site waste management.
Pros
- Easy setup with RV-ready fittings.
- Durable stainless steel blades and shaft.
- Tank rinse feature for added convenience.
- Works with standard garden hoses.
- Low power usage.
Cons
- Recommended pumping distance is limited to 50 feet.
- Plastic bayonet fittings may feel less durable.
2. SewerFlo RV Macerator Pump
Key Features
- RV-Ready: Includes bayonet fittings for easy connection to camper sewer pipes.
- Built-in Rinse: Side attachment for black tank cleaning with a garden hose.
- Stainless Steel Blades: Efficiently grinds waste for smooth pumping.
- 12V Motor: Runs on up to 12 amps (144 watts) with thermal protection.
- SAE Connector: Comes with a 12V outlet plug and built-in switch for convenience.
- Portable Design: Compact and lightweight for easy transport.
The SewerFlo RV Macerator Pump is a portable and RV-ready option for easy waste disposal. It features pre-installed plastic bayonet fittings for quick connection to your RV sewer pipe and includes a rinse-out attachment for black tank cleaning.
The pump uses a 12-volt motor, consuming up to 12 amps (144 watts), and includes a thermal cutoff with an intermittent cycle to prevent overheating. However, unlike other models, the outlet is a 1-inch barb instead of a standard threaded garden hose connection. To use a garden hose, you’ll need additional 1-inch tubing, hose clamps, and a 1-inch to 3/4-inch garden hose adapter.
This macerator pump comes with an SAE connector and an SAE-to-cigarette plug adapter with a built-in switch, providing flexibility for power options. If you prefer alligator clips, a separate adapter kit is available.
Much like the Flojet, the SewerFlo pump is recommended for horizontal pumping distances of up to 25 feet with a 5/8-inch hose or 50 feet with a 3/4-inch hose. While the power usage is low and the pump is easy to set up, the lack of a garden hose-ready outlet is a downside.
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My Verdict
The SewerFlo RV Macerator Pump is a solid option for RVers looking for an affordable and portable waste pump. While the 1-inch barb outlet requires additional adapters for garden hose use, the RV-ready fittings, rinse-out attachment, and low power usage make it a reliable choice for most setups.
It’s not perfect, but it gets the job done efficiently for shorter distances.
Pros
- RV-ready with bayonet connectors.
- Includes rinse-out attachment.
- Stainless steel blades for durability.
- Low power usage (144 watts).
- 12V outlet plug with switch included.
Cons
- Max pumping distance of 50 feet.
- Plastic shaft and fittings.
- Outlet requires additional adapters for garden hose use.
3. Jabsco Macerator Pump
Key Features
- Powerful Motor: Empties a 30-gallon tank in less than 3 minutes.
- Stainless Steel Components: Shaft and blades resist wear and corrosion.
- High Grinding Efficiency: Reduces waste particles to 1/8 inch.
- Thermal Cutoff: Prevents overheating and damage during extended use.
- Run-Dry Protection: Shuts off after 15 minutes to protect the motor.
- Durable Build: Designed for harsh marine and RV environments.
Jabsco is known for its high-quality marine and RV pumps. While primarily designed for boats, this macerator pump is ideal for RV black and grey tanks.
It can empty a 30-gallon tank in under 3 minutes, thanks to its powerful 12V motor and stainless steel blades that grind waste down to 1/8 inch.
Since it’s not RV-ready, you’ll need additional adapters for the bayonet-style RV fittings and garden hose connections.
The motor draws 16 amps (192 watts) and includes thermal cutoff and run-dry protection, making it durable for long-term use. Built to withstand harsh environments, this pump is a powerful, portable choice for RVers who don’t mind a little extra setup.
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My Verdict
The Jabsco Macerator Pump is a high-quality, powerful option that delivers excellent performance for RVers willing to adapt it for use.
While not RV-ready out of the box, its speed, durability, and marine-grade construction make it a standout choice.
Pros
- High pumping power for quick tank emptying.
- Durable stainless steel blades and shaft.
