In a downpour, heavy rain can push a drain beyond what it can carry. A gully may overflow, or a manhole may fill. The cause is not always the same, and neither is the person responsible.
This guide covers what to check, who to contact and how to stay safe. Safety comes first, because floodwater can carry more than rain.
Stay safe first
Yorkshire Water says to avoid walking through floodwater where you can. Floodwater may contain diluted sewage and other hazards, such as syringes. GOV.UK also notes that sewage can mix with floodwater when drains and waterbodies overflow.
Manhole covers can move in a flood. That creates a risk of a fall, so watch where you step. Keep children and pets away from the water.
If sewage could reach gas or electrical points, Yorkshire Water says to turn them off if it is safe to do so. If there is an immediate risk to life, call 999. Also, never try to unblock a sewer yourself, because that puts you at risk.
Check the simple causes
First, look for the easy causes. A gully can clog with leaves, silt or litter, so water cannot get in. In that case, the water may sit on the surface.
You can look at your own gully from a safe place. If it is full of debris on your own property, it may need clearing. Wear waterproof gloves, and wash your hands afterwards. Yorkshire Water advises washing hands and disinfecting footwear after contact with sewage.
Our page on external drain unblocking service explains how outdoor drains are cleared. However, if the water looks dirty or smells of sewage, do not handle it. Treat it as a sewer matter.
Work out whose drain it is
Ownership decides who should act. Yorkshire Water says it is responsible for manholes in roads, footpaths and gardens. Your local council handles highway gullies, which are the roadside drains.
By contrast, inside your boundary the drain is usually yours. Citizens Advice says you are responsible for private drains within your boundary. Your water company is usually responsible for lateral drains and public sewers.
Here is a useful test from Yorkshire Water. If only one room is affected, the problem is likely in your own pipes. If neighbours have similar trouble, it is probably in the public network. In that case, report it to Yorkshire Water.
Who to report it to
Use the right route for the right problem:
- **Manhole or sewage problem:** report it to Yorkshire Water through its report a problem page.
- **Blocked roadside gully:** contact your local council.
- **River flooding:** use the government flood reporting page and check local flood warnings.
- **Tenants:** tell your landlord. Owners should tell their insurer, because a late report could affect a claim.
In addition, Yorkshire Water says that if sewage has already entered your property, you will be a priority. It also says it cannot guarantee against flooding in severe weather.
After the water goes down
Floodwater can take time to drain once the rain stops. In the meantime, do not rush to clean up. When it is safe, wear rubber gloves and cover any cuts with waterproof dressings. Yorkshire Water says to wash hard surfaces with mild detergent or disinfectant.
It also says not to eat garden produce touched by sewage, and not to plant anything new there for at least six months.
Why the health advice matters
Put simply, contact with floodwater is a real health risk. GOV.UK says direct exposure to contaminated water can lead to skin and gut infections. It also says contaminants can linger after the water recedes. As a result, sewage must be cleaned up properly.
Meanwhile, Yorkshire Water adds that you should keep off disinfected garden paths for three hours. It also says not to put disinfectant on lawns or borders, and not to dig or rake contaminated soil. If the damage is serious, ask for specialist help rather than doing it yourself.
Cut the risk of a repeat
Blockages are a major cause of sewer flooding. Yorkshire Water names wet wipes flushed down toilets and cooking fat poured down sinks as the worst offenders. Its advice is simple: bin it, do not block it.
Keep your own gullies clear of leaves and silt too. In addition, tell the water company or your council early if you see a blocked drain in the street. A short report now may prevent a larger flood later.
Help with flooded drains
If the problem is on your own drain, we can help. Read about our emergency drain services or our page on flooding emergencies. Local readers can see emergency drains in Hull and drain help in Hornsea.
Next steps
If a gully on your property keeps overflowing, request a quote online. Tell us where the water appears and how long it takes to clear. That helps us plan the right visit.