Water damage services

Flood Damage Restoration Near You

Floodwater in your home needs careful flood damage restoration. Call DryRoute and we route your call to a local water damage restoration team that works in your ZIP code.

One call — routed to a local team that serves your ZIP.
Flood-specific help — river, storm, flash flood and surface water.
Plain answers — safety, drying, insurance and what to toss.

Talk to a Local Team (844) 468-2111

Quick Answer: What to Do Right Now After a Flood

Flood damage restoration starts with safety, not cleanup. Work through this list before you touch anything.

STEP 1Stay out if water is still risingWait until local officials say it is safe to return.

STEP 2Do not enter standing water near powerIf outlets, cords or the panel are under water, keep out and call the utility.

STEP 3Smell gas? LeaveGo outside, then call the gas company from a safe distance.

STEP 4Wear protectionRubber boots, waterproof gloves and an N95 mask at minimum. Floodwater is dirty water.

STEP 5Take photos and video firstShoot every room, the water line on the walls and damaged items before you move them.

STEP 6Call your insurerReport the loss early, even if you are not sure what is covered.

STEP 7Get drying startedThe EPA says to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24–48 hours to help prevent mold.

NOWCall DryRouteYour call is routed to a local restoration team that serves your ZIP code and handles flood cleanup.

For a fuller plan, see our guide on what to do after water damage.

What Happens When You Call DryRoute

DryRoute is a call network, not a contractor. Here is how a flood damage call works.

You callDial (844) 468-2111 once it is safe to do so. Have your ZIP code ready, plus how deep the floodwater got and which floors it reached.

We route you to a local team in your ZIPYour call is routed to a local water damage restoration team that serves your ZIP code and takes on flood work.

Your local team takes overYour local team answers, talks through your flood damage and sets up next steps. Pricing, scheduling and the work itself all come from your local team.

You can learn more on our how it works page.

Flood Damage vs Other Water Damage

Not all water damage is flood damage. The difference changes the cleanup, the health risk and how insurance treats it.

Factor

Flood damage

Other water damage (pipe, appliance, roof)

Where water comes from

Outside: rivers, storm surge, heavy rain, surface runoff

Inside: plumbing, appliances, a roof leak

Water category

Usually Category 3 (black water) under the industry’s IICRC S500 standard

Often Category 1 or 2 at first, but it can degrade

What it carries

Mud, silt, sewage, fuel, chemicals, debris

Usually just water, unless it sits or picks up dirt

Area affected

Often a whole floor or many rooms at once

Often one room or one area

What gets thrown away

Most porous materials it touched

Many materials can be dried and kept

Insurance

Standard homeowners policies usually do not cover flood

Sudden, accidental leaks are often covered (check your policy)

If water came in from outside and touched the ground first, treat it as flood water. That means more removal and more cleaning than a pipe leak.

Storm Damage That Lets Water In

Storm water damage cleanup is not only about rising rivers. Storms open many paths for water to get inside.

Storm surgeCoastal water pushed inland by a hurricane or tropical storm can fill lower floors quickly.

Flash floodingHeavy rain in a short time overwhelms streets and drains and pours into low homes.

Overland runoffWater flows across yards toward the house when the lot slopes the wrong way.

Wind-driven rainStrong wind pushes rain through windows, doors, vents and siding gaps.

Roof damageMissing shingles or a fallen tree let rain pour into attics and ceilings.

Overflowing guttersClogged gutters dump water against the foundation and into basements.

Groundwater riseSaturated soil forces water up through slab cracks and basement walls.

Storm-related sewer backupOverloaded city sewers can push dirty water up through floor drains.

If a storm let water in, the source matters for your claim. Note whether water came through the roof, a window, the ground or a drain, and take photos of the entry point.

Safety Before Re-Entering a Flooded Home

A flooded home can be dangerous even after the water drops. Check these points before you go in, and leave at once if anything feels wrong.

Safety first

Electric shockIs the top hazard. Water and live wiring do not mix.

Gas leaksHappen when flooding moves appliances or breaks lines.

