Cleaning Up Flood Water Damage

Flood water damage causes more problems than other kinds of water damage. Unlike grey water from broken plumbing, that's relative sanitary, flood water is classified as black water, in the same category as sewage. Flood water also tends to spread through the entire floor of a house, not just one or two rooms. This article will give you some basic pointers for water damage clean up.

This first thing to do is clear the flooded rooms of any and all water damaged objects. This includes curtains, pictures on the wall, books, clothes, media devices, and anything else affected. Consider replacing as many of these items as possible, rather than trying to repair or restore them. This will be cheaper and quicker in the long run.

The next step is to remove any water that's still standing. If it's a lot of water, more than you can pick up with a mop, use a HEPA vacuum or some kind up pump to handle it. Any pump you use should not rely on the power supply in the house, since the house's wiring might suffer from water damage. Use a battery powered or water powered sump pump. A water power sump pump is ideal, since its suction mechanism gets its force by connecting to a garden hose faucet. These solutions will remove most of water, so that you'll be left with less than 1/8" of water to mop up.

Next, you want to dry the rooms with a set of high velocity air movers and a low temperature dehumidifier. Your goal is to get the humidity level to stay consistently under 50%, measured with a humidity meter. While the air movers and dehumidifier are running, it's a good idea to bring in a commercial grade air purifier as well, to eliminate any airborne microorganisms that will be circulating due to the air movers. Your goal with drying is not just to eliminate dampness, but more importantly, to prevent the growth of toxic mold and mildew. Once all of the room surfaces are dry, wash them down with a solution of 25% bleach-to-water, then wipe them down with clear water.

The final step is to address the ceiling, floor, and wall water damage. Water stains on the surfaces can't actually be removed, but they can be covered. Apply a layer of primer on the affected areas to kill the stains, then apply paint that matches the surrounding surface.

More important than taking care of the surfaces, however, is checking ceiling, floor, and wall cavities for water damage, and replacing any affected materials, such as subflooring, insulation or drywall. These cavities, being dark and humid, will breed toxic mold in as little as 48 hours if left untreated. This will be pretty labor intensive to do yourself, so it's recommended that you hire an IICRC certified specialist in Water Damage Repair.

For more extensive tips on flood damage clean up and remediation, check out this complete primer on Flood Water Damage.

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Flood Damage Clean Up

Water accumulated due to flood causes extensive damage to the flooring ad structure of the home and it is essential that the accumulated water should be removed as quickly as possible. If water has been stagnant on the structure for more than a few hours extensive damage will be caused. In most cases the floor and the walls that have been submerged by the water will be damaged. It is extremely vital to start the drying process throughout the structure. The best way to promote drying out of the interiors of the structure is through cross ventilation. To do this one has to open al the doors and windows facilitating maximum air movement throughout the room. One should also open closets that have been submerged in the water.

It is not advisable to use dryers or heaters to help the drying process since the same helps promote humidity in the structure and this will lead to the formation of bacteria and mildew. Rather one should turn on the fans and air conditioners. One should let the ventilation process till the interiors are totally dry. One can purchase a water meter that is available in paint and hardware stores to check the humidity level of the soaked surface.

A humid ground is the breeding place for bacteria and fungus. Once all the damaged materials have been removed one should wash down all the surfaces using disinfectants. The bleach that one uses in the household is best suited for this purpose and the same will help one you to get rid of mold and mildews and will also prevent them from growing too. Strong bleach in the ratio of 5:1 (five parts of water to one part of bleach) is recommended and the same can be sprayed using the standard garden sprayer. One should be adequately protected and should wear goggles and face mask along with rubber gloves. Do not use the bleach on fabrics since it might discolor them and even damage the fabric. Some items like mattresses that are totally soaked cannot be recovered and it is best to dispose them.

There are some precautions that one should follow when working in areas that have been inundated with contaminated water and these should be carried out only when there is no standing water left in the house. If your vaccination is not up to date, take a tetanus shot. Electric supply should be turned off from the mains before one enters the house to avoid electrocution. Get the wiring tested from a certified electrician before turning on the power. One should also check that all the gas appliances are turned off and that the main valve of the pipe supplying the gas is turned off too. One should try to avoid direct contact with the contaminated water too. Keep an eye out for insects and small creatures. These get displaced from their natural habitats when flood occurs and tend to flow with the flood water. Hence it is recommended to check out for them throughout you home, especially in corners, cabinets and dark spaces.

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