There are 2 million properties at risk from flooding in the UK. Many will be directly affected by rivers overtopping but more homes are damaged indirectly by the backflow of sewage. The causes include severe rain storms, flooding, breakdown of pumping plant and blocked pipelines.
History
Forgevalves were developed in 1992 because of the increasing need to protect properties from surcharging sewers.
Most of the UK sewerage network was installed during the Victorian era before flushing toilets, washing machines and daily bathing became the acceptable practice. The pipe system put in place then is now unable to cope with the increased volume. Most of the rainwater falling on roofs, roads, paths and patios is now carried away from urban areas with the sewage by the same overloaded trunk sewers.
Our prototype anti-flood valve was originally designed and fitted into a property, constantly affected by back flooding, in 1992. The design proved to be very effective and we were asked to provide and fix many others in the East Kent area.
In 1995 G Forge (civil Engineering) Ltd applied for patent rights protection which was granted in March 1999.
Now Forgevalves are working to prevent sewer backflow all over the United Kingdom.