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Michigan / Oakland County / Water damage restoration

Top-Rated Water Damage Restoration in Independence Township, MI (2026)

We found 38 water damage restoration companies serving Independence Township. Ratings read 2026-11-03. Updated November 2026. Ranked by our published formula below — see how it works.

38 companies reviewed · 15 shown in full · 3 Top Rated · reviews read 2026-11-03

Who is the best water damage restoration company in Independence Township?

By our published formula, Prime Restoration ranks first of 38 companies serving Independence Township, with 5.0 stars from 186 ratings received and 24/7 service stated on its site. Pristine Clean and Restoration ranks second and Response Flood & Fire third. Data checked November 2026.

Companies compared (November 2026)

#CompanyNearest officePhoneRating24/7IICRCScore /100Links
1Prime RestorationWest Bloomfield(586) 277-10695.0★ · 186 ratingsStatedStated81Website · Maps
2Pristine Clean and RestorationAuburn Hills(248) 200-95275.0★ · 342 ratingsStatedStated79Website · Maps
3Response Flood & FireRochester Hills(248) 453-79234.9★ · 241 ratingsStatedStated79Website · Maps
4weDRY RestorationAuburn Hills(248) 985-23565.0★ · 176 ratingsStatedStated77Website · Maps
5EzDry RestorationCommerce Twp(248) 788-64225.0★ · 157 ratingsStatedStated74Website · Maps
6GroundworksRochester Hills(248) 883-33834.9★ · 607 ratingsNot statedNot stated73Website · Maps
7Mr. MoldHighland Township(248) 453-24404.8★ · 574 ratingsStatedNot stated70Website · Maps
8DRYmedic Restoration Services of Bloomfield HillsBloomfield Township(248) 633-87404.8★ · 535 ratingsStatedNot stated70Website · Maps
9Strong Restoration of MichiganNot listed(248) 483-19204.9★ · 281 ratingsStatedStated68Website · Maps
10Rainbow International of BrightonWaterford Township(810) 224-60204.9★ · 82 ratingsStatedStated68Website · Maps
11Bloomfield Construction & RestorationBloomfield Hills(248) 333-39874.7★ · 210 ratingsStatedNot stated62Website · Maps
12PuroClean of Waterford TownshipWaterford Township(248) 724-15004.7★ · 117 ratingsStatedStated61Website · Maps
13EVER/READY Carpet Cleaning Inc.Rochester Hills(248) 650-28084.9★ · 413 ratingsStatedNot stated61Website · Maps
14RestoPros of Tri-CountyNot listed(810) 215-94165.0★ · 50 ratingsStatedStated61Website · Maps
15DryShield Restoration & Mold RemovalNot listed(248) 755-66025.0★ · 35 ratingsNot statedNot stated60Website · Maps

Ratings and rating counts come from each company's public Google Business Profile. "Stated" means the company's own website says so; we link the page we read on each card below. "Not stated" means we did not find it on the site, not that the company lacks it.

Top 10 scores for Independence Township1. Prime Restoration: 81 of 1000; 2. Pristine Clean and Restoration: 79 of 1000; 3. Response Flood & Fire: 79 of 1000; 4. weDRY Restoration: 77 of 1000; 5. EzDry Restoration: 74 of 1000; 6. Groundworks: 73 of 1000; 7. Mr. Mold: 70 of 1000; 8. DRYmedic Restoration Services of Bloomfield Hills: 70 of 1000; 9. Strong Restoration of Michigan: 68 of 1000; 10. Rainbow International of Brighton: 68 of 1000Prime Restoration81Pristine Clean and Restoration79Response Flood & Fire79weDRY Restoration77EzDry Restoration74Groundworks73Mr. Mold70DRYmedic Restoration Services of …70Strong Restoration of Michigan68Rainbow International of Brighton68
Compare Score out of 100 for the top 10 companies serving Independence Township.

How we ranked them

Each of the 38 companies gets a Compare Score out of 100: recent work in the last 6 months (25 points), adjusted rating (22), distance to the nearest office (15), water-job proof (14), a bonus for 100 or more five-star reviews (7), owner replies (6), 24/7 service and IICRC certification stated on its own site (6), and our badge on its own website (5). Every company's reviews are read on the same day. Companies under 3.5 stars are left off. No company can pay to appear or to move up. Full formula.

Key takeaways

  • Prime Restoration: 5.0★ from 186 ratings, 24/7 stated, IICRC stated.
  • Pristine Clean and Restoration: 5.0★ from 342 ratings, 24/7 stated, IICRC stated.
  • Response Flood & Fire: 4.9★ from 241 ratings, 24/7 stated, IICRC stated.
  • weDRY Restoration: 5.0★ from 176 ratings, 24/7 stated, IICRC stated.
  • EzDry Restoration: 5.0★ from 157 ratings, 24/7 stated, IICRC stated.
  • 24 of 38 companies serving Independence Township state 24/7 service on their own site, and 17 state IICRC certification.

