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3/26/2017 32 Comments

Water Damage Restoration & Clean Up Checklist

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Water Damage Restoration & Clean Up Checklist
After the flood waters recede and the clean up has been done, most folks want to get back into their homes or businesses and start rebuilding. The problem is that wood that has been submerged in water has likely absorbed a large amount of water. Rebuilding too quickly after a flood can cause continuing problems such as mold growth, insect infestations, and deterioration of the wood and wall coverings.
Flood waters are not clean water; therefore, most porous building materials must be removed and replaced with new materials.


Caution!
  • Inspect for structural and electrical damage from outside to determine if it is safe to enter.
  • Electrical safety is extremely important in floods. Check for fire hazards and gas leaks. Use battery-powered light sources.
  • Never mix chlorine bleach with ammonia or vinegar.
  • Wear sturdy shoes, rubber gloves, and eye protection.
  • Be watchful for fire ants, snakes, or other animals.
  • If mold is present, wear a respirator that can filter spores.
First StepsMake sure that everyone is out of danger of new flood crests, fire, and falling buildings. Assume flood water and flooded materials are contaminated.
1. Flood Insurance Claims
If you have flood insurance, contact your insurance adjuster immediately.
  • Begin cleanup, salvage, and drying as soon as possible. Do not wait for adjuster. Take photos for use as an inventory. All steps suggested on this page can be taken before an adjuster arrives.
  • Clean house so the adjuster can see the damage.
  • Keep damaged materials for proof of loss.
  • Leave a phone number where you can be reached when the adjuster arrives.
  • The adjuster will assess damages to the house. The owner should sign a proof of loss statement. Additional damage can be added when found.
  • Contact governmental offices for information.
2. Electrical Systems
Be sure all electric and gas services are turned off before entering the premises for the first time.
  • Disconnect the main switch and all circuits.
  • Remove covers from all outlets and the fuse or breaker boxes; flush with clean water.
  • Let dry, and spray with contact cleaner/lubricant.
  • Have an electrician check for grounds and other unsafe conditions before reconnecting the system.
3. Food and Water Sanitation
Until your local water company, utility, or public health department declares your water source safe, purify your water, not only for drinking and cooking, but also for washing any part of the body or dishes.
  • Water: Strain water through a clean cloth or filter; then boil water vigorously for a full minute; let cool. If boiling is not possible, use fresh unscented liquid chlorine bleach (8 drops or 1/8 tsp/gallon of clear water; 16 drops or 1/4 tsp/gallon of cloudy water); stir; let stand 30 minutes. Iodine and purification tablets are not recommended.
  • Food: Undamaged, commercially-prepared foods in all-metal cans or retort pouches can be saved if you remove the labels, thoroughly wash the cans, rinse them, and then disinfect them with a sanitizing solution consisting of 1 tablespoon of bleach per gallon of potable water. Finally, re-label containers that had the labels removed, including the expiration date, with a marker.
  • Utensils: Discard flood-contaminated wooden cutting boards and spoons, plastic utensils, baby bottles, nipples, and pacifiers. Thoroughly wash metal and ceramic pans, utensils, and dishes with hot soapy water and sanitize by boiling them in clean water or by immersing them for 15 minutes in a solution of 1 tsp chlorine bleach/quart water.
4. Furnishings and Carpets
Remove all furniture, bedding, and carpeting to outdoors to be cleaned and dried (or discarded).
  • Flooded carpets and rugs are best replaced since flood water may contain contaminants. Flooded carpet pads should always be discarded and replaced.
  • Remove water-logged rugs, carpets, and pads within 48 hours after flooding subsides.
  • If salvage is attempted, spread out rugs and carpets outdoors. Hose off. If soiled, professionally clean or work in carpet shampoo with a broom. Rinse well with a solution of 1 gallon water and 2 tablespoons liquid household chlorine bleach to sanitize (if colorfast). If carpet is wool, do not add bleach.
  • Dry the carpet and subfloor thoroughly as quickly as possible. If carpet is installed damp, it can mildew.
  • Carpet might shrink, but a professional may be able to stretch it.
  • All upholstered furniture and mattresses contaminated by flood water should be discarded. If an upholstered furniture piece is valuable, the stuffing and upholstering will need to be replaced.  Solid wood, metal and plastic furniture may be cleaned and restored.  Hose off any mud, clean, sanitize and let dry completely out of direct sunlight.
5. Walls
Open flooded walls, even if they appear undamaged, to prevent mold, odor, and structural decay later.
