Flooding isn't defined as one single type, there are actually several types which can be encountered on a daily basis. Reporting these problems to the appropriate authorities as soon as possible means that they will be fixed quicker allowing you to return back to your normal daily routine. Different types of flooding have different authorities who deal with them. This guide is aimed at helping you to understand the different types of flooding and who exactly is in charge of resolving them.
Main River or from Watercourses
Contact: The Environment Agency.
The Environment Agency should be notified as soon as any river or watercourse starts to overflow. The Environment Agency also provide a 24hr 'Floodline' for information and advice.
Should your property be adjoined to a river or watercourse, you are then responsible for the maintenance of the banks, verges as well as keeping it free from debris. If you fail to do this and it leads to the damage of other properties, you could be held liable for lack of maintenance contributable to flooding.
Flooding isn't defined as one single type, there are actually several types which can be encountered on a daily basis. Reporting these problems to the appropriate authorities as soon as possible means that they will be fixed quicker allowing you to return back to your normal daily routine. Different types of flooding have different authorities who deal with them. This guide is aimed at helping you to understand the different types of flooding and who exactly is in charge of resolving them.
Burst Water Mains
Contact: The local water supplier - details of who the local water supplier is can be found at the Water UK website.
The local water supplier is responsible for your water supply and pipes which also include the stopcock on the boundary of your property. If the flooding originates from within your property, then you are in charge of contacting a plumber to resolve the problem (or the landlord if applicable). Should the flooding spread to neighbouring properties and cause damage, you are then held accountable and you could be liable for compensation claims.
Drains and Roads
Contact: Local authorities in charge of road maintenance - details of who to contact in your local area can be found on the Directgov website.
Notifying the local council (who have copies of all sewage and drainage systems) will enable them to contact the utility provider responsible for maintaining public drains and sewers. Direct details of the utility providers can also be found on the Water UK website (see above). Alternatively, some sewers and drainage are owned privately therefore making the property owners using them liable for maintenance. Seeing as these situations can arise at any time, it is best to check with you insurance provider that you are covered for flooding.
Insurance
Floods can arise at any time for any reason, therefore it is best to ensure that you have the appropriate home insurance. For those who live within an area at a greater risk of flooding, obtaining the necessary insurance cover can be somewhat difficult. Insurers perceive these areas to be 'high risk' and try to avoid providing coverage for this reason. However, there are a number of insurance providers will to provide the appropriate insurance coverage where need irrespective of your situation.
It is best to shop around when looking for flooding insurance. Never settle on the first price your are offered as their could be another provider who can provide you with better cover for a better price.
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