House flooded: what to do after a flood
Do not go back in until authorities say it is safe, and do not turn on electricity that got wet. Floodwater from outside is treated as contaminated, so wear protection, photograph everything, get the water out and start drying within a day or two, and remove soaked porous materials. Call 833-877-1717 to request an independent water removal or restoration provider.
RepairNowUSA editorial review · Last substantively reviewed October 14, 2026 · Review standards
Before you go back in
- Wait until local officials say the area is safe.
- Do not enter if water is still standing around the electrical panel or outlets. Ask the utility to disconnect power.
- Look for structural damage: shifted foundations, sagging floors or ceilings, cracked walls.
- If you smell gas, leave and call the gas utility or 911 from outside.
- Wear rubber boots, gloves and eye protection, and an N95 mask once cleanup disturbs materials.
Electricity and appliances
Anything that was underwater, including outlets, the panel, furnaces, water heaters and appliances, should be checked by a qualified professional before it is used again. Water leaves corrosion and debris inside equipment that can cause shocks or fires later. Never stand in water to operate the panel.
Why floodwater is different
Water that rose from outside is treated as Category 3, the most contaminated class of water under the IICRC restoration standard, because it can carry sewage, chemicals and debris. That is why:
- soaked carpet, pad, drywall, insulation and particleboard are usually removed, not dried in place;
- hard surfaces are cleaned and disinfected;
- food, medicine and cosmetics that floodwater touched should be thrown out.
Remove water and dry fast
- Pump or extract standing water. If the basement is still flooded and the ground outside is saturated, pumping it out too fast can damage walls; professionals often pump in stages.
- Cut out wet drywall above the water line and remove wet insulation so walls can dry.
- Run dehumidifiers and air movers once power is safe.
- The EPA notes that drying within 24–48 hours helps prevent mold. In hot, humid weather, mold can appear fast.
See flood cleanup and water extraction.
Insurance and assistance
- Standard homeowners policies usually exclude flooding from outside. Flood coverage comes through a separate flood policy, such as the National Flood Insurance Program.
- Photograph water lines on walls, damaged items and every room before removal. Keep samples of flooring or carpet if your adjuster asks.
- After declared disasters, federal assistance may be available. Check DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Keep receipts for cleanup, equipment rental and temporary housing.
Getting help
When you call 833-877-1717, describe how deep the water got, which rooms and levels were affected, whether power is on and whether sewage was involved. RepairNowUSA looks for a participating independent water removal or restoration provider in your area. After major floods, demand is high and availability varies.
How RepairNowUSA can help
Call 833-877-1717 and describe what is happening and the property ZIP code. RepairNowUSA looks for a participating independent provider for that kind of work in your area and connects you if one is available. The provider confirms timing, scope and price with you and does the work. Availability and response times vary and are not guaranteed.
Call 833-877-1717Common questions
Is flood damage covered by homeowners insurance?
Usually not. Flooding from rising water typically requires a separate flood insurance policy. Water from a burst pipe or roof leak may be covered by homeowners insurance.
Can I dry out flooded drywall?
Drywall soaked by floodwater is usually cut out and replaced, because floodwater is contaminated and drywall holds moisture that leads to mold.
How soon will mold grow after a flood?
Mold can begin growing within about 24 to 48 hours on wet materials, faster in warm, humid weather. Start drying right away.
Is it safe to turn the power back on after a flood?
Not until an electrician checks any outlets, panels and equipment that were underwater.
Can I call any time?
Yes. You can call 833-877-1717 at any time, including nights, weekends and holidays. Whether an independent provider can come out right away depends on your ZIP code, the time and provider capacity, so availability is not guaranteed.
Authoritative references
These public sources give general safety context. They do not replace an on-site evaluation, and RepairNowUSA does not perform the work.