Michigan / St. Clair County / Water damage restoration
Top-Rated Water Damage Restoration in St. Clair County, MI (2026)
We found 42 water damage restoration companies serving St. Clair County. Ratings read 2026-11-03. Updated November 2026. Ranked by our published formula below — see how it works.
42 companies reviewed · 15 shown in full · 3 Top Rated · reviews read 2026-11-03
Who is the best water damage restoration company in St. Clair County?
By our published formula, M.C. Shine Cleaning & Restoration Services LLC ranks first of 42 companies serving St. Clair County, with 5.0 stars from 472 ratings received and 24/7 service stated on its site. Doan Restoration of Michigan ranks second and SERVPRO of Port Huron third. Data checked November 2026.
Companies compared (November 2026)
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.
How we ranked them
Each of the 42 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
- M.C. Shine Cleaning & Restoration Services LLC: 5.0★ from 472 ratings, 24/7 stated, IICRC stated.
- Doan Restoration of Michigan: 4.9★ from 877 ratings, 24/7 stated, IICRC stated.
- SERVPRO of Port Huron: 4.9★ from 125 ratings, 24/7 stated, IICRC stated.
- Response Flood & Fire: 4.9★ from 241 ratings, 24/7 stated, IICRC stated.
- Dry Space Property Restoration: 5.0★ from 149 ratings, 24/7 stated, IICRC stated.
- 35 of 42 companies serving St. Clair County state 24/7 service on their own site, and 24 state IICRC certification.
How to choose a water damage company in St. Clair County
- Ask how fast they can be on site. Standing water starts wicking into drywall and subfloor within hours. Get a time, not "soon".
- 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.
- Ask how they measure drying. A good crew takes moisture readings on day one and every visit after, and shows you the log.
- 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.
- Read recent reviews, not the average. Look at the last three months of reviews for jobs in or near St. Clair County.
What to do in the first hour
- Stop the water. Shut the main valve or the appliance valve.
- Cut the power. Turn off breakers for wet rooms if you can reach the panel dry.
- Take photos. Photograph the water, the source and damaged items before moving anything.
- Call for drying. Call a restoration company, then your insurer. Keep every receipt.
What happens after you call a company in St. Clair County
Inspection: a thermal camera finds wet spots inside walls.
Readings: a moisture meter checks the floor.
Drying: a dehumidifier pulls water out of the air.
- 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
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
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
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
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 42 water damage restoration companies serving St. Clair County
1. M.C. Shine Cleaning & Restoration Services LLC
Top-rated 2026Fort Gratiot Township, MI
5.0★ · 472 ratings received
Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Fire & smoke, Sewage, 24/7 service, IICRC certification on its own site — source, checked 2026-10-01.
Local page: n/a
Best for
- 5.0 stars from 472 ratings
- Its site states 24/7 service
- Its site states IICRC certification
Address: 3841 Pine Grove Ave, Fort Gratiot Township, MI 48059
License verified: Michigan license #262300844, checked on the Michigan LARA lookup in November 2026.
Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Fire & smoke, Sewage, Storm, 24/7 service, IICRC certification, founded 2016 on its own site — source, checked 2026-10-01.
Local page: n/a
Best for
- Most ratings received on this list
- 4.9 stars from 877 ratings
- Its site states 24/7 service
Address: 1705 Minnie St, Port Huron, MI 48060
License verified: Residential Builder Company #2102222138, checked on the Michigan LARA lookup in November 2026.
Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Fire & smoke, Sewage, Storm, 24/7 service, IICRC certification, founded 1967 on its own site — source, checked 2026-10-01.
Local page: n/a
Best for
- 4.9 stars from 125 ratings
- Its site states 24/7 service
- Its site states IICRC certification
Address: 5430 Lapeer Rd, Kimball, MI 48074
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, USA
License verified: Michigan license #262400246, checked on the Michigan LARA lookup in November 2026.
Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Fire & smoke, 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 149 ratings
- Its site states 24/7 service
- Its site states IICRC certification
Address: 2115 Livernois Rd Ste 220, Troy, MI 48083, USA
5.0★ · 182 ratings received
Why choose this provider: states on its own site — source, checked 2026-09-28.
Local page: n/a
Best for
- 5.0 stars from 182 ratings
Watch for
- No 24/7 service stated on its site; call to confirm after-hours response
- No IICRC certification stated on its site; ask for the certificate
Address: Service area business. No public office address.
4.9★ · 779 ratings received
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 779 ratings
- Its site states 24/7 service
- Its site states IICRC certification
Address: Service area business. No public office address.
4.9★ · 104 ratings received
Why choose this provider: states Mold, 24/7 service on its own site — source, checked 2026-09-28.
Local page: n/a
Best for
- 4.9 stars from 104 ratings
- Its site states 24/7 service
Watch for
- No IICRC certification stated on its site; ask for the certificate
Address: Service area business. No public office address.
Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Fire & smoke, Sewage, Storm, 24/7 service, IICRC certification, founded 2009 on its own site — source, checked 2026-09-23.
Local page: n/a
Best for
- 4.9 stars from 192 ratings
- Its site states 24/7 service
- Its site states IICRC certification
Address: 1470 Souter Blvd, Troy, MI 48083, USA
License verified: Michigan license #2102202262, checked on the Michigan LARA lookup in November 2026.
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
- Its site states 24/7 service
- Its site states IICRC certification
Address: 69225 Powell Rd, Bruce Township, MI 48065, USA
Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Sewage, Storm, 24/7 service, IICRC certification on its own site — source, checked 2026-09-28.
Best for
- 4.9 stars from 121 ratings
- Its site states 24/7 service
- Its site states IICRC certification
Address: 42864 Mound Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48314
Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Sewage, Storm, 24/7 service on its own site — source, checked 2026-09-23.
Best for
- Its site states 24/7 service
Watch for
- No IICRC certification stated on its site; ask for the certificate
Address: 6300 Metro Pkwy, Sterling Heights, MI 48312, USA
Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Fire & smoke, Sewage, Storm, 24/7 service, IICRC certification, founded 1967 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 1967, per its site
Address: 15715 Martin Rd, Roseville, MI 48066, USA
Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Fire & smoke, Sewage, Storm, 24/7 service on its own site — source, checked 2026-09-23.
Best for
- Its site states 24/7 service
Watch for
- No IICRC certification stated on its site; ask for the certificate
- Only 8 ratings received so far
Address: 9437 Marine City Hwy, Ira Township, MI 48023, USA
Why choose this provider: states on its own site — source, checked 2026-09-28.
Watch for
- No 24/7 service stated on its site; call to confirm after-hours response
- No IICRC certification stated on its site; ask for the certificate
Address: 52522 Potomac Ct, Chesterfield, MI 48051
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How much does water damage restoration cost in St. Clair County, MI?
A typical water damage restoration job in St. Clair County costs about $3,400. Most jobs land between $1,300 and $5,300. This is our estimate for St. Clair County, built from published national cost guides and adjusted for local labor, home values and home age. It is not a quote.
| Job in St. Clair County | Most jobs | Typical |
|---|---|---|
| Water damage restoration (extraction, drying and common repairs) | $1,300 to $5,300 | $3,400 |
| Mold remediation | $1,250 to $3,950 | $2,450 |
| Fire and smoke damage restoration | $3,100 to $41,350 | $17,100 |
| Smoke odor and soot cleanup only (no structural repair) | $200 to $1,135 | Varies by rooms |
Sample jobs at St. Clair County 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 St. Clair County 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.
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 St. Clair County
St. Clair County runs the full length of the St. Clair River, and winter ice jams on that river push water into basements in the river towns while inland farm townships instead face well and septic failures.
