What to do if your house floods

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Flooded street

If your home’s been hit by flooding it’s most important for you and your family to stay safe.

A flood is one of the most damaging and distressing things that can happen to your home. Recent years have seen devastating floods invade homes throughout the UK, and with global warming on the rise, it’s an unfortunate likelihood that similar disasters are on the not-so-distant horizon.

At least 5.2 million homes in England are at risk of flooding.. This doesn’t even account for the large number of properties that are at risk of flooding in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

If you’re worried about the risk of flooding, you’re thinking about buying a house in a flood risk area, or you want to reduce losses from flooding, make sure you have all the facts about floods by reading this guide.

Flood zone definitions

The Environment Agency defines flood zones to determine the risk of an area flooding. As well as affecting planning regulations, flood zones give home buyers a general idea of how likely their property is to be affected by flooding.

Flood zone 1 areas have been assessed as having less than 0.1% chance of flooding from rivers or the sea each year. This means that, according to flood zone definitions, the chances of a property in flood zone 1 being affected by floods are one in 1,000 each year.

Flood zone 2 areas have been assessed as having between 0.1% and 1% chance of flooding from rivers, or between 0.1% and 0.5% of flooding from the sea each year. Properties in flood zone 2 therefore have between one in 1,000 and one in 100 chance of flooding from rivers, or between one in 1,000 and one in 200 chance of flooding from the sea each year.

Flood zone 3 areas have been assessed as having more than 1% chance of flooding from rivers, or more than 0.5% chance of flooding from the sea each year. Properties in flood zone three therefore have at least one in 100 chance of flooding from rivers, and at least one in 200 chance of flooding from the sea each year.

Flood zone 3b areas are classified as functional flood plains, and so have the highest risk of flooding from rivers or the sea. These areas usually have at least a 5% risk, a one in 20 chance, of flooding each year.

Checks to make when buying a house in a flood risk area

The Environment Agency’s long term flood risk assessment tool allows you to check the probability of an area in England flooding. Areas are graded from ‘high’ to ‘very low’ based on the following possible causes of flooding:

  1. Seawater flooding (coastal floods)
  2. River flooding (fluvial floods)
  3. Surface water flooding (pluvial floods)

Similar tools exist for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The estate agent or seller may be able to tell you if the property you’re thinking of buying has a history of flooding. Checking with neighbours and other local residents is also a good idea.

If the property has flooded in the past, check if there’s a Flood Defence Scheme in place now – this will aim to protect the property and may lower the flood risk.

If you do choose to buy, your conveyancing solicitor should perform an Environmental Data Search, identifying the flood risk of the property you’re buying. If this uncovers even a low risk of flooding, you should request a full flood risk report to get all the details.

Getting a mortgage for a property in a flood zone

Getting a mortgage for a property in a flood zone may not be easy, but it isn’t impossible. Generally, the more severe the flood risk, the fewer options you’ll have.

Bear in mind that having buildings insurance is usually a condition of getting a mortgage, so if you can’t insure a property, you’ll probably be unable to mortgage it too.

Selling a house in a flood risk area

If and when you come to sell a house in a flood risk area, there are a couple of things you should bear in mind. Firstly, you might want to be honest and up front about any flooding that’s occurred in the property in the past. Any flooding will show up on the searches carried out by the buyer’s solicitor anyway.

You’ll also need to accept that you may not be able to sell the property for as much as it might be worth if it wasn’t in a flood risk area.

Does buying a house in a flood zone affect home insurance?

If the property you’re purchasing is in a high flood risk area, it could have an impact on your home insurance price. Bear in mind this doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be worse off in the long run, as it’s likely that a property in a flood risk area is for sale at a lower price than it might be elsewhere.

Flood Re, a scheme established by the government, caps premiums for homes with a significant risk of flooding. Admiral uses Flood Re to provide more affordable home insurance to homes at risk of flood, so it’s worth seeing if you can get cover if your home's in a flood risk area.

