Water Damage Restoration in Sussex

Insurance-approved drying and repair after leaks, burst pipes and floods, with moisture monitored until your property is properly dry. Covering Lewes, Chichester and Brighton & Hove and across Sussex.

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Experts in Water Damage Restoration in Sussex Since 1971

Water doesn't simply evaporate after a leak or flood. It soaks into plaster, screeds, floor voids and structural timber, where it can cause mould, timber decay and failed decorations long after the surface looks dry.

Our technicians dry Sussex properties properly, monitor moisture until it reaches safe levels, then carry out the repairs, working with your insurer where needed.

Storms, coastal flooding and burst pipes in holiday homes left empty over winter are all common causes of water damage in Sussex. We dry, monitor and repair properties and work with your insurer.

Signs of water damage in Sussex properties

  • A recent leak, burst pipe or flood
  • Ceiling stains spreading from a flat or bathroom above
  • Walls or floors that stay damp after the leak is fixed
  • Swollen skirting boards, doors or laminate
  • Mould appearing weeks after a leak
  • A damp, musty smell that won't clear

What causes water damage in Sussex properties?

The chalk of the South Downs is free-draining, but the clay of the Weald holds water, and coastal towns have lower ground floors and basements close to the water table. Properties on sloping sites often have earth banked against rear walls, which brings damp into rooms below ground level.

Exposure is the big factor on the coast. Wind-driven rain hits south- and west-facing walls hard, salt air accelerates the decay of render and pointing, and penetrating damp follows. Inland, older timber-framed and thatched buildings are vulnerable to timber decay wherever water gets in.

Where we see water damage most in Sussex

Lewes

Flint, brick and timber-framed buildings beside the Ouse, a town that knows the cost of flooding all too well.

Chichester

Georgian and medieval buildings, many listed, and low-lying areas around the harbour with a high water table.

Brighton & Hove

Regency and Victorian seafront terraces, many converted into flats, where wind-driven rain, salt air and tired render cause penetrating damp and condensation.

Our water damage restoration service in Sussex

We start by finding out where the water has gone. Moisture meters and thermal readings show how far it has spread through walls and floors. Specialist drying equipment is then set up and monitored, with readings recorded so there is a clear record for your insurer.

Once materials are dry, we replace damaged plaster, flooring and timber and reinstate the affected rooms. Because we are also damp and timber specialists, we check for secondary problems such as wet rot or salts that a general builder might miss.

We are insurance approved and can deal with your insurer directly, which takes a great deal of stress out of the process.

How it works

  1. Survey

    A PCA-qualified, commission-free surveyor visits your Sussex property, investigates with calibrated equipment and identifies the cause.

  2. Report and fixed quote

    You receive a clear written report explaining what we found and what we recommend, with a fixed quotation and no hidden extras.

  3. Treatment

    Our own trained team carries out the work, protecting your home, keeping dust down and leaving everything clean.

  4. Guarantee

    You receive a written guarantee, which can be protected by an Insurance Backed Guarantee for a single premium.

Water Damage Restoration across Sussex

Our surveyors cover East and West Sussex regularly, from the Weald villages to the coast. We regularly work in Hastings, Gatwick, Ashurst, Battle, Bexhill-on-Sea and Copthorne, and throughout Brighton & Hove, Horsham, Crawley, Mid Sussex, Chichester and Arun.

Towns and areas we cover in Sussex

  • Hastings
  • Gatwick
  • Ashurst
  • Battle
  • Bexhill-on-Sea
  • Copthorne
  • Crawley
  • Crowborough
  • Haywards Heath
  • Horsham
  • Staplecross
  • Albourne
  • Alfriston
  • Amberley
  • Angmering
  • Ansty
  • Ardingly
  • Arlington
  • Arundel
  • Ashburnham Place
  • Ashington
  • Balcombe
  • Barcombe
  • Barnham
  • Beckley
  • Bognor Regis
  • Burgess Hill
  • Eastbourne
  • Newhaven
  • Nutbourne
  • Nuthurst
  • Old Heathfield
  • Partridge Green
  • Peacehaven
  • Peasmarsh
  • Petworth
  • Poynings
  • Rustington
  • Saltdean
  • Seaford
  • Shoreham
  • Bepton
  • Billingshurst
  • Birling Gap
  • Blackboys
  • Bolney
  • Bosham
  • Bracklesham
  • Bramber
  • Burwash
  • Bury
  • Camber
  • Chailey
  • Chiddingly
  • Chidham
  • Chilgrove
  • Climping
  • Colgate
  • Cooden
  • Copsale
  • Cowbeech
  • Cowfold
  • Crowhurst
  • Cuckfield
  • Danehill
  • Ditchling
  • Duncton
  • Durrington
  • Eartham
  • East Dean
  • East Grinstead
  • East Hoathly
  • East Lavant
  • Elsted
  • Exceat
  • Fairlight
  • Felpham
  • Fernhurst
  • Findon
  • Firle
  • Fittleworth
  • Fletching
  • Fontwell
  • Ford
  • Framfield
  • Fulking
  • Furner's Green
  • Graffham
  • Hailsham
  • Hainaker

Recent Tapco projects in Sussex

Find out more about our water damage restoration service.

