FAQ

BLACKBOX systems collect discharged wastewater from a premises and automatically pump it to a septic system, mains discharge point or portable dump station. The BLACKBOX does not treat waste — it manages its disbursement, so there must be a final destination.

Both. BLACKBOX systems handle grey water and black water (toilet sewerage) — all standard discharged fluids from a house, office, bach, cabin or RV. As with any pump system, only flush wastewater, faecal matter and toilet paper — never sanitary products, wet wipes, paper towels or fat.

No. When wastewater rises to a set level, a float automatically activates the pump to empty the tank to your disposal location. It's fully automatic.

Maximum distances (flat ground, no rise): BLACKBOX-62 & -85: 80m; BLACKBOX-270 Standard: 120m; 270Max: 200m; 270SuperMax: 300m. You calculate distance or height — not both. Each bend costs up to ~15m distance / 500mm height. 50mm outlet pipe performs better than 40mm.

BLACKBOX-62/-85/-270 Standard: 6m; 270Max: 11m; 270SuperMax: 14m. Same rules apply (distance or height; bends and pipe size affect performance).

Yes, partially or fully. Burying up to hatch height adds 0.5–1m of head height and reduces pumping distance by 5–10m.

Around 1,000 systems have been installed nationwide over roughly 7 years, consented by a number of councils as an "Alternative Solution". In the Rodney district, a plumber received council sign-off that on private property a BLACKBOX can branch directly into a home sewer line without council consent (on council land it must branch into a manhole, which requires consent). Requirements vary by council and location.

Consider (1) head height, (2) distance to the discharge point, (3) bends in the outlet pipe, and (4) volume of incoming water. Rule of thumb: one toilet, kitchen & bathroom → BLACKBOX-62; add a washing machine or dishwasher → BLACKBOX-85; add more bathrooms → BLACKBOX-270.

Yes — the inlet is 80mm (BB62/85) or 100mm (BB270). You can manifold piping from 3–4 cabins into one inlet; for this we recommend the BLACKBOX-270SuperMax (1100W pump).

Yes. BB62/85/270 Standard use a 750W centrifugal pump; 270Max a cast-iron 750W; 270SuperMax a cast-iron 1100W cutter pump. All have a 40mm through port and move toilet paper, faecal matter and wastewater. Only flush standard toilet paper.

Yes — black wastewater can sit in the tank for months (provided it's more fluid than solids). Tanks hold 62–270 litres; run the pump when you're ready to discharge.

It's feasible via a power inverter (e.g. solar + batteries) converting to the 240V the pump needs. The inverter must handle at least a 750W motor (allow 5–6 amp minimum draw).

No (except the SuperMax). BB62/85 use reliable 750W centrifugal pumps with a 40mm through port — fewer moving parts and, in our experience, more reliable than domestic mulching/macerator pumps. The 270SuperMax uses a commercial-grade cast-iron cutter pump with tungsten blades (very different to a domestic macerator).

From date of purchase, residential use only:

• BLACKBOX tanks — 20 years
• 750W Ryobi pumps — 3 years
• 750W & 1100W Trevoli pumps — 2 years
• FAWS alarm systems — 1 year

BB62: 455H × 455D × 350W mm, inlet centre 380mm, 62L, 750W pump.
BB85: 580H × 480D × 350W mm, inlet centre 440mm, 85L, 750W pump.
BB270: 790H × 710 diameter mm, 270L; pump 750W (Standard/Max) or 1100W (SuperMax).