Wait for the all-clear
Follow local officials during flooding. Do not enter if there is structural damage, a gas smell or standing water touching electrical systems.
Flood water inside the house or building?
Flood water from storms, rivers or overflowing sewers is contaminated and can hide electrical and structural hazards. Make sure it is safe to enter, stay out of the water if possible, then call 833-877-1717. RepairNowUSA connects the request. An independent restoration company does the cleanup.
Am I in the right place?Yes for outside flood water, storm water or overflowing groundwater inside the building.
Is this urgent?Yes. Contaminated water, wet materials and mold risk grow every hour. Follow local authorities first during active flooding.
What do I do next?Only enter when authorities say it is safe and the power is off. Then call 833-877-1717 with the ZIP code and how high the water reached.
Clean water from a pipe or appliance: water damage restoration. Storm water through a roof or window: storm water intrusion.
RepairNowUSA editorial review · Last substantively reviewed October 13, 2026 · Review standards
Before you go back in
Power off
Have the power shut off at the panel or by the utility before entering standing water.
Protect yourself
Wear rubber boots, gloves and eye protection. Flood water carries sewage, chemicals and debris.
Flood water is contaminated
Treat all outside flood water as contaminated with sewage and chemicals. Keep children and pets away, wash any skin it touches, and do not use a gas generator or pressure washer indoors because of carbon monoxide.
What flood cleanup involves
Water extraction
Pumping out standing water. See water extraction.
Removing soaked materials
Contaminated drywall, insulation, carpet and pad are usually removed.
Cleaning and disinfecting
Hard surfaces are cleaned and sanitized.
Drying
Dehumidifiers and air movers until the structure is dry. See structural drying.
What to have ready when you call
- Property ZIP code, home or business
- Where the water came from
- How high it reached and how long it stood
- Whether power and gas are off
- Rooms and floors affected
- Whether an insurance claim is started
What happens when you call RepairNowUSA
- Describe what is happening in plain words and give the property ZIP code. You do not need to know which trade to ask for.
- RepairNowUSA checks for a participating independent provider who handles flood cleanup and water removal in that area.
- If one is available, you are connected. The provider confirms timing, access, scope and price with you before any work.
- The provider, not RepairNowUSA, diagnoses and performs the repair.
RepairNowUSA is a referral and connection service. Provider availability and response times vary by location, time and demand, and are not guaranteed. Before you approve work, ask what was found, the price, the timing and what is not included.
Call 833-877-1717Flood cleanup questions
Is it safe to go into a flooded house?
Only after local authorities allow it, the power is off, and there is no structural damage or gas smell.
Can flooded drywall and carpet be saved?
Materials soaked by contaminated flood water are usually removed. Hard surfaces can often be cleaned and disinfected.
Can I call about flood cleanup at night?
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.
How fast does mold grow after a flood?
Mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours on wet materials, which is why drying quickly matters.
Does homeowners insurance cover flooding?
Many standard policies exclude outside flooding, which is often covered by separate flood insurance. Check with your insurer or agent.
Authoritative references
These public sources give general safety context. They do not replace an on-site evaluation, and RepairNowUSA does not perform the work.