Rivers, drains and lakes
- The St. Clair River forms almost the entire eastern border of St. Clair County, from Lake Huron at Fort Gratiot down to the St. Clair Flats delta below Algonac. (Census Reporter, St. Clair County, MI profile, read 2026-09-28)
- South of Algonac, the river splits into the St. Clair Flats, a delta of marsh and channel islands that includes Harsens Island. (Wikipedia, Clay Township, Michigan, read 2026-09-28)
- The Pine River turns north to empty into the St. Clair River near the city of St. Clair, and USGS maintains a stream gauge on it near the city. (USGS, Pine River at Vine Rd near St. Clair, MI (station 04160400), read 2026-09-28)
Floods and water events on record
- On February 3, 2021, ice jams pushed the St. Clair River into homes in Algonac and Port Huron, hitting an estimated 100 homes in East China Township. (ClickOnDetroit, read 2026-09-28)
- On January 25, 2022, the National Weather Service issued a flood advisory for the river from Marysville to Algonac after an ice blockage trapped cargo ships. (ClickOnDetroit, read 2026-09-28)
- On February 24, 2020, Algonac notified property owners that its June 2019 local flood emergency remained legally in effect as the Army Corps of Engineers forecast higher water for the year. (City of Algonac, read 2026-09-28)
- On January 7, 2026, a water main broke at Pine Street and Fred Moore Highway in the city of St. Clair and was repaired that same afternoon. (City of St. Clair, read 2026-09-28)
Sewers and who to call
- The St. Clair County Drain Commissioner manages 407 county and intercounty drains across about 850 miles, out of an office at 21 Airport Drive in the city of St. Clair, 810-364-5369, but each city and township runs its own sanitary sewer mains. (St. Clair County, Offices: Drain Commissioner, read 2026-09-28)
- A homeowner who suspects a failing well or septic system, or a water-quality problem, reports it to the St. Clair County Health Department's 24-hour anonymous tip line, 877-504-SWIM (877-504-7946) or 810-987-7253. (St. Clair County Health Department, read 2026-09-28)
Homes in St. Clair County
- Of the county's 72,799 housing units, 4,983 stood vacant, about 6.8%, in the 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. (U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020-2024 5-year, table B25002, read 2026-09-28)
- Renters occupy 13,034 of the county's 67,816 occupied homes, about 19.2%, in the 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. (U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020-2024 5-year, table B25003, read 2026-09-28)
What makes water damage in St. Clair County different
St. Clair County covers 721.5 square miles on the Michigan side of the St. Clair River, and the river forms almost the whole eastern county line from Lake Huron down to the St. Clair Flats. The county holds 160,221 people in 72,799 housing units. There is no single sewer system that covers the county. The St. Clair County Drain Commissioner manages 407 county and intercounty drains spread across roughly 850 miles, but drinking water and sanitary sewer service is split among the cities, the townships, and small local authorities instead of running through one agency the way Macomb or Oakland counties partly do. (Census Reporter, St. Clair County, MI profile, read 2026-10-01)(St. Clair County, Offices: Drain Commissioner, read 2026-10-01)
That fragmentation shows most along the river. East China Township's water system is owned by the St. Clair River Sewer and Water Authority but run day to day by the township, drawing from the river through a membrane micro-filtration plant that has operated since 2001. Marine City still treats water from a 1935-36 plant built on the St. Clair River after a rise in typhoid fever forced the state health department to require a new facility. Algonac's water department serves Algonac, Clay Township, and part of Cottrellville Township from a single plant on St. Clair River Drive, which means a problem at that one plant touches three jurisdictions at once. (State of Michigan, drinking water loan notice for East China Township, read 2026-10-01)(Wikipedia, Marine City Water Works, read 2026-10-01)(City of Algonac, Water Department, read 2026-10-01)
The county's housing stock is older and more rural than Macomb's or Oakland's: the median home was built in 1975, 35.1% of the 72,799 housing units went up before 1960, and 6.5% are mobile homes, a share far above the two counties to the south. The median home value is $224,600, well below Macomb's and Oakland's. A county this spread out, with river towns on one side and farm townships on the other, means a water-damage job here runs into either old river-town plumbing or a well-and-septic property, rarely a dense subdivision built to one uniform code. (U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020-2024 5-year, tables B25034, B25035, B25024, B25077, read 2026-10-01)
