Flood prevention
Contents
- Community and landowners
- Home owners preventing flooding
- Businesses preventing flooding
Home owners preventing flooding
You have the right to defend your property from flooding, however, this should not be to the detriment of your neighbours.
You can buy flood protection measures for your home, such as door barriers, air brick covers or pumps, from several different providers.
Protect entry points for drains, pipes and cables
Small holes where pipes and cables go through walls can allow flood water into a property. A sealant or other products can be used to block up these gaps.
Protect basements
Basements or cellars may be at risk of flooding from rising groundwater levels. They can be sealed using a 'tanking' system to make them completely waterproof. Basements may also need a pump for any water that seeps through.
Protect doorways
Doorways are the most obvious route for flood water to enter a building. Purpose-built doors are available which are entirely flood-proof, or removable barriers can be installed against the door opening.
Protect external walls
Some house constructions may allow flood water to seep through the walls, damaging the building. External walls can be rendered or sealed with a range of products to make them more waterproof. Brick buildings may also need to be re-pointed.
Protect air bricks
There are two ways of protecting air bricks from allowing flood water into a property. Temporary covers can be fitted over the air bricks in time of flood, or new air bricks can be installed which are flood proof.
Protect garages
Garages may be attached to the property by a door and therefore represent a key route for flood water to enter the property. Garages themselves may also store valuable equipment which could be damaged by flooding. Garages can have barriers installed to prevent floodwater from entering and protect equipment.
Re-landscape gardens
Gardens can be landscaped or profiled to divert surface runoff away from properties and towards areas of open space, to limit the damage caused by flooding.
More guidance
Last updated 14 February 2024