How Much Does Water Damage Restoration Cost in Seattle? [2025 Data]

Water damage restoration in Seattle, WA, costs $5,024 on average, with most homeowners spending between $1,673 and $8,375, depending on what’s damaged, the size of the damage, the extent of the damage, and even the source of the water. Seattle’s rainy climate poses flood risks, but plumbing problems can also lead to water damage.

Water Damage Restoration Cost Factors 

In a rainy city like Seattle, water damage and flooding are major concerns for many home and condo owners. But accidents, such as a leaky toilet, worn-out plumbing, or a burst sewer line, can also lead to water damage. Many different influences, from what’s damaged to how far the damage reaches, affect the cost of water damage restoration in Seattle, WA.

What’s Damaged

Because of its wet, rainy climate and urban design, flood-caused water damage is a common risk in Seattle, and this can lead to roof, ceiling, basement, and flooring damage. Burst pipes or leaky appliances, whether your own or a neighbor’s, can also lead to water damage. Costs vary based on what parts of your home are affected by the water damage.

Below is an estimated water damage restoration cost breakdown based on what needs fixing:

Size

Water damage repair costs between $3 and $7.50 per square foot on average. The cost largely depends on the type of water, the extent of the damage, and the root cause.

Water damage is classified by severity and type. Only licensed water damage restoration professionals can categorize water damage, helping to determine the scope and price of the cleanup and repairs. 

Type of Water

Before starting repairs, contact your insurance company to find out who to call for water damage. They’ll want a water damage restoration professional to assess the damage so they can determine which repairs they’ll cover.

Here’s the average cost to repair damage based on the type of water: 

Severity of Damage

The cost to repair water damage in your home also depends on the class of water damage. Minor water leakage in a bathroom costs less to repair than a basement soaked in a foot of water. Here’s a breakdown of water damage by class. 

• Class 1: Damage is minimal, such as a small faucet leak or damp carpeting. Homeowners can repair these issues on their own or hire a professional.

• Class 2: When an entire room, including the walls up to at least a foot, is full of water, it's considered Class 2. This requires removing moisture from the structure along with cleanup and repairs. 

• Class 3: The ceilings, walls, floors, and possibly the subflooring and insulation are saturated with moisture. In most cases, the water comes from above, like from a burst pipe. 

• Class 4: Water damage from long-standing water, like river flooding or storm surge, can saturate hardwood, brick, and stone to their core. Costs are much, much higher for Class 4 damage and repair, so always tackle these issues as early as possible. 

Water Damage Restoration Pro Costs

Although you could DIY water damage restoration yourself, you risk voiding material warranties and home insurance coverage, which could end up costing you far more than if you left this job to a water and smoke damage pro in Seattle, WA.

Here’s what you can expect to spend on labor for water damage restoration:

Labor

Because this job requires specialized skills and equipment, and Seattle is a high-cost-of-living city, the labor costs for water damage restoration are $70 to $200 per hour. If mold is present, you’ll spend another $80 to $110 per hour for mold removal.

Permits

For minor leaks or replacing a faulty appliance, you won’t need a building permit. But for many water damage restoration projects, like major roof repairs or plumbing replacements, you’ll need to contact the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections to determine whether you need a permit and how much it will cost.

Costs vary widely based on what repairs you need, but the pro you hire will know how to apply for the proper permits and build those fees into the project quote.

Insurance

Homeowners insurance, which costs $110 to $190 per month in Seattle, will help cover water damage restoration costs in some circumstances, such as burst pipes or sudden appliance malfunctions. Heavy rainfall and flooding are often not covered unless you pay for a separate flood insurance policy.

Additional Pros to Consider Hiring

While a water damage restoration pro has the most specialized skills for handling various types of projects, you may consider working with other pros for specific projects.

For instance, extensive water damage on your roof may warrant working with a roofing specialist, while leaking plumbing or a burst pipe is best handled by a plumber. Or, if you’re just dealing with minor damage, like a small leak that has damaged a bit of drywall, you could hire a handyperson.

Consider the following costs for hiring additional pros for water damage restoration and related repairs:

• Handyperson: $220–$780

• Plumber: $290–$770

• Drywaller: $690–$2,200

• Roofer: $460–$2,720

• Flooring pro: $500–$3,000

• Basement pro: $2,000–$7,000

• Mold removal specialist: $1,010–$2,970

Does Water Damage Restoration Increase Home Value?

Untreated water damage can decrease your Seattle home’s resale value by 10% to 30%, although extensive damage or mold could make it nearly impossible to sell your home. With the rainy and humid climate in Seattle, existing water damage only makes further water damage a higher risk.

On the other hand, investing in the cost to repair any water damage could increase the value of your home, especially if you make upgrades to your roof, outdoor drainage, and basement to minimize flood risks for future buyers. 

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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