St. Clair County by the numbers
| Population | 160,221 | (U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020-2024 5-year, table B01003, read 2026-10-01) |
|---|---|---|
| Total housing units | 72,799 | (U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020-2024 5-year, table B25034, read 2026-10-01) |
| Median home value | $224,600 | (U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020-2024 5-year, table B25077, read 2026-10-01) |
| Land area | 721.5 sq mi | (Census Reporter, St. Clair County, MI profile, read 2026-10-01) |
| Owner-occupied homes | 80.8% (54,782 of 67,816 occupied) | (U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020-2024 5-year, table B25003, read 2026-10-01) |
| Housing built before 1960 | 35.1% (25,538 of 72,799 units) | (U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020-2024 5-year, table B25034, read 2026-10-01) |
| Median year homes were built | 1975 | (U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020-2024 5-year, table B25035, read 2026-10-01) |
| Mobile homes | 6.5% (4,739 of 72,799 units) | (U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020-2024 5-year, table B25024, read 2026-10-01) |
Water damage town by town in St. Clair County
Port Huron
Port Huron sits where the Black River, which rises in Sanilac County, empties into the St. Clair River, giving the city two different waterways that can push water toward the same downtown blocks. Ice jams on the St. Clair River flooded parts of Port Huron on February 3, 2021. The city runs its own water filtration and wastewater treatment separate from any county system. (Wikipedia, Black River (St. Clair River tributary), read 2026-10-01)
Marysville
Marysville bills residential water, sewer, and refuse together as one flat rate, set at $575.53 for FY 2026-27, through its own Department of Public Works at 810-364-8340. Homeowners 65 and older who own and occupy their home can get 30% off the water and sewer portion with proof of income. (City of Marysville, Utility Information, read 2026-10-01)
St. Clair (city)
The Pine River forms part of the city's western boundary before turning to empty into the St. Clair River, giving St. Clair two river systems at its edges. The city reported and repaired a water main break at Pine Street and Fred Moore Highway on January 7, 2026. Its Building Department, at 547 N Carney Dr., issues the permits for post-damage electrical and plumbing repair. (City of St. Clair, water main break notice, read 2026-10-01)
Marine City
Marine City still treats water from a plant built in 1935-36 on the bank of the St. Clair River, after a rise in typhoid fever forced the state health department to require the city replace its original 1885 water system. The Belle River also reaches the St. Clair River inside the city. After-hours water or sewer emergencies go to St. Clair County Central Dispatch at 810-985-8115, not city hall. (Wikipedia, Marine City Water Works, read 2026-10-01)
Algonac
Algonac's Water Department, on St. Clair River Drive, treats and delivers about 1.5 million gallons a day to Algonac, Clay Township, and part of Cottrellville Township from one plant. The city's local flood emergency, declared in June 2019, was still legally in effect under ordinance 10-281 as of a February 24, 2020 notice warning of higher Army Corps water-level forecasts, and it is illegal in Algonac to connect a sump pump to the sanitary sewer. (City of Algonac, High Water Press Release, read 2026-10-01)
Clay Township
Clay Township includes Harsens Island and most of the St. Clair Flats, where homes rely on individual septic systems rather than a township sewer main. The township shares a water plant with Algonac and part of Cottrellville Township, and it shares the cost of an Ira and Clay sewer interceptor lining project with neighboring Ira Township. (Wikipedia, Clay Township, Michigan, read 2026-10-01)
Fort Gratiot Township
Fort Gratiot Township sits along Lake Huron just north of Port Huron and runs its own water and sewer billing by ordinance through its administration office at 3720 Keewahdin Road, 810-385-4489. A 2023 board proposal moved the per-1,000-cubic-foot water rate from $39.50 to $41.00. (Fort Gratiot Township, Board of Trustees meeting minutes, read 2026-10-01)
Port Huron Township
