Floods are not defined as a single type, there are actually several types that can be encountered on a daily basis. Reporting these issues to the proper authorities as soon as possible means they will be fixed faster and allow you to get back to your normal daily routine. Different types of floods have different authorities dealing with them. This guide is intended to help you understand the different types of floods and who exactly is responsible for solving them.
Main river or water courses
Contact: The Environment Agency.
The Environment Agency must be notified as soon as any river or watercourse begins to overflow. The Environment Agency also provides a 24-hour ‘flood line’ for information and advice.
If your property is along a river or stream, you are responsible for maintaining the banks, shoulders, and keeping it free of debris. If you fail to do so and cause damage to other properties, you could be liable for lack of maintenance that contributes to flooding.
Floods are not defined as a single type, there are actually several types that can be encountered on a daily basis. Reporting these issues to the proper authorities as soon as possible means they will be fixed faster and allow you to get back to your normal daily routine. Different types of floods have different authorities dealing with them. This guide is intended to help you understand the different types of floods and who exactly is responsible for solving them.
Explosion of hands of water
Contact: The local water supplier – details of who the local water supplier is can be found on the Water UK website.
The local water provider is responsible for your water supply and piping which also includes the tap at your property line. If the flooding originates within your property, then you are in charge of contacting a plumber to fix the problem (or your landlord, if applicable). In the event the flooding spreads to neighboring properties and causes damage, you will be responsible and may 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 (which has copies of all the sewer and drainage systems) will allow them to contact the utility provider responsible for maintaining the public drains and sewers. Direct details of utility providers can also be found on the Water UK website (see above). Alternatively, some sewers and drains are privately owned, so the owners who use them are responsible for maintenance. Since these situations can arise at any time, it is best to check with your insurance provider if you are covered against flooding.
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Floods can strike at any time and for any reason, so it’s best to make sure you have the right home insurance. For those who live in an area with a higher risk of flooding, obtaining the necessary insurance coverage can be difficult. Insurers perceive these areas as “high risk” and try to avoid providing coverage for this reason. However, there are a number of insurance providers willing to provide adequate insurance coverage wherever it is needed, regardless of your situation.
