Is flood damage covered by homeowners insurance in Texas?

Standard homeowners policies typically exclude damage from rising surface water. That requires a flood insurance policy, such as one through the National Flood Insurance Program. Storm-driven roof leaks may be covered under your homeowners policy.

Why do you cut the drywall after a flood?

Floodwater is contaminated, and drywall absorbs it. Removing the wall a little above the water line — a flood cut — removes contaminated material and lets the wall cavity dry and be sanitized.

Is it safe to clean up floodwater myself?

Floodwater can carry sewage, bacteria and chemicals, and it often hides electrical hazards. Protective equipment and proper disposal are needed, which is why professional cleanup is recommended.

Flood Damage Restoration in Dallas, TX

Flood damage is different from a burst pipe. Water that comes in from outside — through doors, weep holes, garages or foundations — is considered Category 3, or black water, because it carries soil, bacteria and chemicals. That changes the cleanup: porous materials it touches, like carpet, pad, insulation and the lower portion of drywall, generally need to be removed rather than dried.

Dallas sees intense, fast rainfall. Spring thunderstorms and events like the August 2022 flash flood can drop several inches of rain in hours, overwhelming storm drains and sending water into homes near creeks and low streets in areas like East Dallas, Lake Highlands and along White Rock and Turtle Creek. Expansive clay soil also sheds water quickly, which pushes runoff toward foundations.

Our flood cleanup starts with safety: power to affected circuits is checked, contaminated water is extracted, and debris and unsalvageable materials are removed following a flood cut. Everything that remains is cleaned and sanitized with antimicrobial treatment, then dried with dehumidifiers and air movers until moisture readings are back to normal.

Sewer and drain backups are handled the same way, because they carry the same health risks. Once the structure is clean and dry, we rebuild — drywall, insulation, baseboards, flooring and paint — so you aren't left coordinating a separate contractor.

Flood cleanup is part of our full [water damage restoration service in Dallas](/). It combines contaminated water extraction, structural drying and mold remediation when needed. Flood coverage works differently from a burst-pipe claim, so read our guide to filing a water damage insurance claim in Texas. Garland homeowners dealing with sewer backups can see water damage restoration in Garland.

Technician insight

After a Dallas flash flood, check the garage-to-house wall and the slab edge at exterior doors first. Water most often enters there, and it travels under baseboards into rooms that look dry.

Flood Damage Restoration Services We Offer

✓Flash Flood Cleanup

Removal of storm water, mud and contaminated materials after heavy rain.

✓Sewage Backup Cleanup

Safe removal and sanitizing after toilet, drain or sewer line backups.

✓Storm Damage Restoration

Water cleanup and temporary protection after hail, wind and roof leaks.

✓Garage & Ground-Floor Flooding

Cleanup for water that enters through garages, doors and slab edges.

How it works

1
Make it safe
Electrical hazards are checked and protective equipment is used for contaminated water.
2
Remove water & debris
Floodwater, mud and unsalvageable materials are removed and disposed of properly.
3
Sanitize & dry
Surfaces are cleaned, treated and dried to verified moisture levels.
4
Rebuild
Drywall, flooring and finishes are restored.

Pricing

Scoped per affected area