GB2465820A

GB2465820A - Device for preventing floodwater or sewerage from penetrating building via the drainage system

Info

Publication number: GB2465820A
Application number: GB0822034A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: LIMITED FLOOD PROOF
Current assignee: LIMITED FLOOD PROOF
Priority date: 2008-12-03
Filing date: 2008-12-03
Publication date: 2010-06-09
Also published as: GB0822034D0

Abstract

A temporary flood protection device for WCs (toilets) to prevent ingress or backflow of water/sewerage comprises an inflatable plug (1) which can be inserted into a toilet pan or U-bend.

Description

SEWER PIPE & TOILET PLUG (A temporary flood protection device to prevent ingress or back flow of water or sewage in to homes & premises).

Background

Environmental pressures and changes in land usage have resulted in an increased risk of flooding in many areas. There are various known devices to protect atrisk properties from surface water entry via apertures in the property, such as doorways and airbricks. Such devices are frequently in the form of temporary dams or covers that can be fitted across the opening.

These flood protection devices typically protect the perimeter walling of the structure up to approximately one meter above local ground level. These known devices do not, however protect against backflow from sewer and drain pipe. This currently unprotected backflow can be in the form of raw sewage, grey water or flood water.

Backflow can enter a property via a typical WC if the external fluid head exceeds about 0.4 meters, while the risk of backflow via low level urinals exists at considerably lower external fluid levels. Consequently a property protected by the known devices blocking external apertures can still suffer from internal flooding due to fluids and sewage entering via sewer and effluent pipes. Currently the only devices on the market to protect a property from this risk is a permanently installed valve type product that requires specialist knowledge and skills to install and cannot be quickly installed in the event of an imminent risk arising.

There is, therefore, a need for a rapidly installable device that can be used to prevent the backflow of raw sewage, grey water or flood water into a property via the property's sewage, waste water and drainage system. Such a device needs to be easily installed in the event of a flood risk and easily removed after a flood and not require special modification or skills to deploy.

This new invention relates to an easily fitted device that can be used to prevent backflow via existing sewers and pipe work.

ADVANTAGES OF THE NEW INVENTION ARE

A device that can be easily installed in the event of a possible flood.

A device that can be easily removed after a flood.

A device that DOES NOT need Pre-installation or specialist skills to use.

A device to give peace of mind to people living in low lying areas or are in a risk area.

Most flood protection devices on the market protect the outer skin / wall of a property, up to im. (any more than im could result in structural failure). The problem with all these devices is they DO NOT stop backflow from the sewer pipe entering a property. This backflow can be in the form of raw sewage, grey water or flood water.

For sewage to enter a property the sewage needs to be raised higher than a standard WC (O.4m approx) or to be in the form of a surge. For Pubs & other similar establishments where low level urinals are used this figure is much less.

Currently the only devices on the market to protect a property from this risk is a permanently installed valve type product that requires special knowledge & skills to install, usually well before a flood poses a risk.

Description of invention:

Read in conjunction with drawing sheet 3 of 3 The invention consists of flexible material of suitable geometry to form an inflatable bladder that can be inflated via a semi-rigid tube I pipe. Once inserted un-inflated in to a WC or sewer I waste pipe the device is then inflated so it forms a seal to prevent backflow in the sewer pipe entering the property / building.

The method of inflation can be in the form of air, gas or liquid type medium pumped in to the bladder thus pressurising the bladder so it expands & forms a seal in the WC or sewer pipe. The method of inflation can be in the form of a hand pump, electric pump or stored pressure from another device(s).

On figure 5 item I shows the bladder & item 2 shows the tube / pipe.

To facilitate correct & ease of placement of the bladder the semi-rigid tube passes through to the leading end of the bladder to stop the bladder collapsing while it is being inserted in to the WC or sewer pipe. This can be seen in figure 6. The semi-rigid tube / pipe is also used as a handle to guide the bladder to the required position.

To remove the device from the WC or waste pipe the device is deflated & pulled out. The device can then be washed and stored for future use.

This invention has the following advantages; 1). Ease & accuracy of placement.

2). Ease & simplicity of use.

3). Removable once flood risk is passed.

4). Can be re-used.

5). Can be used by most people.(no special skills required).

6). Economical to purchase.

Concept of operation 1: Read in conjunction with drawing sheet 1 of 3 Figure 1 (section through) & Figure 2 shows the bladder inflated in a WC ready to prevent the backflow of medium from a waste I sewer pipe into a property.

Item I -inflatable bladder Item 2 -semi rigid tube / pipe Item 3 -WC I toilet pan.

Concept of operation 2: Read in conjunction with drawing sheet 2 of 3 Figure 3 & Figure 4 (half section) shows the bladder inflated in a sewer man hole ready to prevent the backflow of medium from a waste / sewer pipe in to a property. The bladder can be inserted in to either pipe but inserting in to the pipe leading to the property is preferred as it will prevent waste I sewage entering the property. The second bladder can also be inserted in to the out going pipe to stop waste / sewage entering the man hole from the sewer pipe.

Item 1 -inflatable bladder Item 2 semi rigid tube I pipe Item 3 -WC I toilet pan.

Item 4-man hole chamber (may vary) Item 5-Sewer I waste pipe.

Claims

Claims.1). A device than can stop backfiow of liquid / solids entering a building / property from a sewer pipe / WC (toilet).

2). A device that is easy to install, inflate, deflate & remove by someone without any special skills.

3). A device that can be used in manholes I Roding points to plug sewer pipes.

4). A device that can be accurately placed by a semi-rigid tube / pipe.

5). With reference to claim 4: the semi-rigid tube I pipe may be produced by attaching a flexible rod either on its outside or inside of the tube / pipe.