How to Speed Up Flood Cleanup (Tampa & Fort Myers)

Uncontrollable floods leadLead is a heavy metal that can be toxic to humans, especiall... More to significant damage to homes. Indoor floods may be caused by numerous elements, including clogged drains, a burst water pipe, a leaky water heater, blocked gutters or downspouts, faulty washing machine hoses and sewer backups. FloodingFlooding is the overflow or accumulation of water in areas t... More also occurs as a natural consequence of heavy rains, hurricanes or river overflows. The water damage that results from either an indoor or outdoor flood leads to a pricey repairRepair is the act of fixing or restoring damaged property, m... More bill, damaged possessions or rotted building structures.

Given the high costs of a flood, homeowners are disposed to speed up the flood recovery process. Before you start the time-consuming cleanup, heed the warnings of emergency officials who have knowledge of possible dangers, like a second expected flood peak. When it is safe to do so, homeowners can begin the flood recovery task.

 

Why Fast Action Matters

In Florida, floods from hurricanes, storm surge, stalled thunderstorms, slab leaks, or appliance failures can soak building materials in minutes. Within 24–48 hours, moisture can drive moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More growth, rot, and odorAn odor is a smell, often detectable by the human nose, whic... More. The fastest recoveries follow a tight, repeatable plan: safety → source control → extraction → dryingDrying is the process of removing moisture from materials, s... More → sanitation → verification.

Step-by-Step Flood Cleanup Game Plan

 

1) Safety Check & Entry

Be sure it is safe to enter the flooded home. A flooded building is a minefield of danger. Cracks in the foundation, gas leaks, chemical spills, and downed power lines are just a handful of the many risks a homeowner faces when endeavoring to return to the property. Be aware of the hazards and enter with caution.

• Wait for officials’ “all clear;” watch for second crests and downed lines.
• Look for foundation cracks, odors of gas, chemical spills, or sagging ceilings.
• Wear PPE: boots, gloves, eye protection, N95/respirator.

2) Kill the Power (and Gas if Needed)

It’s a given that electricity and water do not mix. If possible, shut off the electricity to the flooded home before you wade through the standing water. Cutting power to the house prevents you from running the risk of being electrically shocked.

• If water is present near outlets or the panel, have a pro shut power off at the main.
• Don’t energize wet circuits; avoid shock/fire risk.

3) Stop/Divert the Source

Once you’ve located the source of the leak, put a stop to it. Homeowners have access to the main water shut off valve. Turn off the water supply to prevent the continued leak of water. Should the water leak be isolated to a particular appliance or plumbing fixture, shut off that appliance’s or plumbing fixture’s water supply. Notify the local waste water department in the event of a sewageSewage is wastewater containing biological and chemical cont... More backup.

• Shut the main water valve, or localized supply to toilets, water heater, washer, etc.
• For stormwater, create temporary barriers and keep gutters/downspouts clear.

Water Damage Frequently Asked Questions

 

4) Identify Water Category (Guides Next Steps)

• Category 1 (Clean): supply lines, tank failures.
• Category 2 (Gray): dishwasher/washer leaks – contains detergents/organics.
• Category 3 (Black): sewageSewage is wastewater containing biological and chemical cont... More, floodwater, canals/surge – contains pathogensPathogens are microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, or f... More. If Category 3, do not DIY; call a licensed restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More company.

A leaky toilet, sink or bathtub spews clean water. The clean water classification means that the floodwaters do not harbor contaminants.

The second classification of floodwater is grey water. This type of floodwater contains soapy chemicals, such as those from a leaky dishwasher or washing machine. Grey water is typically not harmful because it does not contain raw sewageSewage is wastewater containing biological and chemical cont... More, but it should be handled with minor caution.

Black water, the third and most contaminated classification of water, teems with dangerous, water-borne pathogensPathogens are microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, or f... More. Simply coming into contact with black water or inhaling its vapors can leadLead is a heavy metal that can be toxic to humans, especiall... More to disease and infections. Specialized equipment and protective gear must be used to safely handle this type of water. SewageSewage is wastewater containing biological and chemical cont... More cleanup professionals should be called in to clean up black water.

The Three Different Categories of Water Damage

 

5) Extract Standing Water (Minutes, Not Hours)

• Squeegees, mops, and wet/dry vacs for shallow water; submersible pumpsSubmersible pumps are electric pumps designed to operate und... More for deep water.
• Move water to exterior without draining too fast from basements (avoid structural stress).

If the standing water in the flooded area is a few inches, be prepared to remove it with a bucket and mop. Wear protective gear before attempting to extract the water. Rubber boots and rubber gloves prevent your skin from coming into contact with bacteria swimming in the waters.

Copious amounts of water may be safely extracted using a shop vac or heavy-duty water pump designed to perform such laborious tasks. In the event the floodwaters are too high to handle, hire the services of a professional water damage restoration service.

6) Save What You Can, Remove What You Can’t

• PorousPorous describes a material that contains small openings or ... More contents (rugs, bedding, books) out within 24 hours; set in sun/shade to dry.
• Carpet/pad: remove if Cat 2/3; clean and dry quickly if small Cat 1 event.
• Drywall/insulation: cut 2–12 inches above the water line (flood cuts) if saturated.

