A flooded house is stressful and frustrating, but with the right know-how, you can clean up the water and repair the damage. From cleaning up after a flood to drying out your home, we explain what to do if your house floods. Flooded house cleanup includes removing standing water, drying out affected areas, cleaning and disinfecting, and then rebuilding that damaged area.
How To Clean up After a Flood?
In order to save your furniture and personal items, it’s important to know what to do if your house floods. Plus, cleaning up after a flood takes a little know-how and the right equipment. These steps outline what to do if you are doing your own flooded house cleanup.
Approximate Time: 3 days
Estimated Cost: $ 900
Supplies Needed
Towels
Rags
Bucket
Soap
Bleach
Spray bottle
Baking soda
Tools Needed
Pump
Wet-dry vacuum
High-velocity fans
Structural drying dehumidifier
6 Steps for Flooded House Clean Up
1. Move Furniture and Save Personal Items
Start cleaning up after a flood by moving your furniture and personal items. Since they are much harder to replace, you should save personal items, antiques, heirlooms, and other priceless items first.
Then move your furniture outside or put them on tarps in another room. You should wipe down everything with towels to limit the damage until you can dry, clean, and disinfect them later.
2. Remove Standing Water
Once the area is clear, you need to get rid of the floodwaters. The best tool for the job is a pump. However, a wet-dry vacuum or even a bucket will work too. Always dump the water outside and away from your house. Never pour floodwaters down the drain, as this could cause a sewage backup.
3. Throw Away Damaged Items
Floodwaters can destroy walls and ruin flooring. Before you start drying out after a flood, throw away anything that is beyond repair. For damaged drywall, make a cut a few inches above the waterline.
If the flood was caused by a burst water pipe, you can save and dry carpeting or floorings. However, it’s best to throw away anything damaged by water from outside or sewage due to the risk of mold and bacteria.
4. Dry Out Your Home
Next, you need to dry your home with high-velocity fans and structural drying dehumidifiers. They are available at most equipment rental companies. Although you can use household fans, they will take much longer to dry and can lead to more damage or even mold.
Spread the fans around the room and point them at wet walls or carpeting. Then put the dehumidifier in the middle to pull the moisture out of the air. If you are drying carpeting, you should pull it up first. Prop it up so the fans move air above and below it to help it dry faster.
5. Clean, Disinfect, and Deodorize
After drying out a flooded house, you need to clean everything with soap and warm water. Wipe down everything with a rag, then dry with a clean towel.
Once everything is clean, disinfect using one cup of bleach in a gallon of water. Either wipe surfaces down with a rag or use a spray bottle. To avoid bleach stains on fabric and carpeting, disinfect them using equal parts rubbing alcohol and water.
For odors, open up your windows to allow fresh air to circulate. For really stubborn flood smells, sprinkle baking soda around the room and then vacuum it up after a few hours.
6. Rebuild and Restore
After cleaning up a flooded house, you may need to rebuild some damaged areas. Typically this includes hanging new drywall or installing new flooring but it may only mean painting. However, the amount of reconstruction will vary depending on the extent of the flood damage.
Talk to a local pro now. Certified Restoration Local water cleanup specialists offer 24-hour service and fast, free quotes.
Frequently Asked Questions About What to Do After a Flood?
Even with these tips about what to do when your house floods above, you may still have questions. These are some of the most asked questions about cleaning up after a flood, but we’re happy to answer any questions you have. Call us now to talk with one of our certified water cleanup experts.
How do you dry out a flooded house?
You can dry out a flooded house with several high-volume fans and at least one dehumidifier. The amount of equipment you need will depend on the amount of damage.
How long does it take to dry out a house after a flood?
It usually takes between one and three days to dry out a flooded house. However, the actual drying time will depend on the amount of damage and how many high-volume fans and dehumidifiers you use.
How many dehumidifiers do I need after a flood?
The number of dehumidifiers you need after a flood depends on the number of square feet the dehumidifier is rated for and how much damage there is. Typically, each dehumidifier will cover 600 to 1200 square feet.
How long should you run a dehumidifier after a flood?
You should run a dehumidifier for at least one to two days after a flood. Then start checking with a moisture meter to see if the entire room is dry. You should then leave the dehumidifier running for eight hours as a precaution.
If you need help cleaning up after a flood, our specialists are here to help you. They are trained and certified to quickly remove the water and repair the damage after a flood. Call 1-888-443-3110 now for a risk-free estimate on flood cleanup and water restoration services near you.
