Tips to prevent water problems

1. Gutters and downsprouts

Check your gutters and downspouts:

• Are the downspouts properly connected to the gutters?
• Are the downspouts or gutters leaking?
• Are the gutters clogged with leaves or other debris?

Make sure to clean the gutters at least once a year. The best time to do so is early November.

You can reduce the amount of rainwater flowing into the sewer by: collecting water in a rain barrel, a green roof or living roof (a roof with vegetation)

The site of Amsterdam Weerproof (You are leaving this website) provides additional tips.

Are you still having problems?
Do your gutters and downspouts function properly, but you are still having problems? This could be a construction-related problem. In that case please call a contractor.

Additional tip: Place a leaf strainer on the rainwater downpipe. This will prevent blockages. 

2. Basement

Dampness problems in your (semi-)basement
How you can recognise humidity or dampness problems?

• brown stains on the walls (mould)
• peeling wallpaper
• tearing or cracking drywall
• damp or wet basements

Causes of dampness or leakages in basements

• the groundwater level is temporarily higher
• the basement walls have tears
• a window or door in your basement is leaking.

What can you do?
Dig a trench or install a trench drain system to collect and drain rainwater away from your home. Or install a sump pump in your basement. A sump pump is a pump used to remove water that has accumulated in a water-collecting sump basin. It can pump the water away from the building so the water flows into the sewer system.

Sewage water in your basement
How you can recognise a sewage water problem:

• a sewage odor in your home
• bubbling and gurgling sounds in a toilet and/or shower drains
• toilets and sinks which do not drain properly
• a layer of water in the crawl space or (semi-)basement

Causes of sewage water in your basement:

• Your home’s connection to the sewer system has been installed in a too low spot. Or the connection of a toilet, sink or other drainage system is lower than the street level. In this case you should install a pump or sewer backflow valve to prevent sewage water from entering your home. This might happen in the event of heavy rainfall.
• Rainwater and wastewater are carried off with the same drainage system (dirty water from, for example, a toilet or shower).

What can you do?
Move your home’s public sewage system to a higher place. The correct height is 50 cm below street level.

Separate the drainage of wastewater and rainwater. This will increase the drainage capacity of the flow of wastewater.

Groundwater in your basement
Waternet gives advice on groundwater problems. Therefore, we measure the groundwater level in many spots in Amsterdam. Groundwater levels vary sometimes, they are higher than normal and sometimes they are lower.

• When it rains heavily and frequently, the groundwater level may temporarily rise. Underground construction work also affects groundwater.
• Construction projects often require large amounts of water, or alternatively, may pump it away. This may cause the groundwater level to drop temporarily.

Fluctuations in groundwater levels are normal. However, it is important that the groundwater level be neither too high nor too low. Otherwise, foundations may rot and houses may sink.

Choose the layout of your cellar wisely  
Cellars are often damp. Therefore, do not place any valuable items on the floor. Place cables, pipes and sockets as high as possible. And do not lay any floor covering or wood on the floor. 

3. Your garden

Create a front garden  
Tiles block rainwater. A front garden (You are leaving this website) (link to a page on Weerproof) ensures that water sinks into the ground. This way you contribute to a greener and drier neighbourhood.

Place a rain barrel
A rain barrel is a smart way to collect rainwater. You can use the water in the rain barrel to water your plants. Amsterdam Weerproof (You are leaving this website) (website) has useful tips for installing a rain barrel.

Make your roof green
A green roof is beneficial for both the environment and your home. Plants absorb rainwater and provide cooling. They also attract bees and birds.