Flexible waste pumping solutions enable smart specification

Macerators are designed to make drainage solutions possible in situations where space constraints and building layouts make traditional gravity-fed systems challenging. Here, Mark Vitow explains why macerators are critical for modern drainage project planning.  

In today’s construction and renovation market, specifiers face growing challenges in delivering efficient drainage solutions for residential and light commercial projects. Space constraints, retrofit limitations, and complex building layouts often make traditional gravity-fed waste removal impractical. Macerators such as the FlowPro range have been designed to meet these challenges head-on, offering specifiers a versatile set of products that simplify planning, help meet specification and regulatory needs, and deliver proven performance across a wide range of applications. 

From ensuite bathrooms and basement conversions to kitchen extensions and commercial fitouts, projects frequently demand sanitary facilities far from the main soil stack. Installing conventional gravity drainage can mean costly excavation or structural disruption – both major headaches for specifiers tasked with balancing budgets, timelines, and buildability. 

Macerators provide an effective solution, allowing waste to be ground and pumped away under pressure, enabling fixture placement virtually anywhere on a site. For specifiers, this technology opens up layout possibilities, reduces invasive groundworks, and supports creative architectural design. 

A complete range for diverse applications 

FlowPro’s macerator portfolio has been engineered to cover almlost every domestic and light commercial scenario. The six models include: 

• FP400 / FP400B: A general-purpose solution for standard bathrooms with a WC, basin, bidet, and shower. The FP400B variant includes an additional top outlet ideal for the retrofit market. 

• FP400K: Designed for use in kitchens and utility rooms, the FP400K is capable of handling high-temperature waste from sinks, dishwashers, and washing machines. 

• FP400S: A slimline unit specifically for wall-hung or concealed WC installations, fitting neatly behind ducting or in-frame systems. 

• FP250: Compact and ultra-quiet, the FP250 is perfect for showers or cloakrooms with minimal space. 

• FP800: A heavy-duty, light-commercial model featuring a powerful 800W motor, suitable for handling higher demand in offices, rental properties, and public premises. 

This breadth of choice allows specifiers to select the precise unit for each room or facility, avoiding over-specification while ensuring reliable performance. 

Every FlowPro macerator is built with powerful pumps capable of handling long discharge runs – up to 10.5m vertically and 105m horizontally (model dependent). Flow rates range from 135 to 170litres/min, which means even demanding multi-fixture installations can be specified with confidence. The range also supports multiple pipe sizes and inlet configurations, ensuring seamless integration with various sanitaryware and layout designs. High IP ratings and temperature tolerances provide resilience in kitchens and utility spaces, while quieter models are optimised for domestic bathrooms where acoustic performance matters. 

Maintenance and lifecycle planning 

From a project management perspective, specifiers must consider not just installation but long-term serviceability. FlowPro units feature tool-free access, simplifying maintenance and reducing downtime. The FP800 also includes an optional voice alarm to signal service requirements and a removable motor that can be changed in-situ. These installer-first features minimise disruption for occupants, supporting lifecycle cost planning and helping specifiers to meet client expectations for durability and ease of ownership. 

With a two-year no-quibble warranty, FlowPro macerators provide robust assurance for project documentation and client peace of mind. The company’s UK-based technical support ensures that help is readily available during specification, installation, or post-completion stages. Specifiers can also access detailed technical brochures and guidance charts, allowing them to match pump capacity, pipe runs, and fixture counts to building designs with confidence. 

Award-winning innovation 

FlowPro has been recognised two years running as Innovation Leader at Pitchfest during InstallerSHOW, an accolade hosted by the Bathroom Association and voted on by industry professionals. This award reflects FlowPro’s standing as a proven, installer-approved solution – an important differentiator for specifiers looking to recommend reliable, market-tested products. 

Ultimately, macerators allow specifiers to design spaces with fewer constraints. Whether overcoming awkward pipe runs in a refurbishment or enabling modern bathroom layouts in new builds, the FlowPro range, for example, brings freedom to project planning without compromising performance. Backed by proven performance and robust warranties, FlowPro is fast becoming the go-to choice for specifiers seeking reliable maceration solutions.  

www.flowpro-macerators.com