Treating Water Damage from Floods

How to Treat Water Damage from Floods

Water damage from floods can affect floors, walls, and many items in your home. Even a small flood may leave water in places you cannot see. As a result, removing standing water is only the first step.

Floods may start from heavy rain, sewer backups, or burst pipes. Water can soak into drywall, wood, and carpets. If these areas stay wet, the damage may get worse.

GTA Restoration provides flood damage cleanup and water removal in Toronto and the GTA. Our team can find wet areas, remove water, and plan safe drying. However, there are steps you can take while you wait for help.

1. Make Sure the Area Is Safe

Safety comes first after a flood. Do not enter standing water if there may be live wires or wet outlets. Also, keep children and pets away from dirty floodwater.

If you can reach a dry breaker panel safely, you may shut off power to the wet area. Otherwise, stay clear and call your utility or an electrician.

Never turn the power back on until a qualified electrician confirms it is safe.

2. Stop the Water Source

If a pipe has burst, turn off the main water valve when it is safe. This may stop more water from entering your home.

However, storms and sewer backups need a different plan. If dirty water enters your basement, stop using the affected drains and seek help.

3. Remove Standing Water

Small spills of clean water may be easy to handle. Once the area is safe, you can use towels or a mop to remove the water.

Large floods often need pumps and wet cleanup tools. Do not use a regular home vacuum to collect water. Also, avoid cleaning sewage water on your own.

For more help, see our flooded basement cleanup service.

Finding Hidden Water Damage After a Flood

4. Check for Water Behind Walls and Floors

One of the biggest risks from water damage from floods is hidden moisture. Water may soak into drywall, settle under floors, or reach wall insulation.

A wall can look dry on the outside but remain wet inside. Therefore, wiping the surface may not be enough.

Signs of hidden water damage include:

• Soft or swollen drywall
• Peeling paint or loose wallpaper
• Wet or warped wood floors
• Dark stains on walls and ceilings
• Musty smells in closed rooms
• Carpets that stay damp

Our water damage restoration team uses moisture tools to check wet areas. These checks help show where drying or repairs may be needed.

5. Dry Wet Materials the Right Way

After water removal, the next step is drying. Workers may use air movers and dehumidifiers to help remove moisture.

Some wet materials can dry well. However, badly soaked drywall, insulation, or flooring may need removal.

Strong chemicals are not a normal substitute for proper drying. Instead, good results depend on moisture checks, airflow, and the right equipment.

Health Canada advises homeowners to dry wet areas as soon as possible. Read its flood cleanup and indoor air quality guide for more tips.

Preventing Mold After Flood Damage

6. Look for Mold and Damp Spots

Floodwater can leave damp areas that help mold grow. In fact, mold may begin to grow within about 48 hours when materials stay wet.

For this reason, fast cleanup and drying are important. Check wet walls, carpets, floors, and other items for signs of damage.

Not all mold is poisonous. However, indoor mold can affect health, especially for people with asthma or allergies.

If you find a large area of mold, avoid disturbing it. Our mold removal team can help assess the problem and plan cleanup.

7. Check What Can Be Saved

Flood damage does not always mean you must replace everything. Some hard surfaces and personal items may be cleaned and dried.

However, sewage, long periods of moisture, and severe damage can make some items unsafe to keep.

Our team checks the damage before planning repairs. This helps you understand what needs cleaning, drying, or replacement.

8. Keep Records for Your Insurance Claim

Take photos of the damage when it is safe. Also, keep receipts for repairs and cleanup costs.

Contact your insurer to report the flood. Coverage depends on your policy and what caused the water damage.

For more information, read our guide to overland water and sewer backup coverage.

When to Call a Flood Restoration Company

Small, clean-water spills may be easy to manage. However, large floods, hidden moisture, and sewage backups often need trained workers.

Professional cleanup for water damage from floods helps find wet areas and plan safe drying. It may also reduce the chance of added damage.

GTA Restoration offers 24/7 emergency water damage services in Toronto and the GTA. Contact our team for help with water removal, drying, and flood cleanup.

Need Emergency Flood and Water Damage Cleanup?

GTA Restoration provides water removal, structural drying, and flood cleanup services in Toronto and the GTA.

Stay away from unsafe floodwater and electrical hazards. Get help before the damage spreads.

Call Us: 416-800-0000

Learn More

What to Do If Your Basement Floods | Water Damage Restoration Toronto | Emergency Flood Cleanup