ᐅ Cistern Always Empty Despite Rain

Created on: 7 Jun 2020 21:34
B
Bautraum2018
Hello,
I hope I’m asking in the right place.
We have a problem with our newly built house: our 7000-liter (about 1850-gallon) cistern is always empty.
Even after two days of rain, there is so little water inside that the pump can’t push it up.
Considering the pitched roof has an area of 200m² (about 2150 sq ft), it should collect a significant amount of rainwater.
Our neighbors with cisterns all have water.
Where could the water be going?
If the downspouts were clogged, they would overflow.
The cistern is made of concrete and was installed as one single piece.
What ideas do you have?
Where could the problem be?
B
Bautraum2018
8 Jun 2020 15:52
So, we have now poured water directly into the downpipes. No drop is reaching the cistern. It should come out from the cover on the right and left sides. I will have to call the architect today.
Mycraft8 Jun 2020 17:40
Clogging? Are there any grates or access openings at the inlet anywhere?
seat888 Jun 2020 17:42
Your water is basically leaking somewhere. What happens if you pour a large amount in, like with a hose? Does it back up and overflow?
K
knalltüte
8 Jun 2020 19:30
Could you please take a photo of the downpipe?

To my knowledge, there are "switch valves" that can be installed inside the downpipe to direct the water either into the sewer system or alternatively into a cistern. Maybe it’s just a simple adjustment?
M
matte
8 Jun 2020 19:38
A silly question:
Have they already connected the rainwater pipes to the cistern? I just want to make sure they haven’t accidentally connected them to the wastewater system...

€: OK, then there wouldn’t be any water in it at all...
B
Bautraum2018
8 Jun 2020 21:40
So, all the gutters lead into the cistern. When you pour water in, you can hear it in the pipe. They are connected in front of the house, where a pipe runs into the cistern beneath the parking space. The screen is clean, and the leaf catchers are too. You’re right, the water is escaping somewhere. The architect will inform the company, and then everything will probably have to be checked, if necessary with a camera inspection. It remains exciting. Thanks for the help!