When a flood hits your home — whether from a burst pipe, storm surge, or stormwater backup — the first 24 hours are critical. Rapid, correct action not only limits structural damage and mould growth but also safeguards health and ensures support from insurers. In such situations, many rely on flood damage restoration Perth professionals to respond quickly and begin the recovery process. If you live in Perth, here’s exactly what you need to do in those crucial first hours.
Immediate Steps After Your House Floods – First 24 Hours Critical Actions
🧯 Safety First – Electricity, Gas & Structural Risk
- Cut power and gas at the main switches—only if it’s safe to enter. Water and live electricity rarely mix.
- Stay alert for structural issues: bulging walls, sagging ceilings, or sparks near outlets. If unsure, stay out and wait for a professional inspection.
💧 Stop the Source & Control Flood Spread
- Shut off your water supply if plumbing failure is the cause.
- Seal external openings during storms—use sandbags or flood-flood barriers.
- Open all windows and doors if it’s safe—good airflow helps slow water damage progression.
📸 Document Everything – First Defence for Insurance
- Take smartphone photos and videos with visible timestamps, covering every affected area, item, and water depth.
- Catalogue all damaged belongings, from couches to carpets.
- Store receipts for replacement items, specialized cleaning services, or emergency accommodations.
🧰 Temporary Damage Control
- Remove lightweight items (books, toys, boxes) to dry areas.
- Avoid mopping walls—letting drywall absorb water causes swelling and mould. Only portal tiles can be used.
- Extract small volumes of clean water using buckets or towels. Anything more than a few centimetres? Time to call professionals.
Assessing Flood Damage House: Room-by-Room Inspection Guide
Floods don’t affect every part of the house equally. A proper room-by-room inspection helps identify hidden water damage and avoid future complications.
Basement Flood Damage Assessment
Basements are the most vulnerable in a flooded house. Check if the sump pump has failed or if water is seeping through the floor or wall cracks. Soaked insulation, musty odours, and visible mould are early red flags. If floodwaters remained for over 24 hours, the risk of structural and foundation damage increases.
Living Areas and Bedroom Flood Damage
Check carpets, under furniture, and behind walls. Use moisture meters to detect dampness that’s not visible to the eye. Water-damaged drywall can soften and bulge. Flooring, especially wood or laminate, can warp or lift. Curtains and upholstered furniture may require professional cleaning or disposal, depending on exposure.
Kitchen Flood Damage Evaluation
Water can seep beneath cabinets and under appliances like dishwashers and fridges. Inspect the baseboards and cabinet joints for swelling. Mould can develop behind splashbacks. Check electrical outlets and wiring too, especially if the water level reached power points.
Bathroom Flood Damage Inspection
Bathrooms may handle moisture better than other rooms, but floodwater can still damage vanity units, subflooring, and wallboards. Look for peeling paint, warped skirting boards, and wet insulation. Leaks may go unnoticed behind fixtures and in sealed corners.
Attic and Upper Level Water Damage
If your ceiling has stains, it could mean rising floodwater or roof leakage from storms. Check insulation, rafters, and timber beams. Any signs of sagging ceiling material indicate trapped moisture above. Mould spores love warm, dark attics, so investigate even if you think the top levels were safe.
Structural Foundation Flood Damage
Inspect both the interior and exterior of your home. Cracks in concrete, shifting walls, or sticking doors can signal foundation movement. Don’t ignore slight misalignments—they may point to long-term water exposure affecting your home’s base integrity.
When in doubt, bring in a licensed flood damage inspector in Perth for an expert structural review.
Flood Damage House Cleanup: DIY vs Professional Restoration
Cleaning up after a flood isn’t just about removing water — it’s about restoring safety, health, and liveability. While it’s tempting to handle things on your own, understanding the limits of DIY cleanup can save you from costly mistakes or long-term damage.
