While it may seem that all water damage is created equally, that isn’t the case. In fact, there are three categories of water damage. Below, we’ll break down each category, and explain the water damage repair costs for each.
Category 1: Clean Water
Clean water is defined as water that has not come into contact with chemicals or biohazardous materials (like fecal matter). Damage from clean water occurs most often as a result of a leaky faucet, toilet tank or water heater, and the water damage repair costs for clean water damage is typically around $3 to $4 per square foot.
The major task when it comes to cleaning up after a clean water leak is simply drying, which is why the cost is lower than other categories of water damage. However, clean water damage can still be extensive, which can increase the price of clean up. For instance, if your carpet has been affected, you can expect to pay between $1 and $11 per square foot to dry it. Damage to drywall? That can cost between $1 and $3 per square foot to repair or replace.
Category 2: Gray Water
Gray water is water that has come into contact with potentially harmful substances, like laundry detergent or food particles (such as from a dishwasher leak). Because of the increased risk of contamination associated with gray water, the water damage restoration cost is slightly higher, at $4 to $7 per square foot.
As with clean water damage, you may have to pay more to repair other damage related to the water’s presence in your home. To replace hardwood flooring, you’ll pay between $10 to $15 per square foot, and drywall damage costs $1 to $3 per square foot.
Gray water leaks often occur as a result of overflowing or improperly closed appliances, or toilet leaks/overflows where the water was exposed to urine or cleaning solutions.
Category 3: Black Water
By far the worst type of water damage to occur in a home, black water, is water that has been exposed to a known contaminant, most often sewage or groundwater. The average cost of water damage restoration for black water is between $7 and $7.50 per square foot.
But that’s just the beginning. As black water is contaminated with bacteria and can pose serious health risks, anything that the water comes in contact with must be replaced. This can include drywall, furniture, flooring, carpeting and even clothing or other furnishings. It’s impossible to estimate the total costs associated with black water damage for this reason.
www.forbes.com
https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/home/water-damage-restoration-cost/
