Michigan / Macomb County / Water damage restoration
Top-Rated Water Damage Restoration in Sterling Heights, MI (2026)
We found 115 water damage restoration companies serving Sterling Heights. Ratings read 2026-11-03. Updated November 2026. Ranked by our published formula below — see how it works.
115 companies reviewed · 15 shown in full · 3 Top Rated · reviews read 2026-11-03
Who is the best water damage restoration company in Sterling Heights?
By our published formula, Prime Restoration ranks first of 115 companies serving Sterling Heights, with 5.0 stars from 186 ratings received and 24/7 service stated on its site. Dry Space Property Restoration ranks second and Response Flood & Fire 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 115 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.
- Dry Space Property Restoration: 5.0★ from 149 ratings, 24/7 stated, IICRC stated.
- Response Flood & Fire: 4.9★ from 241 ratings, 24/7 stated, IICRC stated.
- DriForce Property Restoration: 4.9★ from 192 ratings, 24/7 stated, IICRC stated.
- CONSTRUCTEAM: 4.9★ from 162 ratings, 24/7 stated, IICRC stated.
- 86 of 115 companies serving Sterling Heights state 24/7 service on their own site, and 57 state IICRC certification.
How to choose a water damage company in Sterling Heights
- 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 Sterling Heights.
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 Sterling Heights
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 115 water damage restoration companies serving Sterling Heights
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: primerestorationllc.com/services/water-damage-restoration/sterling-heights
Best for
- 5.0 stars from 186 ratings
- Its site states 24/7 service
- Its site states IICRC certification
Address: 13854 Lakeside Cir, Sterling Heights, MI 48313
License verified: Michigan license #262500492, 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: dryspaces.com/water-damage-restoration-service-sterling-heights
Best for
- 5.0 stars from 149 ratings
- Its site states 24/7 service
- Its site states IICRC certification
Address: 2835 Daley Dr, Troy, MI 48083
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: floodfirefix.com/service-areas/water-damage-restoration-sterling-heights-mi
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, Sewage, Storm, 24/7 service, IICRC certification, founded 2009 on its own site — source, checked 2026-09-23.
Local page: driforce.com/emergency-restoration-in-sterling-heights-mi
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, founded 2005 on its own site — source, checked 2026-09-28.
Local page: n/a
Best for
- 4.9 stars from 162 ratings
- Its site states 24/7 service
- Its site states IICRC certification
Address: 31780 Groesbeck Hwy, Fraser, MI 48026
License verified: Residential Builder Company #2102180680, 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 2026-09-23.
Local page: servpro.com/locations/mi/servpro-of-west-sterling-heights
Best for
- Its site states 24/7 service
- Its site states IICRC certification
- In business since 1967, per its site
Address: 6993 19 Mile Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48314, USA
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
- Its site states 24/7 service
- Its site states IICRC certification
Address: 1757 Larchwood Dr, Troy, MI 48083
4.9★ · 281 ratings received
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.
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
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.
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.
5.0★ · 368 ratings received
Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Fire & smoke, Sewage, 24/7 service, IICRC certification on its own site — source, checked 2026-09-30.
Best for
- 5.0 stars from 368 ratings
- Its site states 24/7 service
- Its site states IICRC certification
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 2016 on its own site — source, checked 2026-10-01.
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, IICRC certification, founded 2007 on its own site — source, checked 2026-09-28.
Best for
- 5.0 stars from 283 ratings
- Its site states IICRC certification
- In business since 2007, per its site
Watch for
- No 24/7 service stated on its site; call to confirm after-hours response
Address: 2235 Cole Ave, Birmingham, MI 48009
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.
Best for
- 4.9 stars from 77 ratings
- Its site states 24/7 service
- Its site states IICRC certification
Address: 33280 Groesbeck Hwy, Fraser, MI 48026
License verified: Residential Builder Company #262300665, 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 2003 on its own site — source, checked 2026-10-01.
