Recovering from water damage is a lengthy and often painful process that can seem to take forever if you don’t choose the right company to help you restore your property and belongings. In this detailed guide, I rank the best water damage restoration services against one another to help you find the ideal one for your needs.
We analyze each company’s service quality, experience, speed, reliability, and many other factors to give you this easy-to-read review of their strengths and weaknesses. The result is a comprehensive guide covering everything you need to know about water damage restoration.
For more detailed cost information read our article on pricing of water damage restoration.
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
What Are the Best Water Damage Restoration Services?
We spent countless hours researching the best water damage restoration companies so you don’t have to. I rank each company based on services provided, response time, industry experience, and more. Here’s a quick look at the eight companies that came out on top:
Compare the Top Water Damage Restoration Services
Here’s a convenient table distilling my extensive analysis and expert opinions into a digestible set of the most important stats you need to know.
| Companies | Our Score | BBB Rating | Availability | Price Range |
| SERVPRO | 100 / 100 | A+ | 50 / 50 states | $1,000 – $7,000 |
| PuroClean | 98 / 100 | A+ | 44 / 50 states | $1,300 – $5,700 |
| AdvantaClean | 97 / 100 | A+ | 31 / 50 states | $1,000 – $6,500 |
| STOP Restoration Services | 96 / 100 | A+ | 16 / 50 states | $1,200 – $6,000 |
| ServiceMaster Restore | 93 / 100 | A+ | 50 / 50 states | $700 – $7,000 |
| Blackmon Mooring & BMS CAT | 89 / 100 | A+ | 19 / 50 states | $800 – $7,500 |
| Delta Restoration Services | 86 / 100 | A+ | 1 / 50 states | $700 – $6,000 |
| AMERESTORE | 84 / 100 | Not Rated | 4 / 50 states | $800 – $6,200 |
SERVPRO
5.0
Our Rating
SERVPRO is my pick for the best water damage restoration company overall. SERVPRO has been in business since 1967, operates more than 2,000 locations across all 50 states, can handle most restoration projects, and receives excellent customer reviews.
- Availability: 50 states
- Services Offered: Water removal, water damage restoration, mold remediation, fire and smoke damage restoration, biohazard cleanup, general cleaning services
- Price Range: $1,000 – $7,000
SERVPRO is the biggest name in the water restoration game, providing outstanding restoration services nationwide. Most customer reviews I analyzed contained glowing praise and satisfaction for the company’s service, response time, and professionalism.
The company stands out from the pack by checking all the boxes rather than specializing in one area. The company’s restoration specialists are adept at repairing flood damage, deodorizing upholstery, carpet cleaning, water mitigation, and many other issues. Additionally, SERVPRO’s response times are less than four hours, and it has a long history of providing high-quality service.
Despite my praise for SERVPRO, the company has some weak points I should address.
First, its prices are routinely higher than other companies’ prices. You can argue that you get what you pay for and that the emergency services SERVPRO can offer are probably worth paying a premium for. However, elevated costs might not be justified for routine work like general cleaning and build-back.
Second, and more importantly, SERVPRO’s technician certifications can vary depending on the specific location you use. This means that some areas have less experienced technicians compared to others. While this doesn’t seem to be a widespread problem, you should do your due diligence and research your local SERVPRO branch before making your decision.
PuroClean
4.9
Our Rating
PuroClean services most areas throughout the United States and provides 24/7 services in all the places it works. The company has generally positive customer service ratings and handles many restoration services, making it a great one-stop option for most U.S. residents.
- Availability: 44 states
- Services Offered: Water removal, water damage restoration, biohazard cleanup, mold remediation, fire damage restoration
- Price Range: $1,300 – $5,700
We gave PuroClean a top spot in this list because it offers a solid selection of services and has the largest service network of any provider, making it an excellent choice for most people.
PuroClean offers tons of water damage restoration services, including water removal, water damage repair from leaks and sewer backups, and mold remediation. The company also provides restoration services for fire damage and hazardous material cleanup.
One thing that sets PuroClean apart from its competition is its proprietary QuickDry system, which helps dry out your home incredibly quickly. This makes PuroClean’s service more efficient and cost-effective than the competition.
