Flooding is devastating. Whether it is a burst pipe, a failed appliance, or rising water from outside, the damage to a kitchen can be severe — and the recovery process is long.
If your kitchen has been flooded, this guide covers what to do right now, how to get a temporary kitchen set up quickly, and how to navigate the insurance process.
Immediate Steps After a Flood
If your kitchen has just flooded, here is what to do first:
1. Safety first.
- Do not enter standing water if there is any chance of electrical contact. Switch off power at the consumer unit (fuse box) if it is safe to do so.
- If gas appliances are affected, turn off the gas at the meter and call the Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.
- Open windows and doors to ventilate the area once it is safe.
2. Document the damage.
- Take photographs and video of everything before you start cleaning up. Your insurer will need this evidence.
- Photograph the water level marks on walls, the condition of appliances, cabinets, flooring, and any personal items affected.
3. Contact your insurer.
- Call your insurer as soon as possible. Report the flood, describe the damage, and ask for a claim reference number.
- Specifically ask about alternative accommodation cover — this is the provision that may pay for a temporary kitchen.
- Ask whether they will send a loss adjuster and what the next steps are.
4. Start drying out.
- If the water has receded, begin removing standing water with a wet vacuum, mop, or pump.
- Open doors and windows for ventilation.
- If you have a dehumidifier, set it up. If not, consider hiring one.
- Do not use heating to speed up drying — this can cause cracking and warping.
Why Flood-Damaged Kitchens Take So Long to Repair
Flood damage is uniquely slow to repair because of the drying process. Unlike fire damage where repairs can begin relatively quickly, a flooded kitchen needs to dry out thoroughly before any new work can start.
Typical drying times:
- Surface water removal: 1 to 3 days
- Structural drying (walls, floors, subfloor): 2 to 8 weeks depending on the extent of damage
- A loss adjuster or drying company will monitor moisture levels and confirm when the structure is dry enough for repairs
After drying, the actual kitchen renovation then follows — which can take another 4 to 12 weeks depending on the scope. See our renovation timeline guide →.
Total time without a kitchen after a flood: typically 2 to 5 months.
This is a long time to live without a functioning kitchen. A temporary kitchen is not a luxury in this situation — it is a necessity.
Getting a Temporary Kitchen After a Flood
Once the immediate emergency is dealt with, arrange a temporary kitchen as soon as possible.
Emergency Providers
Some temporary kitchen providers offer emergency delivery within 24 to 48 hours. When you contact them, explain that you are dealing with flood damage and need urgent delivery.
What You Need for Delivery
Even after a flood, you will usually still have:
- A driveway or outdoor space for a kitchen pod
- A working outdoor tap (unless the water supply has been shut off)
- A power socket (if power has been restored — if not, some pods can run on a generator)
- Access to a drain
If any of these are not available, let your provider know when requesting a quote. They will work around your specific situation.
Insurance Coverage
Flood damage claims are typically covered by buildings insurance. The temporary kitchen should fall under your alternative accommodation cover or loss of use cover.
The argument is simple: paying £80 to £100 per week for a kitchen pod is far cheaper than paying for your family to live in a hotel. Most insurers recognise this and will approve the hire.
For a step-by-step guide to the claims process, see our insurance claim walkthrough →.
Types of Flood Damage
The type of flooding affects the repair timeline and the temporary kitchen solution you need.
Internal Flooding (Burst Pipes, Appliance Failure)
The most common type. A burst pipe under the sink, a failed washing machine hose, or a leaking dishwasher can flood a kitchen in minutes.
- Damage extent: Usually limited to the kitchen and immediately adjacent rooms.
- Drying time: 2 to 4 weeks for moderate damage.
- Repair time: 4 to 8 weeks after drying.
- Temporary kitchen needed for: 6 to 12 weeks total.
External Flooding (River, Surface Water, Groundwater)
More severe and affecting the entire ground floor or beyond.
- Damage extent: Can affect the entire property. Kitchen flooring, cabinets, electrics, and plumbing often need complete replacement.
- Drying time: 4 to 8 weeks or longer.
- Repair time: 8 to 16 weeks after drying.
- Temporary kitchen needed for: 3 to 6 months.
- Additional consideration: External flooding may also affect your driveway. Discuss access and positioning with your provider.
Sewage Flooding
The worst type. If the flood water contains sewage, the health risks are serious and the cleanup is more complex.
- Specialist cleaning and decontamination is required.
- Everything the water has touched — cabinets, flooring, plasterboard — must be removed and replaced.
- Drying times may be longer due to contamination protocols.
- Temporary kitchen needed for: 3 to 6 months.
Living With Flood Damage: Practical Tips
While you wait for repairs:
- Keep your temporary kitchen separate from the affected area. A driveway pod is ideal because it is completely separate from the damp and disruption inside.
- Monitor for mould. Damp conditions after a flood can lead to mould growth within days. If you see or smell mould, report it to your insurer and consider a specialist mould remediation company.
- Keep children away from affected areas. Flood water, especially sewage-contaminated water, poses health risks.
- Maintain your routine. Having a functioning temporary kitchen helps enormously with maintaining a sense of normality during a difficult time.
What Your Insurance Should Cover
For flood damage, your insurance should cover:
- Emergency response and water removal
- Drying and dehumidification
- Removal of damaged kitchen (strip-out)
- Supply and installation of a replacement kitchen
- Temporary accommodation or temporary kitchen hire
- Alternative living expenses during the repair period
- Decoration and making good
If your insurer is not covering the temporary kitchen, push back. Remind them that a kitchen pod is significantly cheaper than alternative accommodation. Read our full insurance guide →.
Need Help Now?
If your kitchen has been flooded and you need a temporary kitchen urgently, tell us your situation → and we will connect you with providers who offer emergency delivery. Free, no-obligation quotes — usually within hours for emergency requests.