Flood damage checks to carry out after a storm in 2024

Has a storm passed you by recently and you’re worried about flood damage? Here’s how to avoid and respond to protect your home.

Courtesy of BBC News: Cars have been lifted off their wheels after the Ebbw River burst its banks and flooded Pandy Park at Cross Keys, near Newport
Courtesy of BBC News: Cars have been lifted off their wheels after the Ebbw River burst its banks and flooded Pandy Park at Cross Keys, near Newport

How concerned should you be about flood damage?

Let’s face it, the UK’s weather can be a bit of a rollercoaster. One minute it’s sunny, the next it’s a downpour that could rival Noah’s Ark. And with climate change throwing a spanner in the works, the risk of flooding is becoming a serious concern for many homeowners.

So, should you be worried about your home getting soaked? Well, it depends. If you have a sprinkler system installed, and it was done properly by a certified installer, then the risk of flood damage from the sprinklers themselves is no more significant a risk than that from your central heating system. Check out our post on this for more information.

If you live in a flood risk area, it’s definitely worth paying attention. You can check your property’s flood risk on the Environment Agency’s website.

But don’t panic just yet! There are steps you can take to protect your home, which we’ll cover. Some of these might seem like extra expenses, but they could save you a lot of heartache (and money) in the long run. For more tips, check out the Flood Hub.

Remember, being prepared is key. By taking these steps, you can rest easy knowing that your home is protected from the worst that the weather can throw at it.

Is flood damage common after a storm?

There have been several high profile incidents involving flood damage in the UK in recent years. While the issue fortunately isn’t the norm, it is becoming more frequent, with the UN encouraging countries around the world to declare a climate emergency since 2020. Examples in the UK from the last five years include:

Storm Bert

Storm Bert hit the UK in November 2024, bringing with it a mix of strong winds, heavy rain, and even some snow. The storm caused significant disruption across the country, particularly in coastal areas where high winds and large waves led to coastal erosion and property damage.

Many regions experienced power outages, travel disruptions, and flooding due to the heavy rainfall. Emergency services were called into action to respond to incidents such as fallen trees, road closures, and structural damage.

Pontypridd

Storm Bert brought widespread flooding to the UK in November 2024, and Pontypridd was one of the areas hardest hit. The River Taff burst its banks, submerging homes and businesses. Residents were forced to evacuate as floodwaters rose rapidly. Emergency services worked tirelessly to rescue those trapped and provide assistance. The aftermath of the flood left many homes and businesses damaged, with cleanup efforts continuing for weeks.

This is actually the second time that the area has been hit by flooding, with further floods in 2020 after Storm Dennis.

A photo from above of the flood damage from Storm Bert in 2024. A life raft can be seen set up.

East Lancashire

Similarly, East Lancashire has been battered by floods several times over the last few years following on from storms.

Courtesy of The Sun. The water level in Todmorden nearly reached the top of this car.

2019 to 2020 floods

The UK experienced a period of severe flooding between 2019 and 2020. From the winter of 2019 to early 2020, heavy rainfall and storms battered the country, causing widespread damage and disruption.

Some of the worst-affected areas included South Yorkshire, the Midlands, and parts of the South West. In South Yorkshire, towns like Doncaster and Rotherham were particularly hard-hit. The River Don burst its banks, leading to significant flooding in residential and commercial areas.

The Environment Agency provided updates and flood warnings during this period. You can find more information on the agency’s website.

While the flooding caused substantial damage and inconvenience, it also highlighted the importance of flood prevention measures and climate change adaptation. Many communities affected by the floods have since implemented measures to reduce future flood risk, such as building flood defenses and improving drainage systems.

Checks to make to your sprinkler system

Electrical and gas connections

It’s safest to address this as your home begins to flood. If water begins to breach the premises, electrical equipment can be turned off centrally at the fuse box. Any equipment which can be taken upstairs should be, to avoid water damage altogether.

Once the flood begins to subside, the Government recommends avoiding using gas or electrical appliances altogether. They recommend getting an electrician to check these devices properly.

Sprinkler systems include electrical equipment. Anything which is mains fed should be tested by an electrician. Some devices are battery operated (such as alarms and monitors). These devices may be safer to assess by a lay person, but it is still recommended that you hire an electrician to ensure that the devices still operate as they were intended to.

Pump tests

A key electrical component is the sprinkler pump. Once the electrical connections have been assessed and turned back on, the pump itself should be checked. When the pump is first turned on, note should be made of any error messages that appear or alarms which sound. If there are no events like this, the pump should still be monitored for the next few pump tests.

Sprinkler pumps are required to be tested at least weekly. Typically, modern devices include a self-test feature, which is then recorded within the pumps logs. These logs should be monitored to ensure that the test continue to provide the expected results and take place when required.

Please contact us so that we can appoint a specialist to carry out these checks on your behalf.

External pump houses and tanks

Some properties position their pumps and tanks externally. These components are particularly at risk from the elements and should be thoroughly checked for leaks. Shelters should be assessed to identify any damage to the covers and insulation. Heating devices should also be tested to ensure correct operation.

Please contact us so that we can appoint a specialist to carry out these checks on your behalf.

