Water damage cost depends mostly on three things: how many square feet are wet, how contaminated the water is and what it soaked. This tool uses published U.S. per-square-foot rates for those and adds two common extras. It shows each line so you can see where the number comes from.
Enter what you know
Water still spreading? Do not wait for it to stop on its own.
Call (223) 245-0005The rates behind the estimate
| Item | Low | High | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean water, per sq ft | $3.00 | $4.00 | Angi |
| Gray water, per sq ft | $4.00 | $6.50 | Angi |
| Black water, per sq ft | $7.00 | $7.50 | Angi |
| Drywall replacement, per sq ft | $1.50 | $3.00 | Angi |
| Gray-water hardwood damage, per sq ft | $10 | $15 | HomeAdvisor |
HomeAdvisor's category averages ($3.50, $5.25 and $7.50 per square foot) fall inside the same ranges. For whole jobs, one 2026 guide puts the U.S. average at $3,250. These are national figures, not Mechanicsburg Reco prices, and not a Harrisburg-area survey.
What the estimator leaves out
- Plumbing, roof or appliance repair. Those are separate trades.
- Mold removal. If growth has started, it adds containment and removal. See mold removal.
- Contents and most rebuilding. Only drywall and hardwood are included.
- Special conditions. Plaster, stone, tight crawlspaces and finished basements can raise the cost.
For what each service involves, see emergency water extraction, basement flooding cleanup and structural drying. Our pricing page explains what moves the number, and the blog post on drying timelines explains why days matter.
Estimator questions
Is this a quote?
No. It is a rough range from published U.S. rates. A written quote comes after we see the job and take moisture readings.
Why is black water so much more than clean water?
Sewage and floodwater are grossly contaminated, so porous materials come out, workers use protective gear and surfaces are disinfected. That adds labor and disposal.
Does the estimate include drying equipment?
The per-square-foot rates cover extraction, drying and cleanup together. Some companies bill equipment by the day, about $200 to $400 per day for a set, according to restoration cost guides.
What if my basement is finished?
Finished basements usually cost more because there is more material to remove and dry. The tool does not add a figure for that, so expect the real number to run higher.
Will insurance pay for what the tool shows?
Often for sudden events like a burst pipe, rarely for flood or sewer backup without extra coverage. Your policy decides.
