Sewer flooding

If the problem is thought to be with one of our sewers, we'll organise an initial visit from one of our sewerage teams.

We try to arrive at all reported flooding problems within four hours. However, in the event of severe weather and widespread flooding, it can take us longer. If we do run late, we'll let you know and give you an estimated time of arrival.

Internal sewer flooding, or sewer flooding inside the home, is given priority. If you, or anyone in your household, needs extra support, please let us know.

You can also get extra support by signing up to our free Priority Services here.

Private issues such as blockages or misconnections are the responsibility of the owner - that is either the homeowner or landlord. 

We're still here to help, so please contact us if you're experiencing sewer flooding. Some of our services may be chargeable, but we will make sure you know of any charges before the services are provided.

Find out more about sewer pipe responsibility.

Our team will visit to check the condition of the sewers, and make sure there are no blockages in the public sewerage system. 

Any public-side blockages will be removed immediately to allow the flooding to drain away.

We will also assess the extent and number of properties affected. We'll then be able to prioritise our assistance.

Sewer flooding is usually made up of water and domestic waste from bathrooms and kitchens. During wet weather, it's likely to be diluted by rainwater.

If you use basic hygiene precautions and follow the instructions provided, you're unlikely to be at any increased health risk.

Make sure you:

• wear rubber gloves when clearing up flood water damage and be careful of sharp objects
• use waterproof dressings to cover cuts and wounds
• always wash hands after exposure
• Wash and treat footwear with a mild disinfectant, and
• keep children and pets out of the water.

Try to remove as much of the water from your home or property as possible, including under floorboards, if you have them.

Next, wash down surfaces with hot soapy water until it looks clean, and leave to dry.

Use a household disinfectant on all hard surfaces - follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid any damage if you're unsure.

Use a food-safe disinfectant for any surfaces where you prepare food.

Put your heating on low and open windows to help dry your home quicker.

Make sure your insurer inspects any items of value before you get rid of them.

If the items cannot be saved, you can dispose of them at your local waste centre or through your council's waste collection service. 

Most councils offer a bulky waste collection service too, check with them for more information on charges.

Keep your windows open for ventilation.

If you put your heating on, keep it as low as you can to avoid smells.

When using disinfectant, let the disinfectant sit on the surface before wiping away to give it a chance to break down germs.

Make sure you use basic hygiene when entering any affected areas and during the clean-up - wash your hands thoroughly with anti-bacterial soap, avoid the water where possible and use waterproof plasters and bandages for any cuts.

We don't recommend using disinfectants on your garden or lawn as this will kill your plants or grass.

Once the water has been removed or drained away, leave the outdoor space to be naturally disinfected by the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. It's proven to be effective at killing bacteria.