Flooding
Our climate is changing, and the annual amount of rainfall is increasing. In particular, the number of short and heavy showers is increasing. These short, heavy showers put a heavy load on the sewer system. This is often the case in the summer, especially in built-up areas, where the water cannot seep into the ground. As a result, the sewer overflows, the water stays on the street, and you may also experience nuisance in and around your home. For example, water that comes up through the toilet or sink, or your basement that floods. What can you do yourself to prevent flooding?
Tip 1: Ensure good ventilation
Would you like to prevent your toilet and/or sink from bubbling and splashing during heavy showers? Ensure better ventilation of your sewer pipes. This allows the air that arises during these showers to escape better, resulting in less or no nuisance.
Tip 2: Install a pressure relief device on the downspout
Does the water sometimes overflow? Or are you afraid that this will happen in the future? You can prevent this by placing an 'overflow facility' on your downspout (or having it placed). This ensures that when the large amount of water can no longer be drained through the sewer, it can run into the garden through this 'overflow facility' in the downspout.
Tip 3: Remove the tiles from your garden
Fewer tiles in your garden allow rainwater to seep into the soil and replenish the groundwater. This helps to reduce street flooding during heavy rainfall. Additionally, tiled gardens create more heat in the summer. Removing the tiles also keeps your environment cooler.
Should I also call the municipality in the event of flooding?
We would like to ask you to wait until the rain showers subside or it becomes dry. Usually, the nuisance will then be over.
Drainage gullies
According to the Building Decree, the installation of a relief gully is mandatory for new-build homes. Relief gullies can prevent a lot of inconvenience and damage in the event of extreme rainfall and blockages. Many builders forget to install relief gullies. The costs for a relief gully are approximately € 20. The damage in the event of flooding is many times that.
Aeration or ventilation of house sewer systems
A good house connection has ventilation. If this does not work properly, especially with a poor location of the house sewer, air can be trapped. These air bubbles cause less water to be drained during rain, which can lead to blockages.
Aeration of the house sewer system is necessary to prevent vacuum suction. Poor aeration can cause negative pressure when flushing the toilet or emptying the bath. The stench traps or siphons are then emptied, allowing sewer odors to enter the house.