Best for
- 4.9 stars from 247 ratings
- Its site states 24/7 service
- Its site states IICRC certification
Address: 12725 Stark Rd, Livonia, MI 48150
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What AI assistants recommend in Sterling Heights
On November 6, 2026 we asked 4 AI assistants (ChatGPT, Gemini, Google AI Mode, Perplexity) 3 questions about water damage restoration in Sterling Heights, 3 times each. That gave 36 answers, and 34 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.
| Company | Named in | ChatGPT | Gemini | Google AI Mode | Perplexity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prime Restoration | 23 of 36 | 9 of 9 | 5 of 9 | 0 of 9 | 9 of 9 |
| SERVPRO of West Sterling Heights | 22 of 36 | 7 of 9 | 4 of 9 | 4 of 9 | 7 of 9 |
| All Dry Services Of Metro Detroit | 13 of 36 | 7 of 9 | 0 of 9 | 6 of 9 | 0 of 9 |
| Seco Water Damage Restoration and Mold Removal | 10 of 36 | 3 of 9 | 0 of 9 | 2 of 9 | 5 of 9 |
| Dry Space Property Restoration | 7 of 36 | 6 of 9 | 1 of 9 | 0 of 9 | 0 of 9 |
| Strong Restoration of Michigan | 7 of 36 | 0 of 9 | 0 of 9 | 7 of 9 | 0 of 9 |
| Action Extraction Inc | 5 of 36 | 0 of 9 | 3 of 9 | 2 of 9 | 0 of 9 |
| Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup | 5 of 36 | 0 of 9 | 2 of 9 | 3 of 9 | 0 of 9 |
| 1-800 Water Damage of Royal Oak / Sterling Heights | 4 of 36 | 2 of 9 | 2 of 9 | 0 of 9 | 0 of 9 |
| 24/7Restoration | 4 of 36 | 1 of 9 | 1 of 9 | 2 of 9 | 0 of 9 |
| Michigan Flood Pros | 3 of 36 | 0 of 9 | 0 of 9 | 0 of 9 | 3 of 9 |
| ProTrust Water Damage Restoration | 3 of 36 | 0 of 9 | 0 of 9 | 3 of 9 | 0 of 9 |
| RestoPros of Oakland and Macomb | 3 of 36 | 0 of 9 | 0 of 9 | 0 of 9 | 3 of 9 |
| 1-800 Water Damage of Southeast Michigan | 2 of 36 | 2 of 9 | 0 of 9 | 0 of 9 | 0 of 9 |
| 911 Restoration of Metro Detroit North | 2 of 36 | 2 of 9 | 0 of 9 | 0 of 9 | 0 of 9 |
12 more companies were named less often. The CSV file has every name and count.
What the assistants said about the top 3
"Based on current local listings, customer ratings, emergency availability, and restoration services, Prime Restoration, All Dry Services, and SERVPRO of West Sterling Heights are three of the strongest options to call..."
ChatGPT, asked "best water damage restoration in Sterling Heights, MI", November 6, 2026"Why they stand out: Prime Restoration is heavily favored by local homeowners as a dedicated Macomb County operator rather than a distant corporate franchise. They specialize in end-to-end restoration - handling..."
Gemini, asked "best water damage restoration in Sterling Heights, MI", November 6, 2026"Based on current local listings, customer ratings, emergency availability, and restoration services, Prime Restoration, All Dry Services, and SERVPRO of West Sterling Heights are three of the strongest options to call..."
ChatGPT, asked "best water damage restoration in Sterling Heights, MI", November 6, 2026"Highlights: Operates 24/7, IICRC-certified technicians, full-service water inspection, rapid extraction, and advanced structural drying. (Contact: SERVPRO of West Sterling Heights or call (586) 480-2400)."
Google AI Mode, asked "top rated water damage restoration company in Sterling Heights Michigan", November 6, 2026"For water damage restoration in Sterling Heights, MI, I would start with Prime Restoration, followed by Dry Space Property Restoration and All Dry Services of Metro Detroit."
ChatGPT, asked "best water damage restoration in Sterling Heights, MI", November 6, 2026"Details: Centrally located on Mound Road in Sterling Heights, customers frequently praise their transparent communication, quick arrival times, and clean-up thoroughness. Check details on All Dry Services Of Metro..."
