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Call us 877-451-9251Water Damage Restoration in Clarksville, TN
Owning a home or business is one of the hallmarks of living the American Dream. While there are many fulfilling and positive aspects of owning property, one of the challenges that owners face is property damage. This type of damage can be caused by a range of disasters, both man-made and natural. Of all the types of property damage, water damage is among the most common.
Whether from broken pipes or heavy thunderstorms, it doesn't take a professor from Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Clarksville to know that water damage can be incredibly harmful to your home. Water can spread quickly throughout your property, causing damage to furniture and porous materials as it moves. In the blink of an eye, you could be looking at substantial rotting, warping, and even mold growth. That's why water damage restoration in Clarksville, TN is so important - to mitigate the damage to your home and help prevent it from happening in the future.
Trying to overcome flooding and other water-related disasters on your own can seem like a lost cause. But with Disaster Response by your side, you don't have to lose hope. As a local water damage clean-up company, we provide comprehensive restoration services to properties of all sizes in Clarksville. From the first time we assess your water damage to the time we mitigate and restore, we're here for you.
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Dealing with property damage can be overwhelming. You're likely concerned about a few key things:
Navigating the insurance claim process
We guide you through every step, ensuring you understand the process and get the most out of your claim.
Scheduling for a quick and quality completion
We provide a clear timeline for restoration, prioritizing both speed and quality, so you can get back to normal as soon as possible.
You might also be thinking about:
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
Understanding the full scope of the damage and what needs to be done:We conduct a thorough assessment of the damage and provide a detailed plan of action, so you know exactly what to expect.
Knowing the costs upfront and avoiding unexpected expenses: We provide transparent pricing and a detailed estimate before any work begins, so there are no surprises along the way.
Preventing future issues, such as mold growth or structural problems: We don't just fix the visible damage—we address the root causes to prevent future issues, giving you peace of mind.
Protecting your belongings and valuables from further damage: We take extra care to safeguard your possessions during the restoration process, minimizing any further impact.
Minimizing disruption to your daily life or business operations: We work efficiently and flexibly to reduce the disruption to your routine, allowing you to continue with your life or business as smoothly as possible.
Finding a trustworthy team to handle your property with care: Our experienced and highly-trained professionals treat your property as if it were their own, ensuring the highest standard of care.
Ensuring the job is done right the first time: We pride ourselves on doing the job right the first time, using industry-leading techniques and thorough quality checks to ensure lasting results.
Receiving clear communication and updates throughout the restoration process: We keep you informed every step of the way, providing regular updates and clear communication, so you're never left in the dark.
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
At Disaster Response, It's All About You
Like Customs House Museum and Cultural Center in Clarksville, Disaster Response has been a pillar of the community for years. As a second-generation disaster response company, we know that our work is never about us. At its most basic, it's always about you—your situation, your needs, and your satisfaction. We engineer our processes to help you quickly recover from water floods and disasters. Our total focus is on you, our valued customer. And that, in a nutshell, is what makes Disaster Response one of the most trusted and highly-rated water restoration companies in Clarksville.
Instead of focusing on profit, bottom lines, and yearly projections, we make you our priority. That's why we're serious about providing expert-level disaster preparedness and response services when you need them the most. Could you imagine trying to decipher misleading fine print or dealing with a pushy salesperson when you're just trying to get your life back together? That's not the Disaster Response way, and it never will be.
We don't just clean up after water leaks, floods, or other disasters; we go above and beyond by providing a consultative approach that serves you for years to come. We assist you in dealing with insurance adjusters to ensure you get the coverage you deserve without unnecessary delays. We make it a point to meticulously review every detail of your claim and work hard to make sure adjusters understand the full extent of your losses. We can also provide guidance on how and when to engage a public adjuster to bypass inefficiencies in the insurance process. At the end of the day, we strive to provide peace of mind during your difficult time and work tirelessly to get your property back to its pre-loss condition.
