What Is Water Damage?
Water damage can come from several different situations. Along with storm runoff and high waters from flooding, there are a number of other sources of water damage:
- Burst frozen pipes
- A leaking roof
- Leaking appliances
- Overflowing bathtubs and toilets
While the recovery steps for each are similar, we’ll focus on major water damage from storms or floods in this article.
How to Recover From Water Damage
In the event that your home suffers flood and water damage, it’s imperative that recovery begin as soon as possible. However, you should know that there’s a systematic approach to getting your home back to normal.
Contact a Professional if Necessary
We’ll give you tips on when to contact a professional during each step below, but in general, hire a pro if:
- You smell gas.
- You have concerns about doing the work yourself.
- You suspect the flood water might be from a sewage system or river.
- There are signs of structural damage, such as cracks or bows in the walls.
Stay Safe
Return to your home only after authorities have given clearance and use abundant caution. Wear safety gear, including:
Wear this gear during all parts of the process. You shouldn’t enter the home until you’re sure the power is off, so a headlamp is also a good idea.
Ensure Utilities Are Off
Make sure all your utilities are off before entering your home. Your power may already be off due to storm damage, but double check. If the waterline is above your electrical outlets, you’ll need an electrician to determine if it’s safe to enter. Don’t enter the home if there’s standing water above the outlets, even if you think the power is off.
Whether you’re on a municipal system or a well, water supplies may be contaminated. Make sure you have access to clean water for drinking, cooking, bathing, etc. Pay attention to official information about water safety for your area. If official information isn’t available or if you’re on a private well, a water test kit can be helpful. Read our guide on how to use a test kit for general instructions.
Finally, if your home has a gas line, have it turned off.
Don’t turn utilities off or back on yourself. Have licensed professionals handle the work.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Contact your home’s insurance company as soon as possible. They’ll go through the insurance policy’s coverage and limitations with you to help you receive available funds.
Most homeowner insurance policies don’t cover water damage caused by flooding. However, they may cover other types of storm damage, such as a damaged roof or siding. To protect against flood damage, you typically need a separate flood insurance policy, either through a private insurer or the National Flood Insurance Program.
Document Everything
The adage is “a picture is worth a thousand words” and with damage recovery it’s true. Taking pictures or videos of the destruction that your home has suffered can aid you greatly in describing and documenting what has occurred. Do this before you begin the disposal and demolition process. These records can help with your homeowner’s claims and help the adjuster figure out the financial aspect of your losses.
Begin Dealing With the Damage
Plan to begin your cleanup within 48 hours of getting the okay to re-enter your home. Starting as soon as possible is critical as mold and mildew can spread very quickly.
Get Rid of Standing Water
All the water that entered your home needs to be removed. Whether you use a sump pump, wet/dry vacuum or buckets and mops, remove standing water from all areas. Sometimes this can be more than a homeowner can manage, especially if there is sewage or other contaminants in the water. In this situation, contact a professional restoration company with flood cleanup experience.
Have Your Ventilation System Checked
If floodwaters entered your ventilation system, the ductwork needs to be dried and cleaned before you turn the system on. This is work for a professional. A professional can also inspect your heating and cooling systems to see if they were damaged by the flood.
Remove Everything the Flooding Affected
Remove everything the water touched, either for disposal or cleaning. You can set solid wood furniture out to dry, but you need to assess the salvage potential of upholstered furniture. Dispose of water-damaged mattresses, electronics and appliances. Keep records of everything you throw out. You need the information for insurance purposes.
Once all the furnishings are out, take up the baseboards and flooring. Pry the base trim from the wall. You’ll likely need to rip out and dispose of all carpet and carpet pad. Some hardwood floors and wood trim may be salvageable, but you need to take up all flooring to access the subfloor. Get rid of the remaining water.
Begin Demolition
You need to take down wall materials all the way to the studs to assist in drying and reduce the potential for mold growth. Most homeowners can remove drywall that has water damage.
Water can wick up the drywall a few inches higher than the waterline, so cut drywall about a foot higher than the visible line. The studs may have a higher waterline, but they should dry out in a couple of days. After you remove the drywall, you need to remove any insulation behind the drywall. Cut the wet insulation out, don’t tear it out. With the wall material removed, you should also pull up damaged subflooring.
Look for water that may be hidden in low cabinets and drawers. Cabinets made from plywood will probably be okay after drying out if not visibly warped, but those constructed of pressboard or particleboard may need replacement. If you have a kitchen island, water may be hidden underneath.
Remove any interior doors the water contacted. Leaving them upright can cause them to warp, so take them off the hinges and lay them flat. Stack doors with spacers between them to allow air movement. Use a fan to speed the drying process.
