Introduction A flood within a central London property had been caused by an accumulation in pressure from a blocked sewer causing an inspection manhole within the low level lift plant room to leak and allow fluid detritus to enter to a height of approximately 500mm resulting in significant damage to the lift control equipment. As a consequence of this damage, the lift contractor provided a quotation for remedial repairs which included complete replacement of the control panel, complete replacement of the hydraulic drive unit including ram and cylinder, rewiring including trailing cables and replacement of numerous ancillary components damaged as a result of the flooding and consequential cleaning which totalled several thousand pounds. A considerable amount ! Findings Not surprisingly the client was not overjoyed at this and, although they did not simply want another quote, they did seek a second opinion. J Bashford & Associates were engaged to carry out an inspection and provide a full report detailing the current condition of the equipment and recommend remedial restorative works. The indirect acting drive system installed to the lift operates a hydraulic ram via a system of pulleys and hoisting ropes acting on a cantilevered design lift car. The equipment is designed to contain and prevent leakage of high pressure hydraulic fluid, consequently the design will inhibit the ingress of water and other contaminants. Our inspection/survey of the lift also included taking a sample of the hydraulic fluid contained within the drive unit reservoir for detailed analysis. The resultant analysis report indicated that no water or other contaminants were present within the sample. Consequently, complete replacement of the hydraulic drive system was not necessary to return the lift to the same condition as prior to the incident. Moreover, the lift hydraulic cylinder/ram assembly was supported on a heavy gauge steel fabricated stool and therefore was located clear of the flood damage area. Our inspection of the lift installation identified no evident contamination and/or damage to either the hydraulic cylinder or the ram within the lift shaft.