What this covers
Flood cleanup is water damage restoration at a larger scale, with cleaning added. Floodwater that came in from outside or up through a drain is treated as contaminated, so porous materials it touched are removed rather than dried. The company pumps the water out, strips wet carpet, padding, drywall and insulation to a clean line, cleans and disinfects the hard surfaces that remain, and dries the space with air movers and dehumidifiers.
When to call
- Standing water in a basement, crawlspace or ground floor after heavy rain, a storm surge or snowmelt.
- Water that came up through a floor drain, sump pit or sewer line.
- Walls or flooring that were under water for more than a few hours.
What to expect
- Make it safeWater near electrical panels and outlets is a hazard. The company confirms power is off to the flooded area before anyone enters it.
- Pump out and strip outWater is pumped out, then everything porous that was wet is removed and bagged: carpet, padding, drywall to a set height, insulation and damaged contents.
- Clean and disinfectFloors, framing and other hard surfaces are cleaned and treated with a disinfectant. The company wears gloves and respirators for this work.
- Dry and verifyDrying equipment runs until moisture readings are normal. The company tells you when the space is dry and ready to be rebuilt.
First, make it safe
Get a certified company
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Questions people ask
Why is everything being thrown out?
Floodwater from outside or from a drain carries soil, bacteria and chemicals. Materials that absorbed it, such as carpet, padding and drywall, cannot be cleaned to a safe condition, so they are removed. Hard, non-porous surfaces are cleaned and kept.
Can I start pumping before the company arrives?
Only if it is safe to do so. Read the safety steps first. If the water is anywhere near outlets, cords or the electrical panel, stay out and wait.
What should I save?
Photographs of the water line on the walls and of damaged items before they are removed. Keep a list of what is thrown away. The company documents its work as well.
Related: Water damage restoration · Sewage cleanup · Contents pack-out and cleaning · All restoration and emergency services
This page describes what the service involves. The company you hire sets the scope, the schedule and the price, and your contract is with that company. We verify credentials and collect reviews from real jobs. We do not guarantee any company's workmanship. Safety steps are general guidance. When in doubt, leave the home and call 911.