Last updated: 02 November 2025

Flood Claims

Flooding overwhelms a home from the outside in — rivers bursting banks, surface water after intense rain, or sea surges. The priorities are safety, contamination control, and drying, followed by reinstatement designed to resist future events where practical.

Types of flood

• River/sea: Water from natural sources entering the home.
• Surface water: Heavy rain pooling and entering at door thresholds or air bricks.
• Groundwater: Rising water from the ground itself after prolonged saturation.

Health and safety

Assume flood water is contaminated. Wear gloves and boots; discard soft items soaked in dirty water unless professionally sanitised. Don’t switch on electrics until checked.

Drying and sanitation

After pumping out, expect antimicrobial treatments, removal of plasterboard upstands, and dehumidifiers/air movers. Lime plaster or solid walls may dry slower than studwork.

Resilience measures

• Water-resistant finishes at low levels (e.g., cementitious boards).
• Raised sockets and appliances where feasible.
• Non-porous floor finishes with sealed edges.

Evidence

Photograph water lines inside and out, keep council or Environment Agency warnings, and note the duration of standing water.

Settlement

Large flood claims often proceed in phases: make-safe, strip-out, controlled drying, then reinstatement. Alternative accommodation may apply if the home is uninhabitable.