Is my house at risk of flooding?

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Did you know that as many as one in six properties in England and Wales are considered at risk of flooding?

This is huge!

And yet fewer than one-third of prospective buyers look into the flood risk of a listed property they’re considering.

Big mistake.

As an engaged homeowner, you’re probably wondering:

Is my home at risk of flooding?

You can easily find out with the flood risk map, the Government flood risk check service and a little bit of help from your friends here at Drainage Superstore!

Read on to find out how to go about it.

Table of contents:

• Types of floods in the UK
• Which areas of the UK are most at risk from flooding?
• How can I find out if my house is in a flood risk area?
• What is a flood risk report for a house?
• Final thoughts

Types of floods in the UK

As UK flash floods are becoming more and more common due to climate change, we tend to think of all flooding as flash floods.

Unfortunately, there’s more to it.

With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the different types of flooding.

River flooding

Also known as fluvial flooding, river flooding is caused by the overflowing of rivers or streams due to heavy rainfall. It’s one of the most common forms of flooding in the UK and can lead to widespread damage.

Coastal flooding

Coastal flooding, also referred to as sea flooding, occurs when high tides, storm surges and strong winds cause seawater to inundate coastal areas.

Surface water flooding

Surface water flooding, also known as pluvial flooding, happens when intense rainfall overwhelms drainage systems and causes water to accumulate on streets, roads and other urban areas.

Groundwater flooding

Groundwater flooding occurs when the water table rises due to persistent heavy rainfall, saturating the soil and causing groundwater to surface. This type is common in areas with a high water table.

Sewer flooding

Sewer flooding happens when the drainage and sewage systems become overwhelmed by heavy rainfall, leading to the backing up of sewage into homes and streets. It’s a particularly unpleasant and hazardous type of flooding.

Flash flooding

Flash floods are sudden, intense floods that occur with little warning, often as a result of heavy rainfall. They can be highly destructive and pose a significant risk to life and property.

What’s more:

Flash floods are especially dangerous after a long dry period since the ground is unable to absorb as much water as it normally might.

Reservoir flooding

Last but not least, flooding can occur if a dam or reservoir breaches, releasing a significant volume of water downstream. Historically, this has been a particularly lethal type, resulting in such disasters as the Great Sheffield Flood on 11 March 1864, which devastated large parts of the city and claimed the lives of at least 240 people.

However, there hasn’t been any recorded loss of life due to a reservoir or dam failure in the UK since 1925.

Which areas of the UK are most at risk from flooding?

Several areas of the UK are more susceptible to flooding due to a combination of factors, including geography, climate and land use.

Here’s what a breakdown of a UK flood risk map might look like:

East Anglia

Low-lying areas in East Anglia, particularly along the coast and river estuaries, are at significant risk of coastal and river flooding. Towns such as Great Yarmouth and Kings Lynn are particularly vulnerable.

Yorkshire and the Humber

The flood plain regions of the River Humber and its tributaries can experience severe flooding. Coastal areas along the North Sea might also be at risk.

Northwest England

Areas around the River Mersey, including parts of Greater Manchester and Liverpool, are river flood risk areas.

Southwest England

Coastal regions in the Southwest, especially South Devon and Cornwall, have been affected by severe coastal flooding in the past. Additionally, the Somerset Levels are known for their vulnerability to river flooding and are at significant surface water flood risk, making them a high flood risk area.

Wales

Low-lying areas along the coast and river valleys in Wales are prone to flooding. The beautiful coastal town of Aberystwyth is one such example.

Scotland

Coastal regions in Scotland, including areas around the Firth of Clyde, the Moray Firth and the River Tay, are at risk of coastal and river flooding.

Northern Ireland

Parts of Northern Ireland, including Belfast and regions around the River Lagan, are vulnerable to flooding, particularly areas close to the sea.

How can I find out if my house is in a flood risk area?

The easiest way to find out whether your property is in a long flood risk area is to consult the Environment Agency flood risk map. Keep in mind that the government uses the following four-level system to define flood zones.

* This zone is also known as The Functional Floodplain and consists of land where river and/or coastal water has to flow in times of severe floods flood.

The relevant flood risk data is conveniently available online – although there are different websites for each home nation.

Let’s take a closer look at each one in turn.

How to check if your home is in a high flood risk area in England

Step 1: Go to the flood risk map of England on the UK Government website.

Step 2: Click on Start now.

Step 3: Enter your postcode and click on ‘Continue’. Here you can also choose to view a map showing areas at risk of flooding.

Step 4: Select your address from the drop-down menu and click on Continue.

Step 5: You’ll get a Flood risk summary for the area around [your address] for various types of flooding.

Alternatively, you can call Floodline on 0345 988 1188.

How to check if your home is in a high flood risk area in Scotland

Step 1: Head over to Scottish Flood Hazard and Risk Information.

Step 2: Click on Start Now and accept the Terms & Conditions.

Step 3: Enter a full postcode in Scotland and click on Find Address. Here you can also choose to view a map showing areas at risk of flooding.

Step 4: Select your address from the drop-down menu and click on Next.

Step 5: You’ll get Flood Risk Information for your address for various types of flooding.

How to check if your home is in a high flood risk area in Wales

Step 1: Go to Natural Resources Wales.

Step 2: Click on Check your floor risk by postcode.

Step 3: Enter a postcode in Wales and click on the search icon. Alternatively, you can go straight to a map showing areas at high flood risk.

Step 4: You’ll get a summary of the flood risk for your chosen address.

How to check if your home is in a high flood risk area in Northern Ireland

Step 1: Head over to the NI Direct Government Services flood risk checker.

Step 2: Click on the Flood Maps NI hyperlink.

Step 3: Under Viewing the Flood Maps, click on your preferred choice.

Step 4: Once you’ve agreed to the terms on conditions, you’ll be taken to an interactive map you can explore in detail.

What is a flood risk report for a house?

A Flood Risk Report for a house is a document that provides detailed information about the potential flood risks associated with a specific property. It’s typically used by homeowners, homebuyers and insurance companies to assess the flood risk of a property.

Your Flood Risk Report is likely to include the following:

• Flood Zone information
• Environmental agency data & flood maps from the relevant body:
  • Environment Agency for England
  • The Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland
  • Natural Resources Body for Wales
  • Scottish Environment Protection Agency
• Home insurance options
• Advice & recommendations

Bear in mind that these reports are typically obtained from specialist companies that collect and analyse flood risk data.

But that’s not all:

A Flood Risk Report should not be confused with a Flood Risk Assessment (FRA). Whereas an FRA is specifically related to the planning and development process, a Flood Risk Report relates to existing properties, including those considered for purchase.

To find out more about flood risk assessments and when they’re required, head over to our dedicated guide.

And on that note…

Final thoughts

As climate patterns continue to shift, becoming more and more unpredictable, increased flood risk is a growing concern for many engaged homeowners in the UK.

Luckily, there’s plenty of useful data available online to help you find out where your home is at serious risk of flooding.

Bottom line:

Familiarise yourself with the Environment Agency flood risk map for your area, get your specific flood risk by postcode summary, contact your local council, and don’t forget to check out our Flood Hub for even more help and advice.