Water Damage Restoration Calculator 2025

Get accurate estimates for your water damage restoration project

Updated with 2025 pricing data from restoration specialists

Mold Remediation Calculator Mold Inspection Calculator

Calculate Your Water Damage Restoration Costs

Use our free calculator to estimate how much it will cost to restore water damage in your home. Our pricing data is regularly updated based on industry standards and real contractor quotes.

Area affected by water damage:

500 sq ft

50 sq ft 5000 sq ft

Water Category:

Location:

Damage Severity:

Affected Materials:

Time Since Water Damage:

Water Categories

Clean Water (Category 1): Water from clean sources like broken water supply lines or faucets. Generally safe but can degrade to Category 2 within 24-48 hours.

Gray Water (Category 2): Contains significant contamination (washing machine overflow, toilet overflow with urine, etc.). May cause discomfort or illness if consumed or exposed to.

Black Water (Category 3): Highly unsanitary water containing pathogens (sewage, flooding from rivers, standing water with microbial growth). Can cause serious illness or death if consumed or exposed to.

Location Impact

Different areas of your home require different restoration approaches:

Basement: Often involves water extraction, dehumidification, and potentially foundation repairs.

Bathroom: May involve removal of water-damaged fixtures, tile work, and plumbing repairs.

Kitchen: Often includes cabinet and appliance assessment, flooring restoration.

Living Areas: Focus on drywall, flooring, and furniture restoration.

Bedroom: Similar to living areas with additional focus on personal belongings.

Attic: May include insulation replacement and roof leak repairs.

Damage Severity

Minor: Surface water only, minimal saturation of materials.

Moderate: Water has penetrated drywall, flooring, or other materials requiring partial replacement.

Severe: Significant structural components affected, extensive material replacement required.

Extensive: Major flooding with structural damage, potentially affecting multiple floors or entire home.

Affected Materials

Mainly Drywall: Primarily walls and ceilings affected. Restoration typically involves cutting out damaged sections, drying, and replacement.

Mainly Wood: Hardwood floors, structural beams, or cabinets affected. May require specialized drying techniques to prevent warping and mold growth.

Mainly Carpet/Upholstery: Primarily soft materials affected. May involve extraction, cleaning, drying, and potential replacement depending on water category.

Mixed Materials: Multiple types of materials affected requiring varied restoration approaches.

Time Factor

The time since water damage occurred significantly impacts restoration costs:

Less than 24 hours: Optimal response time for minimizing damage and restoration costs.

1-3 days: Increased risk of mold growth, material deterioration, and structural damage.

3-7 days: Significant mold growth likely, increased material replacement needed.

More than 7 days: Extensive mold growth, maximum material replacement, potentially increased health risks.

Frequently Asked Questions About Water Damage Restoration

How quickly should I address water damage?

You should address water damage immediately. The first 24-48 hours are critical for preventing mold growth and limiting structural damage. Mold can begin growing within 24-48 hours in damp environments. Additionally, the longer materials remain saturated, the more likely they'll need replacement rather than restoration, significantly increasing costs.

Does homeowners insurance cover water damage?

Most homeowners insurance policies cover sudden and accidental water damage (like burst pipes or appliance malfunctions), but typically exclude damage from flooding or gradual leaks. Flood insurance is a separate policy that covers damage from external flooding. It's important to review your specific policy details and document all damage with photos and detailed notes for insurance claims.

What's involved in professional water damage restoration?

Professional water damage restoration typically includes: assessment and inspection; water extraction using pumps and vacuums; drying and dehumidification with industrial equipment; cleaning and sanitizing of affected areas and materials; and restoration/reconstruction of damaged structures and materials. The process may take several days to weeks depending on severity.

Can I handle water damage cleanup myself?

For very minor clean water damage (Category 1) affecting a small area, DIY cleanup may be possible with proper equipment and precautions. However, moderate to severe damage, especially involving gray or black water (Categories 2 and 3), should be handled by professionals due to health risks, specialized equipment needs, and the expertise required to prevent secondary damage like mold growth and structural issues.

How do professionals detect hidden water damage?

Professionals use specialized equipment to detect hidden water damage, including: moisture meters that measure moisture levels in materials; infrared cameras that identify temperature differences indicating moisture; hygrometers to measure humidity levels; and borescopes to visually inspect inside wall cavities and other inaccessible areas. These tools help identify moisture that isn't visible to the naked eye.