At about 52 feet above sea level, Nutley is one of the lowest-lying towns in Essex County, set between the Third River and the Passaic. The Third River, also called the Yantecaw, threads through a chain of township parks and past The Enclosure, the historic artists' colony on a dead-end street near the river, before meeting the Passaic in Clifton just north of the town line. Route 21 follows Nutley's eastern edge along the Passaic itself.
The Restoration Job connects people to independent restoration providers and charges nothing for the call. Dial (888) 317-9980 and we'll put you in touch with a provider serving Nutley for basement water, burst pipes, roof leaks or river flooding.
How the call works: when you call (888) 317-9980, The Restoration Job connects you with an independent restoration provider that serves Nutley. That provider inspects the damage, explains the scope and quotes the work. The Restoration Job doesn't perform restoration itself. Read our referral disclosure.
The Third River Through Nutley's Parks
Before it reaches Nutley, the Third River has passed through Little Falls, Clifton, Montclair and Bloomfield, picking up runoff from the slopes of the Watchung ridge. Much of its course through town is lined with parkland, which gives the water some room in an ordinary storm. In extreme rain, such as Ida in September 2021, which caused major flooding across North Jersey, the stream can rise quickly and back up into nearby streets and low yards.
Homes in the Yanticaw and Franklin areas closer to the river, and any property at the bottom of a grade, should keep an eye on National Weather Service flash flood warnings and know how to reach their main water and electric shutoffs.
Low Ground Along the Passaic
On Nutley's east side the land drops toward the Passaic, which has a long flood history; it crested at 14.19 feet during Irene in August 2011. Downstream of the Dundee Dam the river is tidal, so prolonged rain combined with a coastal storm can keep water levels high for longer. Groundwater rises with the river, and basements in low areas can take seepage through walls and floors even when the river stays in its banks.
FEMA's Flood Map Service Center shows whether a property is in a mapped flood hazard area. Since standard homeowners policies generally exclude flood, that check is worth doing before the next storm season rather than after.
Restoring Basements in Nutley's Older Homes
Nutley grew through the twentieth century alongside employers such as Hoffmann-La Roche, which arrived in 1929, and many of its older single- and two-family homes have full basements that now hold finished rooms, laundry and mechanicals. When water gets in, the order of work matters.
- Stop the source and remove standing water.
- Remove soaked carpet, pad and the lower part of affected drywall, especially after outside water.
- Dry framing and concrete with dehumidifiers and air movers, confirming with moisture readings.
- Repair only after everything tests dry.
For a fuller explanation of each stage, see the overview of water damage restoration.
When Floodwater Is Contaminated
Water from the river, the street or a backed-up floor drain carries bacteria, sediment and whatever was on the ground it crossed. It calls for professional flood cleanup rather than simple drying: affected porous materials are removed and bagged, hard surfaces are cleaned and disinfected, and the space is dried. Keep children and pets away, wear boots and gloves, and throw out food or medicine the water touched.
Damp Basements and Mold
A town this close to two rivers has naturally damp ground, and North Jersey's humid summers add to it. Mold commonly shows up on stored cardboard, the back of paneling and the bottom of drywall in basements that have flooded even once. Running a dehumidifier through the warm months, sealing obvious foundation cracks and keeping gutters clear go a long way. Persistent growth or a musty smell that will not go away is a sign that mold remediation and a moisture investigation are needed.
Areas In and Around Nutley
Calls come in from across Nutley, including:
- Avondale
- Franklin
- Glendale
- Yanticaw
- The Enclosure
The same line also serves nearby communities such as:
Common Questions
Does the Third River flood homes in Nutley?
The Third River runs mostly through parkland in Nutley, which absorbs moderate storms, but intense rain can push it out of its banks and back up nearby drainage. Homes close to the river and on low streets carry the most risk. Check your address on FEMA's flood maps and watch for flash flood warnings from the National Weather Service.
My Nutley basement gets wet whenever the Passaic is high. Why?
In low areas near the river, groundwater rises along with river levels and presses against basement walls and floors. Water can then enter through cracks and the joint where the wall meets the slab. A sump pump with battery backup helps, and a restoration provider can dry the space and check for hidden moisture behind finished walls.
Is flood damage covered by my homeowners insurance?
Usually not. Standard homeowners policies generally exclude flooding from rising water, which is covered by a separate flood policy, often through the National Flood Insurance Program, and new policies typically have a waiting period. Sudden pipe bursts are more often covered. Call your insurer promptly and photograph the damage before cleanup begins.