How much does Water damage restoration cost?

Water damage in your home can result from a variety of causes: a burst pipe, broken water heater, leaky roof, storm, flooding, or cracks in the foundation. No matter what the source is, it’s vital to clean up the water and fix damage as quickly as possible. This will help prevent further damage, which will increase the cost of repairs and time needed to restore your property. 

Any delay in removing the water and drying out your property can cause mold growth, damage to floors, furniture, walls, and possessions, and potentially structural damage to the home. Contaminated water from floods, sewage backup, or toilets can also pose serious health risks,  including bacterial and viral infections. 

Unless you have a very minor leak that’s easily fixed, you’ll probably need to hire damage restoration professionals. This guide explains typical costs of water damage restoration services.

Learn more about cleaning up after major water damage: How to survive a flood.

Water damage restoration work (sometimes referred to as water remediation or mitigation) is done in 2 steps: water removal and cleanup, then damage repair.  

The average cost of water extraction is $3.75–7 per square foot. You can expect to pay $1,875–3,500 for a typical 500-square-foot room, depending on the volume of water and type of equipment required. The national average for a project of this type is $3,000. 

Repair prices can go as high as $15–50 per square foot, including materials and labor, if there’s extensive water damage to drywall, flooring, and other building components. Costs are generally at the higher end of the range if standing water remains for a long time.

“Dirtiness” of the water that caused damage will affect clean-up prices. A restoration professional will typically assess water type before giving you a quote. Here are the different categories:

Category 1: Clean water. This can be from a faucet, burst pipe, rain, or sprinklers; if not removed quickly, it can still damage walls and flooring. The average cost of water cleanup is $3.75 per square foot. Repair costs vary depending on the damage—fixing a burst pipe in the kitchen would average $500–1,000, while repairing a leaky roof and associated structural damage would run $1,000–4,000.

Category 2: Gray water. This is water from dishwashers, bathtubs, washing machines that contain detergent or bleach, or toilets containing urine. Though not usually toxic, it poses a health risk. Average water cleanup costs are $4.50 per square foot; repair costs are the same as with clean water.

Category 3: Black water. This is mainly from sewage backup, flood waters, or contaminated groundwater; it can cause serious health issues and potentially death. Cleanup requires specialized equipment and experts in sanitization and mold remediation, at an average cost of $7 per square foot.  Damage repairs cost $11–14 per square foot and up. You’ll have to replace everything that was exposed to contaminants.

The following classes are used to identify the type of water damage and, therefore, the total cost of labor and materials needed for both cleanup and repair:

Class 1. This involves minimal damage in a small area from clean water, such as a minor leak that wets carpet. Work can be done by a professional with minimal experience. Cost: $150–200.

Class 2. Damage covers an entire room, reaching up as high as 12 inches up the walls. Some structural damage is usually present. Cost: $500–1,000.

Class 3. Water damage mostly comes from above, either via a burst pipe or leaking roof. It affects the walls, ceilings, and subfloors. Cost: $1,000–3,000.

Class 4. Extensive damage is present, usually from natural disasters such as hurricanes and floods. Materials such as bricks, stone, and hardwood floors have absorbed water. Cost: $2,000–10,000. 

The following variables will also influence the cost of water damage restoration. 

Here are some ways to reduce your expenses:

How much does it cost to repair water-damaged walls?

It typically costs $300–2,300 to repair a wall. The type of wall, such as drywall vs. plaster, can significantly affect cost.

Flood insurance premiums vary in different states, but average costs are $700–950 per year. Check the National Flood Insurance Program if you’re in a flood-prone area.

Does homeowners insurance cover water damage restoration?

A standard policy covers water damage coming from within the home, such as a burst water pipe. But most policies don’t pay for water damage repair after weather-related flooding.

Find a water damage restoration professional in your area.