From Disaster to Delight: Navigating a Water Loss Insurance Claim After a Septic Backup
Water Removal & Dry-Out in New London, WI
There are few things more unpleasant for a homeowner than a septic tank backup—especially when that backup overflows into your home. Unfortunately, one homeowner recently experienced this nightmare firsthand when their septic system failed, flooding their walk-out basement with sewage. The contamination affected the carpet and padding, baseboards, door frames, drywall, and even the base of the vanity cabinet in the bathroom.
While any water damage in a home can be devastating, sewage backups bring additional concerns due to contamination risks. Raw sewage contains harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, making it critical that all affected materials be removed and replaced. This isn’t a job where simple drying and disinfecting will suffice—everything that comes in contact with the sewage must go.
What Happens When a Septic Overflows into a Home?
When a septic system backs up, wastewater has nowhere to go but back into the house. This can happen due to a clog, excessive water usage, system failure, or heavy rains saturating the drain field. The result? Contaminated water seeps into porous materials like carpet, drywall, and wood, which absorb the moisture and bacteria, creating not only a health hazard but also the perfect breeding ground for mold.
The Water Damage Restoration Process
Water loss claims like this require a specialized approach, different from standard home insurance claims. Proper documentation of the water removal and repair process is crucial for insurance reimbursement. Fortunately, this homeowner had full coverage for this type of incident, allowing for a complete restoration of the affected space. Here’s how we tackled it:
- Emergency Response & Assessment
- Upon arrival, we conducted a thorough inspection to determine the extent of the damage and identify all affected areas.
- Moisture meters and thermal imaging were used to track how far the water had spread.
- Removal of Contaminated Materials
- All carpets and padding were torn out since sewage-contaminated carpet cannot be salvaged.
- Two feet of drywall was removed wherever sewage had reached to eliminate potential bacterial contamination and moisture retention.
- Affected baseboards, door frames, and the bathroom vanity base were also removed.
- Dry-Out & Sanitation
- Industrial-grade air movers and dehumidifiers were set up to dry the structure completely.
- Every day, we tested moisture levels to ensure the area was drying properly and documented the progress for the insurance claim.
- High-strength antimicrobial treatments were applied to disinfect any remaining surfaces.
- Upgrades & Reconstruction
- Instead of reinstalling carpet, the homeowner chose to upgrade to vinyl plank flooring—a smart decision with numerous benefits.
- New drywall was installed, followed by retexturing and fresh paint.
- The original bathroom vanity was outdated and damaged, and since insurance covered the cost of a new one of the same size, the homeowner got a fresh upgrade.
Why Choose Vinyl Plank Flooring Over Carpet?
When faced with replacing flooring after a water loss, many homeowners are opting for vinyl plank flooring instead of carpet—and for good reason:
- Waterproof & Durable – Unlike carpet, vinyl planks resist moisture and won’t harbor mold or bacteria.
- Easy to Clean – Simple to maintain and doesn’t trap allergens, dust, or odors.
- Aesthetic Appeal – Mimics the look of hardwood without the risk of warping from water exposure.
- Long-Term Investment – More durable than carpet, reducing the likelihood of needing replacement in the future.
The End Result? A Stunning Transformation!
What started as a disastrous situation turned into an unexpected home improvement win. The newly restored basement looked amazing, with fresh walls, sleek new flooring, and a clean, updated bathroom. The homeowner not only had a fully repaired space but also a more functional and modernized area to enjoy.
At Badgerland Restoration & Remodeling, we know exactly how to handle water loss claims like this. From emergency cleanup to full restoration, we ensure that every step is meticulously documented for insurance purposes while also helping homeowners make the best long-term decisions for their property. If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, know that you're in good hands with a team that turns disasters into dream spaces!
Click the button below to see the before and after photos from this project.