How to choose a water damage company in Independence Township

  1. Ask how fast they can be on site. Standing water starts wicking into drywall and subfloor within hours. Get a time, not "soon".
  2. Ask for the IICRC certificate. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) trains water damage technicians. Ask which technician on your job holds it.
  3. Ask how they measure drying. A good crew takes moisture readings on day one and every visit after, and shows you the log.
  4. Ask who does the rebuild. Some companies only dry and tear out. Know before work starts whether you need a second contractor for drywall and flooring.
  5. Read recent reviews, not the average. Look at the last three months of reviews for jobs in or near Independence Township.

What to do in the first hour

Four steps for the first hour: stop the water, cut the power, take photos, call for drying1Stop the water2Cut the power3Take photos4Call for drying
  1. Stop the water. Shut the main valve or the appliance valve.
  2. Cut the power. Turn off breakers for wet rooms if you can reach the panel dry.
  3. Take photos. Photograph the water, the source and damaged items before moving anything.
  4. Call for drying. Call a restoration company, then your insurer. Keep every receipt.

What happens after you call a company in Independence Township

Thermal camera showing a cold, wet patch inside an opened wall

Inspection: a thermal camera finds wet spots inside walls.

Moisture meter reading 28% on a wet vinyl plank floor at the baseboard

Readings: a moisture meter checks the floor.

Dehumidifier drying a hallway after the flooring came out

Drying: a dehumidifier pulls water out of the air.

The tools a drying job uses: thermal camera, moisture and humidity meters, air scrubber and dehumidifier.
  1. 1

    Inspection. The crew finds the source, then maps how far the water spread with moisture meters and often a thermal camera. Water runs under flooring and up drywall farther than it looks.

  2. 2

    Water removal. Standing water comes out with pumps and truck-mounted or portable extractors. Carpet pad soaked with water is usually pulled and thrown out.

  3. 3

    Tear-out. Material that cannot dry in place, such as swollen particleboard or wet insulation, is cut out. Drywall is often cut a set height above the water line.

  4. 4

    Drying. Air movers and dehumidifiers run until readings reach a dry target. This often takes three to five days; the readings decide, not the calendar.

  5. 5

    Rebuild. Drywall, trim, flooring and paint go back once the structure is dry. Ask at the start whether the same company does this step.

The top 15 of 38 water damage restoration companies serving Independence Township

1. Prime Restoration

Top-rated 2026

West Bloomfield, MI

5.0★ · 186 ratings received

Top Rated 2026, Compare Water Damage Restoration
Water damageMoldFire & smokeSewageStorm24/7 statedIICRC stated

Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Fire & smoke, Sewage, Storm, 24/7 service, IICRC certification on its own site — source, checked 2026-09-28.

Local page: n/a

Best for

  • 5.0 stars from 186 ratings
  • Its site states 24/7 service
  • Its site states IICRC certification

Address: 5600 W Maple Rd, West Bloomfield, MI 48322

License verified: Michigan license #262500492, checked on the Michigan LARA lookup in November 2026.

Auburn Hills, MI

5.0★ · 342 ratings received

Top Rated 2026, Compare Water Damage Restoration
Water damageMoldFire & smokeSewage24/7 statedIICRC stated

Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Fire & smoke, Sewage, 24/7 service, IICRC certification on its own site — source, checked 2026-09-23.

Local page: n/a

Best for

  • 5.0 stars from 342 ratings
  • Its site states 24/7 service
  • Its site states IICRC certification

Address: 1080 Centre Rd Ste B, Auburn Hills, MI 48326, USA

Rochester Hills, MI

4.9★ · 241 ratings received

Top Rated 2026, Compare Water Damage Restoration
Water damageMoldFire & smokeSewageStorm24/7 statedIICRC stated

Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Fire & smoke, Sewage, Storm, 24/7 service, IICRC certification on its own site — source, checked 2026-09-23.

Local page: n/a

Best for

  • 4.9 stars from 241 ratings
  • Its site states 24/7 service
  • Its site states IICRC certification

Address: 1753 W Hamlin Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48309

License verified: Michigan license #262400246, checked on the Michigan LARA lookup in November 2026.

Auburn Hills, MI

5.0★ · 176 ratings received

Water damageMoldFire & smokeSewageStorm24/7 statedIICRC stated

Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Fire & smoke, Sewage, Storm, 24/7 service, IICRC certification on its own site — source, checked 2026-09-23.

Local page: n/a

Best for

  • 5.0 stars from 176 ratings
  • Its site states 24/7 service
  • Its site states IICRC certification

Address: 2285 N Opdyke Rd Ste e, Auburn Hills, MI 48326, USA

Commerce Twp, MI

5.0★ · 157 ratings received

Water damageMoldFire & smoke24/7 statedIICRC stated

Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Fire & smoke, 24/7 service, IICRC certification on its own site — source, checked 2026-09-23.

Local page: n/a

Best for

  • 5.0 stars from 157 ratings
  • Its site states 24/7 service
  • Its site states IICRC certification

Address: 3250 Old Farm Ln, Commerce Twp, MI 48390

4.9★ · 281 ratings received

Fire & smoke24/7 statedIICRC stated

Why choose this provider: states Fire & smoke, 24/7 service, IICRC certification on its own site — source, checked 2026-09-28.

Local page: n/a

Best for

  • 4.9 stars from 281 ratings
  • Its site states 24/7 service
  • Its site states IICRC certification

Address: Service area business. No public office address.