The Disaster Response Difference
Professional Technicians, Technology, and Processes
In fact, we'll dispatch a team of water disaster technicians to you within three minutes. We'll also advise you on what can be done to minimize the water damage in your home or business. Our water damage restoration team will use cutting-edge technology and IICRC-approved methods to restore as much of your property as possible.
Insurance Advocacy
Disaster Response works one-on-one with you and your insurance provider to expedite the claims process and get your home back to normal as soon as possible.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
We're proud of our work and stand behind every project we complete. Our goal is to exceed expectations and provide peace of mind throughout every step of your water damage restoration process. If you're not satisfied for any reason, we'll listen to your concerns and work tirelessly to rectify any issues that need addressing.
Your Guide to Water Damage Restoration in Clarksville, TN
Water damage restoration is a key step in remediating damage to your home, both structurally and aesthetically. Damage from water doesn't just affect the walls, floors, and ceilings in your home. It can also cause deeper issues that, when untreated, can weaken your foundation significantly and lead to long-term instability.
As if that weren't enough, water damage can present health hazards to your friends, family, and pets. Mold and bacteria can grow in damp areas after water incidents, causing allergies, respiratory problems, and even visits to Arcadia Senior Living Clarksville in Clarksville for examination. Ignoring water damage can also result in irreversible harm to your belongings, including furniture, electronics, and sentimental items, leading to financial loss and emotional distress. Professional water clean-up services can repair the damage to your property, help protect valuable assets, and re-establish your home or business as a safe, healthy environment for occupants.
What Makes Our Water Damage Company in Clarksville, TN, Different from Others?
One of the most common questions we get at Disaster Response is, "What separates you from other water damage clean-up companies in Clarksville?" The first and easiest answer to that question centers around our commitment to customer service. We hold our clients in high regard because, without them, there would be no Disaster Response. As such, we work tirelessly to provide them with quality work from friendly and helpful technicians, regardless of the size of their home or business.
But that's just the start. Our clients recommend friends and family to our business because we prioritize the following:
Cost
Investing in damage restoration for your home is a smart move that can help reduce long-term costs. The best part? Our services are covered by insurance companies, so there's less worry about paying out of pocket.
Technicians
Every member of our team has years of experience, specialized training, and certifications in handling water damage. We prioritize our customers' well-being and meticulously attend to every detail to prevent any potential mold-related issues in the future. From single-family homes to
Time
Water disasters happen quicker than you might think. One moment, you're enjoying family time at McGregor Park Cumberland Riverwalk in Clarksville. The next, you're pulling in your driveway to a flooded home. When you call our office, we'll get to work assessing the cause of your water damage and how extensive the water damage is in your home or business. From there, we'll dispatch a team of IICRC water damage restoration experts to your location.
Tools
Disaster Response has made significant investments in cutting-edge water damage equipment, including inspection tools that enable thorough water removal. Our technicians have undergone extensive training to operate these machines and know when and when not to use them.
Process
For over 40 years, we have been helping with water damage issues, refining our process along the way. We can quickly find hidden damages that others might miss and document everything for your insurance company.
Reliable Water Damage Restoration Network
We aren't afraid to ask for help if it means a safer, more enjoyable environment for your family or customers. In fact, we have access to a network of industry pros who are experts in a range of water damage services. To make your life a little easier, we also work with insurance professionals who assist with the claims process.
What Does Disaster Response Fix?
As an IICRC-certified water damage contractor in Clarksville, TN, our technicians can address several areas of your home or business that have been damaged by a water disaster.
- Floors: It's very important to take the necessary time and steps to effectively dry your floors to prevent any potential water damage and mold growth in the future.
- Walls: Depending on the amount of water that enters your business or home, the structural integrity of your property may be at stake. Our technicians will evaluate the situation, inspect your property, and replace materials damaged by water.
- Rugs: If your rugs get wet during flooding or from another water disaster, they may be salvageable. We'll work hard to save all the rugs in your property.
- Furniture: Your furniture is probably expensive and may hold a certain level of sentimental value. Instead of throwing it away or donating it to Fort Defiance Civil War Park Interpretive Center in Clarksville, we can repair and restore it.
