What to do if your piano is water damaged?
Flooding can be devastating, and if your piano has been affected it’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed. A piano is not just a musical instrument – it’s often a piece of furniture, a family heirloom, and something with deep emotional value. The good news is that a flood damaged piano is not always a lost cause. Acting quickly and taking the right steps can make a significant difference.
This guide explains what to do if your piano has been in a flood, what happens next, and whether a water damaged piano can be repaired.
What to Do If Your Piano Is in a Flood
If your piano is currently in flood water, or has only just been exposed, your first actions are crucial.
1. Prioritise safety first
Never attempt to move or inspect a piano while flood water is still present or if there is any risk from electricity or unstable floors.
2. Do not play the piano
Even if it looks intact, playing a water damaged piano can cause further harm. Swollen wooden parts, rusting strings, and compromised action components can all worsen with movement.
3. Avoid rapid drying
It’s tempting to use heaters, dehumidifiers, or fans directly on the piano, but rapid drying can lead to cracking, warping, and irreversible damage to the soundboard and casework.
4. Leave the piano as undisturbed as possible
If the piano has been submerged or partially submerged, disturbing it before professional assessment can make later restoration more difficult.
Next Steps After Flood Damage
Once the immediate situation is stable, the next steps are about assessment and preventing further deterioration.
Document the damage
Take clear photographs of the piano and the surrounding environment. This can be helpful for insurance purposes and for initial professional advice. If you intend to make an insurance claim, avoid carrying out any work or cleaning before the piano has been professionally assessed.
Control the environment gently
When safe to do so, ensure the room is ventilated and drying naturally. Avoid direct heat sources and extreme changes in temperature or humidity.
Seek professional advice early
A piano is made from thousands of parts – wood, felt, leather, steel, and glue – all of which react differently to water. An experienced piano restorer can advise on whether the damage is cosmetic, mechanical, or structural.
Can a Flood Damaged Piano Be Repaired?
This is the question most people ask: *can a flood damaged piano be repaired?* The answer is often yes – but it depends.
Factors that influence repairability include:
How long the piano was exposed to water
Whether the water was clean, dirty, or contaminated
The age and quality of the piano
Whether corrosion and mould have begun to develop
In some cases, a water damaged piano may need extensive work such as full action rebuilding, restringing, or soundboard repairs. In other situations, careful drying, cleaning, and targeted restoration can return the piano to reliable playing condition.
Importantly, well-built older pianos are often far more worth saving than people expect, particularly when compared to the cost and environmental impact of replacement.
Why Early Assessment Matters
Flood damage continues even after the water recedes. Rust spreads, mould develops, and wooden components can permanently distort if left untreated. Early professional assessment can:
Prevent avoidable long-term damage
Reduce overall restoration costs
Clarify whether restoration is viable before insurers make decisions
Speak to The Piano Restorer
If your piano has suffered flood or water damage, expert advice early on can make all the difference. The Piano Restorer specialises in assessing, repairing, and sympathetically restoring water damaged pianos, with a focus on preserving both musical quality and historical value wherever possible.
If you’re unsure what to do next, or simply want an honest opinion on whether your piano can be saved, get in touch with The Piano Restorer for professional guidance and support.
Floods are stressful enough – you don’t have to make this decision alone.