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Types of Water Damage
7/2/2018 (Permalink)
Types of Water Damage and Common Causes
Type depends on the source and extent to which it has affected the home. Sources can range from clean water from a burst pipe to black water from sewage backup. Cleanup ranges from $3.75 to $7.00 per square foot. Repairs range from $450 to $7,000. Again, these vary widely depending on the source and extent of damage, whether it's a flooded basement, leaky toilet, or damaged roof.Though a competent DIY homeowner may be able to clean up and repair some damage, it's important to have a professional assess it first to determine the extent and any underlying conditions. Missing even a small amount ? or its causes ? can lead to costlier repairs later. Even small quantities of moisture may result in mold growth. Plus, undiagnosed causes will lead to recurrences. For instance, fixing a damaged ceiling but not the leaky roof that caused it will only lead to another wrecked ceiling.Ceiling and Roof - $800
Nationally, the average cost to repair a roof is about $800. Diagnosing a leaky roof is best left to professionals. Improperly repairing or installing a roof can lead to more issues. Sometimes, an insurance company may require a professional inspection. The most common causes of leaky roofs are:- Missing shingles ? that often come off due to high winds.
- Damaged flashing ? around pipes, chimneys, skylights, and in valleys.
- Ice dams ? snow melts and refreezes building dams on the roof, causing standing water.
- Roofs with low slopes and inadequate runoff.
Basement Damage and Flooding -$1,500
Moisture damage in your basement happens for a wide range of reasons including flooding, drainage issues, clogged gutters, burst pipes, and sewage backups. Repair costs vary widely depending on the cause and extent of the destruction.For instance, it will be less expensive to restore a basement with an inch of clean water from a burst pipe than to tackle a fix caused by three feet of sewage backup. An inch of clean water would start at around $500 to $1500 to pump out and thoroughly dry it. However, the price of basement drainage repairs can increase up to $10,000 or more depending on the size of the space and the extent of the damage. Budget more when your space has been hit from contaminated sources, like a river flood.Drywall - $500
Drywall repair cost about $500 on average with a typical range of $250 - $750, but can cost much more or less depending on the destruction. It is used in most modern homes and is found in almost all finished areas of a house, including bathrooms. When it becomes wet, it typically needs to be replaced. Not only is the drywall itself ruined, but the wet paper backer of the drywall becomes an excellent environment for mold growth.Floors and Hardwood -$350
Flooring repairs typically range between $200 to $500. The type of flooring and the length of time water sits affects the costs of removal and repair. Some types of flooring are more permeable than others. For example, laminates and carpet soak up liquids and degrade the subfloor quickly, whereas hardwood can sit underwater for short periods with little damage. Most tile products are either impervious to liquids or can be cleaned and dried with little or no damage, though the area may need grout work.Broken or Leaky Bathroom Fixtures -$3,000
A leaky faucet, cracked bathtub, or failing toilet can easily become a much larger and costlier problem. A 120-square foot bathroom can cost as much as $3,000 to clean up and repair. Homeowners spend an average of about $300 when hiring a plumbers, but can save thousands in future expenses. More importantly, homeowners insurance typically does not cover damage due to ignored maintenance issues.Burst Pipes and Leaky Plumbing - $1,000
Among the most common and most preventable causes of water damage are burst pipes. Burst pipes typically happen because of clogs and freezing. Prevent the damage by finding a family plumber to do annual inspections. Regular inspections and maintenance are a cost-effective, preventative measure. Installing new plumbing typically runs between $350 to $2,000.Natural Causes
Hurricanes and river flooding are common natural causes, as are high water tables and improperly graded ground. Installing a sump pump and water alarm are sensible preventions in areas with high water tables. The sump pump will pump water from under the foundation to drain it away from the home and averages about $1,200 to install. The sump pump itself will cost between $50 to $400. Also, ground that slopes towards the basement of the home can lead to leakage in the basement and increased stress on sewage.Category and Class of Water Damage
Each incident of damage falls into a category and a class. Category determines the source and how clean it is. Classification determines the severity of the damage itself. Only a licensed professional can categorize and classify water damage. These factors primarily determine the cost of cleanup and removal of damage to a home.Even a competent Dryer should have a qualified professional assess the damage first ? making sure no part of the cleanup is missed. Before doing anything, check with your insurance company ? they may require a licensed assessment. Don't wait. As soon as you detect any damage, call a professional. With time, each class and category quickly degrades into something worse.Removing any moisture and cleaning up (not necessarily repairs) are key to keeping your budget to a minimum. Water damage remediation and repair services can save up to 40% if done quickly.Category 1: Clean Water - $3.75 sq. ft.
This type poses no threat to health. However, it can degrade to a Category 2 if not dealt with quickly. It often comes from drinking sources, such as:- Leaky faucets ? also the pipes and fittings under the sink, which can go unnoticed for long periods of time.
- Leaky toilet tanks ? without cleaning agents like bleach or bromine pucks.
- Rain and sprinklers ? coming through an open window or leaky roof.
- Burst pipes ? though this often leads to a higher-class due to the amount of water.
- Water Heaters ? The average heater lasts 8 to 12 years.
Category 2: Grey Water - $4.50 sq. ft.
This type of floodwater poses some health threat. It may contain harmful contaminants such as detergents which may cause minor illness. If not treated, it can quickly degrade to a serious threat due to the growth of mold and bacteria.Common causes of grey water flooding:- Overflowing dishwashers and washing machines ? Contains soaps and detergents. Special care should be taken to remove staining or bleaching detergents from carpets.
- Toilets containing urine or cleaning agents. ? this does not include sewage backup or feces.
Category 3: Black Water - $7.00 sq. ft.
This category contains contaminants that will cause serious health issues and possibly death. Only professionals should handle most large-scale black water accidents such as flooding. Some cleanup, like a backed-up toilet, can be handled by competent homeowners. This type of cleanup and repair is usually the most expensive, often requiring specialized equipment used by qualified mold and chemical remediation crews. It will often require replacement ? not cleaning ? of the affected home materials.Common causes of black water flooding:- Sewage backups ? from drains and septic systems.
- Flooding ? usually from overflowing rivers or lakes, or from contaminated groundwater.
- Storm surges ? often causing secondary flooding from streams and groundwater.