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Water Damage Cleanup Service Costs

By Luke Armstrong

After a flood, burst pipe, or roof leak, getting your property restored quickly is a top priority. Removing standing water and drying out your property is key to minimizing water damage and avoiding problems with mold growth later on. Finding a water damage remediation service that works within your budget is just as important. While your homeowners insurance may cover some types of water damage, you will probably end up paying some of the cleanup costs yourself.

Cleaning TipsFactors Affecting Water Damage Remediation Costs

The type of water involved and the size of the affected area determine the cost of a water damage remediation project. Water is divided into three categories:

  • Category 1 is essentially clean water. This type of water usually comes from a burst supply pipe or a faucet left on. This is the least expensive type of water remediation, because it generally does not present serious health and safety concerns.
  • Category 2 is dirty water that is not seriously contaminated, such as water from an overflowing dishwasher or washing machine.
  • Category 3 is water that is dangerously contaminated, such as raw sewage. Remediating a property with this type of water damage is usually more expensive due to the serious health and safety risks involved.

The size of the affected area will also affect the cost of the project. A relatively contained area will be less expensive than an entire house remediation.

Price Range for Water Damage Cleanup

Average price ranges vary depending on the factors involved, but in general you should expect to spend a few hundred dollars to fix water damage from a leaky roof. This type of damage is usually contained to a small area and involves category 1 water with no contaminants. A burst pipe that affects a larger area can cost tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the size of the damaged area and whether the damage was caused by a supply pipe with clean water or a discharge pipe with category 2 or 3 water. According to the National Flood Insurance Program, restoration costs range from $7,800 to $26,000 depending on the depth of the water.

Optional Services

The best way to minimize the cost of water damage cleanup is to start drying the area and your possessions within 24 hours. If standing water remains longer than that, mold will begin to grow which will require additional cleaning services.

Detecting water leaks early allows you to minimize the affected area by shutting off the water supply. A simple water alarm that detects moisture and shuts off the water supply costs between $50 and $150. These devices can save you thousands of dollars by preventing large-scale flooding from a broken appliance or water heater.

Finding a reliable water damage remediation service that you can afford is simple when you use the directory at RestorationMasterFinder.com. Read customer reviews to find the best cleanup service in your area and avoid unreliable or overpriced companies.