What to Do When Your House Floods: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re reading this while standing in water, stop and take a breath. Then follow this guide. I’m Tyler Zimmerman, owner of Total Home Water Restoration here in Grove City, and I’ve helped hundreds of homeowners across Central Ohio through this exact mess. Let’s get your home—and your life—back on track.

Step 1: Make Sure It’s Safe to Enter

Before you do anything inside your home:

• Shut off electricity if there’s water near outlets or appliances.

• Smell for gas. If you notice anything unusual, leave immediately and call the gas company.

• Wear boots and gloves. Floodwater is often contaminated with sewage or chemicals.

If you’re not sure it’s safe, call us first at 380-246-1837. We’ll walk you through it.

Step 2: Call Your Insurance Company

The sooner, the better. Let them know:

• When the flood happened

• What caused it (if you know—like a burst pipe or heavy rain)

• That you’ve already started emergency mitigation

Important: Take photos of all the damage before doing any cleanup. Document water levels, soaked items, and structural damage.

Step 3: Stop the Source (If Possible)

If the water’s still coming in, do what you can to stop it:

• Shut off your main water supply for plumbing failures

• Clear gutters or storm drains if clogged

• If the sump pump failed, unplug it and wait for help

Need help fast? We offer 24/7 emergency service throughout Columbus, Hilliard, Reynoldsburg, and surrounding areas.

Step 4: Start Water Removal and Drying

Here’s where the real work begins. You need to remove the water fast to limit long-term damage.

At Total Home Water Restoration, we:

• Use professional-grade extraction equipment

• Tear out wet carpet, drywall, and insulation per IICRC S500 standards

• Set up commercial air movers and dehumidifiers to prevent mold growth

Homeowners often underestimate how long things stay wet behind walls and under floors. That’s why proper drying matters.

Step 5: Prevent Mold Growth

Mold starts growing within 24-48 hours. Even if it’s not visible yet, the spores are already in the air.

We follow IICRC S520 guidelinesto:

• Remove unsalvageable materials

• Apply antimicrobial treatments

• Safely contain and clean any mold that starts forming

Ohio’s humid summers make this step critical. Skipping it can turn a water job into a much bigger mold remediation project later.

Step 6: Document Everything for Your Claim

As you go through cleanup:

• Save receipts for hotel stays, temporary repairs, and restoration work

• Keep a list of damaged belongings

• Don’t throw anything away until your adjuster has seen it or documented it

We’ve worked with most major insurers and can help you with claim documentation and estimates.

Step 7: Plan the Repairs

Once the home is clean and dry, it’s time to rebuild:

• Drywall, flooring, cabinets, and trim need replacing

• Electrical and HVAC may need inspection

• Choose a licensed contractor (like us) who understands both restoration and remodeling

We treat every home like it’s our own and only recommend what you truly need.

FAQ: Flooded House Cleanup

How much does water damage restoration cost?
It depends on how deep the water was, how long it sat, and how much material needs removal. A minor cleanup could be under $2,000; major floods with mold can climb past $10,000. We provide free estimates.

Does homeowners insurance cover flooding?
Usually not for outside water (like heavy rain or rivers). Burst pipes or overflowing appliances are typically covered. We can help review your policy with you.

Can I dry it out with fans myself?
In some small cases, maybe. But once drywall, insulation, or flooring is involved—especially with any moisture trapped in wall cavities—you need professional drying equipment to prevent hidden mold.

Need Help Now?

If your home is flooded—or even if you're just worried it might be—give us a call. We serve homeowners in:

• Grove City

• Columbus

• Hilliard

• Westerville

• Dublin

• Reynoldsburg

• Pickerington

• And surrounding areas

Contact Total Home Water Restoration
📍 4141 Hoover Rd, Grove City, OH 43123
📞 380-246-1837

We’ll treat your home like it’s ours. From disaster to done right.