Types of Flooding

Types of Flooding

To many people, a flood is a flood? However, there are different types of flooding events that can affect your property.  It might even be the case that your home or building is being affected by more than one type of flood.  Below, we explore the most common types of flooding that may affect your property.

Sewer flooding

When sewage escapes from the pipe through a manhole, drain, or by backing up through toilets, baths and sinks, this is known as sewer flooding. 

Sewer flooding can be caused by a blockage in a sewer pipe or a failure of equipment when too much water enters the sewers from storm run-off (from roads and fields), rivers and watercourses which have overflowed. If the sewage enters a building, it is called ‘internal flooding’. If it floods gardens, or surrounding areas such as roads or public spaces, it is called ‘external flooding’.

River flooding

River flooding occurs when rivers and streams are unable to carry away floodwaters within their usual drainage channels. Adjacent low-lying properties and land are then liable to be flooded. 

River flooding can cause widespread and extensive damage because of the sheer volume of water, and may be longer-lasting and more difficult to drain away. Fast-flowing floodwaters can also be a threat to peoples’ and animals’ safety and can structurally damage buildings.