My well flooded. Is the water safe to drink?

Not until it's been disinfected and tested. Floodwater can contaminate a well with bacteria and chemicals. Use bottled water and contact the local health department for guidance on testing.

How long after a river flood can I start cleanup?

Only after officials say it's safe and the water has receded from your home. Have the electrical system checked before turning power back on, document everything, and start removing wet materials as soon as you can safely do so.

Is river flooding covered by homeowners insurance?

Generally no. Flooding from rising rivers and creeks is excluded from standard homeowners policies and covered by flood insurance. New flood policies usually have a 30-day waiting period. Check with your agent.

How long does drying take after a flood?

Commonly several days to a couple of weeks after a major flood, depending on how long water sat, what materials got wet and how much had to be removed. Crawl spaces and older homes with hardwood or plaster can take longer.

Water Damage Restoration in Burgaw, NC

Common causes of water damage in Burgaw

River and creek flooding from the Northeast Cape Fear River and its tributaries
Heavy rain that floods low-lying parts of town, even without a named storm
Crawl space plumbing leaks and pipe failures in older homes
Well systems, including pressure tanks and lines that can leak or burst
Water heaters, supply lines and AC condensate leaks

River flooding in Burgaw

During Hurricane Florence in 2018, the Northeast Cape Fear River crested at a record 22.54 feet at Burgaw, higher than during Floyd in 1999. River water and creek overflow poured into streets and homes, state highways out of town flooded, and Pender County reported about 20 rescues near the Northeast Cape Fear and Black rivers.

River floods behave differently from coastal storms. The water often peaks days after the rain stops and can stay high for days, so homes may be inaccessible until it recedes. Floodwater is contaminated, and porous materials it touches are usually removed. Standard homeowners policies generally exclude flooding from rising water; that takes flood insurance, which usually has a 30-day waiting period for new policies.

Older and rural homes

Crawl spaces: many Burgaw homes sit over crawl spaces where plumbing, ductwork and insulation can take on water in a flood. Ducts that sat in floodwater generally need cleaning or replacement before the system runs again.

Wells: if your well was flooded, don't drink the water until it has been disinfected and tested. The local health department can advise on well testing after flooding.

Outbuildings: barns, sheds and detached garages often flood first. Move fuel, chemicals and equipment out of low areas before a storm if you can.

First steps for Burgaw homeowners

After a flood, return only when officials say it's safe, and don't enter if there's standing water near the electrical panel.
For a leak, shut off the main water valve. If you're on a well, turn off the well pump at the breaker.
Take photos and video before anything is moved.
Call for help, then call your insurance company.
If your well flooded, use bottled water until it's tested.

How water damage restoration works

The crew finds the source, maps how far the water spread with moisture meters, extracts standing water and removes materials that can't be saved. After floodwater, more materials come out and surfaces are cleaned and disinfected. Dehumidifiers and air movers run for several days until the structure is dry enough for repairs.

Get help in Burgaw

Dry Coast Restoration connects you with a vetted local restoration crew, often same-day. Call (910) 807-3573 or use the form above. For the full process, see our water damage restoration guide.

More help in and around Burgaw

Nearby: Hampstead, Wilmington, Surf City · All service areas