Google AI Mode, asked "best water damage restoration in Sterling Heights, MI", November 6, 2026
Websites the assistants used
- servpro.com, in 24 answers: "Sterling Heights Fire and Water Damage Restoration and Cleaning Services - Servpro"
- primerestorationllc.com, in 15 answers: "Top Rated Local Water Damage Restoration in Sterling Heights, MI: Pre-Drain-Tile Subdivis"
- thumbtack.com, in 10 answers: "Prime Restoration | Sterling Heights, MI"
- reviews.birdeye.com, in 9 answers: "Top Damage Restoration Companies in Sterling Heights, MI | Birdeye"
- 911restoration.com, in 5 answers: "Water Damage Restoration Troy, MI | 911 Restoration"
- 1800waterdamage.com, in 4 answers: "1-800 WATER DAMAGE of Royal Oak / Sterling Heights"
- macombcountyfloodrestoration.com, in 4 answers: "Water Damage Restoration Sterling Heights MI | 24/7 Cleanup"
- provailrestoration.com, in 4 answers: "Best Water Damage Restoration Companies in Sterling Heights, MI (2026)"
Searches ChatGPT ran before it answered
- top rated water damage restoration companies sterling heights michigan reviews (2 times)
- best water damage restoration companies sterling heights mi reviews services 2026
- best water damage restoration companies sterling heights michigan reviews services 2026
- best 24/7 emergency water damage restoration companies sterling heights michigan basement flooding
- emergency water damage restoration
- basement water removal
- 24 hour water extraction
- water damage restoration companies
How we got this
The exact questions, each asked 3 times per assistant:
- best water damage restoration in Sterling Heights, MI
- who should I call for a flooded basement in Sterling Heights, MI
- top rated water damage restoration company in Sterling Heights Michigan
Asked November 6, 2026. Location sent with each question: ChatGPT: United States; Gemini: Sterling Heights,Michigan,United States; Google AI Mode: Sterling Heights,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 Sterling Heights
- Zeppelin Cleaning Services 5.0★ · 283 ratings · 70/100
- Seco Water Damage Restoration and Mold Removal 5.0★ · 32 ratings · 70/100
- EVER/READY Carpet Cleaning Inc. 4.9★ · 413 ratings · 68/100
- DRYmedic Restoration Services of Bloomfield Hills 4.8★ · 535 ratings · 68/100
- Foundation Restoration 5.0★ · 483 ratings · 68/100
- Nu-Way Carpet Cleaning 4.9★ · 254 ratings · 67/100
- Miracle Property Restoration 4.9★ · 77 ratings · 67/100
- Rapid Restoration 24 7 5.0★ · 79 ratings · 66/100
- VersaPro Restoration & Construction 4.9★ · 247 ratings · 66/100
- Guardian Recovery Services 4.8★ · 112 ratings · 65/100
- RestoPros of Oakland and Macomb 5.0★ · 58 ratings · 64/100
- PuroClean of Bloomfield Hills 4.9★ · 77 ratings · 63/100
- SERVPRO of St. Clair Shores 4.7★ · 116 ratings · 63/100
- Pure Air Mold Removal Macomb 4.9★ · 104 ratings · 62/100
- VersaPro Restoration 5.0★ · 40 ratings · 62/100
- Dry Pros 4.9★ · 59 ratings · 61/100
- 1st Choice Restoration 4.9★ · 592 ratings · 60/100
- Gold Star Property Restoration, Inc. 4.6★ · 140 ratings · 60/100
- Mr. Mold of Troy 4.8★ · 55 ratings · 59/100
- Paul Davis Restoration of East Michigan 4.8★ · 152 ratings · 59/100
- ICON Restoration Services 4.4★ · 237 ratings · 59/100
- SERVPRO of Mount Clemens, New Baltimore 4.9★ · 73 ratings · 57/100
- Doan Restoration of Michigan 4.9★ · 108 ratings · 56/100
- SERVPRO of Birmingham, Troy 4.6★ · 140 ratings · 55/100
- Fiber Clene 4.9★ · 45 ratings · 55/100
- SERVPRO of Rochester 4.9★ · 45 ratings · 55/100
- Select Restoration 4.7★ · 118 ratings · 55/100
- Element Restoration Mobile Home Service & Repair 4.9★ · 87 ratings · 54/100
- Dr Mold 5.0★ · 78 ratings · 53/100
- Right-Now Restoration 5.0★ · 173 ratings · 53/100
- Metro Water Damage Restoration Rochester 4.9★ · 50 ratings · 53/100
- Concraft Inc 4.5★ · 278 ratings · 53/100
- ServiceMaster Restoration Services - Flint 4.8★ · 145 ratings · 53/100
