How Much Does Water Damage Restoration Cost?
Updated for 2026 — national average costs with state-by-state breakdowns
What Does Water Damage Restoration Include?
Water damage restoration involves extracting standing water, drying the affected area with industrial equipment, removing damaged materials, treating for mold, and restoring the space. Speed is critical — mold can begin growing within 24-48 hours.
The national average cost for water damage restoration is $3,500 per project. Most homeowners pay between $1,500 and $8,000, though costs can vary significantly based on your location, the scope of work, and other factors outlined below.
What Affects the Price?
Water Category
Clean water (pipe burst): $3-$4/sq ft. Gray water (appliance): $4-$7/sq ft. Black water (sewage/flood): $7-$15/sq ft
Affected Area
Single room: $1,000-$3,000. Multiple rooms: $3,000-$8,000. Whole basement: $5,000-$15,000+
Mold Remediation
If mold has set in, add $1,500-$6,000+ for professional mold removal
Key Cost Factors
- ✓Category of water (clean, gray, black)
- ✓Affected area size
- ✓Depth of water
- ✓Materials affected (drywall, flooring, insulation)
- ✓Mold presence
- ✓Emergency response time
💡 Tips to Save Money
- 1.File an insurance claim immediately — most homeowner policies cover sudden water damage
- 2.Act within 24 hours to prevent mold (which doubles or triples costs)
- 3.Remove standing water yourself with a wet vac if safe to do so
- 4.Get multiple restoration quotes even in emergencies — prices vary 50-100%
📈 Water Damage Restoration Cost Trends (2020–2024)
Prices have increased +17.7% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $2,973 | — |
| 2021 | $3,098 | +4.2% |
| 2022 | $3,299 | +6.5% |
| 2023 | $3,391 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $3,500 | +3.2% |
Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.
Water Damage Restoration Cost by State
Costs vary significantly by state due to labor rates, cost of living, and local market conditions. Click any state for a detailed breakdown.
| State | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $1,230 | $2,870 | $6,560 |
| Alaska | $1,920 | $4,480 | $10,240 |
| Arizona | $1,425 | $3,325 | $7,600 |
| Arkansas | $1,200 | $2,800 | $6,400 |
| California | $2,025 | $4,725 | $10,800 |
| Colorado | $1,620 | $3,780 | $8,640 |
| Connecticut | $1,830 | $4,270 | $9,760 |
| Delaware | $1,575 | $3,675 | $8,400 |
| Florida | $1,470 | $3,430 | $7,840 |
| Georgia | $1,350 | $3,150 | $7,200 |
| Hawaii | $2,130 | $4,970 | $11,360 |
| Idaho | $1,380 | $3,220 | $7,360 |
| Illinois | $1,575 | $3,675 | $8,400 |
| Indiana | $1,320 | $3,080 | $7,040 |
| Iowa | $1,290 | $3,010 | $6,880 |
| Kansas | $1,275 | $2,975 | $6,800 |
| Kentucky | $1,260 | $2,940 | $6,720 |
| Louisiana | $1,305 | $3,045 | $6,960 |
| Maine | $1,530 | $3,570 | $8,160 |
| Maryland | $1,725 | $4,025 | $9,200 |
| Massachusetts | $1,950 | $4,550 | $10,400 |
| Michigan | $1,380 | $3,220 | $7,360 |
| Minnesota | $1,530 | $3,570 | $8,160 |
| Mississippi | $1,170 | $2,730 | $6,240 |
| Missouri | $1,305 | $3,045 | $6,960 |
| Montana | $1,425 | $3,325 | $7,600 |
| Nebraska | $1,320 | $3,080 | $7,040 |
| Nevada | $1,530 | $3,570 | $8,160 |
| New Hampshire | $1,680 | $3,920 | $8,960 |
| New Jersey | $1,875 | $4,375 | $10,000 |
| New Mexico | $1,350 | $3,150 | $7,200 |
| New York | $1,980 | $4,620 | $10,560 |
| North Carolina | $1,350 | $3,150 | $7,200 |
| North Dakota | $1,350 | $3,150 | $7,200 |
| Ohio | $1,350 | $3,150 | $7,200 |
| Oklahoma | $1,245 | $2,905 | $6,640 |
| Oregon | $1,650 | $3,850 | $8,800 |
| Pennsylvania | $1,530 | $3,570 | $8,160 |
| Rhode Island | $1,725 | $4,025 | $9,200 |
| South Carolina | $1,305 | $3,045 | $6,960 |
| South Dakota | $1,275 | $2,975 | $6,800 |
| Tennessee | $1,290 | $3,010 | $6,880 |
| Texas | $1,395 | $3,255 | $7,440 |
| Utah | $1,425 | $3,325 | $7,600 |
| Vermont | $1,620 | $3,780 | $8,640 |
| Virginia | $1,575 | $3,675 | $8,400 |
| Washington | $1,725 | $4,025 | $9,200 |
| West Virginia | $1,200 | $2,800 | $6,400 |
| Wisconsin | $1,410 | $3,290 | $7,520 |
| Wyoming | $1,380 | $3,220 | $7,360 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does homeowners insurance cover water damage?
Generally yes for sudden, accidental damage (burst pipe, appliance leak). Generally no for gradual damage (slow leak), flood damage (requires separate flood insurance), or neglected maintenance.
How long does water damage restoration take?
Water extraction: 1-2 days. Drying: 3-5 days. Repairs and restoration: 1-3 weeks depending on extent. Total timeline for major damage can be 2-6 weeks.
🏙️ Water Damage Restoration Cost by City
Compare water damage restoration costs in the most popular US cities:
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