Key takeaways
- Short answer: Category 2 (gray) water carries some contaminants, from sources like washing machines and dishwashers, and costs about $4.10–$7.00 per square foot to restore.
- Category 2: $4.10–$7.00 per sq ft
- Category 3: $7.00–$7.50+ per sq ft
- Clean water can become gray within a day or two
- Typical water damage restoration cost: $1,270–$5,376 per typical job.
The three categories compared
| Category | Common sources | Cost per sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (clean) | Supply line, rain, sink overflow | $3.30–$4.10 |
| 2 (gray) | Dishwasher, washing machine | $4.10–$7.00 |
| 3 (black) | Sewage, floodwater | $7.00–$7.50+ |
Why Category 3 costs more
- Porous materials like carpet pad, drywall and insulation are usually removed, not dried
- Disinfection and protective equipment are required
- More rebuild work after cleanup
Water that sits gets worse. Fast extraction can keep a Category 1 loss from becoming a more expensive Category 2 or 3 job.
Related questions
Is Category 3 water dangerous?
Yes. It can contain bacteria and other harmful contaminants, so keep people and pets away and let professionals handle cleanup.
Can Category 2 carpet be saved?
Sometimes, if it's cleaned and dried quickly; carpet pad is often replaced.
Does insurance cover sewage backup?
Usually only with a sewer-backup endorsement; standard policies often exclude it.
Other water damage restoration questions homeowners ask
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.
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.
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.
Water Damage Restoration at a glance
Timeline
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 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.
What water damage restoration costs
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.
Keep reading
Sources: LawnStarter — Water damage restoration cost (2026). Ranges are rounded estimates; see our editorial policy.