Know who to call
Give your insurance company or landlord a call straight away. As mentioned above, ensure your report it to us too.
Sewage flooding in your home or garden
If you've been flooded by sewage inside or outside your home, we understand this is a distressing and anxious time and we want to do all we can to help to resolve the situation.
On this page you will find more information around the clean up services we provide if sewage flooding occurs, and some tips to keep you safe if you're impacted.
Flooding inside your property
- Remove flood water.
- Collect and remove solid waste.
- Clean and disinfect all areas affected by the flood with the exception of carpets, furniture or curtains.
Flooding outside your property
- Remove flood water.
- Collect and remove solid waste.
- Wash and disinfect any patio or hard-standing areas.
- Unfortunately, we're unable to clean up waterlogged garden areas, since these must be allowed to dry thoroughly first.
- We will help with the clean-up of the public highway if this has been affected by the sewage flooding incident.
Tips to keep you safe if you're impacted:
Wash your hands thoroughly
It's important to wash your hands after being in contact with flood water especially before you eat. Be sure to keep any open wounds covered and clean.
Wash clothing and fabrics
Wash anything that’s been in contact with sewage including soft furnishing, at or over 60 degrees to destroy harmful bugs. If unable to, have professionally cleaned or disposed of.
Dry affected areas thoroughly
Inside your property, use heating and good ventilation, as this will help with the drying process.
Put food in the bin
Throw away all food and definitely don't eat food that may have come into contact with floodwater – including tinned food.
What to do with garden veg
Don’t eat veg that has been covered by sewage. Leave undamaged fruit or veg in the ground for at least 2-3 weeks and only use after thorough washing and cooking.
Keep children and pets away
Don’t let them go near the contaminated area, or any grassed or paved areas until they are back to normal. Sunlight and soil help destroy harmful bacteria.
Restoring your garden
Don’t try to clean waterlogged garden areas or dig over contaminated soil; leave the sewage residue to decay naturally.
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Other things to consider to keep safe if impacted by sewage flooding If your gas meter or appliance has been submerged, contact the British Gas emergency number before switching on or lighting any appliance. If your electricity meter, fuse box, socket or appliance has been submerged, contact your electricity supplier for advice before using any electrical equipment. |
Please be assured, we investigate the cause of sewage flooding following all reported incidents.
If sewage flooding enters your home we automatically refund your sewerage charge for the year (minimum payment £150 up to a maximum of £1,000 per incident).
In addition to this sum, we will automatically pay you up to £100 for the disturbance the sewage flooding causes. We will determine the amount payable on a case-by-case basis.
For more information, please see our standards of service (PDF 2,316KB opens in a new window).
As a guide to the number of days you should leave your garden before cleaning up, please see the table below.
| Season | Turf/clay (days) | Soil/sand (days) |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | 13 | 20 |
| Summer | 6 | 9 |
| Autumn | 13 | 20 |
| Winter | 18 | 11 |