Port Huron Township's Department of Public Works maintains its own water mains and service lines to the property line, its own booster stations and water tower, and its own sanitary sewer mains and pump stations, separate from the city of Port Huron next door. The office, at 3800 Lapeer Road, is 810-987-6600, and after-hours emergencies go to the township fire department at 810-982-3543. (Port Huron Township, Department of Public Works, read 2026-10-01)
East China Township
East China Township's water system has run since 2001 off a membrane micro-filtration plant that draws from the St. Clair River, owned by the St. Clair River Sewer and Water Authority but operated by the township. An estimated 100 East China Township homes were hit hard by the February 3, 2021 ice-jam flood, and the Belle River also runs south through the township before turning to parallel the St. Clair River. (State of Michigan, drinking water loan notice for East China Township, read 2026-10-01)
Kimball Township
Kimball Township sits inland along the Black River's path toward Port Huron and runs its own water and sewer system as a regular township department under its Township Board, rather than tying into the city of Port Huron's utilities. (Wikipedia, Kimball Township, Michigan, read 2026-10-01)
China Township
China Township, population 3,509 at the 2020 census, hires outside contractors to clean and inspect its public sewer mains rather than running that work in-house. The Belle River crosses the township on its way to Marine City, and a failing septic system or water-quality concern is reported to the county health department's tip line, not the township. (China Township, Utility Billing, read 2026-10-01)
Ira Township
Ira Township's public water system serves about 8,679 people, and the township splits the cost of an Ira and Clay sewer interceptor lining project with Clay Township to its east, reflecting how closely the two townships' sewer infrastructure is tied together along the lower St. Clair River. (Geoconnex, Ira Township public water system (MI0003390), read 2026-10-01)
Yale
Yale, inland in the northwest part of the county, runs its own water and sewer system through its Department of Public Works at 113 W Mechanic Street, 810-387-3688, including its own hydrant flushing schedule and billing credits for pool fills tracked through meter readings. It carries none of the St. Clair River ice-jam risk that hits the county's river towns. (City of Yale, Department of Public Works, read 2026-10-01)
Capac
Capac, in the county's far western corner, draws its own water from wells through its own water tower and distribution system rather than any river source, and the village's Department of Public Works also covers sewer collection and storm drainage. Its office is at 131 N. Main Street. (Village of Capac, read 2026-10-01)
Where you live in St. Clair County changes the job
St. Clair River corridor (Port Huron to Algonac)
The river towns from Port Huron down through Marysville, St. Clair, Marine City, and Algonac all sit directly on the St. Clair River, and ice jams on that river have flooded homes in this corridor more than once in recent winters. Each town draws its drinking water from, or discharges near, the same river, so a flood event in one town is rarely isolated to it alone. (ClickOnDetroit, Ice jams cause significant flooding along St. Clair River, read 2026-10-01)
St. Clair Flats and Harsens Island (Clay Township)
South of Algonac the St. Clair River splits into the St. Clair Flats, a delta of channels and islands where Harsens Island sits. Homes on the Flats run on individual septic systems rather than a township sewer main, and property there deals with channel-front flooding rather than a storm-sewer backup. (Wikipedia, Clay Township, Michigan, read 2026-10-01)
Black River corridor (Port Huron, Fort Gratiot, Kimball Township)
The Black River rises in Sanilac County and runs south through Kimball Township and Fort Gratiot before joining the St. Clair River inside the city of Port Huron. It is a separate waterway from the St. Clair River itself, so a Black River rise and a St. Clair River ice jam are two different flood risks that can hit the same part of the city. (Wikipedia, Black River (St. Clair River tributary), read 2026-10-01)
Inland farm townships and villages (Yale, Capac)
Yale and Capac sit well inland from the St. Clair River, each running its own small water and sewer system rather than tying into a river-town plant. Yale's water system runs through its own Department of Public Works, and Capac draws from its own wells and water tower, so neither inland community carries the ice-jam flood risk that defines the river corridor. (City of Yale, Department of Public Works, read 2026-10-01)
