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Sewer water in the house needs removing, disinfecting and drying in that order, and the materials it soaked usually have to go. We do all of it, and record it for your insurer.
Most of Hull's drainage is combined. Hull City Council's figures say 84% of the city's surface water runs into the same pipes as the sewage, which is then pumped to the treatment works in east Hull. When a storm drops more rain than the pumps can shift, that mixed water has to go somewhere, and in low-lying streets it comes back up through gullies, manholes and ground-floor toilets. The 2007 floods were mostly this kind of water.
It also happens without rain: a blocked drain on your side of the boundary, a collapsed pipe, or a blockage further down the public sewer that pushes waste back into the lowest fitting.
If sewage is coming out of drains, manholes or toilets and it isn't a blockage inside your own pipes, report it to Yorkshire Water on 0345 1 24 24 24, 24 hours a day. The public sewer is theirs, and they need to know to fix the cause. Then ring us to deal with what has already come into the house.
If your house has flooded from the sewer before, ask about a non-return valve. It lets waste flow out but closes when the sewer surcharges. Hull City Council now fits them to its new flood-resilient homes. They need to be installed and maintained properly, so take advice on where yours would go.
Sewage water inside the home is usually claimed under flood cover if it came from the public sewer in a storm, or under escape of water or accidental damage if it came from your own pipework. Tell your insurer which you think it was.
Our water damage cost guide sets out what pumping out, stripping out and drying usually cost, and how flood and escape of water claims differ.
Mould starts growing within 24 to 48 hours of a leak. The sooner drying starts, the less damage and the lower the cost.
Call 01482 736003Yorkshire Water is responsible for the public sewers and should be told on 0345 1 24 24 24. Drains serving only your property, inside your boundary, are normally yours. Either way, the damage inside your home goes through your insurance.
Almost never. Carpet and underlay soaked by sewage hold bacteria that cleaning can't reliably remove. Hard floors, tiles and solid wood furniture can usually be cleaned and disinfected.
Keep away from the affected rooms, especially children, older people and anyone unwell, until it's been cleaned. If the kitchen or only toilet is affected, staying elsewhere for a few days is sensible.
A valve in the drain that lets waste flow out of the house but closes when the sewer backs up, so sewage can't come in through your toilet or gullies. It needs fitting in the right place and checking regularly.
Ring Yorkshire Water, then ring us. Any hour.