
Michigan / Washtenaw County / Water damage restoration
Top-Rated Water Damage Restoration in Washtenaw County, MI (2026)
We found 55 water damage restoration companies serving Washtenaw County. Ratings read 2026-11-03. Updated November 2026. Ranked by our published formula below — see how it works.
55 companies reviewed · 15 shown in full · 3 Top Rated · reviews read 2026-11-03
Who is the best water damage restoration company in Washtenaw County?
By our published formula, Prime Restoration ranks first of 55 companies serving Washtenaw County, with 5.0 stars from 186 ratings received and 24/7 service stated on its site. Voda Cleaning & Restoration of Ann Arbor ranks second and PuroClean of Ann Arbor 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 55 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.
- Voda Cleaning & Restoration of Ann Arbor: 5.0★ from 136 ratings, 24/7 stated, IICRC stated.
- PuroClean of Ann Arbor: 5.0★ from 101 ratings, 24/7 stated, IICRC stated.
- Healthy Carpets: 5.0★ from 533 ratings, 24/7 stated.
- 1-800 Water Damage of Southeast Michigan: 5.0★ from 368 ratings, 24/7 stated, IICRC stated.
- 46 of 55 companies serving Washtenaw County state 24/7 service on their own site, and 31 state IICRC certification.
How to choose a water damage company in Washtenaw 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 Washtenaw 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 Washtenaw 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 55 water damage restoration companies serving Washtenaw County
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: 13854 Lakeside Circle Ste 558, 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 2026-09-30.
Local page: n/a
Best for
- 5.0 stars from 136 ratings
- Its site states 24/7 service
- Its site states IICRC certification
Address: 2245 W Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Fire & smoke, Sewage, Storm, 24/7 service, IICRC certification on its own site — source, checked 2026-09-30.
Local page: n/a
Best for
- 5.0 stars from 101 ratings
- Its site states 24/7 service
- Its site states IICRC certification
Address: 4621 Freedom Dr Ste 2, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
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.
Local page: n/a
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, 24/7 service, IICRC certification on its own site — source, checked 2026-09-30.
Local page: n/a
Best for
- 4.9 stars from 125 ratings
- Its site states 24/7 service
- Its site states IICRC certification
Address: 3924 Trade Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
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: 3202 Old Farm Ln, Commerce Township, MI 48390, USA
5.0★ · 54 ratings received
Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Storm, 24/7 service, IICRC certification on its own site — source, checked 2026-09-30.
Local page: n/a
Best for
- 5.0 stars from 54 ratings
- Its site states 24/7 service
- Its site states IICRC certification
Address: Service area business. No public office address.
License verified: Residential Builder Company #262500918, 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 2026-09-30.
Local page: n/a
Best for
- Its site states 24/7 service
- Its site states IICRC certification
- In business since 1967, per its site
Address: 43454 S Interstate 94 Service Dr, Belleville, MI 48111
Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Fire & smoke, Storm, 24/7 service, IICRC certification on its own site — source, checked 2026-09-30.
Local page: n/a
Best for
- 4.9 stars from 95 ratings
- Its site states 24/7 service
- Its site states IICRC certification
Address: 41763 Joy Rd, Canton Township, MI 48187
Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Fire & smoke, Storm, 24/7 service, IICRC certification on its own site — source, checked 2026-09-28.
Best for
- 5.0 stars from 69 ratings
- Its site states 24/7 service
- Its site states IICRC certification
Address: 250 S Venoy Rd, Westland, MI 48186
Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Fire & smoke, Sewage, 24/7 service, IICRC certification, founded 1995 on its own site — source, checked 2026-09-23.
Best for
- 4.9 stars from 98 ratings
- Its site states 24/7 service
- Its site states IICRC certification
Address: 28243 Beck Rd Suite #B-10, Wixom, MI 48393, USA
Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Fire & smoke, Sewage, Storm, 24/7 service, IICRC certification, founded 1966 on its own site — source, checked 2026-09-30.
Best for
- Its site states 24/7 service
- Its site states IICRC certification
- In business since 1966, per its site
Address: 105 Enterprise Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Fire & smoke, Storm, 24/7 service, IICRC certification, founded 2009 on its own site — source, checked 2026-09-30.
