Water Damage Repair and Cleanup Costs
Water damage is the one household disaster that can cause significant damage. Water’s problem is that it can spread and penetrate various materials, making effective water management difficult, time-consuming, and expensive. The problem is that water damage in your home, whether precipitated by a burst pipe, bad weather, or a leaky water heater, can lead to a variety of structural issues if not properly addressed.
According to Home Advisor, the average cost of water damage repairs for homeowners in 2021 is between $2,582 and o $7,590. Costs vary depending on the factors listed below.
What is Water Damage Restoration?
Water damage restoration entails extracting water from a structure and repairing any damage due to prolonged exposure. Water damage restoration entails two separate projects: first, water extraction and cleanup, accompanied by structural repairs to building elements such as the ceiling, roof, walls, and flooring.
What factors influence the cost of water damage restoration?
How much you will pay for restoration services is determined by the size and location of the water damage. For example, a small area requiring water cleanup, such as a 150 square foot 5 area, may only cost $500. Alternatively, if black water needs to be removed, flooded basement cleanup costs can reach $6,000 or more.
A roof repair costs around $1,000 on average. It is best to leave the diagnosis of a leaking roof to the professionals. Improperly trying to repair or trying to install a roof can lead to additional problems. A professional inspection may be required by an insurance company at times.
Burst pipes are one of the most common and easily avoidable causes of water damage, with repairs ranging from $1,000 to $4,000. Clogs and freezing are the most common causes of burst pipes. Prevent damage by hiring a local plumber to perform annual inspections. Routine checks and maintenance are a low-cost preventative measure. The cost of installing new plumbing ranges between $350 and $2,000.
The average cost of drying out a home after a ‘clean water’ leak ranges from $2,000 – $5,000, while the cost of drying out a house after a more serious leak that has permeated walls and flooring is around $7,500. A specific chart system is used to rank and classify water damage. The following describes how water damage is classified:
Category 1 Clean Water
Occurs when the water appears from a sanitary water source that is safe for human consumption. This water is not harmful to human health; contributors include sprinkler systems, broken water supply lines, and natural sources such as rainwater.
Price for Cleanup: $4 per sq.ft.
Category 2 Gray Water
This level of water damage occurs when the water has been substantially contaminated and poses a risk of illness to those who come into contact with it. This type of water damage incorporates urine, detergents, and other potentially hazardous substances. This is referred to as ‘gray water.’
Price for Cleanup: $4.75 per sq.ft.
Category 3 Black Water
When water is ‘grossly contaminated,’ it contains both hazardous pathological and toxigenic agents. This is referred to as ‘black water,’ and raw sewage is the most frequent source of this type of contamination.
Price for Cleanup: $7.25 per sq.ft.
Water Damage Costs by Class
These categories are further subdivided into classes, which determine how intrusive the water has been to the area exposed to it.
In Class 1, a small amount of water has covered low porosity materials. This type of water damage requires only a small amount of evaporation after the water has been removed. A burst water pipe onto a sealed concrete floor, for example, would be an example.
An example would be a $100 to $175 overflowing toilet in the bathroom.
In Class 2, more water has been expelled and the exposed materials have a high porosity. This means there is much more absorption into the materials of the house, and the flood damage process takes longer because not only does the water need to be removed, but there is also a longer drying time.
This could be replacing an entire kitchen due to a compromised wooden floor joist system, which could cost $250 to $350.
In Class 3, a large amount of water is absorbed by a highly porous material, necessitating the highest rate of evaporation possible to ensure the success of the water restoration process.
A storm-caused leak, for example, can cost up to $1,000 to repair.
In Class 4, water penetrates and becomes trapped by building materials, the restoration process becomes extremely difficult, expensive, and time-consuming.
A storm water flooding of a wood home, for example, falls into this category, with costs ranging from $2,500 to $5,000.
What are the risks associated with water damage?
While a burst water pipe or a residential flood caused by bad weather may appear to be a minor inconvenience with nothing to worry about, this is not the case. In addition to causing water damage in the area where the flooding occurred, there is a possibility that other, more serious problems will arise as a result of the flooding. Do you want to know what these issues are and why they are so important?
Water damage can cause the following problems:
- An electrical fire caused by water coming into contact with electrical outlets or sources.
- Mold or mildew growth on hard and soft surfaces in your home.
- Wood rot caused by water absorption.
- Seeping water causes water staining.
- The spread of pathogen-infested water, such as raw sewage.
- Stuck-water odors, mold, and mildew odors
These types of issues are far more difficult to manage and treat than flooding, which is why it is critical that water leaks are addressed as soon as possible to help reduce risks and protect these issues from occurring and causing additional problems and costs.
Cost of Restoration
It may appear that if you are unfortunate enough to have water damage, there is little you can do about the cost. But actually, you can take immediate steps to reduce damage, which should result in lower repair costs.
While most water restoration professionals have a set cost per square foot for dealing with water damage, there are a number of other factors that can affect the cost of having water restoration performed on your home.
Do you want to avoid having to pay a lot of money for cleaning and repairs?
Preventative maintenance and quick cleanup after damage are critical for keeping costs low. The length of time moisture remains untreated increases the scope of the damage and allows mold to grow. Preventing serious damage by contacting professionals to identify causes and perform minor repairs can save cash in the long run. Always document the damage for insurance claims, regardless of the cause or cost.
Reduce costs by addressing the source of the water damage as soon as possible. Turn off all water sources and power in the affected area. Remove any throw rugs and moveable furniture from the room. Mop up or bail out any excess water. Open cabinet doors to allow for faster drying. Wet drapes should be removed. Open the windows in the surrounding area.
Most significantly, contact restoration professionals as soon as possible. The quicker they arrive to begin the drying and restoration process, the less damage you will sustain. And when you have less damage, you have to pay less.