Short-term preventative measures for flooding

If your house is at risk from flooding, there are steps you can take to prepare and limit the potential damage.

As a short-term fix, sandbags used with plastic sheets can help prevent water getting in if there’s a flash flood. Your council may have these kinds of protective materials for you to borrow.

There are also more robust flood-protection products available such as temporary flood barriers and guards. You can also buy hydrosnakes as a replacement for sandbags. Be sure that what you buy has a BSI kitemark.

To minimise flood damage in your home:

  • Don’t fit carpets downstairs – tiles are much less likely to be damaged by flooding
  • Move power points higher up the walls in at-risk rooms and consider mounting your TV on the wall
  • Install non-return valves in drains to help stop water coming back up during a flash flood
  • Move valuable possessions (including your passport and important documents) upstairs
  • Take what electrical items you can upstairs. Not only might they get damaged, but could be really dangerous if they come into contact with water

Things to keep handy:

  • A mobile phone plus a collection of useful numbers written down as a backup
  • First-aid kit and blankets
  • A torch in case of power cut
  • Home insurance details - you’ll need to contact your insurer as soon as possible if you need to make a claim. Admiral has a 24-hour helpline to assist if you need help or advice

If you have a car that you think may be affected, try to park it further uphill if you can.

Protect your home from flooding in future

If your home’s prone to flooding year after year, it makes sense to take more long-term measures.

Sockets, fuse boxes and wiring should be raised 1.5 metres off the floor where possible.

If you have carpeted or vinyl floors, for example, you can replace these with ceramic tiles or wood. Water-resistant doors and window frames are available, as is water-resistant sealant for outside walls and doors. You can also fit flood-proof skirting boards around the property.

Properties often have air bricks installed for ventilation but as they’re not impermeable, they may allow flood water to seep in. You can buy covers for them, but you can also get smart air bricks which seal up the vents under certain conditions. This is especially useful as it means you don’t have to cover them manually, giving you peace of mind if you’re away from home when a flood hits.

Again, be sure that anything you buy has a BSI kitemark, as it will have been thoroughly tested by the British Standards Institution and the Environment Agency.

How to prevent water leaks

Escape of water is one of the most common claims on home insurance, especially in the winter. The smallest of leaks can release a lot of water and cause problems with plasterwork, carpets and your possessions.

Our trace and access cover can help source and fix a leak.

Although escape of water can be caused by several different problems, some of the most common causes are:

  • Leaks in the bathroom
  • Frozen pipes caused by cold weather

It’s impossible to guarantee your home will remain leak-free but there are some simple steps you can take to reduce the risk:

If you’re thinking of doing some DIY you may want to invest in a stud finder which helps you locate pipes behind walls and under floorboards

Your insurance may include the condition that your unoccupied property is regularly checked. Check policy terms for restrictions during un-occupancy

You could install flood detection which will notify you of a leak. It will automatically switch off the water supply if it detects any of these faults, or if the water hasn’t been used in the property for some time

  • Clean gutters or downspouts
  • Make sure you know where the stopcock is and check you can turn it on and off
  • Try to keep the seals around the shower and bath well maintained

Following the tips in the next section will also help to prevent your pipes bursting due to freezing and then splitting.

How to spot a leak in your home

You should always be vigilant especially in the winter as the earlier you catch the leak the better. Signs of a leak include:

  • Hearing running water
  • Dirt or air in your running water
  • Seeing running water or wet patches around the house, or garden during a dry spell
  • Spotting plants growing near pipe work, especially when the weather is warm
  • Cracked paving, potholes and sinkholes appearing
  • A noticeable reduction in water pressure
  • Water bills increase or metered customers might see an increase in usage

External water leaks between property and boundary – whose responsibility is it?

All water companies have a code of practice on this issue.