Waterford Township, MI

4.9★ · 82 ratings received

Water damageMoldFire & smokeSewageStorm24/7 statedIICRC stated

Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Fire & smoke, Sewage, Storm, 24/7 service, IICRC certification on its own site — source, checked 2026-09-28.

Local page: n/a

Best for

  • 4.9 stars from 82 ratings
  • Its site states 24/7 service
  • Its site states IICRC certification

Address: 6650 Highland Rd Ste 310, Waterford Township, MI 48327

Waterford Township, MI

4.7★ · 117 ratings received

Water damageMoldFire & smokeSewage24/7 statedIICRC stated

Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Fire & smoke, Sewage, 24/7 service, IICRC certification on its own site — source, checked 2026-09-28.

Best for

  • Its site states 24/7 service
  • Its site states IICRC certification

Address: 4682 W Walton Blvd, Waterford Township, MI 48329

5.0★ · 50 ratings received

Water damageMoldFire & smokeStorm24/7 statedIICRC stated

Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Fire & smoke, Storm, 24/7 service, IICRC certification on its own site — source, checked 2026-10-01.

Best for

  • 5.0 stars from 50 ratings
  • Its site states 24/7 service
  • Its site states IICRC certification

Address: Service area business. No public office address.

Auburn Hills, MI

4.5★ · 278 ratings received

Water damageMoldFire & smokeSewageStorm24/7 statedIICRC stated

Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Fire & smoke, Sewage, Storm, 24/7 service, IICRC certification, founded 1986 on its own site — source, checked 2026-09-28.

Best for

  • Its site states 24/7 service
  • Its site states IICRC certification
  • In business since 1986, per its site

Address: 4225 N Atlantic Blvd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326

License verified: Residential Builder Company #2102082483, checked on the Michigan LARA lookup in November 2026.

Rochester Hills, MI

4.4★ · 237 ratings received

Water damageMoldFire & smokeStorm24/7 statedIICRC stated

Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Fire & smoke, Storm, 24/7 service, IICRC certification, founded 2005 on its own site — source, checked 2026-09-23.

Best for

  • Its site states 24/7 service
  • Its site states IICRC certification
  • In business since 2005, per its site

Address: 2523 Product Ct, Rochester Hills, MI 48309, USA

License verified: Residential Builder Company #262500791, checked on the Michigan LARA lookup in November 2026.

Auburn Hills, MI

4.6★ · 129 ratings received

Water damageMoldFire & smokeSewage24/7 statedIICRC stated

Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Fire & smoke, Sewage, 24/7 service, IICRC certification on its own site — source, checked 2026-09-23.

Best for

  • Its site states 24/7 service
  • Its site states IICRC certification

Address: 2760 Paldan Dr A, Auburn Hills, MI 48326, USA

License verified: Residential Builder Company #2102160200, checked on the Michigan LARA lookup in November 2026.

4.9★ · 44 ratings received

Water damageMoldFire & smoke24/7 statedIICRC stated

Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Fire & smoke, 24/7 service, IICRC certification, founded 1988 on its own site — source, checked 2026-09-28.

Best for

  • Its site states 24/7 service
  • Its site states IICRC certification
  • In business since 1988, per its site

Address: Service area business. No public office address.

Commerce Township, MI

4.9★ · 49 ratings received

Water damageMoldFire & smokeSewage24/7 statedIICRC stated

Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Fire & smoke, Sewage, 24/7 service, IICRC certification on its own site — source, checked 2026-09-23.

Best for

  • Its site states 24/7 service
  • Its site states IICRC certification

Address: 4212 Martin Pkwy, Commerce Township, MI 48390

License verified: Residential Builder Company #262100141, checked on the Michigan LARA lookup in November 2026.

Pontiac, MI

5.0★ · 28 ratings received

Water damageMold24/7 statedIICRC stated

Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, 24/7 service, IICRC certification on its own site — source, checked 2026-09-23.

Best for

  • Its site states 24/7 service
  • Its site states IICRC certification

Address: 30 N Saginaw St Ste 253, Pontiac, MI 48342, USA

Need help in Independence Township right now?

Talk to a local restoration crew in minutes, day or night.

What AI assistants recommend in Independence Township

On November 6, 2026 we asked 4 AI assistants (ChatGPT, Gemini, Google AI Mode, Perplexity) 3 questions about water damage restoration in Independence Township, 3 times each. That gave 36 answers, and 35 of them named at least one company. The table counts the answers that named each company. It is a separate list. It does not change the Compare Score or any rank above.

