The short answer
Safety First for Animals and You
Get every animal out of the pen to a dry, secure spot before you touch anything else. Floodwater can hide sharp objects, electrical wires, or contaminated debris. Wear rubber boots and gloves while you work, and wash your hands well afterward.
Turn off electricity to the pen at the breaker panel if you can do so safely. Standing water conducts electricity, and a live outlet or frayed wire could hurt you or the animals. If you feel unwell or see downed power lines, call for help and wait for a professional.
Remove Standing Water Quickly
Use a pump, a wet vacuum, or buckets to remove standing water as soon as possible. The longer water sits, the deeper it soaks into wood, drywall, or insulation. For a small pen, a mop and squeegee might be enough; for a larger area, a submersible pump works well.
If the water level is high or the pen is attached to your house, you might need emergency water extraction. That service uses industrial pumps and vacuums to pull water out fast. Act quickly, especially in a humid subtropical climate, because moisture spreads into walls and floors within hours.
Dry Out Every Surface
After removing the water, set up fans, dehumidifiers, and open windows to pull moisture out of the air and materials. Focus on wood posts, walls, and the floor, since these soak up water and take days to dry. In a humid climate, natural drying is slow, so mechanical help matters.
If the pen has drywall, insulation, or wood that stayed wet for more than two days, you may need to remove and replace it. Water-damaged materials can warp, rot, or grow mold. A moisture mapping service can show exactly where hidden moisture remains before you rebuild.
Sanitize and Disinfect
Floodwater often carries bacteria, chemicals, or manure, so clean every surface with a disinfectant safe for animals. Scrub walls, floors, feeders, and waterers with soap and water first, then apply the disinfectant and let it air dry. Rinse thoroughly so no residue remains.
If the flood came from sewage or a chemical spill, treat the pen as a biohazard and call a professional cleanup service. You might also need to dispose of porous items like hay, straw, or unsealed wood that cannot be fully cleaned. See a doctor if you develop any symptoms after exposure.
Inspect for Damage Before Reuse
Check the pen's structure for cracks, loose boards, or shifted posts after the water recedes. Floods can undermine foundations or weaken supports, making the pen unsafe for animals. Look for signs of rot or rust on metal parts, and test gates and latches.
If you live in Rockwall, keep your shutoff valve location written down so you can stop water quickly in a future storm. For significant structural issues, a water damage inspection can identify hidden problems. Only bring animals back when the pen is dry, clean, and stable.
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Call Now (469) 698-4610Frequently asked questions
How long does it take for a pen to dry out?
Drying time depends on the materials, humidity, and airflow. With fans and dehumidifiers, a small pen might dry in two to three days. Without them, wood and drywall can stay damp for a week or more, increasing mold risk.
Can I clean the pen myself or should I hire pros?
You can handle small spills with basic cleaning supplies. For deep flooding, sewage contamination, or large areas, professional help is safer. They have industrial pumps, dryers, and sanitizers to do the job thoroughly, which reduces long-term damage.
What should I do with soaked bedding and feed?
Throw away any hay, straw, or grain that touched floodwater. It can carry mold or bacteria that harm animals. Replace it with fresh, dry bedding after the pen is clean and fully dried.