Quick answer: A persistent odour after a leak or flood usually means moisture, contamination or odour-causing residue remains in an affected material or hidden space. Fragrance does not solve the cause. A useful response identifies the source, cleans or removes unsuitable materials, and confirms drying with appropriate assessment. Flood odour response chart What you notice…

Quick answer: After a flood, protect people first, photograph affected belongings, and separate items by material and contamination risk. Non-porous belongings may often be cleaned after assessment. Porous items affected by contaminated water can be difficult or unsafe to recover. Do not turn wet electrical items back on. Flooded belongings decision chart Item type Clean-water…

Quick answer: Water-damage classes describe the amount of moisture a restoration team needs to remove from affected materials. A small spill on a hard surface may be a lower drying load; water affecting carpet, underlay, wall linings, insulation or ceilings needs a broader, monitored response. The class helps plan drying equipment and checks—it does not…

Professional moisture mapping identifies where water has travelled after a leak or flood, including areas that look dry on the surface. It combines visual inspection, moisture meters, humidity readings and, where helpful, thermal imaging to define the affected area and verify progress during drying. Illustrative assessment guide: surface appearance alone is not a drying test;…

Quick answer: Treat floodwater from a drain overflow, sewage backup or outdoor flooding as potentially contaminated. Keep people and pets out, avoid electrical hazards, photograph the damage, and arrange an assessment before attempting to save porous materials such as carpet, underlay, plasterboard or insulation. What does “Category 3 water” mean? In restoration work, Category 3…

Quick answer: Wet drywall or GIB can sometimes be dried after a recent clean-water leak when it remains firm and moisture assessment confirms the wall system can be dried. Removal is often safer when the lining is soft, swollen, contaminated, or wet behind the surface. Illustrative assessment guide: dry, remove or repair decisions depend on…

If floodwater is rising, you are told to evacuate, or you feel unsafe, leave early for a safer place. Do not wait to move possessions, and never walk, swim or drive through floodwater. Flood safety decisions should follow rising conditions and official advice, rather than a fixed water-depth rule. When should you evacuate during an…

During flooding, only shut off electricity, gas or water if you can reach the controls without entering water or an unsafe area. If there is any doubt, keep clear, follow official instructions and call the relevant qualified professional or emergency service. Utility isolation comes after safety: do not enter floodwater or approach a wet switchboard,…

Flooding can change quickly. Focus on people first, then protect the property only when it is safe to do so. This Auckland checklist covers the first actions after a burst pipe, stormwater entry or significant leak. Illustrative safety guide: assess risk before attempting any property-protection action. Auckland Flood Safety Checklist: First Actions Stay out of…