Disaster Response specializes in every kind of damage caused by rain, wind, or snowstorms. We handle water damage, mold, mildew, and more, and can be at your home or office within an hour of your call to assess the situation and put a water damage restoration plan into action.
What Tools Does Disaster Response Use for Water Damage Clean-Up?
We only use the best equipment! With our extensive experience in the Clarksville restoration industry, we've acquired state-of-the-art tools designed to tackle a wide range of challenges. This experience has also allowed our technicians to identify which type of equipment is best for a particular situation. Some of the most common water damage restoration tools we use include:
Infrared Cameras
Our infrared cameras give us the ability to see moisture in walls and ceilings that is not visible to the naked eye, almost like having "X-ray" vision. This capability allows us to detect and address trapped and hidden humidity, significantly reducing the risk of mold growth.
Moisture Meters
We use moisture meters to measure moisture levels in cellulose material. Before and after the drying process, we will conduct moisture readings in all areas of your property. If we detect moisture in an unaffected area of your building, we'll get to work quickly to dry it.
Air Movers
This equipment is designed to work in conjunction with our dehumidifiers. While our dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air and convert it to a liquid, our Air Mover helps to circulate this moisture in the air so that the dehumidifier can effectively remove it.
Ozone Generators
These advanced tools enable us to cleanse affected surfaces and the air in a more effective manner. Ozone Generators work by causing oxygen molecules to implode, making them a valuable deodorization tool.
Xtreme Xtractor
This tool is great for tackling tough moisture after water damage. It allows us to apply direct pressure to a surface, like a carpet, that has soaked up water. The pressure helps draw out the water, making it easier to remove.
Top 3 Types of Water Damage You Should Know About
Water damage can strike without warning and can wreak havoc on your property, leaving you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. Whether it's from a burst pipe, a severe storm, or an overflowing appliance, your property needs immediate water damage clean-up in Clarksville, TN, to prevent further harm. Here are the top three types of water damage you should know about:
Clean Water Damage
This type of water damage happens from a "clean" source, such as rainwater or a broken pipe in your home. It's easier to clean up than others on this list but can still cause extensive property damage when ignored.
Gray Water Damage
Gray water damage stems from appliances such as toilets without feces, washing machines, and dishwashers. Gray water sometimes contains bacteria and contaminants that can make you or your family sick.
Black Water Damage
The name alone indicates the severity of this type of water damage. It's caused by backed-up sewer lines, river flooding, and standing water that supports bacteria growth. Black water presents serious health hazards and needs to be handled by professional water damage contractors.
If you suspect your home or business has been damaged by one or more of the types of water above, take the following steps:
- Be Safe: Turn off all electricity running through your property. Don't go near or touch any water you believe to be contaminated.
- Stop the Source of Water: If you're able, put a stop to the water at its source. That way, you can prevent more damage.
- Call Disaster Response: Contact our water damage company ASAP for water restoration services. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies.
Our Process for Water Damage Restoration in Clarksville, TN
Having a water damage restoration company by your side who knows how to remediate moisture is a key factor in getting your life back on track. At Disaster Response, we have refined our process over 40+ years of water damage clean-up experience. That way, we can provide customers with reliable, comprehensive service when they need it the most.
We utilize powerful pumps and vacuums to eliminate standing water from your property. Swift water removal is essential in minimizing damage and lowering the likelihood of mold growth. Our team is dedicated to ensuring efficient water extraction to prevent any additional complications.
After extracting water from your property, we dry and dehumidify the impacted areas. We use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to do so to eliminate moisture from walls, floors, and furniture. Proper drying helps prevent warping, swelling, and the growth of mold.
Whenever we deal with water damage, we have to address the potential contaminants and bacteria that can enter your home. We make sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize all affected areas to create a safe living environment. This involves cleaning carpets, upholstery, and personal belongings. Our technicians also use antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
The final step in the process is the restoration of your home to its pre-damage condition. This comprehensive restoration process may encompass a range of tasks, from minor repairs such as replacing drywall and installing new carpeting to major reconstruction efforts. Rest assured that Disaster Response is fully equipped to manage all aspects of water damage restoration, from start to finish.
