Flooding!

[Scarlett]

I have a "cellar" which is an old bank vault. it is on the lower ground floor, along with the kitchen and bathroom. It is mainly underground. Last night I went in there to find water all over the floor. There is an old rusty metal manhole on the ground, and I think the water came up through that.

The problem is- what can I do??! My Dad says I should live in a proper house/ or learn to live with it! I can't replace the old manhole cover with a new sealed one, as it may burst the pipe if the water rises and can't get out!

I'd be very grateful for any advice !

[lindapinda]

You could check with your local water agency,if it is underground,it may be a drain or sewer problem,and as such,it would be their responsibility to deal with it.

[jake-the-peg]

I too have a cellar with a well. Acually it's more of a spring. When there's a log of rain the water table rises and you get flooding.

I have a submersion pump in it which is triggered by a switch on a ballcock. When the water level rises the pump switches on and the water is pumped out.

I regularly get helpfull people knock on my door to warn me that I might have a leaking pipe because of the water coming from my house but I do have a dry cellar.

Sounds like you may need a similar arrangement. You'll want a qualified electrician to set up the pump though water and electricity don't make good bedfellows.

[jake-the-peg]

PS I live in a very old house as well and drive a vintage car and my father has been telling me for years that I should get a "proper" car and live in a "proper" house and telling people that this "phase" I'm going through has been lasting a long time.

Don't let it get to you a flooding cellar is a small price to pay for a  bit of individuality

[Scarlett]

Hi Jake-

Apparently my problem is different to your! There is another pipe leaving the manhole. The flooding occurs when the water from the roof is rushing down the pipe SO quickly and at such a volume, that the manhole fills up faster than the pipe can take it away the other end. Thus, the water rises and comes out of the manhole cover.

Am still determined to find a solution!