Low-pressure sewer pumps play a critical role in safely moving wastewater from regional households to the broader processing network, prompting East Gippsland Water to issue a reminder on how residents can avoid system breakdowns and costly emergency call-outs.
The specialised systems are typically deployed in areas where conventional gravity sewers are impractical, cost-prohibitive, or environmentally unsuitable — such as localities with rocky ground, high groundwater tables, or steep, challenging terrain.
East Gippsland Water manager of network operations, Steve Mowat, said all customers connected to a low-pressure system are formally notified upon installation, but a refresher on daily care is essential to maintain network health.
“A low-pressure sewer system has an in-ground pump-well, which stores the sewage from bathrooms, kitchens, laundries and toilets,” Mr Mowat said.
“A pump equipped with a grinder activates to break down the sewage into a slurry, which is then pumped directly to an East Gippsland Water water recycling plant.”
“One of the most important ways to care for the pump is to be careful about what goes down the toilet and drains — it is only designed to handle normal household wastewater.”
Mr Mowat stressed that regardless of the specific infrastructure servicing a home, only human waste and toilet paper should ever be flushed.
“Items such as wet wipes, even those explicitly labeled ‘flushable,’ do not break down properly in the system and are a primary cause of blockages and severe mechanical damage,” he said.
“The same applies to sanitary products, nappies, paper towels, fats, oils, and food scraps. These items belong in the bin, not the sewer.”
Beyond watchfulness at the sink and toilet, residents can protect their infrastructure by adopting smart water habits. Spreading out heavy water use across the day prevents large, sudden volumes from placing peak strain on household plumbing and pump wells. Promptly fixing leaking taps and running toilets also eliminates a constant, unnecessary load on the system.
Property owners must also treat the physical pump site with care. Access covers located on the property must remain completely clear and accessible. They should never be built over, landscaped, or used as storage zones, ensuring technicians can safely and quickly access the unit if maintenance or emergency repairs are required.
East Gippsland Water advises residents to listen for unusual noises, monitor for persistent odors, or note sudden changes in how their household plumbing drains. Reporting these minor indicators early can prevent significant back-ups and costlier property issues.
