Water damage restoration involves removing water from within a building and fixing any damage caused by prolonged exposure. Two separate projects are involved in water damage restoration: first, the water extraction and cleanup, followed by structural repairs to building features, such as the roof, walls, ceiling, and/or flooring.
The average cost of restoring water damage ranges from $2,000 - $5,000, with the average homeowner spending around $3,000 on gray water extraction due to flooded bathroom, including drying and repairs to drywall 1 and ceiling.
Water Damage Restoration costs | |
---|---|
National average cost | $3,000 |
Average range | $2,000-$5,000 |
Minimum cost | $1,000 |
Maximum cost | $8,000 |
Different areas of the home could require water damage restoration. The restoration work in these areas vary along with project cost.
After a storm or natural disaster, the roof may be damaged and require repair to the shingles 2 or flashing 3. Expect to pay an average of $750 to replace shingles on a 500 sq.ft. damaged area of the roof.
Leaky faucets and tubs, or overflowing toilets in second floor bathrooms could leak through the flooring and damage the ceiling below. Ceiling leak repair costs around $250 for a 10’x10’ area of drywall or sheetrock 1.
In the kitchen, water damage could mean flooring and wall damage. Drywall costs around $50-$60 per drywall 1 sheet replaced, while plaster wall damage repairs averages $250 for a 4 sq. ft. area. Vinyl or linoleum 4 floor replacement can cost around $1,000 for 200 sq.ft.
Laundry rooms may need replacement of a washer and dryer if the electrical systems were damaged. For a standard washer and dryer, you will pay around $1,000 to $3,000 for the set.
Mold remediation is a common type of service needed when water damage has occured in the basement or crawl space. To have a professional remove mold from the basement or crawl space, you will pay around $1,500 on average. Plumbing issues, such as a water main break, may also need to be repaired and cost you around $800.
Along with ceiling leak repairs and flooring repairs, other rooms of the home may need new windows and doors depending on how the damage occured. For instance, storms can cause windows and doors to fail or break. Window replacement averages $650-$1,500, while door replacement averages at least $500.
Water damage costs are affected by the type of water found in the flood. The three types include clean, gray, and black.
Category | Characteristics | Prices for Cleanup |
---|---|---|
Clean Water | Has no chemicals or fecal matter Structural issues from exposure occur | $4.00 per sq.ft. |
Gray Water | May contain a small amount of contaminants but no fecal matter Human health issues occur if ingested Structural damage possible | $4.75 per sq.ft. |
Black Water | Wastewater contaminated with toxins or human pathogens Sewer backups and toilets are sources of black water Serious illness can occur after exposure Structural damage is also possible | $7.25 per sq.ft. |
Water damage repair experts will usually classify the types of damage into one of four classes. The magnitude of the job determines what class it falls into.
In most cases, labor charges are determined by the size of the affected area. Water cleanup crews assess the area and calculate cleanup efforts based on square footage. Costs for clean water and gray water cleanup are the lowest, between $4 and $4.75 per square foot 5. Black water cleanup jobs will be the most costly at $7.25, on average, per square foot 5. For a 300 sq.ft. room, expect to pay between $1,500 and $2,500. If the company charges an hourly rate for water damage restoration services, the charge is around $75 per hour. Special circumstances, such as debris removal, increase the average labor rate with surcharges of $200 or more.
Not all water damage is immediately evident. Although you may notice damage after a severe storm, some types of moisture issues occur over the course of several months. Noting any signs of water damage early on is vital for diminishing the permanent effects. The longer a structure is exposed to moisture, the more widespread the damage becomes. The following are the most significant signs of water damage:
Knowing the potential causes of water damage helps you make the right decision about what remediation services and products are required.
Different types of cost factors greatly play into how much any water damage repairs in your home will cost.
The size and location of the water damage is a determinant of how much you will pay for restoration services. For instance, a small area that requires water cleanup, like a 150 square foot 5 area, may only cost $500. Alternately, flooded basement cleanup costs can be upwards of $6,000 if black water needs to be removed.
