Is it safe to go back into a flooded home?

Not until a building inspector has checked it. The CDC warns that a flooded home may be contaminated with mold or sewage.

Do I need a professional, or can I do it myself?

LSU AgCenter says a professional water damage restoration contractor with special drying equipment is the best and safest option after a flood.

Which materials can be kept after flood water?

Porous materials that absorbed flood water are removed and discarded, except solid wood and sometimes plywood. Solid materials such as plastic, metal, glass and masonry can be cleaned.

Can I use bleach to clean up mold?

Bleach does not clean up mold effectively while mud and dirt remain on the surface, according to the CDC. Never mix bleach with ammonia or acid products.

Family home flooded with water, furniture floating in the living room

Water Damage Restoration

Emergency water removal, drying and cleanup across Louisiana.

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Water damage restoration Residential & Commercial

What is water damage restoration?

Water damage restoration is the removal of standing water, the drying of a building and its contents, and the cleaning of what can be saved after flooding, storms or a leak.

Signs You Need Water Damage Restoration

Sign What it looks like

Standing water or wet materials

Standing water or wet materials mean the home needs restoration now. LSU AgCenter advises that all wet materials, including wood, dry thoroughly before they are covered or enclosed.
A musty or moldy smell

A musty or moldy smell means mold is likely growing. The EPA states that a moldy odor suggests mold is growing in the building and should be investigated.
Visible mold above the flood line

Mold can climb above the flood line. LSU AgCenter notes that moisture wicks up drywall, so mold can extend above the flood level.
Wet carpet, rugs or pads

Wet carpets, carpet pads and rugs are removed within 24 hours, and the floor beneath is then disinfected (LSU AgCenter).

How Water Damage Restoration Works

Water damage restoration in Louisiana runs in five stages: power and hazards, removal, cleaning, drying, and mold control. Each stage starts only after the one before it is complete.

1 Turn off power and check for hazards.

Turn off the main power from a dry location if you can do so safely. If you must enter standing water to reach the switch, call an electrician, who should check the electrical system before power returns.
2 Remove what cannot be saved.

Porous materials that absorbed flood water are removed and discarded, except solid wood and sometimes plywood. Solid materials such as plastic, metal, glass, solid wood and masonry can be cleaned.
3 Clean first, then disinfect.

Cleanable surfaces are cleaned, then disinfected, because floodwater can carry sewage and other biohazards. LSU AgCenter advises cleaning with detergent first, because disinfectant kills bacteria only on a clean surface.
4 Dry quickly and thoroughly.

EPA says the home and everything in it should be dried within 24 to 48 hours where possible. The CDC recommends opening doors and windows, and using fans and dehumidifiers once electricity is safe to use.
5 Remove visible mold and fix the water source.

Visible mold is removed and the area is dried right away. Painting or caulking over mold does not stop it from growing, so the water problem is fixed and the mold is cleaned before any paint or caulk goes on.

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What to do first, and what not to do

What to do first

Turn off power if it is safe to do so, and stay out of buildings that may have structural damage.
Wear protective clothing, rubber gloves and goggles during cleanup.
Take photos of damaged items before you discard them, for insurance claims.
Remove wet and moldy materials without waiting for the claims adjuster to inspect the home.

What not to do

Do not drive or walk across flooded roads, because cars and people can be swept away.
Do not use bleach on mud or dirt, because bleach does not clean mold while mud and dirt remain.
Do not mix bleach with ammonia or acid products, because the mixture produces toxic fumes.
Do not paint or caulk over mold, and do not eat food that touched floodwater.

Act fast

How Quickly to Act

24 hrs Remove wet carpets, carpet pads and rugs.
24–48 hrs Dry the home and everything in it (EPA).
2–3 days Mold begins to grow on materials that stay wet longer than two or three days (LSU AgCenter).

Timing varies by site. EPA says to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24 to 48 hours. Anything wet with flood water that cannot be cleaned and dried in that time should be taken outside, after photos are taken for insurance claims.

