Did you know that 14.6 million U.S. properties are at risk of flooding? What’s more, six million aren’t on Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) maps.
So, there’s a possibility your home may be one of those “unlisted” millions.
Unfortunately, FEMA also says that one inch of water is enough to wreak $25,000 of flood damage. And that doesn’t even include the cost of basement flooding repair.
How much can you expect to pay if you experience basement flooding and water damage then?
We’ll explain what you need to know in detail below, so read on.
Average Cost of Flooded Basement Cleanup
Cleaning up a flooded basement can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000. As you can imagine, the more water there is, the more expensive the cleanup can get. However, you can expect to shell out less (about $2,000) if only a few inches of water has submerged your basement.
Factors Influencing Basement Flooding Repair Costs
The depth of the floodwater often dictates the cost of basement water removal. After all, the deeper the water, the more time you need to extract it out of your home. In addition, you might have to use several water-pumping machines to remove all the fluids in the room.
Aside from water depth, the following factors can also influence your repair costs.
Type of Flood Water
There are three types of flood water: clean water, gray water, and black water.
Water damage restoration for clean water often costs the least. One reason is that it’s safe for human use; thus, it doesn’t pose any additional health threat. Water from a burst supply pipe is one example.
On the other hand, gray water is murky water that may result from a plumbing backup. Overflowing sinks, dishwashers, or washing machines are some examples of gray water sources. It can cost more to clean up than clean water as it might contain germs.
Finally, we have black water, which costs the most to clean up as it contains pathogens. A perfect example is a sewer backup or stormwater mixed with sewage. Note that a milliliter of wastewater alone can harbor millions of harmful bacteria.
Presence of Molds
You can also expect to pay more if the flooding has prompted mold growth. That can happen quickly, as molds take only one to two days to colonize on damp surfaces.
Mold cleanup requires specialized equipment, such as negative air machines or air dryers. That alone can raise the costs of removing and cleaning them up.
Damaged Basement Materials
Hopefully, your basement has waterproof floors and walls. If so, they may only need cleaning and disinfecting. That can cost less than what you’d pay if they’re not waterproof or if they’re porous.
For instance, if you have carpeted basement floors and walls, you can expect to pay more for their cleanup. Worse, you might even have to get them removed and thrown away. That may be the case in situations involving gray or black water.
Never Delay Necessary Basement Flooding Repair
As you can see, basement flooding repair can set you back thousands of dollars. As a result, you might feel tempted to delay addressing the problem, which you should never do. Otherwise, your home can quickly turn into a foul-smelling, hazardous environment.
Besides, some reliable water damage restoration companies offer financing options. They can make it easier for you to get the repairs you need ASAP.
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