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Cellar is flooded - your advice would be much appreciated!

2 months ago

The cellar trapdoor in my late father's property has been jammed in place (due to the wood being swollen through dampness) for several months. Someone was eventually able to gain access a few days ago. The shock discovery is that the entire cellar floor is flooded with clear water to a depth of 4.5" / 12 centimetres at the deepest point. Photos (of the flooded cellar, damp joists and buckling wooden floor in the room above) are attached.

The person in question (who has 13 years of experience as a building contractor and plumber) could not ascertain what the cause of the problem might be. Although an area of the joists holding up the dining room floor is wet and an area of the wood floor is buckling, any source of leakage has not yet been found. United Utilities say it is the private property holder's responsibility.

I'm fairly certain this has never happened before and when I was last down there in summertime the whole area was completely dry. The situation seems to require immediate attention to avoid further damage. Could the situation be connected to a higher-than-normal water table on account of all the rain? Might this be covered by the house insurance?

Any advice you may be able to offer would be much appreciated!

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Comments (3)

Jonathan
2 months ago
I would put money on it being leaves in a rainwater drain. I bet that if you go around the house you will find one drain that overflows when the rain is heavy. This water has likely made it in through a window/air brick/coal shute and because it’s underground it will just sit there until the weather warms up.

I had this in a previous house.

It will eventually dry up but you can pump it out if you want quicker results.
HU-556333049 thanked Jonathan
HU-556333049
Original Author
2 months ago
I really appreciate your response and advice, Jonathan. It's very good of you to share your experience. Do you mean I should systematically check how free-flowing the outside drains are? There is one in the general vicinity of the cellar that may have been clogged with leaves or something. Would you recommend sluicing the drains with boiling water and also bailing out the cellar in the meantime? Thanks once again for your helpful response.
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Jonathan
2 months ago
You need to remove the cause of the problem. So if there is a blocked drain then clear it of debris such as leaves and if you think it’s still not draining you need to get the specialists in- check to see if this is covered under your insurance.

And I would hire a pump if you want it cleared quickly.

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