Disconnecting the rainwater drainage system

Climate change is causing increasingly heavy rainfall. These heavy downpours also increase the risk of flooding. This may require measures to better protect your home against flooding. One such measure is to disconnect the rainwater drainage system from the sewer system and collect rainwater in the garden.

What does collecting rainwater in your garden involve?

Flooding is caused not only by extreme rainfall but also by an increase in the amount of buildings and paving in gardens. The sewer system has to process larger amounts of rainwater due to these buildings and paving. The sewer system cannot properly process these larger amounts of rainwater, causing streets and gardens to flood. This allows water to enter homes via the sewer system through drains and toilets. Disconnecting the rainwater drainage from the sewer system and collecting rainwater in your garden can offer a solution. You can collect rainwater in a rain barrel or in infiltration crates, for example. You can also replace the paving in your garden with greenery such as grass, plants, and trees. The rainwater can then be drained naturally through the soil.

Costs

You can obtain advice and subsidies from your municipality for implementing measures to combat flooding. Whether you receive advice and subsidies, and how much subsidy you receive, depends on the municipality where you live. You can find this information on your municipality's website.

Use of space

This measure makes sense if water enters your home through the sewer system or toilet.

What do you need?

To disconnect the rainwater drainage system, you will need DIY experience or a contractor. To lay out a new garden with more greenery and infiltration crates, you can hire a landscaper. If you have experience working in the garden yourself, you will not need a landscaper.