Medford has a river running through it, and the city says so in its own notices. The combined sewer overflow notices posted by the city name Medford as a municipality potentially affected by discharges into the Mystic River and Alewife Brook, and they advise avoiding contact with the water for 48 hours after a discharge ends. That advice is about river contact. It does not mean a discharge fills your basement.
It does tell you something useful about dirty water in general: treat it with respect. Whether the water in your home came from a drain, a river or a broken line, the first question is how clean it is, because that decides what can be saved.
Water categories, in plain words
Category 1 water comes from a clean source, like a supply line. Category 2 carries some contamination, such as a washer discharge. Category 3 is grossly contaminated: sewage, river water, or anything that sat long enough to turn. ANSI/IICRC S500 treats these differently, and porous materials like carpet, pad, drywall and insulation that touched Category 3 water are usually removed, not dried.
That is why flood damage restoration in Medford starts with identifying the source. A crew in protective gear extracts the water, removes contaminated porous material, cleans and disinfects hard surfaces, then dries what remains with air movers and LGR dehumidifiers. Never run a vacuum or fan through sewage yourself.
Safety first
If water has reached outlets, the panel or a gas appliance, stay out and call the electric or gas utility or 911 before calling us. Cut power only if you can reach the panel while dry.
When water is spreading in Medford, sort it by source
A basement backup through a floor drain is a plumbing and sewer problem. River water after heavy rain is a drainage problem. A broken pipe is a supply problem. Each needs a different phone call. For a sewer backup, check with your plumber or the city's Department of Public Works about the line. For the cleanup, our water damage cleanup service handles removal and sanitizing.
Medford's city page says the water distribution system takes water from the MWRA system. So if tap water changes color or pressure across a whole street, the issue may lie with the city's mains and not your pipes. If it only changes in one building, look at your own plumbing first.
Medford Square
In a building with shared walls or drain lines, water can arrive from a neighbor's unit. If it did, say so on the call.
Wellington and the river side
Whatever your street in Wellington, check the FEMA flood map for your address and ask your insurer whether flood is covered separately.
Near Tufts
If you rent near the university, photograph the damage and tell your landlord quickly, since both sides need a record.
Dispatch hours
Emergency dispatch available around the clock for every part of the city.
Before We Arrive: If Water Is Still Spreading
Close the line that is leaking
Know the main shutoff before you need it. If the leak is an appliance, close the supply valve beside it. For sewage, stop using sinks, tubs, toilets and the washer.
Dry footing or no breaker work
Turn off breakers only when you can reach the panel without stepping in water. If the panel is in the wet area, call 911 or the utility and wait outside.
Raise it out of reach
Move electronics, paperwork and soft items to counters, beds or an upper floor. Leave heavy furniture and appliances where they are.
Gloves, boots and a closed door
Dirty water is a health risk. Keep children and pets out, wear boots if you must enter, and wash your hands after any contact.
Reach the 24/7 desk
Ring (339) 333-9345 and tell us what the water looks like, how deep it is and which rooms it touched.
Insurance, rivers and what to ask
Sudden and accidental water damage is often covered by a homeowner policy. Flood damage is usually excluded without separate flood coverage, and gradual leaks and neglect often are not. Sewer backup may need its own endorsement, so check your policy or ask your insurer.
FEMA declaration FEMA-1895-DR designated Middlesex County for Individual Assistance after the severe storms and flooding of March 2010, which is a reminder that flooding here is a documented possibility. Check the FEMA flood map for your address.
Crews from Stoneham use Interstate 93 and Mystic Valley Parkway to reach many addresses, and Malden is a neighboring city. Ask when you call which route the crew is likely to take, but expect no promised arrival time.
For homes near Winchester, the Winchester service page covers the Mystic Lakes side of the area, and Melrose callers can see the Melrose page. If standing water is already inside, emergency water removal is the quickest step.
Medford questions
Frequently asked questions
Do you cover every ZIP code in Medford?
Medford's standard ZIP is 02155, and we cover it, including Medford Square, Wellington and the streets around Tufts University. Other Medford ZIP codes are PO box only and are not home delivery, so your house or apartment will be in 02155. Call and give your street to confirm.
Is emergency water removal available in Medford?
Yes. The 24/7 line at (339) 333-9345 takes emergency calls any hour. We offer same-day response when available, but we do not promise an arrival time. Traffic on Interstate 93, other jobs and the size of the loss all change what is possible, and the dispatcher will tell you what to do meanwhile.
What does the city's 48-hour overflow notice mean for me?
It says to avoid contact with river water for 48 hours after a combined sewer overflow discharge ends. That is about swimming, wading or touching river water. It does not say a discharge causes basement backups. If your basement has sewage, treat it as Category 3 regardless.
Can I clean up sewage myself?
Small surface spills on hard floors can sometimes be handled with protective gear, but anything that soaked carpet, drywall or insulation needs professional extraction and removal. Sewage carries bacteria. Keep others out, and ask a physician about any health concern.
Do you work near Tufts or in multi-family buildings?
Yes. We take calls for apartments and houses near Tufts University. Tell the dispatcher which unit is affected, whether water came from above or beside, and whether the landlord has been told. Scope and price are explained before work starts.
Who do I call about my water supply in Medford?
The city's page says the water distribution system takes water from the MWRA system. Call the city's Department of Public Works for street-wide supply problems and your plumber if it only affects your building.