Our team at Water Damage Restoration Melbourne helping homeowners and businesses recover from all types of water damage, burst pipes, storm flooding, leaking roofs, and flooded basements. Backed by years of local experience, our certified team delivers full-service restoration that goes beyond repairs to ensure your property is safe, dry, and structurally sound.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about water damage restoration costs in Melbourne: what drives up the price, how much it costs to fix things like ceilings and floors, etc. What are you waiting for? Let’s get started.
Key Takeaways:
- Most Melbourne water damage jobs cost between $1,000 and $20,000+, depending on severity, water type, and speed of response.
- Clean water costs $30–$50/m², greywater $60–$80/m², and black water $90–$150+/m² due to contamination levels.
- Water extraction, drying, disinfection, structural repairs, and mould removal are typically included.
- Carpet extraction starts at $120; ceiling repairs can range from $250 to $3,000+; full structural rebuilds can exceed $50,000.
- Delays increase damage and cost, mould, timber rot, and structural risks escalate quickly if not addressed within 24–48 hours.
- Expect $70–$150/hour for labour and up to $500/day for drying or filtration equipment hire.
- Leak detectors, roof maintenance, and sealing openings help lower the risk and severity of future damage.
- Most policies cover sudden water damage (like burst pipes), but not gradual leaks, always review your coverage details.
What Is Water Damage Restoration?
Water damage restoration is the process of cleaning, drying, repairing and restoring your home or business after it’s been damaged by water. This can happen from:
- A burst pipe
- Leaking roof
- Flooding after a storm
- Home appliance overflow (like a washing machine or dishwasher)
The job often starts with a professional inspection, then water removal, drying (with dehumidifiers and fans), sanitising to prevent mould, and finally, repairing or rebuilding what was affected.
Restoration vs. Repair: Which One Do You Need for Water Damage?
When dealing with water damage, repair typically involves fixing visible issues like stains, cracks, or warped surfaces. It’s a surface-level solution aimed at restoring appearance or basic function.
Restoration, on the other hand, goes much deeper, it includes identifying and removing hidden moisture, addressing mould risks, and repairing structural components to fully restore safety and integrity. While restoration is more comprehensive, it’s also more expensive due to the advanced techniques and equipment required to prevent long-term damage.
Want to understand when you need full restoration versus a repair? Check out our guide to professional water damage repairs for clear tips on what’s right for your situation.
How Much Does Water Damage Restoration Cost in Melbourne?
The typical water damage restoration cost in Melbourne ranges from $1,000 to $20,000+. Minor jobs may only set you back $1,500, while serious flooding can cost over $10,000. If black water (sewage) is involved or mould has spread, the costs go up quickly.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Severity | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Minor (small leaks) | $1,500 – $3,500 |
| Moderate (multi-room or greywater) | $3,500 – $7,000 |
| Severe (black water or structural issues) | $7,000 – $20,000+ |
What’s Included in the Cost?
- Labour ($70–$150/hour)
- Drying equipment hire ($100–$500/day)
- Moisture detection tools
- Decontamination & mould treatment
- Repairs or rebuilds (walls, floors, ceilings)
In some cases, you might only need drying and cleaning. In others, the property may require stripping and rebuilding affected areas.
Here are some real examples of restoration jobs in Melbourne to give you a clearer picture of costs in action:
In one Melbourne home, a burst pipe under the kitchen sink led to $3,100 in repairs including flooring and cabinetry.
Water Damage Restoration Cost Per Square Metre in Melbourne
Understanding cost per square metre helps estimate water damage restoration expenses more accurately. In Melbourne, average prices vary depending on the type of water involved:
- Clean Water (Category 1) – $30 to $50 per m²
Typically from rain or burst pipes; least contaminated and easiest to restore. - Greywater (Category 2) – $60 to $80 per m²
Comes from appliances or sinks; requires additional cleaning and disinfection. - Black water (Category 3) – $90 to $150+ per m²
Includes sewage or floodwater; highly contaminated and demands full-scale remediation.
These estimates generally include the cost of inspection, drying equipment, and basic repairs.
