08/05/2026
“Cover All Angles”
Thought I would share a bit of an “apples for apples” comparison of the 2 options new property owners in Bingara Gorge have with their Low Pressure Sewer Unit (PSU).
Option 1
Is Sydney Water Owned but paid for by the property owner including power costs.
Option 2
Privately owned, operated, installed and maintained by the property owner and Rise Above Plumbing Pty Ltd.
We offer a no fuss, smooth, simple and cost effective solution with ongoing local support. Don’t be fooled into thinking there is only one choice.
INSTALLATION
Sydney Water - Option 1
6-8months before installation, no installation will take place until house is complete or at least at lock up. Position of the tank is at Sydney Waters discretion so you don’t get a say on heights or position.
Sydney Water will charge if other services already installed such as gas, water, power, NBN or data, stormwater or gravity sewer are deemed to be in the way of installation.
Small machinery will be used taking longer for installation and slower when excavating rock which will be charged hourly.
There is a real possibility housing will sit completed but without sewer or final occupation certificates for extended periods costing property owners additional builders costs and other costs like rent etc.
Rise Above Plumbing - Option 2
Installation can be done immediately meaning longer time for earth compaction around the tank before landscaping. No undermining of driveways or structures if installed before. We can install the PSU in any position the customer requires with in reason.
No services will be affected by installation if installed first.
We can use much larger machinery cutting down on installation time and if we hit rock it’s removed within 1-3 hours not days.
COST
Sydney Water - Option 1
Estimates start at $25,000 but we have seen quotes from builders as high as $40,000 +GST as they will put a margin on top. Double this for dual occupancy as 2 PSU’s are required.
Sydney Water will not quote a fixed price they will only give you an invoice upon installation and completion.
Excavations in rock are excessively expensive and spoil removal is generally extra.
Rise Above Plumbing - Option 2
A standard connection comes in under $22,000 Inc GST, which is a fixed quoted price.
Excavation in rock and removal of spoil may cost extra but are fixed pricing agreed to at quoting stage.
APPROVALS
Sydney Water - Option 1
Generally 3-6 months from reports but some approvals can take as long as 9 months.
Installation approvals are separate to planing approvals.
This must all be undertaken by a Sydney Water coordinator like Qalcheck at a cost.
Note: for dual occupancy ie Granny flats Two PSU units are required under the Option 1 meaning double the price!
A separate boundary valve control box will also potentially need to be added by Sydney Water at additional cost.
Rise Above Plumbing - Option 2
A Pump To Sewer Application Approval Letter, can be received from Sydney Water Tap-in in as fast as 3 days. We are advised that an allowance of 21 days for approvals is the maximum but we have not experienced anywhere close to this and would be an absolute worst case scenario.
Only 1 PSU is required for dual occupancy ie Granny flats.
PLANS
Sydney Water - Option 1
A stamped and approved building and PSU position plan is required to be submitted and approved by Sydney Water then submitted with building plans, this is required to show that no structure ie your house, garage, pool , second dwelling will encroach on the Sydney Water assets on your Property.
This must all be undertaken by a Sydney Water coordinator like Qalcheck at a cost.
Sydney Water will basically own a section of your land where the PSU, control panel and pump outline are.
Nothing in future will be allowed to be built around this position without Sydney Water approval and a resubmission of the applications.
Repositioning of a PSU after installation could cost in excess of $100,000.
Rise Above Plumbing - Option 2
As Sydney Water will not be an interested party in the ownership of the asset Zero Plans are required for approval!
Repositioning of PSU can be easily and cheaply organised with zero approvals needed.
ASSET OWNERSHIP
Sydney Water - Option 1
Sydney Water will own the PSU, the Control Panel, the Pump out line and all area deemed to be an area that may affect the position and operation of these assets.
They also then have right of way when entering your property or premises at any time without given consent.
They will repair and replace all assets deemed to be faulty.
No servicing or routine maintenance will be undertaken unless a fault is detected.
The property owner will be charged for any works undertaken or for asset replacement or repairs due to misuse, improper handling or damage.
These charges are generally excessive and enforceable.
Warranty works will be carried out by a qualified contractor, Rise Above Plumbing are Qualified and accredited to carry out warranty works on the E-One pumps and control panels.
Rise Above Plumbing - Option 2
The PSU, all of its associated surroundings, the control panel and the pump out line will be owned wholly by the property owner.
5 years product warranty (up from the standard 2yr) will be received only when installed and maintained by Rise Above Plumbing Pty Ltd.
We offer routine scheduled servicing which ensures peace of mind knowing YOUR asset won’t let you down.
ALL warranty work of any E-One Pump System in NSW can be carried out by Rise Above Plumbing Pty Ltd as we are the only accredited installers and repairers in NSW.
We also offer a 24/7 breakdown service.
My friendly and professional team gives our customers confidence that option 2 is your best option.
