Product selection

Please note when searching for products: building regulations

Important rules

Once the specifications for the backflow preventer are known, a suitable product can be selected. It is particularly important to note that all products used in drainage systems are classified as construction products and must therefore comply with building regulations.

The following verification methods are permitted for this purpose:

harmonised standards such as DIN EN 12050 for lifting stations or DIN EN 13564 for backwater valves
general building authority approvals, such as Z-53.2-487 for the Ecolift backwater lifting station
approval on a case-by-case basis through a suitability assessment and consultation with a competent authority

If the use of a product is neither standardised nor regulated by building regulations, approval may be sought on a case-by-case basis. The product is then assessed for suitability in consultation with the relevant authority and, if appropriate, approved.

With regard to the scope of application, DIN 1986-100 describes only the two standardised product types: lifting stations and backwater valves. However, as the commentary on DIN 1986-100 also notes, for reasons of technical development, cost-effectiveness, as well as environmental protection and the economical use of primary energy sources, it is necessary for new construction materials, components, designs and fixtures to be applied and used. In this respect, innovative solutions may also be planned and used. Their scope of application is regulated in the relevant approval or must be agreed with the relevant authority on a case-by-case basis.

Product types for backwater protection

There are therefore three main types of product available to protect against backwater:

automatic sewage lifting units with backwater loop in accordance with DIN EN 12050
Backwater valves in accordance with DIN EN 13564-1
Backflow prevention systems with general building authority approval, e.g. backwater pumping stations, backwater lifting stations and hybrid lifting stations.

Suitable for use in accordance with	DIN EN 13564	General building approval		DIN EN 12050
Product type / version	backwater valve	backwater lifting station	backwater pumping station	Lifting station / Pumping station
With flap
With pump
With backwater loop

How the products work

The individual product types differ in terms of their design, including shut-off devices, pumps and backwater loops. Backwater pumping stations, backwater lifting stations and hybrid lifting stations thus combine the design features of backwater valves and lifting stations. This also results in significant differences in how they operate.

Product type / Drainage	backwater valve	Backwater lifting station / Backwater pumping station	Lifting station / Pumping station
in normal operation	without external power	without external power	Pump operation
in the event of backwater	not possible	Pump operation	Pump operation

This means that, in addition to established and standardised products, innovative products are also available for project planning. Depending on the specific situation, there are usually several options. When making the final decision, the option offering the optimum balance of safety and cost-effectiveness should therefore be chosen.