What to do if you come back to water at your lake house
Some lake homes around Lenoir City sit empty for days or weeks between visits. A supply line that splits on a Monday can run until somebody walks in on Saturday. If that’s you:
- If it’s safe, shut off the water at the main. Stay away from wet outlets and the electrical panel.
- Take photos and video of every wet room before you move anything.
- Call or text us, day or night.
We pull out the standing water, remove what can’t be saved, and dry the house with air movers and dehumidifiers, taking readings until it’s dry. See emergency water removal.
Why do lower levels on the lake take on water?
A lot of lake homes are built into the hillside, with a walk-out lower level facing the water. That puts living space below grade on the uphill side. Heavy rain running down the slope, a clogged drain at the bottom of a patio, or a water heater in the basement mechanical room can all put water on that floor. Water from outside carries soil and bacteria, so carpet pad it soaks usually comes out. Read more on water damage restoration.
Does insurance cover a leak while the house was empty?
It depends on your policy. Some policies have rules about homes left vacant or unheated, so read yours or ask your agent. What we can do is make the record clear: we work with your adjuster and document everything, from photos and moisture readings to notes on what was removed and why. See working with your insurance.
How do you clean carpet that sees lake traffic?
Sand, mud and damp swimsuits end up in the carpet by the back door and on the stairs to the lower level. Grit acts like sandpaper on the fibers, so regular cleaning keeps carpet looking better longer. We use steam cleaning for heavy soil (dry in about 1 to 3 hours) and low-moisture cleaning when the carpet or the schedule calls for a faster dry (about 30 minutes to 2 hours). See carpet cleaning.
Can tile entries and lake-level baths be deep cleaned?
Yes. Tile is a smart choice near the water, but the grout picks up every bit of mud that comes through the door. We deep clean tile and grout and can seal the grout afterward to help it hold up to the next summer. More on tile and grout cleaning.