CASE
Rats in the sewer system are an increasing problem in many Danish municipalities. They cause damage to both indoor and outdoor plumbing installations, which can lead to extensive and costly repairs. Many people assume that just because a bathroom or a house is new, it is rat-proof. However, this is not always the case, as this incident clearly showed.
The Rats Caused Major Damage
In this particular case, homeowner Jonas noticed an unpleasant odor coming from the bathroom. Upon inspection, it was discovered that rats had gnawed through the outlet housing in their Uni-drain system. The problem required extensive renovation, including breaking up the floor in the shower area to replace the drain. Outside the house, the rats had also burrowed into concrete wells and sewer junctions, necessitating the complete replacement of all outdoor wastewater-related sewer installations.
Jes Bach describes the situation:
“The damage was fairly serious. Inside the bathroom, we had to break up the floor in the shower area to replace the drain, which then required restoring the floor and tiles afterward.”
The Solution: Rat Barriers as a Preventive Measure
Jes Bach immediately recommended installing a rat barrier in a well on the pipe leading into the bathroom. This provided temporary protection against further rat intrusion while the insurance case was being handled and outdoor repairs were possible.
“Initially, I recommended installing a rat barrier in a well on the pipe that led into the bathroom, where there had been activity, so we were fairly confident we could keep them out,” explains Jes Bach.
He always recommends installing rat barriers in new construction, when replacing sewer systems, and in connection with separation projects. “I see it as reassurance for the customer that the rats are kept out of the main sewers and not on private property,” he adds.
Not Surprising to Find a Rat in the Bathroom
Sometimes homeowners discover rats in the most unexpected ways. Jes Bach recalls an incident where a family had wrapped the toilet in the basement with plastic wrap and placed a heavy box on top. The family initially thought that the young boys in the house had trouble aiming at night, only to eventually discover a large rat swimming in the toilet!
“After several mornings of scolding over poor aim, the family realized it was actually a rat—a rather large one at that! It was later caught in the rat barrier,” Jes Bach recalls.
Prevention is Key
Most rat problems arise because the rodents have found a weakness in the sewer system, often at joints or outlets where they can gnaw their way out. A simple solution, like a rat barrier, can prevent rats from entering from the main line.
“Most of the damage I’ve seen could have been limited or even completely avoided with a rat barrier. It’s clear that rats often enter from the main line and find a spot where they can come out again,” explains Jes Bach.
Why Choose Nordisk Innovation?
Jes Bach uses rat barriers from Nordisk Innovation because they are reliable, easy to install and maintain, and effective at keeping rats out.
“I use Nordisk Innovation because they’re easy to work with, reliable, and simple to service and maintain. They’re usually easy to install and remove if they were mounted correctly from the start,” he says.
Rats are an increasing problem, but with the right preventive measures, they can be kept out of the home. A rat barrier from Nordisk Innovation is a simple and effective solution to protect your home and sewer system from unwanted guests.
