We do not publish a flat price list, because two jobs that look alike on the phone can cost very different amounts once the readings come in. What we can do is show published ranges, explain what moves them and quote in writing after we see the job.
Published U.S. ranges by service
These are national figures from Angi, HomeAdvisor, HomeGuide, LawnStarter and restoration company price guides. They are not a Mechanicsburg Reco price list and not a Harrisburg-area survey.
| Service | Typical estimate | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Water damage restoration | $3,250 (U.S. average) | $1,270 to $5,376 per job; about $3 to $7.50 per sq ft |
| Emergency water extraction | about $3,000 | $1,200 to $6,000 for pump-out, extraction and dehumidification |
| Basement flooding cleanup | about $2,000 for 400 sq ft of clean water | $4 to $12 per sq ft; $1,600 to $4,800+ for 400 sq ft |
| Frozen and burst pipe cleanup | about $3.50 per sq ft (clean water) | $3 to $4 per sq ft, plus the plumber's repair |
| Structural drying and dehumidification | about $300 per day of equipment | $200 to $400 per day, usually 2 to 5 days: $400 to $2,000 |
| Sewage backup cleanup | about $7.50 per sq ft (black water) | $7 to $14 per sq ft; $2,000 to $10,000 per job |
| Mold removal | about $3,000 | $500 to $6,000, more when walls must open |
| Storm and flood damage (creek water) | about $7.50 per sq ft (black water) | $7 to $7.50 per sq ft, before drywall and floors |
Estimates are published averages or the midpoint of a range. The extraction, drying, sewage and mold figures come from contractor guides that do not agree closely, so treat them as directional.
Water still spreading? Do not wait for it to stop on its own.
Call (223) 245-0005Eight things that move the price up or down
- Water category. Clean, gray and black water cost about $3 to $4, $4 to $6.50 and $7 to $7.50 per square foot, according to Angi.
- Area and depth. More square feet and deeper water mean more extraction and drying.
- Time since the loss. Water that sits wets more material and can move up a category.
- Materials. Carpet, drywall, hardwood and plaster behave differently. HomeAdvisor puts gray-water hardwood damage at about $10 to $15 per square foot.
- Finished or unfinished space. Finished basements cost more.
- Drying days. Dense materials need more days of equipment.
- Mold. If growth has started, containment and removal are added.
- Rebuilding. It is a separate job. Angi puts drywall replacement at about $1.50 to $3 per square foot.
How we quote, and what you get in writing
We quote after we see the job. We take moisture readings, mark the wet areas and write a scope of work that lists what is coming out, what is staying and what drying equipment goes in. You get that before work starts, and if the scope changes we tell you why and what it does to the number.
For a rough number before we visit, use the water damage cost estimator. It uses the same published rates and shows its math. Our drying timelines post explains why drying days drive the total.
Insurance and payment
Standard Pennsylvania homeowners policies generally cover sudden and accidental water damage, such as a burst pipe, and generally exclude flood and sewer backup unless you added coverage. Your policy decides, and so does your insurer. We provide dated photos, daily readings and a written scope for your adjuster. Read whether homeowners insurance covers water damage in Pennsylvania for how that usually works. Ask us how payment works when you call.
Pricing questions
Why will you not give an exact price over the phone?
We cannot see how far the water went. Readings through the walls and floors change the scope, and a blind quote is a guess in one direction or the other.
Are these your prices?
No. They are published U.S. ranges from cost guides. We quote after we see your job.
What is the biggest factor in the price?
Usually the water category and the number of square feet affected, followed by how long the water sat and what materials it reached.
Does insurance pay for restoration?
Often, for sudden events like a burst pipe or appliance failure. Flood and sewer backup usually need separate coverage. Your policy decides.
Is the estimator a quote?
No. It is a rough range based on published rates. A written quote comes after we see the job.
