Vacuum sewer systems are increasingly being used where traditonal systems stop making sense.

In many developments, gravity sewer design leads to deep excavation, high construction cost, and ongoing infiltration issues – particularly in flat or high groundwater environments. Septic systems are also becoming harder to sustain as regulations tighten and communities expand.

Vacuum systems remove these constraints.

They transport wastewater using controlled air pressure through a sealed network, avoiding the need for deep gravity pipelines.
Flovac delivers complete vacuum sewer systems, combining the collection network, vacuum station, and monitoring required to manage performance over time.

This is not just about building infrastructure – it’s about operating it effectively.

With real-time monitoring and system visibility, operators can detect issues early and maintain consistent system performance.

Vacuum systems are not suited to every project. But where conditions demand a different approach, they provide a reliable and proven alternative.

When Vacuum Sewer Systems Make Sense

Vacuum sewer systems are typically considered when traditional approaches begin to create cost, construction, or operational challenges.

They are commonly used in projects such as:

  • Developments with high groundwater, hard rock, or difficult soil conditions
  • Flat or low-lying areas where gravity requires deep excavation
  • Coastal and flood-prone environments
  • Communities transitioning from septic systems to centralised sewer
  • Medium-density developments where individual pump systems are difficult to manage
  • Projects where infiltration and long-term maintenance are a concern
  • Areas exposed to flooding, hurricanes or seismic activity where system resilience is important

In these situations, vacuum systems provide a practical way to reduce excavation, control infiltration, and maintain reliable operation across the network.

Because the system is sealed and centrally powered, it can also offer advantages in energy use and system resilience.

Power requirements are concentrated at the vacuum station, allowing backup generation to be provided at a single location rather than across multiple pump points.

WATCH
THIS.

This video explains the key components and how the system operates in practice.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT
SEWER SYSTEM

KEY FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE SYSTEM SELECTION, PERFORMANCE, AND LONG-TERM OPERATION.

1.

Ground Conditions and Groundwater

High groundwater and poor soil conditions often make gravity systems deep and expensive, increasing construction complexity

2.

Excavation Depth and Cost

In flat terrain, gravity systems require deep trenches or multiple pump stations. Vacuum systems allow shallower installation and more flexible routing.

3.

System Operation and Maintenance

Centralised system control allows monitoring and maintenance to be managed from one location rather than across distributed pump units.

4.

Infiltration and Network Integrity

Sealed vacuum networks reduce the risk of groundwater entering the system, helping maintain consistent performance over time.

5.

Energy Use and Power Supply

Vacuum systems concentrate power at a single station, simplyfying backup power requirements compare to distributed systems.

6.

Resilience in Challenging Environments

In flood-prone or coastal areas, system design plays a key role in maintaining operation during extreme conditions.

Vacuum Sewerage System Layout and Description

Vacuum sewer systems are used worldwide in projects where ground condictions, terrain, or infrastructure constraints make traditional systems difficult or expensive.

Our Projects Are Located In…

CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND KAZUNGULA VILLAGES SANITATION PROJECT NINGALOO REEF, EXMOUTH WA KEY LARGO FLORIDA BARCELONA SPAIN AUCKLAND NEW ZEALAND SANFORD FLORIDA JACKSONVILLE FLORIDA BONAIRE DUTCH CARIBBEAN LLAY LLAY CHILE GLOSSY BAY CANOUAN GOLD COAST AUSTRALIA ERITREA GREECE BYRON BAY AUSTRALIA MITROUSI GREECE ST JULIEN FRANCE ARDAGH IRELAND MURASTE ESTONIA ADELAIDE SOUTH AUSTRALIA CLONMORE IRELAND PISA ITALY SHIN-KORI KOREA REUSEL NETHERLANDS MARATHON FLORIDA VIRGINIA BEACH VIRGINIA MILES CROSSING OREGON MARKI POLAND IMIELIN POLAND AROEIRA PORTUGAL MOURIM PORTUGAL ANA MARINA VIETNAM POPEC SLOVENIA HILTON SALWA BEACH QATAR JUMEIRAH GOLF ESTATE DUBAI REEF ISLAND BAHRAIN MAJORCA SPAIN EMPURIABRAVA SPAIN LOLLAND DENMARK DOLGEN GERMANY

What Our Clients Say…

Operating any sewage system involves challenges, but the task is easier when you are working with a reliable partner like Flovac Polska sp. z.o.o. We know we can always count on the company’s help in terms of design, implementation and operation.

Flovac Monitoring “We’re able to know where we have a problem, sometimes even before we get an alarm from our vacuum station auto-dialer.”

Flovac Monitoring “The guys went directly to the pod and replaced the controller. Before, they would have to isolate the line, operate the valves, and check each pod ’til they found the problem.”

“Vacuum has proved over a long period that it’s a good engineering option, and that’s why it is now being expanded to new residential developments in the Auckland region.”

Flovac Monitoring “The whole reason we have our wastewater district is to care for our delicate ecosystem here in The Keys. Monitoring is something we take seriously.”

Flovac Monitoring “We’re able to generate 30-day reports of when pits are firing, the levels, and overlay the rain data. This has transformed our approach to proactive system management

“Flovac’s system has set a new standard for residential developments in the Christchurch region. It has delivered on its promise of reliability and resilience.”

“The community will get a state-of-the-art, aesthetically pleasing building within a parkland setting. The Flovac system has resulted in easier delivery of land to the market—a win for all concerned.”

Flovac Monitoring “The biggest advantage to having an ongoing flow monitoring program is the ability to quickly identify infiltration.”

“Council is pleased to acknowledge the expertise and support of Flovac and their vacuum sewerage system. As the designers and the suppliers of the system Flovac have proven to Warumbungle Shire council that the vacuum system is an extremely robust and reliable municipal sewerage system”

“The technical service from the flovac team has improved the performance of the system we are maintaining”

“I am most impressed with Flovacs holistic approach, which is unique in that Flovac work closely with the client from early planning through to project delivery and handover. Furthermore it is a testament to flovacs commitment to a high level of service that they continue to provide ongoing support”

“We needed to ensure the very minimal disruption to the environmentally sensitive surroundings. The only viable option to meet the stringent environmental considerations combined with cost considerations was the use of a vacuum sewer system.

Installed in 1998 we are more than happy with the ongoing support from Flovacs operations division who have always responded extremely quickly, along with their proven expertise and hands on approach have ensured to cement our confidence in the reliability of the vacuum sewerage system”

We have high confidence in vacuum sewerage technology in part due to the genuine interest and operational involvement shown by Flovac, even following completion of commissioning works of the asset

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