Flood cleanup in Sacramento, CA

When is it a flood, and not a leak?

In insurance terms, flood generally means surface water rising from outside, such as river or creek overflow, while a leak or burst pipe is water from inside plumbing. The difference matters because standard homeowners policies generally do not cover flood damage, according to the California Department of Insurance, and flood insurance is a separate policy. Federal flood policies usually carry a 30-day waiting period. Flood damage cleanup is not the same as cleaning up a plumbing leak, because floodwater can carry contaminants; the plan puts safe removal first and drying second.

Why is floodwater treated as contaminated?

Under the IICRC S500 framework, floodwater and sewage fall in Category 3, grossly contaminated water. It can carry sewage, soil, chemicals and microorganisms, so porous materials such as carpet, padding and some insulation and drywall are commonly removed rather than dried. Hard surfaces are cleaned and sanitized.

Why does the Sacramento area see flood cleanup calls?

The Sacramento region combines two rivers, creek corridors and 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. See Sacramento, CA winter storm prep and our service areas.

How do we work safely?

Do not enter a flooded area if electrical hazards are possible, and never touch standing water near outlets. We protect ourselves and your property with appropriate equipment and document the affected materials as we remove them, so your insurer or FEMA program has records.

Floodwater is usually Category 3; the three categories of water damage explains why that matters. To get ready before the rainy season, use our winter storm and flood prep checklist. Businesses and managed properties get commercial flood cleanup.

Flood cleanup: common questions