The short answer
Safety First
Before you touch anything, shut off the electricity at the main breaker if water may have reached outlets or appliances. Turn off the water supply to stop the flow. If the floodwater came from sewage, treat it as contaminated. Do not enter a flooded room if you smell gas or see downed wires.
Wear rubber boots, waterproof gloves, and an N95 mask. Floodwater can carry bacteria, chemicals, and debris. Open windows for ventilation. If you feel unwell or get any cut or sore, see a doctor. Keep children and pets away from the area until cleanup is done.
Remove Water and Wet Items
Use a pump, a wet-dry vacuum, or buckets to remove standing water. The sooner you get the water out, the less damage it does. Move furniture, rugs, and boxes to a dry area. Discard anything porous that soaked up floodwater: carpet, padding, upholstered furniture, mattresses, pillows, and drywall.
Non-porous items like metal, glass, and hard plastic can be cleaned. Take photos of the damage before you throw anything away. Your insurance company may need them. If you live in Rogers, keep your shutoff valve location written down for future floods.
- Use a pump or wet vacuum for standing water
- Discard porous items that touched floodwater
- Set aside non-porous items for cleaning
- Take photos of damage for your records
- Move electronics to a dry area if safe
Clean and Disinfect Surfaces
After water is gone, scrub hard surfaces like walls, floors, and countertops with soap and water. Then apply a disinfectant solution, like a bleach mix (1 cup bleach to 1 gallon water) for non-porous surfaces. Rinse with clean water and let air dry. For sewage backups, use a stronger disinfectant and consider calling the pros.
Do not mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners; the fumes can be harmful. Open windows and use fans to dry the area. If you have a well, have the water tested before drinking. For extensive contamination, a sewage backup cleanup service may be needed.
- Scrub with soap and water first
- Disinfect with a bleach solution
- Rinse and air dry thoroughly
- Never mix bleach with ammonia
- Test well water before use
Dry Everything Thoroughly
Moisture leads to mold growth within 24 to 48 hours. Use dehumidifiers, fans, and open windows to dry out the space. Remove baseboards and cut holes in drywall if needed to let wall cavities dry. Pull up carpet and padding that got wet; they cannot be saved. Dry wood floors slowly to avoid warping.
For structural drying, the pros use industrial dehumidifiers and air movers. They can dry behind walls and under floors. If mold appears, a mold professional may be needed. Keep the area dry for several days before rebuilding.
When to Call the Pros
Flood backups that involve sewage, deep water, or structural damage are right for the pros. They have the equipment to extract water, dry structures, and sanitize affected areas. They also know how to handle hazardous materials safely. If the floodwater is from a river or storm, the same applies.
Local water damage pros can assess the situation and perform the cleanup. They handle tasks like structural drying, dehumidification, and on-site contents cleaning. For a flooded basement or crawlspace, specialized services exist. The cost depends on the extent of the damage, the size of the area, and the type of water involved. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.
Talk to someone now
Phones are answered 24/7 for Rogers and nearby communities.
Call Now (479) 370-1500Frequently asked questions
Can I clean a flood backup myself?
You can handle small, clean water spills if you act quickly. For sewage or contaminated water, the risk is high. The pros have the right gear and disinfectants. If you choose to do it yourself, wear protective clothing and dry everything within 48 hours.
What should I throw away after a flood?
Throw away anything porous that touched floodwater: carpet, padding, upholstered furniture, mattresses, pillows, drywall, and insulation. Food, medicine, and cosmetics that got wet should also be discarded. Non-porous items like glass and metal can be cleaned and kept.
How long does it take to dry out a flooded home?
Drying can take several days to weeks, depending on the materials and weather. Use dehumidifiers and fans to speed the process. The pros use industrial equipment to dry walls and floors faster. Do not rebuild until everything is completely dry to avoid mold.