DrainAce pressure sewer systems provide a practical alternative to conventional gravity sewer networks where deep trenching, difficult terrain, groundwater or high installation costs make traditional sewer infrastructure challenging.
Using a compact grinder pump station at each property, wastewater is collected, ground and automatically pumped through a small-diameter HDPE pressure pipe network. Because the network does not rely on gravity, pipelines can follow the natural contours of the land, reducing excavation requirements and providing greater flexibility across challenging sites.
The result is a reliable, cost-effective pressure sewer solution that can lower civil construction costs, minimise site disruption and simplify network expansion across residential, commercial and municipal developments in Australia and New Zealand.
Our pressure sewer systems provide an efficient wastewater collection and transfer solution for developments where conventional gravity sewer infrastructure may be impractical or expensive to install.
Each system combines a high-head grinder pump, durable polyethylene chamber, advanced control panel and alarm system. Wastewater is automatically collected, ground and pumped into a pressurised sewer network through small-bore pipework.
This makes DrainAce suitable for pressure and low pressure sewer system applications where wastewater needs to be transferred over long distances, uphill or through areas with difficult ground conditions.
Multiple chamber sizes, pump materials and cover options are available, allowing the system to be configured around site conditions, network requirements and project specifications. These systems can be supplied as complete pressure sewer pump packages for new developments, network extensions and wastewater infrastructure projects.
At the heart of these systems are a positive displacement high-head grinder pump designed for low-flow, high-head wastewater and sewage applications.
A heavy-duty cutter impeller and hardened cutter ring reduce solids to a small size before the wastewater enters the pressure sewer network, helping reduce the risk of clogging in small-bore pipework.
Two pump variants are available with equivalent hydraulic performance.
| Specification | DrainAce Standard | DrainAce Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Model | GPGH32-110 | GPGN32-110W |
| Material | Cast-iron | 316 Stainless sSteel |
| Weight | 45 kg | 45 kg |
| Recommended use | Standard network conditions | Aggressive soils and coastal environments |
| Maximum flow | 50 L/min | 50 L/min |
| Maximum head | 50 m | 50 m |
| Motor | 1.1 kW/240 V | 1.1 kW/240 V |
| Discharge | 32 mm | 32 mm |
The standard pump features a durable cast-iron body, heavy-duty double SIC mechanical seal and hardened grinding components. Depending on configuration, single- and three-phase options are available.
The premium pump uses stainless steel construction, pipework and valves to provide additional durability in harsh operating environments.
The grinder pump is housed within a high-strength polyethylene chamber designed for underground installation.
The standard 900 L chamber complies with AS/NZS 1546.1:2008 and provides a durable collection and storage point before wastewater is pumped into the network.
| Specification | DAP 10P | DAP09X |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | Ø850 × 2160 mm | Ø900 × 2065 mm |
| Capacity | Up to 10,500 L | 900 L |
| High-level alarm | Included | Included |
Additional chamber sizes are available from 175 L to 10,500 L allowing the pressure sewage system to be configured for different property types, wastewater volumes and project requirements. View DrainAce chamber options.
Each system can be supplied with a modern controller designed specifically for pressure sewer applications. The controller provides pump and motor protection while simplifying commissioning, operation and monitoring.
Key capabilities include pump overload protection, dry-run protection, brownout detection and high-level alarms. Configurable start-up and alarm delays, pump run-window scheduling and manual pump operation provide greater flexibility when setting up the system.
Built-in Wi-Fi allows commissioning and monitoring from a Wi-Fi-enabled device, while IoT-ready connectivity and BMS output provide options for integration with broader monitoring infrastructure.
