Pressure sewer systems explained
Pressure sewer systems are not common across the city and are generally located in areas where a conventional gravity system is not a viable servicing option such as on flat or rocky terrain.
Pressure sewer systems capture all of your household wastewater in a collection well and rely on internal pumps to transfer the wastewater into Council's sewer mains and onto treatment plants. Each system has a boundary kit, a pump unit, a control panel to monitor and manage the pump, and an alarm to indicate any issues within the pressure sewer unit collection well.
The below diagram indicates the responsibilities when it comes to maintaining the system.
Stormwater must never enter the sewerage system. When stormwater enters the collection well you are at risk of an overflow event.
Your pressure sewer systems and all relating components are owned and maintained by Shoalhaven Water and at no times are they to be adjusted, serviced, or relocated by any persons other than Shoalhaven Water operations staff.
More information
Open the tabs below to find out how to avoid damaging or blocking the system and some answers to commonly asked questions.
Avoiding damage to your system
A large component of your pressure sewer system is buried under the ground. Inside this collection well is a pump to help push the wastewater into the Council sewerage system. Being aware of what goes into the tank will help avoid blockages and damage to the system.
The storage tank and boundary kit lids should never be covered and always available to our staff for maintenance.
Trouble shooting
The system is damaged and needs repair (e.g. a pipeline breaks)
- If the alarm sounds, follow the alarm procedure as indicated.
- If there is a break in the discharge pipe, turn off the power to the pump unit in your switchboard, and report the damage to us. Minimise water usage until it is repaired.
- Make sure we have easy and safe access to the pump for repair.
- If it is a water supply pipe, this is your responsibility. Turn off your water supply at the meter and engage a plumber for repair.
The unit has become smelly
There should be no noticeable odours coming from the unit. If it gets smelly, the unit may need flushing. Run clean water down your kitchen, laundry or bathroom sink for about 10 minutes. If the unit remains smelly, contact us.
You notice wet spots around the pumping unit or the discharge pipe
The pumping unit and discharge pipe are totally sealed. If you notice wet spots around the unit or pipe ant there has not been recent rain, contact us to investigate.
The alarm keeps going off when it rains
This could mean rainwater is getting into your system and overloading it. Contact your plumber to investigate.
The neighbour's alarm is activated, and they are away
Telephone us immediately and report the problem. Do not investigate the problem yourself.
There has been a power outage
If there has been a power outage, reduce water usage where possible. The alarm may remain activated until the unit clears itself. If the alarm remains on for over an hour after the power has been restored, telephone us and we will investigate.