How Much Does a Flooded Basement Cleanup Cost?

Average Basement Flood Cleanup Cost

Basement Water Removal Cost by Basement Size

Basement flood cleanup costs between $3 and $7.50 per square foot on average, so generally, the larger your basement is, the more your basement water damage repair costs will be. 

Here’s what you can expect to pay based on the approximate size of your basement:

Basement Flood Cleanup Cost by Category

Many insurance companies allow claims to be filed based on three different tiers of water damage. This categorization must be completed by a licensed professional. The costs below reflect prices for cleaning only. The cost to repair water damage is additional, usually costing between $1,300 and $5,500 or more.

Category 1: Clean Water

This category type is the easiest to dry and clean out, making it the least expensive at around $3 to $4 per square foot of damage. Category 1 is the least significant category of water damage, meaning the water isn’t contaminated with chemicals or sewage. 

Category 2: Grey Water

Grey water costs anywhere from $4 to $6.50 per square foot to clean. Grey water is water that has been contaminated, likely from items like overflowing appliances or toilets. While not as damaging as black water, it’s still dangerous to handle and should be cleaned up as quickly as possible. 

Category 3: Black Water

Black water is the most significant category of water damage, costing between $7 and $7.50 per square foot to clean. Black water is often contaminated with sewage and other harmful contaminants and comes from rivers, lakes, or contaminated groundwater as a result of a storm. Keep in mind that the cost to remodel a basement is around $12,160 to $33,290.

Basement Flooding Repair Cost by Type of Damage

There are various parts of the basement that need to be cleaned following a flood, and the cost to repair a flooded basement varies. For example, if you experienced a relatively small flood that only impacted a portion of your carpet, cleaning the carpet is much easier and less costly than repairing or replacing a portion of your drywall or foundation.

Carpet Cleanup

Professional carpet cleaning costs around $0.20 to $0.40 per square foot, although some companies charge a flat rate per room. If the floodwaters damage the carpet, carpet replacement costs between $800 and $2,800, depending on how much carpet you need.

Wood Flooring Damage

Hardwood floors are easy to clean yourself using a hardwood-specific floor cleaning solution. However, if the wood is warped or too damaged to use, you may need to replace it. Hardwood floor replacement costs between $6 and $12 per square foot or $2,500 to $6,800.

Electrical Damage

Hiring an electrician typically costs $50 to $100 per hour, although you may be charged an additional fee for the pro to inspect the damage and give you a scope of work. On top of the labor cost, you’ll also have to pay for the repair, depending on what needs fixing.  

Damaged Water Heater or Furnace

It costs between $800 and $1,700 to replace a broken water heater and between $2,800 and $6,800 to replace a furnace. Check with your insurance company before purchasing a new water heater or furnace because your policy may cover these items.

Mold or Mildew Removal

Basement mold or mildew removal costs between $500 and $3,000, or around $10 to $25 per square foot. The type of mold and quantity have the greatest impact on the overall cost of the job. Before entering any space where mold may be present, wear personal protective equipment like an N95 mask, gloves, and goggles.

Leak in the Basement

The cost to hire a basement leak repair service near you varies greatly depending on the problem. If it’s just a crack, that can be filled for as little as $250. On the other hand, wall or floor leaks can cost as much as $800 to repair. If your basement is prone to leaking, you may want to consider the cost of waterproofing a basement to avoid future flooding.

Drywall Damage

The typical cost to repair drywall ranges between $300 and $900, though the amount of drywall that needs to be repaired will cause the price to fluctuate. Hiring a handyperson to make the repairs will cost close to $50 to $75 per square foot. However, if you do the job yourself, you’ll pay just $45 for the materials if you need one piece of drywall.

Foundation Issues

Fixing a foundation is one of the most costly repairs if the floodwaters cause this damage type. The average foundation repair cost is $2,200 to $7,800. However, this is another water damage issue to discuss with your insurance provider, as it may be covered by your policy.

DIY Basement Flood Cleanup vs. Hiring a Pro

While you can perform some tasks yourself, the safest and most effective way to handle basement flood cleanup and repair is to hire a professional water damage restoration service near you. These pros will take action immediately to prevent as much damage as possible and help you get your basement in usable shape again.

If the flood was minimal and you want to save money, you can rent a wet/dry vacuum for about $150 per day or buy one for around $250. This will help you remove water from the carpet and other floorings. However, if your whole basement is covered in more than 1 inch of water, you’ll likely want professional help to pump it out.

Before starting any cleanup yourself, you’ll also want to ensure you’re wearing protective gear while you work, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Mold exposure can harm your health, so the EPA recommends wearing goggles, protective gloves, and an N95 respirator mask. Also, whether you DIY or hire a pro, always open all the windows to help air out the space and turn off the power to avoid electrocution.