Storm and River Flood Recovery
Contamination Protocols
Large Volume Extraction
Flood water is different from a burst pipe. It brings contamination, debris, and volume that a standard water damage job is not built for. Our crew arrives with flood scale equipment, categorizes the water on site, and documents everything your insurance needs.
Flooding is a different category of water emergency. A burst supply line inside the home delivers clean water in limited volume. A flood brings storm runoff, river water, sewage backup, or ground saturation into the property, often in large volume and almost always with contamination. In East Tennessee, flooding happens for several specific reasons, heavy spring storms overwhelming drainage systems, the Tennessee River watershed rising during sustained rain events, flash floods in low lying neighborhoods across Knoxville, and sewer backups when municipal systems exceed capacity. Every hour that contaminated flood water sits in a property, the damage spreads and health risks grow. Hometown Restoration Group responds fast, assesses water category on arrival, removes non salvageable materials under proper protocols, and dries the structure to verified moisture targets so the property is safe to occupy again.
On arrival, we classify the water as Category 1 Clean, Category 2 Gray, or Category 3 Black based on its source. Flood water is almost always Category 2 or 3, which drives the entire protection and removal plan.
Truck mounted extractors and high capacity pumps remove water at flood scale, not the volume a standard portable extractor can handle. Speed at this stage is critical because contaminated water keeps damaging materials as long as it sits.
Porous materials contacted by Category 2 or 3 water, carpet, carpet pad, drywall below the water line, insulation, and affected flooring, are removed and disposed of under proper protocols. Contaminated materials cannot simply be dried in place.
All affected structural surfaces are treated with EPA registered antimicrobials and disinfectants matched to the contamination level before drying begins.
Commercial air movers and LGR dehumidifiers dry remaining structural materials to industry standard moisture targets, with daily monitoring and equipment adjustment based on real readings.
Mud, silt, and flood debris are removed from the property. Affected hard surfaces are cleaned and sanitized.
Basement flooding from storm runoff and ground saturation, ground floor flooding in low lying Knoxville neighborhoods, sewer backup into finished basements, flood damage from creek and river overflow during heavy rain events, garage and crawl space flooding, and septic system backup. We work on single family homes, condos, and multi unit residential properties across the 45 minute service radius.
Retail storefront flooding during severe storms, warehouse flooding from roof or foundation failures, restaurant flooding from sewer backups, office building ground floor flooding, hotel lobby and ground floor damage, and industrial property flooding. Commercial flood scopes are managed with phased response so operational areas can reopen while restoration continues elsewhere.
A local Knoxville dispatcher gathers the facts about the flooding, gives you an arrival window, and walks you through safety steps. Electrical and gas hazards are common in flood scenarios, and we advise on what to avoid until our crew arriv
On site, we classify the water, inspect the affected area, and identify contamination risks. The water category sets the protection protocols, the protective equipment our crew uses, and which materials can be saved versus removed.
Truck mounted extraction and high capacity pumps remove standing water fast. Speed matters because contaminated water continues damaging materials and creating health risks as long as it sits.
Non salvageable porous materials are removed, bagged, and disposed of under proper protocols. Remaining surfaces are cleaned with EPA registered disinfectants matched to the contamination level.
Drying Structural materials are treated and then dried with commercial air movers and dehumidifiers, with daily moisture monitoring until readings hit industry targets.
We verify moisture levels with meters, document every step, and provide insurance ready records before closing the job.


+1 865-771-5880
Hometown Restoration Group is based in West Knoxville on South Northshore Drive and serves more than 30 cities and neighborhoods across East Tennessee. One local team, one set of equipment, and one point of contact per job, no matter which community we are driving to. Find your city below to see how we serve your neighborhood.
Here are answers to common questions about our restoration services.

Water damage comes from inside the property, like burst pipes or appliance failures. Flood damage comes from outside, like storm runoff, river overflow, or ground saturation. Flood water is often contaminated, requires different protocols, and is usually covered by separate insurance.
Standard homeowner policies usually do not cover flood damage. Flood coverage typically requires a separate FEMA flood insurance policy or private flood coverage. We document everything your carrier needs regardless of which policy applies
Our local dispatch gets a crew moving as soon as you call. Arrival depends on your location within the 45 minute service radius, but properties in Knoxville and the inner suburbs typically see a technician on site fast, with extraction starting the same visit.
Porous materials that contacted Gray or Black water, carpet, carpet pad, drywall, insulation, often cannot be safely cleaned and must be removed. Hard non porous surfaces, furniture with non porous finishes, and sealed items can often be cleaned and disinfected.
Yes. Flood water often contains bacteria, sewage, chemicals, and debris, which is why it is categorized as Gray or Black water and requires proper PPE and disinfectants. Standing in flood water or handling contaminated materials without protection is a real health risk.
Most residential flood jobs complete extraction within the first day and structural drying within 3 to 7 days, depending on volume and materials. Reconstruction of removed materials takes additional time based on scope. We give you a clear timeline after the initial assessment.
We serve Knoxville and communities within a 45 minute drive, including Farragut, Maryville, Alcoa, Oak Ridge, Lenoir City, Sevierville, Seymour, Powell, and many others across East Tennessee.
When water, fire, mold, or another disaster hits your property, you need a local team that answers the phone, shows up fast, and stays until the job is done. That's been our promise to costumers since 2018.
Hometown Restoration Group is Knoxville's local property restoration team, serving homes and businesses across Knox County and the surrounding 45 minute radius since 2018. From water damage and mold to fire and biohazard cleanup, our crews handle every job in house with our own equipment, our own technicians, and a single point of contact from the first call through the final walkthrough.
7671 s. Northshore Dr suite 3, Knoxville Tennessee 37919
+1 865-771-5880