Low Pressure Sewer Systems

There are a number of properties around the Tamworth region that are connected to Council’s sewer reticulation via low pressure sewer rather than conventional gravity sewer. This page has been developed to provide information and to answer any questions impacted homeowners may have about their ‘Low Pressure Sewer System’.

Description of the System

At the heart of the system is a pre-fabricated plastic (in some cases fibreglass) pit that provides wastewater storage, grinding and pumping in a single self-contained unit. This is called a ‘Low Pressure System’ (unit). Tamworth Regional Council owns and operates the unit and the pipework between the unit and reticulation system.

A small diameter discharge pipe connects the unit to a small box (boundary kit) installed inside your property and then to the pressure sewer reticulation in the road reserve. A non-return valve (to prevent backflow from the pressure sewer) and isolation valve is housed in this kit. The unit is wired to the household power supply and controlled by a small panel located near the unit (control panel), either on a wall, fence or pole. If you do not know the location of your low-pressure sewer unit and the pipeline linking the unit to the reticulation in the street and would like a plan, please contact Council (6767 5555). Please note a fee may apply.

The Golden Rules

You need to be aware of and comply with the ‘Golden Rules’ relating to the operation of the low-pressure sewerage system at all times. These are:

Do not attempt to use any internal toilets, taps etc. until the pressure sewer unit has been commissioned. To see if your pressure sewer unit has been commissioned, check the alarm panel located on the wall of the house, shed, garage or on a stand-alone post, if located away from the home. If your unit has been commissioned, an orange sticker is placed on the alarm panel. Internal toilets/taps may now be operated.
Do not attempt to repair the pressure sewer unit yourself. Your actions may void the warranties attached to the system. Tamworth Regional Council will maintain your pressure sewer unit on your behalf.
Do not go into the pumping unit; indeed, do not even take the lid off. The inside of the pumping unit is a confined space working environment that could be lethal without the appropriate training and equipment.
Do not discharge into the pressure sewerage system any prohibited substances listed in the FAQ section.
Do not connect your roof or yard drains into the pressure sewerage system as the system is not designed to accommodate these additional flows.
When going on holidays, flush the pressure sewerage system by running a tap until the pump activates and runs for about 30 seconds. Filling the bathtub and discharging it will achieve such a flush.
If leaving the building in an emergency, turn off all power, including the power to the pumping unit.
Familiarise yourself with the location of the property delivery line, and avoid damage to the pipeline and pumping station.

For more information download our Low Pressure Sewer Systems Brochure. (PDF 1.8MB)

Frequently asked questions

Outlined below are answers to some frequently asked questions about your ‘Low Pressure Sewer System’, including what to do if an alarm sounds.

How does the pressure system operate?

All wastewater generated from a property is directed to the unit. When the volume in the unit reaches a pre-set level, a switch activates the grinder pump. The pump operates until the level is reduced to a cut-off point. The amount of pump operation varies with the waste flows from the house. Generally, it is higher in the mornings and evenings. All units pump into a pressure sewer collection system generally located in the road reserve and transferred to the treatment plant.

How will I know if the unit needs maintenance?

Should something go wrong with the unit or the collection system, the water level in the unit will reach an alert trigger that sets off both a visible and audible alarm. The audible alarm can be manually turned off at the control panel. The property owner would then contact Tamworth Regional Council and service personnel would assess the problem. If it was an emergency that could not wait until the next day they would attend to fix the problem. Should the pump require repairs, it can be readily removed and replaced with another pump by the service personnel.

What level of odour/noise can be expected from the pump unit?

Experience has shown that the noise and odour levels associated with the unit are negligible. The ground surrounding the buried unit absorbs the majority of noise levels. Some minor odours may be noticed for a short period following a holiday house being left vacant for long periods but is similar to a conventional gravity system. By comparison, odours emanating from septic tanks caused by shock loading when the house is occupied after a long vacancy would be significantly reduced.

How are the pumps protected from unauthorised access?

The unit and the control panel are secured against unauthorised access. Tamworth Regional Council employees and Council contractors would be the only people authorised for access.

What is the likelihood of blockages in the smaller pipes?

All the solids in the wastewater are ground to a slurry therefore there is a very low likelihood of a blockage beyond the unit.

Who is responsible for the power supply cabling?

The control panel and cable to the pump is owned and operated by Tamworth Regional Council. All connecting electrical cable work is installed within the required protective conduit. Particular care has been taken to ensure that all buried cables are easily identified to prevent any future disturbance.

