The short answer
Start with Safety
Before you touch anything, turn off the electricity at the main breaker if water may have reached outlets or appliances. Check for gas leaks or structural damage from the outside first. If you smell gas or see sagging ceilings, get out and call the utility company.
Wear rubber boots and gloves while you work. Floodwater can hide sharp objects and contain sewage or chemicals. If you feel unwell, see a doctor. Keep children and pets away from the flooded area until cleanup is done.
- Turn off power at the breaker
- Check for gas leaks from outside
- Wear boots and gloves
- Keep kids and pets out
- Call a doctor if you feel sick
Remove Standing Water
Use a pump or a wet-dry vacuum to remove standing water as soon as you can. The longer water sits, the more damage it does to floors and walls. Work from the highest point down, and open windows to start airflow.
For large floods, a pump may be needed to lower the water level before you can use a vacuum. Keep your shutoff valve location written down. After the water is gone, you can begin drying the space.
Dry Out the Home
Open all windows and doors to create cross-ventilation. Use fans and a dehumidifier to pull moisture from the air. Remove wet carpets, rugs, and padding, as they hold water and can grow mold quickly.
Take out soaked drywall and insulation up to a foot above the waterline. Wood floors may warp, but you can dry them slowly with fans. Do not use heaters on full blast, as rapid heat can crack wood and drywall.
- Open windows and doors
- Run fans and dehumidifiers
- Remove wet carpets and rugs
- Cut out soaked drywall
- Dry wood floors slowly
Decide What to Keep
Anything porous that touched floodwater should go, like mattresses, pillows, upholstered furniture, and cardboard boxes. Nonporous items such as glass, metal, and hard plastic can be cleaned with soap and water. When in doubt, throw it out.
Food that came into contact with floodwater is unsafe to eat, even if sealed. Discard any perishables that were not kept cold. Check your policy to see what your insurance covers, but know that coverage varies by situation.
Know When to Call Pros
If the flood came from sewage, chemicals, or a long soak, call local water damage pros. They have the equipment to dry walls and detect hidden moisture. Mold can grow behind walls within days, so acting quickly matters.
A flood cleanup guide helps you handle small spills, but major flooding needs professional help. For toilet overflows or sewage backups, specific cleanup steps apply. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. In warm, dry climates, flooding is less common, but heavy rain can still push water into a home through cracks or low spots.
Water damage does not wait
Call (214) 730-5993 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (214) 730-5993Frequently asked questions
How long does flood cleanup take?
Small spills may dry in a day or two, but a major flood can take weeks. Drying wood and walls fully is slow, and mold can appear if you rush. The time depends on the size and how fast you start.
Can I clean floodwater myself?
You can handle small clean water spills with fans and soap. For sewage, chemical, or deep floods, you should call pros. They have the right safety gear and drying tools. Your health matters more than saving belongings.
What should I throw away after a flood?
Throw away anything porous that touched floodwater, like carpets, drywall, mattresses, and food. If an item is hard and smooth, you can clean it. When you are not sure, it is safer to discard it.