Water Damage Repair Cost Calculator

Get an instant estimate for your water damage repairs based on professional industry standards

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Clean Water: From broken pipes or rain

Grey Water: From appliances or slightly contaminated sources

Black Water: Sewage or flood water with hazardous contaminants

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Include all spaces affected by water damage:

• Bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen

• Basement areas

• Utility rooms and closets

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Measure length × width of each affected room

Include walls if water damage extends upward

Example: 10ft × 12ft room = 120 sq ft

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Measure from floor to highest water mark

If water has receded, look for water lines on walls

Include any current standing water

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Select all materials that have been affected by water damage

Different materials require different restoration approaches

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Minor: Surface water damage, quick drying needed

Moderate: Some drywall/flooring replacement

Severe: Structural materials affected

Catastrophic: Major reconstruction required

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Finished: Completed interior with drywall, flooring, and fixtures

Unfinished: Bare concrete, exposed beams, no interior finishing

Partially Finished: Mix of finished and unfinished areas

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Mold Remediation: Required if damage is over 24-48 hours old

Dehumidification: Essential for preventing future mold growth

Sanitization: Required for grey or black water damage

Reconstruction: Needed for structural repairs

Don't Let Water Damage Get Worse - Act Now!

Every minute counts when dealing with water damage. Delay can lead to:

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Dangerous mold growth within 24-48 hours

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Permanent structural damage to your home

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Higher repair costs if left untreated

Call (831) 204-4142 - Expert Help & Custom Quote

How To Use The Water Damage Repair Cost Calculator

1

Identify Water Type

Choose between:

  • Clean Water (Category 1): From broken pipes or household fixtures
  • Grey Water (Category 2): From appliances or contaminated sources
  • Black Water (Category 3): From sewage or natural disasters
2

Count Affected Rooms

Include all spaces with water damage:

  • All living spaces (bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen)
  • Utility areas and closets
  • Basement or crawl spaces
3

Measure Affected Area

Calculate total square footage:

  • Measure length × width of each room
  • Include wall height if damage extends upward
  • Add measurements of all affected areas
4

Note Water Height

Measure in inches:

  • Current standing water level
  • Water marks on walls
  • Height of visible damage
5

Check Affected Materials

Select all damaged materials:

  • Walls and drywall
  • Flooring (hardwood, tile, carpet)
  • Ceiling materials
  • Wooden structures
6

Assess Damage Extent

Choose severity level:

  • Minor: Surface damage only
  • Moderate: Some replacement needed
  • Severe: Extensive restoration
  • Catastrophic: Complete restoration
7

Specify Property Type

Select your property finish:

  • Finished: Complete living spaces
  • Unfinished: Basic structural spaces
  • Partially Finished: Mixed areas
8

Additional Services

Select needed services:

  • Mold remediation
  • Dehumidification
  • Sanitization
  • Reconstruction

💡 Pro Tip: Take photos and detailed measurements before starting any cleanup work for more accurate estimates and insurance claims.

What Factors Affect the Cost of Water Damage Repair?

Water Type Impact

Clean Water (Category 1)

Least expensive to remediate. Requires basic drying and minimal sanitization.

Grey Water (Category 2)

Moderate cost. Requires sanitization and possible material replacement.

Black Water (Category 3)

Most expensive. Requires full sanitization and material replacement.

Material Replacement Costs

  • Drywall: $2.50 - $5.50 per sq ft
  • Hardwood Floor: $8 - $15 per sq ft
  • Carpet: $3.50 - $7 per sq ft
  • Ceiling: $4.50 - $8.50 per sq ft

Labor and Equipment

  • Water extraction equipment rental
  • Professional labor costs
  • Specialized drying equipment
  • Testing and monitoring fees

Additional Considerations

  • Geographic location and local rates
  • Emergency service fees
  • Permits and inspections
  • Insurance deductibles

How Long Does Water Damage Repair Take?

Emergency Response (0-24 hours)

  • Water extraction begins
  • Initial damage assessment
  • Setting up drying equipment

Drying Process (2-5 days)

  • Continuous dehumidification
  • Moisture level monitoring
  • Mold prevention measures

Restoration (1-2 weeks)

  • Material replacement
  • Structural repairs
  • Final inspections

When Should I Call a Professional?

Immediate Action Required

  • Standing water deeper than 1 inch
  • Water contact with electrical systems
  • Suspected sewage contamination
  • Visible mold growth

High-Risk Situations

  • Water damage older than 24 hours
  • Multiple rooms affected
  • Wet insulation or ceiling damage
  • Warped flooring or walls

How to Save Money on Water Damage Repairs

When Should I Call a Professional for Water Damage Repairs?

Call a professional immediately if you notice:

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is the estimated cost?

Our calculator provides a reliable range based on industry standards and current market rates. The estimate considers multiple factors including water type, affected area, materials, and local pricing variations. While the final cost may vary depending on specific circumstances and contractor rates, our estimates typically fall within 10-15% of actual costs for standard water damage scenarios.

Why does the number of rooms affect the price?

The number of rooms impacts the total cost because it affects:

  • Labor complexity (working in multiple spaces)
  • Equipment setup and movement between rooms
  • Potential containment needs to prevent cross-contamination
  • Additional time needed for proper drying and monitoring

How do I determine the color of the water?

Water damage is categorized into three types based on contamination level:

  • Clean Water (Category 1): Comes from sanitary sources like broken water supply lines, tub overflows, or rainwater. Appears clear and doesn't have an odor.
  • Grey Water (Category 2): Contains significant contamination from sources like washing machines, dishwashers, or toilet overflows (without feces). May appear cloudy and have a slight odor.
  • Black Water (Category 3): Highly contaminated water from sewage backups, flooding from rivers/streams, or standing water with organic decay. Often dark in color with a strong odor.

Note: Clean water can become grey or black water if left standing for over 48 hours due to bacterial growth.

Does insurance cover water damage repair?

Most homeowner insurance policies cover sudden water damage from burst pipes or appliance failures, but not damage from gradual leaks or flooding.

How quickly should water damage be addressed?

Water damage requires immediate attention within the first 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth and structural damage.

Can I handle water damage repairs myself?

Minor clean water damage can be handled DIY, but contaminated water or extensive damage requires professional help for safety and proper restoration.

Disclaimer: This site is a free service to assist homeowners in connecting with local service providers. All contractors/providers are independent and this site does not warrant or guarantee any work performed. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to verify that the hired contractor furnishes the necessary license and insurance required for the work being performed. All persons depicted in a photo or video are actors or models and not contractors listed on this site.