Flood water is an emergency from the first inch, because it carries soil, bacteria and sometimes sewage into the house. Our line is open 24/7, and a crew can be dispatched the same day when one is available. Until help arrives, stay out of standing water, keep children and pets away, and do not run electrical equipment on a wet floor.
What Counts As Flood Damage, And Why It Is Treated Differently
A burst pipe releases clean water from inside the building. A flood brings water in from outside, from a creek that overtops its banks, storm runoff that finds a basement window, groundwater rising through a floor, or a sewer line that backs up. The source decides the water category, and flood water is normally treated as Category 3, which means porous materials are removed and surfaces are cleaned and sanitized.
This is why flood work differs from the water mitigation done after a supply line leak. Carpet, pad and lower drywall that touched flood water are usually removed rather than dried, and the space is washed and treated before drying equipment goes in.
When A Wet Basement Is An Emergency
A basement with standing water is an emergency whenever the water is above the floor, near the furnace or water heater, or reaching outlets. Old homes put mechanical equipment low, and a flooded furnace can leak fuel or short out. If you smell gas, leave and call 911 and the gas utility before anything else.
If you are standing in water and see the panel nearby, do not walk to it. Call the utility to shut off service from the street, and call us for extraction once it is safe.
Flood water safety
Treat flood water as contaminated. Wear boots and gloves if you must enter, keep it away from food and children, and wash well afterward. Never use a household vacuum on standing water.
Basement Flooding Cleanup
The steps in a flooded basement follow a set order. Water is pumped out with submersible pumps and extraction units, usually in stages so that the foundation walls are not stressed by a sudden drop in water level outside. Wet carpet, pad and lower drywall are removed. Floors and walls are washed and sanitized, and then dehumidifiers and air movers dry the structure.
If the basement has a sump pump, the crew checks whether it failed, whether the discharge line is clear and whether power was out during the event. The crew also notes where water entered. That finding is for your records and for the contractor who will deal with the cause, since restoration cleans up after water but does not waterproof.
Sewage Backup Cleanup
A sewage backup through a floor drain, tub or toilet is Category 3 water. The crew contains the area with plastic, removes porous materials, extracts the water and then disinfects hard surfaces. Do not try to clean sewage with household tools, and do not use the bathroom fixtures that are backing up.
If the problem is in the public sewer main, WSSC Water lists 301-206-4002 as its emergency number for sewer problems on its utility services page. If the blockage is in your own line, a plumber clears it and we handle the cleanup afterward.
Flood Risk Around Temple Hills
Prince George's County keeps a published history of local floods. It names Hurricane Hazel in October 1954, Hurricane Connie in August 1955, and Tropical Storm Agnes in June 1972, which the county calls the storm of record. It also lists Hurricane Isabel in September 2003, which brought mainly wind damage and localized flooding, and Tropical Storm Lee in September 2011.
The county has a watershed flood study for Henson Creek dated April 1986, and Moor Park, the house the community's namesake lived in during the 1860s, stood beside that creek.
The county states that low spots can flood even when they are not next to a body of water, so a street that never touches a stream can still collect storm water. The county's most recent revised flood map panels are dated September 6, 1996, so the best check is to look up your address on the FEMA flood map and ask your insurer.
| Source of water | Typical category | What changes |
|---|---|---|
| Burst supply line, rainwater from a clean source | Category 1 | Material can often be dried in place if crews start quickly. |
| Washing machine discharge, overflow with some contamination | Category 2 | Carpet pad usually removed, surfaces cleaned. |
| Storm runoff, creek overflow, groundwater, sewer backup | Category 3 | Porous materials removed, surfaces sanitized, then dried. |
Flood water in the house?
Call (301) 936-0619. The line is answered 24/7.
Insurance And Flood Water
The Maryland Insurance Administration explains that homeowners policies generally do not cover flooding, and that flood coverage usually comes from a separate policy such as one through the National Flood Insurance Program. Seepage through a foundation wall or floor is treated as a maintenance problem and is generally not covered by either policy. Homeowners coverage may pay for sewer or sump pump backup only if you carry a water and sewer backup endorsement, which Maryland insurers must offer.
We document the loss with photos and moisture readings and write a scope you can give to your adjuster. We cannot say whether your policy covers a loss. Read your policy and talk with your insurer, and see water damage cleanup for how documentation is handled.
Flood jobs vary more than any other water loss, and the price follows these factors.
- Water category. Flood water means more removal and sanitizing.
- Depth and area. A foot of water across a full basement is a larger job than a puddle at a door.
- Materials affected. Finished basements have drywall, carpet and cabinets that all need review.
- Pumping time. Staged pumping takes longer than a quick vacuum.
- Drying days. Concrete and framing in a cold basement take time to dry.
Want a real number? Call (301) 936-0619. Scope and price are explained before work starts.
Flood damage in nearby areas such as Oxon Hill near the Potomac and Henson Creek and Clinton in the south of the county is handled by the same crews.
Industry Standards And Safety Basics
Professional water work in Temple Hills is commonly guided by the ANSI/IICRC S500 standard for water damage restoration. It sorts water by contamination category and drying by moisture readings rather than by guesswork. Until a crew arrives, stay out of rooms with sagging ceilings, do not use electrical devices near standing water, and do not mix cleaning products. If you smell gas or see sparks, leave and call 911.
Common Questions
Do you handle flood damage emergencies at night or on weekends in Temple Hills?
Yes. The dispatch line is answered 24/7, including during storms. Same-day response is offered when a crew is available, and the dispatcher will tell you what to do while you wait.
Is flood damage covered by my homeowners policy?
Usually not. The Maryland Insurance Administration says homeowners policies generally exclude flooding, and flood coverage comes from a separate policy. Sewer and sump backup may be covered if you have an endorsement. Check your policy.
Can a flooded basement be waterproofed by a restoration company?
No. Restoration removes water, dries and rebuilds. If water keeps entering through walls or the floor, a drainage or waterproofing contractor addresses the cause, and we can tell you honestly which side of that line your problem is on.
How do I check whether my property is in a flood zone?
Look up your address on FEMA's Flood Map Service Center, and see the county's flood management page for how to determine whether a property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area. Your lender or insurer can also tell you.