Water-soaked furniture, carpets, and bedding can develop moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More infestations in as little as 48 hours. Remove all saturated possessions from the flooded area. Place them outside in the sun, if weather permits, to hasten the dryingDrying is the process of removing moisture from materials, s... More process.

Wooden furniture can swell when soaked in water, making drawers difficult to open. If bringing the furniture outside is not an option, open the windows and doors to allow adequate air circulation and encourage dryingDrying is the process of removing moisture from materials, s... More. Run air movers and several fans to help dry the flooded area.

Carpets that have become saturated with water should be appropriately handled. If the floodwater classification is black water, immediately discard the carpets. Contaminated water that seeps into the carpets makes the fibers too hazardous to human and pet life to keep in a home. Carpets inundated with grey water can safely be sanitized. An infiltrationInfiltration is the process by which water, air, or other su... More of clean water along carpets only requires professional carpet cleaning.

7) Accelerate Structural Drying

• Target indoor RH 30–50%.
• Cross-ventilate; run dehumidifiers + high-velocity air movers.
• Pull baseboards, open cabinets/closets.
• Use a moisture meterA moisture meter is a device used to measure the moisture le... More to confirm progress (don’t stop because things “feel” dry).

Place a dehumidifierA dehumidifier is a device that removes excess moisture from... More in the flooded vicinity to extract moisture from the air. Removing excess water from the air speeds up the aeriation. At the same time, a dehumidifierA dehumidifier is a device that removes excess moisture from... More prevents moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More colonies from latching onto the damp environment and musty odors from permeating the space. Musty odors that result from the flood can be eradicated with an air purifier.

8) Clean & Disinfect

• Hard surfaces: detergent clean → rinse → EPA-registered disinfectantA disinfectant is a chemical substance used to kill or inact... More (label dwell time).
• Textiles: hot-wash or send to contents cleaning.
• Ducts/HVAC: replace filters; schedule duct service if water/soot entered returns.

The final step to quickly recovering from a flood is to sanitize the space that was engulfed in floodwaters. Sheets and drapes that are drenched in floodwaters should be washed in extremely hot water and laundry soap or dry cleaned. Utensils, pots, and glassware that come into contact with the floodwaters should undergo a thorough sanitization. Undamaged cans of food or food in sealed glass jars may be retained if the unopened jars and cans are sanitized prior to opening them.

9) Document for Insurance

• Photos/video before, during, after; keep receipts.
• Note the source (pipe burst vs storm floodingFlooding is the overflow or accumulation of water in areas t... More) because coverage differs.
• Homeowners covers many sudden, accidental water losses; flood insurance (NFIP) covers rising water/storm surge.

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Local Flood Prevention Tips

• Service sump/condensate pumps; install water alarms & auto shut-off valves.
• Clean gutters and verify downspouts discharge 6–10 ft from the slab.
• Seal/caulk around windows and door thresholds; inspect roof after storms.
• Keep a hurricane kit: tarps, sandbags, plastic sheeting, duct tape, extra filters.

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When to Call a Pro (Tampa Bay & Lee County)

• Category 2 or 3 water, sewageSewage is wastewater containing biological and chemical cont... More, or canal/river/storm surge involvement
• Affected area >150–200 sq ft or multiple rooms
• Water wicked into walls/insulation or persists >24 hours
• Vulnerable occupants (young children, elders, asthma, immunocompromised)

Flood Cleanup Pros bring: rapid extraction, containment, HEPA air filtration, moisture mapping, controlled demolition, antimicrobial treatments, and a dryingDrying is the process of removing moisture from materials, s... More plan with daily readings to get you back to pre-loss faster.

 

Professional Flood Cleanup

Floodwaters have a tendency to cause damage quickly. Respond to floodwaters with an equally swift approach, by contacting water damage restorationWater damage restoration is the professional process of clea... More professionals. These professionals will perform dual functions: the initial water extraction and the subsequent flood cleanup. Your space will be returned to its pre-damaged condition with the company’s immediate restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More efforts.

When sewageSewage is wastewater containing biological and chemical cont... More water floods your home, do not make contact with the water. Instead, call in the flood cleanup experts who are fully experienced and skilled in properly and safely handling the contaminated waters.

 

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Flood Cleanup FAQ

 

How fast should I start drying after a flood?

Immediately. Aim to extract within hours and start dehumidifiers day one.

Do I have to remove wet drywall?

Yes, if saturated or Cat 2/3 water; cut above the waterline and remove wet insulationInsulation is a material used in buildings to reduce the tra... More.

Are box fans enough?

Helpful, but low-grains dehumidifiers + air movers dry structures much faster and safer.

Is storm surge covered by homeowners insurance?

No, flood insurance typically covers surge/rising water; homeowners may cover wind-driven rain/pipe bursts.

How long does full drying take?

Most homes dry in 3–5 days with professional equipment, depending on materials and humidityHumidity is the amount of moisture or water vapor present in... More.

Water Damage Frequently Asked Questions