Flood Cleanup & Flood Damage Help in Lake Charles, LA

When rising water gets into a house, cleanup has to start fast. On May 17, 2021, Lake Charles got more than a foot of rain in a single day, and streets, ditches and homes filled faster than anyone could pump. If floodwater has been inside your home, call (337) 477-3723 once it's safe to go back in. One call connects you with a local pro who can remove the water and ruined materials, dry the structure and give you a free quote.

Flood water vs. a leak

A burst pipe is usually clean water, and much of it can be dried in place. For that, see water damage and water extraction. Floodwater is a different job:

• Treat it as contaminated. The CDC warns that floodwater can carry sewage, bacteria and chemicals. Wear boots and gloves, and keep children and pets away.
• More material comes out. Soaked carpet and pad, insulation and the lower part of drywall usually can't be saved. The wall is cut above the waterline so the cavity can dry.
• Mud and silt stay behind. They have to be shoveled and washed out before anything will dry.
• Water sits under raised homes. In pier-and-beam houses, floodwater can stay in the crawl space for days after the street drains.

Protect your claim before you clean

Rising water is usually a flood claim, not a homeowners claim, and the rules are strict. FEMA asks NFIP policyholders to photograph and video the damage, the waterline inside and out, and anything they'll throw away, and to keep small samples of flooring for the adjuster. You generally have 60 days from the flood to submit proof of loss, so ask your insurer about your deadline. Our guide to documenting mold and water damage for insurance walks through the details.

Be wary of anyone going door to door after a storm. Get an itemized written estimate, and don't sign over your insurance benefits.

What flood cleanup looks like

1. Call (337) 477-3723. Tell your local pro how high the water got and how long it sat.
2. Walkthrough and written quote. Your local pro checks how far water wicked into walls and floors.
3. Extraction and tear-out. Water, mud and wet materials come out.
4. Clean and sanitize the surfaces that stay.
5. Dry and verify. Dehumidifiers and air movers run until moisture readings confirm it's dry. Any mold is dealt with before walls go back up. See mold remediation.

Flood cleanup FAQ

Lake Charles Mold Pros connects homeowners with independent local mold remediation professionals.