Key takeaways
- Typical cost: $1,270–$5,376 per typical job, about $3,250 on average.
- Average job: about $3,250
- Typical range: $1,270–$5,376
- Clean water: $3.30–$4.10/sq ft
- Timeline: Drying usually takes 3–5 days.
- Permits: Drying needs no permit, but rebuild work such as electrical, plumbing or structural repairs may.
Water Damage Restoration Cost at a glance
Water damage restoration averages about $3,250, with most jobs costing $1,270–$5,376. Price depends on the water category (clean, gray or sewage), how much area is wet and how much drywall, flooring or subfloor must be replaced.
| Job | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Average restoration job | $1,270–$5,376 | National average about $3,250 |
| Clean water (Category 1) | $3.30–$4.10 per sq ft | Supply line, rain, sink overflow |
| Gray water (Category 2) | $4.10–$7.00 per sq ft | Dishwasher, washing machine |
| Black water (Category 3) | $7.00–$7.50+ per sq ft | Sewage, floodwater — more items replaced |
| Basement, 1 inch of clean water | $500–$1,500 | Extraction and drying |
| Drywall repair | $300–$850 | Per affected area |
Prices run lowest in states like Arkansas, Mississippi and Alabama and highest in Hawaii, California and Alaska. See the full breakdown and cost by state →
Water Damage Restoration cost questions
- What is the cost of average restoration job? The typical cost of average restoration job is $1,270–$5,376. National average about $3,250.
- What is the cost of clean water (Category 1)? The typical cost of clean water (Category 1) is $3.30–$4.10 per sq ft. Supply line, rain, sink overflow.
- What is the cost of gray water (Category 2)? The typical cost of gray water (Category 2) is $4.10–$7.00 per sq ft. Dishwasher, washing machine.
- What is the cost of black water (Category 3)? The typical cost of black water (Category 3) is $7.00–$7.50+ per sq ft. Sewage, floodwater — more items replaced.
- What is the cost of basement, 1 inch of clean water? The typical cost of basement, 1 inch of clean water is $500–$1,500. Extraction and drying.
- What is the cost of drywall repair? The typical cost of drywall repair is $300–$850. Per affected area.
- What is the cost of ceiling repair? The typical cost of ceiling repair is $350–$1,300. Often after roof or plumbing leaks.
- What is the cost of subfloor (150 sq ft section)? The typical cost of subfloor (150 sq ft section) is $250–$700. Under flooring.
- What is the cost of mold remediation add-on? The typical cost of mold remediation add-on is $1,373–$3,325. If drying was delayed.
- What is the cost of restoration labor? The typical cost of restoration labor is $70–$200 per hour. Varies by region and urgency.
What to do right now
- Shut off the water at the main valve (and electricity to wet areas if it's safe).
- Photograph and video all damage before moving things.
- Remove standing water and move furniture and valuables to dry areas.
- Call your insurer to open a claim.
- Call a water mitigation company — professional drying should start within 24–48 hours.
- Keep receipts for everything, including hotel stays.
Never walk into standing water if outlets or cords may be submerged.
The three categories of water damage
| Category | Source | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Category 1 — clean | Supply lines, rain, sink overflow | Low if dried fast |
| Category 2 — gray | Dishwasher, washer, toilet overflow (urine only) | Can cause illness; some porous items discarded |
| Category 3 — black | Sewage, floodwater, long-standing water | Unsafe; porous materials usually removed |
Clean water becomes gray or black water if it sits, so speed matters.
How professional drying works
- Inspection with moisture meters and thermal cameras.
- Water extraction with truck-mounted or portable units.
- Removal of wet carpet pad, baseboards and drywall below the waterline as needed.
- Air movers and dehumidifiers run, usually 3–5 days.
- Daily moisture readings until materials reach dry standard.
- Antimicrobial treatment and reconstruction.
Common water damage restoration questions
How much does water damage restoration cost?
A typical restoration job costs about $1,270–$5,376. Clean-water jobs are priced around $3.30–$4.10 per square foot nationally, and sewage cleanups cost more.
What should I do first after a pipe bursts?
Shut off the main water valve, turn off power to wet areas, photograph everything, then call your insurer and a restoration company. Start drying within 24–48 hours.
Does homeowners insurance cover burst pipes?
Usually yes for sudden, accidental leaks like a burst pipe. Gradual leaks, poor maintenance and flooding from outside are typically excluded.
How fast does mold grow after water damage?
Mold can begin growing within 24–48 hours on wet drywall, carpet pad and wood, which is why fast drying matters.
Can wet drywall be saved?
Often yes if it was soaked by clean water and dried within 24–48 hours without sagging or swelling. Drywall wet with gray or black water should be removed.
How long does it take to dry a house after water damage?
With professional dehumidifiers and air movers, most structures dry in 3–5 days. Rebuilding drywall, flooring and cabinets takes longer.
Is flood damage covered by homeowners insurance?
No. Flooding from rising water needs a separate flood policy through the NFIP or a private insurer, and NFIP policies usually have a 30-day waiting period.
How much does it cost to fix a water-damaged ceiling?
A small patch is relatively inexpensive, but larger repairs that include drying, new drywall, insulation and paint cost more. Fix the leak source first or the damage returns.
Timeline, permits and DIY
How long it takes
Drying usually takes 3–5 days. Rebuilding drywall, flooring and cabinets adds 1–4 weeks.
Permits
Drying needs no permit, but rebuild work such as electrical, plumbing or structural repairs may.
DIY or hire a pro?
A small clean-water spill dried within 24–48 hours can be DIY. Anything that soaks drywall, flooring or insulation, or any sewage, needs professional drying.
Questions to ask contractors
Ask every bidder the same questions so you can compare quotes apples to apples.
- Can you bill my insurance directly?
- Will you take daily moisture readings and share the drying logs?
- Is rebuild included, or is that a separate contractor?
- Are your technicians IICRC certified?
Maintenance that prevents costly repairs
- Inspect washer, toilet and sink supply lines yearly
- Know where the main water shutoff is
- Consider leak sensors or an automatic shutoff valve
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to dry out water damage?
Professional drying usually takes 3–5 days for most rooms. Hardwood, plaster and basements can take longer.
How soon does mold grow after water damage?
Mold can start growing within 24–48 hours on wet materials, which is why fast drying matters.
Does homeowners insurance cover water damage?
It typically covers sudden and accidental water damage, like a burst pipe or appliance failure. Flood damage needs separate flood insurance, and sewer backup usually needs an endorsement.
Can I dry water damage myself?
Small, clean-water spills caught immediately can be dried with fans and a dehumidifier. Water inside walls, under floors or from sewage needs professional equipment and testing.
Do I have to replace wet drywall?
Not always. Drywall wet with clean water that's dried quickly can sometimes be saved. Drywall soaked by gray or black water, or that's swollen or crumbling, should be cut out.
Should I file a claim for small water damage?
If repairs cost less than or near your deductible, paying yourself may be smarter. Claims can affect premiums.
What causes most household water damage?
Common causes include failed supply lines to toilets, sinks and washing machines, water heater failures, roof leaks, frozen pipes and clogged AC drain lines.
In-depth water damage restoration guides
Water Damage Restoration by city
Sources: LawnStarter — Water damage restoration cost (2026). Ranges are rounded estimates; see our editorial policy.