Standing river water pumped out of a cellar before drying starts
What homeowners notice
A homeowner finds an inch of brown water across the cellar floor after a rise in the river. The electrical panel sits on the wall above the waterline, and a furnace stands in the corner of the room.
What we do
The crew first checks the power and the panel from a safe location. Submersible pumps are set at the lowest point, the discharge route is agreed with the homeowner, and the last water and silt are removed by hand so the floor can be read.
What to expect
The cellar is clear of standing water and ready for moisture readings, and the equipment and the discharge route are recorded for the next visit.
Usually one visit to pump, then readings on later visits typical visit
A split supply line soaks a wall and the floor below it
What homeowners notice
The homeowner notices a stain spreading on a ground-floor wall and a floor that feels soft near the kitchen. The water meter keeps turning with every fixture closed.
What we do
The main is closed first and the crew measures the wall and the floor. Readings show the water has run down the wall cavity, so a small opening is made at the bottom plate to dry the cavity and to give the plumber access to the split.
What to expect
The plumber repairs the line through the opening, the cavity is dried to readings, and the opening is closed only after the readings show the framing is dry.
Usually a same-visit shut-off and measurement, then drying over several visits typical visit
After a thaw, the sump runs without stopping and the water rises at the floor joint. The homeowner has a basement with paneling along two walls.
What we do
The crew pumps the cellar down while the sump is kept clear, then checks the pump, the float and the discharge line. The report notes that the pit was overwhelmed rather than failed, and it marks the wet joint for a contractor.
What to expect
The cellar is dried to readings and the homeowner receives a written note on the pump's condition and the entry point, to pass to a contractor for the repair.
Usually one visit to clear the cellar, then a report for the contractor typical visit
A small ceiling stain hides a wider wet area in the cavity
What homeowners notice
A brown ring appears on a ceiling under a bathroom. It is only a few inches across, but the ceiling feels slightly soft when pressed gently near the light fixture.
What we do
The crew measures the ceiling and the wall below, then opens the ceiling in small sections where the readings are highest. The insulation above the wet section is removed, and the joists are checked and dried in place.
What to expect
The cavity reads dry, the source is passed to a plumber, and the ceiling is repaired after drying with a written record of the readings.
Usually two visits: the opening and the drying, then a check typical visit
Flood debris sorted into keep, clean and remove before it leaves the house
What homeowners notice
After river water has stood in a ground floor, the living room carpet, the sofa and a stack of stored paper sit in water-stained piles against the walls.
What we do
The crew photographs and lists each room before anything moves. Items are sorted into keep, clean and remove, the removed material is carried out room by room, and silt is bagged before the floor is rinsed and measured.
What to expect
The house is cleared for drying, the homeowner holds a signed list of kept and removed items with photographs, and the disposal route is written down.
Usually a full day of sorting and hauling, then drying typical visit
A crawl space that held standing water is dried before rebuilding
What homeowners notice
A homeowner plans to rebuild a finished room above a crawl space that held water for several days. The insulation hangs wet, and the ground cover is torn and silted.
What we do
The crew removes the standing water and the soaked insulation, replaces the torn ground cover where it is needed, and sets dehumidifiers and air movers. Readings are taken on the joists, the sill plates and the ground at each visit.
What to expect
The framing reads dry, the removals and readings are recorded, and the homeowner receives a note of the soft wood that a qualified carpenter should inspect before the rebuild.
Usually several visits in a low, tight space typical visit
Have the same problem?
Call and tell us what you see. We will tell you what it likely is and what it usually costs before anyone drives out.
