Key takeaways
- Short answer: Water damage restoration typically costs $3.30–$4.10 per square foot for clean water, $4.10–$7.00 for gray water and $7.00–$7.50 or more for black water such as sewage or floodwater.
- Clean water: $3.30–$4.10 per sq ft
- Gray water: $4.10–$7.00 per sq ft
- Black water: $7.00–$7.50+ per sq ft
- Typical water damage restoration cost: $1,270–$5,376 per typical job.
Cost per square foot by water category
| Water category | Cost per sq ft | Common sources |
|---|---|---|
| Category 1 (clean) | $3.30–$4.10 | Supply line, rain, sink overflow |
| Category 2 (gray) | $4.10–$7.00 | Dishwasher, washing machine |
| Category 3 (black) | $7.00–$7.50+ | Sewage, floodwater |
Water that sits gets worse: clean water can become gray or black water within a day or two, which raises the price and the amount of material that must be removed.
Other line items to expect
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Drywall repair | $300–$850 per area |
| Ceiling repair | $350–$1,300 |
| Subfloor (150 sq ft section) | $250–$700 |
| Mold remediation add-on | $1,373–$3,325 |
| Restoration labor | $70–$200 per hour |
How to keep the cost down
- Stop the water at the main shutoff.
- Call a restoration company and your insurer the same day.
- Photograph everything before cleanup.
- Ask for daily moisture readings so drying isn't cut short or run longer than needed.
Related questions
Does insurance pay per square foot?
Insurers usually pay itemized line items from the restoration estimate for covered, sudden water damage, minus your deductible.
Why is sewage cleanup more expensive?
Black water requires removing porous materials, disinfection and protective equipment, which adds labor and replacement costs.
How many square feet does a typical job cover?
It varies widely. A small bathroom leak may affect under 100 sq ft, while a burst pipe can soak several rooms.
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 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.
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.
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.