- Renewal Claim Solutions by Classic Cleaners 4.9★ · 153 ratings · 52/100
- Restoration 1 of Clawson 4.9★ · 15 ratings · 52/100
- The Restoration Doctor 4.7★ · 99 ratings · 52/100
- Revive Restoration, LLC 4.8★ · 109 ratings · 52/100
- Anytime Restoration Services 4.4★ · 207 ratings · 51/100
- Zolman Restoration 4.6★ · 139 ratings · 51/100
- Insurance Repair Pros-Fire-Water-Storm-Mold-Roofing 4.9★ · 42 ratings · 51/100
- Adams Complete Cleaning & Restoration 4.5★ · 127 ratings · 51/100
- PuroClean Restoration Services 4.9★ · 56 ratings · 50/100
- Voda Cleaning & Restoration of Utica, Rochester, and Washington 4.7★ · 25 ratings · 50/100
- Ivory Property Restoration 4.9★ · 15 ratings · 49/100
- 911 Restoration of Metro Detroit North 4.7★ · 68 ratings · 48/100
- SERVPRO of Northeast Macomb Township 5.0★ · 57 ratings · 48/100
- SERVPRO of West Clinton Township 4.9★ · 15 ratings · 47/100
- Citywide Restoration, LLC 5.0★ · 34 ratings · 47/100
- 24/7Restoration 5.0★ · 9 ratings · 47/100
- R & S Restores Inc. 5.0★ · 31 ratings · 47/100
- 1-800 Water Damage of Royal Oak / Sterling Heights 4.8★ · 94 ratings · 47/100
- Restoration 1 of Lake St. Clair 5.0★ · 37 ratings · 46/100
- Emergency Restoration 4.6★ · 53 ratings · 46/100
- MGM Restoration 4.8★ · 73 ratings · 46/100
- SERVPRO of Oak Park/Ferndale 4.8★ · 60 ratings · 46/100
- Michigan Flood Pros 5.0★ · 15 ratings · 45/100
- CRI Restoration & Construction 5.0★ · 8 ratings · 45/100
- BMS CAT 4.3★ · 173 ratings · 44/100
- ICON Restoration Services 5.0★ · 15 ratings · 44/100
- All Weather Restoration LLC 4.5★ · 86 ratings · 43/100
- Mitigate X Restoration 5.0★ · 24 ratings · 43/100
- Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup 4.5★ · 124 ratings · 42/100
- ATI Restoration 4.6★ · 129 ratings · 41/100
- ProTrust Water Damage Restoration 5.0★ · 5 ratings · 41/100
- BELFOR Property Restoration (Macomb) 4.7★ · 19 ratings · 41/100
- ServiceMaster Restoration By Wise 4.8★ · 13 ratings · 41/100
- Disaster MD Restoration Services 4.9★ · 34 ratings · 40/100
- BROADCO Property 4.6★ · 54 ratings · 40/100
- Copeland Flood & Water Damage Cleanup 5.0★ · 18 ratings · 39/100
- Metro Water Damage Restoration Macomb 4.9★ · 44 ratings · 38/100
- Smits & Co Emergency Cleaners 5.0★ · 5 ratings · 36/100
- Advance Restoration 4.1★ · 91 ratings · 35/100
- Disaster MD Restoration Services - Michigan 4.3★ · 48 ratings · 34/100
- A1 Restoration Solutions 5.0★ · 12 ratings · 33/100
- Integrity Contents Services 4.0★ · 21 ratings · 31/100
- Paul Davis Restoration of Oakland County 5.0★ · 9 ratings · 31/100
- 24H Mold Inspection of St Clair Shores 5.0★ · 2 ratings · 31/100
- Metro Water Damage Restoration Sterling Heights 5.0★ · 38 ratings · 30/100
- Total Restoration & Emergency Services LLC. 5.0★ · 5 ratings · 30/100
- 24H Mold Inspection of Warren 5.0★ · 1 ratings · 30/100
- Next Phase Restoration 5.0★ · 2 ratings · 29/100
- Metro Water Damage Restoration Dearborn 4.9★ · 28 ratings · 29/100
- Mold No More LLC 4.5★ · 6 ratings · 29/100
- PuroClean National Response Team by PuroCleanNTL 4.7★ · 12 ratings · 28/100
- Two Guys and A Bucket LLC 5.0★ · 17 ratings · 28/100
- Dr. Mold 5.0★ · 6 ratings · 28/100
- Anytime Restoration Services 4.3★ · 6 ratings · 27/100
- Somerset Experts 5.0★ · 2 ratings · 26/100
- Gecko Mold Removal Co 5.0★ · 5 ratings · 25/100
- MJ White 4.2★ · 113 ratings · 25/100
- Servpro 4.2★ · 5 ratings · 25/100
- BELFOR Property Restoration 4.5★ · 24 ratings · 24/100
- Ecostar Restoration & Renovation 5.0★ · 1 ratings · 24/100
- Aaron's Restoration 4.0★ · 3 ratings · 21/100
- Metro Water Damage Restoration Grand Rapids 5.0★ · 4 ratings · 20/100
- Always Ready Restoration 5.0★ · 3 ratings · 20/100
- Brum Smoke Damage Experts 5.0★ · 1 ratings · 18/100
- Fusion Property Solutions 4.0★ · 4 ratings · 16/100
- Anytime Restoration Services 3.6★ · 17 ratings · 11/100
- ATI Restoration 4.0★ · 4 ratings · 11/100
How much does water damage restoration cost in Sterling Heights, MI?