Companies named by AI assistants for water damage restoration in Independence Township
CompanyNamed inChatGPTGeminiGoogle AI ModePerplexity
Prime Restoration18 of 366 of 96 of 93 of 93 of 9
1-800 Water Damage of Southeast Michigan11 of 368 of 91 of 92 of 90 of 9
EzDry Restoration6 of 366 of 90 of 90 of 90 of 9
Kustom Disaster Recovery and Restoration6 of 360 of 90 of 90 of 96 of 9
Response Flood & Fire6 of 363 of 93 of 90 of 90 of 9
24 Hour Flood Pros of Michigan5 of 363 of 90 of 90 of 92 of 9
Aaron Builders5 of 360 of 94 of 91 of 90 of 9
DryShield Restoration & Mold Removal4 of 360 of 90 of 94 of 90 of 9
Miracle Property Restoration4 of 360 of 90 of 90 of 94 of 9
Steve’s Waterworks Plumbing4 of 360 of 93 of 91 of 90 of 9
Doan Restoration of Michigan3 of 360 of 93 of 90 of 90 of 9
Drycore Restoration3 of 360 of 90 of 90 of 93 of 9
DRYmedic Restoration Services of Bloomfield Hills3 of 360 of 90 of 90 of 93 of 9
Restoration 1 of Metro Detroit3 of 360 of 90 of 90 of 93 of 9
Strong Restoration of Michigan3 of 360 of 90 of 93 of 90 of 9

31 more companies were named less often. The CSV file has every name and count.

What the assistants said about the top 3

  • "Based on the available local rankings and customer reviews, Prime Restoration is my first recommendation for Independence Township (Clarkston), Michigan."
    ChatGPT, asked "top rated water damage restoration company in Independence Township Michigan", November 6, 2026
  • "Prime Restoration: Frequently top-ranked for Oakland County, they offer 24/7 emergency dispatch, free on-site estimates and moisture inspections, direct insurance billing, and hold an IICRC certification alongside a..."
    Gemini, asked "best water damage restoration in Independence Township, MI", November 6, 2026
  • "Highlights: 24/7 emergency mitigation, water extraction, industrial dehumidification, and assistance navigating insurance claims. View services at 1-800 Water Damage of Southeast Michigan."
    Google AI Mode, asked "best water damage restoration in Independence Township, MI", November 6, 2026

Websites the assistants used

  • primerestorationllc.com, in 15 answers: "Clarkston service and contact page"
  • bbb.org, in 7 answers: "Water Damage Restoration in MI"
  • kustom.us, in 6 answers: "24/7 Water Damage Cleanup"
  • restoration1.com, in 6 answers: "Water Damage Restoration Services in Metro Detroit"
  • rotorooter.com, in 6 answers: "Independence, MI Plumbing: Emergency Services | Roto-Rooter"
  • spteammiller.com, in 6 answers: "Water Damage"
  • wateroutmi.com, in 6 answers: "Clarkston Water Damage Restoration | WaterOut Michigan"
  • aaronbuilders.com, in 5 answers: "Water Damage Restoration in Clarkston, MI - Aaron Builders"

Searches ChatGPT ran before it answered

  • top rated water damage restoration companies independence township michigan reviews
  • independence township michigan basement flood emergency water damage restoration companies
  • independence township michigan basement flooding emergency water damage restoration companies clarkston mi
  • best water damage restoration companies independence township michigan reviews ratings
  • best reviewed water damage restoration companies serving independence township michigan clarkston reviews
  • best water damage restoration companies independence township michigan reviews service area
  • best water damage restoration companies independence township michigan clarkston reviews service area emergency
  • independence township michigan flooded basement emergency water removal township emergency contact

How we got this

The exact questions, each asked 3 times per assistant:

  1. best water damage restoration in Independence Township, MI
  2. who should I call for a flooded basement in Independence Township, MI
  3. top rated water damage restoration company in Independence Township Michigan

Asked November 6, 2026. Location sent with each question: ChatGPT: United States; Gemini: Independence Township,Michigan,United States; Google AI Mode: Independence Township,Michigan,United States; Perplexity: none (not set by the API). No business pays to appear, and we do not edit the counts. AI answers change from month to month, so we ask again each month.

More companies serving Independence Township

  1. Concraft Inc 4.5★ · 278 ratings · 60/100
  2. Nu-Way Carpet Cleaning 4.9★ · 254 ratings · 57/100
  3. Protocol Mold Testing 5.0★ · 73 ratings · 56/100
  4. Element Restoration Mobile Home Service & Repair 4.9★ · 87 ratings · 55/100
  5. ICON Restoration Services 4.4★ · 237 ratings · 54/100
  6. ATI Restoration 4.6★ · 129 ratings · 46/100
  7. Zolman Restoration 4.6★ · 139 ratings · 43/100
  8. Farr's Mold Remediation, Inc. 4.9★ · 44 ratings · 42/100
  9. Mold Four Corners Specialized Home Care 4.9★ · 53 ratings · 41/100
  10. My Dry Team Restoration Services 4.9★ · 49 ratings · 41/100
  11. Decker Water Damage Restoration 5.0★ · 28 ratings · 39/100
  12. Great Lakes Remediation Inc 4.7★ · 38 ratings · 39/100
  13. A1 Restoration Solutions 5.0★ · 12 ratings · 38/100
  14. Metro Water Damage Restoration West Bloomfield 4.8★ · 44 ratings · 34/100
  15. Restoration 1 of Hartland 4.7★ · 39 ratings · 32/100
  16. Insurance Restoration Services 5.0★ · 6 ratings · 26/100
  17. Total Restoration & Emergency Services LLC. 5.0★ · 5 ratings · 25/100
  18. Next Phase Restoration 5.0★ · 2 ratings · 24/100
  19. Mold Experts Of Michigan 4.6★ · 30 ratings · 23/100
  20. The Mold Guys 5.0★ · 5 ratings · 22/100
  21. ALPINA 5.0★ · 2 ratings · 15/100
  22. D20-Restoration 4.0★ · 4 ratings · 13/100
  23. Fusion Property Solutions 4.0★ · 4 ratings · 12/100

How much does water damage restoration cost in Independence Township, MI?