EPA says mold can grow on wood, drywall, carpet and furniture that remain wet for more than 24 hours. LSU AgCenter (2017) says mold begins to grow on materials that stay wet longer than two or three days.

How to Choose a Water Damage Restoration Professional

Check these points before you hire anyone for water damage restoration or mold cleanup. Each point names the source it comes from.

Professional help for mold

Hiring a contractor for mold remediation is typically not required, but a professional is usually safer and more effective than doing the work yourself.
Professional help after a flood

LSU AgCenter (2012) says a professional water-damage restoration contractor with special drying equipment is the best and safest way to go.
Photos before cleanup

LSU AgCenter (2017) says to take photographs before cleaning up for insurance purposes, and to get started.
Check your insurance policy

LSU AgCenter (2017) notes that most homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover mold damages or cleanup costs, but flood insurance may cover it.
Wait for the all-clear before re-entry

EPA (2018) says to wait to re-enter until professionals tell you it is safe, with no structural, electrical or other hazards.
Ask about protective gear

EPA (mold remediation guide) says the minimum protective gear is an N-95 respirator, gloves and eye protection.
Ask about the size of the job

EPA (mold guide) says a moldy area of less than about 10 square feet can often be handled by the homeowner. Larger areas should follow EPA’s guidance for schools and commercial buildings.

Why Louisiana Homes Need Water Damage Restoration

Major disasters in Louisiana

FEMA declared 16 major disasters for Louisiana for storms, floods, hurricanes and winter storms from 2016 to 2026, excluding the COVID-19 declaration. Hurricane Ida (DR-4611) was declared on August 29, 2021.

Contamination and mold

Floodwater can contaminate a home with sewage and other biohazards, and wet materials can become a mold problem within days.

Check your flood cover

Home flood damage is not covered under homeowners’ policies. It is covered under National Flood Insurance Program policies or a separate flood policy from a private insurer (Louisiana Department of Insurance).

Where Water Damage Restoration Is Available

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Related services

Mold Remediation

LSU AgCenter says mold begins to grow on materials that stay wet longer than two or three days, so mold remediation removes the growth and fixes the water source.

Emergency Flood Damage Cleanup

Floodwater can carry hazards that harm health, so emergency flood damage cleanup starts with power checks and safe re-entry.

Basement Flooding Cleanup

Basement flooding cleanup in Louisiana dries below-grade rooms and checks the structure before rebuilding.

Fire Damage Restoration

Fire damage restoration in Louisiana covers soot and smoke residue after a fire.

Biohazard Cleanup

Floodwater contaminated with sewage needs cleaning and disinfection, so biohazard cleanup removes the contaminated materials.

How soon does mold start to grow after a flood?

EPA says mold can grow on wood, drywall, carpet and furniture that remain wet for more than 24 hours. LSU AgCenter (2017) says mold begins to grow on materials that stay wet longer than two or three days.
Is it safe to go back into a flooded home?

Not until a building inspector has checked it. The CDC warns that a flooded home may be contaminated with mold or sewage.
Do I need a professional, or can I do it myself?

LSU AgCenter says a professional water damage restoration contractor with special drying equipment is the best and safest option after a flood.
Does insurance cover water damage restoration?

Home flood damage is not covered under homeowners’ policies. National Flood Insurance Program policies or a separate flood policy may cover it (Louisiana Department of Insurance).
Which materials can be kept after flood water?

Porous materials that absorbed flood water are removed and discarded, except solid wood and sometimes plywood. Solid materials such as plastic, metal, glass and masonry can be cleaned.
Can I use bleach to clean up mold?

Bleach does not clean up mold effectively while mud and dirt remain on the surface, according to the CDC. Never mix bleach with ammonia or acid products.

Need water damage restoration? Call now

Describe where the water came from and what has been wet.
Describe where the water came from and what has been wet.

Call Now (800) 764-5219