  • Remove water from the structure as rapidly as possible. Ventilate.
  • Remove baseboards, and cut holes in wallboard to drain uninsulated walls.
  • Remove the interior surface of insulated walls to a point above water height. Discard flooded drywall.
  • Undamaged paneling may be propped open or reinstalled after cleaning.
  • Remove and discard all wet fibrous insulation.
  • Clean out mud. Wall studs and plates may be sprayed with disinfectant (1 cup bleach/gallon water) to kill any existing mold and fungi.
  • Speed dry with dehumidifiers and fans.
  • Leave walls open until they have thoroughly dried, which may take up to a month.
  • Select replacement materials that will withstand future floods (such as rigid foam insulation, removable wainscoting, ceramic tile, etc.).
Next StepsLong-term flooding or wetness is likely to ruin most interior finishes and contents, but the next steps may be possible when flooding is short term and cleanup begins promptly. Delay permanent repairs until the building is thoroughly dry, which may take weeks.
1. Subfloors
  • Layers of submerged plywood or OSB subfloors will likely separate or swell. Affected sections must be replaced to keep the new floor covering from buckling.
  • When floor coverings are removed, allow the subflooring to dry thoroughly, which may take months without a dehumidifier.
  • Check for warping before installing new flooring.
2. Wood Floors
  • Carefully remove a board every few feet to reduce buckling caused by swelling. If boards are tongue-and-grooved, consult a carpenter or flooring professional.
  • Clean and dry the floor thoroughly, which may take weeks, before replacing boards and attempting repairs.
3. Tile and Sheet Flooring
  • If a submerged wood subfloor swells or separates, flooring will need to be removed. (Asbestos tiles should be removed only by a trained professional.)
  • If the subflooring is concrete, removal of the floor covering will hasten drying of the slab, but it might not be necessary if it would ruin an otherwise unharmed material.
  • If water has seeped under loose sections of sheet flooring, remove the entire sheet. Ease of flooring removal depends on the type of material and adhesive. Contact a reputable dealer to find out what product and technique (if any) will loosen the adhesive.
4. Cleaning Wall Finishes, Woodwork, & Floors
To reduce mold and damage, clean and dry as soon as flood waters recede. Do not sand or scrape lead-based paint.
  • Use a phosphate-free, all-purpose, or disinfecting cleaner. Wash from top to bottom. Rinse with clean water.
  • One-half cup of household chlorine bleach to a gallon of water can be used on nonmetallic, colorfast surfaces as a disinfectant (to kill surface mold and bacteria) after cleaning, but it will not prevent new mold growth on materials that stay damp.
  • Dry thoroughly and quickly. If the utilities are on, use the air conditioning or heater, fans, and a dehumidifier or desiccants to speed drying.
5. Appliances and Equipment
Clean and dry the submerged household appliance before starting.
  • With the electricity or fuel turned off, unplug and open as much as possible to rinse or wipe clean and let dry.
  • Tilt to drain and aid quick drying. Three days to a week is necessary for drying.
  • Appliance repair professionals should inspect before reconnecting. Many appliances can be saved.
6. Furniture
Take furniture outdoors to clean.
  • Brush off mud. All parts (drawers, doors, etc.) should be removed. Remove or cut a hole in the back to push out stuck drawers and doors. Discard flooded padding.
  • Use commercial furniture-cleaning products designed for the type of material. Do not refinish or wax until thoroughly dry.
  • Dry slowly out of direct sunlight because sun will warp furniture. It may take several weeks to several months to dry.
7. Preventing Mold
Aggressively control mold in the weeks and months after the flood.
  • When power is available, continuously use air conditioning (or heat in winter) plus a dehumidifier, if possible, to remove humidity.
  • In an unair-conditioned home, open windows and use fans to circulate air.
  • Turn on electric lights in closets, and leave doors open to facilitate drying.
  • Try to reduce activities that add moisture to the indoor air, and use exhaust fans when cooking and bathing.
8. Removing Mildew from Household Articles and Upholstery
Avoid disturbing and spreading mold spores indoors. Clean mildewed items outdoors. Learn and take precautions to minimize exposure to mold. 
  • Use a HEPA vacuum, if available, to remove visible mold growth. Discard the vacuum bag. Otherwise, wipe with damp paper towels, discard, and seal in plastic bags.
  • Dry items in the sun, if possible.
  • Sponge any remaining mildew with thick suds or a commercial cleaner designed for the type of material.
  • Wipe with a clean, barely damp cloth.
  • Wipe mildew-stained areas with a cloth dampened with diluted alcohol (1 cup rubbing or denatured alcohol to 1 cup water). Dry thoroughly.
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32 Comments
Angel link
12/31/2021 03:24:09 pm

