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Category · Retention tanks – controlled rainwater retention in line with the development plan

Retention tanks Roth RT 3500–10,000 L – 50% or 100% retention · throttled outflow · DN 600

Retention tanks hold rainwater back and release it into the sewer with a time delay and at a throttled rate – for compliance with the outflow quantities specified in the development plan and drainage statute. The Roth retention tank on a Twinbloc® basis is available in five sizes from 3500 to 10,000 litres, optionally with 50% or 100% retention volume, with an integrated filter basket, DN 600 shaft and a floating retention throttle.

✅ RT 3500 to RT 10000 ✅ 50% or 100% retention ✅ Throttle 0.07–0.5 l/s ✅ Twinbloc® · PE · DN 600 shaft

What is a retention tank?

A retention tank collects rainwater from the roof or surface and releases it into the sewer with a time delay and at a regulated volume via a throttle. It prevents peak outflows during heavy rain that would overload the sewer network. Many municipalities and development plans require the retention of precipitation with defined outflow quantities – the retention tank meets this requirement.

Retention throttle – the core element

The floating retention throttle (standard: 1", flow rate 0.07–0.5 l/s) sits in the tank and limits the outflow quantity regardless of the fill level. The water drains at the prescribed maximum rate – even when the tank is full after heavy rain. Throttle to 2" or 3" on request. The exact setting depends on the requirements of the local drainage statute.

50% or 100% retention

With 50% retention, the tank is split in half: 50% usable volume (extraction for garden, toilet) and 50% retention volume (retention buffer). With 100% retention, the entire tank contents serve retention – no usable water is extracted, everything is released to the sewer in a throttled manner. Which option is required is determined by the development plan or the drainage permit.

Twinbloc® basis & double tank

The smaller models RT 3500, RT 5000 and RT 6000 are single tanks on a Twinbloc® basis – flat, ground-stable, car-driveable with an optional cover. The large models RT 7000 and RT 10000 each consist of two coupled Twinbloc® base tanks. All models have a filter basket (1 mm), DN 600 shaft and a walk-on plastic cover as standard.

Planning & installing a retention tank – what you need to know

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What do I need a retention tank for?

Many development plans and municipal drainage statutes require that precipitation water be retained on the property and discharged into the sewer only at a certain maximum rate (e.g. 2 l/s·ha). A retention tank meets this requirement: it buffers the peak outflow during heavy rain and releases the water evenly in a throttled manner – the sewer is relieved and the requirement is met.

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How does the retention throttle work?

The floating retention throttle is a calibrated outflow valve in the tank that always lets the same amount of water pass per second, regardless of the fill level. Standard: 1" with 0.07–0.5 l/s. When the tank is full after heavy rain, the water still only drains at the set rate – the rest stays in the tank and drains off over hours or days. The throttle size is specified by the official drainage permit.

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50% or 100% – what applies to me?

This depends on the requirements in your development plan or building permit: 100% retention: the entire tank volume serves retention – no usable-water extraction. The water is discharged entirely throttled into the sewer. 50% retention: only half the volume is a retention buffer, the other half can be extracted as usable water (garden, toilet). A combination of retention obligation and rainwater use.

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Which volume do I need?

The required retention volume is calculated from: outflow yield (l/s·ha, specified), rainfall yield (per DIN 1986-100 or local), and connected area (roof + sealed surfaces). Rule of thumb: per 100 m² of sealed surface, about 1000–3000 litres of retention volume are needed, depending on precipitation intensity and outflow specification. The exact calculation is carried out by a specialist planner or your building authority.

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Car-driveable – when does it make sense?

The Roth retention tank comes as standard with a walk-on plastic cover. For installation under car parking spaces, driveways or garage entrances, the optional Roth car-driveable shaft cover is required. This increases the permissible load and must be installed in a statically correct manner. For truck traffic, a special design is necessary – on request.

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Filter basket – why important?

The integrated filter basket (mesh size 1 mm) holds back leaves, sediment and coarse dirt before the water reaches the retention volume. This prevents the throttle from becoming clogged by suspended matter and impairing the retention function. Regular cleaning of the filter basket (at least annually, more often after heavy-rain events) is mandatory for the lasting functional reliability of the system.

Frequently asked questions about retention tanks

A retention tank is an underground container that takes in rainwater during heavy rain and releases it into the sewer system with a time delay and at a regulated volume via a throttle. It prevents all the rainwater from flowing into the sewer immediately and overloading it during heavy rain. Many municipalities and development plans stipulate that precipitation water may only be discharged at a defined maximum rate – the retention tank ensures this is complied with. Unlike the rainwater tank (aim: usable-water extraction), the aim of the retention tank is the controlled discharge.
The fundamental difference lies in the function: a rainwater tank (cistern) collects water for later use – garden irrigation, toilet, washing machine. The water is extracted. A retention tank has a throttle – it holds the water back and releases it evenly into the sewer. The retention function serves flood protection and the relief of the sewer network, not water use. The 50% variant combines both functions: half the volume for use, half as a retention buffer.
A retention tank is required when the building permit, the development plan or the municipal drainage statute demands a throttled discharge of precipitation water into the sewer system. Typical wording: "maximum discharge rate 2 l/s·ha", "retention volume for a 5-year rain event" or "throttle outflow 0.1 l/s". For new buildings on sealed surfaces in many German municipalities, the requirement is now standard. The drainage permit from the building authority or the local water supplier contains the specific requirement.
The calculation follows DIN 1986-100 (drainage systems for buildings and properties) and takes into account: connected area (roof + terrace + parking space in m²), runoff coefficient (0.3–1.0 depending on the surface), rainfall yield of the region (r15,1 in l/s·ha), and prescribed throttle outflow (l/s). The result is the required retention volume in litres. This calculation must be carried out by a specialist planner or structural engineer and demonstrated to the building authority. As a guide value: about 1000–3000 litres per 100 m² of sealed surface.
When the tank is completely filled and the water cannot drain quickly enough via the throttle, the DN 100 overflow siphon takes effect: in the event of overfilling, it discharges the excess water directly into the sewer – without a throttle. This protects the property from flooding during extreme precipitation events that exceed the design rain event. The overflow siphon has an integrated small-animal barrier that prevents small animals from getting into the tank via the overflow.
Yes – for lasting function, regular maintenance is required: filter basket: clean at least once a year, more often after heavy-rain events – a clogged filter basket blocks the inlet and impairs the retention function. Retention throttle: check for free passage – clogging by fine suspended matter is possible. Shaft and cover: check for tightness and integrity. Overflow siphon: check for deposits. In many municipalities, a maintenance log for retention systems is part of the building permit.

The right retention tank for your construction project

Our specialist team advises you free of charge – on volume, throttle size, retention and the official requirements at your location.

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