- Thermal cutoff and run-dry protection for motor longevity.
Cons
- Requires additional parts for RV compatibility.
- Lacks a built-in rinse feature.
- Outlet not garden hose ready.
4. Extraup Macerator Sump Pump
Key Features
- Powerful Performance: 600W motor pumps sewage up to 260 feet horizontally and 30 feet vertically.
- Multi-Use Design: Multiple inlets for connecting multiple appliances or RV sewer outlets.
- RV Compatible: Requires a 3-inch adapter for RV use and a garden hose adapter for the outlet.
- Durable Build: Designed for long-term use with higher power and efficiency than portable RV macerators.
- AC Powered: Runs on standard 110-120V outlets, using 5.5 amps.
The Extraup 600W Macerator Pump is a powerful solution for RVers needing to pump sewage long distances or uphill. Unlike compact 12V macerators, this AC-powered pump is designed for home use, making it ideal for long-term RV living next to a house or dealing with challenging sewer setups.
It features multiple inlets for connecting various appliances and a 3-inch inlet, compatible with RV sewer adapters. The outlet requires additional adapters to connect to a garden hose. With 600 watts of power, it can pump sewage vertically up to 30 feet and horizontally up to 260 feet, offering exceptional reach.
This durable and efficient pump is perfect for RVers who frequently dump their tanks or need a more robust, long-lasting option.
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My Verdict
The Extraup Macerator Pump is a reliable, heavy-duty option for RVers who need long-distance pumping or a permanent setup.
While it requires some initial setup with adapters, its powerful motor and durable construction make it a worthwhile investment for long-term use.
Pros
- Handles long-distance and uphill pumping.
- Durable and efficient for frequent use.
- Multiple inlets for versatile connections.
Cons
- Requires adapters for RV and garden hose use.
- Not weatherproof, needs protection from the elements.
- More effort to set up compared to portable options.
5. Sanimove Macerator Pump
Key Features
- Exceptional Reach: Pumps up to 30 feet vertically and 328 feet horizontally.
- Powerful Motor: 700W motor running on 110V, drawing 6 amps.
- Multi-Inlet Design: Includes a 3-inch inlet adaptable for RV use.
- Versatile Operation: Automatic or manual flush options for flexibility.
- Durable Build: Made for heavy-duty, frequent use in household or RV setups.
The Sanimove 700W Macerator Pump is a powerful household sewer pump that can be adapted for RV use. With its 110V AC power and a standard wall plug, it delivers exceptional strength, drawing up to 6 amps (700 watts) when in use.
This pump is rated to handle vertical pumping up to 30 feet and can pump sewage horizontally up to an impressive 328 feet, making it the most powerful and furthest-pumping macerator in this review.
It includes multiple inlets, such as a 3-inch one that can be adapted for RV sewer connections. The 1.5-inch outlet is on the top and requires additional adapters to connect to a garden hose. It’s also recommended building a protective shell for outdoor use.
The Sanimove features an automatic flush option, ideal for consistent use, but it can also be switched to manual for weekly RV tank dumping. Its durability and capability make it perfect for full-time RVers connected to a home sewer system, especially for setups far from the sewer inlet.
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My Verdict
The Sanimove Macerator Pump stands out for its power and range, making it an excellent choice for RVers needing a reliable, long-distance solution. While it requires some setup for RV compatibility, its strength and durability make it worth the investment.
Pros
- Longest pumping distance in the review.
- High-powered motor for heavy-duty use.
- Automatic and manual flush options.
Cons
- Requires adapters for RV and garden hose connections.
- Needs a protective shell for outdoor use.
- Initial setup is more complex than RV-ready options.
My Pick for Best RV Macerator Pump
Flojet Portable RV Waste Pump
The Flojet macerator pump stands out as the top choice for its RV-ready design and practical features. It comes with a pre-installed bayonet connector for easy hookup to your RV’s sewer outlet and a garden hose-ready outlet, eliminating the hassle of finding extra adapters.
