When heavy rain hits and the water starts to rise, it can be stressful knowing what to do first. Whether it’s your driveway, backyard or basement that’s flooded, acting quickly – and safely – can make a big difference.

At HydroVac, we’ve helped countless homeowners, businesses and councils clean up after floods across Auckland, Waikato and Canterbury. Here’s what we recommend if your property floods.

1. Stay safe

First and foremost, don’t enter floodwater. It can be deeper – and more contaminated – than it looks. Turn off electricity at the mains if you can safely reach it, and keep children and pets away from flooded areas.

2. Call for help early

Once it’s safe, call your insurer and a professional flood response team like HydroVac. The sooner we can assess the situation, the sooner we can start pumping water away and preventing further damage.

3. Remove the water

Our vacuum trucks are designed to remove large volumes of water quickly – from basements, yards, carparks, lift wells and sumps. We can also clear blocked stormwater drains and soakholes to help get water flowing again.

4. Check your drains and tanks

Floods can overload stormwater and septic systems, pushing debris and silt into pipes and tanks. Once the immediate water is gone, it’s a good idea to have your systems inspected (we have CCTV for that) and, if needed, cleaned out to prevent future blockages or contamination.

5. Dry it out

After the floodwater is gone, good ventilation is key. Use industrial dehumidifiers and fans if possible, and remove wet carpets, furniture and materials to prevent mould growth.

6. Plan ahead

Once things have dried out, take note of what caused the flooding. Blocked drains, low-lying driveways or poorly graded land can often be fixed before the next big storm. HydroVac can help identify problem areas and suggest preventative maintenance.

Flooding is never fun, but with the right support, you can get back to normal faster. HydroVac’s local teams are used to responding fast, even in tough weather – helping homes and businesses recover safely and efficiently.

If your property’s been hit by flooding, or you want to make sure it’s ready for the next downpour, give us a call. We’re locals, and we’re here to help.

0800 493 768, service@hydrovac.co.nz, www.hydrovac.co.nz