How Do You Handle Restoration of a Flooded Distillery or Brewery?

Turn off the electricity and water supply to the building before anyone enters. Standing water and wet electrical systems create serious hazards, so wait for the power company or an electrician to confirm it is safe. If you feel unwell at any point, see a doctor.

Document everything with photos and a written list of damaged equipment, ingredients, and finished product. This record helps your insurance company understand the loss. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered, so check your policy early and ask what documentation they need.

A brewery or distillery has strict hygiene requirements because you produce consumable goods. The pros clean and sanitize every surface that touches ingredients, including tanks, pipes, and bottling lines. They use food-grade cleaners and follow protocols for commercial food facilities.

If the floodwater contained sewage or chemicals, the cleaning is more involved. The pros may need to remove and replace porous materials like wood shelving or insulation. You should not use any equipment for production until a qualified professional confirms it is safe and clean.

• Sanitize stainless steel tanks and brewing kettles
• Replace gaskets, hoses, and filters that got wet
• Clean and disinfect all floors, walls, and drains
• Inspect electrical panels and motors for water damage
• Test water quality before resuming production

After drying and cleaning, the pros apply antimicrobial treatments to surfaces that were submerged. They also check for hidden moisture inside walls and under floors, because mold can grow in places you cannot see. You may need to replace insulation or drywall that absorbed water.

To reduce risk next time, consider raising equipment off the floor and installing a sump pump or backflow valve. Keep your shutoff valve location written down. Regular maintenance of your plumbing and roof helps prevent a repeat flood.