How Much Does Flood Damage Cleanup Cost?
Having a flood can ruin your home. There are several steps you can take to get it back to normal, including cleaning up your belongings and drying out your home. You should also consider the health risks associated with flood water. If you decide to hire a professional to handle your flood cleanup, make sure you know how much it will cost. The first thing you should do after a flood is bag up your belongings. While some of them may be salvageable, the majority will need to be disposed of. Floodwaters can also cause warped boards and sagging drywall, which can lead to mold growth and other damage.
Cost of flood damage cleanup
Flood damage cleanup can be a costly endeavor if the water damage is extensive. The first step in dealing with flood damage is removing any standing water. This prevents further damage and reduces the risk of structural collapse. However, the cost of water extraction services varies depending on the type of water that was present. Gray water is typically the easiest to clean up, containing a small number of contaminants. However, it may contain human waste. This water is sourced from sewage lines or other contaminated sources.
Flood damage cleanup services may require professional help, which will add to the cost of the restoration project. The cost for this process depends on the extent of the damage, the size of the damaged area, and the type of water. If the water level is just a few inches, it may cost less than a few hundred dollars, but if it exceeds one foot, it may cost thousands of dollars to remove it. In addition to removing flood water, a flood restoration company may install flood prevention equipment. A sump pump, back-flow prevention valve, and overhead drain can help limit structural damage risks.
Steps to take after a flood
After a flood, the first thing to do is to assess the damage to your property. If you can, get photos and video. You’ll need this evidence to help your insurance company determine the value of your damages. Hire a flood damage cleanup specialist to assess the damage and save valuable items. They’ll use specialist equipment to measure how wet your home is and to dry it out. They’ll also remove standing water and clean your property.
First, clean any wet furniture and insulation materials. In addition, you’ll need to clean up any contaminated materials. If you have expensive furniture, you’ll want to disinfect it and dry it in the ventilation away from direct sunlight. Don’t use washing machines and toilets until the cleanup process is complete.
Health hazards of flood water
Flood water cleanup is an unavoidable part of disaster recovery, but it can also pose health risks. Flood waters are full of debris and contaminants that can cause illness. As a precaution, people should avoid entering flood-affected areas and swimming in contaminated water. It is also recommended to avoid drinking unsafe tap water and cleaning up flooded buildings with contaminated water. It is also best to wash hands with soap and water after touching contaminated surfaces and articles, and to wear protective gear to prevent contact with contaminated water. This includes rubber boots, gloves, and eye protection.
Flood water cleanup can expose people to harmful chemicals and sewage, which can be harmful to their health. These chemicals can cause rashes, gastrointestinal problems, and even infection. Those who touch contaminated flood water should avoid drinking it until it is filtered.
Cost of a professional flood cleanup
The cost of a professional flood cleanup service can vary widely depending on how much water is impacted. Pumping and drying equipment can cost from $250 to $1,500. Small garden hoses, for instance, are insufficient for pumping out water from a flooded basement. More expensive flood cleanup services also require renting expensive equipment such as industrial dehumidifiers.
If you choose to clean the water damage yourself, you can save money by mopping the affected floors yourself. However, you may not be able to clean the entire area and you risk spreading bacteria and mold. Hiring a professional can save you time and money while ensuring that the job is done correctly.
Preparing for flood damage cleanup
Flood damage cleanup is a big job, and there are several safety precautions you should follow. The first step is to wear protective gear. Then, use a solution of bleach and water to clean the area. This mixture will help kill hidden mold spores. After that, you should replace damaged items. If you are unsure of what to do, call a water damage restoration service to assist you.
To disinfect contaminated water, you should use a 5% to 9% solution of unscented liquid household chlorine bleach. The solution should be added to a gallon of clear or cloudy water.