Water Damage Restoration in Central, LA

Central and the Comite River

Central became its own city in 2005, and much of it sits between the Comite and Amite rivers. That location made it one of the hardest-hit communities in the August 2016 flood. Central's mayor said about 9,000 of the city's roughly 11,000 homes flooded, more than 80 percent.

Since then, Central residents have pushed hard for the Comite River Diversion project, a canal meant to carry high water from the Comite into the Mississippi River. Central's mayor estimated it could lower flood levels in the city by at least five feet, while warning it would not eliminate flooding. For homeowners, the takeaway is simple: plan as if water can come again.

Common causes today

• Heavy rain that fills ditches and backs up into low streets and yards.
• Roof leaks after tropical storms and summer storms.
• Plumbing failures in homes rebuilt after 2016, especially supply lines and water heaters.
• AC condensate overflows from attic units during long cooling seasons.

Many Central homes were gutted and rebuilt after 2016, and some were raised. Rebuilt homes have newer materials, but they still face the same rain, storms and plumbing problems as before. If a home was repaired quickly after the flood, it's worth having any new water problem inspected carefully. Moisture can settle into wall cavities that were closed up in a hurry. Thermal cameras and moisture meters can show where water is hiding before you open a single wall.

Permits and Hiring in Central

Drying and cleanup usually don't need a permit. Rebuilding work such as new drywall, electrical or plumbing often does, and homes inside city limits go through the City of Central. After any regional flood, stick with companies that have a local office and a license you can look up.

Before repairs start, check the company on the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors website. Home repairs over $7,500 require a Home Improvement registration, jobs over $75,000 require a Residential license, and mold remediation projects of $7,500 or more require a separate Mold Remediation license.