Flood Damage Cleanup

Yes. Floodwater is classified as either Category 2 (gray water) or Category 3 (black water) depending on its source, and both carry serious health risks. Category 3 water, which includes sewage backups, river overflow, and storm surge, contains bacteria, viruses, parasites, and chemical contaminants that can cause illness on contact or through airborne exposure. Even after floodwater recedes, the contaminants it deposited on surfaces, inside wall cavities, and in porous materials remain active and dangerous. Professional cleanup with proper antimicrobial treatment, protective equipment, and contaminated material disposal is essential. Attempting to clean flood damage without the right training and equipment puts your health at risk.

Coverage depends on the source of the flooding and your specific policy. Most standard homeowners insurance covers sudden internal water events like burst pipes, appliance failures, and accidental discharge from plumbing systems. External flooding from storms, rising water, and drainage overflow typically requires a separate flood insurance policy, often through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private flood insurer. Restorian works with all major insurance carriers including NJM Insurance Group, State Farm, USAA, Allstate, and others. We handle the complete claims documentation process, including Xactimate certified estimates, adjuster coordination, and direct billing, so you do not have to navigate the process alone.

Water damage and flood damage are treated differently by insurance companies and restoration protocols, even though they may look similar at first glance. Water damage typically refers to internal water events from sources like burst pipes, appliance failures, roof leaks, and plumbing backups, and is generally covered under standard homeowners insurance policies. Flood damage refers to external water intrusion from rising water, storm surge, river overflow, drainage failure, or groundwater seepage, and typically requires a separate flood insurance policy, often through the National Flood Insurance Program. Flood damage also tends to involve contaminated Category 3 water containing sewage, chemicals, and bacteria, which requires more aggressive sanitization and contaminated material removal than standard water damage.

Many personal belongings can be saved after flooding if they are addressed quickly and properly. Hard non porous items like glass, ceramics, and metal can typically be cleaned and sanitized. Furniture made of solid wood may be salvageable through professional drying and refinishing, though upholstered pieces and particleboard furniture often cannot be restored due to contamination absorption. Documents, photographs, and books can sometimes be freeze dried and preserved through specialty services. Electronics and appliances that were submerged usually cannot be safely restored due to internal contamination and corrosion risk. Restorian provides full contents inventory, pack out, professional cleaning, secure storage, and pack back services to save as much of your property as possible, and we document all non salvageable items for your insurance claim.