Underground pipework

The water brought by a storm can pool in places which weren’t designed for the weight. Pools of water which may build up in dips in your driveway, and other areas, can push the surface downwards, potentially crushing any pipe which lies beneath.

These leaks aren’t always the easiest to spot. Fortunately, specialist leak detection companies exist to find these issues in the most efficient manner.

Exposed external pipework

Exposed external pipe is more susceptible to the elements than that in your home itself. This can often be assessed by eye. If the pipe is intended to be a ‘wet pipe’ (permanently filled with water), then it should be trace heated and lagged. Trace heating will require a further electrical inspection.

Dry pipes in domestic properties are usually used for warning and overflow pipes. These can be checked by eye, but should be checked from up close.

Incoming mains

The incoming mains will typically relied upon to ensure that your sprinkler tank stays full. These pipes aren’t immune to flood damage either. Common symptoms of a leaking mains pipe include:

  • Constantly spinning water meter;
  • Increased water bills;
  • Damp smells and patches;
  • Low water pressure;
  • Noise of flowing water or dripping.

Again, a specialist leak detection company can be employed to assess if any damage of this kind exists.

Other checks to make and steps to take

Authorities, including the Government, Fire Service, and private organisations such as Flood Hub, offer several detailed guides which explain how to respond to a flood. Key action points include:

Go inside safely

Accoding to Staffordshire Fire Service: if you left your home during the flood, you may find that the door is difficult to open when you return. This may be because the door is swollen (particularly if its made from wood), but it may also be because the ceiling above is about to (or already) come down. If the door sticks at the top, wait outside for a minute or two after opening in case the ceiling is about to come down. Otherwise, it should be safe to enter and apply force. Do not use a candle or naked flame upon entering, and extinguish any cigarettes.

Courtesy of Devon Live

Checking for gas leaks and loose power lines

Staffordshire Fire Service recommend looking for gas leaks and loose power lines. If your cables were installed by a certified electrician, they should be clipped at spacings designed to avoid the cables falling into a dangerous position. However, these clips may still come loose in a storm.

Take photos

Take photos before you start cleaning up. This can highlight the damage which insurers will need to consider. Include any damaged items, but also the water line. Taking a photo of the water line can help loss assessors understand what items were affected by the water directly, and possibly submerged.

The damage which results from a wet carpet is not to be dismissed but is still very different to the damage which follows from every plug socket on the lower floor being submerged. Confirming the water line by taking a photo of it on the walls can make this portion easier to assess.

Contact your landlord and / or insurance company

If this applies, they will each have their own responsibilities, which can take a lot of weight off of you.

Be careful of tap water and food in the home

As explained above, the mains water is not immune from damage. If there is any change to the smell or colour of your tap water, avoid drinking it. Similarly, if your food was stored below the flood line, or in a fridge and freezer which is no longer operating, this food may need to be thrown out.

Clear up

The Government have issued a guide on how to clear up safely after a flood.

Slab damage

Some flood damage may not become apparent for some time. Plumbing which runs below the slab can cause damage and damp which may not be immediately obvious. The situation should be monitored for some time after cleaning up.

How we can help

During the installtion

If your home is known to be in an area which is at risk of flooding. We can factor this into the design. It may be advisable, for example, to install pumps in the loft space. This would minimise the risk of damage during a flood.

After a flood

We can come to assess the damage to your system after a flood and ensure that you don’t inadvertently put yourself at risk of a fire. Notably: there is an increased risk of fire following floods due to the impact upon the gas and electrical systems.

How to protect your home and sprinkler system from flood damage in future

Check the flood history of a property before you move in

The Association of British Insurers suggests that the following steps are taken to identify flood risk when buying a home:

  • Review the Environment Agencies’ flood maps.
  • Ask the seller or estate agent about any risk. They have a duty to disclose.
  • Ask neighbors and local residents about their experiences.
  • Ensure that your conveyancing solicitor is carrying out a search on flood risk as part of their Environmental Data Search.
  • Commission a Full Flood Risk Report, if it is found that there is a risk.
  • Speak with potential insurers about any potential risk
  • If you discover the property has experienced flooding in the past, it’s a good idea to check if it is now protected by a Flood Defence Scheme which may have reduced the risk.

Monitor the flood risk

Homes can become a flood risk due to changes in the landscape or due to nearby developments. This should be monitored and responded to regularly.

Tell your sprinkler installer if your area is or becomes a flood risk

If you find that your home is at risk and you either get or have sprinklers installed. It’s a good idea to inform your installer. This is to allow them to factor this in to their design and mitigate any damage.

Create a personal flood emergency plan

Should the worst happen, the Government have detailed steps to take and how to prepare a flood plan. The process is similar to preparing a fire evacuation strategy.

Install flood prevention measures

As well as joining a local flood action group, you can take steps within your own home to protect yourself from flooding. These steps include:

  • Installing non-return valves on pipes and toilets to prevent sewage backing up
  • Installing air brick covers, or water resistant air bricks
  • Sealing exterior walls
  • Landscaping solutions to redirect the flow of water.

Buy insurance

If all else fails, ensure that you have a suitable insurance policy in place which includes for flood damage.

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