Flooding, whether from a burst pipe, storm, or appliance failure, can cause significant damage to your home in a very short time. The steps you take in the hours and days after a flood can make the difference between a full recovery and lasting damage. Here's what to do.
Step 1: Ensure Safety First
Before entering a flooded area, ensure the electricity has been turned off. Do not enter if there is any risk of electrical hazards. If the flooding is from an external source (storm, river), check for structural damage before entering.
Step 2: Document the Damage
Before removing anything, photograph and video all affected areas. This documentation is essential for insurance claims. Note the extent of flooding, affected materials, and any visible damage.
Step 3: Contact Your Insurer
Contact your home insurance provider as soon as possible. Most policies cover sudden and accidental water damage. Your insurer may have preferred suppliers for flood restoration Melbourne services.
Step 4: Begin Water Extraction Immediately
The longer water sits in your home, the greater the damage. Professional water extraction using industrial equipment is far more effective than household methods. Ministry of Cleaning prioritises flood jobs and can deploy our team quickly.
Step 5: Dry Thoroughly, Including the Subfloor
Surface drying is not enough. Moisture trapped in subfloors, wall cavities, and under tiles can cause mould and structural damage weeks after the initial flood. Professional drying equipment monitors moisture levels throughout the drying process.
Step 6: Sanitise All Affected Areas
Floodwater, particularly from external sources, can contain bacteria, sewage, and other contaminants. All affected areas must be thoroughly sanitised with appropriate products before the property is considered safe. Soft furnishings, sofas, chairs, mattresses, that were saturated by floodwater require specialist treatment; our upholstery cleaning service uses antimicrobial hot water extraction to decontaminate fabric after water damage and eliminate the odours that linger once fabric dries.
Step 7: Address Mould Risk
Mould can begin growing within 24–48 hours of flooding. Anti-fungal treatment should be applied to all affected areas as part of the restoration process. If mould is already visible, professional mould removal may be required.
Need Professional Help?
Ministry of Cleaning provides professional Flood Restoration Melbourne across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Canberra. Police checked, fully insured, satisfaction guaranteed.
0470 450 390 Book OnlineRelated Services
Ministry of Cleaning provides full post-flood restoration services across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Canberra:
- Flood Restoration Melbourne: water extraction, drying, and sanitisation using industrial equipment
- Upholstery Cleaning: antimicrobial treatment for flood-affected sofas, chairs, and mattresses
- Carpet Steam Cleaning: deep extraction for water-damaged carpets and rugs
- Mould Removal Melbourne: essential if restoration is delayed or mould has already taken hold
Call 0470 450 390 to book today.