Flood preparation in Exeter
Professional flood preparation services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£110-£160
Typical Duration
2-3 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Comprehensive flood preparation protecting your property from water damage. Drains cleared, barriers positioned, vulnerable areas protected, emergency plans in place - so when heavy rain hits, you're as prepared as you can be.
Don't Wait Until It's Flooding
Devon gets serious rainfall. Drains overflow, water runs down hills, ground floors flood, and people wish they'd prepared when there was still time.
Here's the thing: flood preparation works, but only if you do it before the rain arrives.
⚠️ Timing matters: Prepare in October/November before winter storms. Once flood warnings are issued, it's too late to do this properly.
What Proper Flood Preparation Achieves
It's not just sandbags - it's systematic protection of your property.
| ✅ Properly Prepared | ❌ Hoping for the Best |
|---|---|
| Drains flowing at maximum capacity | Blocked drains overflow first |
| Barriers positioned at entry points | Water floods through doors/air bricks |
| Valuables moved from ground floor | Everything gets damaged |
| Emergency plans and routes ready | Panic when it happens |
| Insurance evidence of precautions | Harder claims process |
What You Get
🔧 The Complete Service
| Area | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Drainage | All drains, gullies, and channels cleared completely |
| Gutters | Cleared and downpipes flushed (water needs to get away) |
| Barriers | Flood barriers/sandbags positioned at vulnerable points |
| Protection | Air bricks covered, door barriers fitted, gaps sealed |
| Assessment | Identify weak points and flood routes |
| Planning | Emergency access routes and procedures briefed |
📦 You're Left With
- Maximized drainage capacity
- Physical barriers at entry points
- Vulnerable areas protected
- Clear emergency plans
- Peace of mind you've done everything reasonable
Pricing Guide
| Property Complexity | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Average house, standard prep | 2 hrs | £110 |
| Larger property or more barriers | 3 hrs | £160 |
| Multiple entry points to protect | 4 hrs | £210 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Flood barriers and sandbags charged separately if supplied.
Perfect For Your Property If...
✅ Flood risk area - Environment Agency flood warnings
✅ Surface water issues - drains overwhelmed in heavy rain
✅ Sloping site - water runs toward your property
✅ Ground floor vulnerable - level with road or garden slopes toward house
Why Choose Us for Flood preparation in Exeter?
Drains and gullies cleared for maximum flow
Flood barriers and sandbags positioned
Vulnerable areas identified and protected
Emergency access routes planned
What to Expect
Step 1: Assessment & Drainage
Identify vulnerable points, check all drains and gullies. Clear everything completely so water flows away at maximum capacity. Check gutters and downpipes.
Step 2: Barrier Positioning
Position sandbags or flood barriers at entry points - doors, air bricks, low windows, garage. Seal vulnerable gaps. Move ground floor valuables if recommended.
Step 3: Emergency Planning
Brief you on what to do if flooding happens despite preparation. Emergency routes, turning off electrics, insurance procedures. Leave you fully prepared.
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to prepare your property yourself? Here's the systematic approach:
🔧 What you'll need
- Sandbags (filled and ready)
- Drain rods or clearing tools
- Buckets and shovels
- Plastic sheeting
- Duct tape and clips
- Waterproof storage boxes
📐 Systematic preparation
Drainage (MOST IMPORTANT):
- Clear ALL drains around property
- Check gullies and channels flow freely
- Clear gutters completely
- Flush downpipes
- Check soakaways aren't blocked
- Remove any drain obstructions
Barrier positioning:
- Front door - sandbag barrier or flood guard
- Back door - same protection
- Air bricks - cover with plastic and tape
- Low windows - sandbag protection
- Garage doors - barrier if vulnerable
- Gaps - seal with expanding foam or tape
Ground floor protection:
- Move valuables upstairs if possible
- Raise furniture on blocks if can't move
- Roll up carpets and rugs
- Disconnect ground floor electrics if safe to do so
- Move important documents upstairs
Emergency preparation:
- Know where your stopcock is
- Know your electrical consumer unit location
- Have emergency contact numbers ready
- Insurance policy easily accessible
- Camera to photograph damage if occurs
- Emergency lighting and supplies accessible
⚠️ Critical preparation mistakes
- Leaving drains until last (most important job!)
- Not enough sandbags (need more than you think)
- Barriers not positioned correctly
- Forgetting about air brick entry points
- No emergency plan if flooding occurs
💡 Pro trick: Test your drains with a hose before heavy rain is forecast. Pour water down them and check it flows away quickly. If it's slow now, it'll be useless in a storm. Clear them properly or call someone who can.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🌧️ Storm season package? Combine with gutter clearing, drain maintenance, emergency kit setup, and general winter preparation. Comprehensive storm and flood readiness.
Environment Agency flood warnings - sign up for free flood warnings for your area. Gives you advance notice when risk increases. But don't wait for warnings to prepare - do it beforehand.
Insurance considerations: Document your flood preparation (photos, receipts for sandbags/barriers). Shows insurance you took reasonable precautions. Some insurers give discounts for flood preparation. Check your policy.
Exeter and Devon properties near rivers, on slopes, or with older drainage systems are particularly vulnerable. Victorian drainage wasn't designed for modern rainfall intensity. Parts of Exeter, Topsham, Exmouth have known flood risks - preparation isn't optional there.
After flooding: If you do get flooded despite preparation, I can help with immediate cleanup and drying. The sooner you act after flooding, the less long-term damage. Keep my number handy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does flood preparation actually involve?
Clearing all drains and gullies so water flows away properly, positioning flood barriers or sandbags at vulnerable points (doors, air bricks, low areas), moving valuable items from ground floor if needed, checking gutters and downpipes are clear, identifying emergency access routes. It's comprehensive preparation before flooding risk arrives.
Can you supply flood barriers and sandbags?
Yes - I can supply and position sandbags, temporary flood barriers, drain covers, whatever your property needs. Some people already have equipment stored, others need everything supplied. I'll assess what you need and either use what you've got or supply appropriate materials.
Is flood preparation necessary in Exeter - we're not in a flood plain?
Flood plains aren't the only risk. Heavy Devon rainfall overwhelms drains and causes surface water flooding even in areas without river flood risk. If you've got a sloping drive, ground floor level with the road, or poor drainage, you're vulnerable. Preparation helps regardless of official flood zones.
When should I get flood preparation done?
Before heavy rain is forecast, not during. October/November is ideal - before winter storms hit but while weather's still decent enough to work. Once flood warnings are issued, it's really too late to do comprehensive preparation properly.
What if flooding does happen despite preparation?
Preparation reduces damage, it doesn't prevent all flooding. You'll have done everything reasonable to protect your property. That matters for insurance claims and minimizes actual damage. I'll brief you on what to do if flooding occurs despite the measures.
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