- Maintenance: Have your business or home's roof, appliances, and plumbing inspected by professionals to spot early signs of wear and tear.
- Water Alarms: If there is a flood or leak in your home, a water alarm can alert you so that you can take action immediately.
- Drainage: Your home needs proper drainage systems in place at all times. To prevent water buildup, be sure to unclog your downspouts and gutters.
- Cracks and Gaps: Be sure to seal up any cracks and gaps in your property's foundation to limit water from getting inside.
The Water Damage Company in Clarksville, TN, You Can Trust
When you want a great steak, you don't go to a fast-food joint and expect a filet. You go to a Hananoki Japanese Steakhouse in Clarksville. When you need quality disaster response services from licensed professionals, you don't go to a fly-by-night shop. You contact Disaster Response.
As a local water damage clean-up business, we believe that providing clients with effective service that they can rely on in times of stress is of utmost importance. While some of our competitors prioritize profits over people, you can rest easy knowing we care about you - and that's something you can always count on when you choose our water damage company.
Whether a pipe has burst in your commercial space and your showroom is flooding, or your home has standing water from a Clarksville rainstorm, we're here for you 24/7. Contact our office to learn more about the Disaster Response difference or to schedule an inspection for your property today.
Contact Your Emergency Disaster Response Now!
Latest News in Clarksville, TN
Clarksville 7-day weather forecast
Stackerhttps://clarksvillenow.com/local/clarksville-7-day-weather-forecast/
ESOlex // ShutterstockClarksville 7-day weather forecastOpenWeather. This week's high is 79 °F on Sunday, while the low is 48 °F on Tuesday. There are expected to be 6 sunny days and precipitation on 0 days this week.There are currently no weather alerts.Monday, October 7- High of 70 °F, low of 52 °F (47% humidity)- Sunny with a 0% chance of rain- High risk of harm from sun exposure (5 UV index)- Gentle bree...
ESOlex // Shutterstock
Clarksville 7-day weather forecast
OpenWeather. This week's high is 79 °F on Sunday, while the low is 48 °F on Tuesday. There are expected to be 6 sunny days and precipitation on 0 days this week.
There are currently no weather alerts.
Monday, October 7
- High of 70 °F, low of 52 °F (47% humidity)- Sunny with a 0% chance of rain- High risk of harm from sun exposure (5 UV index)- Gentle breeze (10 mph wind)- Sunrise at 6:49 AM, sunset at 6:24 PM
You may also like: How gas prices have changed in Clarksville in the last week
New Africa // Shutterstock
Tuesday, October 8
- High of 71 °F, low of 48 °F (46% humidity)- Sunny with a 0% chance of rain- High risk of harm from sun exposure (5 UV index)- Gentle breeze (9 mph wind)- Sunrise at 6:50 AM, sunset at 6:22 PM
cooperr // Shutterstock
Wednesday, October 9
- High of 75 °F, low of 50 °F (44% humidity)- Sunny with a 0% chance of rain- High risk of harm from sun exposure (5 UV index)- Light breeze (7 mph wind)- Sunrise at 6:51 AM, sunset at 6:21 PM
Pablesku // Shutterstock
Thursday, October 10
- High of 76 °F, low of 53 °F (42% humidity)- Sunny with a 0% chance of rain- Moderate risk of harm from sun exposure (5 UV index)- Gentle breeze (9 mph wind)- Sunrise at 6:52 AM, sunset at 6:19 PM- First quarter moon
Matusciac Alexandru // Shutterstock
Friday, October 11
- High of 72 °F, low of 51 °F (37% humidity)- Sunny with a 0% chance of rain- Moderate risk of harm from sun exposure (5 UV index)- Gentle breeze (8 mph wind)- Sunrise at 6:53 AM, sunset at 6:18 PM
loreanto // Shutterstock
Saturday, October 12
- High of 76 °F, low of 49 °F (35% humidity)- Mostly cloudy with a 0% chance of rain- Moderate risk of harm from sun exposure (5 UV index)- Light breeze (5 mph wind)- Sunrise at 6:54 AM, sunset at 6:16 PM
You may also like: Highest-ranked pizza restaurants in Clarksville by diners
supergenijalac // Shutterstock
Sunday, October 13
- High of 79 °F, low of 54 °F (36% humidity)- Sunny with a 0% chance of rain- Moderate risk of harm from sun exposure (5 UV index)- Gentle breeze (11 mph wind)- Sunrise at 6:55 AM, sunset at 6:15 PM
Clarksville Boasts Third Cheapest Gas Prices in Tennessee
News Staffhttps://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2024/10/30/clarksville-boasts-third-cheapest-gas-prices-in-tennessee/
Tennessee is the 4th least expensive market in the countryNashville, TN – Over last week gas prices across the state fluctuated higher to $2.80, but ultimately fell over the weekend to $2.76, the same price as one week ago. The ...
