How To Dry Out A Flooded House

• What to do after your house is flooded
• The importance of quick, thorough drying
• How to remove the floodwater from your property
• How to dry out a house after a flood
• Cleaning up after a flood
• Frequently asked questions
• Book your flood damage cleaning service today

Restoring your property to its previous condition after a flood is not as simple as pumping out water and letting things air-dry. A quick, effective response is critical to minimise potential structural damage, prevent mould growth, and make your home safe again.

If you need flood damage cleaning services, we can help. Our industry-accredited experts can take care of the entire restoration process including deep cleaning your property and the air in your home. We operate nationwide, 24/7, 365 days a year.

Keep reading to find out what to do after a flood and how to dry out your home. 

What to do after your house is flooded

When you re-enter the property, don't turn on your water, gas, or electricity. A qualified engineer will need to make sure they are safe first. 

Then, start documenting the extent of the damage by taking photos from all angles. These photos will be useful when making a claim to your insurance company. 

If you are renting the property, inform your landlord or property management agency immediately. Your landlord will have to carry out the repairs within a time period you have both agreed on. 

Next, you can start the process of removing the floodwater, drying out your property, deep cleaning it, and carrying out the necessary repairs. It is recommended you bring in professional cleaners for flood restoration to ensure that your home is safe to stay in. You can find out more about what to do if your home floods here. 

The importance of quick, thorough drying

If your home gets flooded, the floodwater can cause devastating impacts on your property such as:

• It can cause damp
• Electrical appliances and wiring could be damaged
• Contaminated water puts you at risk of illness
• It can cause mould to grow
• It brings mud, silt, and dirt into your home
• Wooden surfaces might get warped
• Floodwater may cause structural damage

Quick action makes all the difference. By promptly removing excess water using proper techniques and equipment, you can prevent further deterioration and minimise damage, as well as protect people's health. 

To guarantee your home is dried out rapidly and entirely, you should bring in flood damage cleaning professionals. Their expertise ensures efficient extraction methods that guarantee thorough drying processes. With the use of specialist equipment, like dehumidifiers, they target hidden pockets, leaving no trace of moisture behind.

How to remove the floodwater from your property

Coping with floodwater in a property can be daunting, yet it is possible to do it yourself, although professional help is always recommended. Removing floodwater can be as simple as using a bucket to scoop out the water and empty it outside. 

However, this process can be far more efficient and quicker if you used a wet-dry vacuum to suck water up from the floor. If the floodwater level is too high in your home for this piece of kit, a submersible pump should help. To save yourself spending on these expensive, complicated pieces of kit that you might not use in the most effective way, bring in flood restoration professionals. 

They will have access to industry-leading equipment and be fully trained in how to use it. They will also understand how different materials respond after being soaked in water for extended periods and therefore know precisely what needs doing in your property.

Throughout the water removal and drying process, you must wear personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, safety glasses, and boots to protect your health as floodwater can spread dangerous diseases. Professional cleaners will have the PPE to safely clean your home and can keep you out of harm's way. 

How to dry out a house after a flood 

Just like with removing floodwater from your home, you can dry out the walls, floors, and possessions yourself. Drying out your property quickly and thoroughly is particularly important to prevent mould which can start growing within 24-48 hours. You can find out more about what causes mould in this blog. 

Set up fans around your home: it is recommended that you point them at the affected surface and set them to oscillating mode to dry surfaces evenly. 

Purchase a dehumidifier: as they extract moisture from the air, they can help dry out the affected room. 

Turn up the heating: warming your property up by just a few degrees can speed up the evaporation process. 

Ventilate your home: although air-drying alone will not be that effective, letting in fresh air should help replace the moist air in your home. This should accelerate the evaporation process. 

Professional cleaners will have the training and equipment required for thoroughly drying out a flooded house. They can also provide any other services you may require, like damp odour removal and mould remediation. Even a small amount of moisture left could lead to a mould problem in your property, so a rigorous drying out process is essential. 

Cleaning up after a flood

Floodwaters often bring along mud, bacteria, and other contaminants, requiring a thorough cleaning after the flood. This includes washing walls, floors, and furniture surfaces with hot soapy water, followed by disinfection. To ensure no area is overlooked during the clean up phase, it is advisable to hire professional flood restoration experts. 

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take for a flooded house to dry out?

The drying process can range from 12 hours up to several weeks depending on the severity of the flood and your chosen drying method.

How long does it take for walls to dry out after a flood?

Flooded walls may require two weeks or more to fully dry. The type of wall material significantly influences this.

How long does it take for a wet ceiling to dry?

A damp ceiling might need around one week until it is thoroughly dried, but heavily soaked ceilings could demand longer periods.

Book your flood damage cleaning service today

Our flood restoration experts can also dry out your property before carrying out the deep cleaning. Our expert technicians can be on site in several hours if its an emergency. 

To get a free site survey and no-obligation quote for our flood restoration services, contact our friendly team on 0208 066 0360 or enquiries@icecleaning.co.uk.