Key Benefits:
- Durable Construction: Made with high-quality stainless steel blades and shaft for long-lasting performance.
- Powerful Pumping: Strong enough to handle longer distances compared to other portable options.
- Convenience: Includes a storage box for easy transport and storage, perfect for RV travelers visiting friends or family.
Unlike many competitors, the Flojet is designed for RVers who need a reliable solution for dumping tanks at home or on the road. Its lightweight, compact design makes it easy to carry, and the thoughtful addition of a rinse-out feature ensures it stays clean.
Tip
Always dump the grey tank last to flush out the system and run fresh water through the pump before storing it.
What to Look for in an RV Macerator Pump
RV Ready
Some macerator pumps are designed for RVs, featuring bayonet fittings that connect directly to a camper’s sewer outlet.
These are easy to set up but may lack the durability of larger, home-use models. If you need a quick, hassle-free solution, an RV-ready pump is ideal. For long-term use, consider adapting a more powerful home-use pump.
Power Source & Usage
Portable macerators typically run on 12V power, making them perfect for off-grid RVing since they can connect to your RV battery. For permanent setups, AC-powered pumps are more powerful and can handle greater pumping distances, making them ideal for home use.
Weather Protection
While portable macerators are marketed as weatherproof, it’s better to store them after use or place them in a weatherproof enclosure.
Larger home-use pumps must be protected from the elements with a durable shelter, such as a waterproof tub.
Tank Flush
Some RV macerator pumps include a rinse-out attachment for flushing black and grey tanks while the pump is connected.
This feature simplifies tank maintenance, ensures smoother operation, and makes it easier to pump solids by adding water to the tank.
Best RV Macerator Pump Hoses
For Garden Hose Outlets
Stanios PVC 1 Inch Flat Water Discharge Hose
- Why It’s Great: A flat, 1-inch hose offers portability and minimizes leaks while optimizing pump performance.
- Material: Made with reinforced PVC and includes 1-inch threaded couplings.
- Adapter Required: Pair with this adapter for standard garden hose outlets.
Glimour Pro Commercial Hose
- Why It’s Great: Perfect for RV macerators with garden hose outlets. Heavy-duty 3/4-inch design prevents kinks and handles up to 100 feet of drainage.
- Pro Tip: Use a unique color to differentiate it from your drinking water hoses.
- Limitations: If running longer than 100 feet, consider upgrading to a 1-inch hose.
For 1 Inch Barb Outlets
Schraiberpump 1 Inch Flat Discharge Hose
- Why It’s Great: Specifically designed for 1-inch barb outlets on RV macerators. Eliminates the need for additional adapters.
- Material: Durable PVC that rolls up compactly for easy storage.
- Note: Works best for straight runs but may struggle with sharp corners due to kinking potential.
Frequently Asked Questions About RV Macerator Pumps
What do I need to connect a macerator pump 1 inch hose outlet to a garden hose?
To connect a macerator pump with a 1-inch outlet to a garden hose, you’ll need the following:
Portable vs permanent macerator pumps?
Many of the RV macerator options are small and portable, but there are other more permanent macerators available as well.
Portable Macerators
- Compact and designed for RV use with standard bayonet couplers that attach directly to RV sewer outlets.
- Powered by 12 volts, making them ideal for occasional use and boondocking.
- Can pump sewage 50–100 feet horizontally.
- Lightweight, easy to store, and transport.
Permanent Macerators
- Larger, more powerful units typically designed for household use.
- Use 110-120V AC power for long-term reliability and higher pumping capacity.
- Feature multiple inlets for connecting additional appliances or sewer lines.
- Better suited for permanent setups or RVs parked far from sewer connections (100+ feet).
- Less prone to overheating during frequent use.
What does an RV macerator pump do?
An RV macerator pump pulls wastewater from the holding tanks and grinds solid waste into small particles using internal blades. This allows the sewage to pass through the smaller 1-inch outlet and be pumped away from the RV.
To read more about sewage maceration and how it works, check out this article here.
Have any more questions about RV macerator pumps? Leave a comment below.