Contact Us for Accurate Quote Based on your NeedsAverage Cost Breakdown by Service
Water damage restoration isn’t a one-size-fits-all job. The total cost depends on which specific services are needed to fully restore your property. Below is a simple breakdown of common restoration services and what you can typically expect to pay in Melbourne:
Typical Cost Range for Flood Damage Restoration
- Clean water flooding (e.g., rain or burst pipes): Typically ranges from $1,500 to $4,000
- Grey/black water flooding (sewage, stormwater): Typically ranges from $2,500 up to $20,000+
- Full structural rebuild after flood: Typically ranges from $20,000 to $50,000+
Services Typically Included:
- Water removal and pumping
- Disinfection of all surfaces
- Structural drying (walls, floors, timber)
- Moisture detection and monitoring
- Debris removal and insurance documentation
Learn more about Melbourne flood restoration costs.
Average Carpet Water Extraction Costs by Room Size
- Small Room (up to 10m²): Ranges from $120 to $200
- Larger Room (20–30m²): Ranges from $250 to $400
- Whole House Flooded: Ranges from $500 to $1,000+
What’s Included?
- Water extraction
- Shampoo and sanitisation
- Deodorising
- Industrial drying (blowers and dehumidifiers)
Pro tip: Some carpets with foam underlay may not be salvageable. We’ll advise you during the initial inspection.
Learn more the typical carpet drying costs in Melbourne.
Average Mould Removal Costs in Melbourne
- Minor Surface Mould (on walls or ceiling): Ranges from $500 to $1,000
- Widespread Growth (across multiple rooms or hidden in cavities): Ranges from $1,000 to $5,000
- Severe Remediation with Air Scrubbing & Decontamination: Can go up to $6,000+
What Affects the Price?
- Size of the affected area
- Type of material (porous surfaces like plasterboard are harder to save)
- Air testing and clearance certificates
- Access to contaminated zones (roof cavities, subfloors, etc.)
For example, a minor burst pipe under a kitchen sink resulted in $3,100 in repairs in one Melbourne home. In contrast, a Brunswick basement flood required $8,300 in work including mould remediation.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Water-Damaged Ceiling in Melbourne?
Ceiling repairs are one of the most common and often urgent types of water damage jobs.
- Average cost: Ranges from $250 up to $3,000+
- Ceiling material: Plasterboard is cheaper to repair than older lath and plaster ceilings.
- Size of damage: The bigger the patch, the higher the cost.
- Structural risks: Waterlogged ceilings can collapse — so act fast.
- Listed buildings: If your property is heritage-listed, ceiling repairs may need to match original finishes and materials, which costs more.
Ignoring a ceiling leak can lead to costly secondary issues like mould in the insulation or timber rot in the rafters.
Step-by-Step: What to Do Immediately After Discovering Water Damage
Acting within the first few hours of discovering water damage is critical. Fast action can limit structural damage, reduce the risk of mould growth, and help protect your insurance claim eligibility. Follow these immediate steps:
1. Shut Off the Water Supply
If the damage is from a burst pipe, overflowing appliance, or plumbing failure, locate and close your main water shut-off valve. Knowing its location ahead of time can prevent thousands in water damage costs.
2. Cut Off Electricity in Wet Areas
If water has reached electrical outlets, light switches, or appliances, shut off power to the affected rooms via your circuit breaker. Never touch electrical systems in wet conditions, wait for a licensed electrician if unsure.
3. Document All Damage Immediately
Use your smartphone to take photos and videos of wet areas walls, ceilings, flooring, and personal belongings. Visual records are crucial for any home insurance claim and help water restoration professionals assess the scope.
4. Relocate Valuables and Furniture
Move furniture, electronics, and personal items to a dry area if it’s safe. Place aluminium foil or wood blocks under furniture legs to avoid water absorption or floor staining.
5. Notify Your Insurance Provider
Contact your home insurer promptly. Provide the documentation you’ve gathered and explain what happened. Fast reporting supports a smoother insurance claims process and can accelerate approval.
6. Call a Certified Water Damage Restoration Company
Get a licensed restoration specialist on-site quickly. Prompt structural drying, dehumidification, and mould prevention can significantly reduce the scope and cost of repairs.
Need full recovery steps? Explore our water damage cleanup guide for homeowners.
What Factors Influence the Cost of Water Damage Restoration?
Several factors can push the price up or down. Here’s what to consider:
1. Type of Water
The type of water involved in a flood or leak plays a major role in determining both risk and cost:
Clean Water (Category 1): Originates from rainwater, burst pipes, or supply lines. It’s the least contaminated and typically the cheapest to clean up, especially if addressed quickly.
Grey Water (Category 2): Comes from household appliances like sinks, washing machines, and dishwashers. Contains moderate contamination and requires sanitisation to prevent health risks.