Tennessee is the 4th least expensive market in the country
Nashville, TN – Over last week gas prices across the state fluctuated higher to $2.80, but ultimately fell over the weekend to $2.76, the same price as one week ago. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $2.76 which is 18 cents less expensive than one month ago and 56 cents less than one year ago.
“We’ve seen some fluctuation in our state gas prices over the last two weeks, but the silver lining is that Tennessee has the 4th least expensive state gas price average in the country,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “It’s likely that we’ll continue to see fluctuations in gas prices across the state this week.”
Given the devastating flooding that happened during and after Hurricane Helene in several of Tennessee’s eastern counties, it’s likely that those areas may experience temporary gasoline outages.
Extensive flooding, power outages, and closed roads will make it difficult for locals in these areas to access gasoline at many retailers and will also make fuel deliveries very difficult in many areas.
It’s important to remember that these outages are temporary. Gas stations are not connected to an underground pipeline. Just like your vehicle, a gas station can only hold so much fuel at a given time. That fuel is stored in tanks underground. Once those tanks are empty, retailers bag the pumps and wait for the next fuel delivery.
“The bottom line is, don’t panic about gasoline supplies, just take what you need,” continued Cooper. “The state makes it a priority to keep gasoline shipments going as long as it is safe to do so. Once the flooding subsides and power is restored, shipments will resume as soon as possible.”
The national average for a gallon of gas wobbled by a few cents before ending at $3.21, a penny more expensive than one week ago. Pump prices have been sliding recently, but the rapid intensification of Hurricane Helene appears to be having an effect.
According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand rose from 8.77 million b/d last week to 9.20. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks fell slightly from 221.6 million barrels to 220.1, while gasoline production increased last week, averaging 9.8 million barrels daily. Tepid gasoline demand and low oil costs will likely keep pump prices sliding.
Today’s national average for a gallon of gas is $3.21, 14 cents less than a month ago and 61 cents less than a year ago.
At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI fell by 1.87 cents to settle at $69.69 a barrel. The EIA reports that crude oil inventories decreased by 4.5 million barrels from the previous week. At 413.0 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 5% below the five-year average for this time of year.
(Price per gallon of regular unleaded gasoline)
The Auto Club Group (ACG) is the second largest AAA club in North America with more than 13 million members across 14 U.S. states and two U.S. territories. ACG and its affiliates provide members with roadside assistance, insurance products, banking and financial services, travel offerings and more.
ACG belongs to the National AAA Federation, with more than 64 million members in the United States and Canada. AAA’s mission is to protect and advance freedom of mobility and improve traffic safety.
For more information, get the AAA Mobile app, visit AAA.com, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
$5 million movie theater coming to Clarksville mall
Nikki McGeehttps://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/clarksville/5m-movie-theater-clarksville-mall/
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The city of Clarksville is welcoming its latest entertainment venue after Phoenix Theatres announced a $5 million investment at Governor’s Square Mall on Wednesday.The theater will mark the company’s first state-of-the-art entertainment venue in the state. Man charged after shooting through Clarksville ...
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The city of Clarksville is welcoming its latest entertainment venue after Phoenix Theatres announced a $5 million investment at Governor’s Square Mall on Wednesday.