If there is a leak on your supply pipe, you are responsible for repairing it. If there is a leak on your side of the meter, public footpath or external stop valve, it’s your responsibility to fix it.

If it’s the first time it’s happened to you and it’s not too expensive, your water company may repair the leak – but they’re not obliged to.

The water company is responsible for the water mains in the ground and normally for the communication pipe. This is the part of the service pipe leading to your boundary from the mains. Outside stop valves are often the property of the water company and should be maintained by them.

Problems with the water meter are the responsibility of the water company. If the leak is due to a damaged water pipe, or if the pipe bursts, responsibility for fixing it depends on which part of the pipe is damaged.

If you rent your property, your landlord is responsible for maintaining the supply pipe.

If your supply pipe serves other properties, you may share the responsibility. Check the title deed of your property for more information about whose responsibility it is to maintain the supply price.

How to prevent leaks in unoccupied properties

If your property's unoccupied you need to let your insurer know and in some circumstances you may need alternative cover. Some insurers enforce a 30-day rule where they'll stop covering a property left unoccupied for more than 30 consecutive days, while others will restrict cover.

Here are some tips on maintaining your home if you’re away:

  • Turn off the water 
  • Admiral’s policy booklet states the house must be constantly heated if you’re away from home for more than five days. If there’s severe weather forecast, you should leave your heating on day and night at your usual temperature setting, whether you’re home or not
  • If it’s very cold you should think about leaving the loft door open as this will allow warm air to circulate and will help prevent pipes freezing

Consider asking a friend or relative to check up on your house every day. That way, if a pipe bursts when you’re away, it’ll be seen as soon as possible, and any damage minimised

What to do before a flood

If a flood’s forecast, call the Environmental Agency's Floodline on 0845 988 1188 for the latest information and tune into a local radio/TV stations. 

If you're advised to leave your home by the authorities, follow any instructions they give and leave your property as secure as possible.

  • Alert your neighbours, particularly if they’re elderly, disabled or vulnerable
  • If you can, move any vehicles to higher levels
  • Put any flood protection products you have in place such as airbrick covers, temporary toilet seals, floorboards (to fit around windows and doors), sandbags (stuff pillow cases or plastic bags with earth if you don’t have sandbags) and weigh down sink and bath plugs by heavy objects to stop water back flowing up the pipes
  • Turn off gas, electricity and water supplies at the mains when flood water is about to enter your home, if safe to do so, to help prevent contamination or fire
  • Clear any cellars or basements of any valuables and soft furnishings, and generally move as much furniture as you can safely upstairs. Alternatively, if possible, raise the furniture up on bricks or blocks
  • Any sentimental or precious items should be stored carefully and moved upstairs or out of your home
  • Keep important documents in watertight plastic bags either in a high place, upstairs or out of your home
  • If you can, roll up rugs and carpets and put them upstairs. Likewise, lift curtains over the rail so they are kept above the flood water
  • Outside the house, move anything not fixed down to a safer location: barbecue, dustbins, garden furniture etc 
  • Make plans to protect your pets. Move outdoor pets, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, into your home, and keep dogs and cats safely inside
  • Unplug all electrical items and store them high or upstairs. Any large appliances that can’t be moved upstairs, such as washing machines or cookers could be raised on bricks 

What to do during a flood

The most important thing is to stay safe. Follow any instructions from your local authority or emergency services as they may decide to evacuate you. If you’re evacuated, leave your property as secure as possible and emergency accommodation will be provided at a rest centre set up for you. 

You can arrange to stay with family or friends, or under your insurance policy we may be able to source alternative accommodation. Don’t forget to let the police or local authority know you’re safe. 