What should I do if I want to construct a pool or install a spa after my low pressure sewer unit has been installed?

Backwash from pools and spas is directed to the low pressure sewer unit. In some cases, the increased flow necessitates the installation of an additional storage unit adjacent to the existing unit to allow backwash water to be pumped away without triggering the high-level alarm. If you are considering a pool or a spa you should contact Council (6767 5555) during office hours to discuss.

What is the average annual power cost to run the pump units?

Based on current power tariffs, the estimated annual cost to operate the pump units is between $25 and $35 for an average family household and is the responsibility of the property owner.

Am I going to be charged for repairs?

There is no cost for repairs carried out by Council as these are covered in your sewerage rates, however Council may charge for damage done to the pipeline located on your property and / or damage to the pump if prohibited substances are placed in the tank.

What should NOT be discharged into the sewerage system?

To avoid blockages or damage to the pump and/or grinder unit, the following substances should not be discharged into your pressure sewer system:

glass or metal
plastic objects
lubricating oil / grease
chemicals
sanitary napkins, nappies, rags, clothes etc.
flammable materials
kitty litter or gravel
gasoline or diesel

What happens when/if there is a power failure?

The unit has in-built storage that would allow for the restricted use of wastewater facilities during the power outage. Facilities such as showers and baths should be kept to a bare minimum until power is restored.

What if the pump breaks down?

If the pump breaks down, an audible alarm will sound to warn you that the system is not working. If this occurs, it DOES NOT mean you can no longer use your sewerage system. The pressure sewer unit has around 430 litres of storage above where the alarm will sound.

Can I cover the pressure sewer unit?

You cannot cover the lid of the unit as it needs to be readily accessible if repairs are required to the unit. There is also an air filter in the lid which must be exposed. Council will not be responsible for repairs to landscaped areas if there is not sufficient access for Council staff to undertake any necessary repairs to the pressure unit.

What to do if an alarm sounds

Step 1 – Turn off the Audible Alarm

The audible alarm can be turned off by pressing the button on the underside of the alarm panel. This panel will be mounted on the wall of the house, shed, garage or on a stand-alone post, if located away from the home. The alarm light cannot be turned off by the resident. It will be turned off when the repairs are completed and the pumping unit is operating normally.

Step 2 – Determine if there has been a power blackout

In the event of a power failure the alarm will not sound. During power failures you should minimise the overall volume of wastewater being generated by keeping showers brief etc. When the power is restored the alarm may sound because the volume of wastewater stored in the unit has reached the high-level trigger point. In this event turn off the audible alarm and wait approximately 1 hour. In this period the unit should pump out the stored wastewater, return to normal operation and the alarm light should go off. If during the hour the alarm sounds again or at the end of the hour the alarm light still has not turned off contact Council as per step 3.

Step 3 – Report the alarm to Council (6767 5555 – all hours)

If there has not been a power failure (step 2), before you report an alarm to Council you should investigate whether or not there is sewerage coming from the inspection opening upstream of the pump unit, if there is any seepage coming from the ground, if there are any noticeable odour problems, or is the pump making any unusual noises.

Step 4 – Agree with Council when repairs are to be carried out

When you are speaking to Council staff, you may be asked if there is an urgent need for the repairs to be carried out immediately. If you are unsure staff will attend and assess the situation. Normally the preference is to undertake any repairs the next morning to minimise the inconvenience to residents and neighbours, to minimise potential damage to the property (particularly landscaping), and minimise system operational costs by avoiding costly after hours call outs.

Step 5 – Minimise wastewater generation until the unit is repaired

In the period between when the alarm sounds and when it is repaired, you should minimise the overall volumes of wastewater being generated. This can be done by not using washing machines or automatic dishwashers whilst the alarm is active, keeping showers brief or where the resident takes a bath, leave the plug in until after the alarm has been cancelled or bucket out the water onto the lawn, switching off any drainage (automated or not) from swimming pools, spa’s etc until the unit has been repaired, and practicing good water savings techniques such as not leaving taps running etc.

Step 6 – Ensure the Council staff have access to the pumping unit

Ensure Council staff have access to the pumping unit. Staff may need to place a lifting frame above the pumping station to lift out the pump or need to carry the pump on a trolley to their truck.

Step 7 – Confirm the pumping unit is repaired before reverting to normal operation

Council staff will inform the resident before leaving the site that all repairs have been carried out. If you have been away from the property you need to check that the repairs have been completed before returning to normal operation. This can be determined by the alarm light no longer being illuminated.