8 Critical Steps to Do Immediately After Your House Floods in Melbourne

At Water Damage Restoration Melbourne, we’ve helped hundreds of Melbourne homeowners recover from floods caused by heavy rain, stormwater, blocked drains, and burst pipes. Our expert team provides fast, reliable flood clean-up, drying, mould treatment, and full property restoration. We’re here to help — 24/7.

In this guide, you’ll learn the 8 most important steps to take immediately after your home floods, including safety tips, clean-up advice, what to do with damaged items, and when to call professionals. If you’re in Melbourne and your home has just flooded, this is the action plan you need.

1. Make Sure It’s Safe to Return Home

Safety should always come first after a flood. If you’re in Melbourne, wait until Emergency Services or your local council confirms that it’s safe to re-enter your property.

Some residents may not need to evacuate entirely, but before entering any flood-affected area, especially if water is still present, take strict precautions.

If you need to move through floodwater:

1. Wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) including waterproof boots, rubber gloves, long clothing, and an N95 mask to protect against contaminated water, sharp debris, and airborne mould spores.
2. Check that the main power switch is off before stepping into flooded zones. If you’re unsure, stay out and call a licensed electrician; electricity and water are a deadly mix.
3. Watch out for damaged walls, sagging ceilings, or unstable flooring. If anything looks risky, leave the area immediately and seek help.

Tip: Floodwater often contains sewage, chemicals, and live electricity. Always treat flood-damaged spaces as hazardous until cleared.

2.  Take Photos and Record All Flood Damage

Before starting any clean-up, document the damage thoroughly; this step is essential for insurance and disaster relief.

1. Use your phone or camera to take clear photos and videos showing the extent of the flooding.
2. Capture images of water lines, soaked furniture, damaged walls, flooring, and any affected personal belongings.
3. Create a list of damaged or lost items, including brands, model numbers, and estimated replacement value.
4. Keep all receipts for repairs, equipment hire, and clean-up supplies; they’re important for your insurance claim or if you apply for Melbourne flood assistance.

Tip: Take wide-angle shots for overall context and close-ups for item-specific damage. Save a digital backup of all documentation.

3. Remove Standing Water Immediately

The longer floodwater sits inside your home, the more serious the damage becomes, including mould growth, weakened structures, and dangerous electrical hazards.

For minor flooding:

Use buckets, mops, or a wet-dry vacuum to extract water quickly. For hard-to-reach corners or tight spaces, you can also use absorbent cloths or old towels to soak up the water manually; just remember to wear gloves and discard heavily soiled materials after use.

For severe flooding:

A submersible water pump may be necessary. In many cases, it’s safer and faster to call professional flood restoration services equipped with commercial-grade extraction systems.

Important: Never use electrical equipment near floodwater unless it’s certified for wet environments and declared safe by a licensed electrician.

4. Begin Drying Your Home Immediately

Once standing water is gone, drying your home is the next urgent step to prevent mould, wood rot, and long-term structural damage.

1. Open windows and doors to create airflow and help humidity escape.
2. Use fans, air blowers, and dehumidifiers to speed up the drying of carpets, walls, floorboards, and timber frames.
3. Remove wet rugs, upholstered furniture, curtains, and other fabrics that trap moisture and slow the drying process.
4. If your crawl space, subfloor, or wall cavities are damp, they need to be drained and ventilated as soon as possible to avoid hidden mould buildup.

Drying time can vary from several days to a few weeks depending on the extent of the flooding. Longer drying periods often lead to higher restoration expenses, so acting quickly is the best way to reduce both time and cost.

5. Remove and Separate Flood-Damaged Items

Floodwater often contains bacteria, sewage, and contaminants, so anything it touches should be handled with care.

• Discard soft goods that can’t be thoroughly cleaned, such as mattresses, pillows, cushions, stuffed toys, and carpets. These items are likely to develop mould or harbour germs.
• Move solid furniture, appliances, and electronics to a dry, well-ventilated area. Unplug devices and don’t turn them on until they’ve been inspected.
• Preserve sentimental items (like photos, documents, or heirlooms) by air drying or freezing them in zip-lock bags. This helps prevent further deterioration until proper cleaning is possible.

