Water damage referrals in Richmond
Richmond is south of Lexington across the Kentucky River, and one city utility handles its water, natural gas and sanitary sewer. That makes Richmond Utilities the first call for most water problems here, at any hour.
Referral service, not a contractor. Your request goes to an independent Lexington-area restoration company. We do not do the drying or repairs.
One utility, three services
Richmond Utilities' website describes it as the city's provider of water, gas and sanitary sewer. Its contact page gives two numbers, and says plainly when to use the second one: "For emergencies outside business hours, please call the after-hours number."
- Office, business hours (859) 623-2323
- After-hours emergencies (859) 369-5389
- Danger to life or property 911
The walk-in office closes for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and the utility asks customers to phone during that hour. For a leak inside the house, though, nothing beats your own main shutoff. Close it first, then call.
Water and gas in the same basement
Because the same utility runs gas in Richmond, water damage near a furnace, water heater or gas line deserves extra care. If you smell gas, leave the house, then call 911 and the utility from outside. Do not run pumps, fans or dehumidifiers in a room where you smell gas. Once the utility says it is safe, the drying can start. A gas appliance that sat in floodwater should be checked by a qualified technician before it is relit.
How a Richmond boil water advisory works
Richmond Utilities publishes its boil water advisory instructions in full. It explains that line breaks can cause a temporary loss of pressure or water, and that an advisory is a preventive step issued after consulting public health and regulatory agencies. In short:
AdvisoryBoil the water for 3 minutes, cool it, and store it in clean containers or the refrigerator.
CleanupKeep a separate supply for the household while a crew works.
AdvisoryHot soapy water is fine. As a precaution, add one tablespoon of bleach per gallon.
CleanupAsk the crew what water it uses to clean and disinfect while the advisory is on.
AdvisoryLaundry water does not need treating; shower water does not either, unless the utility says otherwise.
CleanupWashing wet linens and clothes can go ahead.
AdvisoryRun the water until it is clear of sediment and air.
CleanupThen check under sinks and at the water heater for leaks the pressure change may have started.
Advisories are announced on the utility's website, at the office, on WCYO 100.7 FM, on the city's Spectrum channel 378 and in the Richmond Register.
Reaching a restoration company from Richmond
Richmond is farther from Lexington than most towns on this site, and fewer participating companies may cover Madison County. The same goes for Berea, in the south of the county, which has its own municipal utility. Send the form with your ZIP. A request is passed on only if a company that serves it is taking work, so you may not hear back; you can call any local company.
Whoever you hire, the Kentucky Department of Insurance's advice applies: get the contract in writing, with the work described, the total cost and a completion date, and do not pay before the work is done. See the what restoration usually costs for national price ranges and the how it works page for what the referral does and does not do.
Richmond questions
There is a boil water advisory. Can a crew still clean up my flooded basement?
Usually, yes. Richmond Utilities' instructions say hot soapy water can be used for surface cleaning, with a tablespoon of bleach per gallon as a precaution. Extraction and drying do not depend on drinking water. Ask the company how it handles cleaning water during an advisory. For flood and storm water damage, see the flash flood page.