Vacuum Plumbing Systems Spotlighted in Plumbing Engineer

The March 2026 issue of Plumbing Engineer magazine features a new article, “Vacuum Plumbing Systems: Applications, Advantages and Considerations,” that explores where vacuum plumbing can help engineers solve tough design and construction challenges.

The piece focuses on when to consider vacuum systems as an engineered alternative, especially on projects with constrained underground piping, difficult renovations, or aggressive schedules.

Author Aaron Bock, PE, clarifies misconceptions about vacuum plumbing, dismissing ideas that it’s “experimental” or that codes prohibit it. He highlights vacuum’s decades of success across various markets and notes that most codes now offer clear approval pathways. Early cooperation with code reviewers and manufacturer design support can lead to successful vacuum plumbing on projects where gravity systems struggle to meet project constraints.

The article highlights practical benefits: greater routing flexibility thanks to smaller, overhead piping; reduced trenching and disruption on occupied sites; and a more controlled installation environment that can help mitigate schedule risk. It also describes how vacuum systems can localize blockages at fixture-interface valves, thereby avoiding full-system shutdowns in facilities with aging or compromised underground piping.

The full article is available in the March 2026 digital edition of Plumbing Engineer.