What to look for and do when the waters recede
Flooding damages the structure of the home and home systems and causes mold.
Openings like doors and windows, foundation cracks, and roof leaks can let water in.
After a flood, watch out for electrical hazards and structural damage.
Photograph damage and call your insurance company right away.
You’ll be safer if you make an emergency plan and proactively flood-proof your house.
Flash floods, urban flooding, overflowing rivers, and coastal storm surges—there are so many types of flood events that can disrupt lives and property. While not every type of flood may occur in your area, knowing which ones can impact you and the damage they can cause is essential. Understanding how to navigate floodwaters and clean up afterward can keep you safe and help preserve your property. Below, we explore the types of damage a flood can cause, how you can protect your home, and how to stay safe.
Your home and belongings are important, but nothing is more important than your safety. As with any natural disaster or potentially dangerous situation, always follow instructions from local authorities. If you’ve been asked to evacuate, don’t return until you have official clearance to do so or disaster declarations have been lifted.
Additionally, wait until you have the all clear from local officials before beginning any water damage cleanup efforts. Follow guidelines and Ready.gov disaster recovery recommendations to help keep yourself, your family, first responders, and the community safe.
Flooding can cause catastrophic and long-lasting damage. Along with water damage to belongings, floodwaters can cause structural problems, disable or destroy home systems, and encourage mold and mildew growth. Here’s what you need to know.
Your home is made of materials that aren’t waterproof, including wood, drywall, insulation, and more. So when water invades, the entire structure of your home can sustain damage. Be wary of these structural concerns, especially if you own or are buying a house in a flood zone.
Roof damage: Whether or not the flood reaches your roof, it can sustain damage. This can happen if water soaks up through building materials to the roof or floodwaters weaken your home’s structural support so that the roof sits on compromised materials.
Foundation damage: Flooding can erode soil and push against building materials, leading to cracks or shifting in a home’s foundation.
Destroyed flooring: Flooring is one of the first flooding casualties. Water saturation can warp wood floors, floorboards, and subflooring. Carpeting and padding will become waterlogged, and water under vinyl and plank floors will cause permanent damage if not dried right away.
Wall damage: When water from the floor soaks into drywall and insulation, you’ll almost always have to remove and replace it. Otherwise, walls will warp and grow mold.
Water and electricity never mix. Flooding can cause electrical shorts, panel failure, broken or frayed wires, and other problems. Don’t use electrical outlets, switches, or electric-powered home systems until you get the all clear from a licensed electrician.
Heating, cooling, and ventilation systems are particularly susceptible to flood damage. Expect to repair or replace condenser coils, fans, and electrical components, including fuses, wiring, and circuits. If the water was high enough or the HVAC system stayed wet for an extended time, you may need to replace the entire unit.
Because septic systems and wells are underground, floodwater can easily get inside. Septic tanks can fill with water via the lid, inlet, or outlet. If the drain field becomes saturated, the system may back up into your home. If floodwaters breach your well, they can contaminate it and even cause it to collapse.
Exposure to any kind of water can ruin appliances. They can suffer motherboard and electrical panel failure or destroyed wiring and circuits. When refrigerators and freezers stop working, food will spoil, leaving a stinky, moldy mess.
Before powering on any appliances exposed to floodwaters, be sure they’re completely dry. Have them checked by an electrician or appliance repair company.
It only takes 24 to 48 hours for mold and mildew to grow on damp surfaces and materials. Flooring, drywall, and insulation are especially vulnerable to mold growth as they soak up and hold water. The same goes for furniture, clothing, and other soft materials.
As soon as it’s safe, remove and dry out items to prevent mold growth. Before entering, you may have to call your utility company to shut off the power and gas. A local water damage restoration company can also help you repair the damage.
Water loves the path of least resistance, and that’s bad news for homes during a flood event. Here are the six most common places where water can enter your house.
Water can push in or break through doors and windows, especially if they don’t have proper seals or latches to keep them closed and watertight. Windows low to the ground or beneath ground level (such as basement windows) are especially vulnerable.
Heavy rains can damage roofs during flood events, letting water pour in from above. Once water starts coming in, the damage can be swift and severe. Keep your roof in good repair, and have regular inspections to look for areas where water can get in.
If your home has cracks in the foundation due to ground settling, shifting, or past water damage, these weak spots will let water in during flooding. Even a mild storm can cause basement flooding. Repair foundation cracks as soon as you notice them, and call a basement waterproofing company in your area to keep your basement dry.
Water can flow backward through pipes, drains, toilets, and sinks when it backs up into municipal sewer systems or septic tanks. This will let water into your home and wash raw sewage into it, contaminating your belongings and the structure.
If your area experiences prolonged heavy rains, rising water tables, or extended flooding, groundwater levels will rise and can seep through basements and crawl spaces. You may not notice it’s happening until there’s standing water in your basement.
