Who should I call if water is leaking into the house from outside?

Question

After heavy rain we’re getting water coming in through a wall near the floor, and I can’t tell if this is a drainage issue, a problem with the wall itself, or something else entirely.

Scott · Answer

I’d start with a drainage company as water would most likely not be draining 
Away from a soak away etc

Dave · Answer

It sounds like water penetration through the brick work .repointing and weathering would be the answers

Marin · Answer

Drainage specialist, groundworks contractor.
Start with a drainage company. In many cases, the issue is poor drainage around the house or blocked soakaways.

Haydn · Answer

General builder should be able to help if not be able to advise on what to do next

Darren · Answer

Water coming in through a wall near floor level after heavy rain can be caused by several different issues, including failed drainage, cracks in the external wall, damaged pointing or render, blocked gutters, or problems with the damp proof course. In some cases, high ground levels or poor surface water drainage outside the property can force moisture through the wall during periods of heavy rainfall. The best way to identify the exact cause is through a professional inspection, where the affected area inside and outside the property can be assessed to determine whether the issue is penetrating damp, a structural defect, or a drainage-related problem, before recommending the most effective long-term solution.

Carl · Answer

A qualified general builder should be able to identify the problem for you..

Martin · Answer

Water entering your home after heavy rain is a sign that there is an external defect somewhere in the building, and it's important to identify the source as early as possible before the problem becomes more serious. One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is treating the visible damp patch rather than finding where the water is actually getting in. Water can travel a surprising distance through brickwork, cavities and timbers before it finally appears inside, meaning the source of the leak is often nowhere near the area where the damage is visible.
As the water is appearing near the floor after rainfall, I would recommend arranging a thorough external inspection first. The most common causes include damaged or slipped roof tiles, defective lead flashing, blocked or overflowing gutters, leaking downpipes, cracked pointing, damaged render, failed seals around windows or doors, blocked drainage, high external ground levels, or defects in the brickwork allowing rainwater to penetrate the property. In some cases, more than one issue may be contributing to the problem.
If the property has cavity walls, it's also worth checking for blocked cavities or debris that may be bridging moisture across to the internal wall. Likewise, blocked air bricks, damaged gullies, or poor drainage around the property can allow water to build up against the wall during periods of heavy rain, resulting in internal dampness.
I would strongly advise against assuming the problem is rising damp or paying for chemical damp-proof treatments until the true cause has been professionally diagnosed. In my experience, many cases of damp are actually caused by external maintenance issues that can be resolved by repairing the defect and preventing further water ingress. Once the source has been eliminated, the affected wall should be allowed to dry naturally before any internal plastering or decorating is carried out.
My advice is to choose an experienced, fully insured contractor who specialises in diagnosing water ingress rather than simply treating the symptoms. A reputable contractor should carry out a detailed inspection, explain the cause of the problem, provide photographs where appropriate, and recommend the most effective long-term solution rather than a temporary fix. Identifying and repairing the source of the leak promptly will help protect your property from further damage, mould growth, timber decay and unnecessary repair costs in the future.

Who should I call if water is leaking into the house from outside?

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