Common Problems with Traditional Drainage — And How Vacuum Drainage Solves Them
Traditional gravity drainage has been the standard for decades, but in many modern buildings, especially complex commercial environments, it regularly falls short. Issues like blockages, foul odours, flooding, and rigid building layouts can lead to costly repairs and constant maintenance.
Vacuum drainage systems offer a smarter, cleaner, more flexible alternative. In this post, we explore the most common problems with traditional drainage systems and explain how vacuum technology solves them.
You can read more about the Benefits of EVAC systems here. Get in touch with EVDS today.
1. Problem: Frequent Blockages
Gravity systems rely on slow-moving wastewater
Traditional drainage requires sufficient slope (fall) to keep wastewater flowing. When the fall is insufficient — or pipes are long, flat, or overloaded, waste slows down and solids accumulate. Vacuum Drainage vs Gravity Drainage: Which is Best for Your Building?
This leads to:
- Recurring blockages
- Slow drainage
- Unpleasant backups
- Expensive unplanned maintenance
How Vacuum Drainage Solves It:
Vacuum systems use powerful negative pressure to move waste at high speed. Each flush or discharge creates a controlled vacuum event, pulling waste through the pipe network quickly and efficiently.
Benefits:
- Fewer blockages
- Cleaner pipe interiors
- Minimal maintenance
- Little downtime
2. Problem: Unpleasant Odours
Gravity drainage contains air-filled pipes that allow smells to build up and escape through fixtures, especially when traps dry out or leaks occur.
How Vacuum Drainage Solves It:
Vacuum drainage systems remain at constant negative pressure, meaning odours stay locked inside the sealed network. There is no opportunity for foul air to escape. Why Hospitals Use Vacuum Drainage: Safety, Hygiene & Reliability Explained.
Benefits:
- Significantly improved air quality
- Ideal for commercial washrooms and high-traffic toilets
- No reliance on trap water seals
3. Problem: Leaks and Flooding Risks
Gravity drainage operates under positive pressure, so any pipe damage pushes wastewater outwards — into ceilings, walls, and floors. This can cause:
- Structural damage
- Mould growth
- Compromised hygiene
- Expensive insurance claims
How Vacuum Drainage Solves It:
Vacuum systems work under negative pressure. If a pipe is compromised, air is drawn inwards rather than wastewater leaking out.
Benefits:
- Safer for sensitive environments
- Reduced flood risk
- Cleaner and more hygienic building infrastructure
4. Problem: Rigid and Restrictive Layouts
Traditional drainage demands constant downward slope and fixed pipe positions. This makes it difficult or impossible to install toilets, kitchens, washrooms, or labs:
- In basements
- On upper floors
- In modular or temporary structures
- Far from the main drain stack
How Vacuum Drainage Solves It:
Vacuum pipes can be installed horizontally or vertically, with no need for slope. They can run:
- In ceilings
- Above ground
- Through constrained spaces
- Over long distances
This allows building designers total freedom in their layout.
Benefits:
- Flexible design
- Easier refurbishments
- Faster installation
- Ideal for retrofits and expansions
5. Problem: High Water Usage
Traditional toilets typically use 6–9 litres per flush. In high-traffic environments, this leads to:
- Rising utility costs
- Increased environmental impact
- Difficulty meeting sustainability targets (BREEAM, LEED, etc.)
Raed more about this here; Water Savings up to 90%: How Vacuum Drainage Supports Sustainability Goals.
How Vacuum Drainage Solves It:
Vacuum toilets use as little as 0.7 litres per flush, reducing water consumption by up to 90%.
Benefits:
- Lower water bills
- Sustainability compliance
- Reduced environmental footprint
6. Problem: Disruption During Building Works
Installing or modifying gravity drainage requires:
- Excavation
- Breaking floors
- Reworking structural elements
- Long shutdown periods
This is impractical for many spaces like hospitals, airports, and retail stores that cannot afford downtime.
How Vacuum Drainage Solves It:
Vacuum systems can often be installed with minimal interruption, because they don’t rely on sloped trenches or deep pipework.
Benefits:
- Faster renovations
- Minimal downtime
- Cost-effective upgrades
7. Problem: Limited Installation Options in Complex Buildings
Historical buildings, shopping centres, airports, and hospitals often face drainage challenges due to:
- Thick concrete slabs
- Limited fall
- Congested service zones
- Complex internal layouts
Gravity drainage often cannot be installed without major structural changes.
How Vacuum Drainage Solves It:
Vacuum drainage’s flexibility allows it to operate where gravity systems simply cannot. Fixtures can be placed virtually anywhere, even far from existing drainage points.
Benefits:
- Works in constrained spaces
- No need for large core drilling
- Eliminates many structural obstacles
Conclusion: A Modern Drainage System for Modern Buildings
Traditional gravity drainage has significant limitations — especially in buildings that need flexibility, high hygiene standards, and reliable performance.
Vacuum drainage overcomes these challenges with:
- Faster, cleaner waste transport
- Minimal blockages
- No odours or leaks
- Flexible design freedom
- Low water usage
- Easier installation and maintenance
That’s why vacuum drainage is trusted in airports, hospitals, retail centres, modular buildings, transport hubs, and commercial washrooms across the UK and Europe.
Looking for a smarter drainage solution?
EVDS provides industry-leading vacuum drainage systems for projects of all sizes, from new builds to complex refurbishments.
Contact our team for expert guidance or a project consultation.