Infiltration in your own garden means that you do not discharge rainwater from your roof and paving into the sewer, but let it soak into the soil on your own land. This relieves the sewer, keeps the garden greener in dry periods and replenishes the groundwater.
Disconnecting as the first step
The basis is disconnecting the downpipe: instead of into the sewer, the water discharges into the garden or into an infiltration facility. Make sure the water flows away from the house and does not run towards the foundation or crawl space.
Practical options
- Rain barrel — simple reuse for the garden, but limited capacity during heavy rain
- Infiltration crates or gravel pit — underground storage that lets the water seep away gradually
- Swale or lowered planting bed — a lower-lying, planted area that catches rainwater
- Permeable paving and more greenery — replace slabs with gravel, greenery or permeable bricks
Practical tips
- Keep distance from the foundation — let water infiltrate at least about 1 to 2 metres from the facade to avoid damp problems
- Provide enough volume — a large roof area needs more storage space
- Test the soil — dig a hole, fill it with water and see how quickly it drops; clay infiltrates slowly
- Think about the overflow — plan a safe route in case the facility is full
Application
- Climate-adaptive garden — less flooding and drought damage
- Subsidy — many municipalities and water authorities give a grant for disconnecting; check with your local authority
Related terms
- Infiltration
- Rainwater drainage
- Gravel pit
- Climate-adaptive
- Drainage
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