How to get rid of water after a flood in St. Louis? This is a major concern for the people living in St. Louis due to the long flooding history of the city.
Flooding in St. Louis often leaves homes and buildings severely damaged. The city has a long history of floods due to its location along the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. Heavy rainfall, rapid snowmelt, and storm surges contribute to frequent flooding, causing significant water damage.
The Great Flood of 1993 remains one of the most devastating events, submerging large areas and leading to billions in losses. More recently, flash floods have occurred due to intense storms, emphasizing the need for effective floodwater removal and water damage restoration.
At this point, flood water removal is the first step toward restoring normalcy and preventing further destruction. Therefore, taking immediate action is the only way to reduce risks to your property and health.
These actions include several processes that help people understand the right approach to water damage restoration and provide a safe and efficient cleanup.
So, let’s discuss the procedures in detail and let you know how you can get rid of water after a flood in St. Louis.
How Can You Get Rid of Water After a Flood in St. Louis?
Indeed, we all know the longer the flood water sits, the worse the damage becomes in the form of structural damage, mold growth, and health hazards, so acting quickly is key.
Once the flood water recedes, you need a structured approach to water restoration. The process involves extraction, drying, sanitizing, and repairing affected areas.
For this, you will need to hire a professional water damage restoration company that guarantees a thorough cleanup and reduces long-term risks.
If you are a homeowner and looking for a solution to get rid of the dirt soon, then follow these steps:
- Prioritize your safety
- Check Your Sump Pump
- Extract the standing water
- Dry the area completely
- Clean and disinfect
Prioritize Your Safety First
The very first step before entering a flooded area is to check for electrical hazards and structural instability. Turn off the power if needed, and wear protective gear like rubber boots and gloves to avoid contact with contaminated water. Also, be aware of displaced household chemicals and potential gas line damage. Moreover, check for structural damage and avoid entering if ceilings or walls are sagging.
Check Your Sump Pump
Secondly, it is necessary to check your sump pump to see if it is clean and functioning properly. The discharge hose directs water several feet away from your home’s foundation to a well-drained area. This prevents water from recirculating back into the house.
Extract the standing water
Extract standing water using pumps or wet-dry vacuums. Quick removal is vital to prevent further damage and mold growth. Follow this procedure to extract water from your space.
- Use a gasoline-powered pump for large volumes
- For smaller amounts, use a wet/dry vacuum
Moreover, start by pumping water from the lowest point in your home, especially if flooding is deeper than ankle level. You can also go for a submersible pump, which you can rent from hardware stores because it works well for draining large volumes.
Make sure the hose leads water away from your home’s foundation. For shallow water, about one to two inches, a wet/dry vacuum does the job.
Cleaning the Area
Now, once you are done with extracting water, the next step includes cleaning it thoroughly. Follow up with a mop and bucket, disposing of the water safely outside. Once most of the water is gone, shovel out thick mud before it dries, then hose down hard surfaces to remove the remaining debris.
Contaminated materials, especially those touched by sewage, should be handled carefully Avoid direct contact and call a professional cleanup crew if needed.
Dry the Affected Areas
After water removal, focus on drying walls, floors, and furniture. Water soaks into floors, walls, and furniture, making thorough drying necessary. Proper ventilation helps prevent mold and mildew. Specialized drying techniques may be required for severe cases.
Open windows, use high-powered fans, and run dehumidifiers to eliminate moisture. To speed up drying, open windows and doors to create cross-ventilation. Place high-velocity fans toward the walls and set up dehumidifiers in central spots to remove moisture from the air.
Hidden dampness in walls or under flooring can lead to mold, so moisture meters help detect problem areas. Taking off baseboards also helps walls dry more efficiently and reduces the risk of mold buildup.
Clean and Disinfect Surfaces
Floodwater often carries bacteria and toxins. Cleaning walls, floors, and belongings with disinfectants helps eliminate health hazards. Upholstered furniture, carpets, and porous materials may need professional treatment or disposal.
Seek Professional Assistance
Managing flood damage can be overwhelming. Engaging professional flood water cleanup services ensures efficient water extraction, drying, and sanitization. These experts possess the necessary equipment and experience to handle extensive damage, facilitating a smoother restoration process.
Other Ways to Get Rid of Flood Water in St. Louis
Mentioned below are some other ways that can prove helpful in flood-prone areas of St. Louis.
