See what water damage cleanup should cost before a contractor quotes you. Enter the wet area and the type of water. You get a low-to-high price, with each part shown apart. No sign-up needed.
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| Water removal and drying | — |
| Flooring replacement | — |
| Drywall repair | — |
| Mold remediation | — |
National prices, not your city's. First stop the water and call your insurer. After-hours emergency calls, ceilings, plumbing repairs and ruined furniture cost extra. Large drywall or mold jobs can cost more than shown. Based on HomeGuide, Forbes Home, Angi cost data, updated September 2026. See sources.
Optional. The estimate above is yours either way. Leave your details and a local water damage company will call you for an exact, free quote.
Cost per square foot to remove water and dry the area, with the price for a 500 sq ft wet area. Repairs are not included.
| Type of water | Common sources | Removal and drying / sq ft | 500 sq ft area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category 1 — clean water | Broken supply line, faucet, water heater, rain leak | $3.00–$6.00 | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Category 2 — gray water | Dishwasher or washing machine overflow, toilet overflow with urine | $4.00–$9.00 | $2,000–$4,500 |
| Category 3 — black water | Sewage backup, toilet with feces, flooding from rivers, seawater or groundwater | $7.00–$12.00 | $3,500–$6,000 |
Restoration companies price water removal and drying by the square foot. The type of water sets the rate: clean water costs least, black water costs most. We multiply your wet area by that rate. If the floor must go, we add new carpet or hardwood for the same area. Drywall and mold add a typical flat amount. Every figure comes from the sources below. We round to the nearest $100.
Your real price depends on your city, how long the water sat, and what the crew finds behind walls and under floors. Get written quotes before repairs start. Browse restoration services or find restoration companies in your city.
Angi puts the 2026 national average at $3,868, with most homeowners paying $1,383 to $6,369. HomeGuide reports $2,000 to $6,000 on average, but a small leak can cost as little as $150 and a major flood up to $100,000.
HomeGuide reports $4 to $12 per square foot to remove water and dry the area. Forbes Home reports $3 to $7.50. Clean water sits at the low end and black water at the high end.
Clean water (Category 1) comes from a sanitary source, like a broken supply line or faucet. Gray water (Category 2) has some contaminants, like a washing machine or dishwasher overflow. Black water (Category 3) comes from sewage, toilets or flooding and is a serious health risk. HomeGuide says anything black water touches must be removed and replaced.
Angi says to budget an extra $1,200 to $3,800 for mold removal after water damage. HomeGuide puts mold remediation at $15 to $30 per square foot of moldy area. Angi notes mold can start to grow within 24 to 48 hours.
Most policies cover water damage that is sudden and accidental, like a burst pipe. They usually do not cover slow leaks, neglect or wear and tear. Flood damage needs a separate flood insurance policy. Check your own policy for the details.
National figures. We do not adjust for your region. Rates checked September 2026.