Tip: Sort and store damaged items in clearly labelled containers or bags; your insurance company may request to see them before processing your flood damage claim.

6. Clean and Disinfect Every Flood-Affected Surface

Floodwater can contain sewage, toxic chemicals, and harmful bacteria, so thorough cleaning is essential to protect your health.

1. Start by cleaning walls, floors, furniture, and other hard surfaces with warm, soapy water to remove dirt and grime.
2. After cleaning, disinfect surfaces using a bleach solution: 125mL of household bleach mixed with 5 litres of clean water.
3. Sanitise or dispose of all kitchenware, toys, and utensils, especially if they were submerged. When in doubt, throw them out.
4. Do not use tap water unless your local council or water authority confirms it’s safe to drink and use.

Note: Our team uses eco-friendly, hospital-grade cleaning products that are safe for children, pets, and the environment while still being powerful enough to kill germs and prevent mould.

According to the Australian Red Cross Flood Recovery Guide, it’s crucial to clean all surfaces with soapy water first, followed by disinfecting with a bleach solution. This helps eliminate pathogens and reduces the risk of mould growth or infection.

7. Inspect Your Home for Structural Damage

Flooding can weaken your home’s structure in ways that aren’t always obvious, and ignoring the signs can be dangerous.

• Check for cracks in walls or flooring, doors or windows that no longer close properly, and water stains on ceilings.
• Be alert to any musty smells or damp odours; these can indicate hidden mould growing behind walls, under floors, or in ceiling cavities.
• Watch for sagging ceilings, bowing walls, or soft spots in the floor these are signs of severe water damage and possible structural failure.
• Never assume your home is safe just because it “looks dry.”

How to Identify Structural Hazards in a Flood-Damaged Melbourne Home

Structural instability is a serious post-flood risk in Melbourne homes, especially after exposure to stormwater, rising creek levels, or plumbing bursts. Hidden damage to your foundation, floors, or support beams can endanger your safety and delay recovery efforts. These are the key structural warning signs to look for:

• Cracks in Foundations or Concrete Walls
  Horizontal or diagonal cracks, bulging surfaces, and water stains may signal foundational shifts or subsoil erosion.
• Bowed or Sagging Ceilings
  Waterlogged plasterboard or ceiling panels that appear uneven or bubble-like are early indicators of trapped moisture and possible ceiling collapse.
• Misaligned Windows and Doors
  When doors no longer latch or windows stick, the building frame may have shifted due to water-induced warping or ground movement.
• Soft, Warped, or Buckling Floorboards
  In timber-framed homes, these issues often point to waterlogged subfloors or decaying joists.
• Leaning Internal or External Walls
  If walls appear off-vertical or unstable, this may signal weakened load-bearing structures.
• Visible Rust on Steel or Reinforcing Bar (Rebar)
  Rust streaks or exposed reinforcement in concrete may suggest corrosion due to prolonged dampness or poor drainage.

Safety Protocol:

If any of these signs are visible, do not occupy or walk through the affected area. Contact a licensed structural engineer or a certified building inspector in Melbourne for an urgent safety assessment. Even minor distortions could hide severe weaknesses behind walls or under floors.

8. Contact a Professional Flood Restoration Team

You don’t have to manage flood recovery alone. If your home has serious water damage, calling in professionals can prevent further destruction, speed up repairs, and protect your health.

At Water Damage Restoration Melbourne, we offer:

• 24/7 emergency flood response across Melbourne
• Industrial-strength water extraction and rapid structural drying
• Certified mould prevention and remediation
• Safe disposal of contaminated or unsalvageable items
• Complete property restoration, including rebuilds if required

Call us anytime at 03 9123 6455; we’re available day and night to assist Melbourne homeowners with urgent flood recovery.

What Should I Do with Pets or Animals After a Flood?

Floods are dangerous for animals too, from contamination to displacement. Here’s how to keep your pets and livestock safe after flooding:

• For injured or displaced animals, contact Wildlife Victoria at 03 8400 7300.
• Keep pets away from flooded, muddy, or contaminated areas. Floodwater can contain chemicals, sharp debris, and harmful bacteria.
• Clean all pet items thoroughly, including bedding, food and water bowls, and feeding tools. Wash with disinfectant and dry completely before reuse.
• For livestock or large animals, reach out to your local council or the Agriculture Victoria or the RSPCA Victoria at 03 9224 2222 for support and relocation assistance.