Best for
- Its site states 24/7 service
- Its site states IICRC certification
- In business since 2009, per its site
Address: 1163 S Main St Ste 314, Chelsea, MI 48118
License verified: Residential Builder Company #2102197594, checked on the Michigan LARA lookup in November 2026.
Why choose this provider: states Water damage, Mold, Sewage, Storm, 24/7 service, IICRC certification, founded 1993 on its own site — source, checked 2026-09-30.
Best for
- Its site states 24/7 service
- Its site states IICRC certification
- In business since 1993, per its site
Address: 345 Metty Dr Suite 2, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
5.0★ · 50 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 2026-09-30.
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.
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How much does water damage restoration cost in Washtenaw County, MI?
A typical water damage restoration job in Washtenaw County costs about $4,500. Most jobs land between $1,250 and $6,950. This is our estimate for Washtenaw County, built from published national cost guides and adjusted for local labor, home values and home age. It is not a quote.
| Job in Washtenaw County | Most jobs | Typical |
|---|---|---|
| Water damage restoration (extraction, drying and common repairs) | $1,250 to $6,950 | $4,500 |
| Mold remediation | $1,250 to $5,200 | $3,200 |
| Fire and smoke damage restoration | $3,100 to $50,500 | $20,850 |
| Smoke odor and soot cleanup only (no structural repair) | $200 to $1,135 | Varies by rooms |
Sample jobs at Washtenaw County labor rates
- 600 sq ft finished basement, clean water from a supply line: $2,350 to $2,650 to dry out.
- 600 sq ft basement, gray water from a washer or sump overflow: $2,550 to $4,050.
- 400 sq ft sewer backup (Category 3): $2,900 to $3,150, before rebuild.
- 100 sq ft of mold behind a basement wall: $1,050 to $2,600.
- 1,500 sq ft home with smoke and soot after a kitchen fire: $6,650 to $10,200.
Why Washtenaw County prices differ from the national average
- Labor: construction workers in the Ann Arbor, MI metro area earn $32 an hour on average, 4.4% against the U.S. average. Most of a restoration bill is labor.
- Home value: the median home in Washtenaw County is worth $453,400, against $231,600 for Michigan. Pricier homes have finishes that cost more to replace, so the typical and high figures move 23.5%.
- Home age: 63% of homes in Washtenaw County were built before 1980. Plaster walls and lead-safe work rules raise water and mold repairs by 7.6% 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 Washtenaw County
Washtenaw County spans parts of three river watersheds and dozens of independently run water and sewer systems, so two flooded basements a few miles apart can trace back to entirely different causes and different agencies to call.
Rivers, drains and lakes
- The Middle Huron subwatershed, which covers Ann Arbor and neighboring county communities, is made up of six named streams, Allen Drain, Fleming Creek, Malletts Creek, Millers Creek, Swift Run, and Traver Creek, that all feed into the Huron River rather than draining straight to it from open ground. (City of Ann Arbor, Rivers, Creeks and Trees, read 2026-09-28)
- The Huron River starts at Big Lake near Pontiac in Oakland County and crosses Washtenaw County through sections that the Huron River Watershed Council names, including a Chain of Lakes Region upstream and the stretch above the Belleville Lake Dam downstream, before reaching Lake Erie. (City of Ann Arbor, Rivers, Creeks and Trees, read 2026-09-28)
Floods and water events on record
- On July 2, 2021, the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners declared its own local state of emergency over home flooding from the June storms, the step the county took before the state or federal governments acted. (The Saline Post, Washtenaw County Declares State of Emergency, read 2026-09-28)
- On November 29, 2011, the National Weather Service issued a flood warning for Mill Creek in Dexter, with the creek forecast to crest at 13.5 feet against a 12-foot flood stage, while a flood watch covered all of Washtenaw County. (AnnArbor.com, Flood warning issued for Mill Creek in Dexter, read 2026-09-28)
- On August 23, 2024, a 10-inch water main broke in Chelsea near Sibley Road and M-52 and drained toward Letts Creek through the storm system, cutting water pressure across the city for about two and a half hours. (Sun Times News, City of Chelsea's Swift Response Restores Water Pressure After Main Break, read 2026-09-28)
Sewers and who to call
- The Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner committed $2,000,000 in RainSmart-style stormwater grant funding for 2023 through 2025, money aimed at drainage and flood-mitigation work on county drains rather than at any city or township's own sewer lines. (Washtenaw County, Water Resources Commissioner / Stormwater, read 2026-09-28)
