Maintenance issues of the vacuum sewer system

Abstract

A sewer system is an indispensable part of every settlement which contributes to the protection of the environment and people. There are many types of sewer systems. In addition to the standard sewer systems (mixed, separated, etc.), there are the alternative, non-standard systems, and one of them is a vacuum sewer system. In order for a sewer system to function correctly and to perform its tasks successfully, it needs to be maintained properly and regularly. Generally speaking, maintenance is considered to be a series of activities performed in order to achieve that constructed buildings allow an adequate use and functionality for the purpose they were designed for. Considering these systems are relatively new and still rarely used, there is no general practice or rules for use and maintenance of the same, and, most importantly, there is no user experience or people responsible for managing the work and maintenance. The paper will present the general characteristics and parts of vacuum sewer systems. Maintenance recommendations will be given, and maintenance costs specified making reference to the literature available to the authors.