Grundfos has highlighted the urgent need for advanced rainwater systems due to the UK’s persistent rainfall.
According to the Met Office, parts of the country have experienced more than 50 consecutive days of rainfall and 26 UK weather stations breaking rainfall records in January.
With rainfall across the UK continuing into March, Grundfos stated that commercial buildings are under growing pressure to cope with prolonged and often sudden inflows of rainwater. As extreme weather events become increasingly frequent, the company noted that many traditional drainage and wastewater systems are struggling to keep pace.
Glynn Williams, senior area sales director for UK & Ireland, Grundfos Commercial Building Services, said: “Commercial buildings across the UK are facing conditions far beyond what many legacy drainage and wastewater systems were designed for. Heavy rainfall, rising groundwater and more frequent extreme weather events, magnified by rapid urbanisation and sealed surfaces, highlight the urgent need for modernised, resilient pumping and drainage solutions.
“Our role as a water and climate partner is to help customers strengthen their rainwater and wastewater management, ensuring their systems can manage sudden and sustained rainfall, protect building operations and maintain resilience as weather patterns continue to shift.”
Grundfos’ research has identified commercial buildings as being particularly vulnerable, as many house critical systems below ground. This includes electrical panels, HVAC systems and pump controls.
The company said this makes them susceptible to water ingress during heavy rainfall. Basements and rooftops frequently act as the first points of failure, it noted, and overloaded sewers can push water back into buildings through drains and vents.
To address these risks, Grundfos stated that it delivers intelligent pump systems, smart backflow protection and high-efficiency drainage technologies designed to activate only when required. The business reported that this reduces both energy use and flooding risk. Rainwater now poses a greater risk to buildings than wastewater, it cited, with peak stormwater volumes often exceeding system design capacity by several multiples.
Glynn added: “Commercial buildings need strengthened drainage and pumping capacity to stay operational as extreme and prolonged rainfall becomes more common. We are supporting customers with integrated solutions that help manage sudden stormwater loads, reduce internal flooding risk and safeguard critical building functions. Climate adaptation can no longer be something planned for the future, it must be prioritised today.”