As skylines across the GCC continue to soar, drainage infrastructure has become a critical component in high-rise design. Increasing building heights, tighter service shafts, mixed-use occupancy, acoustic expectations and sustainability targets demand more than what conventional gravity systems can offer.

Geberit, a global leader in sanitary technology, provides an integrated drainage portfolio engineered specifically for the challenges of high-rise and large-scale commercial developments. With its HDPE building drainage, the acoustically optimised Silent-db20 system, the space-saving SuperTube high-rise technology, and the hydraulically advanced Pluvia siphonic roof drainage system, Geberit delivers a complete, engineered solution supported by design expertise, installation training and after-sales service.

HDPE: A robust foundation 

At the core of Geberit’s drainage portfolio is its HDPE (high-density polyethylene) piping system, designed for soil, waste and vent applications in residential, hospitality, healthcare and commercial buildings.

Geberit HDPE offers:

• High impact resistance, even at low temperatures;

• Excellent chemical resistance (pH 0–14);

• Corrosion-free performance;

• Smooth internal surfaces to minimise friction losses; 

• High abrasion resistance; and 

• Long service life exceeding 50 years.

Its flexibility allows the system to absorb structural movement and thermal expansion, an essential characteristic in high-rise towers subject to wind load and structural deflection.

The system utilises butt welding, electrofusion welding and socket welding to create homogenous, leak-proof joints. Unlike gasketed systems, welded connections eliminate long-term deterioration risks, making HDPE ideal for concealed installations and vertical stacks in high-rise shafts.

Lightweight yet mechanically strong, HDPE also simplifies transport and handling on site, contributing to improved installation efficiency.

Geberit’s Pluvia siphonic drainage system achieves full pipe flow for faster water evacuation and requires fewer roof outlets and pipes. 

Silent-db20: Advanced acoustic drainage

In residential towers, hotels and healthcare facilities, acoustic comfort is non-negotiable. To address structure-borne and airborne drainage noise, Geberit offers Silent-db20, a high-performance acoustic drainage system.

Silent-db20 achieves industry-leading acoustic performance through its specialised mineral-reinforced composition that increases pipe mass and effectively dampens vibrations. The material works in tandem with precision-engineered brackets to provide a high-performance system that virtually eliminates structural sound transmission.

Silent-db20 is particularly suited for high-specification projects such as luxury residential developments; hotels and serviced apartments; hospitals and healthcare facilities and premium office buildings.

The system complies with stringent international acoustic standards and integrates seamlessly with Geberit HDPE networks, where required.

SuperTube technology: Maximising shaft efficiency

One of the key challenges in high-rise drainage is managing hydraulic pressures and flow velocities in vertical stacks. Traditional systems require offsets at every floor to stabilise discharge flow, increasing shaft dimensions, material use and installation complexity.

Geberit’s SuperTube technology revolutionises this with engineered fittings like Sovent fittings, BottomTurn and Backflip bends. These components manage airflow and wastewater within the stack, creating a stable annular flow pattern that separates air from discharge water. This eliminates the need for offset loops at each floor.

SuperTube offers several important benefits for high-rise construction by optimising the drainage layout and freeing up valuable floor space. The technology enables a reduced stack diameter for compact risers, simpler pipe routing with fewer clashes, smaller service shafts, and more leasable floor space by minimising core encroachment. Fewer fittings cut material costs and error risks, while straightforward layouts accelerate installation to suit tight programmes. 

For developers, slimmer shafts across dozens of storeys unlock substantial rentable area, delivering clear commercial gains in high-rise projects.

SuperTube’s  components manage airflow and wastewater within the stack. 

Silent-db20 SuperTube

Geberit further enhances high-rise performance with Silent-db20 SuperTube, combining advanced hydraulic control with superior sound insulation. This solution is ideal for high-end residential and hospitality towers where both space optimisation and acoustic comfort are critical. 

The system delivers stable hydraulic performance in tall stacks while maintaining reliable flow conditions. At the same time, it provides enhanced sound attenuation, helping to minimise drainage noise transmission into occupied spaces. The system also protects trap seals by limiting adverse pressure conditions, thereby reducing the risk of odour ingress. By reducing pressure fluctuations and maintaining a more balanced system, it contributes to long-term reliability. Overall, it supports optimised shaft design, allowing efficient use of core space without compromising acoustic or hydraulic performance.

