What to Do After Flooding in Your Memphis Home

Memphis sits along the Mississippi River in a region prone to severe thunderstorms, flash flooding, and river flooding. Whether your home was flooded by a major storm, a failed sump pump, a burst pipe, or rising groundwater, the actions you take in the first 24–48 hours are critical for preventing long-term damage — especially mold growth.

Immediate Steps After Flooding (First 24 Hours)

1. Ensure Safety First

Do not enter standing water until you’re sure the electrical system is off. If you can reach your breaker panel safely, turn off power to flooded areas. If you can’t, call Memphis Light, Gas & Water (MLGW) at 901-544-6549.
Watch for structural damage — sagging ceilings, warped floors, and foundation cracks can indicate unsafe conditions.
Beware of contaminated water — Floodwater may contain sewage, chemicals, and bacteria. Wear rubber boots, gloves, and a mask if you must enter flooded areas.
Document everything — Take photos and videos of all damage before cleanup begins. This is essential for insurance claims.

2. Contact Your Insurance Company

Report the flooding to your insurance provider immediately. Standard homeowner’s insurance covers sudden water damage (burst pipes, appliance failures) but does not cover flood damage from rising water or storm surges — that requires a separate flood insurance policy. Memphis homes in FEMA-designated flood zones should have flood insurance, but many homes outside those zones flood too.

Your policy requires you to mitigate further damage, so don’t wait for an adjuster before starting cleanup. Professional water extraction and documentation actually supports your claim.

3. Call for Professional Water Extraction

This is the single most important step for preventing mold. Mold begins growing within 24–48 hours of water exposure, and Memphis’s heat and humidity accelerate the process dramatically. Professional water damage restoration uses industrial pumps, extractors, and dehumidifiers that remove water far faster than consumer equipment.

At Memphis Mold Remediation Pros, we offer 24/7 emergency water extraction with same-day response throughout the Memphis metro area. Call (901) 902-4178 immediately after flooding.

The First Week: Drying and Assessment

4. Remove Water-Damaged Items

Carpet and padding — Carpet padding that was submerged in floodwater almost always needs to be discarded. Carpet itself may be salvageable if cleaned and dried within 48 hours, but only if the floodwater was clean (Category 1). Sewage-contaminated or river floodwater (Category 3) means carpet must go.
Drywall — Cut drywall at least 12 inches above the water line. Drywall acts like a sponge and will harbor mold if not removed.
Insulation — Wet insulation (fiberglass or cellulose) must be replaced. It won’t dry properly and becomes a mold breeding ground.
Furniture — Solid wood furniture can sometimes be saved with proper drying. Upholstered furniture that was submerged in contaminated water should be discarded.

5. Run Dehumidifiers and Air Movers Continuously

After water extraction, industrial dehumidifiers and air movers need to run 24/7 until moisture readings reach target levels. In Memphis’s humid climate, this typically takes 3–5 days for moderate flooding. Opening windows is NOT a substitute — Memphis’s outdoor humidity often exceeds 70%, which actually slows indoor drying.

6. Address Sewage Contamination

If floodwater included sewage backup — common during Memphis storm events that overwhelm the sewer system — you need professional sewage cleanup. Sewage-contaminated floodwater (Category 3) requires specialized disinfection, and any porous materials it contacted must be removed. Do not attempt to clean sewage-contaminated areas yourself.

Preventing Mold After Memphis Flooding

Mold prevention is a race against the clock, and Memphis’s climate stacks the deck against you. Here’s how to win that race:

Speed is everything — Professional water extraction within the first 12 hours dramatically reduces mold risk. Every hour of delay increases the likelihood and extent of mold growth.
Dry to target levels — Wood moisture content should reach 15% or lower, and relative humidity in affected areas should drop below 50%. Professional moisture meters verify these levels — guessing isn’t good enough.
Don’t close up too fast — Replacing drywall, flooring, and insulation before the structure is completely dry traps moisture and creates hidden mold. Patience here saves thousands later.
Get air quality tested — After drying is complete, air quality testing confirms whether mold spore counts are at safe levels before you rebuild.
Treat with antimicrobials — Professional-grade antimicrobial treatments on exposed framing and subfloor prevent mold colonization during the drying and rebuilding period.

If Mold Has Already Started Growing

If you see or smell mold after flooding — or if more than 48 hours passed before professional drying began — you likely need professional mold remediation in addition to water damage restoration. Signs include:

Visible mold growth on walls, baseboards, or framing (any color — white, green, gray, or black)
Musty or earthy odor that won’t go away
Allergy symptoms that started after the flooding
Discoloration or staining on surfaces that were wet

Our team handles both water damage restoration and mold remediation, so you get seamless treatment from one provider.

Memphis-Specific Flooding Resources

MLGW emergency line: 901-544-6549 (utility shutoffs)
Shelby County Emergency Management: 901-515-2525
FEMA flood assistance: 1-800-621-3362 (after declared disasters)
Tennessee Department of Health: Mold guidelines for post-flood cleanup

Frequently Asked Questions

How long after flooding does mold start growing in Memphis?

In Memphis’s warm, humid climate, mold can begin growing within 24 hours of water exposure — significantly faster than in drier climates. During summer months when temperatures exceed 90°F and humidity tops 80%, visible mold colonies can appear in as little as 12–18 hours on wet drywall and wood. This is why immediate water extraction is so critical in the Memphis area.

Can I clean up flood damage myself?

For minor clean-water flooding (like a sink overflow), homeowner cleanup is possible if you act quickly and have fans and a dehumidifier. However, for any flooding involving contaminated water (sewage, river water, storm runoff), flooding that affected more than one room, or flooding where more than 24 hours passed before drying began, professional restoration is strongly recommended. The health risks and mold potential make DIY cleanup risky and often more expensive in the long run.

Will my homeowner’s insurance cover flooding in Memphis?

It depends on the source. Standard homeowner’s insurance covers sudden internal water damage (burst pipes, appliance failures, accidental overflows). It does NOT cover flood damage from external water sources (river flooding, storm surge, rising groundwater). For that, you need a separate flood insurance policy through NFIP or a private insurer. Given Memphis’s flooding history, flood insurance is a wise investment even if you’re not in a FEMA-designated flood zone. Read more in our guide on insurance and mold remediation.

Call Memphis Mold Remediation Pros for Emergency Flood Response

If your Memphis home has been flooded, every hour counts. Call us at (901) 902-4178 for 24/7 emergency water extraction and flood damage restoration. We’ll get the water out, prevent mold growth, and help you get your home back to normal.