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 system do not treat waste — they manage disbursement of the waste, so there must be a final destination.

Both. BLACKBOX systems handle grey water and black water (toilet sewerage) — all standard discharged fluids from a tiny 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: 80m
BLACKBOX-85: 80m
BLACKBOX-270 Standard: 120m
BLACKBOX-270 Max: 200m
BLACKBOX-270 SuperMax: 300m. 
You calculate distance or height — not both.
Each bend costs up to approx 15m distance / 1m height. 50mm outlet pipe performs better than 40mm (less friction in the pipe).

BLACKBOX-62: 6m
BLACKBOX-85: 6m
BLACKBOX-270 Standard: 9m
BLACKBOX-270 Max: 11m
BLACKBOX-270 SuperMax: 14m 
Each bend costs up to approx 15m distance / 1m height. 50mm outlet pipe performs better than 40mm (less friction in the pipe).

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

Over 1,000 systems have been installed nationwide over the last 8 years, consented by a number of councils as an "Alternative Solution". In the Rodney district, a plumber received council sign-off, that
a) on private property a BLACKBOX system could branch directly into a home sewer line without council consent
b) on council land a BLACKBOX system 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 system
- add a washing machine or dishwasher: BLACKBOX-85 system
- add both a washing machine and dishwasher and/or more bathrooms: BLACKBOX-270 system

Yes, we would recommend the BLACKBOX-270SuperMax (1100W pump) to do this.
The BLACKBOX 270 system inlet size is 100mm. 
You can run piping from 2–4 cabins into one manifold inlet pipe 

Yes, all of the pumps we use have a 40mm through port and move toilet paper, faecal matter and wastewater. Only flush standard toilet paper (no sanitary pads, tampons, wetwipes, paper towels, fat or other unapproved substances).

Yes, black wastewater can sit in the tank for months (provided it's more fluid than solids). Tanks hold between 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 that a  pump needs. The inverter must handle at least a 750W motor (allow 5–6 amp minimum draw).

The BLACKBOX-270SuperMax system comes with a commercial-grade cast-iron cutter pump with tungsten blades (different to a domestic macerator). 
The BLACKBOX-62, 85, 270 Standard and 270 Max systems come with proven, reliable centrifugal pumps with a 40mm through port (fewer moving parts and from our experience, more reliable than domestic mulching/macerator pumps). 

Applies from date of purchase, residential use only, and return to base:

• BLACKBOX tanks: 20 years
• 750W Ryobi pumps: 3 years
• 780W Ozito pumps: 3 years
• 1000W Ryobi pumps: 3 years
• 750W & 1100W Trevoli pumps: 2 years
• Alarm systems: 1 year

BB62: H455mm × D455mm × W350mm, inlet centre 380mm, 62L
BB85: H580mm × D480mm × W350mm, inlet centre 440mm, 85L
BB270: H790mm × D710mm, 270L