The short answer
Start with Safety
Before you touch anything, turn off the electricity at the main breaker if it is safe to reach. Do not stand in standing water with live wires nearby. If the water is from a sewage backup or contains chemicals, treat it as hazardous and keep everyone away.
Wear rubber boots, gloves, and a mask. Open windows for airflow. If you feel unwell or smell gas, leave the home and call the utility company. See a doctor if you have any health concerns. Your safety comes before saving belongings.
Remove Standing Water
Use a pump, wet vacuum, or buckets to remove as much water as you can. The sooner you get the water out, the less damage it can do. Move furniture and rugs to a dry area if possible. Lift wet carpets and padding to let air circulate underneath.
For large floods, a pump may be needed. You can rent one or ask local water damage pros for help. They have equipment to handle deep water quickly. Do not run a regular vacuum on wet surfaces, as that is dangerous.
- Turn off power first
- Wear protective gear
- Remove water with pump or wet vac
- Lift rugs and furniture
- Open windows for airflow
- Keep children and pets away
Dry Out the Home
After removing the water, the drying phase begins. Use fans, dehumidifiers, and air conditioners to pull moisture from the air. Open cabinets and drawers so air reaches every surface. Remove baseboards and drywall that are soaked, as they can hold water for weeks.
Drying can take several days. If you live in Rowlett, the humid subtropical climate means air drying alone may not be enough. You may need to run dehumidifiers continuously. The longer materials stay wet, the higher the chance of mold growth.
Sort and Clean Belongings
Sort items into three groups: keep, discard, and clean. Porous items like mattresses, pillows, and stuffed toys that soaked in floodwater should be thrown away. Hard surfaces like glass, metal, and plastic can often be cleaned with soap and water.
Clean all surfaces with a mild detergent and water. For floodwater that may contain sewage or chemicals, use a disinfectant. Follow the product instructions carefully. Do not mix cleaners, as fumes can be harmful. If an item has sentimental value, consider professional cleaning.
- Discard porous items that soaked
- Clean hard surfaces with soap and water
- Disinfect if water was contaminated
- Dry items thoroughly before storing
- Take photos for insurance records
Know When to Call Pros
Flood cleanup can be overwhelming. If the water level was high, the flood lasted a long time, or the water came from a sewage backup, call the pros. They have industrial dryers, moisture meters, and experience with hidden damage.
They can also help with structural issues like warped floors or damaged walls. For sewage or chemical spills, specialized cleanup is needed. Check your policy to see what your insurance covers. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Act quickly to prevent further damage.
Talk to someone now
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?
It depends on the size of the flood and the materials affected. Small spills may dry in a day or two, while a major flood can take weeks to fully dry and clean. The pros can give you a better idea after assessing the situation.
Can I clean up floodwater myself?
For minor clean water spills, you can handle it with basic tools. But if the water is contaminated or the flood is large, it is safer to call the pros. They have the right equipment to dry and sanitize your home thoroughly.
What should I throw away after a flood?
Throw away anything porous that soaked in floodwater, like mattresses, pillows, rugs, and drywall. Also discard food that came into contact with floodwater. Hard surfaces can be cleaned, but when in doubt, toss it out to avoid health risks.