How Do I Stay Safe from Pests Like Flies, Mosquitoes, and Snakes?

After a flood, pest risks increase especially from biting insects and displaced wildlife. Here’s how to protect yourself and your family:

1. Clean up food scraps and rubbish daily damp areas attract flies and lead to fast breeding.
2. Use insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin to reduce the risk of mosquito bites and prevent mosquito-borne diseases.
3. Wear protective clothing boots and gloves are essential when walking through wet areas or clearing debris.
4. Eliminate standing water around your home to disrupt mosquito breeding grounds (e.g., buckets, plant trays, clogged drains).
5. Be alert for snakes they often take shelter in sheds, debris piles, or flooded gardens. Don’t reach into clutter or vegetation without checking first.

Summary: 8 Critical Steps to Take Immediately After your House Floods in Melbourne:

1. Ensure Safety First
   Wait for emergency services to confirm it’s safe to return. Wear protective gear and switch off power before entering.
2. Document the Damage
   Take photos and videos of all affected areas and items for insurance claims. Keep receipts and make an inventory.
3. Remove Standing Water
   Use buckets, wet vacuums, or pumps to extract water. Avoid using electrical tools unless declared safe.
4. Start Drying Immediately
   Open windows, use fans and dehumidifiers, and remove moisture-trapping materials to prevent mould.
5. Separate Damaged Items
   Discard unsalvageable soft goods. Move solid items to dry areas and preserve important belongings carefully.
6. Clean and Disinfect Thoroughly
   Wash all surfaces with soapy water, then disinfect with a bleach solution. Sanitize kitchenware and toys.
7. Check for Structural Damage
   Look for cracks, sagging ceilings, warped floors, and other warning signs. Contact professionals if unsure.
8. Call a Professional Restoration Team
   For major damage, contact licensed flood restoration experts for drying, mould removal, and full repairs.

Conclusion:

A flooded home is overwhelming, but taking the right steps quickly can minimise the damage and help you recover faster. From ensuring your safety to drying your home, preventing mould, and protecting your pets and property, each action moves you closer to recovery.

At Water Damage Restoration Melbourne, we know how urgent and stressful flood recovery can be. That’s why we’re available 24/7 across Melbourne to help with.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do during and after a flood?

During a flood: Prioritise safety, move to higher ground, avoid floodwaters, and listen to emergency updates.
After a flood: Wait for clearance to re-enter, wear PPE, switch off power, document the damage, remove water, dry your home, and call a professional restoration team if needed.

What safety precautions should I take if my house was flooded?

If your house was flooded:

• Don’t re-enter until emergency services or your local council gives the all-clear.
• Wear waterproof boots, gloves, and a mask to avoid contact with contaminated water.
• Ensure the main power supply is turned off.
• Avoid structural risks like sagging ceilings or unstable floors.

How do I recover from a flooded house?

Flood recovery from a flooded house includes:

1. Removing water
2. Drying the property
3. Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces
4. Sorting and salvaging belongings
5. Checking for structural damage
6. Calling a licensed restoration team for full repairs and mould prevention.

For a step‑by‑step approach to managing flood repairs, it’s best to follow a detailed recovery guide tailored for Melbourne homes.

What should I do after exposure to floodwater?

After exposure to floodwater, you should immediately:

• Wash thoroughly with clean water and soap.
• Disinfect any cuts or wounds.
• Avoid using contaminated tap water for drinking or food prep unless cleared by your council.
• Seek medical advice if exposed to sewage or if you feel unwell.

For more informations check Better Health Victoria

Is it safe to shower after a flood?

You can only shower if the water supply is confirmed safe by your local council. If in doubt, avoid using tap water for bathing, especially if it may be contaminated.

Can I flush my toilet during a flood?

You can flush your toilet only if your sewage system is functioning properly. If drains are backing up or there’s sewage overflow, do not flush. Contact your local water authority.