Commercial flood cleanup in Sacramento, CA

Why is floodwater treated as contaminated?

Under the IICRC S500 framework, floodwater and sewage are Category 3, grossly contaminated water. It can carry soil, sewage, chemicals and microorganisms. In a business that means carpet, padding, ceiling tile, insulation and some drywall are commonly removed instead of dried, while hard surfaces are cleaned and sanitized. Commercial flood damage is treated as a contaminated-water job, so floodwater removal comes first, followed by discarding what cannot be cleaned, then drying and sanitizing.

Is flood damage covered by commercial insurance?

Usually not by the standard policy. The Insurance Information Institute notes that flood damage typically is not covered under a standard commercial property policy or a business owner’s policy, and that businesses can buy flood coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program or private insurers. NFIP policies generally carry a waiting period before they take effect, so review coverage before storm season.

How is a flooded business cleaned?

Safety comes first: electrical hazards and structural concerns are checked before work begins. Then water and debris are removed, unsalvageable materials are taken out and photographed, surfaces are cleaned and sanitized, and the structure is dried and monitored with moisture readings. See commercial structural drying for the drying stage.

Why does the Sacramento area see commercial flood calls?

The region sits where two rivers meet and has a concentrated winter wet season. In the New Year’s 2023 storms, the NOAA River Forecast Center reported levee breaks on the Cosumnes River that closed State Route 99 in southern Sacramento County. Flooding is not only a river issue: storm drains and low-lying parking areas can also send water into buildings. Our service areas describe local flood history.

Floodwater is treated as contaminated; see the three categories of water damage. To prepare a property before winter, use our winter storm and flood prep checklist. Homes are covered under flood cleanup.

Commercial flood cleanup: common questions