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Navigating the Deluge: Tackling Flooding and Drainage Woes Amidst Heavy Rainfall

In the quiet hum of a rainstorm, homes become fortresses against nature’s embrace. Yet, as the current downpours unveiled, even the sturdiest fortresses face challenges. From cascading gutters to overwhelmed drains, heavy rain can wreak havoc on a home’s drainage system. As the waters rise, so does the need for homeowners to safeguard their abodes. In the wake of widespread flooding, let’s explore common drainage and guttering issues triggered by heavy rainfall and discover strategies to fortify our homes against the deluge.

With this winter's heavy rainfall still pounding the UK, it's placing increasing pressure on homeowner's drainage system with some potentially nasty side effects! Infinity ProServ explores all of these issues, and how you can avoid the common pitfalls.

Rising Waters, Rising Flooding Challenges

The recent surge in heavy rainfall has placed homeowners on the frontline of a battle against water intrusion. In Tendring, the first four days of January have already seen 36mm of rainfall; which is 75% of the average for the month! According to the National Flood Forum, over 5 million homes, or 1 in every 5 in the UK are at risk of flooding, underscoring the urgency of addressing drainage vulnerabilities. Data from Flood Re estimates that the average repair bill to a flooded home amounts to £32,000, marking a significant annual cost.

As the skies open up, overwhelmed gutters and sluggish drains become the Achilles’ heel of our homes, inviting potential water damage and flooding. We have outlined below some of the key concerns caused by flooding:

Gutters: The Silent Guardians Overwhelmed

Gutters, the silent defenders of our roofs, often bear the brunt of heavy rain. The UK Met Office reports that some areas experienced rainfall exceeding 200% of the average, placing immense pressure on residential gutters.

When leaves, debris, and other gunk clog your gutters, water has nowhere to go but over the edges, leading to a cascade of problems. From foundation issues to damaged siding and leaky roofs, the repercussions of neglecting gutter maintenance can be severe. It’s therefore vital that you ensure guttering, hoppers, downpipes and outlets remain clear; a regular clearing out a couple of times a year should suffice for this simple maintenance activity.

Surface Water Drainage Woes: A Common Battlefront

Surface water drains, tasked with whisking away excess water, can become inundated during heavy rainfall, leading to localised flooding. The Environment Agency highlights that poorly maintained drains contribute significantly to surface water flooding.

Both urban and rural areas face these challenges alike. The building of homes on flood plains naturally presents a higher risk of water being unable to drain away, but also the expanse of hard landscaping, and increased building in general, with insufficient mains drainage extension exacerbate problems with an already pressured infrastructure. Within rural areas, inadequate drainage improvement of natural watercourses, such as dredging of major rivers, is causing water levels to continually rise, increasing the number of flooding breaches caused each year.

Inadequate drainage capacity, both locally and in terms of major infrastructure is significant, and often exacerbated by outdated or undersized systems. The speed of construction of new developments across Essex and Suffolk are undoubtedly increasing this pressure exponentially, with reports that many homes in the region are equipped with drainage systems below recommended standards. 

Homeowners find themselves grappling with the aftermath – water pooling around properties, infiltrating cellars and footings, and threatening the very foundations of their homes. In the worst examples such as those seen across the UK in recent times, we see entire homes, streets villages and towns completed flooded.

Foul Water Drainage: When The S&*t Really Hits The Fan!

There are of course two main forms of drainage involved within any property; surface water drainage, and foul water drainage. The latter removes sewage or water from a toilets, sinks or has been used for food preparation or washing. For most homes, foul water drainage discharges into a mains sewerage system, and onto a water treatment plant. Within more rural properties, foul water might discharge into a septic tank. 

Given the nature of what a foul water system carries, you wouldn’t want this to overflow, either outside your home, or more worryingly backing up through your toilet and overflowing! Flooding of the sewerage infrastructure can result in this catastrophe. Installing non-return valves should help to dramatically reduce the risk of this happening. Inflatable toilet bungs could offer a quick, more temporary solution also.