A typical water damage restoration job in Independence Township costs about $4,200. Most jobs land between $1,300 and $6,500. This is our estimate for Independence Township, built from published national cost guides and adjusted for local labor, home values and home age. It is not a quote.

Job in Independence TownshipMost jobsTypical
Water damage restoration (extraction, drying and common repairs)$1,300 to $6,500$4,200
Mold remediation$1,250 to $4,850$3,000
Fire and smoke damage restoration$3,100 to $48,550$20,050
Smoke odor and soot cleanup only (no structural repair)$200 to $1,135Varies by rooms

Sample jobs at Independence Township labor rates

  • 600 sq ft finished basement, clean water from a supply line: $2,350 to $2,700 to dry out.
  • 600 sq ft basement, gray water from a washer or sump overflow: $2,600 to $4,100.
  • 400 sq ft sewer backup (Category 3): $2,950 to $3,150, before rebuild.
  • 100 sq ft of mold behind a basement wall: $1,050 to $2,650.
  • 1,500 sq ft home with smoke and soot after a kitchen fire: $6,750 to $10,300.

Why Independence Township prices differ from the national average

  • Labor: construction workers in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI metro area earn $32 an hour on average, 5.5% against the U.S. average. Most of a restoration bill is labor.
  • Home value: the median home in Independence Township is worth $381,700, against $231,600 for Michigan. Pricier homes have finishes that cost more to replace, so the typical and high figures move 17.5%.
  • Home age: 40% of homes in Independence Township were built before 1980. Plaster walls and lead-safe work rules raise water and mold repairs by 4.8% here.

Method: we start from the median typical range in published cost guides, then adjust. The labor factor is the metro mean hourly wage for construction workers (BLS, May 2024) over the U.S. figure. The home-value factor is 1 + 0.35 x ln(town median home value / Michigan median), held between 0.85 and 1.45. Water and mold jobs add 0.12 x the share of homes built before 1980. Housing figures: U.S. Census ACS 2020-2024 5-year. Sample jobs use the guides' per square foot rates. A real price depends on square feet, water category, materials and how fast drying starts. Sources: Fixr, Bob Vila, Thumbtack, Fixr, Bob Vila, This Old House, Fixr, LawnStarter, Thumbtack, BLS, Census.

Why water damage happens in Independence Township

Independence Township's homes sit around more than thirty lakes fed by the Clinton River and its tributary creeks, so a basement here is more likely to flood from a rising lake, a lake-board dam, or a township-run sewer line than from a single shared city main.

Rivers, drains and lakes

  • Sashabaw Creek rises inside the township, where local history records it flowing west and south before turning east, part of the same drainage that feeds the township's lake chain. (MIGenWeb, History of Independence Township, read 2026-09-28)
  • Upper Bushman Lake, about 30 acres and 32 feet deep, lies along the Clinton River and drains downstream into the 68-acre, 65-foot-deep Crooked Lake, a separate drainage path from the Deer Lake and Lake Oakland area. (Wikipedia, "Upper Bushman Lake (Independence Township, Michigan)", read 2026-09-28)

Floods and water events on record

Sewers and who to call

  • Oakland County's Water Resources Commissioner sets normal water levels for area lakes and runs the lake improvement board process, which funds dam maintenance and herbicide work through special assessments on lakefront homeowners rather than township-wide sewer fees. (Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner, Lake Level Information, read 2026-09-28)

Homes in Independence Township

What makes water damage in Independence Township different

Independence Township was organized in 1834 after Joseph Van Sycle, who settled there that year, named it for Independence Township, New Jersey, his birthplace. The Clinton River runs through the township and feeds more than thirty named lakes, among them the 255-acre Lake Oakland, the 179-acre Lotus Lake, and the 137-acre, 63-foot-deep Deer Lake. Inside the township sits the separately incorporated City of Clarkston, which did not become a city until 1992, so the township surrounds a downtown with its own government rather than running one system for the whole area. (Wikipedia, "Independence Township, Michigan", read 2026-10-01)

The township's own Department of Public Works runs its water and sewer system, and the township is not on Oakland County's list of communities whose sewers the county Water Resources Commissioner operates. A sewer backup claim here goes in writing to the Township Clerk within 45 days of discovery, by the township's own account, on top of the separate written-notice rule state law sets. The City of Clarkston, surrounded by but independent of the township, bills its own water and sewer customers through a city portal and is reached at a different phone number than the township DPW. (Independence Township, Department of Public Works, Sanitary Sewer, read 2026-10-01)(Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner, basement flooding claim page, read 2026-10-01)(City of the Village of Clarkston, Water & Sewer, read 2026-10-01)

