Sewer Flooding


Public sewers are designed to protect properties from the risk of flooding in normal wet weather conditions. However, with extreme weather conditions there will always be a flooding risk and unfortunately there are occasions when sewer flooding does occur.

 

We understand the distress and inconvenience this may cause, particularly when sewage enters your home.  We aim to deal with problems relating to flooding promptly and to assist as much as possible afterwards.

 

Flooding from sewers can occur for other reasons as well, including blockages.  If a drain or sewer is blocked and wastewater is still being discharged into it, serious flooding can occur, as the water will build up and escape through manhole covers. 

 

Common causes of blockages include:

  • Fat and grease which mixes with other debris in the sewer and solidifies to form a very hard coating to the inside of the sewer pipe.  The build up of fats and greases in the sewer cause a narrowing of the pipe and restricts flows, or in some cases forms a complete blockage.
  • Paper and cloth, including disposable nappies can expand in water to block the sewer pipe.
  • Sometimes sediments and silt coming off roadways settle on the bottom of the pipe due to low flows in the sewer.  In some pipelines the normal self-cleaning flow of wastewater is insufficient to maintain a free flow and can build up causing a restriction.

 

What to do if your sewer floods.


In the event of flooding from sewers please call us on Waterline 0845 7440088  as quickly as possible, so that we can give you help and advice.  We try to be on site within four hours of receiving your call. If you have been affected by water escaping from a public sewer, we will, wherever possible, assist with any clearing up. 


Customers with mobility problems or who are visually impaired may find it difficult to exit their home in complete safety as a result of water or sewage ingress. If you are on our ‘Special care’ register and you inform us that you are being flooded, we will be able to prioritise your call more effectively. To register, please call us on Waterline: 0845 744 0088.

 

We are not legally liable for loss or damage by flooding from public sewers unless we have been negligent. If you are affected by flooding and it has resulted in loss or damage to your property, you should contact your insurance company as soon as possible.

 

 

 

 

Contact Information
Waterline 0845 744 0088
(Lines open 24 hours 7 days
a week)

Typetalk for customers with hearing difficulties - 0800 0515 446