Use Floor Squeegees in Low-Level Flooding
In areas where water levels are minimal but widespread, such as basements or garages, floor squeegees can be beneficial to push water toward drains or out through doors. This method works well on flat, hard surfaces like concrete or tile.
Install a Sump Pump System
We have already highlighted above the use of a sump pump to remove the flooded water from your space. For flood-prone properties, it is a necessity. A sump pump installed in a basement or crawl space manages incoming water during and after a storm. These systems automatically activate when water levels rise, redirecting water safely away from the foundation.
Create Drainage Channels
Temporary drainage channels made with sandbags or barriers have also proven useful in guiding water away from entry points. This also reduces pressure around foundation walls and limits seepage into indoor areas.
Use Absorbent Materials for Small Pockets
For small, hard-to-reach areas, absorbent products like flood socks, sponges, or heavy-duty towels can soak up remaining puddles. These materials are useful for corners, closets, and under cabinets.
Utilize Gravity Flow if Possible
If your property has a sloped driveway or yard, take advantage of gravity by sweeping or directing water downslope toward a drainage area. This can be especially helpful once the bulk of the water is removed with pumps or vacuums.
Rely on Municipal Assistance When Needed
When flooding is extensive or widespread in St. Louis, the city may offer emergency flood response or assistance with water removal. Monitoring updates from local officials can provide access to services or support teams.
Maintain Gutters and Downspouts
Ensure that downspouts are in place and direct water away from your home. Clearing gutters and downspouts of debris allows melting snow and rainwater to flow freely, reducing the chance of water pooling near the foundation.
When to Seek Professional Help To Get Rid of Flood Water in St. Louis?
You should consider calling a professional when flood water enters living spaces in large volumes, especially if it covers multiple rooms or rises above floor level. Once the water reaches outlets, insulation, or structural elements like drywall and flooring, the situation becomes more than just a surface problem.
Moreover, mold can begin forming within the first 24 to 48 hours, so delays in removing moisture may lead to long-term issues.
If sewage or contaminated water is involved, direct contact poses serious health risks that require specialized cleanup methods. Structural damage like sagging ceilings, cracked foundations, or bulging walls also signals the need for trained eyes and equipment.
Professionals use tools like moisture meters, thermal cameras, and commercial-grade dehumidifiers to locate and eliminate hidden moisture. Their experience helps prevent overlooked damage and supports a smoother insurance process. If you are unsure about the extent of water damage or feel overwhelmed by the cleanup, a water damage restoration company can help protect your property and reduce stress.
Final Thoughts
Floods in St. Louis often arrive without warning, but how you respond afterward shapes the long-term impact.
Quick flood water removal and efficient water damage restoration make all the difference in preventing deeper structural issues and health hazards. Taking the right steps from initial safety checks to thorough drying and disinfection, helps protect your home.
When the situation becomes unmanageable, professional flood water cleanup services can help you in a much better way by providing the tools and experience necessary for full recovery. So, stay prepared and act quickly to reduce the risks and restore normalcy sooner.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take to dry out a flooded house in St. Louis?
It usually takes several days to a few weeks, depending on the depth of water, the materials affected, and how quickly drying starts.
2. Is mold always a concern after flooding?
Yes. Mold can start growing within 24 – 48 hours of water exposure. That’s why drying and dehumidifying quickly is essential to avoid serious health issues.
3. Do I need a professional for minor flooding?
If it’s shallow water in a small area and you act fast, you might manage with basic tools. But if water reaches walls, insulation, or involves sewage, a water damage restoration company is the safer choice.
4. What does flood water cleanup usually include?
It involves water extraction, drying, sanitizing, removing damaged materials, and sometimes repairs. Companies also check for hidden moisture to prevent future problems like mold or rot.
5. How does water go away after a flood?
Floodwater drains naturally over time through storm systems, sewers, or into the ground. In buildings, removal often requires pumps, vacuums, and manual effort.
7. How do you get rid of flood water fast?
Use submersible pumps or wet/dry vacuums for quick extraction. For large volumes, a professional water damage restoration company can speed up the process using commercial equipment.
8. What soaks up water fast?
Absorbent materials like flood socks, towels, heavy-duty sponges, and special water-absorbent pads can quickly soak up small amounts of water in hard-to-reach spots.