Water Damage & Emergency Water Extraction in Lafayette, LA

Water in the house can't wait. A burst supply line, an overflowing washer, an AC drain pan that's been leaking into the ceiling, or rising water after an Acadiana downpour: the longer it sits, the more it costs and the likelier mold becomes. Call (337) 205-7937 as soon as you find it. One call connects you with a local pro who can pull out the water, dry the structure and give you a free quote.

First, stay safe

• If water is near outlets, cords or the breaker panel, stay out of the room and turn off power at the main only if you can do it from a dry spot.
• Shut off the main water valve if a pipe or fixture is the source.
• Treat floodwater and sewage backups as contaminated. The CDC warns that floodwater can carry sewage, bacteria and chemicals. Keep kids and pets away.
• Take photos before anything gets moved or thrown out.

Common causes of water damage in Lafayette homes

• Plumbing failures: burst or loose supply lines, failed water heaters, toilet and dishwasher leaks
• AC condensate problems: clogged drain lines and overflowing pans, a regular headache in a climate where the AC runs most of the year
• Roof and window leaks from heavy thunderstorms and tropical weather
• Flooding when coulees and the Vermilion River can't carry the rain

Lafayette has seen that last one up close. During the August 2016 flood, rainfall in the Vermilion River basin ran from about 12 to 26 inches, the river crested at 17.62 feet at Surrey Street, and water reached nearly 2,000 Lafayette Parish homes. Some neighborhoods flooded that weren't in a mapped flood zone. In Quail Hollow, water topped the banks of the Isaac Verot Coulee and came up through the street drains. Tropical systems add to the risk: in October 2020, Hurricane Delta brought gusts near 75 mph to Lafayette Regional Airport.

Why speed matters

The EPA says water-damaged materials should be dried within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth. Drywall, carpet pad and insulation soak water up and hold it, even when the surface feels dry. That's why pros measure moisture instead of guessing.

What water extraction and drying look like

1. Call. Tell your local pro what happened, where the water is and how long it's been there.
2. Walkthrough and written quote. Your local pro finds the source, checks how far the water has wicked into floors and walls, and explains what can be dried and what should come out.
3. Extraction. Standing water is pumped and vacuumed out of floors, carpet and low spots.
4. Tear-out where needed. Soaked carpet pad, baseboards, the bottom of drywall and wet insulation often have to go, especially after floodwater or sewage.
5. Drying. Air movers and dehumidifiers run until moisture readings show the structure is dry.
6. Clean and check for mold. Affected areas are cleaned and sanitized. If mold has already started, your local pro can explain the remediation options.

Rebuilding is a separate step. In Louisiana, home improvement projects over $7,500 require a registered home improvement contractor or a licensed contractor, so ask whoever does repairs for their LSLBC registration or license.

What affects the cost

Every water job is different, so we don't list prices. What drives the cost:

• Where the water came from. Clean water from a supply line is simpler than floodwater or sewage.
• How long it sat before drying started.
• How much of the house is wet, and whether it reached walls, cabinets or the crawl space.
• What has to be removed versus dried in place.
• How long drying equipment needs to run.

The quote is free, and you'll get it in writing before work begins.

Water damage help across Acadiana

Your local pro works with homeowners in Lafayette, Broussard, Youngsville, Scott, Carencro, Breaux Bridge, New Iberia, Abbeville and nearby. If you're anywhere in the Lafayette area, call and ask.

Water damage FAQ