Plastmo’s innovative drainpipe customisation provides flood protection and reduces stress on wastewater systems during heavy rains.

Plastmo has developed a funnel shaped device with an automatic valve mechanism that can be quickly fitted to existing household drain pipes, which manages the flow of rainwater into drains, preventing overflow and flooding from exceeding sewage system capacity. During light rain the valve remains open, allowing water to flow easily into the municipal sewage drains but when heavy rain occurs the valve closes, preventing flow to the sewage system and diverting rain to gardens and naturally filtering areas.

In 2016, 30 devices were installed and tested on Danish residential houses. During periods of heavy rainfall, the amount of water in the sewage pipe system was significantly reduced, corresponding to the amount of rainfall closed off by the test devices. A year later, Plastmo launched the device which is now available to be purchased at construction and plumbing outlets across Denmark.

Climate change is expected to lead to more frequent and intense rainfall events in Northern latitude countries such as Denmark. In 2011, the country was hit by unusually intense downpours and ultimately cost the country 1.5 billion dollars in insurance payouts. Since its launch, Plastmo’s device has helped households reduce their vulnerability to the increased flood risk and the consequences that comes with it.

Clean water and Sanitation
By securing proper water management, Plastmo’s device decreases the risk of flooding which can be paralyzing for a city’s infrastructure and inhibit social and economic progress.


Climate Action
The device increases adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters by making countries like Denmark more resilient to heavier rainfall.