Sewers and sewage backups in St. Clair County
- The St. Clair County Drain Commissioner manages 407 county and intercounty drains covering about 850 miles, out of an office at 21 Airport Drive in the city of St. Clair, reachable at 810-364-5369. That office sets the drainage rules for the county's open drains, but it does not run any city's sanitary sewer mains. (St. Clair County, Offices: Drain Commissioner, read 2026-10-01)
- The St. Clair County Health Department runs a 24-hour anonymous tip line for reporting a failing septic system, illegal dumping, or a water-quality concern, at 877-504-SWIM (877-504-7946) or 810-987-7253. Its Environmental Health division, at 810-987-5306, issues the well and septic permits that river-corridor and inland townships alike depend on, since neither type of system is run by a city hall. (St. Clair County Health Department, read 2026-10-01)
- Under MCL 691.1417, a St. Clair County homeowner recovering sewage-backup damages from a city, township, or authority must show the system had a defect, the agency knew or should have known about it, the agency failed to act on it within a reasonable time, and the defect was a substantial cause of the damage and loss. (Michigan Legislature, MCL 691.1417, read 2026-10-01)
What St. Clair County has been through
- On February 3, 2021, ice jams on the St. Clair River caused significant flooding in Algonac and Port Huron; an estimated 100 homes in East China Township were hit particularly hard, and a resident described it as worse than a comparable 1986 flood. (ClickOnDetroit, Ice jams cause significant flooding along St. Clair River, read 2026-10-01)
- On January 25, 2022, the National Weather Service issued a flood advisory for the St. Clair River from Marysville to Algonac after an ice blockage, naming East China Township and the city of St. Clair as areas expected to flood. (ClickOnDetroit, Cargo ships get stuck in ice jams on St. Clair River, read 2026-10-01)
- On February 24, 2020, the city of Algonac warned property owners that the local flood emergency it had declared in June 2019 was still legally in effect under city ordinance 10-281, because the Army Corps of Engineers was again forecasting higher water levels that year. (City of Algonac, High Water Press Release, read 2026-10-01)
- On January 7, 2026, the city of St. Clair reported a water main break at Pine Street and Fred Moore Highway, repaired the same afternoon. (City of St. Clair, water main break notice, read 2026-10-01)
What changes the cost of a job in St. Clair County
- Mobile homes make up 6.5% of St. Clair County's housing stock, a far higher share than in Macomb or Oakland County, and a mobile home takes on and dries out water differently than a site-built house with a basement, which changes both the drying plan and the materials a job needs. (U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020-2024 5-year, table B25024, read 2026-10-01)
- At a $224,600 median home value, well below Macomb's $266,500 and Oakland's $365,500, a comparable finished-basement or finished-living-space rebuild generally costs less here on materials and finish-matching. (U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020-2024 5-year, table B25077, read 2026-10-01)
Prevention that applies in St. Clair County
- Algonac's city ordinance 10-281 makes it illegal to connect a sump pump to the sanitary sewer, to drain a yard into the sewer through an open cleanout, or to lift a manhole cover to let surface water in, because the extra flow can push sewage back into other homes and into the St. Clair River. (City of Algonac, High Water Press Release, read 2026-10-01)
- The St. Clair County Health Department's 24-hour tip line exists specifically to catch failing septic systems early, since about a third of the county's housing predates 1960 and much of it still runs on a private well and septic system rather than a municipal main. (St. Clair County Health Department, read 2026-10-01)
Permits for repairs in St. Clair County
- St. Clair County has no single countywide building department; each city or township issues its own. The City of St. Clair's Building Department, at 547 N Carney Dr., 810-329-7121, issues building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits and tells applicants to always check whether a permit is required before starting repair work. (City of St. Clair, Building Department, read 2026-10-01)
Water damage by cause in St. Clair County
For each common cause, what usually fails, what to do first, and which companies on this list have the most customer reviews that mention that exact job. Review counts come from reading every company's reviews on the same day.
