Whether from flooding, heavy rain infiltration, sewer backups, water leaks or an outright plumbing failure, water damage goes well beyond simply getting things wet. Any water damage requires timely professional restoration to eliminate harmful outcomes, such as mold growth.
We’ve evaluated the leading water damage restoration services based on several criteria. After compiling the data from our research, we generated this list of the best water damage restoration services to help you make an informed decision.
Our picks
ServiceMaster Restore: Best for water damage restoration
PuroClean: Best for customer satisfaction
Belfor Property Restoration: Best for rush jobs
Paul Davis Restoration: Best for full-service restoration
Rainbow International Restoration: Best for customer support
ServiceMaster Restore
Star rating: 4.5 out of 5
Average response time: 4 hours
Emergency hotline: Yes
Water damage services: Residential, commercial, cleaning, mold services, natural disaster restoration, roof repair, sanitation, structural repair
Why we picked ServiceMaster Restore
Founded in 1929, ServiceMaster has grown to have more than 3,200 franchise locations across all 50 states and serves more than a million homes every year. ServiceMaster Restore is a significant part of those operations and provides restoration services for many types of damage, including water, fire, smoke, mold, weather, odor and more. Its water damage restoration services, in particular, stood out in our review due to the company’s extensive technician training system.
The company not only offers a full slate of water damage restoration services but also employs highly trained technicians and franchise owners. For every water restoration job, it provides a five-year warranty on its work, which is significant, as others in the business often provide just a year or two of warranty coverage. ServiceMaster Restore websites offer educational and decision-making information to review before contacting the company.
Who should use ServiceMaster Restore
ServiceMaster Restore is an all-around damage restoration company. Those needing more than just basic water damage restoration can do well by choosing ServiceMaster Restore. While the company is fully capable of dealing with minor water situations, its true abilities are more suited for major water damage.
Pros and cons of ServiceMaster Restore
Pros
- Franchise support includes 150 hours of centralized training
- Five-year warranty
- Long company history
Cons
- Comparatively slow emergency response time of up to 4 hours
- Customer reviews are dependent on location
PuroClean
Star rating: 4.4 out of 5
Average response time: 60 minutes
Emergency hotline: Yes
Water damage services: Residential, commercial, cleaning, mold services, natural disaster restoration, sanitation, structural repair
Why we picked PuroClean
Dealing with water damage can be trying enough, and confidence in the company you hire can make a difference. PuroClean stands out from the crowd of water damage restoration providers, as evidenced by its excellent customer satisfaction ratings. Positive reviews of PuroClean include mentions of exceptional professionalism, responsiveness and quality. PuroClean uses EPA-certified products and carries IICRC certification, further adding to the company’s expertise.
PuroClean offers a wide range of water damage restoration services but doesn’t do roof repairs. The company is available in all 50 states, so most homeowners in the United States can take advantage of its excellent water restoration services.
Who should use PuroClean
It’s not unusual to find service-oriented companies’ shortcomings in customer reviews. High consumer ratings can also be hard to come by for companies that tackle such varied services as restoration. However, PuroClean manages a high grade at the Better Business Bureau (BBB), meaning customers who desire a reputable provider likely appreciate this top restoration company.
Pros and cons of PuroClean
Pros
- Many positive customer service reviews despite the company’s size
- EPA and IICRC-certified
- 50-state availability
Cons
- Roof repair services are unavailable
Belfor Property Restoration
Star rating: 4.4 out of 5
Average response time: 90 minutes
Emergency hotline: Yes
Water damage services: Residential, commercial, cleaning, mold services, natural disaster restoration, roof repair, sanitation, structural repair
Why we picked Belfor Property Restoration
Experience is desirable when dealing with serious water damage issues, and Belfor has boasted international success since 1946. Today, it provides many restoration services in 41 states nationwide. Belfor uses its knowledge, tools and procedures to provide some of the best emergency response services available.
Belfor’s emergency response procedures start with damage assessment and quickly move through the next appropriate steps to minimize damage. While the company excels in rush jobs, prioritizing speed to limit damage, it also provides a long list of additional restoration-related services, such as sanitization, furniture restoration, structural repairs and mold remediation.
Who should use it:
Residential and commercial customers in various industry sectors can all benefit from Belfor’s extensive list of restoration services. However, the company scores particularly well in our review for factors involving its rapid response procedures, starting within one to two hours of a call, when dealing with water issues.
Pros and cons of Belfor Property Restoration
Pros
- Provides rush-job service
- 24-month warranty
- Extensive business history
Cons
- Available in just 41 states
Paul Davis Restoration
Star rating: 4.3 out of 5
Average response time: up to 4 hours
Emergency hotline: Yes
Water damage services: Residential, commercial, cleaning, mold services, natural disaster restoration, roof repair, sanitation, structural repair
Why we picked Paul Davis Restoration
Paul Davis Restoration’s full-service lineup scores well in our review. By offering almost any service related to water and damage restoration, including potential outliers like roof and structural repairs, the company stands out as the best well-rounded, full-service water damage restoration provider.
In addition to its available water restoration services, Paul Davis Restoration’s franchises in 45 states and locations in Canada also offer other services, including roof repair, fire damage repair and others. Its technicians can even offer one-stop mold remediation in some circumstances, and the company promises a rapid response time for emergencies.
