Heavy rain: tips against backwater damage

Heavy rain: tips against backwater damage

Heavy rain can cause significant damage, even on sloping or mountainous locations, as public sewage systems often cannot hold enough water. A flooded basement as a result of heavy rain is not uncommon and can happen quickly. The consumer advice center warns that during heavy rain, the street sewage system can be overloaded, which can lead to backwater and subsequent flooding of buildings.

Property owners are liable for damage caused by backflow, as explained by the consumer advice center. It is therefore advisable to take appropriate measures in good time to protect your home from flooding and backwater during heavy rain. Particular caution is required in basement apartments and spaces below street level, where backlogs can be particularly dangerous.

In order to protect the property from backflow, the consumer advice center recommends taking appropriate precautions. This includes, among other things, closing unused drains and installing a lifting system to adequately protect living spaces below street level. In addition, regular maintenance of lifting systems and backwater valves is required in order not to jeopardize insurance coverage.

A crucial measure is to cover the risk of backflow through natural hazard insurance, as municipalities are not liable for backflow damage to private houses and not all backflow events are automatically covered by household contents and residential building insurance. It is important to check the insurance conditions carefully, as not every backlog is insured.