Ceiling leaks and water stains
A ceiling stain usually comes from a bathroom, a roof leak or an air-conditioning drain line above it. A stain that comes back after painting means the source is still wet.
Do now: If the ceiling sags, keep people out of the room and turn off the lights in it. Put a bucket under the low point and shut off the water to the fixture above.
Most reviews mentioning this job: Doan Restoration of Michigan (6), DriForce Property Restoration (6), Select Restoration (6).
Water heater leaks
Water pooling under a tank heater often means the tank itself has failed. A leak at a fitting or the relief valve on top can sometimes be repaired.
Do now: Close the cold-water valve on top of the heater, and turn off its gas or its breaker. A plumber replaces the heater; a restoration company dries the floor and walls around it.
Most reviews mentioning this job: Doan Restoration of Michigan (3), Action Extraction Inc (2), All Dry Services Of Metro Detroit (2).
Toilet overflows and leaks
Toilet leaks come from the supply line, the wax ring under the bowl, or an overflow. An overflow that carries waste is treated as contaminated water and needs cleaning, not just drying.
Do now: Turn the valve behind the toilet clockwise to close it. Keep people and pets out of the water, and ask the company how it handles contaminated water.
Most reviews mentioning this job: 24 Hour Flood Pros of Michigan (3), Anytime Restoration Services (3), Doan Restoration of Michigan (2).
Dishwasher leaks
Dishwasher leaks come from the supply hose, the drain hose or the door seal. The water runs under cabinets and flooring, where you cannot see it.
Do now: Turn off the dishwasher breaker and the supply valve under the sink. Ask the company to take moisture readings under the cabinet base, not just the open floor.
Most reviews mentioning this job: 24 Hour Flood Pros of Michigan (3), SERVPRO of Port Huron (2), ATI Restoration (2).
Refrigerator and ice maker line leaks
Plastic ice-maker and water lines crack with age. A slow drip under the fridge can soak the subfloor for weeks before it shows.
Do now: Close the supply valve behind the fridge or under the sink. Hardwood that has started to cup or buckle needs readings before anyone decides to replace it.
Most reviews mentioning this job: Response Flood & Fire (2), ATI Restoration (2), Doan Restoration of Michigan (1).
Burst and frozen pipes
Pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages freeze first. A frozen pipe often bursts when it thaws, so the leak starts after the cold snap.
Do now: Shut the main water valve and open a faucet to drain pressure. Do not thaw a pipe with an open flame.
Most reviews mentioning this job: 24 Hour Flood Pros of Michigan (8), Dry Space Property Restoration (5), Doan Restoration of Michigan (4).
Leak detection
A hidden leak shows up as a musty smell, a high water bill, warm spots on the floor or a stain with no clear source. Companies find it with moisture meters, thermal cameras and listening tools.
Do now: Ask whether the company finds the source itself or only dries. Drying before the leak is fixed wastes the job.
Most reviews mentioning this job: Doan Restoration of Michigan (1), Response Flood & Fire (1), Garland Water Damage Restoration Solutions (1).
Change log
- Ratings and reviews for the 42 companies on this list read between 2026-09-28 and 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 St. Clair County
Water damage restoration in St. Clair County 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 St. Clair County?
M.C. Shine Cleaning & Restoration Services LLC ranks first of 42 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 St. Clair County, MI?
About $3,400 for a typical job, with most between $1,300 and $5,300. That is our St. Clair County estimate from national cost guides, adjusted for local labor, home values and home age. A written quote after an inspection is the only real price.
How much does it cost to dry out a flooded basement in St. Clair County?
A 600 sq ft finished basement with clean water runs about $2,350 to $2,700 to extract and dry at St. Clair County 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 St. Clair County, 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 St. Clair County before any rebuild, because porous materials it touched come out.