Additional options include battery backup, a generator plug with changeover switch and UV-stabilised plastic or metal enclosures.
| Feature | Included |
|---|---|
| Local alarm indication | ✔️ |
| High-level detection | ✔️ |
| Cycle counting | ✔️ |
| Clear fault indication | ✔️ |
| Telemetry connectivity options | ✔️ |
| Generator port option | ✔️ |
| Weatherproof enclosure | ✔️ |
| Industry standard components | ✔️ |
A range of cover configurations is available to suit installation location and expected traffic loads.
| Cover type | Application |
|---|---|
| Non-trafficable | General installations |
| Pedestrian rated | Walkways and public access areas |
| Class B | Light vehicle traffic areas |
| Class D | Heavy-duty traffic areas |
| Certification | Status |
|---|---|
| AS/NZS 1546.1 | Certified |
| SA Health | Approved |
| NSW Health | Approved |
Pressure sewer infrastructure needs to be designed around the characteristics of the site, expected wastewater flows and the requirements of the wider sewer network.
Global Water supplies pressure sewer systems across Australia and New Zealand, with pump, chamber, controller and cover configurations available to suit different applications and operating environments.
With teams in both Australia and New Zealand, we can provide local advice and support for pressure sewer projects in each market. Our team can assist with selecting a suitable pressure sewer pump package and system configuration for new developments, network extensions and challenging wastewater projects.
1. Wastewater enters the collection chamber
Wastewater from a home, commercial building, or facility flows into an underground collection tank or wet well.
2. Wastewater is temporarily stored
The chamber stores wastewater until it reaches the predetermined operating level.
As the liquid level rises, float switches or level sensors monitor the volume.
3. The grinder pump activates automatically
When a preset level is reached, a grinder pump or solids-handling pump automatically starts.
The pump pressurises the wastewater and forces it into a small-diameter pressure pipeline.
4. Wastewater travels through the pressure sewer network
Unlike conventional gravity sewers, the wastewater is pumped through the network under pressure.
This allows a pressurised sewer system to transfer wastewater uphill, over long distances and across flat, steep or undulating terrain. Pipework can also be routed around existing infrastructure or other site constraints.
5. Wastewater enters downstream infrastructure
The pressure sewer main ultimately discharges into the nominated downstream sewer infrastructure, such as a gravity sewer, pump station, or wastewater treatment facility.
Once the tank level drops to a predetermined point, the pump switches off.
Key advantage
Because the system uses pressure rather than gravity, it can be installed in locations where conventional gravity sewers would require deep excavations, extensive trenching, or multiple lift stations.
Pressure sewer systems are designed for versatility, making them ideal for residential, commercial and municipal wastewater applications where site conditions make conventional gravity sewer infrastructure difficult or costly to install, including:
They are well suited to sites with:
A pressure sewer system collects wastewater in a chamber at each property and uses a grinder pump to transfer it through a small-diameter pressurised pipe network. Unlike a gravity sewer, the network does not rely on a continuous downhill grade, making it suitable for challenging terrain, high groundwater and other difficult site conditions.
Learn more about what a pressure sewer system is and how this type of wastewater network operates.
Gravity sewers rely on pipes installed at a continuous fall to move wastewater, which can require deep excavation depending on the terrain. Pressure sewer systems use pumps to move wastewater through pressurised pipework, allowing shallower installation and greater flexibility around site conditions.
Our guide to gravity sewer vs pressure sewer explains the differences between the two approaches in more detail.
Yes. Pressure sewer systems use a sealed pipe network, which reduces opportunities for groundwater and stormwater to enter the sewer compared with networks affected by cracked pipes, deteriorated joints or other defects.
Read more about sewer inflow and infiltration and the role pressure sewer systems can play in reducing wet-weather flows.
A pressure sewer system can provide an alternative where properties are being transitioned from onsite septic systems to a sewer network, particularly where terrain, groundwater or existing development makes a conventional gravity connection difficult.
Learn more about the process of septic tank replacement and sewer conversion.
Pressure sewer systems are particularly suited to locations where conventional gravity sewer infrastructure would require extensive excavation or be difficult to install. This can include areas with rock or sandy soils, high groundwater, flat or undulating terrain, coastal and island communities, low-density developments and established areas where excavation needs to be minimised.
These pressure sewer systems combine a high-head grinder pump, polyethylene collection chamber, controller and alarm system. Different pump materials, chamber capacities and cover configurations are available to suit the requirements of the site and pressure sewer network.
