Flood Zone 3 Investigation Establishes Why Flooding Happens – and What Will Actually Help

Overview

The owner of the Cottage in Croscombe needed to understand why the property flooded and – crucially – what would actually work. WCI Water & Wastewater Engineers carried out a thorough investigation and provided clear, honest recommendations.

The Challenge

The property sits in a natural low point where the River Sheepy is culverted under the A371. When the culvert overflows, the highway drains surcharge and water finds its way to the property. A non-return valve seemed logical – but the investigation showed it would not be effective.

The WCI Solution

WCI attended site with a rotating laser level, drain dye and CCTV camera equipment, establishing the full drainage layout. Levels confirmed the pathway around the house is 240mm lower than the driveway gully. The investigation established that the foul sewer was surcharging through highway manholes – a Wessex Water asset – making a non-return valve on the private drainage ineffective.

The Outcome

Clear recommendations provided: ACO channel drains feeding a pump chamber; engagement with Wessex Water on highway manhole watertightness; enhanced flood protection at the driveway entrance. The owner received a prioritised action plan based on what would actually work.

To discuss your installation or groundworks project, contact WCI today.