How much does water damage restoration cost?
The cost depends mainly on how large the affected area is, whether the water is clean or contaminated, how long materials have been wet, what they are made of, and whether repairs are needed after drying. Small clean-water leaks caught early cost far less than flooding or sewage. NRN assesses the damage first and gives you a quote before work goes ahead.
Call 1300 050 565, 24/7Why every job is priced individually
Two jobs that look similar can need very different amounts of work. A burst pipe found within an hour may only need water extraction and a few days of drying. The same leak left over a weekend can soak into wall cavities, swell flooring and start mould growth, which means more equipment, more days and more materials to replace.
That is why a proper inspection comes first. We measure how far the moisture has spread, including inside walls and under floors, so the quote reflects the real extent of the damage rather than a guess.
Acting fast is the best way to keep costs down
The cheapest water damage job is the one that starts early. Fast extraction gives carpet, underlay and flooring the best chance of being dried and kept instead of replaced, and it stops the damage spreading. Because we respond 24/7, you do not have to wait until business hours for the drying to begin.
What affects the cost
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1
Size of the affected area
One wet room costs less than water spread through several rooms, a whole level or a commercial building.
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2
Type of water
Clean water from a supply pipe is the simplest to deal with. Grey water from appliances, and black water such as sewage or floodwater, need extra cleaning, disinfection and usually removal of porous materials.
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3
How long it has been wet
The longer water sits, the further it spreads and the more materials have to be removed. After 24 to 48 hours mould can start growing.
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4
Building materials and contents
Carpet, underlay, timber floors, plasterboard, cabinetry and furniture each dry differently. Some can be dried in place, and some have to be removed.
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5
Drying time and equipment
The number of air movers and dehumidifiers and the number of days they run depend on the moisture readings. Drying stops when materials are dry, not on a fixed schedule.
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6
Repairs after drying
Replacing plasterboard, skirting, flooring or paint is separate from the drying itself and depends on what was damaged.
Ways to reduce the cost
- Stop the water at the mains as soon as you find a leak
- Call for extraction straight away, even at night or on weekends
- Move furniture and rugs off wet carpet if it is safe to do so
- Do not leave wet carpet or underlay to dry on its own
- Check whether your insurance covers the event before work starts
- Ask for moisture readings so you know drying is really finished
Common questions
Do you charge for an assessment?
Call 1300 050 565 to talk through what has happened. We assess the damage before work goes ahead and explain the scope and cost, so you know what to expect.
Is water damage restoration covered by insurance?
Sudden water damage, such as a burst pipe, is covered by many home and contents policies, so you may only pay your excess. Gradual leaks and some flood events can be excluded. See our insurance claims guide for more detail.
How long does water damage restoration take?
Most homes need about 3 to 5 days of professional drying, depending on how much water there was, how long it sat and the materials affected. Repairs, if needed, come after drying.
Is it cheaper to dry carpet myself?
Fans and household dehumidifiers usually cannot dry underlay, subfloors and wall cavities properly. Hidden moisture can lead to mould and odours later, which often costs more to fix than professional drying would have.
Why does sewage or floodwater cost more?
Contaminated water can carry harmful bacteria, so porous materials such as carpet and plasterboard usually have to be removed and the area must be cleaned and disinfected, which takes more time and materials.
Need help right now?
Our technicians are on call 24/7 and can be on-site within the hour. Tell us what happened and we'll call you straight back.
1300 050 565- Insurance-grade work
- Homes & commercial, Australia wide
- 10+ years' experience