What Homeowners Can Safely Clean Themselves
If the flooding was limited to a clean water source (like a burst pipe in a bathroom), homeowners can often manage the cleanup themselves. Small, confined areas with hard, non-porous surfaces like tiles, sealed countertops, or vinyl flooring can be dried and sanitised with standard cleaning supplies.
Use towels, mops, and household fans to dry wet spots quickly. Dehumidifiers help prevent moisture buildup. Remove rugs, cushions, and soaked fabrics immediately to avoid mold. Remember: even a little dampness can be dangerous if left unattended.
If the area is under 1 square metre, with no signs of mould or contamination, and water hasn’t seeped into drywall or beneath flooring — you’re usually in the clear to handle it yourself.
When Professional Flood Restoration is Required
When floodwater comes from outside — like stormwater or sewage overflow — it’s considered “Category 3” water (highly contaminated). Never attempt to clean such damage on your own. These cases require certified professionals with proper safety equipment and sanitation tools.
Even if the water seems clean, hidden damage may exist beneath floors, inside wall cavities, or above ceiling plasterboards. Signs like a musty odour, bubbling paint, or warped baseboards are red flags. If there’s any chance electrical systems were affected or structural integrity is compromised, call in professionals immediately.
Also, if more than one room is affected or if standing water has remained for more than 24 hours, it’s safest to get expert help.
Essential Equipment for DIY Flood Cleanup
For homeowners tackling minor water damage, some essential tools can make all the difference:
- A wet-dry vacuum is ideal for quickly extracting water from floors and carpets.
- Dehumidifiers pull excess moisture from the air and materials.
- Industrial fans help improve air circulation and speed up drying.
- PPE (personal protective equipment) like gloves, rubber boots, and a face mask is a must — floodwater often contains bacteria even if it appears clean.
You can rent most of these tools at major hardware stores across Perth, such as Bunnings or Kennards Hire.
Step-by-Step DIY Flood Damage Cleanup Process
- Remove standing water quickly. Use a wet-dry vacuum or towels to soak up as much as possible.
- Ventilate the area by opening windows and using fans to circulate air.
- Remove wet materials like rugs, upholstered furniture, curtains, cardboard, or soaked insulation. Anything that can’t be thoroughly dried should be discarded.
- Disinfect all hard surfaces using a bleach solution or an antimicrobial cleaner. Wipe thoroughly and leave surfaces to dry completely.
- Run dehumidifiers continuously for 48 to 72 hours to draw out hidden moisture.
- Monitor for mould or damp smells over the next week. If anything feels off, don’t ignore it.
Perth’s humidity, especially in older homes without adequate airflow, can cause rapid mould growth — sometimes within 24 hours, making prompt mould inspection and remediation essential.
Professional Flood Restoration Process Explained
When you call in certified flood damage professionals, they begin with moisture mapping and thermal imaging to detect water behind walls or under floors. They then bring in industrial-grade water extraction equipment, followed by commercial air movers and dehumidifiers to dry out the structure completely.
If microbial contamination is suspected, an antimicrobial treatment is applied to kill bacteria and prevent mould. Damaged materials like drywall, flooring, or insulation are removed and replaced.
Finally, a decontamination process is done, and the entire property is restored to its pre-flood state, including any structural or cosmetic repairs.
Professional services often come with a warranty and documentation — useful if you’re filing an insurance claim.
Flood Damage Repair Cost: Complete Pricing Guide 2025
Understanding the costs of repairing a flooded house helps you budget and make smarter decisions during recovery.
Average Flood Damage Repair Costs by Severity
- Minor water damage (1 room): $1,500 – $4,000
- Moderate damage (multiple rooms): $5,000 – $12,000
- Severe damage (entire home): $20,000 – $50,000+
Room-Specific Flood Damage Repair Costs
- Basement: $2,000 – $10,000
- Kitchen: $3,500 – $7,000
- Bathrooms: $1,500 – $5,000
- Living/Bedrooms: $1,000 – $4,500 per room
Material Replacement Costs After Flooding
- Drywall: $2 – $4 per square foot
- Flooring: $6 – $12 per square foot
- Insulation: $1.50 – $3 per square foot
- Cabinetry: $2,000 – $6,000 (depending on quality)
Labor Costs for Professional Flood Restoration
Expect $75–$150 per hour per technician. A team typically works in shifts across multiple days. Equipment rental and transport may add extra charges.
