Investing in flood protection equipment is one of the smartest steps you can take to safeguard your home or business. But simply owning barriers, drain covers, or pumps isn’t enough. For these products to perform when you need them most, they must be properly maintained, tested, and ready for deployment at short notice.
Neglecting upkeep can mean that a once-reliable barrier develops cracks, seals degrade, or key components are misplaced, leaving you exposed at the very moment you rely on them most.
Here are the essential steps to ensure your equipment delivers maximum effectiveness when the next flood event arrives.
1 • Clean Thoroughly After Every Use
Floodwater often carries silt, debris, and even pollutants. If left to dry, this material can damage seals, corrode metal parts, or weaken plastics.
- Rinse with clean water immediately after use to remove mud, grit, and salt.
- Dry completely before storage to prevent mould and rust.
- For barriers like the NOAQ Boxwall, ensure all interlocking sections are free of grit so they connect smoothly in future deployments.
This simple habit will dramatically extend the lifespan of your equipment.
2 • Inspect for Wear and Tear
According to the Environment Agency’s guidance on property flood resilience, equipment should be checked regularly for damage or deterioration. Even minor issues can compromise performance under water pressure.
- Look for cracks, warping, or bends in panels and frames.
- Inspect rubber seals and gaskets for brittleness or damage.
- Check interlocking components still fit securely together.
- For products like drain covers, ensure mesh and seals remain intact.
If you notice any defects, arrange repairs or replacements promptly, waiting until a flood alert is issued could be too late.
3 • Store Correctly and Accessibly
Storage is just as important as cleaning. We recommend keeping flood equipment in a dry, cool, and easily accessible location.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which can weaken plastics.
- Stack neatly to prevent warping or stress on components.
- Ensure equipment is easy to reach during an emergency, don’t bury it behind seasonal clutter.
- For businesses, assign a designated flood storage area and make sure all staff know where it is.
4 • Test and Service Regularly
Flood protection equipment is like insurance, you hope you won’t need it often, but you need to know it works.
- Assemble and test products such as demountable barriers or the NOAQ Boxwall once or twice a year.
- Simulate a partial deployment to check ease of assembly and fit.
- For pumps, run them periodically to ensure motors and batteries are operational.
- Businesses should conduct flood drills so staff know how to deploy equipment quickly.
This builds confidence and ensures there are no nasty surprises when real floodwaters arrive.
5 • Keep an Inventory and Maintenance Log
Organisation is key to readiness. Maintaining an inventory ensures nothing is misplaced and that maintenance schedules are kept.
- Record what equipment you own, where it’s stored, and its last inspection date.
- Label equipment clearly and keep operating instructions nearby.
- For larger organisations, maintain a maintenance log so responsibilities are clear.
This is particularly valuable for councils, facilities managers, and businesses where multiple people may be involved in flood response.
6 • Replace When Necessary
Even the most durable flood solutions have a finite lifespan. Rubber seals perish, plastics fatigue, and metals corrode. Waiting until a flood event to discover a failure could cost thousands in damage.
- Replace worn seals or damaged panels promptly.
- Upgrade older equipment when new, more effective technology becomes available.
- Consult with suppliers like Flood Solutions UK for advice on whether a product is still fit for use.
Proactive replacement is far less costly than flood damage repair.
Final Thoughts
Flood protection equipment represents a vital line of defence for homes and businesses in at-risk areas. But these defences are only as strong as the care you give them. By following simple maintenance step, cleaning, inspecting, storing, testing, logging, and replacing when necessary, you can be confident your barriers, covers, and pumps will work exactly as intended when the water starts to rise.
At Flood Solutions UK, we supply innovative products such as the NOAQ Boxwall and Witches Hat Drain Cover, alongside expert advice on how to keep your flood solutions effective for years to come.
👉 Contact us today to discuss the best products and maintenance strategies for your property.
