Five DIY Methods to Reduce Water Damage from a Flood

Floods can strike unexpectedly, causing immense damage to homes and properties. In the UK, where around 1 in 6 properties are at risk of flooding, it’s crucial for homeowners to know how to react quickly and effectively when a flood occurs. While you can’t stop a flood, there are steps you can take to reduce the damage before professional help arrives.

According to the UK Environment Agency, floods can cause tens of thousands of pounds of damage to a single property, meaning quick action is essential. Here are five DIY methods to help you minimise water damage during a flood.

Floods can strike unexpectedly, causing immense damage to homes and properties. In the UK, where around 1 in 6 properties are at risk of flooding, it’s crucial for homeowners to know how to react quickly and effectively when a flood occurs. While you can’t stop a flood, there are steps you can take to reduce the damage before professional help arrives.

According to the UK Environment Agency, floods can cause tens of thousands of pounds of damage to a single property, meaning quick action is essential. Here are five DIY methods to help you minimise water damage during a flood.

1. Remove Standing Water As Soon As Possible

When a flood hits, standing water is your biggest enemy. The longer water sits, the greater chance that it will seep into your walls, floors, and foundations, causing structural damage that may be expensive to fix. According to Public Health England, flood water also contains chemicals and germs that can cause skin problems and gut infections.

Start by removing the water as soon as it’s safe to do so. You can use a wet/dry vacuum if you have one, or simply grab buckets, mops, and towels to absorb as much as possible, as soon as possible.

2. Dry Out Affected Areas Quickly

Once the standing water is gone, the next critical step is to dry everything thoroughly. Damp areas left untreated can lead to mould growth, which can be harmful to health. The UK government’s health advice on mould exposure highlights the risks of respiratory problems and allergic reactions.

To speed up the drying process, open windows and doors to allow airflow. Use fans to circulate air around the space, and if available, deploy a dehumidifier to reduce humidity.

It’s essential to dry out areas such as carpets, furniture, and any wooden surfaces to prevent damage. For large-scale drying needs, you may need professional-grade equipment and specialists, but these initial steps should significantly reduce the spread of mould.

3. Move Furniture and Belongings to a Safe Area

As we’ve briefly established, floodwater can severely damage your personal belongings, including furniture, electronics, and sentimental items. Therefore, moving them out of a zone that is likely to flood as quickly as possible can save them from potential harm.

Prioritise items that are most the susceptible to water damage, such as important documents, electronics, and furniture.

If moving them to a different location isn’t feasible, elevate them in your home by placing furniture on blocks; or, by stacking your belongings on shelves, this can also help. Even small steps such as this can protect your sentimental possessions and reduce the need for any replacements after the flood.

If you’re unsure on the likelihood of your property flooding, you can check out the UK governments “Check for Flooding” service.

4. Use DIY Barriers to Redirect Water

Sometimes, preventing more water from entering your home once a flood strikes is the only option, especially when it comes to sudden floods. At-home Items like plastic sheeting or heavy-duty rubbish bags filled with soil can create temporary water barriers. These solutions are not perfect, but they can buy you valuable time and help limit the damage while you work on removing water from inside the property.

5. Deeper Inspection to Dry Your Home’s Structure

Floodwater can also seep into hidden areas of your home, such as wall cavities, under floorboards and into insulation. Therefore, peeling back carpets, removing skirting boards, and checking behind walls if possible will help to ensure there’s no trapped moisture.

If you suspect water has penetrated deep into your home’s structure, a moisture meter can help you detect damp areas that are invisible to the naked eye.

When DIY Efforts Aren’t Enough, Call the Professionals

While DIY solutions can help dry out superficial damage, deeply affected areas may require professional intervention to avoid long-term structural issues. Prolonged exposure to moisture can weaken your home’s foundations, and mould can develop in hard-to-reach areas, making it crucial to get expert help.

At CPL t/a Rainbow Restoration, we specialise in water damage restoration and flood recovery. Our expert team is trained to handle everything from water extraction to full structural drying, ensuring your home is restored safely and efficiently. We use state-of-the-art equipment to identify and treat water damage, preventing long-term issues such as mould growth and wood rot.

If your home has suffered from flood damage, don’t wait—time is of the essence. The sooner you act, the more damage you can prevent. We are available 24/7, 365 days a year to tackle any concerns you may have. You can contact us on freephone: 0800 030 4360 or complete our contact form here.