Flood & Storm Water Cleanup in Austell, GA
Austell has a long history of flooding along Sweetwater Creek. If storm water got into your home, here's how to clean up safely.
Safety first: outside flood water is contaminated. Don't wade through it, keep kids and pets away, and don't turn on electrical systems that got wet. If water reached outlets or the panel, have an electrician check before you restore power.
Why Austell floods
Austell sits along Sweetwater Creek, straddling Cobb and Douglas counties. Low-lying neighborhoods near the creek and its tributaries can take on water during heavy, prolonged rain. The 2009 metro Atlanta floods hit the area especially hard, and smaller storm events still push water into crawl spaces, basements and garages.
Flood water vs. plumbing water
| Burst pipe | Outside flood water | |
|---|---|---|
| Water category | Usually clean (Category 1) | Contaminated (Category 3) |
| Porous materials | Often dried and saved | Usually removed (carpet, pad, drywall, insulation) |
| Standard homeowners insurance | Often covered | Usually NOT covered without flood insurance |
Cleanup steps
- Wait until it's safeWater receded, power off to affected areas.
- Document everythingPhotos and video, including the water line on walls.
- Call your insurerFlood insurance (NFIP or private) if you have it; your homeowners policy for any covered portion.
- Professional cleanupExtraction, removal of contaminated materials, cleaning, disinfection and drying.
Reducing future risk
- Check FEMA flood maps for your address and consider flood insurance (policies usually have a 30-day waiting period)
- Keep gutters and downspouts clear and extended away from the house
- Install a sump pump with a battery backup in basements
- Store valuables above floor level in lower areas
More for Austell: water damage in Austell · flooded basements and crawl spaces · sewage backups
Frequently asked questions
Does homeowners insurance cover flood damage in Austell?
Standard homeowners policies usually exclude flooding from outside water. Flood insurance through the NFIP or a private insurer covers it. Check your policy.
Can I clean up flood water myself?
Because outside flood water is contaminated, professional cleanup is the safer choice for anything beyond a small amount on a hard surface.
Water in your home? Get a local pro on the way.
Call and we'll connect you with an independent local water damage restoration company that serves your area. The referral is free, and many local companies answer around the clock.