Flood Damage Restoration

Flood water is categorised into three levels. Category 1 (clean water) comes from a sanitary source such as a burst supply line. Category 2 (grey water) contains significant contamination from sources like washing machine overflows or dishwasher leaks. Category 3 (black water) is grossly contaminated and may contain sewage, chemicals or pathogens — this includes most natural flood water and always requires professional decontamination by IICRC-certified specialists.

Most Australian home and contents policies now include flood cover following regulatory changes after the 2022 floods, though some policies still exclude riverine flooding. We bill you directly so work begins immediately, and provide comprehensive documentation to support your reimbursement claim with any insurer. Start your claim online and our system will guide you through the process.

Drying time depends on the severity of flooding, building materials, humidity and ventilation. Typical residential properties take 3 to 5 days with industrial drying equipment. Larger or severely affected properties may take 7 to 14 days. IICRC-certified contractors monitor moisture levels daily with calibrated meters and thermal imaging to ensure complete structural drying before restoration begins.

Mould can begin colonising within 24 to 48 hours of flooding in Australian conditions. Once established, it spreads rapidly and can cause structural damage plus serious health risks including respiratory illness. This is why rapid water extraction and professional drying within the first 48 hours is critical — it dramatically reduces mould risk and secondary damage.

Costs vary significantly based on flood severity, contamination category and property size. Minor Category 1 flooding in a single room may cost $2,000 to $5,000. A full house affected by Category 3 black water can range from $15,000 to $50,000 or more. Most costs are covered by insurance. We provide detailed scoping and cost documentation to support your claim.

Do not re-enter a flooded property until authorities confirm it is safe. Risks include structural collapse, electrical hazards, gas leaks, contaminated water and hidden debris. Even after water recedes, surfaces may be contaminated with sewage, chemicals or biological hazards. IICRC-certified contractors perform safety assessments and contamination testing before any re-entry or restoration work begins.

You can return once the property has been fully dried (verified by moisture readings at or below normal levels), decontaminated, structurally assessed, and cleared by your restoration contractor. For minor flooding this may be within a week. For severe Category 3 flooding with structural damage, it may take several weeks. Your contractor will provide a clear timeline and regular progress updates.

Structural assessment involves visual inspection of foundations, framing, load-bearing walls and subfloor areas, combined with moisture mapping using thermal imaging cameras and penetrating moisture meters. Concrete cores may be tested for moisture content. Engineers may be engaged for severe cases. This assessment determines whether materials can be dried and saved or must be removed and replaced as part of the restoration scope.

First, ensure your family's safety and evacuate if required. Do not enter flood water — it may be electrically charged or contaminated. Once safe, document everything with photos and video for insurance. Turn off electricity and gas at the mains if accessible. Contact your insurer and start a claim online through our platform. Avoid removing water yourself as improper extraction can worsen structural damage.

Yes. Our network of IICRC-certified contractors covers all of Australia — from major capitals like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to regional centres and rural communities. Flood events often affect regional areas hardest, and our national distribution model ensures rapid contractor deployment wherever you are.