- In the many parts of the county with no municipal sewer, the Washtenaw County Environmental Health Division, not a city water department, is the agency that permits a new or replacement septic system, and installation or repair work must be done by a contractor the division has certified. (Washtenaw County, Installing a Septic System in Washtenaw County, read 2026-09-28)
Homes in Washtenaw County
- Washtenaw County's median gross rent was $1,463 a month in the 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, about $186 below Ann Arbor's own median of $1,649. (US Census ACS 2020-2024 5-year, table B25064 (via Census Reporter API), read 2026-09-28)
- Of the county's 159,782 housing units in the 2020-2024 ACS 5-year estimates, 9,232 stood vacant, a countywide vacancy rate of about 5.8%, lower than Ann Arbor's roughly 7.2%. (US Census ACS 2020-2024 5-year, table B25002 (via Census Reporter API), read 2026-09-28)
What makes water damage in Washtenaw County different
Washtenaw County covers roughly 706 square miles and holds 373,875 people in 159,782 housing units, and nearly all of it drains to one of three rivers: the Huron River through the northern and central townships and Ann Arbor, the Saline River through the south-central townships and Saline and Milan, and the River Raisin through the southwest corner, including Manchester. Which of those three systems a property sits on decides which watershed group and which downstream community deals with whatever runs off that property. (Census Reporter, Washtenaw County, MI profile (ACS 2024 1-year), read 2026-10-01)
Unlike Oakland or Macomb County, Washtenaw has no single water resources commissioner operating city sewers directly; the county's Water Resources Commissioner office instead maintains roughly 550 county drains under the Michigan Drain Code and issues permits for any work that crosses or discharges into one, while day-to-day sewer service comes from whichever city, township, or joint authority actually owns the pipe under a given street. That means a homeowner's first call after a backup depends entirely on the municipality, not the county, and a resident has to know their specific provider rather than call one countywide number. (Washtenaw County, Water Resources Commissioner / Stormwater, read 2026-10-01)
The county's housing stock is younger and more owner-occupied than its largest city: 61.6% of occupied homes countywide are owner-occupied against 45.5% in Ann Arbor, and the median structure was built in 1978 versus 1971 in the city, because student rental housing is concentrated inside Ann Arbor rather than spread evenly across the county. A basement in a 1978-era subdivision in a township is less likely to carry an old footing-drain-to-sanitary connection than one in Ann Arbor's pre-1960 core, which changes both the backup risk and who is financially on the hook for fixing it, the owner or an absentee landlord. (US Census ACS 2020-2024 5-year, tables B25003 and B25035 (via Census Reporter API), read 2026-10-01)
Washtenaw County by the numbers
| Population | 373,875 | (Census Reporter, Washtenaw County, MI profile (ACS 2024 1-year), read 2026-10-01) |
|---|---|---|
| Total housing units | 159,782 | (US Census ACS 2020-2024 5-year, table B25034, read 2026-10-01) |
| Median year structure built | 1978 | (US Census ACS 2020-2024 5-year, table B25035, read 2026-10-01) |
| Housing built before 1960 | 25.1% (40,027 of 159,782 units) | (US Census ACS 2020-2024 5-year, table B25034, read 2026-10-01) |
| Owner-occupied homes | 61.6% (92,768 of 150,550 occupied units) | (US Census ACS 2020-2024 5-year, table B25003, read 2026-10-01) |
| Median home value | $374,100 | (US Census ACS 2020-2024 5-year, table B25077, read 2026-10-01) |
| Land area | 706 sq mi | (Census Reporter, Washtenaw County, MI profile (ACS 2024 1-year), read 2026-10-01) |
Water damage town by town in Washtenaw County
Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor's floodplain map shows five tributary streams, Allen, Malletts, Millers, Swift Run, and Traver, carrying their own mapped flood zones separate from the Huron River itself, and the city enforces flood-resistant construction standards under the Michigan Building Codes inside those zones. Owner-occupied housing is only 45.5% here, well below the rest of the county, because University of Michigan rental housing dominates large sections of the city. (City of Ann Arbor, About Floodplains, read 2026-10-01)
Ypsilanti
The City of Ypsilanti's water and sewer system is run jointly with Ypsilanti Charter Township through the Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority, formed in 1974 when the two merged their water departments. A resident reports a sanitary backup to YCUA at 734-484-6000, not city hall, and YCUA's own page walks through the Public Act 222 claims process directly. (Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority, About Us, read 2026-10-01)
Ypsilanti Township
