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uk Home & property emergencies stormwater pooling at foundation • rainwater against house wall • water rising toward door • water at doorstep during storm • surface water flooding home • water reaching air bricks • water near basement entry • water near garage threshold • garden flooding into house • driveway runoff into property • drains overwhelmed heavy rain • diverting water from foundation • emergency flood protection • sudden flash flooding home • stopping water entering doorway • pooling water by external wall • water coming toward front door • water coming toward back door • flooding risk at ground floor

What to do if…
you find stormwater pooling against your foundation and it is rising toward entry points

Short answer

Act immediately to divert water away from the building and block the lowest entry points, while keeping clear of electrical risks and contaminated water.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t step into water if it may be contacting sockets, extension leads, outside lights, boilers, or buried electrics.
  • Don’t try to “solve it” by opening doors to let water through the house (it often makes damage worse and can trap you).
  • Don’t lift or remove drain covers/manholes while water is surcharging (they can shift and the water may be foul).
  • Don’t run electrical pumps/tools from wet areas or with wet hands.
  • Don’t assume sandbags will fully stop water (they often only slow it and can give a false sense of security).
  • Don’t ignore gas risk: if you smell gas or suspect a leak, leave the building and get help.

What to do now

  1. Get to a safer pause and do a 30-second check.
    Keep children/pets away from the pooling area and any water near power. Put shoes on (no bare feet).

  2. Find where the water is coming from (and where it’s trying to get in).
    Look for: overflowing gutters/downpipes, blocked gullies, runoff down the drive/path, water rising over thresholds, air bricks/vents being splashed, garage door gaps, cellar/basement steps, light wells.

  3. Clear the quickest blockages you can reach safely.
    If you can do it without standing in water: clear leaves from gullies/grates, unblock downpipe shoes, and move obvious debris away from the flow path.

  4. Divert the flow away from the foundation—fast, simple moves first.

    • Extend/redirect downspout/downpipe discharge away from the wall (temporary extension if you have one).
    • Cut a shallow temporary channel in gravel/soil to guide water to a safer low point (away from the house).
    • Use a squeegee/push broom to push shallow water away from thresholds if it’s safe to approach.

  5. Block the lowest entry points before water reaches them.
    Prioritise: doors, low vents/air bricks, garage threshold, cellar/basement steps, light wells.

    • If you have them: fit flood boards/barriers, air brick covers, threshold seals.
    • If you don’t: heavy plastic sheeting plus towels/blankets to make a compressible seal, then brace with a rigid board and weight it securely.

  6. If water is entering or about to: protect electrics and move key items up.

    • Move valuables, medicines, documents, and chargers upstairs or onto high shelves.
    • Only switch off electricity if you can reach the consumer unit/fuse box from a dry, safe location. Do not touch switches while standing in water.
    • If you cannot safely isolate the power, or you see damage to outside electrical equipment/lines, call 105 (free) to reach your local electricity network operator.

  7. Get flood information and report wider flooding (once you’ve stabilised the entry points).

    • Use Floodline for flood warnings/information and to sign up for alerts (England/Scotland/Wales).
    • Report flooding affecting roads/drains to your local council (highways/drainage/emergency out-of-hours).
    • If you have buildings insurance, notify your insurer’s emergency/claims line when you’re out of immediate danger.

  8. If there’s immediate danger to life (fast-rising water trapping you), call 999.
    If you smell gas or suspect a leak, leave the building and get emergency help.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide today about builders, long-term drainage works, or who is “at fault”.
  • You do not need to start ripping out carpets or drilling walls while water is still rising.
  • You can leave photos, inventories, and detailed clean-up plans until the water level has stabilised and it’s safe.

Important reassurance

This can feel suddenly out of control. A few targeted actions—diverting flow, blocking the lowest gaps, and avoiding electrical hazards—often makes a meaningful difference even if you can’t stop all water.

Scope note

These are first steps only to reduce harm and buy time. Once the immediate risk passes, you may need follow-up help (insurer, qualified trades, or local authority) to assess damage and prevent recurrence.

Important note

This is general information, not a substitute for professional inspection or emergency services advice. If you cannot act safely (especially around electricity, deep/fast water, or suspected sewage), stop and get help.

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