Vacuum sewer systems

We operate vacuum sewerage systems located in:

  • Dora Creek - Lake Macquarie City Council area
  • Sandgate (small system) - Newcastle City Council area

Only our employees or persons authorised by us are allowed access to the vacuum sewage collection chamber. The vacuum sewage collection chamber may be located within, or external of, the property boundary.

What you need to know

If the property owner, builder or managing agent is to make the application to connect, it is your responsibility to ensure all applications have been submitted and inspections booked prior to any physical water connection works.

Resources

Connecting to a vacuum sewer system

Follow our three step process to connect a vacuum sewer system:

  • Step 1: Application for services connection

    To complete the application, you will need the following information:

    • Your licence number, name and contact details.
    • Book inspection dates for the connection works.

    This process must take place no more than two weeks prior and a minimum two days prior to making the physical connection to sewer.

    At the application stage you will be notified of any special considerations applicable for the sewer connection/s. Examples include sewer connection type and sewer point of connection location.

  • Step 2: Connect to the vacuum sewer system

    The sewer point of connection in a vacuum system area generically is a 150mm gravity line extended off a vacuum sewage collection chamber (vacuum pot) terminating inside the property boundaries of the lot it serves.

    There are special mandatory conditions for sanitary drainage connected to a vacuum sewer system which includes inspection shaft configuration and venting.

    The connected sanitary drainage installation is to meet the requirements of AS/NZS3500.2 Plumbing and Drainage and is regulated by NSW Fair Trading.

  • Step 3: Inspection of the sewer connection

    We do not regulate sanitary drainage systems. Contact NSW Fair Trading for all sewer connection inspections.

Installation requirements

The connected sanitary drainage installation is to meet the requirements of AS/NZS3500.2 Plumbing and Drainage. Note: Swimming pool water, filter backwash or garbage disposal units shall not discharge to a vacuum system without prior written approval from us.

Disconnecting from a vacuum sewer system

Where a property’s sewer service has become redundant, or is not to be redeveloped and becomes disused in a vacuum sewer system area, it can be disconnected from our sewer system. Disused sewer services are to be sealed off at the point of connection using approved materials in the accordance with AS/NZS3500.2 Plumbing and Drainage and our requirements.

What you need to know

You may disconnect a customer from our services if they have complied with all applicable health, environmental and local council regulatory requirements and you have submitted an applications and booked inspection dates.

Follow our three step process to disconnect a vacuum sewer system:

  • Step 1: Submit an application

    To complete the application, you will need the following information:

    • Your licence number, name and contact details.
    • Book inspection dates for the connection works.

    This process must take place no more than two weeks prior and a minimum two days prior to making the physical disconnection of sewer.

  • Step 2: Disconnect the sewer service

    Disconnection of the sewer for a property connected to a vacuum sewer system generally incorporates installing a 150mm UPVC socket and screwed cap at the point of connection in an approved manner which maintains the integrity of the sewer system. This configuration allows connection for future development of the property by removing the screwed UPVC cap.

    We require a mandatory disconnection inspection with appropriate fees paid.

  • Step 3: Inspection of the disconnection

    We conduct random inspections of sewer disconnections to ensure compliance with our standards. You must ensure all works comply with the our Wastewater Connection Standard and the Plumbing Code of Australia.

Sewer soffit requirements

The soffit is the highest point of the internal surface of a pipe. There are minimum measurements between the soffit of the sewer main and the spill level of the overflow relief gully (ORG).

Thirsty for more advice?

If you need more advice on vacuum sewer systems, get your questions answered by contacting our Technical Services team.