While it might make sense to pump the water out right away, take the time to learn whether it’s safe to do so before you begin. If groundwater rises and you have water in your basement, it’s important to drain it slowly and in increments to protect the stability of your home's foundation.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends caution and waiting until floodwaters have receded and groundwater levels return to normal before pumping out basements. Otherwise, as the groundwater outside continues to press against your home, it can crack or collapse your foundation or cellar walls. You can also speak with local disaster officials or foundation contractors near you for recommendations.
Every home has openings around pipes, utility lines, and vents, which allow water to flow in. Properly seal all of these entry points to keep water and pests out.
If the worst happens, always prioritize safety. Do not re-enter your home until you know it’s safe. Local authorities or emergency officials from organizations like FEMA or the American Red Cross will announce when you can return. For your safety and your community's safety, follow directions from local authorities and law enforcement.
Here are some tips for dealing with home flood damage:
Be aware of electrical hazards: Downed power lines, underwater wiring, and active electrical systems are shock hazards. If water is present, ensure the home's electrical source is turned off before entering. Never turn your home’s power on or off yourself after a water disaster. Instead, call your electric company or an electrician to turn the electricity on or off.
Look for structural damage: Walk around the outside of your home and look for structural damage. Pay attention to the roof, foundation, walls, doors, and other areas. If you have concerns, contact a general contractor or structural engineer for an evaluation and advice.
Document damage: Take videos or photos of the entire property, inside and outside, focusing on damaged areas.
Contact your insurance company: Call your insurer immediately to report the event and file a claim. Submit your documentation, including photos or videos from before the flood.
Start the cleanup process: The Environmental Protection Agency offers advice and resources for flood cleanup, including water damage repair and mold prevention and mitigation.
Prepare for repairs: At an average cost of $3 to $7.50 per square foot, water damage restoration costs can rise as quickly as floodwaters. Only hire licensed professionals to do the work, insist on written contracts and warranties, and coordinate with your insurance company to get the best results.
You can’t ever really prepare for a flood, but you can take steps to flood-proof your house and minimize damage if flooding happens on your property.
Have an emergency plan: Have an emergency plan for natural disasters. Set aside easy-to-grab essential supplies, identify a meeting place and emergency contact, and know what if a flood impacts your home. The American Red Cross has preparation tips and safety checklists to help you plan.
Get a sump pump: Sump pumps remove water from basements and low-lying areas. Installing a sump pump in your basement can prevent damage during small to moderate flood events. Have a sump pump pro inspect your installation or hire them to install your system.
Install flood vents: Flood vents are a type of stormwater drainage system that allows water to flow through a property rather than gathering in low spots or rushing past structural elements. Having flood vents in place is a smart idea if your home is in a floodplain or flood-prone area.
Build a flood wall: Protect your home from serious damage by building a flood wall that keeps water from getting too close.
Anchor fuel tanks and hot water heaters: Rising water can pick up and tip over fuel tanks, water heaters, and similar home systems. Anchor items to the floor or the ground to keep them from moving and causing more damage.
Elevate appliances: Appliances at floor level will become waterlogged in floods. If your home is at risk of flooding, place appliances higher than expected flood levels. While you may be unable to prevent damage from catastrophic flooding, you can mitigate damage during minor floods.
"Before any storm, make sure your emergency supply is updated and adequate. FEMA and the American Red Cross recommend that every person have at least 72 hours of food, water, and portable power in case of emergencies—you should have more if you live in a hurricane- or tornado-prone area."
— Allen Baler, CEO, 4Patriots, Nashville, Tennessee
Depending on the severity of the damage, it may be safe to stay in a flooded house. However, you should evacuate immediately after a flood event and have a contractor check your home for structural damage and other dangers before you decide whether it’s safe to stay. Water can make walls and ceilings less stable, cause mold to grow, and contaminate your home. When dealing with a flooded home, always err on the side of caution and protect yourself and your family from dangers that could risk your health or safety.
Houses can be saved after floods if the flood damage is minor, the water recedes quickly, and you take steps to ensure the structural integrity of the building. Knowing whether a structure is safe after a flood and which belongings and materials you can save is challenging, so always rely on a professional to advise you. Your insurance company and local water mitigation and flood restoration companies can offer guidance. As with any construction project, you’ll want to hire licensed and insured contractors, compare bids, and proceed carefully.
Homes can collapse from water damage, especially after a flood or when the water creates structural instability. If water isn’t removed right away, moisture can cause walls and ceilings to warp, degrade, and shift, increasing the possibility of collapse. You should always have a structural engineer evaluate any property and building that has experienced a flood, as problems may not be visible from the outside. Until you get the all clear, stay out of homes that have sustained water damage or been involved in a flood event.