  • Remember, water and electricity do not mix: do not touch sources of electricity while standing in water or when wet. If your electricity supply isn’t switched off ask a suitably qualified person to deal with this. Similarly, don’t turn the gas on until it’s been checked by a professional and it's safe to do so
  • Don’t walk through moving water: as little as six inches of moving water can make you fall and the water might be concealing tripping/falling hazards beneath
  • Wash your hands thoroughly if you touch flood water as it’s likely to be contaminated and could contain sewage
  • Don’t return home unless you’re told by authorities that it’s safe to do so

What to do after your house floods

The extent of damage can initially appear considerable, however don’t assume all is lost as a lot of items can be restored by specialist restorers.

Don’t throw away anything until you’ve spoken to your home insurance company – more on that below.

Recognise your limitations and only undertake tasks you can comfortably manage. Anyone who’s elderly as well as children and people with immune system deficiencies should avoid entering a flooded property until it’s been deemed safe to do so. 

Cleaning up after a flood

  • Wear rubber gloves, waterproofs, a face mask and welly boots, and watch out for any broken glass or sharp objects if you are clearing up
  • Boil tap water until supplies have been declared safe
  • If using a generator, make sure it’s outside in the open air to prevent the build of carbon monoxide fumes
  • If you’re able, and it’s safe to do so, remove mud and standing water, clean and disinfect 
  • The Environmental Agency emphasises the importance of remembering that flood water can carry hazards such a sewage, chemicals and animal waste 
  • Ventilate your home by opening windows/doors; this will help the initial drying process
  • Contact your gas, electricity and water companies to have your supplies checked before you turn them back on. Don’t touch sources of electricity when standing in flood water 
  • Throw away any food affected by flood water, but keep a list of the items for your insurance claim 
  • A garden hose is useful for washing down contaminated areas. Avoid using a pressure washer as this will make contaminates airborne 

Keeping a record 

  • Take photographs of any damaged goods and property
  • Make a list of the damaged contents of your home including makes and models wherever possible as this will help speed up the claims process
  • Keep any receipts for items replaced or accounts in respect of any emergency repairs that you’ve had carried out

James Dalton, Director, General Insurance Policy at the Association of British Insurers said: "Flooding brings misery to homeowners and businesses, which is why insurers are pulling out all the stops to help their customers recover as soon as possible.

"While it will take time for badly flooded properties to fully dry out, insurers will arrange temporary alternative accommodation while properties are uninhabitable."

Contacting your insurance company after a flood

Call your insurer for advice and to get your claim moving. If you have Admiral Home Insurance, you can call us on 0333 220 2035 - lines are open 24 hours a day for new claims.

To help us progress your claim quickly, make sure you have the following details when you call:

  • Your policy number
  • Full address of the property covered
  • The date and time of the flood
  • The cause of the loss or damage
  • Claim value, if known
  • Details of any person responsible for the incident
  • Any relevant documents or photographs to support your claim
  • Receipts

Only return to your home after a flood when it is safe to do so. The initial drying of your property can take weeks or even months, depending on how long the water was in your property, and how deep it was. 

We’ll take all possible steps to make sure your home’s repaired and returned to normal as quickly as possible. We’ll also support your recovery of a traumatic and upsetting experience. 

It can take weeks, sometimes longer, for a property to fully dry out so don’t rush to redecorate.

Help for people living in high risk flood areas

If your property's listed in a high-risk area you’ll more than likely be familiar with high costs for home insurance or have even faced difficulties getting cover at all.

But the introduction of Flood Re a few years ago has seen more than 200,000 properties benefit from the government scheme, which is backed by a number of UK insurers, including Admiral.

Aiming to give homeowners a wider range of flood insurance options at more affordable rates, Flood Re works by charging all home insurers a fee, it's this fee plus other charges covered by insurers that pay for any associated flood claims.

Flood insurance

With the considerable upheaval that flooding can cause, choosing insurance that covers you against the possibility of a flood is vitally important.

Homes built before 2009 may be eligible for the Flood Re scheme, making insurance costs with a trusted provider like Admiral more accessible and affordable.

Get a quote for your property to find out what you can expect to pay for flood insurance.

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