Finished Basement Flooded? What Can Be Saved
This is the question we hear most from Hendersonville homeowners. The answer depends on where the water came from and how long it sat. The IICRC S500 standard sorts water into three categories:
- Category 1, clean water, like a burst supply line caught early. Carpet can often be dried in place, and drywall may only need a cut along the bottom.
- Category 3, contaminated water, like groundwater, surface flooding or sewage. Carpet, pad, insulation and the lower part of the drywall are removed. Hard surfaces are cleaned and treated.
- Category 2, gray water, like a washer or dishwasher overflow. Carpet pad usually comes out. Carpet and drywall depend on how long they stayed wet.
Water that sits for a couple of days can move up a category, which is one more reason to call early. We’ll tell you which category applies before anything gets removed.



