There are several reasons why septic sewer systems require replacement. The alternative is the installation of a vacuum sewer system. They are rapidly being the first choice due to their capital cost, impact on residents, lower energy costs/power stability, environmental and the reduced infiltration into the piping system which offers valuable protection of local water tables.
A high percentage of vacuum sewer installations around the world are in towns or communities that are mandated to convert from a septic tank system (or cesspool) to a conventional sewer system.
Environmental factors are the key driver for this. Septic tanks whilst fine for small remote locations, are not acceptable once the town grows and the space required for a drainage field no longer exists. Many vacuum sewer systems are also installed in areas where gravity sewers have failed or combined sewer systems are being phased out.
Most communities converting from septic tanks or cesspools, have a choice between a vacuum sewer, a grinder pump pressure sewer, a gravity sewer, or a combination of all three. The geographic area, water table, environmental considerations or power supply usually dictates which system is installed.
Grinder pumps can manage large changes in elevation or very low-density rural areas. But they become a highly expensive option when looking at clusters of more than 50-100 houses, or where power supply is unstable.
The alternative vacuum sewer systems are nearly always found in flat areas with high water-tables or challenging ground conditions. They’re popularity is increasing as the number one choice due to their capital cost, impact on residents, lower energy costs/power stability, environmental and the reduced infiltration into the piping system which offers valuable protection of local water tables. See how Flovac Protected a Polish region’s water source.
Vacuum sewers offer lower capital investment and operational costs. Shallow trenching, fast installation, and broad coverage (up to 3,000 houses to a single pump station), result in reduced upfront costs. While low energy costs and full system monitoring reduce a system’s operational costs.
During power outages and major storms, the only place where power is required is at the Vacuum Pump Station. No collection pits require electricity nor anywhere else within the network, so if power is disconnected, residents won’t have a loss of service.
Since no valves or pumps are located on residential properties, this negates the need for operations staff entering their property. What’s more, construction time is short, so residents will still be able to enter their homes, and local businesses an remain open during the construction period.
Flows from either storm water or ground water (I&I) cannot enter a vacuum sewer system without detection. All vacuum mains remain pressure tight. Monitoring detects when homeowners have broken laterals or direct excess flows into the system. Manholes are not used, so it is a no-leak system. All these features, reduce the load on the treatment plant especially during storm events. Read about flood affected projects here.
For details on the installation costs for a vacuum sewer system in your town, contact your local Flovac office or email us to get a free budget concept and budget.
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