Customers can contact PuroClean 24/7, and its fast response times make it an excellent choice for emergencies.
PuroClean is not available in all 50 states; Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, West Virginia, and Wyoming are all outside its service area.
There isn’t much else I don’t like about PuroClean. One of the only problems you might encounter is that the company doesn’t offer reconstruction services at all its locations. If your home’s support structures were damaged and you need foundation repairs or beams replaced, you’ll have to contact your local PuroClean branch to see if it offers reconstruction services.
AdvantaClean
4.9
Our Rating
AdvantaClean is a reputable company specializing in water damage restoration, mold remediation, and improving indoor air quality. With over two decades of experience, AdvantaClean has garnered trust by delivering reliable services to both residential and commercial properties.
- Availability: 31 states
- Services Offered: water extraction, dehumidification, mold remediation, reconstruction, air duct cleaning
- Price Range: $1,000 – $6,500
AdvantaClean distinguishes itself from its competition by providing unbeatable customer service, making it my pick for best customer satisfaction.
AdvantaClean responds quickly — typically within eight hours — and is available 24/7 to handle emergencies. The company’s technicians are highly trained and know how to use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to help get you the best result possible.
One standout service that AdvantaCleans offers is preventative moisture control, which can help reduce the extent of future water damage. This is especially helpful for people who live in damp environments since it can reduce the cost of future water damage-related repairs.
AdvantaClean also offers professional air duct cleaning services, something more water damage restoration companies should offer. Water damage is often accompanied by compromised HVAC systems, and air ducts can quickly become a breeding ground for insects and bacteria if left untreated.
AdvantaClean has more limited availability than ServiceMaster Restore, SERVPRO, and PuroClean. As of this writing, AdvantaClean operates in 31 states plus Washington, D.C.
Additionally, although AdvantaClean is known for stellar customer service, it’s a franchise, meaning your experience may vary depending on where you live. While customer reviews of AdvantaClean are primarily positive, a few negative reviews call out specific branches for shoddy work and slow response times.
STOP Restoration Services
4.8
Our Rating
Service Team of Professionals (STOP) Restoration offers the most services of any company on this list, making it my pick for people who need a wide variety of work performed.
- Availability: 16 states
- Services Offered: Water removal, water remediation, mold remediation, biohazard cleanup, fire damage restoration, fire and smoke damage restoration, air duct cleaning, general purpose cleaning
- Price Range: $1,200 – $6,000
STOP is the best choice if you have a wide range of restoration problems. The company handles any water damage restoration project and provides fire and smoke damage restoration, air duct cleaning, general purpose cleaning, biohazard cleanup, and mold remediation.
Even though STOP is known for its impressive selection of services, it’s no slouch in terms of response time or service quality. The company is committed to providing quick emergency service and can have a team onsite in as little as three hours. You can contact STOP anytime, day or night, via its 24/7 emergency hotline.
The company only operates in 16 states, so large swaths of the country can’t access its services.
It’s possible that providing such a wide range of services is a detriment in some cases where certain team members have less experience with specific jobs. Some customer reviews question the quality of service they received, so you should read reviews of your local branch before you decide to go with the company.
ServiceMaster Restore
4.7
Our Rating
ServiceMaster Restore has been in the water damage restoration business for more than 90 years. Thanks to its decades of experience, ServiceMaster Restore’s technicians are some of the best in the industry.
- Availability: 50 states
- Services Offered: Water removal, water damage restoration, mold remediation, fire damage restoration
- Price Range: $700 – $7,000
It’s hard to argue with experience, and ServiceMaster Restore’s technicians inherit the company’s wealth of knowledge when they join the restoration team. Better technicians mean better service for you, leading to better restoration results. That means you’re more likely to be satisfied with the work and less likely to require follow-up service appointments if you choose ServiceMaster Restore.
Another great thing about ServiceMaster Restore is its lightning-fast four-hour response time, which makes the company the perfect choice for emergencies that need immediate attention.
We also like that ServiceMaster Restore handles many of the annoying parts of water damage restoration for you, such as contacting your homeowner’s insurance company to help you file a claim. This, along with its 24/7 online support and outstanding guides on its website, reflects the company’s overall dedication to providing exceptional customer service.
