The short answer
Start with Safety First
Before you touch anything, turn off the power at the main breaker if the water is near outlets or appliances. Avoid standing water if you suspect it may be contaminated. Wear rubber boots and gloves, and use a mask if you see mold or debris. If you feel unwell or have breathing issues, see a doctor.
Check for gas leaks or structural damage before you enter. If you smell gas, leave the home and call the gas utility. Keep children and pets away from the flooded area. Your safety matters more than saving belongings. If you live in Rowlett, know where your shutoff valves are before a flood happens.
Remove Water and Moisture
Start removing water as soon as it is safe. Use a pump or a wet vacuum for standing water, and mop up the rest. Open windows and doors to let air move through. Run fans and a dehumidifier to pull moisture from walls, floors, and furniture. The longer things stay wet, the more damage they take.
Do not use your regular heating or air conditioning if it is wet. That can spread moisture or cause electrical hazards. Remove any soaked rugs, carpets, and upholstery. Cut away wet drywall and insulation about 12 inches above the water line. This helps the structure dry and stops mold from growing.
For large floods, you may need to remove water quickly. The pros have pumps and industrial drying equipment. They can handle the heavy lifting and make sure your home dries properly.
- Turn off power and water before cleanup
- Wear gloves, boots, and a mask
- Remove standing water with a pump or wet vacuum
- Use fans and dehumidifiers to dry air
- Cut away wet drywall and insulation
- Throw out soaked carpets and padding
Sort What to Keep or Throw
Floodwater often carries dirt, chemicals, and bacteria. Anything porous that touched floodwater is hard to clean safely. That includes mattresses, pillows, stuffed toys, and cardboard boxes. Food and medicine that got wet should be thrown away. When in doubt, toss it out.
Non-porous items like glass, metal, and hard plastic can often be cleaned with soap and water. Rinse them with clean water and disinfect with a bleach solution. Keep in mind that floodwater may have soaked into walls and floors, so those may need to be removed. If you are unsure about an item, a water damage pro can help you decide.
Dry Out the Structure
Drying your home takes time and patience. Keep air moving for days or even weeks. Remove baseboards and drill holes in walls to let air circulate inside. Place dehumidifiers in the wettest rooms and empty them often. Check moisture levels in wood and drywall with a moisture meter if you have one.
Do not rush to rebuild or cover surfaces until everything is dry. If you cover damp wood or drywall, you trap moisture and create a mold problem. The pros use specialized drying equipment and moisture meters to know when it is safe. They also know how to handle hidden water in crawl spaces and wall cavities.
When to Call the Pros
Some floods are small, like a toilet overflow or a leaky washing machine. You can handle those with a wet vacuum and some fans. But if the water is deep, dirty, or has been sitting for more than a day, call the pros. They have the tools and training to dry your home safely and prevent mold.
Floodwater can hide in places you cannot see, like under floors and inside walls. The pros use moisture detectors and air movers to find and dry those areas. They also handle sewage backups and chemical spills, which are dangerous to touch. If your flood involves sewage or chemicals, do not try to clean it yourself.
Before you hire anyone, check with your insurance company. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Ask about your deductible and what documentation you need. Keep receipts for any supplies you buy, and take photos of the damage for your claim.
- Deep or dirty water
- Water has soaked into walls or floors
- Sewage or chemical contamination
- Mold is already visible
- You have health concerns
- Large areas of your home are affected
Water damage does not wait
Every hour counts once water gets into floors and walls. One call starts the response.
Call Now (214) 730-5993Frequently asked questions
How soon should I start flood cleanup?
Start as soon as it is safe, within the first 24 hours if possible. The longer water sits, the more damage it causes. Turn off power and water first. Then remove standing water and start drying. If you wait too long, mold can grow and make the job harder.
Can I clean floodwater myself?
You can handle small, clean overflows from appliances or a tub. But if the water comes from outside, a sewer, or a chemical spill, do not touch it. Those waters carry health risks. For large floods, hire the pros to do the work safely.
What should I throw away after a flood?
Throw away anything porous that got wet, like carpets, mattresses, pillows, stuffed animals, and drywall. Also toss food, medicine, and cosmetics that touched floodwater. Non-porous items like glass and metal can be cleaned and kept. When in doubt, throw it out.