ᐅ Is a sewage lifting system necessary? Basement with a granny flat (secondary apartment).

Hello everyone,

I’m still unsure whether I need a sewage lifting system.
There are several reasons why I’m uncertain:

- The site manager said, “If there is a basement unit, it’s mandatory.” I find this a bit too general, but he might be right (we are building in Baden-Württemberg). Are you aware of any law/guideline/regulation on this?
- The toilet in the basement is located 1 meter (3 feet) higher than the sewer level in the inspection chamber.
- We live at the top of a hill, and if there is already water standing on our street, several villages would already be flooded. So, that is unlikely.

What’s your take on this?
What experiences do you have?
Maybe someone from BW with a basement unit?

Thanks and stay healthy!

The purpose of a lifting station is to pump wastewater located below the drainage level into the sewer system. In areas at risk of backflow, it also serves as a backflow prevention device. With a 1m (3.3 feet) height difference at the top of a slope, I see no necessity for it. It is also not legally required. If it is indeed mandatory, this will be specified in the building permit / planning permission.