Hidden Costs of Flood Damage Repair
- Mould remediation
- Electrical rewiring
- HVAC duct cleaning
- Temporary accommodation
- Permit fees for structural repairs
Cost-Saving Tips for Flood Damage Restoration
- Document everything for insurance reimbursement
- Salvage what you can safely
- Act within 24 hours to prevent mould
- Get multiple quotes from Perth-based companies
- Consider partial DIY for non-contaminated areas
House Flood Damage Insurance Claims: Maximizing Your Coverage
Most homeowners in WA need separate flood insurance. Standard home policies usually exclude floods. Ensure you have proper coverage to avoid costly out-of-pocket expenses.
Strong Documentation Helps:
Take photos, keep a damage log, collect receipts for materials rented and temporary stays.
Filing Tips:
Call your insurer quickly—within 24 hours is ideal. Provide your documentation and invoices. Work with adjusters calmly and promptly—being present during inspections helps avoid delays.
Common Pitfalls:
- Starting repairs without approval.
- Throwing away damaged items before claims approval.
- Failing to clarify cover vs. non-cover situations.
GSB supports your insurer’s documentation process and quotes repair costs to streamline your claim.
Flood Damage House Structural Issues: Foundation to Roof
Floodwater is weight—and that pressure can warp your home’s structure.
Foundation Damage:
Water can erode soil under slab or pier footings. Look for cracks, misaligned floors, or creaky structures.
Walls & Framing:
Water-logged timber loses strength. Drywall softens quickly—when left wet, mould and rot follow.
Electrical & Plumbing:
Standing water disturbs circuits and corrodes wiring. Plumbing pipes may burst or warp.
Roof & HVAC:
Flash flooding can send leaks upward. Damp insulation and vents mean mould risks downstream.
GSB sends licensed inspectors to handle these issues with approved repair methods and recommendations.
Preventing Mold After Flood Damage House Cleanup
Mould grows fast—within 24–48 hours. Here’s how Perth homeowners can stay ahead:
- Start drying using fans and dehumidifiers.
- Remove wet carpets, insulation, and drywall.
- Disinfect all surfaces with approved cleaners.
- Monitor damp areas for weeks; stay alert.
- For major mould presence, call certified removal services.
GSB offers post-cleaning mould monitoring, testing, and long-term prevention plans.
Flood Damage House Recovery Timeline: What to Expect
- Week 1: Emergency response, water removal, drying.
- Weeks 2–4: Damage assessment, insurer inspection, materials quoting.
- Months 1–3: Repairs—flooring, cabinetry, rewiring, rewiring.
- 3+ months: Preventative upgrades and monitoring.
During recovery, many homeowners stay elsewhere. Your timeline depends on severity and availability of trades.
Flood Damage Prevention: Protecting Your House Before Disaster
Be ready before water arrives:
- Fit backflow valves and utility alarms.
- Clear gutters before winter.
- Inspect roof and drainage each season.
- Elevate appliances and electrical boxes.
- Install sump pumps in basements or low spots.
- Check or upgrade flood insurance before June.
Quick prevention steps help you avoid serious damage later.
Professional Flood Damage Restoration Services: Choosing the Right Company
Choosing a trusted expert makes a difference. Look for:
- IICRC-certified, licensed teams with insurance.
- Written initial assessments and full quotes.
- Transparent timelines and contracts.
- References from other Perth homeowners.
- 24/7 availability and proven response times.
Avoid firms requesting full payment upfront or claiming unrealistic timelines.
GSB Flood Master ticks all boxes with verified credentials, local presence, and independent reviews.