The median Independence Township home was built in 1986, and 79.4% of occupied units are owner-occupied, so most water-damage claims here land on a resident's own policy rather than a landlord's. Away from the lakes, the township also carries a dammed, lake-fed landscape: in July 2023 the Walters Lake Improvement Board held a public hearing on a five-year lake project that includes dam maintenance alongside herbicide treatment and mechanical harvesting, paid for by a special assessment on the lake's homeowners rather than township-wide taxes. (U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020-2024 5-year, tables B25003, B25035 (via Census Reporter API), read 2026-10-01)(Clarkston News, Public Notice: Walters Lake Improvement Board, hearing of practicability and hearing of assessment, read 2026-10-01)

Independence Township by the numbers

Population36,982(U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020-2024 5-year (B01003), read 2026-10-01)
Total housing units14,670(U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020-2024 5-year (B25034), read 2026-10-01)
Median year structure built1986(U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020-2024 5-year (B25035), read 2026-10-01)
Housing built before 19602,105 units (14.4%)(U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020-2024 5-year (B25034), read 2026-10-01)
Owner-occupied share11,090 of 13,960 occupied units (79.4%)(U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020-2024 5-year (B25003), read 2026-10-01)
Median home value$381,700(U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020-2024 5-year (B25077), read 2026-10-01)
Land and water area35.04 sq mi land, 1.29 sq mi water(Wikipedia, "Independence Township, Michigan", read 2026-10-01)
Mobile homes738 units (5.0% of housing stock)(U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020-2024 5-year (B25024), read 2026-10-01)

Where you live in Independence Township changes the job

City of Clarkston

The City of the Village of Clarkston sits inside the township's boundary but runs its own water and sewer system and its own Department of Public Works, reached at a different phone number than the township. A June 2021 storm gauge logged 2.99 inches of rain at a station 1.4 miles northeast of Clarkston in about a day. (City of the Village of Clarkston, Public Works, read 2026-10-01)

Deer Lake

Deer Lake covers 137 acres and reaches 63 feet deep, the deepest of the township's named lakes. Homes ringing a lake this deep sit on shoreline lots rather than the storm-sewer grid that serves the township's inland subdivisions. (Wikipedia, "Independence Township, Michigan", read 2026-10-01)

Upper Bushman Lake and Crooked Lake

Upper Bushman Lake, about 30 acres and 32 feet deep, lies along the Clinton River and drains downstream into Crooked Lake, a 68-acre, 65-foot-deep lake once called Lower Bushman Lake. The two lakes sit west of Sashabaw Road, a different stretch of the Clinton River corridor than Deer Lake or Lake Oakland. (Wikipedia, "Upper Bushman Lake (Independence Township, Michigan)" and "Crooked Lake (Independence Township, Michigan)", read 2026-10-01)

Walters Lake

Walters Lake carries its own improvement board, which in July 2023 set a special assessment for a 2024-2028 project covering aquatic herbicide treatment, mechanical harvesting, lake management consulting, and dam maintenance. Homeowners on this lake pay into that project directly, unlike residents on lakes without an improvement board. (Clarkston News, Public Notice: Walters Lake Improvement Board, read 2026-10-01)

Sewers and sewage backups in Independence Township

  • Independence Township's own Department of Public Works runs the township's sanitary sewer and water systems; the township does not appear on Oakland County's list of communities whose sewers the county Water Resources Commissioner operates. (Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner, basement flooding claim page, read 2026-10-01)
  • Report a water or sewer problem to the township DPW office at 248-625-8222, Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., or to the Public Works emergency cell at 248-866-4844 after hours. (Independence Township, Department of Public Works, read 2026-10-01)
  • The township's sewer page tells residents that sewer backup damage claims must be submitted in writing to the Township Clerk within 45 days of discovery, on top of Michigan's statutory notice rule. (Independence Township, Department of Public Works, Sanitary Sewer, read 2026-10-01)
  • Under MCL 691.1417, an Independence Township homeowner pursuing a sewage-backup claim must show the agency was the right one to sue, the sewer had a defect, the agency knew or should have known about it, the agency failed to fix it in a reasonable time, and the defect was a substantial cause of the damage. (Michigan Legislature, MCL 691.1417, read 2026-10-01)

What Independence Township has been through

What changes the cost of a job in Independence Township

  • Because 79.4% of occupied Independence Township homes are owner-occupied, most water-damage jobs here are contracted directly with the resident rather than a landlord or property manager. (U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020-2024 5-year (B25003), read 2026-10-01)
  • The township's lakefront lots, including Deer Lake's 63-foot depth and the Upper Bushman/Crooked Lake chain, put some basements closer to a seasonally high water table than inland subdivisions built after 1986, the township's median construction year. (Wikipedia, "Independence Township, Michigan", read 2026-10-01)

Prevention that applies in Independence Township

  • The township's water page lists a Septic Replacement Loan Program, run with EGLE and Michigan Saves, that offers low-interest financing to homeowners replacing a failing septic system, alongside outreach during SepticSmart Week, September 14-18, 2026, that notes Michigan has more than 1.3 million septic systems statewide. (Independence Township homepage, read 2026-10-01)
  • The township's Public Works page requires owners of lawn-irrigation systems to have their backflow prevention devices tested, a rule aimed at keeping fertilizer and treated lawn water out of the drinking-water system. (Independence Township, Department of Public Works, read 2026-10-01)

Permits for repairs in Independence Township

  • Independence Township's Building, Planning & Zoning department issues permits for repair and remodeling work; its residential checklist asks for well/septic or water/sewer permit documentation alongside the building application, and separate permits apply for electrical, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning work. Call 248-625-5111 or visit the office at 6483 Waldon Center Drive, Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Independence Township, Building Permit Requirements, read 2026-10-01)

Flooded basement, roof leak, sewer backup or mold in Independence Township?

