Pumps and wet vacuums

When a cloudburst sets in, pumps must be ready to divert the water away, so that damage can be minimised and roads can be kept accessible and clear from water. Various types of pump are available: from very large pumps able to convey massive amounts of water, to smaller immersion pumps which homeowners can keep ready in their garages for use if their basement is flooded. In 2013, the Copenhagen Fire Brigade purchased nine new discharge pumps, each with a pumping capacity of 5,500 l/m. Homeowners have the option of storing an extra pump in their pump well, which leads the water on to the main sewer. Pump wells are considered to be the most effective solution to water in the basement, however, they are also quite expensive and they have to be installed by an authorised sewer contractor. Wet vacuums are used to remove the final remaining water on the floor, once the majority of the water has been pumped away. The fire rescue services are also equipped with wet vaccums, however private homeowners can choose to buy or rent smaller types of these pumps.