Ypsilanti Charter Township shares the same YCUA water and sewer system as the City of Ypsilanti, and its water treatment plant on Catherine Street draws directly from the adjacent Huron River. The township historically also ran a sewage treatment plant that discharged into Belleville Lake, further downstream on the Huron. (Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority, About Us, read 2026-10-01)
Pittsfield Township
Pittsfield Charter Township buys its water and wastewater treatment wholesale from YCUA rather than running its own treatment plant, with a township Utilities Department handling local distribution under the Township Board of Trustees. This wholesale arrangement is distinct from Ann Arbor's own Pittsfield Village neighborhood, which is a separate, similarly named area inside the city with its own June 2021 flooding history. (Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority, About Us, read 2026-10-01)
Scio Township
Scio Township's water comes from the Ann Arbor Water Treatment Plant, which draws from the Huron River and several groundwater wells, while the township's own Utilities Department operates the sewer collection system on the township side. Some Scio residents outside that service area still rely on private wells and septic systems, splitting the township's water-damage risk between municipal backups and well or septic failures. (Scio Township, Water and Sewer Services, read 2026-10-01)
Saline
Saline runs its own wastewater treatment plant, which discharges to the Saline River, and the city is lining more than 23,000 linear feet of sanitary sewer and rebuilding 80 to 90 manholes to cut the stormwater and groundwater inflow that drives wet-weather overflows. The plant has overflowed into a nearby storm drain and the Saline River before, including one event tied to a power outage. (Michigan Senate, Appropriations Request, City of Saline sewer rehabilitation, read 2026-10-01)
Dexter
Dexter sits at the confluence of Mill Creek and the Huron River, and a November 29, 2011 National Weather Service flood warning had Mill Creek expected to crest at 13.5 feet, well above its 12-foot flood stage, under a flood watch covering the entire county. The city, incorporated in 2014, runs its own municipal water and wastewater system through its Department of Public Services. (AnnArbor.com, Flood warning issued for Mill Creek in Dexter, read 2026-10-01)
Chelsea
On Friday, August 23, 2024, a 10-inch water main broke at Sibley Road and M-52 in Chelsea and drained toward Letts Creek through the storm system instead of pooling at the surface, cutting water pressure citywide for about two and a half hours while crews traced the leak along the creek bank. Chelsea became a city in 2004 after being a village since 1889. (Sun Times News, City of Chelsea's Swift Response Restores Water Pressure After Main Break, read 2026-10-01)
Superior Township
Superior Township's utility department buys water and sewer service wholesale from outside providers, including Ann Arbor Township and the Ypsilanti area system, and has had to raise its own rates in step when those upstream providers raised theirs. That pass-through pricing structure means a rate increase anywhere upstream shows up on a Superior Township water bill with no local vote involved. (Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority, About Us, read 2026-10-01)
Ann Arbor Township
Ann Arbor Charter Township is actively surveying residents on the condition of their private wells, which shows a meaningful share of the township still runs on wells and septic systems rather than city water and sewer. For the portion on municipal service, sewage overflow or backup claims must be filed in writing within 45 days or the township says recovery of damages is barred. (Ann Arbor Charter Township, Private Well Water Information Survey, read 2026-10-01)
Webster Township
Webster Township sits northeast of Dexter along the Huron River and Mill Creek, and most of its rural parcels depend on private wells and septic systems rather than any municipal water or sewer line. State and watershed-council work in the township has focused on finding and fixing failing septic systems in the Mill and Honey Creek watersheds rather than on pipe backups. (Huron River Watershed Council, Webster Township, read 2026-10-01)
York Township
Parts of York Township buy water and wastewater treatment wholesale from YCUA, the same authority that serves Ypsilanti and Pittsfield Township, under a township sewer-use ordinance that the township board can amend directly. That split between YCUA customers and non-YCUA parts of the township means two York Township addresses a few miles apart can be on entirely different sewer providers. (Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority, About Us, read 2026-10-01)
Milan
Milan's Department of Public Works maintains 56 miles of water and sewer lines, 7 lift stations, and 300 manholes, much of it crossing the Saline River as the river flows through the city on its way to the River Raisin. Acidic soil near Platt Road corroded a water main under the riverbed badly enough that the city had to rebuild 500 feet of pipe there at a cost of $300,000, with lining work scheduled for the week of November 9, 2025. (Sun Times News, Milan City Undertakes Pipe Restoration Beneath Saline River, read 2026-10-01)