Why does water damage repair cost more in St. Clair County 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.
What does a water damage estimate in St. Clair County 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 St. Clair County, 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 St. Clair County?
The St. Clair County Drain Commissioner manages 407 county and intercounty drains covering about 850 miles, out of an office at 21 Airport Drive in the city of St. Clair, reachable at 810-364-5369. That office sets the drainage rules for the county's open drains, but it does not run any city's sanitary sewer mains. Michigan law requires written notice to the government agency within 45 days of finding the damage. St. Clair County, Offices: Drain Commissioner
Do I need a permit to repair water damage in St. Clair County?
St. Clair County has no single countywide building department; each city or township issues its own. The City of St. Clair's Building Department, at 547 N Carney Dr., 810-329-7121, issues building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits and tells applicants to always check whether a permit is required before starting repair work. City of St. Clair, Building Department
How fast should water damage be dried out in a St. Clair County 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 $3,400 job turns into a mold job too. EPA
How much does mold remediation cost in St. Clair County, MI?
About $2,450 for a typical job in St. Clair County, with most between $1,250 and $3,950. 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 St. Clair County?
About $1,050 to $2,650 for 100 sq ft at St. Clair County 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 St. Clair County 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 St. Clair County, MI?
About $17,100 for a typical job in St. Clair County, with most between $3,100 and $41,350. 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 St. Clair County?
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 St. Clair County labor rates. LawnStarter
How do I compare restoration quotes in St. Clair County?
St. Clair County has seen it before: On February 3, 2021, ice jams on the St. Clair River caused significant flooding in Algonac and Port Huron; an estimated 100 homes in East China Township were hit particularly hard, and a resident described it as worse than a comparable 1986 flood. Get two or three written quotes with the same scope, square feet and drying days. 42 companies serve St. Clair County on this list; check a box on up to 3 and send one request to all of them. ClickOnDetroit, Ice jams cause significant flooding along St. Clair River
Why does St. Clair County flood in winter when other counties don't?
Ice jams on the St. Clair River block the channel and back water up into river towns like Algonac, East China Township, and Port Huron, a different mechanism than the summer rainstorm flooding that hits most of southeast Michigan. ClickOnDetroit
My house is on a well, not city water. Who handles problems with it?
The St. Clair County Health Department's Environmental Health division issues well permits and takes reports of water-quality problems, at 810-987-5306 or the 24-hour tip line 877-504-SWIM. St. Clair County Health Department
Does ice on the St. Clair River actually flood homes in St. Clair County?
Yes. Ice jams pushed river water into homes in Algonac and Port Huron on February 3, 2021, and an ice blockage brought a flood advisory from Marysville to Algonac on January 25, 2022. This is a cold-weather risk specific to the river corridor, separate from summer storm flooding. ClickOnDetroit, Ice jams cause significant flooding along St. Clair River
Who runs the open drains in St. Clair County?
The St. Clair County Drain Commissioner manages 407 county and intercounty drains across about 850 miles. The office is at 21 Airport Drive in the city of St. Clair, phone 810-364-5369. St. Clair County, Offices: Drain Commissioner
I'm on a well and septic system, not city water. Who do I call if it fails?
The St. Clair County Health Department takes reports of a failing septic system, illegal dumping, or a water-quality concern on its 24-hour tip line, 877-504-SWIM (877-504-7946) or 810-987-7253, and its Environmental Health division handles well and septic permits at 810-987-5306. St. Clair County Health Department
What does a St. Clair County homeowner have to prove to recover sewer-backup damages?
Under MCL 691.1417, the homeowner must show the sewer system had a defect, the responsible agency knew or should have known about it, the agency failed to fix it within a reasonable time, and that defect was a substantial cause of the backup and the damage. Michigan Legislature, MCL 691.1417
How many water damage restoration companies serve St. Clair County?
42 companies currently qualify: each has an office in or near St. Clair County (within 10 to 20 miles), or its own website states it serves St. Clair County 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.