Structural damageCan weaken floors, stairs, porches and foundations.

ContaminationFrom sewage, fuel and chemicals is common in floodwater.

WildlifeSuch as snakes and rodents may shelter inside after a flood.

Use this checklist at the door:

Get the all-clearReturn only when local officials say your area is safe.

Look before you stepCheck for sagging roofs, cracked foundations, shifted walls and holes in floors.

Keep power offIf the panel was under water, do not touch it. Have the utility or an electrician check it.

Sniff for gasIf you smell gas or hear hissing, leave and call the gas company from outside.

Use a flashlightNever use candles, lighters or matches inside.

Gear upBoots, gloves, long sleeves, eye protection and an N95 mask.

Watch the generatorRun generators outdoors only, far from windows and doors, to avoid carbon monoxide.

Keep kids and pets outThey should stay away until cleanup and disinfection are done.

The Flood Damage Restoration Process

Flood damage restoration companies follow a similar order of work. Knowing the steps helps you understand what the crew is doing and why.

Safety and assessmentYour local team checks power, gas and structure, then maps the water line and affected rooms.

Water extractionTruck-mounted or portable pumps and extractors remove standing water. See our water extraction page.

Mud and debris removalSilt, mud and storm debris are shoveled, scraped and hauled out.

Removal of ruined materialsWet drywall, insulation, carpet and pad that touched floodwater are cut out and removed.

Cleaning and disinfectionRemaining surfaces are washed and treated to deal with bacteria and contamination.

Structural dryingAir movers and dehumidifiers run while moisture readings are taken each day.

Moisture verificationThe crew confirms framing, subfloor and walls have reached dry targets before anything is closed up.

Repair and rebuildNew insulation, drywall, flooring and trim go in once everything is dry and clean.

What Floodwater Does to Each Material

Floodwater soaks in, carries dirt and feeds mold. Each material reacts differently.

Material	What floodwater does	Usual outcome
Drywall	Wicks water up above the visible line and holds contamination	Cut out at least above the water line
Fiberglass insulation	Soaks up water, sags and traps dirt	Removed and replaced
Carpet and pad	Pad acts like a sponge for dirty water	Usually discarded after flood water
Hardwood floors	Swells, cups and can lift off the subfloor	Sometimes dried, often replaced
Laminate and engineered wood	Core swells and does not recover	Usually replaced
Tile and stone	Surface survives; grout and underlayment can trap water	Cleaned, grout and subfloor checked
Wood framing	Absorbs water but can dry	Cleaned, dried and checked for moisture
Concrete slab	Holds moisture for a long time	Cleaned and dried slowly

The water line on your walls matters. Water wicks upward, so damage often reaches higher than the mark you see.

What Has to Be Thrown Away After a Flood

Floodwater is usually treated as contaminated. That shifts many items from “clean it” to “throw it out.”

Item	Keep	Clean and disinfect	Discard
Carpet, pad and rugs		Some solid area rugs may be cleaned professionally	Wall-to-wall carpet and pad
Mattresses and box springs			Yes
Upholstered furniture		Valuable pieces may be assessed	Most pieces
Solid wood furniture	Yes, if structurally sound	Yes	Swollen particleboard pieces
Food and medicine touched by water			Yes, including sealed jars and boxes
Canned food in undamaged cans	Yes	Remove labels, wash and sanitize	Dented, swollen or rusted cans
Clothing and fabrics		Wash hot with detergent	Items that cannot be washed hot
Stuffed toys and baby items			Yes
Hard plastic, metal, glass	Yes	Yes
Papers and photos		Freeze valuable items until they can be restored	Non-essential papers and decor

Wash your hands after handling flood-soaked items, even if you wore gloves. When in doubt, throw it out. Take photos of everything before it goes to the curb so your claim has a record.

Mud, Silt and Debris Removal: What the Crew Does

Mud left behind by a flood is not just dirt. It can hold sewage, bacteria and chemicals, and it keeps surfaces wet. This is how a restoration crew usually handles it.

