A short video showing how vacuum sewer systems collect, transport, and control wastewater through a sealed network and central station.
The diagram below shows how a vacuum system operates – from a collection pit at each property through to transport and discharge at the vacuum station.
Select each component to see how the system works step by step.
Example System Layout
This diagram shows how a vacuum sewer system is typically arranged across a residential development.
A central vacuum station serves multiple pipeline branches, collecting wastewater from connected properties and transporting it through the network
How the System is Laid Out
Collection Pits
Vacuum Mains
Vacuum Pump Station
Wireless and Wired Monitoring
Wastewater from homes flows by gravity into collection pits located near the street.
Each pit typically serves 2 to 4 properties and contains an interface valve that controls when wastewater enters the vacuum network.
When the wastewater reaches a set level, the valve opens and a small batch is transferred into the system.
Vacuum mains are sealed pipelines that connect the collection pits to the central vacuum station.
Wastewater moves through the network in batches, driven by differences in air pressure rather than gravity.
Because the system operates under negative pressure, pipes can be installed at shallow depth and groundwater cannot enter the network.
The vacuum pump station is the central point of the system.
It maintains vacuum pressure in the network, collects wastewater, and pumps it to the treatment plant or gravity system.
The station controls air flow, pressure, and overall system performance.
Only the vacuum station requires power, simplifying backup and system resilience.
It is not a standalone pump station – it must operate together with the collection network.
Modern vacuum sewer systems include monitoring systems that provide visibility across the network.
Operators can track system performance, identify issues early, and respond quickly to changes in operating conditions.
Over time, this data also helps build a clearer understanding of how the system is performing – supporting more efficient maintenance and long-term planning.
Vacuum systems can reduce construction costs in difficult ground conditions by minimizing deep excavation, dewatering, and the need for multiple pump stations.
Pipelines can be installed at shallow depth and routed around obstacles, making the system well suited to challenging terrain and constrained sites.
Shallow trenching and a sealed network reduce disruption to surrounding areas and limit the risk of overflows and groundwater infiltration.
The system can be installed quickly and expanded in stages, making it suitable for growing communities and phased developments.
Wastewater is transported in controlled batches using air pressure, maintaining flow velocity and reducing risk of blockages.
The sealed system limits exposure to wastewater, reducing the likliehood of odour issues within the network
Vacuum sewer systems are commonly used in new residential developments where ground conditions make gravity systems difficult or expensive. They are particularly suited to flat sites, high groundwater areas, and staged developments.
Vacuum systems are widely used in communities transitioning from septic tanks to centralized sewer. They can also be introduced alongside existing infrastructure to upgrade performance without full system replacement,
Vacuum systems are effective in locations where gravity systems are impractical – including coastal areas, ports, marinas, flood-prone regions, rockt terrain, and remote communities.
When Vacuum is the Right Solution
Vacuum sewerage systems are used where gravity systems become difficult, costly, or unreliable – particularly in high ground water areas, flat terrain, flood-prone environments, and staged developments.
They provide a controlled, sealed network that reduces infiltration, simplifies construction, and allows performace to be managed from a single point.
Flovac partners with engineers and utilities to design, deliver, and support vacuum systems that perform over the long term.