ServiceMaster Restore has a lot of things going for it, but it’s not perfect. For starters, the company doesn’t handle biohazard cleanup — so if you have a sewage leak, you’ll have to go elsewhere.
Additionally, ServiceMaster Restore doesn’t provide reconstruction services. I prefer companies that handle restoration and reconstruction since it reduces your waiting time for a habitable space. Coordinating work with two companies will always be more cumbersome than dealing with just one company.
Finally, many customer reviews suggest that ServiceMaster Restore’s prices are slightly higher than its competition. Prices vary depending on where you live and what kind of damage you have, so it’s a good idea to check prices in your local area before hiring ServiceMaster Restore.
Blackmon Mooring & BMS CAT
4.5
Our Rating
Blackmon Mooring & BMS CAT has been assisting homeowners with restoring their homes after water damage since 1948. The years of experience the company has amassed over its almost 75 years in business make it a dependable choice for virtually any situation.
- Availability: 19 states
- Services Offered: Water removal, water damage restoration, mold remediation, reconstruction
- Price Range: $800 – $7,500
Blackmon Mooring stands out for its ability to help you restore your most valuable items after a flood or leak. The company specializes in recovering data from hard drives and handling sensitive documents, such as medical records, photographs, and books.
We especially like that Blackmon Mooring has a reputation for being able to handle virtually any water damage restoration project. The company does everything you could want except for reconstruction. For everything else — water remediation, mold remediation, floor repairs, and general water damage restoration — it’s got you covered.
Unfortunately, Blackmon Mooring doesn’t offer reconstruction services, so you’ll have to find a separate restoration company to handle any structural repairs your home needs.
I don’t love the company’s limited availability, which stands out given its lengthy history. If you live in the Pacific Northwest or Northern Midwest, your area has no Blackmon Mooring locations.
Delta Restoration Services
4.3
Our Rating
Delta Restoration Services is another regional water damage restoration company like AMERESTORE. Unlike AMERESTORE, Delta Restoration Services only works in Colorado — mostly in and around Denver and its suburbs.
- Availability: 1 state
- Services Offered: Water removal, water damage restoration, reconstruction, mold remediation
- Price Range: $700 – $6,000
Delta Restoration Services stands out for having some of the fastest response times of any restoration company in the country. The company is easy to contact via its 24/7 phone number and often has a team at your house in less than two hours.
I especially like that Delta Restoration is IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification) certified and provides reconstruction services. It means you won’t have to deal with a separate company if the initial assessment uncovers structural damage.
Another reason to choose Delta Restoration Services — if you live in Colorado — is that the company will handle getting your homeowner’s insurance claim rolling. The company also makes it easy to keep track of the work it does for claims purposes and will give you detailed breakdowns you can submit to insurance as part of its standard operating procedure.
The most glaring weakness Delta Restoration Services has is its limited service area — the company only works in Colorado. While we would love to see the company branch out, we realize that limiting its service area allows it to achieve such impressive response times.
Besides that, I wish Delta Restoration handled biohazard cleanups. The company won’t take your case if you have a sewage leak or a backup due to a faulty sump pump.
AMERESTORE
4.2
Our Rating
AMERESTORE doesn’t have quite the same century-long pedigree as ServiceMaster Restore, but it has been in business since 1989. The company is my pick for the best regional restoration company, but it isn’t as widely available as the other providers on this list.
- Availability: 4 states
- Services Offered: Water removal, mold remediation, biohazard cleanup, hurricane damage repair
- Price Range: $800 – $6,200
AMERESTORE impressed us with its countless positive customer reviews and the array of services it provides. AMERESTORE customers are almost universally pleased with the company’s work and have nothing but good things to say about the company.
We also like that AMERESTORE deals with all water damage restoration projects itself, handling everything from flood and leak damage to sewer backups, water heater leaks, roof leaks, and more. It also does fire and smoke damage restoration and storm damage repairs.
The only negative thing we have to say is that the company only works in Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky. Some water damage restoration reviews online mention that the company performs work in Florida and along the Eastern Seaboard, but I couldn’t verify that information.
What Should You Look For in the Top Water Damage Restoration Companies?
