Non-return valves for drainage systems

Non-return valves serve to prevent backflow of rainwater or wastewater from the connected sewer system into the parts of the property drainage system lying below the backwater level.

Regulatory framework

In this work area, DIBt grants national technical approvals (abZ). European Technical Assessments (ETAs) can also be issued for corresponding products.

Technical rules for non-return valves (called anti-flooding devices in DIN EN 13564-1) have been referenced in the Model Administrative Provisions – Technical Building Rules (MVV TB), Section B2.2.6.1 'Non-return valves for buildings'.

The technical rules to be observed for the installation of drains inside or outside the building include:

  • DIN EN 13564-1 – Anti-flooding devices for buildings — Part 1: Requirements
  • DIN EN 12056 (series) – Gravity drainage systems inside buildings
  • DIN 1986-100 – Drainage systems on private ground – Part 100: Specifications in relation to DIN EN 752 and DIN EN 12056
  • DIN EN 476 – General requirements for components used in drains and sewers
  • DIN EN 752 – Drain and sewer systems outside buildings
  • DIN 4102-1 – Fire behaviour of building materials and building components – Part 1: Building materials; concepts, requirements and tests
  • DIN EN 13501-1 – Fire classification of construction products and building elements – Part 1: Classification using data from reaction to fire tests

Tests and verifications of the fitness for use of non-return valves that significantly deviate from the applicable technical rules should be carried out based on test plans prepared by DIBt on an application-specific basis.

National procedure

To prepare an abZ/aBG for your construction product, we need an application from you. We recommend that you contact us prior to doing so. Feel free to send us your enquiry informally via email to dibt(at)dibt(.)de or to the competent technical contact listed in the top right.

For a first assessment, please send us the following information:

  • Description of the construction product and its intended field of use
    • e.g. material, configuration, number of sizes, variants, dimensions
    • e.g. use in walls, ceilings, interior construction, building services
  • Description of the construction technique and its field of application
    • e.g. design of walls, ceilings, elements, etc., and interaction of components
    • e.g. application in foundation engineering, reinforced concrete construction, building insulation; as load-bearing or non-load-bearing component; under static and quasi-static loading; fire exposure; other environmental exposures
  • Information regarding impact on regulatory concerns
    • in particular structural integrity, fire protection, health and environment protection, sound insulation as well as thermal performance
  • Explanation of need for an abZ/aBG
  • Contact details
    • preferably email address and/or telephone number, as well as name, organisation/company, and postal address

We will then contact you to clarify the next steps.

If you already hold a DIBt approval and/or construction technique permit and wish to apply for an amendment, supplement, or renewal, please use the form provided below.

European Technical Assessment (ETA)

To start the ETA procedure, please submit the form below. We will then check if the prerequisites for issuing an ETA are met, i.e., in particular, if the product is not fully covered by an existing harmonised standard. If the prerequisites are met, we will check whether a European Assessment Document (EAD) covering the requested assessment scope already exists or still needs to be developed. If an EAD needs to be developed or amended, a complete technical file needs to be established before the procedure can begin.