Check with your local sanitation management organization for instructions on disposal of damaged items, potentially contaminated materials and demolition debris.
Ventilate and Dry
Now that you’ve cleared everything out of the space, it’s time to ventilate and dry out the affected areas. Beginning the drying process within 24 to 48 hours is imperative to hold any mold growth at bay while working to recover. Wet/dry vacuums, blower fans and dehumidifiers can accelerate the drying process. If possible, leave all windows open to allow fresh air to circulate. Drying time can be between 72 hours to a week, depending on the extent of the damage and how high the water was.
Consider purchasing a moisture meter and comparing moisture levels in the flooded area to those in an unaffected space in your home. This helps you know when the area is ready for repairs. It may be beneficial to have a professional assist in the drying process. They can help speed the process and reduce the chance of mold growth.
Clean Up
Floodwaters do more than just damage the contents of your home. The water can carry bacteria, chemicals, hazardous waste materials and untreated sewage. Exposure to these dangers can cause respiratory problems, skin rashes and other illnesses. Mold growth in the flooded areas is also a concern.
Just because a surface or article wasn’t directly in contact with water doesn’t mean it’s not contaminated. Clean surfaces with detergent or a bleach solution to make sure all are disinfected. Have mold remover products on hand to deal with mold growth on walls, floors, shelving, closets and any belongings you were able to save. Make sure you’re wearing protective gear while cleaning.
Follow the use and safety instructions for all cleaning products. Don’t mix cleaning products.
If mold growth affects an area larger than 3 feet by 3 feet, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends you use a professional mold remediation contractor.
Get a Professional Assessment
Before repairs can begin, you’ll need a detailed examination of your property. A professional restoration company can help you get your home ready for repairs. Professionals can look for and correct remaining mold problems, make sure your electrical system is up to code, and even evaluate your air quality. Restoration companies have the equipment to ensure that your home is ready for the repair and rebuilding process.
Begin Home Restoration
After addressing the structural and safety issues, you can plan for renovation and remodeling. This includes replacing flooring, replacing insulation, hanging drywall, painting walls and installing new fixtures. Use this opportunity to make improvements that boost your home's resilience and functionality.
Keep detailed records of all expenses, contracts, permits and communications with contractors and insurance companies. This documentation will be invaluable for future reference and for resolving disputes. Check the credentials of anyone offering to work on your home. Hire only licensed, bonded and insured contractors.
There are things you can do to get ready for severe weather, reduce some of the risk of flooding and make sure your family is as prepared as possible. Read our guides on:
Things to Remember About Repairing Flood Damage
Flood recovery might seem like an impossible task, but knowing the steps to take can help the work seem more manageable. Keep these points in mind:
- Hire a pro if you have any concerns about the work.
- Don’t enter the area until officials say it’s safe.
- Wear appropriate safety gear.
- Ensure utilities are off before entering the home.
- Contact your insurance company and document everything.
- Remove water-damaged materials.
- Dry the area thoroughly.
- Clean and disinfect all surfaces.
Lowe’s has the tools and materials to clean up flood damage and tips to help you once again make your home a safe, comfortable place. See our Flood Preparedness & Recovery page for products and information to help you get back to normal. We’ve also got tips to help protect your home and reduce the potential for damage in the future. The Lowe’s Red Vest associates at your local Lowe’s can help as well. Whether you’re beginning the recovery process, or want to prepare for the next weather event, they’ll help you find the tools and materials you need and help you protect your home for the future.
Flood Damage FAQ
Get help with common questions on recovering from flood damage
Can Flood Damage Be Repaired?
Some flood damage can be repaired, but repair depends on the type of damage and the materials. Flooded electronics, carpet, pad, drywall and insulation typically need to be replaced. Solid wood items like furniture and wall studs often just need to be dried thoroughly. Hiring a professional flood remediation company is the best way to repair the damage, dry the area and clean up from flood damage.
What Can I Do to Recover From a Flood?
First, stay safe by following official instructions and staying out of your home until it’s safe to return. Have your utilities disconnected and protect yourself with safety gear. In general, you need to:
- Ensure your home is safe to enter.
- Remove all the damaged items and materials.
- Dry out the area thoroughly.
- Clean and disinfect all surfaces.
- Begin repairs.
If at any point you’re not comfortable with the work, or if you suspect contaminated water or structural damage, stop and call a professional.
How Long Does It Take to Dry Out a House After a Flood?
It can take from 72 hours to a week to dry out a flooded home, but the actual drying time depends on factors like the extent of the flood, the size of the home, drying methods, weather conditions and more. A professional restoration company can help you dry out your home quickly and completely and provide estimates for drying time.