Dry VegasCall (725) 302-6540

Flood Cleanup After a Las Vegas Monsoon Storm

Flood cleanup after a monsoon storm treats the water as contaminated, removes mud and soaked materials, and dries what is left before rebuilding.

Call (725) 302-6540Text (725) 302-6540

Why a desert city floods

The airport averages only 3.99 inches of rain a year. The National Weather Service Las Vegas office says monsoon moisture usually arrives in July and August, storms build over the mountains and move into the valley, and flash floods sweep down washes that are dry the rest of the year.

On July 8, 1999 most of a storm's rain fell in about 90 minutes. Two people died, 353 homes were damaged and public damage hit $20.5 million. On July 28, 2022 a storm flooded downtown intersections and Las Vegas Fire and Rescue answered 330 calls in one night.

Stay safe first

  • Never walk or drive through moving water. CDC says six inches of moving water can knock you down.
  • If you smell gas, leave and call from outside.
  • Do not touch switches or cords while standing in water.
  • Never run a generator or gas pump inside or within 20 feet of doors, windows or vents.
  • If walls are cracked or the ceiling sags, stay out until it is checked.

What flood cleanup involves

Storm water that ran across yards and streets is black water. It carries soil, oil and whatever was on the ground. That changes the job.

  • Mud and silt are shoveled and squeegeed out before any drying gear goes in.
  • Carpet, pad and the lower part of soaked drywall are cut out and bagged.
  • Hard surfaces get scrubbed with detergent and water, as EPA advises.
  • Only then do air movers and dehumidifiers start, with readings each visit.

Insurance and flood water

Triple I says standard home, condo and renters policies exclude flood. Flood coverage is a separate policy. Water that came through a roof during the storm may be treated differently from water that rose from the ground, so write down where it came in and photograph the entry point.

Questions people ask

Is monsoon runoff in my house dangerous?
Treat it as contaminated. It ran over the ground and can carry soil, oil and bacteria. Wear gloves and boots and keep kids and pets away.
Does homeowners insurance cover flood water?
Standard home policies exclude flood, per Triple I. Flood coverage is bought separately. Wind driven rain through a damaged roof can be a different claim.
When is flash flood season in Las Vegas?
NWS Las Vegas says monsoon storms typically come in July and August and the pattern usually fades by September.
Can I hose the mud out myself?
You can shovel out mud once power is off and it is safe. Adding more water spreads silt into walls, so squeegee and scoop first.
Do I have to throw out drywall after a flood?
Drywall soaked by outdoor flood water is usually cut out above the water line. Clean water damage can sometimes be dried in place.
Should I bleach everything after a flood?
EPA advises detergent and water on hard surfaces. If you use bleach, CDC says no more than 1 cup per gallon and never mix it with ammonia.
How did the 1999 Las Vegas flood start?
Heavy rain fell for about 90 minutes on July 8, 1999. Washes overflowed, two people died and 353 homes were damaged.
Does the valley have flood control channels?
Yes. The Regional Flood Control District reported about 619 miles of channels and storm drains and 93 detention basins in its 2017 to 2018 report.
How long does flood cleanup take?
Mud removal and cut outs often take a day or two. Drying usually takes several more days, longer for slab floors and cabinets.
What should I photograph after a storm?
The water entry point, the high water mark on walls, mud on floors and every damaged item before it goes to the curb.

Neighborhoods we cover

Water where it should not be?

(725) 302-6540

Call or text. Say where the water came from, when it started and which rooms are wet. You will get the first steps right away and a time for someone to come out.

Call (725) 302-6540Text (725) 302-6540
CallText