New Orleans & nearby: Metairie, Kenner, Gretna, Chalmette
Water Damage in New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans water emergencies split into two very different events: an indoor plumbing failure, and street flooding that rises toward the house when pumped drainage is overwhelmed during extreme rain. Raised historic homes can take water underneath before any room looks wet, so the first decision is whether water came from inside the plumbing or from outside the walls.
Prefer not to call? Send us a message
Homeowners can reach us here too about water damage in New Orleans. For immediate danger, call 911.
Treat street flooding as a safety event first
In New Orleans, heavy rain can put water in streets faster than pumps can move it. NOLA Ready posts official instructions during these events. Do not walk or drive through floodwater to check on the house, and do not assume a raised floor stayed dry underneath.
Tell the provider which water you have
A burst supply line, rain through a roof opening and rising street water need different responses and may be treated differently by insurers. When you call, say where the water started, which rooms or spaces are affected, and whether the source is stopped.
Issues to assess in New Orleans
- ✓A supply line, water heater or appliance leaking indoors
- ✓Street flooding rising toward or into the home during extreme rain
- ✓Rain entering through a storm-damaged roof or opening
- ✓Water collecting under a raised house or in a crawlspace
Do this right now
- ✓Stay out of standing water near outlets, appliances or wiring.
- ✓For an indoor leak, close the fixture or main shutoff only if you can reach it from dry ground.
- ✓Photograph where water first appeared and whether it came from inside or outside.
- ✓Follow NOLA Ready guidance during street flooding and arrange source repair and drying separately.
General safety
- ✓Shut off the main water valve if the source is a pipe or fixture.
- ✓Turn off power to affected rooms at the breaker, only if you can reach it from a dry spot.
- ✓Do not use household vacuums to remove water.
- ✓Avoid rooms where ceilings are sagging.
Identify the water source before choosing a provider
In New Orleans, say clearly whether water came from indoor plumbing, a roof opening or rising street flooding. Each needs different work and may be treated differently by insurers. During area flooding, follow NOLA Ready guidance first and never enter standing water to investigate the source.
NOLA Ready: official emergency alerts and guidance ↗Questions before agreeing to repairs
- How will you assess water that may have entered under my raised home?
- What documentation do you need about where the water first appeared?
- How do you separate source repair from drying in your written scope?
Homeowners in New Orleans: reach a local provider now
USA Home Aid is a free homeowner service that puts homeowners in touch with local service providers. All contractors are independent and we do not guarantee work or license status.
Water Damage in New Orleans: FAQ
Who handles the drainage system in New Orleans?+
The Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans operates the city's drainage and sewer systems. Their site is linked below; for life-threatening flooding, call 911.
My raised New Orleans home took water underneath. Is that urgent?+
Yes. Water under a raised house can reach piers, wiring and insulation without showing indoors. Keep power off to affected areas and arrange an assessment of the space below the floor.
Does floodwater vs. a pipe burst matter for insurance?+
Often yes. Flood and sudden pipe damage are commonly treated under different coverage. Ask your insurer directly and keep photos and receipts.
Official New Orleans resources
Sources checked 2026-10-21. These are public-agency resources, not partners or endorsements. Current alerts, service instructions and restrictions can change.
Before wet-material cleanup
Electrical safety, documentation and drying decisions →Water Damage guide
Full water damage emergency guide →Other Louisiana cities
Related help in New Orleans
- Fire & Smoke Damage in New Orleans
- Mold Remediation in New Orleans
- Sewage Cleanup in New Orleans
- Roof & Storm Damage in New Orleans
- Emergency Plumbing in New Orleans
- Flood Cleanup guide
- Basement Waterproofing guide
- Biohazard & Trauma Cleanup guide
- Emergency HVAC guide
- Water Heater Repair guide
- Emergency Electrician guide
- Tree Removal guide
- Tarping & Board-Up guide
Water Damage in New Orleans? Call 24/7.
1-800-XXX-XXXX