How much does flooded basement cleanup cost?
How much does flooded basement cleanup cost?
$4 – $12 cost per square foot (water extraction, drying, & sanitizing)
$1,600 – $12,000+ average total cost (excluding repairs)
Average flooded basement cleanup cost
Flooded basement cleanup costs $4 to $12 per square foot on average to remove the water and dry and sanitize the space, depending on the water contamination level. The total cost of basement flood cleanup can range anywhere from $1,600 to remove fresh water from a small area to $12,000 or more to extract hazardous contaminated water from a larger basement.
| Basement size (square feet) | Clean water cleanup cost* | Gray water cleanup cost* | Black water cleanup cost* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 400 | $1,600 – $2,400 | $2,400 – $3,600 | $3,600 – $4,800+ |
| 500 | $2,000 – $3,000 | $3,000 – $4,500 | $4,500 – $6,000+ |
| 600 | $2,400 – $3,600 | $3,600 – $5,400 | $5,400 – $7,200+ |
| 800 | $3,200 – $4,800 | $4,800 – $7,200 | $7,200 – $9,600+ |
| 1,000 | $4,000 – $6,000 | $6,000 – $9,000 | $9,000 – $12,000+ |
*Not including major repairs or restoration
Basement flood cleanup cost factors
Several factors determine your total cleanup cost, including:
Basement size and layout: Larger basements require more time and resources to dry, clean, and restore, with most companies charging per square foot. Complex layouts with multiple rooms, finished areas, or difficult access points increase labor time and equipment needs.
Water depth: The amount of standing water directly affects the extraction costs and damage severity. Deeper water increases structural damage and material absorption. Higher water levels also mean longer drying times and greater risk of mold development. Every additional inch of water extends the restoration timeline and associated costs.
Time elapsed before cleanup: Water continues spreading and penetrating materials every hour it remains. What might have been a simple cleanup can quickly escalate into a major restoration project if water sits too long. Delayed cleanup also increases the mold risk, which requires specialized remediation services that can add thousands to your bill.
Insurance coverage: Standard homeowners insurance often covers sudden water damage from burst pipes but excludes gradual leaks or external flooding. Flood insurance through FEMA covers natural disaster flooding but has specific requirements and waiting periods. Review your policy details now, before you need them.
Begin cleanup within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth and minimize damage.
Water type
The type of water you're cleaning up significantly impacts the cost of water damage restoration. The table below shows the average cost for water extraction based on the water category.
| Category | Average cost per square foot | Contamination level | Water source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category 1: Clean water | $4 – $6 | Minimal (no health risk) |
Clean and sanitary source such as a broken water line, faucet, or rainwater leak |
| Category 2: Gray water (Sullage) | $6 – $9 | Some contaminants (mild health risk) | Comes from an overflowing dishwasher or washing machine |
| Category 3: Black water | $9 – $12 | Hazardous (serious health risk) |
Comes from toilets, sewer backups, rising seawater, or groundwater intrusion |
Damage type
Water damage professionals also classify damage by extent and absorption levels:
Class 1 damage involves minimal water absorption with easy drying.
Class 2 damage affects entire rooms with water wicking up walls.
Class 3 damage saturates ceilings, walls, and subflooring.
Class 4 damage from long-standing water can saturate hardwood, brick, and stone to their core, requiring the most extensive restoration.
Additional services and repairs
Basic cleanup costs don't include all necessary repairs and services. Once professionals remove the water, the following expenses may add to your flooded basement restoration costs:
| Service type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Drywall repair cost | $2 – $4 per square foot |
| Carpet replacement cost | $2 – $8 per square foot |
| Hardwood flooring replacement cost | $7 – $25 per square foot |
| Mold remediation cost | $15 – $30 per square foot |
| Appliance repair cost | $100 – $400+ per unit |
| Plumbing repairs | $45 – $200 per hour |
| Electrical repairs | $50 – $130+ per hour |
How to prevent basement flooding
Protecting a basement from flooding may cost significantly less than the potential cost of cleanup and repairs after a basement flood. Consider the following preventative measures for peace of mind and long-term savings:
A sump pump costs $600 to $2,500 with installation.
Adding a sump pump battery backup costs $600 to $2,000.
A basement French drain costs $40 to $80 per linear foot.
Gutter and downspout cleaning costs $100 to $400.
Flooded basement cleanup FAQs
Does home insurance cover basement flooding?
Insurance coverage varies by policy and the cause of the flood. External flooding often requires separate flood insurance, while sudden internal leaks may be covered by homeowners insurance. Contact your provider or review your specific policy to confirm your coverage terms.
Can I clean minor basement flooding myself?
You can clean up small amounts of clean (Category 1) water if you do so within 24 hours, before it has a chance to potentially grow mold and become a serious health risk. Hiring a trained and qualified professional is best to assess any significant flooding or contaminated water.
How long does professional cleanup take for a flooded basement?
Most cleanups take 3 to 5 days depending on damage extent and drying requirements. Severe cases may require weeks or months for complete restoration.
Getting estimates for flooded basement cleanup
When searching for professional basement flood cleanup services near you:
Contact multiple certified restoration companies to compare services and pricing.
Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Request written estimates that break down all services and materials.
Ask for references from recent similar projects.
Verify each company's licensing and insurance coverage.
Ask about emergency response availability.
Confirm the warranty coverage on completed work.
Inquire about insurance claim assistance, if needed.
Questions to ask a basement flooding cleanup service
Before hiring a local water damage restoration company, ask the following questions to help you make an informed decision:
What certifications do your technicians hold?
How quickly can you respond to emergency calls?
What equipment do you use for water extraction and drying?
Do you handle insurance claims directly?
What warranty do you provide on restoration work?
Can you provide references from recent basement flood projects?
How do you prevent mold growth during the drying process?
What additional services might be needed beyond basic cleanup?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.