Water Damage Restoration Cost

For Category 1 clean water affecting 500 square feet and addressed the same day, cost runs $1,475 to $1,975. Category 3 black water at the same size runs $2,500 to $3,750. Published national data puts the average total project at $3,867.

The IICRC S500 standard defines three categories by contamination level. Category 1 is clean water, like a supply line leak. Category 2 is gray water, like a washing machine overflow. Category 3 is black water, like sewage or flooding, and carries the highest health risk and cost.

Mold growth risk rises sharply after that window, since standing moisture in a warm environment is exactly what mold needs to establish. Addressing damage over a week later costs about 62% more than addressing it the same day, partly because a mold prevention treatment becomes necessary.

Yes. Wet carpets or floors alone is the least expensive scenario. Soaked walls or drywall add $700 to $950. Structural damage or a soaked subfloor adds $1,450 to $1,950, since removing and drying or replacing structural material takes considerably more work than surface extraction.

Often, for sudden and accidental damage like a burst pipe, though coverage varies by cause. Gradual damage from a long-term leak or damage from an external flood typically is not covered the same way. Check your specific policy and see our guide on what homeowners insurance covers for water damage.

That is priced separately from the structural extraction and drying work, typically $285 to $390, covering assessment and treatment of contents damaged by the water.