What to Do When Your Home Gets Flooded?
A flooded home is a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Whether caused by heavy rainfall, a burst pipe, or sewage backup, floodwaters can cause serious damage to your property and belongings in a matter of hours. Beyond the visible mess, flooding can lead to long-term structural issues and health risks if not handled correctly.
Knowing what to do immediately after discovering a flood can make all the difference in protecting your home and your safety. Acting fast and following the right steps can help limit damage, reduce costs, and speed up the recovery process. If you live in Alberta, you may also want to contact professionals who specialize in water damage restoration Calgary to ensure your home is properly dried, cleaned, and restored.
Step 1: Ensure Safety First
Before you begin any cleanup, make sure it is safe to enter the flooded area. Standing water can pose multiple hazards, including electrical shock, structural instability, or contamination from sewage or chemicals.
Turn Off the Electricity and Gas
If safe to do so, switch off the electricity at the main breaker. Avoid stepping into water if the power is still on. The same applies to gas lines – if you smell gas or suspect a leak, leave the home and contact your utility provider or emergency services immediately.
Watch for Structural Damage
Floods can weaken walls, floors, and ceilings. If parts of your home seem unstable or are sagging, do not enter those areas until a professional has assessed the situation.
Step 2: Document the Damage
Before beginning any cleanup or repair work, document the flood damage thoroughly. Take photos and videos of every affected room, including damaged items, structural elements, and standing water.
These records will be important for insurance claims and can also help contractors understand the full scope of the damage when planning repairs.
Make a List of Damaged Belongings
Alongside visual evidence, create a written inventory of damaged items, noting approximate values, purchase dates, and any available receipts. This will help streamline your claim process.
Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Company
Notify your home insurance provider as soon as possible. Many policies cover certain types of water damage, but terms can vary depending on the source of the flood.
Understand Your Coverage
Ask your insurer what is and isn’t covered, whether they will send an adjuster, and what documentation they need. This is also the time to inquire about reimbursement for temporary housing if your home is uninhabitable.
Step 4: Remove Standing Water
Once it’s safe and you’ve documented the damage, begin the process of removing water. The method depends on the amount of water present.
Use a Pump or Wet/Dry Vacuum
For significant flooding, a sump pump or utility pump may be necessary. For smaller areas, a wet/dry vacuum can be used. Always wear protective gear, such as rubber gloves and boots, when dealing with floodwater.
Absorb Remaining Moisture
Use mops, towels, and absorbent materials to remove remaining water. Open windows and doors to increase airflow, and use fans and dehumidifiers to speed up the drying process.
Step 5: Dispose of Damaged Items
Some items can be cleaned and salvaged, while others must be discarded due to contamination or irreparable damage.
What to Throw Away
Carpet and padding that have been soaked for more than 48 hours
Upholstered furniture that cannot be thoroughly cleaned
Mattresses and pillows exposed to contaminated water
Paper items like books, magazines, and insulation
What May Be Salvaged
Solid wood furniture
Metal, plastic, and glass items
Some electronics (after professional inspection)
Step 6: Prevent Mold Growth
Mold can begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours of water exposure. Taking proactive steps during and after the drying process is essential to preventing an outbreak.
Clean and Disinfect
After removing water and damaged materials, clean all surfaces with a disinfectant solution. Pay special attention to walls, baseboards, floors, and any surfaces that came in contact with floodwater.
Dry Thoroughly
Even after visible water is gone, moisture can linger in walls, flooring, and insulation. Continue using fans and dehumidifiers for several days, and consider using a moisture meter to confirm dryness.
Step 7: Call in Professionals
While DIY efforts are helpful, water damage is often more complex than it appears. Professionals can assess structural integrity, use industrial-grade equipment for drying, and perform thorough mold remediation.
Bringing in experts ensures nothing is missed, especially behind walls, under flooring, or in HVAC systems where moisture can hide. It also helps confirm to your insurance company that proper steps were taken to restore the home safely.
Step 8: Begin Restoration and Repairs
Once everything is clean and dry, you can start restoring your home. This may involve:
Replacing drywall, insulation, and flooring
Repainting walls and ceilings
Installing new cabinetry or fixtures
Repairing structural components like beams or joists
Make sure all repairs are up to code, and consult with licensed contractors as needed. Keep all receipts and records to share with your insurance provider.
Step 9: Take Steps to Prevent Future Flooding
After dealing with the stress of a flooded home, prevention becomes a priority. While not all floods are avoidable, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk and minimize future damage.
Prevention Tips
Install a sump pump with a battery backup
Seal basement walls and foundation cracks
Keep gutters and downspouts clean and directed away from the home
Elevate electrical outlets and appliances in flood-prone areas
Consider installing water detection alarms
Floods Can Be Overwhelming, But Recovery Is Possible
Flooding can be a traumatic experience, but knowing the right steps to take can help you respond with confidence and minimize long-term damage. Acting quickly to ensure safety, document the damage, contact your insurer, and remove water is critical.
Once the initial chaos has settled, working with experienced restoration professionals can make the recovery process faster and more effective. They bring the tools, training, and perspective needed to ensure your home is safe, dry, and ready to live in again.
If you’re facing a flood situation or want to be prepared for the future, companies like Double Clean Restoration provide the expertise and support needed to get life back on track after water damage.