The source of water is another factor influencing how much you can expect to pay for water restoration services. Three types of water are involved in floods: clean, gray, and black. Gray water is also called sullage and comes from sources like bathtubs, sinks, and washing machines. Black water has been contaminated with fecal matter. Clean water costs around $4 per square foot 5 to clean up, while gray water costs an average $4.75 per square foot 5, and black water is the most expensive at $7.25 per square foot 5.
The type of water damage plays a factor into how much you’ll pay for water damage repairs. Replacing drywall 1 is typically one of the least expensive of repair projects for water damage, with an average cost of $1,500. Projects like hardwood floor replacement are much more expensive with costs in excess of $4,000. More expensive materials will reflect a higher price tag. For instance, vinyl flooring replacements are less costly than hardwood floor replacements. Carpet prices vary based on the type of carpet and padding 8 selected for replacement.
The amount of water requiring extraction is another cost factor in water damage restoration services. A couple of inches of water may cost around $1,000 for extraction and drying, while two feet of water needing extraction and drying is likely to cost at least $2,500.
Water damage repair projects are subject to surcharges. If accessibility is an issue, extra equipment may be needed to reach the areas in need of water cleanup and damage repairs. Labor costs could increase by a minimum of $200 for safety equipment rental.
First and foremost, in the event of an emergency flooding situation, power should be turned off immediately. This prevents any type of electrical fire from occurring.
To limit damage to personal belongings, remove any items that can be relocated. This could include personal effects such as clothing and accessories, as well as rugs, draperies, and soft furnishings. Depending on the extent of the damage, some items may need to be disposed of instead of being returned once water damage restoration services are complete. Any furniture that can’t be removed should be wiped down.
Remove any wall hangings, like photographs, if an area has sustained water damage. Keep them in a safe, dry place until they can be returned to the walls. Wipe down the walls, too, to alleviate excess moisture.
Open all windows in the room to assist with the drying process. If there are cabinets in the room, they should be left open, too. Avoid shutting the door to the impacted area since you don’t want to promote mold growth.
Water damage is a two-fold threat—dangerous to both the physical home and residents’ health. It is critical to limit exposure, especially if gray water or black water is involved.
Threats to a home from water damage may involve structural damage. Drywall 1 becomes brittle and causes underlying structural issues. Ruined flooring and walls are another problem for the home. Wood floors warp, wet carpets are prone to mold, and walls start to soften.
Corroded pipes are a common occurrence after prolonged exposure to flood water. The corrosion makes them more likely to leak or crack. Also, water damage in electrical systems is costly to fix. Appliances and fuses may not work properly after water exposure. In the worst cases, electrical fires could occur.
Erosion to concrete and brick within a home is possible due to prolonged water exposure and requires masonry work to repair. Permanent staining on walls and floors is another potential effect of water damage. Walls and flooring may need replacement or refinishing depending on the extent of damage. Musty odors can linger in a home where leaks or flooding have happened and this could be indicative of excess mold and mildew growth.
Threats to health may occur from high humidity levels 9 in the home. Due to mold exposure after water damage, respiratory issues may develop in household members. This is often due to common allergies and can also cause eye and skin irritation.
One of the signs of water damage threatening your health is if you or members of your family start sneezing and coughing with no other known cause. Chronic headaches could also be caused by mold growth in the home due to long-term exposure.
Standing water is a breeding ground for viruses and bacteria that could impact human health. Parasites are another concern if standing water is left for a prolonged period of time. Bugs like mosquitoes are attracted to standing water and lay their eggs around the area.
Skin irritation could occur if you’re exposed to water from a flooding situation. This is especially true for gray and black water. Although black water is the most dangerous to human health due to the presence of fecal matter, gray water could have chemicals in it that cause breathing problems or allergy symptoms.
