Floodwater in the house: what to do now
Floodwater is an emergency, and our 24/7 line is open for it. Stay out of standing water that may touch outlets or appliances, keep power off in flooded areas unless you can reach the panel dry, and call your utility if you smell gas or see sparks.
Do not wade through it if you can avoid it, because floodwater can carry soil, sewage and chemicals from outside. Move to a dry level, photograph what you can safely see and call.
Big storms flood many homes at once and nights are no exception. Same-day response is what we work toward when crews are available, and we will be honest about timing on the phone.
Romulus has seen this before
On July 28, 2025 the National Weather Service in Detroit recorded 3.31 inches of rain in Romulus in about an hour and a half, along with flooded roadways, stranded vehicles and numerous downed power lines. In August 2014 the same office reported 4 to 6 inches of rain over about four hours across Wayne, southern Oakland and Macomb counties.
Storms like these overwhelm drains and window wells quickly. If you are in a low spot or your basement took water before, check the FEMA flood map for your address and ask your insurer about flood coverage. Our page for the Eureka and Middlebelt area explains one part of Romulus where flood maps have been disputed.
Flood cleanup, from first look to dry structure
Assess the hazards
We check electrical risk, water depth and likely contamination before anyone enters.
Remove the water
Pumps and extractors take out the bulk, then wet vacuums handle edges and stairs.
Haul out what is ruined
Soaked carpet, pad, insulation and drywall that cannot be cleaned are bagged and removed.
Clean and dry
Surfaces are cleaned with an antimicrobial, then air movers and dehumidifiers dry the structure with logged readings.
Flood water versus a plumbing leak
| Factor | Floodwater from outside | Supply line leak |
|---|---|---|
| Water category | Usually category 3 | Usually category 1. |
| Porous materials | Often removed | Often dried in place. |
| Protective gear | Gloves, boots, respirators as needed | Standard gear. |
| Insurance path | Flood policy, not a standard homeowners policy | Often the homeowners policy. |
Flood insurance is a separate question
The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services says flood damage is not covered under a standard homeowners policy. Flood coverage may come from the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer, and limited water or sewer back-up coverage can be added by endorsement.
When you call your insurer, DIFS suggests describing the loss as water damage rather than flood, because other causes such as a failed sump pump or sewer backup may be covered. Photograph everything and keep damaged items until the insurer tells you otherwise.
What to document before cleanup
Take photos or video of every wet room, including water lines on walls, damaged belongings and the outside of the house. Photograph serial numbers on appliances that were in water.
Keep damaged items until your insurer says you can discard them, unless they are a safety risk. A written list of what was lost helps your claim.
What affects the cost of flood cleanup
Cost factors
Depth, area, contamination and how long the water sat set the scope. Flood jobs tend to include more removal and disposal than clean-water jobs because contaminated porous materials do not go back in.
We explain scope and price before work starts and keep the removal list itemized.
Related services
Water that came in through the foundation lands in the basement cleanup page, and wind driven rain from a failed roof is on storm water damage cleanup. For the pumping step on its own, see water extraction.
Questions people ask
Yes. The 24/7 line is staffed nights, weekends and holidays. After a storm many homes call at once, so we will tell you plainly what to expect for your address.
It can be contaminated, so avoid contact and keep children and pets out. Crews wear protective gear, and we advise waiting for them rather than cleaning it yourself.
Standard homeowners policies do not cover flood, according to the Michigan DIFS. Ask your agent about NFIP or private flood coverage and about any sewer back-up endorsement.
That is a flood loss, and the same safety rules apply. Stay off wet stairs near power, then call so we can plan extraction and drying.
Hard, nonporous items and some solid wood can often be cleaned. Carpet, pad, insulation and most drywall touched by floodwater are usually removed, and we explain each call.