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MARKET REPORT FLOOD RESTORATION


FloodMate kits contain essential items in a convenient storage crate.


Risk levels rising


Recognising a growing need, Obart Pumps has expanded its product range for preventing flood damage. Alan Guthrie reports.


When Obart Pumps first detected demand from contractors undertaking flood-related work, equipment was primarily needed for restoration tasks after eventualities like burst pipes or water leaks. Projects associated with severe weather were comparatively uncommon then, but, according to MD Matthew Hill, the rapid pace of climate change is having an impact that property owners,


contractors and hirers must recognise.


The FloodStop creates a barrier against rising water.


“A decade or so ago,


we simply would not have been talking about potentially severe, large-scale flood risks. However, scientific research shows that man-made climate change is having a huge effect. Four of the wettest years on record from 1910 have occurred since 2000, and meteorologists have suggested that, if you compare the likelihood of extreme flooding to throwing a double six with dice, the probability has increased from 1 in 36 to 1 in 14, and is rising.


“Originally, we supplied equipment such as ‘puddle sucker’ pumps to contractors for removing water down to as low as 1mm in affected areas, ready for drying. More recently, however, we have recognised the need for products to enable people to take preventative measures. We initially developed FloodMate emergency pumping kits, comprising an electric or engine-driven pump, discharge hoses and quick couplings in a container for safe storage, meaning all items were kept together for rapid deployment.


“These kits now also include a pack of our FloodSax, a lightweight alternative to sandbags containing an absorbent polymer, which expands to create an effective barrier. Having FloodSax available means you do not have to source and handle heavy sandbags in an emergency, and they can be used to protect other areas where dirty water or sewage can enter a property, such as by air bricks or in WCs. People have to recognise their responsibilities. They cannot just rely on the emergency services, which rightly focus on rescuing vulnerable people, and safeguarding essential services.”


Obart’s range now includes FloodStop, a modular interlocking barrier to protect buildings against swollen rivers or tidal water, which can be erected by one person. Also offered are FloodLock protection strips containing an expanding gel that seals the gap between a door and the frame to resist surface water. In addition, the line-up includes HydroSacks, versions of FloodSax with handles for easy positioning around and over objects, and the HydroSnake for low level protection around doors and gates.


Matthew Hill believes that these products represent an obvious hire and sales opportunity to offer alongside pumps and related equipment. “More people will realise the importance of being able to react quickly to the increasing likelihood of extreme weather events. The damage associated with flooding is nothing like that caused by water escapes like burst pipes. Irreplaceable possessions can be destroyed, contamination from dirty water can cause health risks, and the long-term disruption can be immense. Householders should have flood plans in place together with appropriate preventative equipment, and so should businesses. The London Chamber of Commerce estimates that 90% of companies that lose data from a disaster of some kind go out of business within two years.


The HydroSnake is available for low level applications.


“Many hirers have our pumps in their fleets to deal with flooded sites, waterlogged ground and the effects of burst pipes, and they should offer preventative products as well. Indeed, some companies located in areas prone to flooding might need such items themselves one day. They could pro-actively market them to customers, alerting them to the risks and the measures they can take. It is a question of making preparations, and being prepared to invest in solutions. All the evidence suggests that severe flooding events are growing in their frequency, and it is not a case of if, but when.”


• 01622 355000 www.obartpumps.co.uk


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