Choosing the best water damage restoration company for your circumstances is the key to getting the best result. Not all restoration companies provide the same services, and costs can vary between providers based on the areas they specialize in.
The following sections outline what to consider before choosing a water damage restoration company.
Services
In the following sections, we’ll include a breakdown of the common services most water damage restoration companies provide.
Water Removal and Restoration
Before any restoration company can repair property damage and restore your home, it must remove any lingering standing water. After the initial assessment, water removal is usually the first step in water damage restoration. It’s crucial for preventing further damage and mold growth and typically involves using specialized equipment such as submersible pumps, wet/dry vacuums, and extractors.
After water removal, the restoration process begins. Restoration involves drying out the area thoroughly using dehumidifiers and air movers. The restoration company will assess the damage to your floors, walls, and other structures and repair or replace materials as needed. The goal is to bring the property back to its original condition before the water damage occurred.
Mold Remediation
Depending on the extent of your water damage, you may need mold removal services. This is common in water damage from leaks that have gone unnoticed for a while since it takes some time for mold to grow.
Mold remediation usually begins with an assessment to locate the mold, followed by containment to prevent it from spreading. Your restoration company will then use specialized equipment and chemicals to clean and disinfect areas affected by mold. Depending on the likelihood of recurrence, the company may take steps to control the moisture levels and prevent future mold growth.
Not all water damage cases require mold remediation, but almost all reputable water damage restoration companies provide this service. You can check out the video below to see how to test for wet drywall, which is a good indication that there might be mold growth:
Biohazard Cleanup
Biohazard cleanup is a specialized service that some water damage restoration companies offer, particularly when the water damage involves contaminants that pose a health risk. This type of cleanup is common in cases of sewage backups or flooding from external sources, which may introduce bacteria, viruses, or other hazardous materials into your property.
The cleanup process must be thorough and carried out with strict adherence to specific protocols to ensure safety. It involves removing contaminated materials, thorough cleaning and disinfection of the affected areas, and, in some cases, the application of antimicrobial treatments to prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms.
Not all restoration companies offer this service, so make sure you contact one that does if your water damage involves potentially contaminated water (see the helpful table in the next section).
Reconstruction
Reconstruction is often a necessary step in the water damage restoration process, especially when the damage is severe enough to have caused structural issues to the property. This step goes beyond just drying and cleaning — it involves rebuilding and restoring the property to its original condition or even making improvements.
It is very common these days for most water damage restoration companies to offer reconstruction services. In general, reconstruction involves:
- Foundation repair services
- Painting and finishing
- Rebuilding home structures like beams and supporting walls
- Repairing or replacing flooring
- Replacing drywall and insulation
- Upgrades to improve water resistance
The table below summarizes the services provided by each of the companies reviewed above.
| Services Offered | SERVPRO | PuroClean | AdvantaClean | STOP Restoration Services | ServiceMaster Restore | Blackmon Mooring & BMS CAT | Delta Restoration Services | AMERESTORE |
| Sewer back-ups | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Groundwater infiltration | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Roof leaks | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Water Heater Leaks | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Sinks, Faucets, Toilets, and burst pipes | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Water Removal | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Biohazard Cleanup | ✔ | ✔ | ||||||
| Reconstruction | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||||
| Mold Remediation | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Cost
The average cost of water damage restoration in the United States is around $3,500. However, small projects with limited damage may only cost a few hundred dollars to restore, and large-scale damage from major floods and storms can easily cost $10,000 or more.
Our best advice is to get as many quotes from local companies as possible before choosing one. Most restoration companies provide free initial assessments and quotes, so you don’t have to worry about wasting money before the real work starts.
Warranties
Many restoration companies offer warranties. The industry standard is a one-year warranty, but some companies offer extended warranties that last from three to five years on average. Extended warranties are more common for structural work done in cases with more extensive damage.
Keep in mind that the best home warranties might also cover some of the costs of water damage cleanup, so don’t forget to check your policy. If you’re looking for help finding a home warranty specifically to cover water damage, check out this guide to the best home warranty companies for water damage.
Efficiency and Response Time
I don’t know about you, but when I have water pooling in my basement, I like to take care of it as soon as possible. The industry standard response times for emergency calls is between four and six hours, with four hours being exceptional and six hours bordering on too long, in my opinion.
