Backwater protection

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Wastewater escapes from the sewer in the event of backwater

What is backwater?

The term "backwater" describes a phenomenon that occurs when more water is temporarily discharged into the sewer system than it can “handle”. This can happen, for example, during heavy rain or flooding (sewer blockage). The sewage level then rises within the sewer system and inexorably escapes wherever it can – i.e. from manhole covers and, in the worst-case scenario, the drains, washbasins and toilet in your basement.

Protection in the event of backwater

Drainage system without backwater protection:

During heavy rain, the water level rises above the so-called backwater level. This term is typically used to mean street level. Rooms in the basement or cellar quickly become flooded. This results in significant damage and costs.

Drainage system with backwater protection:

Wastewater that flows with a slope to the sewer will be protected by a backwater valve. In the event of backwater, the flap closes so that no wastewater can enter the building.If the public sewer is higher than the drainage point in the building, the wastewater must be pumped above the backwater level via a lifting station.

What factors play a role in selecting the right product?

In order to be able to choose the right backwater valve, a few questions need to be answered first. We have summarised these for you below.

1. What type of wastewater is to be disposed of?

Irrespective of whether you are dealing with the disposal of wastewater with or without sewage, this can have an impact onthe functionality and operational safety of backwater valves. Before you decide on a product, you need to ask yourself the following question: For which sanitary appliances should theproduct provide drainage? The decisive factor is always the type of wastewater that drains into the sewer via the backwater valve in the direction of flow.

Wastewater with sewage is always present when pipes are connected that transport faeces from urinals or toilets in the direction of flow.

Wastewater without sewage includes water without faeces content, such as shower water or washing machine water.

2. Where is the installation site?

The renovation of an old building, stylishly integrated in the new building, directly installed in the building or outside in a building connection chamber: Backwater valves can be installed in different locations depending on the individual situation on site. Simply select the most appropriate solution for you from the different versions.

Exposed installation

The cost-effective, clean and standard-compliant solution for the retrofitting of backwater systems – ideal for the renovation of old buildings prone to backwater. To avoid the complete drainage pipes having to be rerouted in expensive construction work, we recommend installing the central backwater protection system in the existing exposed drainage pipe. This guarantees free access to the backwater system for maintenance work and pipe cleaning.

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Floor slab installation

The convenient, practical and visually appealing version for new buildings creates additional living space at basement level – with toilets, showers or washing facilities. The backwater protection system is installed concealed in the floor. The easy-to-install set, complete with an individual cover that can be tiled, can be used with a wide range of different interior styles and trends. Whether the room in question is a music room, home office or sauna and spa.

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Installation in the ground in front of the building

Up until now, products protecting against water penetration have mainly been installed inside buildings. In the meantime, however, new methods are available. A house connection chamber module with an integrated backwater valve is installed in front of the building for this purpose. Depending on the type of wastewater (black water or grey water), the right backwater system can be retrofitted at any time, for example, if the use of space at basement level changes. This means that building owners and operators can always feel secure.

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3. Is there a slope to the sewer?

It is not only the type of wastewater and the installation site that are important factors when choosing theright backwater protection system: Deciding on the right product also depends on whetherthere is a slope between your sewage pipe and the public sewer.

Slope to the sewer

If the sewer lies below the backwater protection, the domestic wastewater will be disposed of via the natural slope. Backwater valves and hybrid lifting stations can be used here.

No slope to the sewer

If the sewer is higher than the backwater protection, the wastewater is usually lifted via a backwater loop to the sewer by a lifting station.

4. How many drainage points are available?

Would you prefer to provide individual protection or central protection in the collecting line? The protection strategy that is best suited to your requirements depends on the number of drainage points installed below the backwater level.

Individual protection

Each drainage point, such as washbasins, showers or washing machines, is protected with its own backwater protection.

Central protection

Backwater valves or lifting stations installed in the collecting line protect all of the drainage points connected.

5. Is the disposal of wastewater to take place during the backwater phase?

When the backwater valve is closed, no wastewater can be disposed of from the basement. If this is a problem, then you should choose a product solution that can dispose of wastewater even in the event of backwater.

[Translate to Englisch:] Funktionsgrafik Rückstaupumpanlage Pumpfix F

Protects in the event of backwater

The backwater flap prevents wastewater from the sewer entering the building.

[Translate to Englisch:] Funktionsgrafik Rückstaupumpanlage Pumpfix F: Pumpt gegen den Rückstau

Disposes in the event of backwater

Despite backwater from the sewer and a closed flap, domestic wastewater can be disposed of via a pump. This ensures that the drainage system would remain functionally capable.

Open-ended questions – practical answers

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