Emergency Flood Cleanup San Antonio TX | IICRC Certified
Flash flooding and storm surge can overwhelm a San Antonio property in minutes. The Bexar County area sits in one of the most flood-prone regions in Texas — flash flood advisories are issued multiple times each year along Salado Creek, Leon Creek, Cibolo Creek, and their tributaries. During major rain events, municipal storm sewer capacity can be exceeded within minutes, causing rapid street flooding that enters homes through low-lying doors, windows, and foundation penetrations.
Flood water is classified as Category 2 or Category 3 contamination in most cases, depending on the source. Outdoor flooding — from storm runoff, overflowing creeks, or municipal sewer overflow — is always Category 3 biohazardous contamination. This means professional decontamination is required, not just water removal. Our certified technicians use appropriate personal protective equipment and EPA-registered antimicrobial agents rated for Category 3 contamination.
Rhino Restoration's emergency flood cleanup teams are dispatched 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and are equipped to handle residential and commercial flood events of any scale. Every flood cleanup we perform includes complete moisture documentation, insurance-ready Xactimate estimates, and direct billing to your carrier.
Our Process
Emergency Flood Assessment and Safety Verification
Standing Water Extraction — Truck-Mounted Units
Contaminated Material Removal and Proper Disposal
Antimicrobial Treatment of All Affected Surfaces
Industrial Air Mover and Dehumidifier Placement
Daily Moisture Monitoring Until Drying Complete
HEPA Air Scrubbing Throughout Cleanup Process
Final Documentation and Insurance Claim Support
Why Choose Rhino Restoration
Responds to all flood types — storm, sewer, creek, appliance
Category 2 and Category 3 water handling certified
Direct insurance billing — all major carriers
24/7 availability with 60-minute dispatch guarantee
HEPA air scrubbing prevents airborne contamination spread
Complete property documentation for insurance claims
Frequently Asked Questions
Is flood damage covered by homeowner's insurance?
Standard homeowner's insurance does NOT cover flooding from external sources. Flooding from storms, rising creeks, and storm runoff requires a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private flood insurer. However, if internal flooding occurred from a burst pipe or appliance malfunction, that is typically covered under standard homeowner's coverage.
Is it safe to enter a flooded home?
Only after utilities have been confirmed off. If water may have reached electrical outlets, panels, or appliances, do not enter until power has been cut at the breaker or meter. Flood water from outdoor sources always contains contaminants and should be treated as biohazardous. Wear waterproof boots and gloves at minimum before entering a flooded space.
Can I clean up flood damage myself?
Surface water from outdoor flooding is Category 3 biohazardous contamination that requires professional remediation with EPA-registered antimicrobials. DIY cleanup is not recommended and may leave your home with contamination levels that are unsafe for occupancy. Structural drying also requires industrial equipment that households do not have.
How soon after a flood do I need to call a restoration company?
Immediately. Every hour of delay allows water to penetrate deeper into structural materials and increases the risk of mold colonization beginning within the IICRC's 48-hour critical window. Call us at the same time you call your insurer — both calls should happen within the first hour of a flood event.