Bulk removal firstThe crew shovels out mud while it is still soft, because it gets harder to move as it dries.

Scraping floors and wallsFlat shovels and squeegees push silt toward exits so it can be hauled out.

Flushing hard surfacesOnce most of the mud is gone, surfaces are rinsed with clean water, working top to bottom.

Checking hidden spotsMud collects in wall cavities, ductwork, crawl spaces and under cabinets, so the crew opens and checks these areas.

Flagging HVAC partsFlooded ducts and air handlers are noted for inspection before the system runs again.

Sorting debrisTrash, appliances and hazardous items are separated the way local cleanup rules require.

Disinfecting after cleaningDisinfectant goes on surfaces that are already clean, which is where it works best.

Drying setupAir movers and dehumidifiers go in once the mud and wet materials are out.

If you must handle flood mud yourself before the crew arrives, wear rubber boots, waterproof gloves, eye protection and an N95 mask, and never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners.

Drying a Flooded Home

Emergency flood damage restoration is a race against moisture. Here is what usually happens as time passes.

First hoursWater soaks into drywall, insulation, wood and pad. Odors start.

Day 1Extraction and tear-out should start. Air movers and dehumidifiers go in.

Days 1–2The EPA’s 24–48 hour window for drying wet areas and items. Mold risk rises after this.

Days 2–4Drying continues. The crew takes daily moisture readings and moves equipment as needed.

Days 3–7Framing and subfloor often reach dry targets in a typical flooded room, if tear-out was done.

Week 2 and laterSlabs, thick wood and heavily soaked areas may still be drying. Repairs begin only after dry readings.

Drying times vary with the size of the flood, the materials and the weather. Humid weather after a storm can slow drying a lot.

Call DryRoute

Water in Your Home Right Now?

Call DryRoute to get a local water damage team to your door.

Get Drying Started (844) 468-2111

Call and describe the damage
Your call routes to a team in your ZIP
They set up a visit if needed

Flood Insurance vs Homeowners Insurance

This is the part that surprises most people. According to FEMA’s FloodSmart, standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage.

Type of water damage	Standard homeowners policy	Flood insurance (NFIP or private)
Rising water from a river, storm surge or flash flood	Usually not covered	Usually covered
Rain that enters through a storm-damaged roof	Often covered (check your policy)	Usually not the primary policy
Overland surface water flowing into the home	Usually not covered	Usually covered
Sewer backup during a storm	Usually only with a sewer backup endorsement	Depends on the cause; check your policy
Burst pipe inside the home	Often covered if sudden	Not a flood event
Basement contents in a flood	Usually not covered	Often limited; check your policy

Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and private insurers. Read your declarations page, and ask your agent which policy applies. See our guide on whether homeowners insurance covers water damage.

Documenting Flood Damage for a Claim

Good records make a flood claim smoother. Start documenting before cleanup moves anything.

Photograph the water lineShoot it in every room, with a tape measure in the frame.

Record video walkthroughsNarrate what you see, room by room, including ceilings and floors.

List damaged itemsWrite down the item, brand, age and rough condition.

Keep samplesSave a small piece of carpet and pad or flooring to show the type and quality.

Photograph discarded itemsTake pictures at the curb before the trash pickup.

Save every receiptKeep receipts for supplies, hotel stays, meals and repairs.

Note dates and callsLog when you called the insurer, who you spoke with and what they said.

Get copies of work recordsAsk the restoration team for moisture logs, photos and scope of work.

Read your policy’s deadlinesFlood and homeowners policies set time limits for reporting a loss and sending proof of loss.

Keep a single folderStore photos, receipts, notes and letters in one place, on paper and in the cloud.

Flood Damage Restoration Timeline

How long does flood damage restoration take? It depends mostly on how much of the home took on water.

