Water Damage Restoration Cost
What water damage restoration costs depends on the water category, the size of the area, the materials and how long the water sat. Here is how pricing works and what drives it up.
Water damage restoration cost depends mainly on the water category, the square footage affected, the materials involved, how long the water sat and how much has to be rebuilt. Restoration companies price from an on-site inspection, so the only firm number is the written estimate you get after the crew looks at the damage.
A 2026 LawnStarter cost guide lists a national average of about $3,250 for water damage restoration, with most jobs between about $1,270 and $5,376. An earlier Bob Vila guide using Angi and HomeAdvisor data (updated 2023) gave a similar range of $1,305 to $5,707. Prices vary a lot by region, so treat these as rough reference points.
What drives the price
- Water category: clean water is cheapest to handle. Grey water and black water (sewage, floodwater) need more removal, protective gear and disinfection.
- Area and class: a wet corner costs far less than several rooms or water that came through a ceiling.
- Materials: hardwood, plaster and concrete take longer to dry than drywall and carpet.
- Time: water that sat for days means more tear-out and possible mold work.
- Repairs: drying (mitigation) and rebuilding are often billed separately.
- After-hours response: some companies charge more for nights, weekends and holidays.
Reference prices from cost guides
| Item | Range quoted |
|---|---|
| Clean water (Category 1) | About $3.30 to $4.10 per sq ft |
| Grey water (Category 2) | About $4.10 to $7 per sq ft |
| Black water (Category 3) | About $7 to $7.50 per sq ft |
| Restoration labor | About $70 to $200 per hour |
Sources: LawnStarter cost guide (2026) for per square foot ranges; Bob Vila (updated 2023) for labor rates. National ranges only, not a quote.
How to keep costs down
- Stop the water and start drying within 24 to 48 hours.
- Move furniture and belongings out of wet areas yourself if it is safe.
- Document everything with photos for your insurer.
- Ask for an itemized written estimate before work starts.
If the damage is covered, insurance usually pays for mitigation and repairs minus your deductible. See the insurance claims guide.
Need help right now?
Call or send the form. Your request goes to an independent local restoration company that serves your area, and they contact you to set up an inspection and a written estimate.
Call now(940) 274-9880- Free to call or request an estimate
- Independent local restoration companies
- Water removal, drying, mold and repairs
- Photos and drying logs you can share with your insurer
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Blue Star Water Damage is a free information and referral service, not a restoration contractor. Calls and estimate requests are connected to independent restoration companies that serve your area. Those companies set their own prices and do the work.
Common questions
How much does water damage restoration cost?
A 2026 LawnStarter cost guide lists a national average of about $3,250, with most jobs between about $1,270 and $5,376. Your price depends on water category, area, materials and repairs.
Why is sewage cleanup more expensive?
Black water needs protective gear, removal of porous materials and disinfection, which adds labor and disposal costs.
Is drying billed separately from repairs?
Often yes. Mitigation (extraction and drying) and reconstruction are commonly separate estimates.
Is the estimate free?
Most restoration companies inspect and give a written estimate at no charge. Confirm when you book.