We also rank companies by the reviews that mention the job itself:

Water damage by cause in Independence Township

  • Ceiling leaks and water stains: DRYmedic Restoration Services of Bloomfield Hills has the most reviews that mention this job (9).
  • Water heater leaks: DRYmedic Restoration Services of Bloomfield Hills has the most reviews that mention this job (8).
  • Toilet overflows and leaks: DRYmedic Restoration Services of Bloomfield Hills has the most reviews that mention this job (3).
  • Dishwasher leaks: ICON Restoration Services has the most reviews that mention this job (4).
  • Refrigerator and ice maker line leaks: Rainbow International of Brighton has the most reviews that mention this job (3).
  • Burst and frozen pipes: DRYmedic Restoration Services of Bloomfield Hills has the most reviews that mention this job (7).
  • Leak detection: Response Flood & Fire has the most reviews that mention this job (1).

What to do for each cause: Oakland County guide by cause.

Change log

  • Ratings and reviews for the 38 companies on this list read on 2026-11-03.
  • Score weights set to recent work 25, adjusted rating 22, distance to the nearest office 15, job proof 14, a 100-five-star bonus 7, owner replies 6, 24/7 and IICRC 6, and our badge on its own site 5.
  • Ratings and reviews read again for every listed company. Ranks recomputed from that read.
  • Moved to the 100-point Compare Score, one rule for every company. Companies qualify within 10 miles, widening to 15 or 20 miles where fewer than 15 qualify.
  • Local facts on this page checked against their public sources.
  • First ranked lists published, scored from same-day review data.

Other services in Independence Township

Water damage restoration in nearby towns

Why trust this list

This list is built from a Google Business Profile data pull and a direct read of each company's own website — never from a company's self-submitted form. No company can pay for a better position; the same published formula runs on every list. Read the formula. The underlying data is re-checked at least once a year.

How a company earns the "Top-rated" badge

The top 3 companies on this list earn a "Top-rated 2026" badge only if they also have a rating of at least 4.5 from at least 20 ratings received. The badge is never sold and never changes a company's position — it is applied after the formula already ran. It is recomputed from fresh data every year, so a badge from an earlier year does not carry forward automatically. No badge carries any guarantee or money-back promise.

About this list

Compare Water Damage Restoration Research Team

This list is built and checked the same way every time: a same-day pull of each company's public Google Business Profile, a direct read of each company's own website for the facts it states about itself, and a score from the published formula. No company can pay for a better position.

Read more about how this list is built →

FAQ

Who is the best water damage restoration company in Independence Township?

Prime Restoration ranks first of 38 by the Compare Score, our published 100-point formula: recent work in the last 6 months (25 points), adjusted rating (22), distance to the nearest office (15), water-job proof (14), a bonus for 100 or more five-star reviews (7), owner replies (6), 24/7 service and IICRC certification stated on its own site (6), and our badge on its own website (5).

How much does water damage restoration cost in Independence Township, MI?

About $4,200 for a typical job, with most between $1,300 and $6,500. We adjust national cost guides for Independence Township labor costs, home values and the age of its houses to get this figure. A written quote after an inspection is the only real price.

How much does it cost to dry out a flooded basement in Independence Township?

A 600 sq ft finished basement with clean water runs about $2,350 to $2,700 to extract and dry at Independence Township labor rates. Gray water from a washer or sump overflow runs $2,600 to $4,100. Drywall, carpet and trim repairs add to that.

How much does sewage backup cleanup cost in Independence Township, MI?

Sewage is Category 3 water, the most expensive kind to clean. A 400 sq ft backup runs about $2,950 to $3,150 in Independence Township before any rebuild, because porous materials it touched come out.

Why does water damage repair cost more in Independence Township than the national average?

Labor: construction workers in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI metro area earn $32 an hour on average, 5.5% against the U.S. average. Most of a restoration bill is labor. Home value: the median home in Independence Township is worth $381,700, against $231,600 for Michigan. Pricier homes have finishes that cost more to replace, so the typical and high figures move 17.5%. Home age: 40% of homes in Independence Township were built before 1980. Plaster walls and lead-safe work rules raise water and mold repairs by 4.8% here.

What does a water damage estimate in Independence Township include?

Most estimates list water extraction, drying equipment by the day, moisture readings, removal of wet drywall, carpet pad or insulation, antimicrobial treatment, and the rebuild. Ask each company to list drying days and square feet so quotes compare line by line.

Does homeowners insurance pay for water damage in Independence Township, MI?

It depends on your policy and the cause. Check your declarations page for a water backup or sump overflow endorsement, and check whether the water came from inside the home or from outside flooding. Flood from rising surface water needs a separate flood policy. FEMA FloodSmart

Who do I report a sewer backup to in Independence Township?

