How Does it Work? l Septic System Replacment l Is Vacuum Right for You? l The Greener Choice

There are construction advantages as well as operation advantages to using vacuum sewers, each contributing to the Triple Bottom Line (people, planet, profit). Vacuum sewers reduce impacts from construction, reduce hazardous situations for operators, reduce pollution and waste from operations, conserve energy, and enhance community well being.

Many times being green comes at an additional cost.  Not with AIRVAC.   Because of AIRVAC’s smaller building and construction footprints, AIRVAC is most often the most economical solution as well.

AIRVAC’s commitment to Green:
AIRVAC knows that simply producing eco-friendlier products is not enough. We are constantly researching for new ways to become "greener"; whether it is greener products or greener business practices. AIRVAC has a LEED AP on staff and is continually educating employees on environmental issues and technologies. Some of our ideas and innovations have been implemented, and others are still a work in progress. Our goal is to leave the smallest of footprints behind.

AIRVAC reduces impacts from construction services:

Vacuum sewers use smaller diameter pipes (typically 4”, 6”, 8” and 10”) and shallow burial depths than do conventional gravity sewer systems. The resulting narrow, shallow trenches greatly reduce the excavation, dewatering effort, surface disruption and the danger associated with larger, deeper trenches.Reducing the construction footprint minimizes disruption, helps conserve existing natural areas which provides habitat and protects biodiversity.

Use of smaller fuel operated equipment reduces the carbon footprint. The horizontal and vertical flexibility allows construction to avoid disruption of environmentally sensitive areas (IE: around trees, over waterways). Field changes can easily be made as unforeseen underground obstacles can be avoided by going over, under or around them.

AIRVAC reduces hazardous situations for operators:

Vacuum sewer systems are completely sealed which keeps operating personnel from being exposed to raw sewage.

With no manholes, entry into a confined space and H2S gas hazards are not an issue.

AIRVAC reduces pollution and waste from operations:

While extremely rare, if leaks were to occur, they would not result in sewage spills but rather air would enter the pipe and be immediately detected. Standard equipment in a vacuum station would automatically notify operating personnel.

Vacuum stations have cleaner IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) due to lack of pollutant entry into the building and no odor.

Bio-filters use microorganisms and natural media to keep noxious gases from being exhausted into the air.

AIRVAC conserves energy:

Power is required at only 1 location…the vacuum station. No power is required at the house as the vacuum valves are pneumatically operated.

A single vacuum station can often serve the same area that would require 6-7 lift stations minimizing the building footprint and reducing energy use.

Because it is a closed system, inflow and infiltration are eliminated. Energy is not expended transporting/treating excess water from storm events and permits a reduction of size of the treatment plant.

AIRVAC enhances community well being:

High scouring velocities are attained reducing the risk of blockages and the vacuum station has a standby generator to provide uninterrupted service during power outages.

Raw sewage will not back up into homes or spill out into the environment.

There are no drainage fields with vacuum sewer systems like there are with septic tank systems. This prevents sewage from surfacing in yards.

Vacuum stations are typically designed to blend into the aesthetics of the neighborhood.

Ease of installation and the elimination of multiple lift stations maintain the natural beauty of the community.