2026 pricing data · updated monthly

What does water damage restoration actually cost?

Most U.S. water damage restoration jobs run $450 to $20,000+, and a single affected room typically costs $1,500 to $5,000. Enter the affected area and water type below for an instant estimate built from real 2026 contractor pricing — then see what your insurance is likely to cover and exactly what to do first.

Range: $450–$20,000+ One room avg $1,500–$5,000 Clean water $3.50–$7.50/sq ft

By Marcus Vidal · Reviewed by Dana Whitfield, IICRC-Certified Water Restoration Technician (WRT) · Last reviewed July 2026

Cost calculator

Estimate your restoration cost

Affected area

400 sq ft ≈ one large room

Estimate the footprint of the rooms touched by water — not your whole home.

Water category

Clean water from a supply line is cheapest to restore; sewage or floodwater costs the most.

How long has water been present?

Add-ons (optional)

Mold remediation +$1,200–$3,800 Reconstruction / rebuild +$2,000–$9,000 Contents & odor treatment +$500–$2,500

Estimated project cost

$1,400–$3,000

Moderate — single room

Effective rate $3.50–$7.50 / sq ft Water class Category 1 · Clean

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Estimate only, based on 2026 U.S. averages. Actual pricing depends on materials, access, region, and the restoration company. Not a quote or insurance determination.

The numbers

Water damage restoration cost by project size

Restoration is priced by how much area is affected, how contaminated the water is, and how long it sat. Here is what typical 2026 jobs run in the U.S.

Type of job	Typical cost
Minor leak cleanup & drying Small spill, caught early, one surface	$450 – $1,500
Moderate damage — one room Drywall, baseboards, flooring drying	$1,500 – $5,000
Extensive damage — multiple rooms Material removal + structural drying	$5,000 – $16,000+
Major flooding / structural restoration Category 3 water, rebuild required	$20,000+
Mold remediation (add-on) Common when water sits 24–48h+	$1,200 – $3,800

Why the price swings

The three categories of water damage

Restoration pros classify water by how contaminated it is. The category is the single biggest driver of your cost, because it dictates how much has to be removed, sanitized, and rebuilt.

Category 1

Clean water

≈ $3.50–$7.50 / sq ft

From a broken supply line, overflowing sink, or rainwater. Sanitary at the source and the cheapest to restore — most cost is drying and moisture control.

Category 2

Grey water

≈ $4.50–$9.50 / sq ft

From dishwashers, washing machines, or sump overflow. Contains contaminants, so more porous materials must be removed rather than dried in place.

Category 3

Black water

≈ $7–$15 / sq ft

Sewage backups and floodwater. Hazardous — requires full extraction, disinfection, and disposal of affected materials. The most expensive to restore.

Act fast

What to do in the first 24 hours

The faster water is removed, the lower your total cost and mold risk. Do these four things before the restoration crew arrives.

Stop the source

Shut off the supply valve or main water line. If water is coming from outside, move belongings up.

Cut the power

If standing water is near outlets or appliances, switch off electricity to that area at the breaker first.

Document it

Photograph and video everything before moving items. This protects your insurance claim.

Call a certified pro

Reach an IICRC-certified restoration company for emergency extraction. Speed lowers cost.

Will insurance cover it?

Sudden, accidental damage — like a burst pipe — is often covered by a standard homeowners policy. Damage from external flooding or slow, long-term leaks is usually excluded unless you carry separate flood insurance or a water-backup endorsement (roughly $50–$250 per year). Coverage varies by policy, so confirm your specific terms before assuming.

Answers

Water damage restoration cost FAQ

How much does water damage restoration cost?

Most U.S. water damage restoration jobs run from about $450 for a minor leak cleanup to $20,000 or more for major flooding or structural restoration. A single affected room typically costs $1,500 to $5,000. Restoration companies often price clean-water work at roughly $3.50 to $7.50 per square foot, with grey and black (sewage) water costing more.

What are the three categories of water damage?

Category 1 is clean water from a broken supply line or overflowing sink and is the least expensive to restore. Category 2 is grey water from appliances such as dishwashers or washing machines and costs more due to contamination. Category 3 is black water from sewage or floodwater and is the most expensive because of sanitation and disposal requirements.

Does homeowners insurance cover water damage?

Sudden and accidental water damage, such as a burst pipe, is often covered by a standard homeowners policy. Damage from external flooding or long-term, gradual leaks is usually excluded unless you carry separate flood insurance or a water backup endorsement. Coverage varies by policy, so confirm your specific terms with your insurer.

How much does mold remediation cost after water damage?

Mold remediation commonly adds $1,200 to $3,800 to a restoration job, depending on the size of the affected area and whether mold has spread into drywall, insulation, or framing. Mold typically becomes a risk when water sits for more than 24 to 48 hours.

How long does water damage restoration take?

Drying the structure usually takes three to five days with professional equipment. Full restoration, including any drywall, flooring, and reconstruction, commonly takes one to two weeks or longer for extensive damage.

Local pricing

Water damage restoration cost by city

Pricing and providers vary by market. Choose your metro for local cost ranges and vetted restoration companies near you.

About this data. Cost ranges reflect 2026 U.S. pricing aggregated from published restoration cost data and industry sources including HomeAdvisor, Angi, and Fixr. The calculator combines per-square-foot rates with water category, exposure time, and selected add-ons to produce a directional estimate. Figures are informational and are not a quote, appraisal, or insurance determination. Last reviewed July 2026.