S
staengler27 Jan 2012 09:35Hello everyone,
I’m new here and have a problem with water in the garden.
Our house is about 200 years old, without a basement, and is located in a natural hollow. There are only trees and fields around. It’s a very isolated location outside the village.
Next to the house runs a drainage collector that was installed more than 40 years ago as part of land consolidation. Naturally, it is now leaking in many places, and you can see water bubbling up from the ground or the soil collapsing above it. The local council says, “too expensive, we won’t do anything.” The water management authority also explains that surface water might be another cause, especially since flooding situations have increased lately.
What should we do?
Last year, the foundation of the terrace roof was already undermined. It sank, and we had to repair it. Could the entire house collapse eventually?
Our soil is very sandy.
We’re considering installing drainage around the house or digging trenches. Or maybe something entirely different?
I would be very grateful for any tips and experiences. Also regarding dealing with authorities and local offices.
Best regards,
staengler
I’m new here and have a problem with water in the garden.
Our house is about 200 years old, without a basement, and is located in a natural hollow. There are only trees and fields around. It’s a very isolated location outside the village.
Next to the house runs a drainage collector that was installed more than 40 years ago as part of land consolidation. Naturally, it is now leaking in many places, and you can see water bubbling up from the ground or the soil collapsing above it. The local council says, “too expensive, we won’t do anything.” The water management authority also explains that surface water might be another cause, especially since flooding situations have increased lately.
What should we do?
Last year, the foundation of the terrace roof was already undermined. It sank, and we had to repair it. Could the entire house collapse eventually?
Our soil is very sandy.
We’re considering installing drainage around the house or digging trenches. Or maybe something entirely different?
I would be very grateful for any tips and experiences. Also regarding dealing with authorities and local offices.
Best regards,
staengler
N
NorbertKoch29 Jan 2012 22:08Hello,
if the drainage collector is not located on your property, then the other landowner is responsible, usually the municipality, to ensure it functions properly. If it is on your property, then you are responsible. The municipality must resolve this—so you should insist on that.
Of course, having drainage around the house is generally beneficial, but with the building’s age, it could introduce a lot of moisture to your home. This, in turn, may lead to moisture-related damage.
Please describe your situation in more detail, and I can provide further advice.
Until then, I wish you dry weather.
Best regards
if the drainage collector is not located on your property, then the other landowner is responsible, usually the municipality, to ensure it functions properly. If it is on your property, then you are responsible. The municipality must resolve this—so you should insist on that.
Of course, having drainage around the house is generally beneficial, but with the building’s age, it could introduce a lot of moisture to your home. This, in turn, may lead to moisture-related damage.
Please describe your situation in more detail, and I can provide further advice.
Until then, I wish you dry weather.
Best regards
S
staengler30 Jan 2012 07:48Hello,
What specific information do you need?
Unfortunately, I’m not an expert on this topic...
The collectors were installed about 40 years ago. Even back then, they supposedly didn’t work optimally due to the sandy soil in our area.
Then came the larger farming equipment, tree roots, and so on.
There are definitely many holes and sand wash-ins.
Part of this collector runs across fields. But 200 meters (650 feet) each to the left and right of our house, leading to a creek, all on municipal land.
The groundwater level can be seen in our old well, which is integrated into our terrace.
On very bad days, it stands practically 5 cm (2 inches) below the house.
So, essentially, we live on a raft.
When water comes from above and from the side, it becomes very critical. Last winter the fire department was already called once.
The municipality is stonewalling and is now trying to blame surface water, which was brought up by the wastewater association in discussions.
At the town hall, we are probably already seen as troublemakers and constant complainers.
I will now demand, with a deadline, access to the "text section of the land consolidation plan," because that states whether the municipality is actually responsible.
Of course, it’s no longer available, and no one wants to look for it.
I will probably have to mention the word "action for failure to act."
Best regards, staengler
NorbertKoch schrieb:
Hello,
Please describe your situation in more detail, then I can respond again.
What specific information do you need?
Unfortunately, I’m not an expert on this topic...
The collectors were installed about 40 years ago. Even back then, they supposedly didn’t work optimally due to the sandy soil in our area.
Then came the larger farming equipment, tree roots, and so on.
There are definitely many holes and sand wash-ins.
Part of this collector runs across fields. But 200 meters (650 feet) each to the left and right of our house, leading to a creek, all on municipal land.
The groundwater level can be seen in our old well, which is integrated into our terrace.
On very bad days, it stands practically 5 cm (2 inches) below the house.
So, essentially, we live on a raft.
When water comes from above and from the side, it becomes very critical. Last winter the fire department was already called once.
The municipality is stonewalling and is now trying to blame surface water, which was brought up by the wastewater association in discussions.
At the town hall, we are probably already seen as troublemakers and constant complainers.
I will now demand, with a deadline, access to the "text section of the land consolidation plan," because that states whether the municipality is actually responsible.
Of course, it’s no longer available, and no one wants to look for it.
I will probably have to mention the word "action for failure to act."
Best regards, staengler
N
NorbertKoch30 Jan 2012 20:38Hello,
I really don’t like this.
One idea would be to contact the press and highlight your problem. Alternatively, you could reach out to the local authority / water management office and request an on-site appointment.
The sand seems to be the main issue, as you correctly pointed out, the collector gets clogged with sediment and roots grow into it as well.
If nothing helps, it might be worth consulting legal advice.
Best regards
I really don’t like this.
One idea would be to contact the press and highlight your problem. Alternatively, you could reach out to the local authority / water management office and request an on-site appointment.
The sand seems to be the main issue, as you correctly pointed out, the collector gets clogged with sediment and roots grow into it as well.
If nothing helps, it might be worth consulting legal advice.
Best regards
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