A typical water damage restoration job in Sterling Heights costs about $3,850. Most jobs land between $1,300 and $6,000. This is our estimate for Sterling Heights, built from published national cost guides and adjusted for local labor, home values and home age. It is not a quote.
| Job in Sterling Heights | Most jobs | Typical |
|---|---|---|
| Water damage restoration (extraction, drying and common repairs) | $1,300 to $6,000 | $3,850 |
| Mold remediation | $1,250 to $4,500 | $2,750 |
| Fire and smoke damage restoration | $3,100 to $43,800 | $18,100 |
| Smoke odor and soot cleanup only (no structural repair) | $200 to $1,135 | Varies by rooms |
Sample jobs at Sterling Heights 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 Sterling Heights 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 Sterling Heights is worth $274,300, against $231,600 for Michigan. Pricier homes have finishes that cost more to replace, so the typical and high figures move 5.9%.
- Home age: 58% of homes in Sterling Heights were built before 1980. Plaster walls and lead-safe work rules raise water and mold repairs by 6.9% 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 Sterling Heights
Most Sterling Heights homes were built around 1977, and the city names four flood sources of its own: the Clinton River, the Red Run Drain, the Plumbrook Drain and Beaver Creek.
Rivers, drains and lakes
- The city lists the Clinton River, Red Run Drain, Plumbrook Drain and Beaver Creek as its flood sources. The Office of Engineering (586-446-2720) confirms whether a lot is in a floodplain. (City of Sterling Heights, Flood Services, read 2026-09-28)
- The Sterling Relief Drain, between Ryan Road and Mound Road south of Metropolitan Parkway, got a $953,000 retrofit to capture about 28 million gallons of storm runoff a year. (City of Sterling Heights, read 2026-09-28)
- Macomb County Public Works removed about 50 years of hardened sediment from the Vokes Relief Drain near Van Dyke Avenue to relieve a flood-prone area of the city. (C&G Newspapers, read 2026-09-28)
Floods and water events on record
- The August 11, 2014 flood hit Sterling Heights hard enough to be named among the Macomb County communities in the federal disaster declaration. (The Detroit News, read 2026-09-28)
- On August 11, 2014, 4 to 6 inches of rain fell in about 4 hours across Wayne, southern Oakland and Macomb counties. (National Weather Service, Detroit, read 2026-09-28)
- In December 2016 the Macomb Interceptor Drain collapsed under 15 Mile Road in Fraser. The drainage district assessed Sterling Heights about $22.2 million of the $75 million repair. (The Detroit News, read 2026-09-28)
Sewers and who to call
- The city buys drinking water from the Great Lakes Water Authority, runs its own sanitary and storm sewers, and sends sewage to Macomb County for treatment. (City of Sterling Heights, Utilities, read 2026-09-28)
- City code §24-39 bans draining groundwater, roof runoff or footing tiles into the sanitary sewer, and requires a sump pump in new buildings with basement or footing drains. (Sterling Heights City Code, read 2026-09-28)
- Public Works states its duty for the sanitary system plainly: keep proper flow "to prevent back-ups from occurring," and it manages drain blockages through its Water & Sewer Division. (City of Sterling Heights, Public Works, read 2026-09-28)
Homes in Sterling Heights
- The median home was built in 1977, so many basements and water heaters are near the end of their first or second life. (US Census ACS via Census Reporter, read 2026-09-28)
- 75.8% of occupied homes are owner-occupied (38,096 of 50,849). (US Census ACS via Census Reporter, read 2026-09-28)
What makes water damage in Sterling Heights different
Sterling Heights covers 36.72 square miles in Macomb County, and the Clinton River crosses only its northeast corner before bending east toward Lake St. Clair. Away from that corner the city is flat land with almost no natural water surface, just 0.27 square miles, so stormwater has nowhere to pool on its own and depends entirely on the Red Run, Plumbrook and Beaver Creek drain network to move it out. That split, river corner versus flat drain-fed interior, is why two basements four minutes apart can face different water sources during the same storm. (Wikipedia, Sterling Heights, Michigan, read 2026-10-01)
