Drainage Engineering in Berlin

Minor blockages can often be cleared by mechanical means. For persistent problems or unpleasant odours, professional drain cleaning and camera inspection is advisable to pinpoint the damage. With our HD camera technology, we can precisely identify constrictions, cracks or wear points and target repairs accordingly. This is far more cost-effective than preventive work, since we only need to repair the sections that are actually damaged. A typical inspection costs €200–400; drain flushing €300–600, depending on pipe length.

A backflow valve (also called a sewage check valve) prevents sewage from pressing back into your basement during heavy rainfall – a nightmare scenario that can cause five-figure water damage. In Berlin, this is particularly relevant in districts with older sewer networks: Charlottenburg, Tempelhof, Mitte and Pankow have historic combined sewers that become overwhelmed during heavy downpours. A double-acting backflow valve with lift pump protection costs €1,500–3,000 to install; a simple valve €600–1,200. The pump system allows sewage below the sealing chamber to be collected and actively pumped out when needed – this is the most reliable solution for basement apartments.

Yes – craftsmen's services on your property can be claimed against tax (§ 35a EStG – German Income Tax Act): up to 20 % of labour costs, max. €1,200 per year. We issue a corresponding invoice clearly distinguishing between materials and labour. Especially with larger backflow protection or pipe refurbishment projects, labour costs add up quickly; spread over several years, significant tax savings can accumulate.

Regular inspection and cleaning of your drainage system is recommended every 2–3 years; in older Berlin properties with known issues, annually. Maintenance includes: opening inspection access points, camera inspection of inlets and outlets, drain flushing if silting is present, and possibly cleaning ventilation pipes. This costs €200–400 and prevents costly emergency call-outs. Especially in old buildings with cast iron risers (>60 years old), regular servicing makes good sense, since these corrode from the inside.

Both allow sewage to be transported 'uphill' – for example from the basement into the main drain. A lift station collects sewage in a reservoir and pumps it mechanically when needed; it's typically installed for toilets and showers in basements. A pressure drainage system operates continuously and is better suited for regular use. A lift station costs €1,200–2,200 including installation, requires power supply and regular maintenance (pump, control unit). A pressure system costs €2,000–3,500. Which solution makes sense depends on: frequency of use, height difference to the main sewer, and requirements for automatic vs. manual operation.

Minor blockages at sinks or showers can be cleared with a simple spiral auger. Blockages in the drain pipe to the main sewer or in the main drainage should be left to professionals – especially in Berlin old buildings with cast iron pipes, where improper mechanical cleaning can cause cracks. Our HD camera inspection before each cleaning costs little extra but often prevents larger mistakes. Professional high-pressure cleaning (up to 200 bar) is necessary when grease, lime or mineral deposits are present and simple flushing doesn't help. Costs: €400–800 for standard pipe runs, €800–1,500 for long or complex systems.