D J RECYCLING · GUIDE
How to clean up your property after a flood
Coming home to a flooded house is overwhelming. Taking things in the right order keeps you safe, protects your insurance claim and makes the clear-up quicker.
The short answer
Make sure it is safe to go in and the electricity is off, then call your insurer before throwing anything away. Photograph every room and damaged item, wear gloves and boots because floodwater is often contaminated, and remove soaked carpets, mattresses and upholstery first so the building can start to dry.
1. Stay safe first
Do not go back in until the emergency services or your local authority say it is safe. Turn off the electricity at the mains if you can do so without standing in water, and do not use electrical items that have been wet until an electrician has checked them.
Treat all floodwater as contaminated, because it often contains sewage. Wear waterproof gloves, boots and old clothes, keep children and pets away and wash your hands thoroughly.
2. Call your insurer and record everything
Contact your insurer as soon as you can. Many policies cover the cost of removing flood-damaged contents and may arrange the clear-up for you.
Before anything leaves the house, take photos and videos of every room, the water line on the walls and each damaged item. Your insurer may ask you to keep a small sample of carpet or fabric, so check before throwing everything away.
3. Clear out what cannot be saved
Soaked carpets and underlay, mattresses, sofas and other upholstered furniture usually cannot be saved and should go first, as they hold water and slow down drying. Food that has touched floodwater must be thrown away.
Wet plasterboard, skirting and kitchen units may need stripping out once your insurer or builder has inspected them. Keep upholstered furniture separate from the rest of the waste, as it is handled separately.
4. Dry the building out
Once the worst is out, open windows and doors when the weather allows and use dehumidifiers. Drying a house properly can take weeks, and redecorating too soon can trap moisture.
If you need a skip for flood waste, a 6-yard skip suits most single-room clear-outs, while a whole ground floor may need an 8-yard. If space is tight or the street is still affected, we can collect the waste instead.
Common questions
Will my insurance pay for flood waste removal?
Often, yes. Many buildings and contents policies cover clearing flood-damaged items. Check with your insurer before booking.
Can flood-damaged sofas go in a skip?
Upholstered furniture is handled separately from general waste, so mention it when you book and we will advise.
Where can I get flood warnings?
Floodline, run by the Environment Agency, gives flood warnings for England on 0345 988 1188 and on GOV.UK.