MaxClean Restoration Blog

A coastal storm is organizing off the New Jersey shore today and Friday. The National Weather Service is forecasting around 1 to 2 inches of rain across Monmouth, Ocean and Middlesex counties, with some inland areas toward the higher end, and a chance of thunderstorms this afternoon. A Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect for Ocean County until 2 PM today for minor tidal flooding near the shore and tidal waterways. Behind the rain, colder air moves in, with lows near 30 this weekend.

A few minutes now can make a real difference.

Test your sump pump. Pour a bucket of water into the pit and make sure the pump kicks on and sends the water outside. If you have a battery backup, check that too.

Clear gutters, downspouts and window wells. Leaves pile up this time of year, and a clogged downspout dumps water right against the foundation. Make sure water drains away from the house.

Move boxes and valuables off the basement floor. Even a few inches of water can ruin cardboard, photos and electronics.

If you are near the Ocean County shore or a tidal waterway, watch for minor flooding on low-lying roads this morning. Do not drive through flood water.

Before the freeze, disconnect garden hoses and shut off outdoor spigots from the inside, then open the outside faucet so it can drain. A hose left attached can trap water and split the pipe when temperatures drop.

If water does get in, MaxClean Restoration offers 24/7 water and storm damage help. Call 732-539-2942. We are an IICRC Certified Firm serving Monmouth, Ocean and Middlesex counties. We send the invoice to your insurance carrier on your behalf, but the invoice is still the homeowner's responsibility, including your deductible and anything your carrier doesn't pay.

For more on keeping rain out of the basement, see our guide on gutters, downspouts and window wells. If water is already coming in, what to do in the first hours walks through the next steps.