Water came from the condo above me. Who pays?

It depends on where the water came from and on the policies involved: your HO-6 policy, your neighbor's policy and the association's master policy. Report it to your HOA or property manager and your insurer right away, and document the damage. This is general information, not legal advice.

Can original hardwood floors be saved after a leak?

Sometimes. If drying starts quickly, specialized floor-drying equipment can pull moisture out of hardwood without removing it. Boards that stay cupped or buckled after drying may need sanding, refinishing or replacement.

Who do I call about a water main break or sewer backup in Wilmington?

For problems with public water mains, sewer lines or the street side of your meter, call the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority. For damage inside your home, call for restoration help and your insurer.

Does flood insurance cover tidal flooding?

Flood insurance generally covers flooding from rising water, including tides and storm surge, while standard homeowners policies generally exclude it. Coverage details vary, so check your policy and talk to your agent.

Water Damage Restoration in Wilmington, NC

Common causes of water damage in Wilmington

Older plumbing in historic and mid-century homes, from aging supply lines to old drain pipes in crawl spaces
AC condensate leaks, common during the long cooling season
Leaks from neighboring units in condos, townhomes and apartments
Stormwater flooding in neighborhoods around Hewletts Creek, Burnt Mill Creek and Greenfield Lake during heavy rain
Tidal flooding in low-lying areas downtown along the Cape Fear River
Hurricanes and tropical storms, like Florence in 2018

Flooding in Wilmington

Wilmington floods in more ways than most cities. During Hurricane Florence, floodwaters cut off the roads into the city. On ordinary days, high tides push the Cape Fear River out of storm drains onto Water Street, and a 2021 study put Wilmington at the top of its list for the increase in this kind of nuisance flooding. Inland, heavy rain overwhelms drainage in creek watersheds; the city approved a $1.1 million drainage project in 2026 for Pirate Cove, where streets off Hewletts Creek flood in heavy rain.

Floodwater from any of these sources is considered contaminated. Porous materials it touches, like carpet, padding, insulation and drywall, are usually removed. Standard homeowners policies generally exclude flooding from rising water, so check whether you have a separate flood policy.

Older homes, condos and water damage

Historic and older homes: original hardwood floors can sometimes be dried in place with specialized equipment if drying starts quickly, and plaster walls dry differently from drywall. Ask the crew how they'll handle original materials. Exterior repairs in local historic districts may need city approval, but emergency steps to prevent further damage come first.

Condos and townhomes: when water comes from another unit or a common pipe, several insurance policies may be involved: yours (often called an HO-6 policy), your neighbor's, and the association's master policy. Notify the HOA or property manager right away, and document everything.

First steps for Wilmington homeowners

Stay clear of water near outlets, cords or the electrical panel.
Shut off the main water valve. In older homes it's often in the crawl space.
If the problem is a water main, a sewer backup from the street, or a leak on the street side of your meter, call the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA), which provides water and sewer service in Wilmington.
Take photos and video before anything is moved.
Call for help, then call your insurance company.

How water damage restoration works

The crew finds the source, maps how far the water traveled with moisture meters, extracts standing water and removes materials that can't be saved. Dehumidifiers and air movers run for several days while moisture readings are recorded, until the structure is dry enough for repairs.

Get help in Wilmington

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 Wilmington

Nearby: Leland, Carolina Beach, Hampstead · All service areas