The city was Sterling Township until it incorporated as Sterling Heights in 1968, after the township renamed itself from Jefferson Township in 1838 to avoid duplicating another Michigan township. It stayed agricultural until the 1950s, when shorter commutes pulled in suburban development, and then grew explosively through the 1960s and 1970s as automotive workers settled there; population rose from 3,648 in 1940 to 134,346 by 2020. That boom put most of the housing stock, and most of the underground pipe serving it, into the ground within about a twenty-year window. (Wikipedia, Sterling Heights, Michigan, read 2026-10-01)
The single largest slice of the current housing stock, 15,682 units, was built in the 1970s, right as the city incorporated and the automotive-driven boom peaked; the 1960s added another 10,516 units. A city built that fast in that narrow a window means a large share of water heaters, sump pumps and sewer laterals are aging out on a similar schedule, not spread evenly across decades the way an older, slower-growing city would be. (US Census ACS 2024 1-year estimate, Table B25034, via Census Reporter API, read 2026-10-01)
Sterling Heights by the numbers
| Population | 134,343 | (US Census ACS 2024 1-year estimate, read 2026-10-01) |
|---|---|---|
| Housing units | 52,198 | (US Census ACS 2024 1-year estimate, read 2026-10-01) |
| Median year structure built | 1977 | (US Census ACS 2024 1-year estimate, Table B25035, read 2026-10-01) |
| Housing units built before 1970 | 30.0% (15,659 of 52,198) | (US Census ACS 2024 1-year estimate, Table B25034, read 2026-10-01) |
| Owner-occupied share | 74.9% (38,096 of 50,849 occupied units) | (US Census ACS 2024 1-year estimate, Table B25003, read 2026-10-01) |
| Median home value | $287,600 | (US Census ACS 2024 1-year estimate, read 2026-10-01) |
| Land area / water area | 36.72 sq mi land, 0.27 sq mi water | (Wikipedia, Sterling Heights, Michigan, read 2026-10-01) |
| Homes built before 1960 | 8% | (U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020-2024 5-year, table B25034 (via Census Reporter), read 2026-10-01) |
Where you live in Sterling Heights changes the job
Northeast corner, Clinton River
The Clinton River crosses only the northeast part of the city, and the mapped floodplain the city tracks through its GIS map and the Public Library sits along that corridor. Homes there carry a river-flood risk the rest of the city does not have, on top of the usual drain-system risk everyone shares. (City of Sterling Heights, Flood Services, read 2026-10-01)
Flat interior, away from the river
Outside that northeast corner the city is nearly flat and has almost no natural water surface of its own, so the rest of Sterling Heights depends entirely on the Red Run Drain, Plumbrook Drain and Beaver Creek system to carry storm flow away. When one of those drains surcharges, the flooding shows up as yard and street ponding and sewer backup rather than a rising river. (City of Sterling Heights, Flood Services, read 2026-10-01)
1970s boom subdivisions
Roughly 15,682 housing units, the largest single decade in the city, went up in the 1970s as Sterling Heights incorporated and the auto-industry population boom peaked. Entire blocks of these subdivisions are now reaching the same age for sump pumps, water heaters and sewer laterals at close to the same time. (US Census ACS 2024 1-year estimate, Table B25034, read 2026-10-01)
Sewers and sewage backups in Sterling Heights
- Sterling Heights runs separate storm and sanitary sewer systems rather than a combined system; the city adopted its current stormwater management standards on May 17, 2023, and handles sanitary-system flow through its own Water & Sewer Division. (City of Sterling Heights, Public Works, read 2026-10-01)
- A resident reports a drain blockage or backup to the Water & Sewer Division at 586-446-2440, 7200 18 Mile Road, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (City of Sterling Heights, Water, Sewer & Drainage, read 2026-10-01)
- Michigan's Public Act 222 of 2001 bars compensation for a sewage-system backup unless the claimant gives the responsible governmental agency written notice within 45 days of discovering the damage, under MCL 691.1419. Because Macomb County Public Works Commissioner operates county drain and interceptor infrastructure that serves Sterling Heights, a claim tied to that county system goes through the county's 24-hour hotline at (877) 679-4337 as a first step. (Michigan Legislature, MCL 691.1419; Macomb County Public Works Commissioner, read 2026-10-01)
What Sterling Heights has been through
- The August 11-13, 2014 storm that flooded southeast Michigan led to federal disaster declaration DR-4195-MI on September 25, 2014; FEMA designated Macomb County, which includes Sterling Heights, for both Individual Assistance and Public Assistance. (FEMA, DisasterDeclarationsSummaries open data, Disaster 4195, read 2026-10-01)
