The short answer
Safety First
Before you touch anything, turn off the electricity and gas at the main switches if you can do so safely. Floodwater from a river can carry sewage, chemicals, and debris, so wear rubber boots, gloves, and a mask. If you feel unwell, see a doctor.
Check the building for cracks, sagging floors, or other damage before entering. If you live in South Jordan, keep your shutoff valve location written down to act quickly. Do not wade into moving water, and avoid any area where the water is deep enough to hide hazards.
Remove Water and Mud
Get rid of standing water as soon as possible. Use a pump or a wet vacuum if you have one, but never operate electrical equipment in wet conditions. After the water is gone, shovel out mud and debris, then hose down walls and floors with clean water.
Mud can hide contaminants, so be thorough. Open windows and doors to start airing out the space. If the floodwater is deep, consider waiting for the water to recede further before you begin, but act quickly to prevent mold growth.
- Wear heavy gloves and boots
- Use a flashlight, not a gas lantern
- Take photos for your insurance records
- Remove all wet carpet and padding
- Discard upholstered furniture that got wet
- Keep children and pets away
Dry Everything
Drying is the most critical step. Use dehumidifiers, fans, and open windows to pull moisture out of walls, floors, and studs. Remove baseboards and drill holes in wall cavities to let air circulate. If you have a crawlspace, dry it out too.
Drying can take days or weeks, depending on the materials and weather. Do not rush to rebuild until everything is fully dry. The pros use specialized equipment for structural drying, but you can start with household fans and dehumidifiers.
Clean and Disinfect
Once surfaces are dry, clean them with soap and water to remove dirt, then apply a disinfectant to kill bacteria and viruses. Use a bleach solution on hard, non-porous surfaces like concrete, metal, and tile. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners.
Porous materials that cannot be cleaned, such as drywall, insulation, and ceiling tiles, should be cut out and thrown away. For items you want to keep, like books or papers, consider professional cleaning. The pros can handle contents cleaning, but you can do simple items yourself.
- Mix 1 cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water
- Ventilate the area while cleaning
- Wash hands often with soap and clean water
- Rinse surfaces after disinfecting
- Dry cleaned items quickly
Know When to Call Pros
River floodwater is a serious health risk, and some jobs are too big or dangerous for a homeowner. If the flood affected a large area, or if you have any doubt about safety, call local water damage pros. They have the equipment to dry structures and clean contaminated areas.
Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Check your policy to see what your insurance covers. The pros can help with flood damage cleanup, structural drying, and deep cleaning after disasters. They can also clean your air ducts if floodwater got into them.
If you have questions about what to do, ask a local water damage pro for advice. They can inspect the damage and recommend the right steps. Do not wait, because mold can start growing within a day or two.
Water damage does not wait
Call (801) 845-3042 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (801) 845-3042Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to dry out a flooded home?
Drying can take several days to a few weeks, depending on the materials, humidity, and airflow. Using dehumidifiers and fans speeds up the process. The pros use industrial equipment, but you can start with household fans. Check for hidden moisture with a moisture meter.
Can I clean flood-damaged carpets myself?
You can try, but carpet that has been soaked in river water is usually not worth saving. The padding and backing absorb contaminants. If you attempt it, you must dry and disinfect thoroughly. Many homeowners remove the carpet and pad and replace them after the subfloor dries.
What should I throw away after a river flood?
Throw away anything porous that cannot be washed, such as drywall, insulation, mattresses, pillows, stuffed toys, and upholstered furniture. Also discard food, medicine, and cosmetics that touched floodwater. Keep only items you can clean with soap and disinfectant, like metal and glass.