Flood Damage Cleanup: What to Throw Away and Flood Insurance

Flood damage cleanup comes down to five things in order: make the house safe, document the damage for insurance, get the water and mud out, throw away porous items that soaked up floodwater, and clean, disinfect and dry everything that stays. Floodwater can carry sewage, chemicals and debris, so treat everything it touched as contaminated, and aim to dry the structure fast, because EPA says mold can grow on materials that stay wet more than 24 hours.

Before you go back in: safety first

Wait until local officials say it is safe to return. Then check before you enter:

1. Electricity. Do not enter standing water if the power may be on. Turn off power at the main breaker only if you can reach it without standing in water; otherwise call the utility or an electrician. NDSU Extension says submerged electrical equipment must be reconditioned by the manufacturer or an approved representative, or replaced.
2. Gas. If you smell gas or hear hissing, leave and call the gas company or fire department from outside.
3. Structure. Look for foundation cracks, sagging ceilings and floors, and buckled walls before you go in.
4. Carbon monoxide. EPA says to run portable generators outside and at least 20 feet away from buildings, never in a house, garage or shed.
5. Your health. The CDC warns that floodwater can contain human and livestock waste, chemicals, debris and germs and can cause wound infections, skin rashes, gastrointestinal illness and tetanus. Cover cuts, and ask a health professional whether you need a tetanus shot after a puncture or contaminated wound.

What to wear

EPA recommends an N-95 respirator, goggles without vent holes, gloves, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and boots or work shoes. EPA also says people with asthma or weakened immune systems should stay away from moldy areas, and that children and pregnant people should not take part in flood cleanup.

Step 1: Document the damage for insurance

Before you throw anything away, photograph and video every room, the water line on the walls, damaged appliances (with make, model and serial number), and the outside of the house. The NFIP's claims checklist says to report the claim promptly and keep a log of every call, and not to discard anything before the adjuster sees it unless it is a health hazard or local law requires disposal. If you must throw items out, keep samples, such as a piece of carpet or flooring, for the adjuster.

Step 2: Remove water and mud

• Pump slowly from flooded basements. If the ground outside is still saturated, water in the basement helps brace the walls. NDSU Extension guidance recommends removing about a third of the water each day and not using an electric pump powered by the house's own wiring.
• Shovel mud while it is still moist and hose walls down before silt dries.
• Use a wet/dry vacuum for the last of the water.

Step 3: What to throw away after a flood

The general rule from EPA: keep what can be cleaned and dried, and throw away materials that soak up a lot of water and cannot be cleaned and dried. The CDC lists rugs, cloth and drywall as porous items that cannot be disinfected.

For walls, a common approach is to cut drywall and remove insulation above the water line so the wall cavity can dry. Our guides to water-damaged drywall and wet carpet after water damage go deeper.

Step 4: Clean and disinfect

1. Wash first. EPA notes that bleach and disinfectants do not work well on dirty surfaces, so scrub with water and detergent first.
2. Sanitize hard surfaces. For non-porous items that touched floodwater, such as floors, sinks and tools, the CDC recommends 1 cup of household bleach per 5 gallons of water after washing. For countertops and dishes that touch food, it recommends 1 tablespoon of bleach per gallon. Let items air dry.
3. Never mix bleach with ammonia or any other cleaner. The fumes can be deadly.
4. Ventilate. Open windows and doors while you work.
5. Wash clothes that touched floodwater in hot water with detergent, per the CDC.

Step 5: Dry the house completely

Drying is where flood damage repair succeeds or fails. EPA guidance on flood cleanup says:

• Drying usually takes several days to weeks; keep air moving even after surfaces look dry.
• If you can see mold, clean it gently before running fans so they do not spread it.
• Do not run a flood-damaged HVAC system to dry the house.
• Do not close up walls, paint or seal until materials are dry inside. EPA says materials should read 15% or less on a moisture meter before refinishing.
• Before new flooring, tape clear plastic to the concrete slab for about 16 hours. Moisture under the plastic means the slab is still too wet.