Who should use Paul Davis Restoration
Paul Davis Restoration can handle smaller damage restoration services. In fact, it offers its one-stop mold remediation services just for that reason. However, the company goes the extra mile when called on to provide all-encompassing water damage restoration solutions. Customers with extensive water damage will likely find a solution with this option.
Pros and cons of Paul Davis Restoration
Pros
- Short initial contact time
- Long company history
- Bills insurance company directly
Cons
- Some lower-than-average review scores
Rainbow International Restoration
Star rating: 4.2 out of 5
Average response time: 90 minutes
Emergency hotline: Yes
Water damage services: Residential, commercial, cleaning, mold services, natural disaster restoration, sanitation, structural repair
Why we picked Rainbow International Restoration
Rainbow International is available across the nation, serving all but five U.S. states. The company carries an A+ grade at the BBB and high average review scores, including several overall five-star ratings from Google Reviews, making it our top pick for customer support. Additionally, Rainbow International provides its customers and others with an informative website to help educate them on the processes involved with its water restoration services.
The company also takes pride in its technician training. It encourages its associates to thoroughly explain the damage restoration process, whether for water, fire, smoke, sewage or any of the other remediation services it provides. Rainbow International Restoration is backed by over 40 years of experience and serves both residential and commercial customers.
Who should use Rainbow International Restoration
Customers who like to be informed about what’s happening with their property during water damage restorations will appreciate Rainbow International Restoration’s customer-centric approach and detailed information on the company’s website.
Pros and cons of Rainbow International Restoration
Pros
- High average review scores
- Long list of residential and commercial services
- Informative website
Cons
- Roof repair services are unavailable
- Little information available about franchise response times
Our picks at a glance
|
Our rating
|
IICRC certified?
|
Roof repair available?
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
| ServiceMaster Restore | 4.5 |
Yes |
Yes |
| PuroClean | 4.4 |
Yes |
No |
| Belfor Property Restoration | 4.4 |
Yes |
Yes |
| Paul Davis Restoration | 4.3 |
Yes |
Yes |
| Rainbow International Restoration | 4.2 |
Yes |
No |
Honorable mentions
We use a fact-based ranking system to determine which companies are the best water restoration providers. Here are the companies that narrowly missed the mark:
- 911 Restoration offers speedy response times in emergencies — just 45 minutes after your initial contact. The company also guarantees its work will prevent problems from returning. However, 911 Restoration fell just a little short of making our list due to its lack of roof repair and air duct cleaning services.
- Blackmon Mooring & BMS CAT just missed the cut for our list. While the company is among the highest rated in our review, a couple of key elements are missing. The company provides no warranty information on its website and offers water restoration services in only 36 states.
What causes water damage?
Water damage in a home can happen anytime water is present where it shouldn’t be. Standing or moving water in a home’s structure can create unsafe conditions that require immediate attention. Water damage can occur when pipes break or leak, during and after flooding, when a sewer or drain backs up, when an appliance or its water connection breaks, if the roof leaks, when rainwater builds up or any other time unwanted water makes its way into the home.
Types of water damage
Water damage is classified into three categories. The types and categories of water damage don’t measure the extent of damage — just the cause and potential effect.
- Clean water damage: This happens when rain or melting snow or ice gets into the home. It can also occur when water supply pipes break, clean water overflows, appliances break or any other source of clear water causes damage. Drying the water and preventing mold are the first goals of cleanup.
- Gray water damage: Causes include infiltration by water that’s not sanitary but not hazardous. A backed-up dishwasher discharge drain is an example of gray water. Cleanup procedures include drying and sanitization using various methods.
- Black water damage: This type of damage is caused by contaminated water that may include biohazards. Flooding and sewage backups are good examples. Cleanup procedures are robust and often involve the disposal of many items and materials.
The water damage restoration process explained
A number of problems can lead to water damage, so few cleanups follow the same steps, even if they include similar processes. Relatively minor to moderate water damage restoration typically includes inspection and initial assessment, water removal, dehumidifying, sanitizing and rebuilding, if necessary. Major restoration projects can include those steps on a large scale, as well as the disposal of affected items that can’t be restored and the reconstruction of damaged structural elements.
How much does water damage restoration cost?
Water damage restoration costs vary widely, depending on numerous factors. The extent of the damage, elapsed time since damage started, the type of damage present and the condition of the water when it happened all contribute to the total cleanup and restoration price.
- Low cost: $500 - $1,500
- Average cost: $2,600 - $5,500
- High cost: $6,100 - $15,000
How to choose the best water damage restoration service
When water damage occurs, time is of the essence. Starting cleanup as soon as possible can reduce the potential damage water leaves behind. Some water emergencies happen quickly, and you may need to call the nearest available service provider. However, if you have the time to choose, check online reviews, ask for proof of the company’s license and insurance and get at least a couple of price quotes to compare services.
DIY water damage restoration vs. hiring a professional
Water damage comes in a variety of sizes and severity levels. DIY restoration may be possible for minimal clean-water damage by drying the area and preventing mold growth. However, hiring a professional to ensure proper cleanup and avoid potential problems is more advisable. If gray or black water damage occurs, professional services are generally necessary to ensure the home remains safe after restoration services are provided.
