Water Damage Restoration in New Jersey
Dense suburbs, basements, and a long coastline put New Jersey at risk from both rain and surge.
New Jersey has two major water damage stories: coastal flooding along the Shore and inland flash flooding in densely built suburbs with basements.
Inland flooding
When the remnants of Hurricane Ida hit in September 2021, extreme rainfall flooded basements, roads, and river valleys across northern and central New Jersey, and the flooding was deadly. Towns along the Raritan, Passaic, and smaller rivers and creeks flooded quickly. Surface flooding and river flooding are flood events that standard homeowners policies exclude.
Coastal flooding
Hurricane Sandy in 2012 caused massive storm surge flooding along the Jersey Shore and in communities on bays and tidal rivers. Many homes have since been elevated. Tidal and nuisance flooding during high tides and storms continues in low-lying areas.
Basements and sump pumps
Many New Jersey homes have basements with sump pumps. High groundwater during wet periods keeps pumps running often. Pump failure, power outages, and sewer backups are common causes of basement losses. Sump overflow and sewer backup usually require a specific endorsement on a homeowners policy.
Winter
Cold snaps freeze pipes in exterior walls and crawlspaces, and shore homes left empty for the winter are at special risk if the heat fails or the water isn't shut off and drained.
Hiring
New Jersey requires home improvement contractors to register with the Division of Consumer Affairs, and registration can be checked online. The state's consumer fraud rules also require written contracts for home improvement work over a set amount. Plumbers and electricians have separate state licenses.
Estimates only. Broad typical ranges based on published contractor and industry cost guides; actual prices vary widely. Get written quotes.
Labor costs in the New York City metro portion of New Jersey tend to be higher than national ranges.
For general cost factors, see the water damage restoration cost guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is basement flooding from heavy rain covered in New Jersey?
Surface water and flood are usually excluded. Sewer backup and sump overflow need an endorsement. Flood insurance has limited basement coverage.
How do I check a New Jersey contractor?
Look up the home improvement contractor registration through the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.
What should shore homeowners do before winter?
Many shut off and drain the water system or keep heat on with monitoring. Ask a plumber about winterizing.
Does flood insurance cover my finished basement?
Flood policies generally cover only limited items in basements, such as certain equipment, not finished walls and flooring. Read the basement section of the policy.
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