12 Systems for preventing backpressure 12.

1 Faeces lifting system

12 Systems for preventing backpressure

Floods and heavy rainfall can overload the public sewage system, causing the waste water to rise to the
flood level. The flood level is the highest level up to which the waste water can rise in a drainage system,
which is usually the road surface. If the waste water reaches the flood level, sanitary appliances in rooms
below the flood level, e.g. cellars, are flooded.
In order to prevent such a situation from occurring, systems for preventing backpressure are installed in the
drainage system. Systems for preventing backpressure include:
• faeces lifting systems
• backpressure seals

12.1 Faeces lifting system

A faeces lifting system is a pump that is installed in a duct at the lowest point in the building. The waste
water is directed through a backpressure loop into the sewage system. The backpressure loop is located
above the flood level. It is also referred to as a pump pressure pipe.

 
Figure 61: Preventing backpressure with a faeces lifting system
1 Flood level
2 Sewage system
3 Underground pipe
4 Faeces lifting system
5 Sanitary appliances above the flood level
6 Sanitary appliances below the flood level

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12.2 Backpressure seal 12 Systems for preventing backpressure

12.2 Backpressure seal

A backpressure seal is a valve that automatically closes the discharge pipe when backpressure is generated.
It therefore prevents the backflow of waste water into the building.

 
Figure 62: Preventing backpressure with a backpressure seal
1 Flood level
2 Sewage system
3 Underground pipe
4 Backpressure seal
5 Sanitary appliances above the flood level
6 Sanitary appliances below the flood level

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