What is it?
Sewer flooding is one of the most distressing things that can go wrong with wastewater. It’s when sewage from our network backs up and overflows into homes and gardens. This is usually through the toilet or outside drains.
This is different from sewage pollution which is when sewage gets into local water courses (rivers, seas and lakes etc).
Weather
When we have lots of rain, sometimes our sewers get overwhelmed and can’t carry the water away quick enough.
What do I do if a sewer is flooding my home?
If you experience flooding from a public sewer or think that it's blocked, please call us on 0344 346 2020 so that we can investigate. We’ll clear any blockages and clean up any sewage debris outside your property.
If you have flooding inside your home, we can investigate and put you in touch with experts that can help with the clean up and talk with insurers.
- The first thing to do is call us so that we can investigate and help you through your options.
- If you suffer loss or damage as a result of either internal or external sewer flooding, please contact your insurance company as soon as possible.
Sewage flooding damage is covered by most building insurance policies, and they will be able to advise you on your next steps. This may include arranging cleaning the affected areas, finding temporary accomodation if needed, and any claims you can make for damage and losses.
Who's responsible?
| Location | Description | Responsibility | Contact details |
|---|---|---|---|
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Coastal / Tidal |
Rough seas, high tides or storm overflows on lower land |
|
Devon County Council Highways Cornwall County Council Highways |
|
Groundwater |
Waterlogged ground when water pools on the surface |
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Highways |
Surface water on roads, highways and pavements Blocked road drains / gullies and overgrown verges |
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Rivers and watercourses |
Water draining into rivers and streams from nearby land |
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Surface runoff/ |
Landowners are responsible for their land drainage and must not cause problems for neighbours |
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Surface water |
Most properties drain rainfall to public sewer, including flows from gutters/roads that end up in public sewers. Highway drainage is provided for rainfall onto the highway but in reality also includes water from fields/other property that finds its way onto the highway |
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Private sewers |
Cesspits/ septic tanks, toilets or internal drains |
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Public sewers |
Manholes and covers |
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Learn more about how to protect your property from flooding on the BeFloodReady website.
We're not generally liable for the escape of sewage, but we're sorry for any problems this may have caused. You may be entitled to a Guaranteed Standard of Service payment under our customer promise.
If you're the account holder and believe you're entitled to a Customer Promise Payment, please complete our Sewer flooding claim application form futher down the page.