How much does flood cleanup & flood restoration cost?

It depends on how much area got wet, the type of water, how long drying takes and what needs to be rebuilt. The company you're matched with gives you the estimate; ask for it in writing.

Is Flood Rescue Pros a restoration company?

No. Flood Rescue Pros is a free referral service that connects you with independent restoration companies. They perform the work and set their own prices and terms.

Can I file an insurance claim for this?

Often, if the damage was sudden and accidental. Photograph everything before cleanup, call your insurer to open a claim, and ask the restoration company to document moisture readings.

Flood Cleanup & Flood Restoration

Flood cleanup is removing floodwater, mud and debris after a storm, river or surface flood, then disinfecting and drying the building. Floodwater is treated as Category 3 (black) water: it can carry sewage, chemicals and bacteria, so most porous materials it touched have to go. Wear protective gear or leave it to a crew equipped for it.

Before you go back inside

Wait until local officials say it's safe to return.
Don't turn the power on if water reached outlets or the panel; have an electrician check it.
Watch for structural damage, gas smells and animals that came in with the water.
Photograph every room, the waterline on the walls and damaged belongings for your claim.

What a flood restoration crew does

Pumps out standing water and shovels out mud and silt.
Removes wet carpet, pad, drywall and insulation, usually cutting drywall a foot or two above the waterline ("flood cuts").
Cleans and disinfects the remaining framing, subfloor and hard surfaces.
Dries the structure with dehumidifiers and air movers, checking moisture readings until it's dry.
Treats any mold growth before walls are closed back up.

Flood insurance is separate

Standard homeowners policies usually don't cover flooding from rising water outside the home. Flood damage is covered by a separate flood policy, such as one through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer. If you have one, report the loss right away and keep receipts for everything you spend on cleanup.

Mistakes to avoid

Keeping wet drywall and insulation because they "look fine." Floodwater contamination soaks in, and wet insulation stays wet.
Running a gas generator or pressure washer indoors or in a garage. Carbon monoxide kills.
Mixing bleach with other cleaners. It can create toxic fumes.
Closing walls before the framing is fully dry, which traps moisture and invites mold.

Tips for the cleanup

Wear rubber boots, gloves, eye protection and an N95 or better respirator.
Separate and photograph damaged items before throwing them out.
Food, medicine and cosmetics that touched floodwater should be thrown away.
Book the cleanup crew early. After a regional flood, every company in the area fills up fast.

How to get help now

Use the Get help now button on this page and tell us what happened, where, and how much water is involved. We pass your request to an independent restoration company that serves your area so they can call you back and arrange a visit. Flood Rescue Pros is a free referral service: we don't do the work ourselves, and the company you're matched with sets its own prices, schedule and terms. Ask any company for its licensing, insurance and IICRC certification before you sign anything.