What causes surface water flooding?
Surface water flooding happens when heavy rain cannot drain away. It can occur on roads, gardens and driveways. Hard surfaces make it worse, because water cannot soak into the ground.
Blocked gullies and overloaded sewers add to the problem. Meanwhile, drains designed years ago may struggle with today’s heavier downpours. Flat ground can also let water collect.
Checking your property’s flood risk
You can check long-term flood risk for a property in England using the government’s online flood risk service. It covers rivers, the sea and surface water. Other parts of the UK have their own tools, so search for your nation’s service.
Use the results as a guide, not a promise. Local knowledge helps too. Ask neighbours about past floods, since official maps may not show every problem.
What drainage maintenance has to do with it
Clear drains move water away faster, because nothing holds it back. Blocked gullies, gutters and soakaways make flooding more likely. Regular cleaning is cheap compared with flood damage.
Check the drains before heavy rain is forecast. Remove leaves and debris. Our garden drainage advice may help if water collects in your garden.
Flood resilience measures for drainage
You can fit non-return valves to some drains, since they stop water flowing backwards. Raising electrical sockets and using water-resistant materials can help too. Ask a qualified professional what suits your home.
Direct water away from the house with a slope or channel. Avoid paving the whole front garden, since hard surfaces send more water into the drains. Permeable paving lets rain soak in.
Insurance and flood risk
Insurers may ask about flood risk when you buy cover, so answer every question honestly. Be honest and give full answers. Keep records of drain maintenance and any flood protection work.
Read your policy for what it covers. If you have had a flood, tell your insurer straight away. Ask them what evidence they need.
New build requirements: SUDS
Sustainable drainage systems slow down and store rainwater. They include ponds, swales and permeable surfaces. Planning policy in England expects them on many new developments.
Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 has not been brought into force in England as far as published sources show. Check with your local council for the rules that apply to your plans.
Related guides and local help
If you want to know more, read Garden Drainage Solutions: How to Fix a Waterlogged Garden. You can also read Seasonal Drainage and Plumbing Guide: What to Do Each Season and Gutters and Downpipes: A Simple Care Guide for UK Homes, because they cover closely related problems.
These guides help too: Drain Maintenance Contracts: What They Cover, Who Needs One, 10 Drainage and Plumbing Checks Before an HMO Inspection, Building Regulations for Drainage: What You Need to Know, HMO Plumbing and Drainage: Requirements and Best Practice and DIY Drain Maintenance: What to Do and What to Leave to Pros. Each one explains a related topic in plain English.
Need help near you? Read our drain jetting page first, or see Drain Jetting in Beckenham and Drain Jetting in Bedford. You can also see Blocked Drains in Cleveleys, since every service page has a free quote form. We pass each request to a local drainage engineer.