By integrating acoustic material technology with SuperTube’s hydraulic engineering, the system ensures reliable, quiet operation across multiple floors.

Pluvia: Siphonic roof drainage 

Roof drainage systems in the Gulf region must reliably manage intense – albeit infrequent – rainfall events to prevent flooding and structural damage. Geberit’s Pluvia siphonic roof drainage system provides a highly efficient alternative to traditional gravity-based methods, achieving full pipe flow for faster water evacuation and requiring fewer roof outlets and pipes.  

Unlike conventional systems that rely on partially filled pipes with slope, Pluvia operates on a siphonic principle. During heavy rainfall, the system fills completely with water to create negative pressure, which accelerates discharge velocity and maximises flow efficiency. This design enables smaller pipe diameters while handling high volumes effectively. It also requires fewer roof outlets, reducing penetration points and associated detailing. Horizontal pipework can run without slope, allowing flexible routing below roof level. Long collector runs become feasible, supporting larger roof areas with fewer outlets. Consequently, the underground drainage infrastructure is reduced, minimising excavation and material needs.

This makes Pluvia particularly suitable for airports, shopping malls, industrial facilities, stadiums and large podium decks in mixed-use developments.

Each Pluvia system is hydraulically calculated using advanced software to ensure balanced flow and compliance with local rainfall intensities.

Integrated drainage 

One of Geberit’s strengths lies in the compatibility of its systems. HDPE, Silent-db20, SuperTube and Pluvia are engineered to work as a coordinated solution.

This integration enables:

• Streamlined design coordination;

• Optimised vertical and horizontal pipe routing;

• Reduced structural penetrations;

• Efficient prefabrication opportunities.

In complex mixed-use developments, such integration simplifies both design and construction phases.

Technical Support

Geberit’s offering extends beyond product supply to include comprehensive technical support throughout the project lifecycle. This comprises design and engineering support with hydraulic calculations for SuperTube and Pluvia systems, pipe sizing and system optimisation, BIM/Revit libraries, technical submittal documentation, and compliance verification with local and international standards. Early-stage collaboration ensures efficient shaft sizing, accurate system design, and cost optimisation.

Geberit provides welding training and certification, on-site technical assistance, installation best-practice guidance, and quality control inspections: proper installation is critical in high-rise projects, and professional training ensures system reliability.

The company’s long-term support includes technical troubleshooting, maintenance guidance, spare parts availability, documentation, and lifecycle assistance. This ensures building owners and facility managers benefit from dependable drainage performance throughout the building’s operational life.

Quality and sustainability

Geberit maintains strict manufacturing standards with ISO-certified production facilities and rigorous product testing. Sustainability considerations include recyclable HDPE materials, reduced material usage through hydraulic optimisation, long service life to minimise lifecycle impact, and efficient transport due to lightweight components.

Meeting GCC demands

As Gulf cities continue to develop vertically, drainage systems must deliver hydraulic stability, acoustic comfort, durability, and space efficiency. Geberit achieves this by combining the robustness of HDPE building drainage, the acoustic performance of Silent-db20, the shaft-optimising innovation of SuperTube and Silent-db20 SuperTube, and the efficiency of Pluvia siphonic roof drainage.

Geberit provides a comprehensive, technically advanced solution tailored to high-rise and large-scale developments. Supported by expert engineering, installation training and long-term after-sales service, Geberit continues to set the benchmark for drainage performance in the region’s most demanding projects.

The globally operating Geberit Group is a European leader in the field of sanitary products and celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2024. Headquartered in Rapperswil-Jona, Switzerland, the group operates with a strong local presence in most European countries, providing unique added value when it comes to sanitary technology and bathroom ceramics. Its production network encompasses 26 facilities, four of which are located overseas. With around 11,000 employees in more than 50 countries, Geberit generated net sales of CHF3.2 billion ($4.14 billion) in 2025. 

* Louise Pitt is Head of Marketing and Communication, Geberit Gulf Region.