The short answer
Safety First
Before you touch anything, make sure the power is off at the main breaker, especially if water reached electrical outlets or appliances. Turn off the water supply if the flood came from a burst pipe or overflowing fixture. Wear rubber boots, gloves, and a mask to avoid contact with contaminated water, which may contain sewage or chemicals.
If you smell gas or suspect a leak, leave the building and call the gas company from outside. Do not enter a flooded room until you are sure the structure is sound. If you feel unwell during cleanup, see a doctor. For large floods, local officials may post safety notices about water quality and road closures.
Remove Standing Water
Use a pump or a wet/dry vacuum to remove standing water. For small areas, a mop and bucket work, but for deeper water, you may need a submersible pump. Work from the lowest point outward, and make sure you have a place to drain the water, such as a floor drain or outside, if your local codes allow it.
As the water level drops, check for hidden pockets in crawl spaces and lower levels. If you have a flooded lower level, you might need to pump it out in stages to avoid structural damage from the weight of the water outside. Removing water quickly helps reduce the time your home materials stay wet.
- Shut off power and water before starting
- Wear rubber boots, gloves, and a mask
- Use a pump or wet/dry vacuum for standing water
- Drain away from the house if possible
- Work from the lowest point to the highest
- Check for hidden water in walls and floors
Dry Out the Space
After removing the water, the next step is drying. Open windows and doors if the weather allows, and run fans and dehumidifiers to pull moisture from the air. Remove wet carpets, rugs, and upholstery, as these hold water and can grow mold within 24 to 48 hours.
If you live in a humid climate, you know that moist air can slow drying and encourage mold growth. Use air movers to direct airflow across wet surfaces, and consider renting industrial fans and dehumidifiers for large areas. Check walls, baseboards, and insulation for water saturation, and cut away wet drywall and insulation if they are soaked.
Clean and Disinfect
Once the space is dry, clean all hard surfaces, including floors, walls, and counters, with soap and water. Then apply a disinfectant to kill bacteria and pathogens, especially if the water came from sewage or a toilet overflow. Follow the product instructions for contact time, and allow surfaces to air dry.
For porous items like wood furniture, you may be able to clean and dry them, but items like mattresses, pillows, and cardboard boxes that absorbed floodwater should be thrown away. If the floodwater was from a clean source like a broken pipe, the cleanup is simpler, but you still need to dry everything thoroughly to prevent mold.
Know When to Call Pros
Some floods are too large or too contaminated for a homeowner to handle alone. If the water came from sewage, contains chemicals, or has been sitting for more than a day, you may need professional help. Local water damage pros have industrial pumps, air movers, and disinfectants that can handle the job safely.
They also know how to test for hidden moisture and can help you decide what to keep and what to discard. If you have a sewage backup, that requires special sanitation. You can also ask your insurance company about coverage, but remember: policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.
- Call pros for sewage or chemical floods
- They use industrial drying and cleaning equipment
- They can test for hidden moisture
- Ask your insurance company about coverage
- Keep records of damaged items for claims
Talk to someone now
Phones are answered 24/7 for Rowlett and nearby communities.
Call Now (214) 730-5993Frequently asked questions
How long does flood cleanup take?
The time depends on the size of the flood and how quickly you start. Small leaks may take a day or two, while a whole-house flood can take weeks, especially if you need to dry walls and subflooring. Acting quickly speeds up the process.
Can I clean up floodwater myself?
You can handle minor clean water spills, but if the water is contaminated or the area is large, you may want help. Sewage and chemical water are health hazards. For those, call local water damage pros who have the right equipment and training.
What should I throw away after a flood?
Throw away anything porous that absorbed floodwater, such as carpets, mattresses, pillows, upholstered furniture, and drywall. Also discard food that came in contact with floodwater, even if sealed, because the water may have entered the packaging. Non-porous items can be cleaned and disinfected.