Water Damage Restoration in Putnam County, NY

Water damage risks across Putnam

Cold winters, frozen pipes and ice dams

Putnam is noticeably colder than Westchester. Pipes in garages, crawl spaces, additions and exterior walls freeze during deep cold, and ice dams on roofs push meltwater into ceilings and walls.

Lake cottages turned year-round homes

Around Lake Mahopac, Lake Carmel, Lake Peekskill and smaller lakes, many houses started as summer cottages. Pipes in crawl spaces and limited insulation make them especially prone to freezing.

Wells and septic in the watershed

Most homes rely on private wells and septic systems, and much of the county lies in New York City’s Croton watershed, where septic work is closely regulated. Septic backups and well system failures are common causes of basement water.

Hills and runoff

Hillside lots throughout the county send runoff against foundations in heavy rain and snowmelt. Sump pumps, footing drains and good grading keep basements dry.

Weekend and seasonal homes

Many Putnam houses, especially around the lakes and in Philipstown and Putnam Valley, are weekend homes or sit empty for part of the winter. A pipe that bursts while no one is there can run for days, soaking floors, walls and the basement before anyone notices.

• Keep the heat at 55°F or higher, and have someone check the house after every hard freeze.
• Install a smart thermostat or a low-temperature alarm that sends an alert if the house gets cold.
• Consider an automatic water shut-off valve, which closes the main when it detects a leak.
• If the house will be empty all winter, have a plumber shut off and drain the system, including the well tank and water heater.
• Read your policy: many homeowners policies limit freeze coverage in vacant homes unless the heat was maintained or the water was drained.

Septic backups

A septic backup usually shows up first as gurgling drains, slow toilets, or water rising through a basement floor drain or a lower-level shower. Stop using water right away, including the washing machine and dishwasher, and call a septic service company to pump and inspect the system. Septic water is contaminated: keep people and pets away, and have porous materials it touched removed and the area disinfected. See sewage backup cleanup.

Shutting off water on a well

If your home has a private well, there may be no curb valve to call in. Turn off the well pump at its breaker, then close the valve after the pressure tank. Label both now so anyone in the house can find them in an emergency. If your home is on a village or water district system, the main valve is usually where the line enters the basement, next to the meter.

Hiring a restoration company in Putnam

• Home improvement contractors working in Putnam must be registered with the Putnam County Department of Consumer Affairs. Ask for the registration number.
• Get a written contract for repairs. New York requires one for home improvement work over $500.
• Ask for daily moisture readings and photos for your insurer.
• For mold over 10 square feet, New York requires a licensed mold assessor and a separate licensed remediator.

Every community we take calls from in Putnam County

This is the full list of Putnam County communities covered. If yours is not listed, call anyway: the team will tell you right away whether it can help.