What Is The Cost Of Water Damage Restoration In Maryland?

Water damage restoration in Maryland typically costs between $1,500 and $3,000, with some severe cases costing upwards of $20,000 depending on the extent and type of damage. Several factors, including the category of water and the severity of the damage, influence the overall expense.

Cost Per Square Foot Based on Water Category

In Maryland, water damage is categorized into three main types: Clean Water (Category 1), Grey Water (Category 2), and Black Water (Category 3). Each type varies in its severity, health risks, and associated restoration costs.

Water Category Description Cost per Square Foot
Clean Water Water from uncontaminated sources, such as broken pipes or rainwater. $3 – $4
Gray Water Water containing contaminants, often from dishwashers or washing machines. $4 – $6.50
Black Water Hazardous water, including sewage or floodwaters, requiring extensive handling. $7 – $8

 

Category 1: Clean Water

Clean water damage is the easiest and least hazardous to address, with drying costs averaging $3 to $4 per square foot. However, the total restoration expense depends on the materials affected. For example, repairing carpets costs $1 to $11 per square foot, while drywall repairs range from $1 to $3 per square foot. 

Since clean water originates from uncontaminated sources, it poses no health risks but can lead to structural damage if not resolved promptly. Common causes include leaky faucets, toilet tanks, rain, sprinklers, burst pipes, and water heaters. Regular maintenance and immediate repairs can prevent clean water damage from escalating into more severe issues.

Category 2: Grey Water

Grey water, also known as sullage, contains contaminants like detergents, posing moderate health risks and being more challenging to clean than clean water. Drying and remediation costs range from $4 to $6.50 per square foot, with additional expenses for material repairs—hardwood restoration costs $10 to $15 per square foot, while plaster repairs range from $6 to $19 per square foot. 

Grey water is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and mold if left untreated. Common sources include overflowing appliances like dishwashers and washing machines, as well as toilet overflows involving urine or cleaning agents (not sewage). Timely remediation is crucial to mitigate health risks and prevent further damage.

Category 3: Black Water

Black water is the most hazardous and expensive type of water damage to address. Removal costs average $7 to $8 per square foot, excluding the replacement of contaminated items. Because black water contains sewage and harmful bacteria, anything it touches—such as furniture, carpets, clothing, and porous building materials—often needs replacement, as restoration is typically costlier. Health risks are severe, requiring professional mold remediation services. Common causes include sewage backups, plumbing system leaks, overflowing rivers or lakes, and secondary flooding from storm surges. Black water damage demands immediate attention and professional handling to prevent extensive structural and health impacts.

Understanding the category of water damage is crucial for determining the restoration process and associated costs, as well as preventing further issues through timely intervention.

 

Severity of Water Damage

Water damage is classified into four distinct classes based on severity and restoration costs.

Class Description Cost Range
Class 1 Minor damage confined to a small area. $150 – $400
Class 2 Damage affects an entire room. $500 – $1,000
Class 3 Damage impacting multiple rooms or floors. $1,000 – $3,000
Class 4 The most severe classification, involves structural materials such as hardwood floors or concrete. $20,000 – $100,000

 

Class 1

Class 1 is the easiest and most budget-friendly type of water damage to clean and restore, with costs ranging from $150 to $400. This level of damage is confined to a small section of a single room, with minimal carpeting affected. It is often manageable by a competent homeowner with some DIY experience or by professionals new to the field.

Class 2

Class 2 water damage impacts an entire room, including the walls up to at least 12 inches. Moisture may remain in the structure, carpeting, floors, and nearby appliances or fixtures. Restoration for this type of damage is more time-consuming and typically costs between $500 and $1,000, requiring the expertise of a professional water damage cleanup specialist.

Class 3

Class 3 involves extensive water damage that affects nearly every part of one or more rooms, such as ceilings, walls, subflooring, and insulation. Restoration costs range from $1,000 to $3,000, with expenses increasing quickly as many structural materials require replacement.

Class 4

Class 4 is the most severe and expensive classification of water damage, costing between $20,000 and $100,000 to restore and repair. This type of damage results from long-standing water, such as flooding caused by rivers or hurricane storm surges. Class 4 water damage permeates structural materials like stone, brick, and hardwood, spreading rapidly throughout the home and requiring specialized restoration processes.

Does Insurance Cover The Cost Of Water Damage Restoration?

Whether insurance covers the cost of water damage restoration depends on the specifics of your policy and the circumstances of the damage. Most homeowners’ insurance policies cover water damage if it is sudden and accidental, such as damage caused by burst pipes, appliance malfunctions, or certain roof leaks. However, coverage may not apply to all scenarios, especially if the damage is due to neglect, lack of maintenance, or flooding.

What is Typically Covered?

  • Sudden and Accidental Damage: Damage caused by events like a burst pipe, a leaking water heater, or an appliance malfunction is often covered.
  • Roof Leaks: If a roof leak results from a covered peril, such as a windstorm or hail, the water damage may be included in your coverage.
  • Sewer Backups: Coverage may be available for sewer backups if you have added an optional rider to your policy.

What is Not Covered?

  • Flood Damage: Standard homeowners’ insurance does not cover flood damage. You would need separate flood insurance through programs like FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
  • Gradual Damage: Damage caused by wear and tear, poor maintenance, or issues like long-standing leaks is typically excluded.

Steps to Ensure Coverage:

  1. Review Your Policy: Understand what is covered and whether you need additional riders for risks like sewer backups or sump pump failures.
  2. Document the Damage: Take photos or videos of the affected areas and keep records of repair estimates.
  3. Contact Your Insurer: Report the damage promptly to your insurance company and follow their claims process.
  4. Prevent Future Issues: Address maintenance issues to avoid coverage denials for neglect-related damage.

Consult your insurance provider for specific details, as policies can vary widely based on the insurer and location.

 

Conclusion

Water damage restoration in Maryland typical costs between $1,500 to $3,000 with severe cases ranging upwards of $20,000.

Insurance coverage plays a critical role in mitigating these costs, but it largely depends on the specifics of your policy and the cause of the damage. Sudden, accidental damage is often covered, whereas gradual damage or flooding typically requires separate coverage.

Whether facing minor leaks or significant flooding, proactive measures, timely intervention, and professional assistance can help restore your property efficiently while minimizing long-term risks.

Reach out to First & Last Restoration today for an estimate on your water damage.

Picture of Marcellis Mosby
Marcellis Mosby

Marcellis is the Director of Operations at First & Last Restoration. Certified in WRT, ASD, AMRT, FRST, and CDS he is an expert in all things restoration.

More To Explore
Get A Free Estimate

Please Fill Out The Form To Receive A Free Estimate Or Call Us At (443) 529-3363