Open windows when outside air is drier; close them and run dehumidifiers when it is humid. Our guide on drying out water damage explains equipment and readings, including what to do if mold growth appears.

Flood insurance: what is covered

• Homeowners policies exclude flood. The Insurance Information Institute states that there is no coverage for flooding in standard homeowners or renters policies. Flood insurance is separate, from the NFIP or private insurers.
• NFIP limits. FloodSmart lists building coverage up to $250,000 and contents up to $100,000 for homeowners. New policies generally take 30 days to take effect.
• Basements are limited. NFIP policies cover only listed equipment in basements and exclude finished basement improvements and personal belongings stored there.
• Deadline. The NFIP claims checklist asks policyholders to submit required documentation within 60 days of the flood, or within any timeframe the insurer provides. Denied claims can be appealed to FEMA within 60 days of the insurer's letter.
• Flooded cars. Homeowners and flood policies do not cover your car. Auto comprehensive coverage includes natural disasters such as floods, if you carry it.
• No flood insurance? In a federally declared disaster, FEMA's Individuals and Households Program helps with uninsured or under-insured needs, though FEMA says it is not a substitute for insurance. Apply through DisasterAssistance.gov.

See water damage insurance claims for documenting a claim.

How much does flood damage restoration cost?

No single price fits, because flood damage restoration is billed by the scope of work. The main cost drivers are:

• Square footage and water depth (how many rooms and how high the water rose)
• Water category. The IICRC classifies sewage and rising water from rivers or streams as Category 3, grossly contaminated water, which requires more removal, containment and protective equipment.
• Time before drying started, since longer exposure means more material removal and mold risk
• Materials removed and replaced: drywall, insulation, flooring, cabinets
• Equipment days: dehumidifiers and air movers run until moisture readings reach target
• Mold remediation, if growth has started

Our water damage restoration cost guide explains how estimates are built. Ask any company for a written, itemized estimate, and share it with your adjuster.

Getting help with flood cleanup

Large floods, sewage-contaminated water and wet structural materials are hard to handle alone. Flood Rescue Pros is a free service that connects homeowners with independent local restoration companies. Get help now or see service areas. Our flood cleanup page covers the professional process, and water damage restoration explains drying standards.

Frequently asked questions

How do you clean up after a house flood?

Make the house safe, photograph the damage, remove water and mud, throw away soaked porous items, wash and disinfect hard surfaces, and dry the structure with ventilation and dehumidifiers until moisture readings are normal. See the full flood cleanup process.

What should I throw away after a flood?

Discard porous items that soaked up floodwater and cannot be cleaned and dried, including carpet pad, mattresses, upholstered furniture, soaked drywall and insulation, and any food, drinks or medicine that touched the water.

How much should water remediation cost?

It depends on square footage, water category, how long materials stayed wet, and how much must be removed and rebuilt. Get a written, itemized estimate and compare it with your adjuster's scope.

What do flood victims need most?

Safe shelter, clean water, and help with cleanup and paperwork. Report insurance claims promptly, and if you lack coverage after a declared disaster, apply for FEMA assistance through DisasterAssistance.gov or 800-621-3362.

Does homeowners insurance cover flood damage?

No. Standard homeowners and renters policies exclude flood. You need a separate flood policy from the NFIP or a private insurer.

Key facts

• Floodwater can carry sewage, chemicals and germs; wear an N-95, goggles, gloves and boots, and keep children and pregnant people out of cleanup (EPA).
• Photograph everything and report the claim before discarding items; keep samples for the adjuster.
• Throw away porous items that cannot be cleaned and dried; sanitize hard surfaces with 1 cup of bleach per 5 gallons of water after washing (CDC).
• Mold can grow on materials wet more than 24 hours; dry to 15% or less on a moisture meter before rebuilding (EPA).
• Homeowners policies exclude flood; NFIP covers up to $250,000 building and $100,000 contents.
• Submit NFIP claim documentation within 60 days of the flood.