14.02.2025

From invisible to indispensable: How to protect your home from backwater

What is backwater and why is it a problem? Imagine that after a heavy rain shower, your basement is under water because the sewer system is overloaded. As the water level in the drainpipes rises, dirty water is pushed back into the building. A nightmare, isn't it? This is exactly what can happen if no backflow protection is installed. Low-lying rooms such as basements, laundry rooms or basement apartments are particularly at risk.

What could be the consequences of backwater?

Expensive water damage to walls, furniture and electronics
Health risks from mould and contaminated wastewater
No insurance cover if there is no backwater protection

But fortunately, there are solutions to effectively protect yourself from such scenarios.

Vater und Sohn zu Hause, spielend. Sie kleiden sich für regnerische Tage.

Which solution is the best, backflow valve or lifting station?

There are two tried and tested ways to protect your home:

1. Backwater valves – Simple, but not always sufficient

A backflow valve prevents water from flowing back into your home from the sewer system. It is suitable under the following conditions:

Your house has a slope to the canal.
The affected rooms are not used for daily needs (e.g. as kitchens) and do not contain any valuable items.
There is a WC above the backwater level.

Disadvantage: As soon as the backflow valve closes, no more wastewater can drain out of your house. This means: No flushing of the toilet, no use of shower or washing machine as long as there is backlogue.

Lifting system backflow protection for detached and semi-detached houses

2. Lifting systems – The safe and comfortable solution

Lifting stations offer more comprehensive protection, as they actively transport the wastewater over the backwater level. Here are the advantages:

Active removal instead of passive blocking: The wastewater is reliably removed and pumped directly into the sewer system. A backflow valve, on the other hand, only blocks the water flowing back and can fail or leak if maintenance measures are not followed.
No risk of blockage: Mechanical parts of a backflow valve, such as the flap seal, can get caught by dirt, foreign objects or deposits. A lifting station works independently of the pressure in the sewer. Lifting stations work independently of the overloaded sewer and reliably dispose of the wastewater produced even if the sewer is overloaded.

Use remains possible at any time: While a backflow valve only stops the drain, a lifting system works perfectly even in heavy rain.

Conclusion: Why a lifting station is the best choice

If you want to be on the safe side, a lifting station offers the most reliable protection against backwater. It transports your wastewater specifically over the backwater level, while a simple backflow valve only locks and can fail in the worst case.

Protect your home from water damage – preferably with a well-thought-out solution that offers you long-term security!