How monsoon water gets into Henderson homes
- Runoff from higher lots. Many Henderson streets climb toward the foothills, so homes on the low side of a slope or at the end of a cul-de-sac take runoff from above.
- Blocked yard drains and block-wall weep holes. Desert landscaping rock and debris clog drains, so water pools against the stucco and slab.
- Roof and patio leaks. Concrete tile roofs are durable, but the underlayment beneath them ages in the heat. Wind-driven monsoon rain finds those weak spots and shows up as ceiling stains.
- Garage flooding. Water that comes under the garage door reaches the water heater, storage and the shared wall with the house.
Flood water is usually treated as contaminated
Water that has run across streets, yards and gutters picks up soil, oil, fertilizer and bacteria. Restoration professionals generally treat it as Category 3 water. That means porous materials it soaked, such as carpet, pad and the lower part of drywall, are often removed rather than dried, and the area is cleaned and treated before drying starts. Keep children and pets away from the wet area.
Safety first during and after a storm
Never drive or walk through flowing water in a wash or street. Henderson's flood channels and washes, like Pittman Wash, can fill quickly during a storm. Indoors, keep away from outlets and appliances that are wet, and turn off power at the panel only if you can do it from a dry spot.
Insurance note for flood losses
Standard homeowners policies usually exclude surface flooding, meaning water that enters from outside at ground level. A separate flood policy through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer covers that, and new NFIP policies usually have a 30-day waiting period. Rain coming through a damaged roof is treated differently and is often covered. Your adjuster makes the call, so photograph everything.
Flood & Monsoon Cleanup coverage by ZIP code
Referrals for flood & monsoon cleanup are available in these Henderson ZIP codes:
Questions about flood & monsoon cleanup
Is monsoon flooding covered by homeowners insurance?
Rain that enters through storm damage to the roof or windows is often covered. Ground-level surface water usually is not, unless you carry flood insurance. Check with your insurer.
Can flood-soaked carpet be saved?
Carpet pad soaked by outside flood water is generally thrown away. Carpet itself may sometimes be cleaned and saved depending on the water category and how long it was wet. The provider will explain the options.
What should I do with a flooded garage?
Move what you can off the floor, check the water heater and any gas appliances for damage, and keep the door to the house closed. Have the shared wall checked for moisture.