Types of flooding

Flood damage to buildings can range from minor effects on walls, floors, basements and services to serious structural damage to buildings.

There are different types of flooding:

Ground water

This is rainfall that has filtered through the land to rest in pockets below the surface. How far below the surface depends on various factors relating to the area you live in, including the geology of the land.

It is not possible to control the level of the water, and flooding from groundwater cannot be managed or forecasted. The first sign of groundwater levels rising will be evident as flooding in your cellar or in low lying land or ditches.

Surface water 

Water which rests in ditches, streams, rivers and culverts. Surface water forms part of the land drainage network, combining water runoff from land and roads.

The network usually drains into main rivers, but in times of severe weather conditions, this may not always be possible as the rivers themselves may be at full capacity.

Sewage 

Usually occurs as a result of a blockage in the sewage system. In times of severe rainfall, the flood drainage system may become overwhelmed and the water may find its way into the sewers.

If this is the case, the floodwater may mix with sewage, which is why it is inadvisable to come into contact with floodwater unless absolutely necessary and with adequate protection.

Water main

Occurs as a result of a blockage or when a pipe has burst. This type of flood is very localised and can be seen on roadways coming from gullies and soakaways.