Common causes of homeowner and business premise flooding
It is a common misconception that flooding can only occur in low-lying areas and seaside or riverside residential areas. In the UK, 1 in 6 homes are at risk of flooding.
The threat of flooding affects properties all over the UK in different ways. It is expected that more areas of the UK may be at risk of flooding in the future, as climate change alters weather patterns. Homeowners and business owners should understand what flooding is, what is caused by it, and what they can do to mitigate its damage.
Broken pipes
Broken pipes can be caused by heavy objects falling on them, or by rough handling during construction or remodelling projects. If you suspect that your pipe has broken, check for water running down the wall near the pipe or under a sink or tub. You may also see water leaking from beneath the floor. It’s important to regularly check your pipes and be aware of where they are outside of the property.
Blocked drains
A clogged drain can also cause flooding in your home. If you suspect that your drain is clogged, you might notice water backing up into sinks and tubs after they are used, especially if they are located near toilets or showers. You may also notice standing water in toilets, bathtubs and sinks after they have been used. Implementing drain guards in kitchen sinks and using a metal mesh drain screen where applicable can help to avoid blockages. We offer a number of options to help clear drains for both domestic and commercial use. You can hire a drain rod to help clear a blockage, or we have a range of plumbing tools to buy that can help with unblocking or maintaining drains. For some guidance, take a look at our blog on “How to unblock a drain”.
Clogged gutters
A blocked gutter can lead to leaks under the roof and then into the walls of your house. When gutters become blocked with leaves or other debris, rainwater will pool in them instead of flowing away from the house through downspouts and drains at the base of each wall. Gutters should be cleaned regularly to ensure that water is always diverted away from your property. An access tower or climbing a tall ladder can help with gutter inspection.
Broken appliances
If you have a washing machine, fridge or dishwasher that's not working properly, it can cause water to overflow and flood your kitchen. Faulty appliances can be caused by improper installation or faulty hoses. It's important that you check these appliances regularly to ensure they're working properly and that they aren't leaking. If left unattended or broken, flooding can occur.
Foundation damage
Foundation damage is one of the most common reasons for flooding in a property. This can happen when there is too much water around your home or when there are cracks in your foundation walls that allow water to leak through. If this should happen to your home, foundation repair is critical to avoid bad flooding. It is recommended that anyone living in a high risk area looks into foundation damage before bad weather, this helps to prepare for unprecedented circumstances.
How to assess your flood risk
Flood damage costs the UK around £1.3 billion a year, with low income households and business premises facing the majority of the consequences both physically and financially.
While flooding is mostly unpredictable, there are steps you can take to figure out your level of risk in order to best prepare for these often destructive circumstances.
Flooding can occur anywhere, but some areas are more at risk than others. If you are a homeowner or business owner you can quickly understand your property’s risk by entering the postcode into the government Flood Warnings page. You can also sign up to flood warning alerts.
Flood planning maps show where flooding is likely to occur, so you can assess your risk and take appropriate measures to protect yourself and your property. They assess the level of risk based on a number of factors, including:
- The likelihood of flooding in your area based on previous flooding
- The type and volume of water that could be present if flooding occurs (e.g. how much rain will fall in a short period)
- The location and type of buildings in your area (e.g. whether they are built on soft or hard ground)
- Your location relative to rivers and other waterways (e.g. whether there is a nearby riverbank)
Despite knowing your property is at risk of flooding, the interactive maps or records held by your local council may not answer the underlying questions. You could ask a flooding specialist questions like: From which direction will water come? What is the likelihood of flooding in the area? How can I protect my home?
3 ways flood damage could affect your home or business
Flooding can have a devastating impact on your home or business. It can cause water damage and mould, cause structural damage and even lead to loss of belongings. As you can imagine, these issues are not only costly but also incredibly frustrating and timely to fix.
Flood damage can affect your home or business in a number of ways, depending on the type of flood and how high the waters reached.