- The June 25-26, 2021 metro Detroit storm led to federal disaster declaration DR-4607-MI on July 15, 2021; FEMA designated Macomb County for Individual Assistance. (FEMA, DisasterDeclarationsSummaries open data, Disaster 4607, read 2026-10-01)
- During that June 2021 event, National Weather Service storm reports logged 3.62 inches of rain in Sterling Heights at 6:55 a.m. on June 28 and a second reading of 2.33 inches at 3:00 p.m. the same day, among the heavier local totals recorded for the storm. (National Weather Service Detroit/Pontiac, Metro Detroit Flooding and Port Austin Tornado storm report, read 2026-10-01)
What changes the cost of a job in Sterling Heights
- Homes built before 1970 make up 30.0% of Sterling Heights' housing stock. Plumbing, wiring and plaster in a home that age commonly need full replacement after a basement flood rather than drying alone, which adds labor time a newer home in the same storm would not need. (US Census ACS 2024 1-year estimate, Table B25034, read 2026-10-01)
Prevention that applies in Sterling Heights
- Before a resident builds on, alters, regrades or fills a lot, the city requires a check with the Office of Building Services, since a permit may be needed to keep the change from pushing drainage problems onto a neighboring property. (City of Sterling Heights, Flood Services, read 2026-10-01)
Permits for repairs in Sterling Heights
- Repairing water damage in Sterling Heights can require separate permits by trade: a building permit for drywall and structural work, an electrical permit, and a plumbing permit, each filed with Permits & Inspections at 40555 Utica Road; the city also offers a simplified homeowner permit option online. Electrical questions go to 586-446-2379 or 586-446-2381, and plumbing questions go to 586-446-2355. (City of Sterling Heights, Permit Applications, read 2026-10-01)
Flooded basement, roof leak, sewer backup or mold in Sterling Heights?
We also rank companies by the reviews that mention the job itself:
Water damage by cause in Sterling Heights
- Ceiling leaks and water stains: 1-800 Water Damage of Southeast Michigan has the most reviews that mention this job (11).
- Water heater leaks: DRYmedic Restoration Services of Bloomfield Hills has the most reviews that mention this job (8).
- Toilet overflows and leaks: 24 Hour Flood Pros of Michigan has the most reviews that mention this job (3).
- Dishwasher leaks: 1-800 Water Damage of Southeast Michigan has the most reviews that mention this job (5).
- Refrigerator and ice maker line leaks: 24H Mold Inspection of Michigan has the most reviews that mention this job (3).
- Burst and frozen pipes: 1-800 Water Damage of Southeast Michigan has the most reviews that mention this job (10).
- Leak detection: 1-800 Water Damage of Southeast Michigan has the most reviews that mention this job (2).
What to do for each cause: Macomb County guide by cause.
Change log
- Ratings and reviews for the 115 companies on this list read between 2026-09-15 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 Sterling Heights
Water damage restoration in nearby towns
- Ann Arbor
- Auburn Hills
- Berkley
- Birmingham
- Bloomfield Hills
- Bloomfield Township
- Chesterfield Township
- Clinton Township
- Commerce Township
- Farmington
- Farmington Hills
- Fraser
- Grosse Pointe
- Highland Township
- Huntington Woods
- Independence Township
- Lyon Township
- Macomb Township
- Milford Township
- New Baltimore
- Northville
- Novi
- Oakland Township
- Orchard Lake Village
- Orion Township
- Oxford Township
- Rochester Hills
- Roseville
- Royal Oak
- Shelby Township
- Southfield
- Springfield Township
- Troy
- Warren
- Washington Township
- Waterford Township
- West Bloomfield Township
- White Lake Township
- Macomb County
- Oakland County
- Washtenaw County
- St. Clair County
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 Sterling Heights?
Prime Restoration ranks first of 115 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 Sterling Heights, MI?
About $3,850 for a typical job, with most between $1,300 and $6,000. We adjust national cost guides for Sterling Heights 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 Sterling Heights?
A 600 sq ft finished basement with clean water runs about $2,350 to $2,700 to extract and dry at Sterling Heights 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 Sterling Heights, 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 Sterling Heights before any rebuild, because porous materials it touched come out.