Black Water (Category 3): Includes sewage, stormwater, or floodwater. This highly contaminated water is hazardous to health and requires full containment, removal, disinfection, and often replacement of affected materials.
Expert Quote: In Melbourne, black water often comes from stormwater mixed with sewerage, especially in older suburbs with aging drainage systems.
2. Severity and Spread
The severity and spread of water damage play a major role in determining restoration costs.
Class 1: Damage involves a small, localised area with minimal absorption—typically the most affordable to address.
Class 2: Occurs when water has spread into walls, floors, or carpets, requiring moderate intervention and drying.
Class 3: Indicates significant saturation, affecting ceilings, wall cavities, and insulation, which demands more advanced equipment and longer drying times.
Class 4: Represents the most extensive damage, with deep saturation across structural materials like concrete, brick, or hardwood. These scenarios are the most labour-intensive and costly to remediate, often requiring full structural drying and rebuilds.
3. Location of Damage
The location of water damage significantly influences restoration costs. Areas like wall cavities and crawlspaces are more complex and expensive to dry due to limited accessibility and the potential for hidden moisture. Basements often require additional waterproofing and drainage solutions, especially after flooding. Ceiling leaks typically involve added safety measures such as scaffolding, increasing both labour and equipment costs. The harder it is to access and treat the affected area, the higher the overall restoration expense.
4. Why Acting Fast Matters
The longer water damage is left untreated, the more severe and expensive—the consequences become. Every hour of delay increases the risk of:
- Mould Growth – Can cost $500 to $6,000+ to remove if it spreads
- Warped Flooring – Especially in timber and laminate areas
- Rotten Timber Structures – Leading to potential structural compromise
- Increased Demolition and Rebuild Costs – More materials and labour required
Quick action isn’t just smart, it can save thousands in restoration costs.
Schedule a Same-Day Inspection Today5. Equipment and Labour
Labour in Melbourne ranges from $70–$150 per hour, depending on skill and timing. Emergency work (after-hours or weekends) often adds a surcharge. Equipment like dehumidifiers or HEPA vacuums can add hundreds more.
How Can You Reduce the Cost of Water Damage Restoration?
Prevention is cheaper than cure. Here’s how to keep costs down:
- Install water leak detectors near washing machines and water heaters.
- Check rain gutters and downpipes regularly to prevent water backup.
- Seal windows and doors to keep rainwater out.
- Maintain plumbing, small drips can become big disasters.
- Know your home insurance policy, make sure it covers water damage.
Bonus Tip: Take photos of all damage before you start any repairs. This helps with insurance claims and documentation.
⭐ Trusted by Locals
“Fast, professional, and compassionate — WDRM saved our home after a major pipe burst.”
— Jessa T., Carlton North
“They helped us with our insurance claim and cleanup. Total peace of mind.”
— Tyler L., St Kilda
Conclusion
Water damage can feel overwhelming, but with fast action and the right team, it doesn’t have to ruin your property or your finances. Whether it’s a soaked ceiling, burst pipe or flood cleanup, knowing the true cost of water damage restoration in Melbourne helps you make smarter, faster decisions.
Need help now? Don’t wait, the longer you leave it, the worse it gets.
Need urgent help with water damage?
Call now or request a free quote — our team is available 24/7 to assist Melbourne homes and businesses.
Contact Us Today ➔Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the average cost of water damage restoration in Melbourne?
Most water damage restoration jobs in Melbourne cost between $1,000 and $7,000, depending on the severity and type of water involved. Major incidents like black water contamination or structural rebuilds can exceed $20,000.
2. How much does it cost to repair water damage in a ceiling?
Ceiling repairs typically range from$250 to $3,000. The exact price depends on the ceiling material (e.g., plasterboard vs. lath-and-plaster), the extent of the water damage, and whether structural components are affected.
3. Is water damage covered by insurance in Victoria?
Yes, most home and contents insurance policies in Victoria cover water damage caused by sudden and accidental events, such as burst pipes or storms. However, damage from slow leaks or poor maintenance may not be included. Always check the specifics of your policy.
4. How long does restoration take from start to finish?
Restoration timelines vary. Minor water damage can usually be resolved in 2 to 3 days, while severe flooding may take several weeks to dry, clean, treat for mould, and rebuild affected areas.
5. Can I fix water damage myself?
DIY repairs are only safe for very small leaks that are caught early. However, hidden moisture, mould risk, and structural issues require professional restoration to ensure the area is fully dried, sanitised, and safe.