After six hours, I wouldn’t classify a company as offering emergency services at all. If you want the fastest response times in the business, go with Delta Restoration Services.
Additionally, I recommend considering how quickly the job gets done once the company is on site. Companies with fast response times and rapid resolution for your water issues are very often going to be your best bet for reducing the damage to your home and the outlay of money on restoration.
Our Final Thoughts on the Highest-Rated Water Restoration Service Companies
If you don’t think you can handle your water damage repair yourself, my top pick for general water damage restoration is SERVPRO. The company has an excellent reputation, great prices, and an expansive service network, which makes it easy to get work done no matter where you live.
Our two runners-up — PuroClean and AdvantaClean — are also excellent choices. PuroClean has extensive service offerings and operates 24/7 for guaranteed service whenever needed. AdvantaClean has rapid response times and includes nonstandard services like preventative moisture control.
Of course, before you make your final decision, we recommend you get as many quotes as possible from local water damage restoration companies. Prices will vary depending on the specific service you need — and some providers may be able to offer you better prices if the work is in their specialty.
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
Below are answers to some common questions about choosing the best water restoration services company and what to expect throughout the repair process.
FAQs About the Best Water Restoration Services
Water damage restoration can be costly, depending on the damage’s extent, the required services, and your region. Minor damage might be relatively inexpensive to fix, while extensive damage — particularly involving structural repairs — can be substantially more costly. The average water damage restoration cost in the United States is around $3,000.
Fixing old water damage involves:
- Assessing the extent of the damage.
- Drying out any moist areas.
- Replacing damaged materials like drywall or flooring.
- Addressing any mold or mildew that may have grown.
It’s often advisable to consult a water damage restoration professional for a thorough evaluation and repair. Having a plumber assess your home is also a good idea to ensure you don’t have more problems in the future.
Water extraction involves removing standing water from a property, typically using pumps and vacuums. Remediation involves:
- Addressing the underlying issues caused by water damage, such as drying out the area.
- Cleaning and sanitizing.
- Repairing or replacing damaged materials.
- Preventing mold growth.
If your house floods, first ensure the safety of all occupants. If necessary, turn off electricity and gas supplies. Contact emergency services if needed. Then, document the damage for insurance purposes and contact a water damage restoration company to begin the drying and restoration process. Also, get in touch with your insurance company to initiate a claim.
It’s crucial to control moisture levels to stop mold from growing. You can do this by promptly repairing leaks, ensuring proper ventilation, using dehumidifiers in damp areas, and regularly cleaning and drying wet or damp surfaces. If mold is already present, it may be necessary to engage a mold remediation specialist to address the issue.
Methodology: How We Rank Water Damage Restoration Companies
At Today’s Homeowner, we strive to bring you the most transparent, accurate information for your home improvement projects. We want you to have all the information you need to choose a reputable water damage restoration company when you need it most. That said, our ratings are based on publicly available information and customer reviews.
Water damage restoration companies can earn a maximum of 100 points across five categories that are converted to a five-star scale. To get the following scale we researched dozens of companies:
- Services (25 points): Most water damage restoration companies offer more than just water clean up. Companies do best in this category if they also offer mold remediation, fire and smoke damage restoration, biohazard cleanup, natural disaster cleanup, and more.
- Homeowner Experience (25 points): When you have excess water in your home, you want it taken care of quickly and professionally. We evaluate each company based on their response time, emergency services, and customer service.
- Certification (15 points): Water damage restoration technicians don’t require certification, but it provides homeowners with peace of mind knowing that technicians are knowledgeable in the best practices of water damage and mold remediation. Companies that have technicians certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) perform the best in this category.
- Service Areas (15 points): Companies that have nationwide service often have the resources and the experience to handle your water emergency quickly and professionally. Water restoration companies that serve 45 states or more do the best in this category.
- Company Reputation (20 points): A water damage restoration company is only as good as its reputation, so we review each company’s Better Business Bureau and how many years the company has worked in water damage restoration. Companies with A+ BBB ratings and more than 25 years of experience are awarded the most points.
We monitor company data on an ongoing basis to keep rankings and information up to date.
