Flooded basement cleanup costs depend on how deep and how widespread the water is, where it came from, whether the basement is finished, and how long the drying takes. An unfinished basement with clean water from a burst pipe, pumped out within hours, is the low end. A finished basement, sewage, or water that sat for days costs more. You get the price before work starts: (413) 603-1274.
Price drivers
- Source: burst pipe or water heater (clean), groundwater, or sewer backup (contaminated)
- Depth and area: a puddle by the water heater vs inches across the whole floor
- Finished or not: carpet, drywall, paneling and furniture add removal and drying
- Time: water left for days soaks into walls and framing
- Contents: boxes and furniture to move or dispose of
- The fix: repairing the pipe, valve or water heater that caused it
Who usually pays
- Burst pipe or failed water heater: usually covered by homeowners insurance, minus the deductible
- Sewer backup: only with a backup endorsement. See sewer backup insurance
- Groundwater or river flooding: usually flood insurance or out of pocket
Save money
- Shut the water off fast
- Move boxes and belongings up off the floor
- Start drying the same day
- Keep the basement warm in winter so it dries faster
See flooded basement cleanup and is it safe to walk in a flooded basement.
What it costs to wait
Basements are cool and damp to begin with, so they dry slowly. Water that stands for a day soaks into the bottom of drywall and paneling, the wood sill plates, cardboard boxes and carpet. By the second or third day, those materials usually have to come out, and the musty smell starts. A basement pumped out and drying within hours often keeps its walls. The same basement left for a weekend often loses its finished walls and flooring. When the water is from a burst pipe, shut off the main and call right away, even if you plan to do some of the cleanup yourself.
Equipment that matters in basements
Basement drying usually depends on strong dehumidifiers more than fans, because the air down there is already damp. In winter, keeping the basement warm helps the dehumidifiers work. Closing basement windows and the door to the upstairs keeps the dry air where it is needed.
Don't forget the equipment
A boiler, furnace or water heater that sat in water may need parts replaced before it is safe to run. That cost is separate from the cleanup. See flooded basement boiler or furnace.
Ways to lower the cost before we arrive
- Shut off the main valve or the water heater valve as soon as it is safe
- Lift boxes, furniture and electronics off the floor
- Take photos and video of everything, including the source
- Keep the upstairs door closed so damp air stays in the basement
Each one shortens drying or saves things that would otherwise be thrown out.
Questions
Is it cheaper to do it myself?
For a small, clean spill, yes. For inches of water or a finished basement, incomplete drying often costs more later in mold and rot.
How long does it take?
Pump-out is hours. Drying is usually several days. See water damage cleanup cost.
Basement flooded? Call now
Call (413) 603-1274 now. Locally owned in Chicopee.