The theater will mark the company’s first state-of-the-art entertainment venue in the state.
“This will expand our theater circuit to 79 screens at nine locations in five states, which I have to say for someone who started popping popcorn while they were 14 years old, this is really an extraordinary moment for us,” president of Phoenix Theatres, Cory Jacobson, said.
The new location will replace the previous AMC theater at the mall. It will feature reclining and heated seats, 10 massive screens, 4K laser digital projection and Dolby ATMOS sound technology.
“We’ve seen tremendous growth in the community and along with that growth in the community, the mall has continued to grow and flourish,” co-president of Cafaro Company, Anthony Cafaro Jr., said. “We’re in the midst of a multi-million dollar renovation of the entire shopping center.”
City officials hope that the new entertainment options will draw visitors and tax dollars from surrounding communities, including Kentucky. Cafaro said Governor’s Square will offer things that online shopping can’t.
Janet Wilson with the Clarksville-Montgomery County Economic Development Council, said the area is attracting investors from all sectors, and the mall’s new entertainment options will be a major asset.
“One, we get to retain them here as opposed to Nashville or where have you, and that’s a big positive,” Wilson said. “Again, adding more variety and opportunities is what we aim to do as we attract more people to our community, and then the residents that already live here.”
The new theater is expected to open in May 2025. Governor’s Square Mall will hold an official grand reopening to highlight some of its major renovations and new businesses on November 9 at 11 a.m.
Flooding in Clarksville: What should be done when dream homes become nightmares?
Christian Brownhttps://clarksvillenow.com/local/flooding-in-clarksville-what-should-be-done-when-dream-homes-become-nightmares/
CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – On Memorial Day, Candace Payne woke up to find her basement filled with murky water. “I walked down the first set of stairs, and as soon as you turn to go down the second set, you see nothing but water,” Payne said.The downstairs bathroom, utility room, bedroom and living room were heavily damaged, and Payne’s aunt, who had been living in the basement, lost all of her belongings. After already investing...
CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – On Memorial Day, Candace Payne woke up to find her basement filled with murky water. “I walked down the first set of stairs, and as soon as you turn to go down the second set, you see nothing but water,” Payne said.
The downstairs bathroom, utility room, bedroom and living room were heavily damaged, and Payne’s aunt, who had been living in the basement, lost all of her belongings. After already investing $110,000 into renovating the house on Elberta Drive before the flood, it would now cost Payne an additional $186,000 to make repairs, including excavation around her property and foundation.
It was once her dream home, but Payne is now asking the city to condemn the house, bulldoze it, and stop anyone else from ever building there again.
“It’s only going to get worse; it’s going to continue happening, it’s going to be more devastating,” she said. “On top of that, who can afford to stay in their home and keep repairing it when they know it’s going to flood?”
Following Clarksville Now coverage of the flooding on Love Street off Trenton Road, Payne was one of several homeowners who reached out to express some of the same concerns with their own properties. The complaints have raised several questions, including whether flooding disclosures are required, or is flooding a matter of buyer-beware? Why is building allowed on properties known to retain storm water? And where does local government’s responsibility fall in this, if at all?
According to residents, Elberta in northwest Clarksville has flooded for years, but that wasn’t brought to the attention of Payne when she purchased the house in 2020.
“Flooding was never disclosed to me, and I recently discovered my house has flooded several times in the last 20 years,” Payne told Clarksville Now.
Longtime Elberta resident Vaneesa Huntley confirmed Payne’s property has flooded many times, and she said that since she was little, she has called this area of the subdivision “Lake Elberta.”
“There’s always been a drainage issue at the end of this street,” Huntley said. “We’ve had to go through many, many years of watching a lot of our neighbors have destroyed homes, as well as property. We’ve been on the fortunate end: My house is a couple of houses up from Candace, so we don’t necessarily have the same flood damage, but there has been some damage to the house.”
NEW TO CLARKSVILLE? Check out our Newcomer’s Guide
Payne said when she bought the house, the previous owners offered the property without a Residential Property Condition Statement because they didn’t live in the house for the three years prior to the sale. Payne said she didn’t realize this wasn’t included in the housing contract until after the flooding took place.