All professionals follow a dedicated step-by-step procedure for water damage restoration:
During the assessment phase of water damage repair, professionals will let you know what parts of the room need to be either repaired or replaced completely. Ceiling and walls are most likely repaired instead of replaced altogether. Insulation, however, traps water and produces mold spores and is often replaced before the walls are repaired. Flooring is usually replaced, including installing new carpets and hardwood flooring. Any type of electrical system is never repaired and for safety reasons is replaced completely. Wall and ceiling leak repair costs may start at $200, while electrical rewiring can be as much as $8,000.
Preventing water from collecting where it doesn’t belong is, of course, the first step in ensuring your home is protected from water damage in the first place. Inspect your home and yard to note any issues with drainage systems and remedy them early on. In the yard, extend downspouts and improve yard grading 9 if you have concerns about water collecting around your home’s foundation. Keep gutters and downspouts clear of debris and make sure sump pumps 12 empty out far enough away from your home. If you don’t have a sump pump installed, arrange to have one put in.
On a monthly basis, routinely inspect appliances and all plumbing fixtures. Confirm hoses are secured with no drips. Hoses and faucets should also not be actively leaking. Check the sealing around tubs and showers and caulk 13 as needed. Look at the pipes under the sinks and in your basement to note any issues like corrosion.
Water back-up valves and water leak detectors 14 are useful devices for preventing serious leaks from occurring. Automatic water shut off valves should also be installed and fully operational in the home.
Schedule a roof inspection annually or after any significant storm. The inspectors could check for potential issues such as cracked or missing shingles 2.
The best thing that can be done to prevent mold after water damage is make sure all the affected surfaces are clean and dry. Bacteria and mold often grow when there is a wet environment, so you’ll want to make sure that you remove or replace rugs and carpets after water damage has occurred. Finally, take into consideration that not replacing materials that are severely damaged will not make you save money but can be the source of further damage, such as mold.
Water damage is one of the main causes of mold growing on the walls and ceilings of a house. Any sign of excessive moisture, musty odors or mold should be tackled as soon as possible to prevent further complications that may cause health issues and serious damage to the house. Mold inspections are often useful to detect any type of mold growing in your home, especially those that might impact your health negatively.
Waterproofing your home allows you to remain proactive about preventing water damage. If your basement is prone to flooding or you notice condensation on the walls or windows, then consider basement and foundation waterproofing services with costs between $3,000 and $5,000.
Water leak detection systems prevent serious water damage issues from occurring. The system actively monitors plumbing systems and uses sensors 14 to sound an alarm if issues such as ceiling leaks arise. The system also includes shut-off valves to stop leaks immediately. These systems cost an average of $1,000 and are installed by a licensed plumber.
Washing machine hoses are now available constructed from materials like stainless steel to prevent bursting. A pair of stainless steel hoses costs around $50 installed.
If any important papers were damaged during the flood, document drying is a type of service you may need. With document drying, freeze drying techniques are used. The service is costly, with an average price of $75 per cubic foot 5 of paper products. The technicians calculate the cubic feet of the damaged documents to provide a restoration estimate.
Air scrubbers are a type of mold remediation tool used to purify the air. Air scrubbers remove impurities from the air including mold spores that may be lingering due to water damage. To install an air scrubber through a HVAC specialist, expect to pay around $1,500.
Water damage cleanup and repairs are done in phases. At a minimum, water extraction and drying efforts will take at least three days to complete.
Homeowners can expect to pay around $3,000 for mid-range water damage restoration services.
Professionals follow a strict timeline to restore water damage. The process always starts with an inspection and assessment before water extraction starts. The area is then dried with excess humidity removed from the air. Once completely dried, any structural repairs can be scheduled.
Home insurance may cover water damage, but always check with your provider before filing a claim. For instance, you may need flood insurance if the damage occured due to a flood.
Water damage may take months to show up if there’s a slow leak in the home. Post-storm damage may be visible immediately.
Flooded basement cleanup costs an average of $1,000 if it was exposed to clean water, while gray water extraction and cleanup costs around $3,000.
Drywall repairs cost an average of $1.50 per square foot 5.
Routinely inspecting the pipes, as well as faucets, in your home is helpful in narrowing down the source of the leak. You could also follow the sound of dripping or running water.
Cost to restore water damage varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.