Wipe with damp paper towels, discard, and seal in plastic bags.
Dry items in the sun, if possible.

Reply
Betty Butler link
12/31/2021 03:25:45 pm

Rebuilding too quickly after a flood can cause continuing problems such as mold growth, insect infestations, and deterioration of the wood and wall coverings.

Reply
Evelyn Giles link
1/5/2022 01:50:17 pm

Flood waters are not clean water; therefore, most porous building materials must be removed and replaced with new materials.

Reply
1-800 WATER DAMAGE of South Charlotte & Union County link
2/1/2022 08:37:33 pm

Water damage can happen at any time and be very hard to fix on your own. Taking care of this issue as soon as possible will ensure that you do not experience any major problems. If you encounter a situation where water has seeped into your home and created structural and architectural damages, contact a water damage restoration company as soon as possible. They will come to assess the situation, clean up the mess, dry out your belongings, and make sure that your home smells fresh again. Keep writing these kinds of informative blogs. It's Appreciated.

Reply
Mary Naquin link
2/9/2022 10:49:32 am

For quality water damage restoration services that are effective and affordable. We use cutting-edge technology and non-invasive hank you for the beautiful post!

Reply
Rosa Burns link
2/18/2022 12:36:26 pm

Water damage restoration must be carried out as quickly and efficiently as possible following any sort of water ingress. Thank you for sharing your great post!

Reply
Dianne Barnwell link
4/2/2022 11:27:10 am

If the subflooring is concrete, removal of the floor covering will hasten drying of the slab, but it might not be necessary if it would ruin an otherwise unharmed material. Thank you, amazing post!

Reply
William Henley link
4/15/2022 11:44:02 am

When floor coverings are removed, allow the subflooring to dry thoroughly, which may take months without a dehumidifier. Thank you for making this such an awesome post!

Reply
Matthew Glover link
5/12/2022 08:58:35 am

To prevent mold from developing after water damage, you need a fast response from a professional water damage restoration contractor.

Reply
Olivia Smart link
6/3/2022 11:58:38 am

Thank you for explaining that you'll need to remove all furniture, bedding, and carpeting to be cleaned, dried, or discarded. I've been wondering what sorts of steps we should take after our basement flooded. I'll be sure to remember this and get started on getting these items removed.

Reply
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7/13/2022 12:51:24 pm

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inventory management development services link
7/17/2022 10:07:30 pm

Clean out mud. Wall studs and plates may be sprayed with disinfectant (1 cup bleach/gallon water) to kill any existing mold and fungi. Tips are really helpful thanks for the sharing.

Reply
Iris Smith link
8/9/2022 03:57:21 pm

I appreciate you saying to take all furniture, bedding, and carpets outside to be washed and dried or thrown away. My uncle is doing his best to investigate alternatives to find a solution, especially after a flood in the region around his home, which is a flood plain. I'll send my uncle this post and advise him to hire water damage repair professionals to assist him with cleaning in the event of a flood in his home.

Reply
Victoria Addington link
8/15/2022 07:43:10 am

You made a good point when you discussed that all circuits must be disconnected when dealing with a flood. My friend's house was damaged by the recent flooding. I should advise her to hire an expert in flood cleaning to prevent further damage.

Reply
Braden Bills link
8/25/2022 06:48:48 am

There was a lot of rain recently, and it ended up flooding my basement. It makes sense that I would want to work with a water damage specialist! It would be good to ensure that there isn't any damage done to my electrical systems.

Reply
John Carston link
9/7/2022 08:51:37 pm

I appreciate that you explained that you could start the cleaning by taking documentation of the problem to have ideas. The other week, my son and I experienced cleaning our home due to water damage because of a broken water system, it was a very frustrating experience. I love this instructive article, I'll be sure to consult a trusted water damage restoration service in the future as they can help us to prevent property damage.

