What Is Water Restoration?

Water restoration includes two main parts:

1. Mitigation: Removing water and drying your property.
2. Restoration: Repairing or replacing damaged areas to help return your property to its pre-loss condition.

Whether caused by a burst pipe or a slow leak, water restoration involves removing all standing water, drying affected spaces, sanitizing surfaces, and repairing damage. This thorough approach helps prevent mold from developing and protects the structure of your property. Acting quickly protects your health and the value of your home or business.

Common Causes of Water Damage

• Broken Pipes: Pipes can burst suddenly and flood rooms quickly, damaging floors, walls, and furniture. Water can seep into building materials and cause mold if not treated immediately. Fast water removal and drying prevent costly repairs and health risks.

• Overflowing Toilets, Tubs, or Sinks: Water from these sources may be Category 2 (gray) or Category 3 (black), each with specific sanitation requirements per IICRC S500.

• Appliance Leaks: Washing machines, refrigerators, and dishwashers can leak water slowly or release large amounts suddenly. Often, damage goes unnoticed until it affects cabinets and flooring. Quick restoration prevents warped floors, wood rot, and mold.

• Weather Events: Heavy rain, hurricanes, or floods can damage roofs, windows, and foundations. Storm floods often affect many parts of a property. Restoration focuses on floodwater removal, drying, debris cleanup, and repairs.

• Sewer Backups: These involve Category 3 (“black”) water—grossly contaminated and capable of causing illness—requiring PPE, removal of affected materials, and disinfection per IICRC guidance.

How Long Does Water Restoration Usually Take?

The time needed depends on how much damage there is and what materials are affected. Small leaks caught early might be cleaned and dried within a few days. Larger floods or water left standing longer can take several weeks. Drying most residential buildings usually takes 3 to 7 days. If water has deeply soaked materials or if major repairs are needed, restoration can take multiple weeks. Factors like humidity, building materials, and repair scope affect the timeline. Acting fast always helps shorten the process.

Steps in the Water Restoration Process

1. Inspection and Assessment

Technicians carefully inspect the area to find the water source, the extent of damage, and the level of contamination. They create a clear plan to clean and repair the property.

2. Water Extraction

Using strong pumps, vacuums, and extraction equipment, standing water is quickly removed. This is vital because the longer water sits, the more damage it causes.

3. Drying and Dehumidification

Specialized machines (air movers and dehumidifiers) dry out walls, floors, and furniture. Daily monitoring helps ensure drying is effective and moisture is reduced to target levels. Drying porous materials within 24–48 hours is crucial to help prevent mold growth.

4. Cleaning and Sanitizing

Surfaces and belongings are cleaned to remove dirt, bacteria, and odors. Items that cannot be cleaned and dried within 24–48 hours (like carpet padding or certain upholstery) should be discarded, per FEMA/EPA guidance, to reduce health risks. Stronger cleaning processes are used to eliminate contaminants in affected areas.

5. Repairs and Restoration

Damaged materials are repaired or replaced—drywall patched, flooring changed, or entire sections rebuilt. Restoration aims to return your property to its pre-damage condition and can improve resistance to future water damage. Detailed records are maintained to assist with insurance claims and provide project clarity.