If your house has flooded in Austin, you’re not alone. Between heavy thunderstorms, sudden flash floods, and plumbing mishaps, thousands of homeowners face the overwhelming reality of water damage each year. Acting quickly is crucial—not just to minimize property loss, but also to protect your safety and health. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide on what to do if you find yourself dealing with a flooded house in Austin—and why calling a trusted professional like Total Restoration of Texas should be at the top of your list.

1. Prioritize Your Safety First
Before you think about cleaning up, your first concern should be safety. Water intrusions can carry multiple hidden dangers—from electrical shocks to structural instability and contamination risks. If it’s safe, turn off your electricity immediately by accessing your main breaker panel. However, if the panel is surrounded by standing water or you have doubts, leave it alone and evacuate immediately. Also, please avoid direct contact with floodwater, as it could be contaminated with sewage, chemicals, or other hazardous materials. In serious situations, leave the house and call for emergency services if needed.

2. Call a Professional Restoration Company Immediately
After ensuring safety, you should contact a professional restoration company. Time matters—delaying even a few hours can mean greater structural damage, mold growth, and health risks. Total Restoration of Texas offers 24/7 emergency flood cleanup services in Austin. Our IICRC-certified crews arrive with high-powered extraction equipment and advanced drying systems to protect your property immediately. By calling us first, you not only stop the progression of damage but also simplify the insurance claim process because we document everything thoroughly from the beginning.

3. Document the Damage
While waiting for professional help, and if it’s safe to remain inside, document the flood damage. This step is vital for insurance purposes. Use your smartphone or camera to:

• Take wide-angle shots of each room affected by the flood.

• Focus on essential items like electronics, furniture, keepsakes, and appliances.

• Record a video walkthrough narrating what you see to give adjusters a real-time view of the impact.
  The more visual evidence you collect, the easier it will be to validate your claim later and receive fair coverage for repairs and losses.

4. Stop the Source of Water (If Possible)
If the flood source is a burst pipe, broken appliance, or another internal issue, attempt to shut off the water supply. Locate your home’s main shutoff valve—typically near the foundation outside, near the water meter, or sometimes inside garages or utility rooms. Turn the valve clockwise to close it. This stops additional water from entering your property. If you’re unsure or can’t safely reach the shutoff point, wait for professional assistance.

5. Begin Mitigation Actions (Only If Safe)
If it’s safe to do so and the structure is stable, a few early actions can prevent further losses. Focus on:

• Moving dry valuables like important documents, jewelry, and small electronics to an elevated dry area.

• Placing aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs can reduce water absorption.

• If the humidity outside is low, open windows and doors so as not to risk further damage.
  Avoid plugging in household vacuums or fans—improper handling of flooded areas can lead to serious injury. Leave heavy cleanup and drying to trained professionals equipped with proper tools.

6. Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company to start the claim process as soon as you can. Provide clear, concise details of what happened and what damage has occurred. Share photos and videos when asked, and keep records of all your conversations with adjusters or representatives. Partnering with Total Restoration of Texas can make this process easier, as we provide detailed job documentation and work directly with insurers to minimize your burden.

7. Understand the Restoration Process
Proper flood restoration isn’t just removing water. It’s a complex process designed to fully dry, clean, and rebuild your home to safe living standards. A professional company like Total Restoration of Texas will follow a detailed process, including:

• Inspection and moisture mapping using thermal imaging and moisture meters.

• Extraction of standing water with truck-mounted equipment.

• Industrial drying and dehumidification to stabilize the environment.

• Thorough cleaning and disinfection to prevent mold and bacterial growth.

• Full repair and reconstruction services to restore affected structures.
  Choosing a qualified, full-service restoration company ensures that every recovery phase is handled correctly, giving you peace of mind and a stronger home after the flood.

Why Choose Total Restoration of Texas?
Total Restoration of Texas stands out because we combine technical excellence with compassionate service. When you call us, you’re not getting just another contractor—you’re getting a committed partner who understands Austin’s flooding risks and responds with precision. We offer:

• 24/7 Emergency Service with rapid on-site arrival.

• IICRC-Certified Water Damage Experts.

• End-to-End Restoration including water removal, drying, and rebuilding.

• Direct Insurance Billing and Claims Assistance.

• Locally owned care and community dedication.
  Flooding is stressful enough—you need a team that makes the process smoother and faster.

FAQs: Flooded House in Austin

Q: How soon should I call for help after a flood?
A: Immediately. Water can start damaging drywall, flooring, and furniture within hours. Calling Total Restoration of Texas immediately ensures a faster, safer recovery and minimizes costly long-term repairs.

Q: Will my insurance cover the flood damage?
A: It depends on the cause. Standard policies often cover sudden events like burst pipes, but require separate flood insurance for weather-related flooding. Our team will help document the event and work directly with your insurance company.

Q: How long does it take to dry out a flooded house?
A: Most homes take 3 to 5 days to dry properly, depending on the water volume, construction materials, and environmental conditions. Total Restoration of Texas uses advanced drying systems to accelerate the process safely.

Q: Is it safe to stay in a flooded house?
A: Generally, no. Floodwater can create immediate health hazards, electrical dangers, and structural instability. Always consult with restoration professionals before re-entering or staying in a flooded property.

Q: Can I handle flood cleanup myself?
A: Minor spills can sometimes be managed alone, but any significant flooding requires professional help to fully dry structural materials and prevent mold and bacterial growth. DIY efforts often miss hidden damage, leading to bigger issues later.