Manchester
Manchester separated its combined storm and sanitary sewers in 1990, cutting overflow problems into the River Raisin that the old combined system had caused for years; the village's wells now supply its public water system with a combined pumping capacity above 800 gallons per minute. Voters approved incorporating Manchester as a city in November 2023, though some village branding was still in use afterward. (Village of Manchester, Community Systems, read 2026-10-01)
Where you live in Washtenaw County changes the job
Huron River corridor (Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Dexter, the Huron townships)
The Huron River runs the length of the county and supplies drinking water drawn at Ann Arbor's treatment plant to roughly 150,000 people along its corridor. Every community on this stretch, from Dexter at the Mill Creek confluence down through Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, shares exposure to the same river's crests, even though each runs its own separate sewer system. (Huron River Watershed Council / City of Scio Township, Water and Sewer Services, read 2026-10-01)
Saline River corridor (Saline, Milan, Pittsfield and York Townships)
The Saline River collects flow from Saline south through Milan before joining the River Raisin in Monroe County, and both cities have had sewer and water-main failures tied directly to that river crossing: Saline's wastewater plant has overflowed into the river during power outages and high-flow events, and Milan had to rebuild 500 feet of water main that acidic soil had corroded under the riverbed. (The Saline Post / Sun Times News, Milan pipe restoration beneath Saline River, read 2026-10-01)
River Raisin corridor (Manchester)
Manchester sits on the River Raisin at the county's southwest edge and separated its storm sewers from its sanitary sewers in 1990, after decades of a combined system that caused overflow problems into the river. That 1990 separation is the clearest point in county records where a community's overflow risk measurably dropped. (Village of Manchester, Community Systems, read 2026-10-01)
Private well and septic townships (Webster, Ann Arbor, Scio, Lima, and other rural townships)
Large parts of the county's rural townships, including Webster Township and sections of Ann Arbor Township, rely on private wells and septic systems rather than any municipal water or sewer, so a failed well pump or a saturated septic field is a bigger driver of water damage there than a municipal backup. The Huron River Watershed Council has pushed some of these areas toward centralized treatment specifically because of failing septic systems near the Mill and Honey Creek watersheds. (Ann Arbor Charter Township, Private Well Water Information Survey, read 2026-10-01)
Sewers and sewage backups in Washtenaw County
- The Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner's office does not run city or township sewer systems; it maintains roughly 550 county drains under the 1956 Michigan Drain Code, requires a permit for any work that crosses or discharges into one, and takes drainage and flooding complaints tied to county drains through its online reporting tool, not sewer backup claims. (Washtenaw County, Water Resources Commissioner / Stormwater, read 2026-10-01)
- The Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority (YCUA), formed in 1974 when the City of Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Charter Township merged their water departments, now serves a combined area of almost 328,000 people and sells wholesale water and wastewater treatment to Pittsfield Township, Superior Township, Augusta Township, and parts of York Township; a backup inside any of those service areas is reported to YCUA at 734-484-6000, or ext. 137 nights, weekends, and holidays. (Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority, About Us, read 2026-10-01)
- Under Michigan's Public Act 222 of 2001, now MCL 691.1417-691.1419, a homeowner anywhere in the county must give the responsible sewer agency, city, township, or YCUA, written notice within 45 days of discovering backup damage before they can recover anything, and the agency that owns the sewer, not the county, is the one that must be named. (Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority, Sewer Backup, read 2026-10-01)
What Washtenaw County has been through
- On June 25-26, 2021, a storm that began around 8 a.m. and ran past midnight dropped more than 6 inches of rain in parts of the Detroit area; the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners declared its own local state of emergency on July 2, 2021, over the resulting home flooding. (The Saline Post, Washtenaw County Declares State of Emergency, read 2026-10-01)
