People often want toilets and other plumbed facilities in their backyard pods. Sewerage isn’t handled by magic, yet the cost of achieving compliant sewerage connections is often overlooked at first when a granny flat with bathroom, guest cabin with ensuite, or home-office with powder room is being planned.
OBTAIN YOUR SEWERAGE DIAGRAM
Start by getting a copy of the Sewer Service Diagram for your property. You can probably do this online. On the right is a copy of a Sewer Service Diagram (Sydney Water) recently obtained online by a customer.
The property concerned is #30 and the black rectangle indicates the approximate position of the proposed pod. The main sewer line runs along the rear border of the adjoining properties. To connect the bathroom of the proposed pod by conventional methods (subject to approval), a large trench would have to be dug across the backyard, and a 100mm sewer pipe would have to be laid/buried – flowing downhill.
For the example shown on the diagram (#30), where the backyard is open lawn area, there are no trees, and the land slopes gently in a favourable direction, the cost of backyard excavation and sewerage works alone will be thousands of dollars.
At some properties where there are obstructions such as inground pools and expansive concreted areas, or where the block slopes in an undesirable direction, quotes for excavation and sewerage works can be unpleasantly surprising.
If getting your sewerage connection sorted will be relatively straightforward, no worries.
But if you’ve got issues that could cost a lot to resolve, you might want to look at any alternatives out there. Remember, any works relating to water and sewerage must be carried out by a suitably licensed tradesperson.
Composting toilets
We’re often asked: “Can I put a composting toilet inside a pod?” and the answer is: “Theoretically, of course, you can.” Just follow the manufacturer’s instructions for non-slab installation or get it installed by someone the manufacturer endorses. But before you go too far down this track, you’d need to find out if it’s okay to have a composting toilet in your local area. Ask someone at your local Council if you can’t find guidelines online.
Saniflo macerator/pump systems – Sanicubic 1
CREATE YOUR DREAM GRANNY FLAT WITHOUT THE HASSLE AND HEADACHE OF EXPENSIVE PLUMBING WORK
Granny flats are a great addition to any home. They can provide space for your relatives and guests, act as a home office, and provide an additional income stream. But plumbing, particularly for granny flats, can be costly, disruptive and time-consuming. Luckily, there is a product that can help you cut cost and ensure you enjoy your new space earlier.
The SANICUBIC 1 WP pumping station is designed to accept wastewater from multiple fixtures from the bathroom, kitchen and laundry – for example the kitchen sink, bathroom hand basin, shower, toilet, and laundry tub.
With Saniflo’s Sanicubic 1, wastewater from up to 5 fixtures is combined, macerated, and pumped through slim 40mm diameter pressure-pipe to the nearest suitable sewer connection point. This pump line can be installed above-ground if necessary. The Sanicubic 1 can push wastewater up to 11m vertically or 100 horizontally, or a lesser combination of both.
It can handle wastewater up to 70-degrees Celsius and has an IP68 waterproof rating for installation outside the building. The innovative product is made in France and has a powerful 1500w motor for absolute reliability and power. It also features an integrated alarm function for peace-of-mind operation.
You can talk to us about Saniflo. Download brochure on Sanicubic 1 here.