Mitigating Flooding Risks: Homeowner’s Toolkit

Beyond professional services, homeowners can play a pivotal role in mitigating risks. We’ve outlined above three of the key risks associated within flooding, however, there are of course others that can occur. Below, though, we have provided a range of steps that homeowners can take to help reduce the impact of flooding:

  1. Regular Maintenance of drainage systems: Ensuring you keep gutters, hoppers, downpipes, outlets and drains clear will help to reduce the risk of them backing up and causing further damage. Surface and foul water drainage may require specialists to undertake their clearing, with services like drain jetting.
  2. Elevate Electrical Systems: Ensure electrical systems and wiring are elevated above potential flood levels to prevent short circuits and electrical hazards.
  3. Install Flood-Resistant Doors and Windows: Consider installing flood-resistant doors and windows to create a watertight barrier and protect the interior of your home.
  4. Elevate Appliances and Utilities: Elevate water heaters, furnaces, and other essential utilities above the potential flood level to prevent damage and ensure functionality.
  5. Invest in Sump Pumps: Sump pumps are invaluable in preventing cellar flooding. Regularly maintain and test these devices to ensure they are in optimal working condition.
  6. Seal Cellar Walls: Apply waterproof sealants (tanking) to cellar walls to prevent water seepage. Consider installing a waterproof membrane for added protection.
  7. Raise Electrical Sockets: Elevate electrical outlets above potential flood levels to avoid water damage and reduce the risk of electrical fires.
  8. Create Graded Slopes: Ensure the ground around your home is properly graded away from the foundation. This helps divert water away from the property, reducing the risk of flooding.
  9. Install Non-Return Valves: Install non-return valves in foul water drains to prevent floodwater and sewage from backing up into your home during heavy rains.
  10. Install Air Brick Covers: Air Bricks are small bricks with holes near to ground level which supply ventilation to your property. But during a flood, they can let in dirty and damaging water. Covers can be installed to limit the penetration of flood water into your house.
  11. Flooring Choices: If you’re considering new flooring for your downstairs, choose materials that are flood resilient rather than carpet. A hard surface like tiling can considerably reduce the damage caused and make for a much easier clean-up.
  12. Planting Considerations: Choose flood-resistant plants and consider creating swales or berms in your landscaping to direct water away from your home.
  13. Flood Barriers and Sandbags: Keep flood barriers and sandbags on hand for temporary protection during sudden flooding events.
  14. Backup Power Source: Invest in a backup power source, such as a generator, to ensure essential systems like sump pumps and emergency lighting continue to function during power outages. This is especially important if you live more remotely and are further from key infrastructure.
  15. Flood Insurance: Secure comprehensive flood insurance coverage for your home. Standard homeowners’ insurance often does not cover flood-related damages. The Government-backed Flood Re service may be a good place to start.
  16. Emergency Preparedness Plan: Develop and regularly review an emergency preparedness plan with all household members. Ensure everyone knows evacuation routes and emergency contact information.
  17. Stay Informed: Keep abreast of local weather forecasts and flood alerts. Early awareness allows for proactive measures and timely evacuation if necessary.

Infinity Home Services: Your Ally Against the Deluge

Enter Infinity Home Services, your ally in protecting your home against the challenges of heavy rainfall. Our expertise extends beyond fixing issues; we specialise in proactive measures to minimise the impact of heavy rainfall and flooding on your property. From efficient gutter installations to strategic drainage solutions, we stand ready to safeguard your home from the ravages of nature.

Weathering the Storm Together

As we weather the storms that nature throws our way, the resilience of our homes lies in preparedness. With the right strategies and partnerships, we can transform our residences into impervious fortresses. Whether it’s upgrading gutters or implementing smart drainage solutions, the path to a flood-resistant home starts with awareness and action. So, as the rains subside, ask yourself: Is your home ready to face the next deluge?

As the storm clouds dissipate, leaving behind a trail of soaked landscapes and tales of drainage woes, it’s crucial for homeowners to take proactive steps. Infinity Home Services offers the assurance needed to navigate the aftermath of heavy rainfall confidently. By investing in proper maintenance and strategic upgrades, you can safeguard your home against the next deluge. After all, isn’t it better to be prepared than caught in the downpour unawares? To get help with preparing for the future, complete the form below, or call us now on 0800 148 8088.

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