- On July 8, 2021, Governor Whitmer's Executive Order 2021-8 added Washtenaw County, along with Huron and Ionia counties, to the state's declared emergency over the same storm, broadening the state response beyond the counties named a week earlier. (State of Michigan, Governor Whitmer Adds Huron, Ionia and Washtenaw Counties to Emergency Declaration, read 2026-10-01)
- On July 15, 2021, President Biden approved a federal Major Disaster Declaration, DR-4607, for the June storms, and Washtenaw County was one of only two counties, along with Wayne, activated that day for FEMA's Individual Assistance program; Macomb and Oakland counties were denied Individual Assistance in that same declaration and had to appeal separately. (State of Michigan, letter of appeal to the President re: FEMA DR-4607, September 24, 2021, read 2026-10-01)
- On Friday, August 23, 2024, a 10-inch water main blew out at Sibley Road and M-52 in Chelsea, draining into the storm system toward Letts Creek rather than pooling on the surface, which left City Hall without water for about two and a half hours while crews searched the creek bank for the break. (Sun Times News, City of Chelsea's Swift Response Restores Water Pressure After Main Break, read 2026-10-01)
Prevention that applies in Washtenaw County
- Manchester's 1990 separation of its storm sewers from its sanitary sewers, replacing a combined system, is the county's clearest example of a community cutting its own overflow risk into the River Raisin through infrastructure rather than through a rebate program. (Village of Manchester, Community Systems, read 2026-10-01)
- Saline is lining more than 23,000 linear feet of sanitary sewer and rebuilding or sealing 80 to 90 manholes specifically to cut inflow and infiltration, the stormwater and groundwater that gets into sanitary pipes and drives wet-weather overflows. (Michigan Senate, Appropriations Request, City of Saline sewer rehabilitation, read 2026-10-01)
Permits for repairs in Washtenaw County
- Any work that crosses, modifies, or discharges into a county drain anywhere in Washtenaw County, or any work inside a county drain easement, requires a permit from the Water Resources Commissioner's office before it starts. (Washtenaw County, Water Resources Commissioner / Stormwater, read 2026-10-01)
Water damage by cause in Washtenaw 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: 1-800 Water Damage of Southeast Michigan (11), First Contact Restoration (7), ICON Restoration Services (7).
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: Restoration 1 of Ann Arbor (5), 1-800 Water Damage of Southeast Michigan (4), Voda Cleaning & Restoration of Ann Arbor (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: 1-800 Water Damage of Southeast Michigan (3), Restoration 1 of Metro Detroit (3), Prime Restoration (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: 1-800 Water Damage of Southeast Michigan (5), ICON Restoration Services (4), Rytech Restoration Northwest Detroit (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: 1-800 Water Damage of Southeast Michigan (2), Michigan Mitigation (2), SERVPRO of Canton and Washtenaw County (2).
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: 1-800 Water Damage of Southeast Michigan (10), EzDry Restoration (6), H2O Pros Water Damage Restoration Services LLC (3).
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: 1-800 Water Damage of Southeast Michigan (2), Water Extraction Pros (1).
Change log
- Ratings and reviews for the 55 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 Washtenaw County
Water damage restoration in Washtenaw 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 Washtenaw County?
Prime Restoration ranks first of 55 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 Washtenaw County, MI?
About $4,500 for a typical job, with most between $1,250 and $6,950. We adjust national cost guides for Washtenaw County 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 Washtenaw County?
A 600 sq ft finished basement with clean water runs about $2,350 to $2,650 to extract and dry at Washtenaw County labor rates. Gray water from a washer or sump overflow runs $2,550 to $4,050. Drywall, carpet and trim repairs add to that.
How much does sewage backup cleanup cost in Washtenaw County, MI?
Sewage is Category 3 water, the most expensive kind to clean. A 400 sq ft backup runs about $2,900 to $3,150 in Washtenaw County before any rebuild, because porous materials it touched come out.
Why does water damage repair cost more in Washtenaw County than the national average?
Labor: construction workers in the Ann Arbor, MI metro area earn $32 an hour on average, 4.4% against the U.S. average. Most of a restoration bill is labor. Home value: the median home in Washtenaw County is worth $453,400, against $231,600 for Michigan. Pricier homes have finishes that cost more to replace, so the typical and high figures move 23.5%. Home age: 63% of homes in Washtenaw County were built before 1980. Plaster walls and lead-safe work rules raise water and mold repairs by 7.6% here.