Reply
Eli Richardson link
9/30/2022 08:02:32 am

Last night, my aunt's house flooded due to a broken pipe while everyone was sleeping, and they didn't realize it until this morning. My aunt's going crazy with all the damage that the flood caused, so I think that she'll need to read your water damage guide. I appreciate your tips on protecting your home from developing mold after water damage.

Reply
Iris Smith link
10/4/2022 07:16:54 pm

Thank you for advising that water-logged carpets, rugs, and pads should be removed within 48 hours of the flooding ends. The flood is happening at my grandmother's house. I'll contact the water damage restoration business for her within 48 hours to clean up her home.

Reply
Travis Sorensen link
10/15/2022 07:07:27 am

Our water damage restoration cleaners arrive timely at the scene and inspect the impact of damage in affected areas. Thank you for sharing your great post!

Reply
Cordell Merkle link
10/15/2022 10:11:41 am

Solid wood, metal and plastic furniture may be cleaned and restored. Hose off any mud, clean, sanitize and let dry completely out of direct sunlight. Thank you for making this such an awesome post!

Reply
William Smith link
10/15/2022 11:26:30 am

The damage done by water can be extensive and is often irreversible. Water damage in your homes could be from pipe bursts, Thank you, amazing post!

Reply
Stanley Kugler link
10/17/2022 02:42:52 pm

If you’re looking for guidance or believe the damage is beyond what you can handle, it’s always a good idea to leave water damage restoration to the professionals, I’m so thankful for your helpful post!

Reply
Mia Evans link
1/2/2023 09:16:03 pm

I totally agree when you said that it is important to be safe from electrocution when there is flooding. Hopefully, all the sources of electricity will be shut down when there is flooding in any kind of property or location out there. Then, the owners can hire a residential, commercial, or industrial water damage restoration service safely to help them out with their belongings.

Reply
Steve Smith link
1/18/2023 11:37:38 pm

I love that you talked that one of the most destructive to wood properties is water. I remember when I experienced cleaning our home due to water damage. It was a very frustrating experience because I don't have anyone to help clean our home. Thanks to this informative article, I'll consult a trusted property damage restoration service in the future as they can help us to prevent property damage.

Reply
Olivia Smart link
1/23/2023 09:26:32 am

Thank you for explaining that you should let the furniture dry outside slowly since it should help prevent warping. I've been wondering how to go about getting everything dry after finding our basement flooded. I'll be sure to try this out while we get all of the water damaged fixed professionally.

Reply
Andrew link
2/10/2023 03:31:33 am

Wow, the checklist covers each and every aspect of water resources management. Thanks for sharing this insightful post.

Reply
Henry Killingsworth link
2/13/2023 01:24:37 pm

It stood out to me when you mentioned that it is important to aggressively control mold after a flood occurs in your home. It seems like the best way to aggressively combat mold growth is by hiring a water damage remediation service. This seems like a good idea because a remediation service will have equipment that will make water damage cleanup a breeze.

Reply
Arthur Gilbert link
2/16/2023 01:46:42 pm

Until your local water company, utility, or public health department declares your water source safe, purify your water, not only for drinking and cooking, but also for washing any part of the body or dishes. I truly appreciate your great post!

Reply
Bathroom Remodel Services link
2/27/2023 03:27:55 am

Nice post,We mainly work on property restoration but we also do home remodeling like bathroom remodeling and more!

Reply
Jessie Holloway link
3/22/2023 10:51:36 am

Thanks so much for talking about how carpets and rugs should always be replaced in case the flood water carried contaminants that are now in those materials. My cousins recently had their basement flood and they weren't sure how to start the restoration process so we've been trying to learn more about it. We'll have to look into hiring some professionals to help them with the project to ensure everything is cleaned up and discarded of properly.

Reply
Thomas Clarence link
3/24/2023 12:35:52 pm

I thought it was interesting when you mentioned that it is a good idea to wear rubber gloves when you are dealing with water damage in your home. I would think that it could be a good idea to temporarily turn off the power to your home if you have a significant amount of water. You would want to turn off the power so that you don't accidentally electrocute yourself while assessing the water damage.

Reply



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