Clarksville Association of Realtors Executive Director Deb Haines-Kulick confirmed that this exemption is one of several that property owners can use before selling a home. Haines-Kulick said this is typically used when a property owner rents out a home and then moves to sell.
Jennifer Harper, also with CAR, said Tennessee law requires that a seller of a home disclose flooding and flood damage, though there are several exemptions, such as that one.
Flood damage is listed as an exclusion on most homeowner policies, that being said there are many homeowners in need of a separate insurance policy, according to Marcalee Baxter at Farmers Insurance.
Payne is asking for her house to be condemned by the City of Clarksville, and there is precedent for that.
Around 2008, the city condemned and demolished a home across the street from Payne’s property, she said, because of flooding issues. The city offered to condemn her home as well, but the property owner at the time declined and then sold the home years later, she said.
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She said the City of Clarksville should have used eminent domain to take her house back then. “We know it is a hazard; they should have moved in, declared eminent domain, taken the property, demolished it then, and made it where no one else could purchase it,” she said.
“Because if the city had made that move, the house would have never been here for me to buy. … My upbringing and my heart will not allow me to just sell this house to somebody else, because I know how traumatized I am from walking down the stairs and seeing that amount of water. I can’t in good conscience sell this house to somebody else knowing they will deal with the same thing.”
For now, she said, she’s stuck there with no way of leaving.
As previously reported, the Clarksville City Council has designated for drainage mitigation studies on both Love Street and on Elberta Drive.
Clarksville Now reached out to the city with a number of questions about the flooding problems.
“The City of Clarksville has been in the process for several days of gathering data and information,” city officials responded. “With much of that in hand, we are working on a formal presentation that will be made to the City Council and the public that will address the history and present condition of the drainage system and answer many of the questions posed in this request. We don’t have a date set for that presentation but anticipate it will be within the next 30-45 days.”
Ronnie Howton bought his property on Vaughan Road near Exit 11 in 2014, and he said he and his family have been dealing with flooding ever since.
He said he was told during purchase negotiations that the property had flooded in 2010, but so did most of Clarksville that year. What Howton thought was a once-in-a-lifetime problem turned into something he’d never imagined.
Within the first year, the disabled Army veteran began to notice drainage issues. “It progressed from there, and now it’s an ongoing issue. … I’m having to do things I wouldn’t typically do,” Howton told Clarksville Now. While it depends on the year and season, Howton said his property has flooded at least three times a year.
He said he has spoken to the Clarksville Street Department several times, including years ago when he was told fixing the issue would cost more than the property is worth, so they couldn’t help.
After finding out the city wouldn’t help him, Howton resorted to some unorthodox solutions. This included not only digging drains by hand, but also diverting the groundwater down the city sewer. “I can’t afford equipment; I can’t afford crews of workers. I have to use a shovel, a pick and a wheelbarrow to try and dig drains,” Howton said.
NEWS TIPS: Do you have a local news tip? Email news@clarksvillenow.com or call us at 931-648-7720.
Howton said he previously shared this information with representatives with the Clarksville Gas and Water Department, then also told the Transportation, Streets, Garage Committee at a meeting on Aug. 13.
“I’m not trying to hide the fact that I’ve been pumping water down the city sewer,” Howton said. “I don’t want to do that, and that is a lot of a hassle for me. It’s also a headache for the city. … But if I don’t get help from the city, I’m going to have to do things on my own. I have to do things to protect my home and my family.
“I’m frustrated; I’m tired; I’m broken, physically and mentally, from dealing with this flooding,” Howton said. “This place is going to kill me. All I’m asking for is help.”
To stop Howton from diverting groundwater into the city sewer, which can overload and damage the system, Clarksville Gas and Water recently bolted and sealed the manholes near Howton’s property.
Now, Howton is looking to build a barricade on his land – anything to stop the water from getting into his home.
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Correction: this story has been updated with comments from Marcalee Baxter.
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