Why does water damage repair cost more in Sterling Heights 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 Sterling Heights is worth $274,300, against $231,600 for Michigan. Pricier homes have finishes that cost more to replace, so the typical and high figures move 5.9%. Home age: 58% of homes in Sterling Heights were built before 1980. Plaster walls and lead-safe work rules raise water and mold repairs by 6.9% here.
What does a water damage estimate in Sterling Heights 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. In Sterling Heights, 58% of homes were built before 1980, so ask whether the quote covers plaster walls and lead-safe work.
Does homeowners insurance pay for water damage in Sterling Heights, 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 Sterling Heights?
Sterling Heights runs separate storm and sanitary sewer systems rather than a combined system; the city adopted its current stormwater management standards on May 17, 2023, and handles sanitary-system flow through its own Water & Sewer Division. Michigan law requires written notice to the government agency within 45 days of finding the damage. City of Sterling Heights, Public Works
Do I need a permit to repair water damage in Sterling Heights?
Repairing water damage in Sterling Heights can require separate permits by trade: a building permit for drywall and structural work, an electrical permit, and a plumbing permit, each filed with Permits & Inspections at 40555 Utica Road; the city also offers a simplified homeowner permit option online. Electrical questions go to 586-446-2379 or 586-446-2381, and plumbing questions go to 586-446-2355. City of Sterling Heights, Permit Applications
How fast should water damage be dried out in a Sterling Heights 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 $3,850 job turns into a mold job too. EPA
How much does mold remediation cost in Sterling Heights, MI?
About $2,750 for a typical job in Sterling Heights, with most between $1,250 and $4,500. 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 Sterling Heights?
About $1,050 to $2,650 for 100 sq ft at Sterling Heights 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 Sterling Heights 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 Sterling Heights, MI?
About $18,100 for a typical job in Sterling Heights, with most between $3,100 and $43,800. 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 Sterling Heights?
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 Sterling Heights labor rates. LawnStarter
How do I compare restoration quotes in Sterling Heights?
Sterling Heights has seen it before: The August 11-13, 2014 storm that flooded southeast Michigan led to federal disaster declaration DR-4195-MI on September 25, 2014; FEMA designated Macomb County, which includes Sterling Heights, for both Individual Assistance and Public Assistance. Get two or three written quotes with the same scope, square feet and drying days. 115 companies serve Sterling Heights on this list; check a box on up to 3 and send one request to all of them. FEMA, DisasterDeclarationsSummaries open data, Disaster 4195
Is my Sterling Heights home in a floodplain?
Call the city Office of Engineering at 586-446-2720. The city also keeps flood maps at the Public Library and on its GIS map. The mapped flood sources are the Clinton River, Red Run Drain, Plumbrook Drain and Beaver Creek. City of Sterling Heights, Flood Services
Can I drain my sump pump into the sanitary sewer in Sterling Heights?
No. City code §24-39 bans groundwater, roof runoff and footing-tile water in the sanitary sewer. Footing tiles must go to a storm sewer where one is available. Sterling Heights City Code §24-39
Does Sterling Heights have combined sewers, where sewage and stormwater share the same pipe?
No. The city runs separate storm and sanitary sewer systems, and it adopted its current stormwater management standards on May 17, 2023. City of Sterling Heights, Public Works
How long do I have to file a claim after a sewer backup tied to the county system in Sterling Heights?
45 days from the date you discover the damage, under Michigan's Public Act 222 (MCL 691.1419). Call the Macomb County Public Works 24-hour hotline at (877) 679-4337 right away and follow with written notice. Michigan Legislature, MCL 691.1419
What permits do I need to repair drywall, wiring and plumbing after a flood in Sterling Heights?
You may need separate building, electrical and plumbing permits, filed through Permits & Inspections at 40555 Utica Road or online through the homeowner permit option; call 586-446-2379 for electrical or 586-446-2355 for plumbing questions. City of Sterling Heights, Permit Applications
Was Sterling Heights included in a federal flood disaster declaration?
Yes, twice. FEMA designated Macomb County, which includes Sterling Heights, for the August 2014 storm (DR-4195-MI) and the June 2021 storm (DR-4607-MI). FEMA, DisasterDeclarationsSummaries open data
How many water damage restoration companies serve Sterling Heights?
115 companies currently qualify: each has an office in or near Sterling Heights (within 10 to 20 miles), or its own website states it serves Sterling Heights 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.