Basic Mud-Out Guide for Homeowners

By Dwayne Gafford, Gafford Builders
    The removal of wet debris from a flooded home is called mud-out because everything flooded is saturated with muddy water. The objective is to get the house cleared of all wet debris to discourage the growth of mold and to allow the structure to dry out as quickly as possible so reconstruction can begin. The following sequence of actions is suggested for your consideration:
MOST IMPORTANT:
* DO NOT: RE-INSTALL SHEETROCK OR START REBUILDING UNTIL AN ADJUSTER HAS VISITED YOUR HOUSE AND GIVEN YOU THE GREEN LIGHT TO START BACK. (THIS MOST IMPORTANT FOR PEOPLE IN FLOOD ZONE X WITH NO FLOOD INSURANCE). OTHERS SHOULD CHECK WITH THEIR FLOOD INSURANCE PROVIDER TO FIND OUT WHEN TO START REBUILDING.
• DO: Start Clean UP Get as much wet stuff out as possible as quick as possible.  Document with Pictures, showing damage and height of water. You may want to leave one small piece of sheet rock that shows the water level. Document how many people come and when and how long the work at your house.
1. Look for hazards such as broken gas lines, structural damage and damaged electric systems. Other potential hazards may include contamination by chemical spills and overflowing of sewage systems. Watch for snakes and insects that may be found in unexpected places. 
2. Make Sure Power is off (while everything is Still Wet and while using water).
3. Be aware of personal health and physical limitations. People with respiratory or heart problems should approach mud-out work with great caution. Furthermore, flood conditions bring increased risk of tetanus and hepatitis. Wear protective clothing such as boots, coveralls, hardhat, gloves and facemask. A fiber face respirator with N-95 rating is normally adequate for dust and molds, but not for gas or chemical fumes.
4. Open all doors and windows (If you have power close up house and Run AC with fan on Constantly) and use fans to help circulate air through the house. Try to prevent any additional damage to the home. If the roof has suffered damage, temporary plastic roof covering may be needed. Remember, the home can normally be restored to its previous or better condition. 
5. Prevent health hazards by removing perishable foods and any chemicals or medicine to safe areas where animals or children will not get to it. 
6. If the flood water was high enough to get the walls and insulation wet:
a. Remove all damaged furniture and wet debris from the house. Separate it on the curb by type, as appliances, furniture, food, chemicals and dry wall (sheetrock). Put insulation and miscellaneous items in plastic bags. Please be aware that many of your things can be saved if properly cleaned and restored. 
b. Remove the carpets and pads. These can be cut into manageable pieces with a box knife for safe removal. Some carpet cleaning companies can clean and restore carpets but the wet carpet pad has to be replaced. 
c. Remove the baseboard, window and door trim where the dry wall and insulation is wet and must be taken out. Drill 1” holes in the bottom of the wall between each stud to get air circulation. 
d. The dry wall and insulation should normally be removed about one foot above the high water level. Moisture Meters can be used to check the condition of the dry wall and insulation.
e. Remove any wet items from fixtures or cabinets. Open all doors to cabinets. If the water level was only several inches, drill a 1” hole in the bottom of each cabinet so an air flow can me maintained. Leave permanent fixtures and cabinets for repair or removal by professional craftsmen. Dry wall and insulation behind or on the opposite wall of a fixture should be removed to allow the dry wall behind the fixture to dry. 
f. If the flood water only reached the floor level but did not get the dry-wall and insulation wet you may only need to roll the carpet and remove the carpet pad, as some carpet cleaners can clean and dry the carpet and replace the pad. Adequate ventilation will be needed to remove excessive moisture. See item c.
7. When an area is drying, do not rewet it with a hose or power washer. Let the area dry out and then sweep up the remaining debris. Spray with a fungicide such as Shockwave. If it is not available, a mixture of one half cup of bleach per one gallon of water may be applied where the site is still wet and mold is growing, this may not affect black mold.
8. Allow the house to dry out for several weeks before putting in new dry wall and insulation. The time required for adequate drying will depend on temperature, humidity and how well ventilated the structure is
9. OTHER FROM FEMA GUIDE
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) advises the homeowner to take the following steps:
• Hose down walls as quickly as possible and follow up with a second hosing with water containing bleach or a disinfectant. Disinfect surfaces, like shelves.
• Appliances that contain insulation cannot be easily cleaned. Have them checked by a service person before attempting to use.
• Remove all soaked materials and furnishings. Fully upholstered furnishings and mattresses cannot be cleaned and should be destroyed to avoid health problems.
• Carpets and rugs may be cleaned. Permanently attached carpeting should be removed before attempting to clean. Clean items out of doors or have them done professionally.
• Items like sheets, bedspreads, curtains and draperies should be washed with very hot water and detergents, or professionally dry-cleaned.
• Any flooded food items should be discarded unless they are in undamaged cans or commercially sealed glass jars. Sanitize the container before opening it.
• Sanitize pots, pans, utensils, dishes, glassware and other items you intend to keep.
TIPS:
* Use razor knives for cutting sheetrock.
* A multi-tool works great for cutting sheetrock if you have one.
* Use a board with a nail or screw in it at the proper location to mark where to cut your walls. (Door trim works for this.)
* Until you can cut sheetrock, bust the wet sections out with a hammer, and you can cut straight later.
    Find more information at www.gaffordbuilders.com.