- The average water damage repair bill is $3,272, but it often varies between $1,000 and $5,000.
- Water damage is extremely bad for your home (and potentially your health), so you should not procrastinate if you’re dealing with water damage.
- Cleanup alone can cost between $3.75 and $7.00 per square foot, which doesn’t even include any potential repair work needed afterwards.
Water damage in your home is a serious issue. When it’s a burst pipe, weather-related flood, or faulty appliance, you need to deal with it promptly. Unchecked water damage can cause further problems with your floors, walls, and even your home’s foundation. Search online for the best ways to prevent water damage from impacting your house.
The average cost to repair water damage in your house depends on many things — the area affected and exactly how much water you’re dealing with. While some old towels and a shop vacuum might work for small spills, serious water damage requires professional help. Otherwise you may find yourself with major structural damage or dangerous mold growth. An online search for water damage experts in your area is the best place to start.
The Average Cost of Water Damage
The average cost to fix water damage in your house depends on a few factors. Those factors include what caused it, how much damage there is, and whether you’re calling in a contractor or doing it yourself. A plumber can charge between $5 and $15 per square foot to remove water damage—though these charges may fluctuate based on which area of your home is affected. It costs between $1,000 and $10,000 to hire professionals to fix water damage in your house.
Factors That Affect the Cost
One of the best ways to predict water damage repair costs is by taking an inventory of the damage. That said, there are a number of factors that will have an effect on the final price tag. For example, the time it takes for your home to dry out —whether due to humidity or cold temperatures — will affect your bill.
Moreover, even if you aren’t directly responsible for causing your water damage, you might still be on the hook for paying part of it. If you live in a condo or apartment building and share walls with other units, you could be responsible for covering some of those repairs. In addition to things like carpets and flooring materials (carpet removal can cost between $5 and $10 per square foot). Mold remediation can run up to $5 per square foot.
DIY Water Damage Repairs
If you don’t have time to wait for a professional or if you are worried about how much it might cost, there are some simple water damage repairs that you can do yourself. If your damage isn’t overwhelming, you can dry it up yourself with old towels, a shop vac, and a broom or squeegee. Once it’s dry, anyone with a bit of handiness can replace drywall sheets or drop ceiling tiles.
If your home has suffered significant water damage, though, call in a professional as soon as possible. The longer you leave water damage unattended, the worse the problem can get. Mold and other contaminants like sewage, toxic chemicals, and broken gas lines, are among the possible new hazards. So while DIY methods can be effective in some cases (like replacing a leaky faucet), they aren’t always practical.
Don’t Procrastinate Fixing Your Water Damage
Having water damage in your home is an expensive problem, both financially and emotionally. This type of damage is usually caused by faulty household appliances, like a leaky dishwasher or toilet. However, it can happen due to outside conditions, like heavy rain or a burst pipe.
Even minor issues can cause permanent damage if not resolved immediately. No matter what caused your home’s water issue, you need to fix it fast because mold will start growing within 48 hours.
Check Your Insurance Coverage
Some homeowner insurance policies cover water damage. When in doubt, call your agent and get clarification. They should be able to tell you if you’re covered or not — and what your deductible amount is, if applicable.
If you have coverage for a water-related incident, file a claim right away. That way you won’t be out of pocket for the repairs (at least, not for very long). This will also speed up recovery time; contractors won’t be clamoring for payment while they wait for their checks from you.
Hire a Professional
Your insurance company may not cover your costs if you do everything yourself. It might seem like saving money, but it can be dangerous if you don’t know exactly what you’re doing. It can actually cost more in the long run.
You’ll probably save both time and money by hiring a professional with water damage restoration experience to help you clean up water in your home. Your insurance will also cover some of these costs, which means that hiring a professional is a win-win situation for you.
The Bottom Line
The costs of repairing water damage vary based on a number of factors, such as the extent of the damage. In general you can expect the average water-damage repair cost to fall within the $3,000 to $10,000 range. Obviously, there are outliers for severe damage or smaller plumbing leaks.
If you’re looking for help with your home or business after it has been damaged by water, start by searching online for qualified professionals in your area. The best advice is to call a few places and ask for a detailed quote. Just don’t take too long to decide. That water damage isn’t going to fix itself while you compare the offers, and mold (and other nasty byproducts) will start spreading quickly.
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