How Much Does a Flooded Basement Cleanup Cost in 2025?
You’ll pay an average of $4,000 to cleanup a flooded basement
Flooded basement cleanup costs range from $1,500 to $15,000, with an average price of $4,000.
Clean-up costs range from $3 to $7 per square foot, with larger basements incurring higher costs.
The type and severity of damage have a significant impact on overall pricing, with category three damage costing up to $15,000.
Professional water damage remediation helps mitigate mold growth and prevent structural harm, ultimately reducing the need for costly future repairs.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Flooded basement cleanup costs most homeowners between $2,000 and $7,000, with the average cost being $4,000. Your final price depends on the size of the basement, the type of water involved, and the extent of the damage. Any repairs needed after the water is gone will add to the total. Hiring a professional water remediation company helps speed up the process, reduce long-term damage, and help restore your space safely and efficiently.
Water Removal Cost by Basement Size
Basement flood cleanup costs between $3 and $7 per square foot on average, so 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 Size (Sq. Ft.) | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 500 | $1,500–$3,500 |
| 1,000 | $3,000–$7,000 |
| 1,500 | $4,500–$10,500 |
| 1,800 | $5,400–$12,600 |
| 2,000 | $6,000–$14,000 |
Basement Flood Cleanup Cost by Category
Many insurance companies allow claims to be filed based on three different tiers of water damage. A licensed professional must complete this categorization. The costs below reflect prices for cleaning only. The cost to repair water damage is additional, ranging from $1,300 to $5,500 or more.
| Water Damage Category | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Category 1 | $1,500–$3,500 |
| Category 2 | $3,000–$7,000 |
| Category 3 | $7,000–$15,000 |
Category 1: Clean Water
This category type is the easiest to dry and clean out, making it the least expensive, with a total cost ranging from $1,500 to $3,500. 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 $3,000 to $7,000 in total to clean. Grey water is water that has been contaminated from sources such as 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 $7,000 and $15,000 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 ranges from $12,160 to $33,290.
Basement Flooding Repair Cost by Type of Damage
Various parts of the basement need to be cleaned following a flood, and the cost to repair a flooded basement varies. For example, if you experienced a relatively minor 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.
Here’s a look at common repair costs after basement flooding:
| Damage Type | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Carpet | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Electrical | $50–$150 per hour |
| Mold or mildew | $500–$6,000 |
| Leak | $250–$1,000 |
| Drywall | $500–$2,500 |
| Foundation | $1,000–$10,000 |
Carpet Cleanup
If the floodwaters damage the carpet, the cost of carpet replacement ranges from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the amount of carpet required. However, some companies charge a flat rate per room.
Electrical Damage
Hiring an electrician for electrical damage costs $50 to $100 per hour. However, you may be charged an additional fee for the professional to inspect the damage and provide a scope of work. In addition to labor costs, you’ll also have to pay for repairs, depending on what needs to be fixed.
Mold or Mildew Removal
Basement mold or mildew removal costs between $500 and $ 6,000. The type of mold and quantity have the most significant impact on the overall cost of the job. Before entering any space where mold may be present, wear personal protective equipment, such as an N95 mask, gloves, and goggles.
Leak in the Basement
The cost to hire a basement leak repair service near you varies significantly depending on the specific issue. 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 $1,000 to repair. If your basement is prone to leaks, you may want to consider the cost of waterproofing it to prevent future flooding.
Drywall Damage
The average cost to repair drywall ranges between $500 and $2,500, though the amount of drywall that needs to be repaired will cause the price to fluctuate. Hiring a handy person to make the repairs will cost $50 to $75 per square foot. However, if you do the job yourself, you’ll pay just $45 for the materials for one piece of drywall.
Foundation Issues
Fixing a foundation is one of the most costly repairs if the floodwaters cause this type of damage. The average cost of foundation repair is $1,000 to $10,000. However, this is another water damage issue to discuss with your insurance provider, as your policy may cover it.
DIY Basement Flood Cleanup vs. Hiring a Pro
Homeowners can tackle minor water removal on their own, but comprehensive cleanup is safest and fastest when handled by a licensed water-damage restoration specialist. These professionals will take immediate action to minimize damage and help restore your basement to a usable state.
If the flood is minimal and you want to save money, you can rent a wet/dry vacuum for $150 per day or buy one for $250. This will help you remove water from the carpet and other floorings. However, if your whole basement is covered in more than one inch of water, you’ll likely want professional help to pump it out.
Before starting any cleanup yourself, ensure that you wear protective gear while working. 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.
For extensive flooding, hiring a licensed water damage restoration professional is the best option to ensure thorough drying and safe cleanup.
Budgeting Tips for Flooded Basement Cleanup
Smart planning can keep your flooded-basement cleanup costs in check. Consider the following tips to keep cleanup costs within budget:
Get multiple quotes from water damage restoration professionals to ensure competitive pricing.
Check if your insurance covers any portion of the cleanup or repair costs before paying out of pocket.
Handle minor water removal yourself with rented equipment for small, clean-water incidents.
Act quickly to prevent secondary damage, such as mold growth, which can significantly increase remediation costs.
Consider investing in preventive measures, such as sump pumps and waterproofing, to avoid future flooding expenses.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
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