Flood size	Typical scope	Drying stage	Full restoration
Small (one room or part of a floor)	Extraction, cut low drywall, remove pad	Several days	A couple of weeks, including repairs
Medium (a full floor or basement)	Extraction, mud removal, tear-out in several rooms	About a week	Several weeks
Whole-home (multiple floors or deep water)	Full gut of lower walls, flooring, insulation and contents	A week or more	Often a few months

Repair time often depends on more than drying. Permits, insurance approvals and material availability after a regional storm all affect the schedule.

Preparing for the Next Storm

You cannot stop a flood, but you can limit what it ruins. Use this list before the next storm season.

Know your flood riskCheck your flood zone and ask your agent about flood coverage before you need it.

Store valuables highKeep documents, photos and electronics on upper floors or in waterproof bins.

Clean gutters and downspoutsPoint downspouts several feet away from the foundation.

Test your sump pumpPour water in the pit and make sure it kicks on. Consider a battery backup.

Install a backwater valveIt helps stop sewer water from coming up through floor drains.

Raise key equipmentFurnaces, water heaters and electrical panels sit safer above likely flood levels.

Make a go-bagPack medicine, chargers, copies of IDs and your policy numbers.

Save a restoration numberPut (844) 468-2111 in your phone so you are not searching during a storm.

Find Flood Damage Restoration Near Me

Looking for flood damage restoration near me? Check your ZIP below.

Coverage is by ZIP codeYour call is routed to a local restoration team that serves your ZIP code.

Your local team sets the planSchedule, pricing and scope are agreed directly with the team that comes out.

Not covered yet?If no local team serves your area, you’ll be told on the call.

See all service areas.

Check Your ZIP Code

Type your ZIP code. If no local team serves your area, you’ll be told on the call.

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Flood Damage Restoration FAQ

Straight answers before you call.

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01Is floodwater dangerous to touch?

Yes, it can be, because floodwater is usually Category 3 black water under the industry’s IICRC S500 standard. It can carry sewage, bacteria, fuel and chemicals. Wear boots, waterproof gloves and eye protection, keep cuts covered, and wash skin with soap and clean water after any contact.

02What can be saved after a flood?

Hard, non-porous items like metal, glass, hard plastic and solid wood often clean up well. Porous items that soaked in floodwater, such as carpet, pad, mattresses, upholstered furniture and stuffed toys, usually cannot be saved. Valuable papers and photos can sometimes be frozen and restored later.

03Does homeowners insurance cover flooding?

Usually not, since FEMA’s FloodSmart site explains that standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. Flood coverage comes from a separate policy through the NFIP or a private insurer. Some storm damage, such as rain through a damaged roof, may be covered under homeowners, so check your policy.

04How long does flood damage restoration take?

Drying a small flooded area often takes several days, and a full floor may take about a week to dry and several weeks to restore. Whole-home floods can take months. Delays are common after a regional storm, when materials and contractors are in high demand.

05Can I stay in my home?

It depends on the damage. If the power is off, sewage is present, the structure is weak or the main living areas are flooded, staying is usually not safe. If only part of the home is affected and utilities are safe, some families stay, so ask your local team after the assessment.

06What is the NFIP?

The NFIP is the National Flood Insurance Program, run by FEMA, and it offers flood insurance to homeowners, renters and businesses in participating communities. Policies cover the building and, separately, contents. Private flood insurance is also available, and floodsmart.gov explains your options.

07Should drywall be cut after a flood?

In most floods, yes, because drywall wicks contaminated water above the visible line and holds it inside the wall. Restoration crews usually cut drywall a set distance above the water line and remove wet insulation. They then clean and dry the framing before new drywall goes up.

08Will mold grow after a flood?

It can, and quickly, so the EPA advises drying water-damaged areas and items within 24–48 hours to help prevent mold growth. Flooded homes stay wet longer because walls, insulation and slabs hold water. Quick extraction, tear-out and dehumidification give you the best chance to stop it.

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Get Flood Damage Restoration Help

Floodwater in your home? Don’t wait for it to dry on its own. Call DryRoute and your call is routed to a local flood damage restoration team that serves your ZIP code.

Call Now (844) 468-2111

Call and describe the damage
Your call routes to a team in your ZIP
They set up a visit if needed