Independence Township's own Department of Public Works runs the township's sanitary sewer and water systems; the township does not appear on Oakland County's list of communities whose sewers the county Water Resources Commissioner operates. Michigan law requires written notice to the government agency within 45 days of finding the damage. Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner, basement flooding claim page

Do I need a permit to repair water damage in Independence Township?

Independence Township's Building, Planning & Zoning department issues permits for repair and remodeling work; its residential checklist asks for well/septic or water/sewer permit documentation alongside the building application, and separate permits apply for electrical, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning work. Call 248-625-5111 or visit the office at 6483 Waldon Center Drive, Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Independence Township, Building Permit Requirements

How fast should water damage be dried out in a Independence Township home?

Within 24 to 48 hours. The EPA says wet materials dried in that window usually do not grow mold. Waiting longer is the most common reason a $4,200 job turns into a mold job too. EPA

How much does mold remediation cost in Independence Township, MI?

About $3,000 for a typical job in Independence Township, with most between $1,250 and $4,850. Price follows the square feet affected and what it grew on, not the mold color.

How much does it cost to remove mold from a basement in Independence Township?

About $1,050 to $2,650 for 100 sq ft at Independence Township labor rates. The price includes containment, removal of moldy material, HEPA cleaning and a check that the source of moisture is fixed.

Can I remove mold myself in my Independence Township home?

The EPA says a homeowner can usually handle mold under about 10 square feet. Larger areas, mold in an HVAC system, or mold after sewage water call for a professional. EPA

How much does fire and smoke damage restoration cost in Independence Township, MI?

About $20,050 for a typical job in Independence Township, with most between $3,100 and $48,550. A full structural rebuild after a large fire costs far more and is priced from the rebuild scope.

How much does smoke damage cleanup cost in Independence Township?

Smoke odor and soot cleanup alone runs about $200 to $1,135. A 1,500 sq ft home with smoke through every room runs about $6,750 to $10,300 at Independence Township labor rates. LawnStarter

How do I compare restoration quotes in Independence Township?

Independence Township has seen it before: The August 11-13, 2014 Michigan storms led to a federal major disaster declaration, DR-4195, on September 25, 2014; the Federal Register notice names Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne Counties for both Individual Assistance and Public Assistance, so Independence Township's county qualified for federal flood aid. Get two or three written quotes with the same scope, square feet and drying days. 38 companies serve Independence Township on this list; check a box on up to 3 and send one request to all of them. Federal Register, Michigan Major Disaster and Related Determinations (FR Doc. 2014-24801)

Is there an active project to maintain a lake dam in Independence Township?

Yes. The Walters Lake Improvement Board held a public hearing on July 12, 2023, on a 2024-2028 project that includes dam maintenance, funded by a special assessment on lake homeowners rather than township-wide taxes. Clarkston News, Public Notice: Walters Lake Improvement Board

Has Independence Township gotten state help protecting its drinking water source?

Yes. The state's Source Water Protection Grant Program awarded the township $8,600 on August 30, 2019, as one of 39 community water systems funded that round. Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Source Water Protection Grants news release

Who do I call first about a sewer backup in Independence Township?

Call the township DPW office at 248-625-8222 during business hours or the Public Works emergency cell at 248-866-4844 after hours, and send written notice to the Township Clerk within 45 days of discovering the damage. Independence Township, Department of Public Works, Sanitary Sewer

Does the City of Clarkston use the same water and sewer system as the rest of the township?

No. Clarkston is a separately incorporated city inside the township's boundary and runs its own water and sewer billing and Department of Public Works, reached at 248-625-1559. City of the Village of Clarkston, Public Works

What exactly do I have to prove to win a sewer-backup claim against the township?

Under MCL 691.1417, you must show the township was the right agency to sue, its sewer had a defect, it knew or should have known about the defect, it failed to fix it in a reasonable time, and the defect was a substantial cause of your damage. Michigan Legislature, MCL 691.1417

What permit do I need to replace drywall or wiring after a water loss in Independence Township?

Contact the Building, Planning & Zoning department at 248-625-5111. Electrical and plumbing work each need their own permit separate from the main building permit, and repairs tied to a well or septic system need that documentation too. Independence Township, Building Permit Requirements

How many water damage restoration companies serve Independence Township?

38 companies currently qualify: each has an office in or near Independence Township (within 10 to 20 miles), or its own website states it serves Independence Township or its county.

How is this list ranked?

By the Compare Score, out of 100: recent work in the last 6 months (25 points), adjusted rating (22), distance to the nearest office (15), water-job proof (14), a bonus for 100 or more five-star reviews (7), owner replies (6), 24/7 service and IICRC certification stated on its own site (6), and our badge on its own website (5). See /methodology/ for the exact numbers.

Can a company pay to be on this list or rank higher?

No. Placement and order come only from the formula above. A company can never buy a spot or a higher rank.

What does the "Top-rated" badge mean?

The top 3 companies by the formula, if they also have a rating of at least 4.5 and at least 20 reviews. It is never sold and is recomputed every year.

How do I request a quote from more than one company?

Use the checkboxes to select up to 3 companies, then choose "Get quotes" to send one request naming all of them, or "Compare" to see their stored facts side by side.