What to do if you've been flooded

Having your home or property flooded by sewage can be a particularly unpleasant and distressing experience.

Fortunately, only a small number of properties within the United Utilities region are affected each year and we are carrying out improvements to reduce the problem still further.

Please be reassured that although wastewater flooding can leave a muddy deposit behind, research shows that the risk to health is very small.

If your home is flooded, please contact us on 0845 746 2200. 

If you have been flooded inside your property, we can:

• remove any excess flood water
• collect and remove any solid waste
• clean and disinfect all affected floor and wall areas

Although we can not clean carpets, furniture or curtains, we can remove these items from your home with your written permission and store them for later inspection by your insurance company.

If you have been flooded outside your property, we can:

• remove any excess flood water
• collect and remove any solid waste
• wash and disinfect any patio or hardstanding areas

We cannot clean up waterlogged garden areas, these must be allowed to dry thoroughly first.

If you are concerned about any clean up that needs to be carried out, or are unhappy with any clean up already completed, please phone us on 0845 746 2200.

Please take the time to read the following advice about contamination and quarantine periods for areas affected by flooding.

Although wastewater flooding can leave a muddy deposit behind, research shows that the risk to health is very small.

If your property has been damaged as a result of flooding, please contact your insurance company for advice.  If flooding has occurred within or on your property we'll investigate the cause and arrange to clean up litter and debris where appropriate.

If flooding is coming from a watercourse, such as a river or stream, please contact the Environment Agency.

Who is responsible for damage caused by flooding from public sewers?

United Utilities has no control over what goes into the sewer system and have no legal liability for damage caused by flooding from public sewers, except in cases where we've been negligent.  We've no liability for private sewers or drains.

Depending on the cause of the flooding we will determine who is responsible.

Who should I contact regarding damage caused by flooding from public sewers?

We suggest you contact your own insurers.  Household insurance covers the unfortunate events of fire, flooding or any insurable risk, leading to loss or damage to property or contents.  Reimbursement is provided irrespective of whether anyone is to blame.

What should I do if my property is flooded?

If your property is flooded with sewage, you should take the following precautions to protect you and your family:

DO

• contact your insurance company
• wash your hands after being in contact with flood water
• ensure any clothing or other fabrics are washed thoroughly to destroy any potentially harmful organisms
• let all affected areas dry thoroughly. Inside your property, the use of heating and good ventilation will help this process
• keep any open cuts or sores clean and covered up at all times

DON'T

• try to clean any waterlogged garden areas, or dig over contaminated soil. Leave the sewage residue to decay naturally. See the table below for guidelines
• let children play in flood water or grassed/paved areas until they are restored to normal conditions

Sunlight and soil help to destroy potentially harmful organisms and the table below gives some useful advice on quarantine periods:

Season	Turf/clay	Soil/sand
Spring	13	20
Summer	6	9
Autumn	13	20
Winter	18	11