Nobody can give you an honest number for your house without walking it with a moisture meter. What we can do is show you the published figures, explain what pushes a job up or down, and point out the Texas rules that change what you actually pay.
National figures for 2026
Angi's cost guide, updated in September 2026, puts the national average for water damage restoration at $3,868, based on 1,500 projects reported by its pros. Most homeowners paid between $1,383 and $6,369. Priced by the square foot, Angi's numbers depend on the type of water:
| Type of water | Angi average per square foot, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Clean water (supply line, water heater) | $3.50 |
| Gray water (washer, dishwasher) | $5.25 |
| Black water (sewage, rising floodwater) | $7.50 |
The same guide breaks out common repairs: drywall at $300 to $850, a water damaged ceiling at $450 to $1,600, flooring at $200 to $3,000, and mold removal at $1,200 to $3,800 when mold has already started.
Is there a Midland price?
We haven't found one. Angi publishes city ranges for a short list of metros, and the only Texas city on it is Dallas, at $1,791 to $7,922 with an average of $4,788. Dallas is a different and much larger market, so treat that as a reference point, not a Midland quote. We would rather tell you that than make up a local number.
What moves the price
Where the water came from
This is the big one. Restoration companies sort water into three categories under the IICRC S500 standard. With clean water, the crew can usually go straight to drying. With gray or black water, the standard says the contamination has to be dealt with before drying starts, with containment and protective gear for the workers. That means more labor and more material thrown out, which is why Angi's per square foot figure for black water is more than twice the one for clean water.
How long it sat
The EPA says to dry water damaged areas within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold. Water that sits longer soaks further into drywall, pad and subfloor, so more has to come out. The IICRC standard also notes that time and temperature can change the category of the water. A clean leak left in a warm house can turn into a more expensive job.
How much got wet, and what it is made of
Square footage drives how much equipment goes in and how many days it runs. Materials matter too. Tile can usually be dried and cleaned. Carpet pad, laminate and the lower part of soaked drywall often get replaced. A wet closet off a hallway is a much smaller job than water that ran under the kitchen cabinets and into three rooms.
Whether the rebuild is included
Most bills come in two parts. Mitigation is the extraction, tear out and drying. Repairs are the new drywall, paint, flooring and cabinets afterward. Some companies quote both, and some hand the rebuild to a contractor. When you compare two estimates, check that they cover the same work.
Reading the estimate
Ask for it itemized, with the square footage, the equipment and the number of days it is expected to run. One Texas detail: the Texas Comptroller says labor to repair, remodel or restore residential real property is not taxable. On a contract that lists materials and labor separately, sales tax is charged on the materials only. On a lump sum contract, the contractor pays the tax on materials when buying them and doesn't add sales tax to your bill.
How insurance changes what you pay
If the damage is covered, your share is usually the deductible plus anything the policy leaves out. The Texas Department of Insurance gives a simple example: on a $1,000 claim with a $300 deductible, you get $700. TDI also explains that replacement cost coverage pays current prices to repair or replace, while actual cash value coverage takes depreciation off first. Replacement cost policies usually pay in two checks.
Be careful with anyone who offers to "take care of" your deductible. TDI says it is illegal in Texas for a contractor to waive your deductible or help you avoid paying it. That includes padding the estimate to cover it, or a rebate in the same amount. Your insurer can ask for proof that you paid it. More on claims, and how fast Texas law says your insurer has to respond, on our insurance claims page.
Keeping the bill smaller
- Shut off the water at the main valve as soon as you find the leak.
- Get standing water out and drying started inside that 24 to 48 hour window.
- Take photos and video of every wet room before anything is moved.
- Hold off on permanent repairs until you have talked to your insurer. TDI says temporary repairs are generally fine.
For what happens on the job itself, from the first moisture reading to the last piece of drywall, see water damage restoration. For a backup from a drain or sewer line, see sewage and toilet backup cleanup.
Sources: Angi cost guide, IICRC S500 position statement, 2026, EPA, Texas Comptroller, residential repair tax, TDI home insurance guide, TDI on deductible waivers, TDI disaster claims FAQ. Sources checked and page updated October 16, 2026.
Common questions
How much does water damage restoration cost on average?
Angi's 2026 cost guide puts the national average at $3,868, with most homeowners paying between $1,383 and $6,369. By the square foot, its averages run from $3.50 for clean water to $7.50 for black water such as sewage. We haven't found published figures for Midland itself.
Why does sewage cleanup cost more than a clean water leak?
Under the IICRC S500 standard, gray and black water have to be cleaned up before drying starts, with containment and protective gear, and more materials get thrown out. Angi's per square foot average for black water is more than twice its figure for clean water.
Can a contractor cover my deductible in Texas?
No. The Texas Department of Insurance says it is illegal for a contractor to waive your deductible or help you avoid paying it, including through a padded estimate or a rebate in the amount of the deductible.