How Do I Remove Flood Water From My House
Flooding inside your home is a stressful and overwhelming experience. Whether it’s caused by a burst pipe, an overflowing sink, or heavy storms, flood water can damage flooring, walls, furniture, and even the structural integrity of your property if it isn’t removed quickly and effectively.
The first thing to remember when dealing with flood water in your home is that time is critical. The longer water remains inside, the more it soaks into carpets, underlay, walls, and sub floors.
This not only causes expensive structural water damage but also creates the perfect environment for mould growth, which can begin within 24–48 hours of the initial flooding event.
In this detailed guide, we’ll break down what you can do if you have minor flooding that you may be able to handle yourself, when to call in a professional water damage restoration company, why acting quickly is so important, and how Flood Fixers Gold Coast provide fast, reliable, and professional 24/7 emergency water damage services across all suburbs.
Acting fast is the key to minimising the water damage
The speed of your response after flooding will largely determine how much damage your property sustains. Acting fast helps to:
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Prevent water from seeping deep into walls, flooring, and structural materials
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Reduce the risk of mould growth and bacterial contamination
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Save carpets, underlay, and other flooring from permanent damage
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Minimise long-term repair costs and insurance claims
If you can begin the flood cleanup process within the first few hours after flooding, you stand a much better chance of fully restoring your property without major repairs.
Minor flooding vs major flooding: knowing the difference
Not all flooding events are the same. Some situations may be manageable for homeowners, while others require professional water damage restoration specialists with advanced equipment.
Minor flooding
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Typically involves clean water from sources like sinks, bathtubs, or burst pipes
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Usually affects small areas or single rooms
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Homeowners can often handle initial water removal using towels, buckets, or by hiring a wet vacuum from a local equipment hire store
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Quick DIY cleaning and drying can sometimes prevent further damage if done immediately
Major flooding
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Caused by heavy storms, burst water mains, sewage backups, or severe plumbing failures
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Often affects multiple rooms or large areas of the property
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May involve contaminated or “black water” carrying harmful bacteria and pathogens
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Professional water damage restoration is essential to safely extract water, dry the structure, and prevent long-term damage
When in doubt, it’s always best to call in the experts. Professional restoration companies like Flood Fixers Gold Coast have the experience, equipment, and training to handle complex flooding situations safely and effectively.
Effective water extraction and professional water damage restoration services can save your property from thousands of dollars worth of water damage. Acting fast and engaging a professional restoration company will pay dividends in the long run.
Understanding water categories and contamination risks
Flood water isn’t always the same, and the level of contamination determines the safety risks and the complexity of the cleanup process. Water damage restoration professionals classify water into three main categories:
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Category 1: Clean water
Comes from safe sources like burst pipes or overflowing sinks. It poses minimal health risks but still needs to be removed quickly before it becomes contaminated. -
Category 2: Grey water
Contains some contaminants, often from appliances like washing machines or dishwashers. It can cause illness with prolonged exposure and requires professional cleaning and drying. -
Category 3: Black water
Highly contaminated water that may contain sewage, storm water runoff, or floodwater entering from outside. It poses serious health risks and must only be handled by trained water damage restoration technicians using specialised safety equipment.
If flood water has been sitting in your home for more than 48 hours, even Category 1 water can deteriorate into Category 2 or 3 due to bacterial growth, making fast action essential.
DIY flood water removal for minor cases
If your home has only experienced a small amount of flooding in a single room and the water source is clean, you may be able to handle the initial cleanup yourself.
Here’s what to do:
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Remove as much water as possible – Use towels, mops, buckets, or hire a wet vacuum designed for water extraction. Never use a standard household vacuum as it is not safe for liquids.
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Move furniture and belongings – Remove all contents from the affected area to prevent further damage. Place foil or blocks under heavy furniture that cannot be moved.
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Increase ventilation – Open windows and doors if the weather permits to allow damp air out and fresh air in. Position fans to improve airflow and reduce humidity.
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Clean and disinfect – After the water is removed, clean all affected surfaces with a suitable disinfectant to prevent bacteria and odours.
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Start drying immediately – Hire air movers and dehumidifiers from your local equipment hire store. For a standard-sized room (14–20sqm), three air movers and one LGR dehumidifier are typically recommended.
Be prepared for at least seven days of continuous drying. Even if the room feels dry after a day or two, moisture can remain deep inside walls, floors, and subfloors, so keep the equipment running to avoid hidden damage or mould growth.
Why professional water damage restoration is essential for major flooding
When flooding is widespread, involves contaminated water, or has been left for too long, professional help is vital. Water damage restoration companies like Flood Fixers Gold Coast use industrial-grade equipment, specialised cleaning agents, and proven drying methods to ensure the property is safe, dry, and fully restored.
Professional services typically include:
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Rapid water extraction using powerful truck-mounted systems
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Structural drying with industrial air movers, dehumidifiers, and heat drying equipment
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Mould prevention treatments and air quality control
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Moisture mapping and thermal imaging to identify hidden water damage
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Direct billing to insurance companies in many cases, saving homeowners stress and time
How Flood Fixers can help with water extraction on The Gold Coast
Flood Fixers are experts in water damage restoration on The Gold Coast and offer 24/7 emergency response for flood water removal across all suburbs. Their team arrives quickly with advanced water extraction and structural drying equipment to minimise damage and restore properties fast.
With over 20 years of experience, Flood Fixers handle everything from minor leaks to major flooding disasters. They can often bill your insurance company directly, reducing out-of-pocket expenses and streamlining the claims process for homeowners.
Flood Fixers also provide free, helpful advice to anyone dealing with flooding, even if you just need guidance on what to do before help arrives.
Servicing all Gold Coast suburbs
Flood Fixers provide emergency water damage restoration throughout the entire Gold Coast, including Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Southport, Burleigh Heads, Palm Beach, Coolangatta, Currumbin, Tugun, Varsity Lakes, Robina, Miami, Mermaid Beach, Mermaid Waters, Carrara, Ashmore, Labrador, Runaway Bay, Biggera Waters, Coombabah, Helensvale, Arundel, Hope Island, Paradise Point, Upper Coomera, Pimpama and beyond.
No matter where you are located, you can count on Flood Fixers Gold Coast for fast, professional, and reliable flood water removal and restoration services 24/7.
Final thoughts
Removing flood water from your home quickly and safely is critical to minimising damage and protecting your property. This first step will also greatly minimise the risk of ending up with major mould outbreaks.
While minor water damage may be manageable for homeowners using DIY methods and hired equipment, major flooding requires the expertise of a professional water damage restoration company.
Flood Fixers Gold Coast offer rapid emergency response, advanced drying technology, and years of experience to restore flooded properties quickly and efficiently. With 24/7 availability and the ability to work directly with insurance companies in many cases, they take the stress out of dealing with water damage emergencies.
For fast, professional flood water removal and drying services anywhere on the Gold Coast, contact Flood Fixers today for expert help and free, friendly advice.