When it comes to designing efficient, hygienic, and space-conscious drainage systems for commercial buildings, healthcare facilities, or remote sites, two options typically come to mind: conventional gravity drainage systems and vacuum drainage systems.
At EVDS (European Vacuum Drainage Systems), we specialise in providing innovative vacuum drainage solutions tailored for challenging environments. In this post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of both systems, covering crucial aspects like sustainability, hygiene, space-saving potential, and flexibility — so you can make an informed decision for your next project. Contact us now to get a quick quote.
Vacuum Drainage System vs Gravity Drainage System: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Vacuum Drainage System | Gravity Drainage System |
|---|---|---|
| Sustainability | Water-saving, efficient | Higher water usage |
| Hygiene | Airtight, no odours | Risk of stagnant water |
| Space-saving | Small pipes, flexible routing | Requires gravity fall, larger pipes |
| Flexibility | Can be installed anywhere, no reliance on gradient | Limited by gravity flow |
| Installation Costs | Often higher upfront | Typically lower upfront |
| Maintenance | Minimal with proper design | Prone to blockages |
Pros of Vacuum Drainage Systems (By EVDS)
1. Highly Sustainable
Vacuum drainage systems typically use less water per flush and reduce overall wastewater volumes. This makes them ideal for green building projects, sustainable developments, and areas with water supply restrictions.
2. Enhanced Hygiene
Because the system is airtight and sealed, there’s no risk of foul odours escaping or bacteria breeding in stagnant water. This makes vacuum systems popular in hospitals, care homes, and food preparation areas.
3. Space-Saving Design
Vacuum pipes can be smaller in diameter and run horizontally or even upwards without affecting performance. This allows for more usable building space, lower ceiling voids, and greater design freedom.
4. Greater Installation Flexibility
Unlike gravity systems, vacuum drainage isn’t dependent on gradients. This means you can install toilets, kitchens, and washrooms virtually anywhere in a building — even in basements or remote areas without conventional connections.
5. Water Savings
Compared to traditional gravity toilets, our systems use significantly less water, helping you save resources and reduce your environmental footprint. With our technology, you can enjoy both flexibility in installation and the satisfaction of contributing to water savings.
Read more about the benefits of EVAC Solutions here.
Cons of Vacuum Drainage Systems
- Higher Initial Costs: While operational savings on water and maintenance are significant, the upfront installation costs are often higher.
- Specialist Installation Required: Vacuum systems require specialist knowledge for design and installation — something EVDS provides as standard.
- Power Dependency: Vacuum pumps require a power source, so emergency backup planning is essential in critical-use environments.
Our Vacuum Plants
Type 30 HQE for Vacuum Plant for Large Buildings, read more about it here.
Evac have a family of vacuum plants designed & sized for a variety of applications.
Their uses can range from:
- Sewage
- Kitchen waste
- Grey Water
- Condensate
- And many other types of application
The Vacuum Collection Unit is the piece of equipment that creates the vacuum that powers of the Evac toilets and interface units.
This unit is capable of taking sewage waste, greasy kitchen waste and detergent based grey water without and detrimental effect on the tank or vacuum creation.
This is the only part of the Evac system that requires any electrical power.
The vacuum plant will consist of:
- collection tank
- offline vacuum pumps
- discharge pumps
- control panel
Pros of Conventional Gravity Drainage Systems
- Lower Upfront Costs: Materials and installation are typically cheaper, especially for simple, single-level installations.
- No Power Required: Works entirely by gravity, making it reliable in the event of a power failure.
- Widespread Familiarity: Most plumbing contractors are familiar with gravity systems, so labour availability isn’t an issue.
Cons of Gravity Drainage Systems
- Limited Flexibility: Drainage points must be located to allow for a continuous fall, which can limit building design and add cost to multi-level projects.
- Higher Water Consumption: Gravity toilets and drainage systems often require more water to function effectively.
- Hygiene Challenges: Gravity systems can allow for the build-up of stagnant water, leading to odours and bacterial growth.
- Bulky Infrastructure: Requires larger pipes and steeper gradients, often demanding more floor and ceiling void space.
Which System is Right for Your Project?
If your project demands sustainability, space-saving solutions, and enhanced hygiene — especially in confined or unconventional locations — a vacuum drainage system by EVDS could be the ideal choice.
For simpler, lower-budget builds without complex drainage routing needs, a conventional gravity system may still suffice.
Talk to the Experts at EVDS
European Vacuum Drainage Systems offers specialist advice, bespoke system design, and full project management for vacuum drainage installations across commercial, healthcare, hospitality, and industrial sectors.
Contact us today to find out how a vacuum drainage system could benefit your next development.