Understanding the water damage restoration cost is one of the first and most important steps homeowners take when dealing with a water emergency. Whether it’s a burst pipe, appliance leak, roof intrusion, or flooding, the price to fix water damage depends on several key factors — including the type of water involved, how long the water has been sitting, and the extent of structural damage.

This guide breaks down the cost to fix water damage, the biggest pricing variables, and what you should expect when hiring a professional restoration company.

Summary of Water Damage Restoration Cost

For the most accurate pricing, always request an on-site water damage estimate from a certified restoration company such as PuroClean.

Homeowners insurance may cover some or all of the water damage cleanup cost, depending on the cause and policy type.

The First Steps to Take After Discovering Water Damage

If you discover water damage in your home, your first action should be to get a professional estimate. A trained technician must inspect the property in person to determine the full water damage restoration cost, since hidden damage isn’t always visible.

Why a professional estimate matters:

An estimate is not the final price — conditions may change after drying begins or once materials are removed.

water damage restoration cost - evaluating damage
Water damage restoration cost may involve removing or replacing damaged drywall, ceilings, baseboards, or flooring.

Typical Cost to Fix Water Damage

According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost for water damage restoration is $3,860, with most jobs falling between $1,383 and $6,370.

These numbers cover:

They do not include:

These expenses are categorized separately as rebuild or reconstruction costs.

Insurance Coverage

Depending on the cause, insurance may cover all or part of the water damage repair cost. Coverage often applies to:

Coverage usually does not apply to:

Always contact your insurance company before filing a claim.

Water Damage Restoration Cost Factors

Before any water damage restoration company can estimate the total cost of repairing the damage to your home, they need to evaluate a few factors when making an appraisal. They assess the source of the water damage, the magnitude of the water damage repair, and labor requirements. The different variables determining the cost of repairing water damage are explained below.

broken plastic pipe
A burst pipe costs more in repairs than a small drip from a leaky sink.

1. Type of Water Involved (Clean, Gray, Black Water)

The category of water heavily determines the water damage cleanup cost, because contamination levels impact safety procedures, protective equipment, and disposal requirements.

Clean Water (Category 1) – Least expensive

Comes from:

Average cost: $3–$4 per square foot

Most materials are salvageable.

Gray Water (Category 2) – Moderate cost

Comes from:

Contains contaminants and may cause illness.

Average cost: $4–$6.50 per square foot

Black Water (Category 3) – Highest cost

Comes from:

Contains dangerous bacteria and requires full PPE, disposal, and extensive sanitation.

Average cost: $7–$7.50 per square foot

2. Length of Time Water Has Been Present

ime is one of the biggest contributors to water damage restoration cost.

Water quickly causes secondary damage, including:

Clean or gray water can turn into black water if left untreated long enough — increasing costs dramatically.

leaky toilet
Toilet tanks can leak from time to time, potentially leading to structural damage. 

3. Size and Surface of the Affected Area

Larger damaged areas cost more to dry, clean, and restore. If water affects multiple floors (e.g., leaking upstairs bathroom), costs increase due to:

Surfaces also matter: Cleaning a tile floor is cheaper than restoring soaked hardwood, carpeting, or drywall.

4. The Extent of the Damage

The more severe the damage, the higher the cost.

Minor leaks may require only:

Major water damage may require:

Severe damage often results in reconstruction costs on top of restoration.

5. The Type of Equipment Needed

Your water mitigation cost depends on what equipment is required:

A typical drying cycle takes 3–5 days, but severe cases may require more time.

Do All Restoration Companies Charge the Same Rates?

Not necessarily. While some pricing is standardized, especially when insurance is involved, the water damage restoration cost can vary depending on how the work is billed.

1. When Insurance Is Covering the Loss

Most restoration companies use Xactimate, the industry-standard pricing software approved by major insurers.
This means:

In insurance-covered jobs, differences between companies are usually based on response time, expertise, certifications, and customer service, not cost.

2. When Homeowners Pay Out of Pocket

If you choose not to file a claim or the loss is not covered by insurance, companies have more flexibility.
They may:

In these situations, it’s still crucial to choose a certified restoration professional—not the cheapest option. Low-cost mitigation can leave moisture behind, leading to mold growth and significantly higher costs later.

Consequences of Not Repairing Water Damage

Delaying repairs is one of the fastest ways for costs to multiply. Even small leaks can evolve into major property damage when ignored.

If water damage is not repaired promptly:

1. Mold Growth in 24–48 Hours

Moisture trapped in drywall, flooring, insulation, or carpets creates ideal conditions for mold.
This leads to:

Mold remediation can add $1,500–$7,000 to the final water damage repair cost.

2. Structural Weakening

Unchecked water can compromise:

Over time, this becomes a safety hazard and may require full reconstruction.

3. Electrical Risks

Water near wiring or outlets can cause shorts, malfunctions, or fire hazards. A licensed electrician may be required to inspect and repair affected circuits.

4. Persistent Odors and Stains

Stains appear as moisture wicks through drywall and flooring.
Odors develop when:

Cosmetic repairs alone will not solve the underlying contamination.

5. Higher Replacement Costs

A minor leak costing $500–$1,500 to mitigate can escalate into a $10,000–$30,000 reconstruction project if ignored.

This is why immediate mitigation is always the most cost-effective option.

Conclusion: Understanding Your Water Damage Restoration Cost

The cost to fix water damage varies widely, but the sooner the problem is addressed, the lower the cost—and the better the outcome.
Key takeaways:

If you suspect water damage—no matter how small—take action immediately. A professional inspection prevents hidden damage from spreading and keeps your overall restoration costs down.

ceiling water damage repair
Common causes of leaky roofs include ice dams, low slopes, flat roofs, damaged flashing, and missing shingles. 

Call PuroClean Today for Your Water Damage Restoration Needs

PuroClean’s certified technicians are available 24/7 for:

As the “Paramedics of Property Damage®”, PuroClean responds quickly to minimize damage and restore your home safely.

Call (800) 775-7876 or use our office locator to find your local PuroClean specialist.

FAQ: Water Damage Restoration Cost 

1. What is the average cost to fix water damage?

The national average water damage restoration cost in 2026 is $3,860, with typical ranges between $1,383 and $6,370 depending on water category, square footage, and severity.

2. How much does water damage cost per square foot?

3. Does homeowners insurance cover water damage restoration?

Insurance usually covers sudden, accidental events (burst pipes, appliance failures).
Long-term leaks, maintenance issues, and flooding typically aren’t covered without flood insurance.

4. How long does water damage restoration take?

Drying usually takes 3–5 days, depending on materials and severity.

Full restoration may take longer if reconstruction is necessary.

5. What increases water damage repair costs the most?