What does a water damage estimate in Washtenaw 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. In Washtenaw County, 63% 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 Washtenaw 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 Washtenaw County?
The Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner's office does not run city or township sewer systems; it maintains roughly 550 county drains under the 1956 Michigan Drain Code, requires a permit for any work that crosses or discharges into one, and takes drainage and flooding complaints tied to county drains through its online reporting tool, not sewer backup claims. Michigan law requires written notice to the government agency within 45 days of finding the damage. Washtenaw County, Water Resources Commissioner / Stormwater
Do I need a permit to repair water damage in Washtenaw County?
Any work that crosses, modifies, or discharges into a county drain anywhere in Washtenaw County, or any work inside a county drain easement, requires a permit from the Water Resources Commissioner's office before it starts. Washtenaw County, Water Resources Commissioner / Stormwater
How fast should water damage be dried out in a Washtenaw 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 $4,500 job turns into a mold job too. EPA
How much does mold remediation cost in Washtenaw County, MI?
About $3,200 for a typical job in Washtenaw County, with most between $1,250 and $5,200. 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 Washtenaw County?
About $1,050 to $2,600 for 100 sq ft at Washtenaw 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 Washtenaw 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 Washtenaw County, MI?
About $20,850 for a typical job in Washtenaw County, with most between $3,100 and $50,500. 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 Washtenaw 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 $6,650 to $10,200 at Washtenaw County labor rates. LawnStarter
How do I compare restoration quotes in Washtenaw County?
Washtenaw County has seen it before: On June 25-26, 2021, a storm that began around 8 a.m. and ran past midnight dropped more than 6 inches of rain in parts of the Detroit area; the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners declared its own local state of emergency on July 2, 2021, over the resulting home flooding. Get two or three written quotes with the same scope, square feet and drying days. 55 companies serve Washtenaw County on this list; check a box on up to 3 and send one request to all of them. The Saline Post, Washtenaw County Declares State of Emergency
If I live outside a city in Washtenaw County, who permits my septic system after a backup or replacement?
The Washtenaw County Environmental Health Division permits septic installation and repair countywide in areas without municipal sewer, and the work has to be done by a contractor the division has certified, not just any plumber. Washtenaw County, Installing a Septic System in Washtenaw County
Did Washtenaw County declare its own emergency before the state or federal government acted on the 2021 floods?
Yes. The county board declared a local state of emergency on July 2, 2021, days before Governor Whitmer added the county to a state emergency declaration on July 8 and President Biden approved a federal disaster declaration on July 15. The Saline Post, Washtenaw County Declares State of Emergency
Does Washtenaw County run my sewer, or does my city or township?
In almost every case, your city, township, or a joint authority like YCUA owns and operates the sewer under your street, not the county. The county's Water Resources Commissioner only maintains county drains and issues permits for work that touches them, so a backup claim goes to your local provider, not the county. Washtenaw County, Water Resources Commissioner / Stormwater
Which river is actually behind my flooding risk in Washtenaw County?
It depends on where you are. The Huron River covers the northern and central part of the county including Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Dexter; the Saline River covers the south-central part including Saline and Milan; and the River Raisin covers the southwest corner including Manchester. Census Reporter, Washtenaw County, MI profile
Did all of Washtenaw County qualify for FEMA help after the 2021 flooding, or just some areas?
Washtenaw County as a whole was activated for FEMA's Individual Assistance program on July 15, 2021 under Major Disaster DR-4607, one of only two counties approved that day alongside Wayne County; Macomb and Oakland had to appeal separately and were added later. State of Michigan, letter of appeal to the President re: FEMA DR-4607, September 24, 2021
If I live in a Washtenaw County township with no municipal sewer, who do I call about water damage?
In townships like Webster and parts of Ann Arbor Township that rely on private wells and septic systems, there is no city sewer department to call. A failed well pump or a backed-up septic field is a plumbing and septic-service problem, not a municipal claim, so you deal with a licensed well or septic contractor directly rather than filing a Public Act 222 notice. Ann Arbor Charter Township, Private Well Water Information Survey
How many water damage restoration companies serve Washtenaw County?
55 companies currently qualify: each has an office in or near Washtenaw County (within 10 to 20 miles), or its own website states it serves Washtenaw 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.