Book a survey

Book a survey in Sussex

If you’ve noticed any of these issues, arranging a professional survey is the best way to identify the cause and prevent further damage.

Water Damage Restoration in Sussex: your questions

Will my insurance cover water damage?

Many home insurance policies cover escape of water. We are insurance approved and can work with your insurer and loss adjuster on the drying and repair.

How long does drying take?

It depends on the materials and how much water was involved. We monitor moisture throughout and only start reinstatement when readings confirm it is dry.

What should I do straight after a leak in Sussex?

Turn off the water at the stop tap if it is safe to, switch off electrics in affected areas, move belongings out of harm's way, photograph the damage for your insurer and call us.

Can water damage lead to dry rot?

Yes. Timber that stays wet after a leak is at risk of wet rot and, in some conditions, dry rot. Proper drying and a timber inspection reduce that risk.

Do you deal with penetrating damp on the Sussex coast?

Yes. Wind-driven rain and salt air cause a lot of penetrating damp in seafront properties. We find where the water is getting in, from render and pointing to parapets and windows, and fix it at source.

Can you treat flint and timber-framed Sussex properties?

Yes. Flint cottages and Wealden timber-framed houses need breathable materials and careful repairs rather than heavy-handed injection and hard plaster, and that is how we treat them.

Do you cover my part of Sussex?

Our surveyors cover East and West Sussex regularly, from the Weald villages to the coast. Towns we visit regularly include Hastings, Gatwick, Ashurst, Battle, Bexhill-on-Sea, Copthorne, Crawley and Crowborough. If yours isn't listed, give us a call and we'll confirm.

Also in Sussex

More from Tapco in Sussex

Our other specialist services for Sussex homes, landlords and businesses.

Damp Proofing in Sussex

Rising damp, penetrating damp and damp proof courses. Most common around Brighton & Hove and Eastbourne.

Damp & Timber Surveys in Sussex

Pre-purchase and mortgage surveys. Especially worthwhile for older homes around Brighton & Hove and Chichester.

Client testimonials

I would like to say a big thank you to Tapco for their professional attitude and service while carrying out damp repairs to my basement, finished 2 days ahead of schedule. Job well done and wouldn't hesitate to recommend or use again.

Stuart Inman
More kind words

Water Damage Restoration in nearby counties

Live just outside Sussex? We cover the neighbouring counties too.

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Serving London, Surrey & the Home Counties

From our offices in Thames Ditton and Esher, our surveyors cover London and the surrounding counties, providing fast response times for residential and commercial properties alike.

We regularly work with:

  • Homeowners
  • Landlords
  • Estate agents
  • Property managers
  • Commercial property owners
  • Housing associations
  • Local authorities

Whether your property requires a damp survey, timber inspection or basement waterproofing system, our experienced team is ready to help.

Map of London and the Home Counties we cover

Our Trusted Accreditations

Our certifications reflect our commitment to the highest standards of work and quality.

Property Care AssociationTrustMarkBasement Waterproofing AssociationSafeContractorCHASAccreditation

Why Tapco

Why choose us

Established in 1971

Choosing Tapco HomeDry means choosing a company with a proven history of protecting properties across the South East.

  • Established in 1971
  • Over 55 years of industry experience
  • Thousands of successful property surveys
  • Honest, practical advice
  • Qualified specialist surveys
  • Comprehensive guarantees
  • Trusted by homeowners and commercial clients

We believe every property deserves an individual assessment. That’s why our recommendations are based on what your building genuinely needs, not unnecessary treatments.

FCA Status Disclosure

Tapco (Preservation) Ltd is an Introducer Appointed Representative (Financial Services Register No. 423558) of Phoenix Financial Consultants Limited (Phoenix). Phoenix is a credit broker, not a lender. Phoenix is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 539195), and offers finance from its panel of lenders. All finance subject to status and credit checks.

Finance available on Tapco treatments