Water mitigation near me is the process of reducing the impact of a flooding or leak event. It includes stopping the flow of water, assessing the damage, extracting the water and drying out the affected areas. If the damage is minimal, a homeowner can handle it on their own, but it’s generally best to hire professionals who are certified in water restoration and have experience working with insurance companies.

Water damage can happen when a house is flooded by a burst pipe, backed-up toilet, or severe rainstorm. It can also occur from an interior source, such as a dishwasher or washing machine overflow or a failed water heater. There are three types of water damage, categorized based on cleanliness and contamination:

Clean water damage, or category 1, is sewage-free water that hasn’t come into contact with chemicals or fecal matter. This type of water is typically the cheapest to repair, costing between $3 and $4 per square foot.

Emergency Water Mitigation Near Me: What You Need to Know

Gray water, or category 2, contains contaminants that pose a slight health risk and is more expensive to repair, at $4 to $7 per square foot. This type of water is typically caused by appliance overflows, sink and bathtub overflows, and backed-up toilets.

Black water, or category 3, is contaminated with components that can create immediate health risks and requires professional remediation, at $7 to $9 per square foot. This type of water is usually derived from sewer lines or septic tanks backing up into a home, and it can be extremely costly to clean up and restore.