How to Remove Water Without a Shop Vac

Water accumulation because of flooding or other incidents can lead to mold growth in as little as 48 hours, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Removal of the water and the associated airborne humidity as quickly as possible is critical. Although a shop vac, capable of removing water by vacuum action, is one of the most efficient tools for this task, other methods exist for removing water.

Sump pump
Scoop-type shovel
Buckets
Sponges

Instructions

- 1
  Set up a sump pump. This is the most efficient method for large amounts of water. Sump pumps commonly operate in 1 inch or more of water. Connect a hose to the pump and place the other end outside the home or in another proper water disposal area.
- 2
  Deposit water into buckets using scoop-type shovels, such as some designs of snow shovels. Carry the buckets out of the area to dispose of the water.
- 3
  Absorb the water with sponges or rags. Wring out the sponges over a bucket. This is commonly the finishing step of the drying process, as it is the most labor-intense and least efficient. Use other methods to remove as much water as possible before resorting to absorbent material.

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