How Long Does Water Damage Restoration Take?

Whether your water pipe just burst or your basement’s flooded, you’re probably wondering how long does water damage restoration takes. Amidst all that, there’s the obvious panic about the bill you’d get and how this situation would disrupt your life. 

Here’s the straight answer: it depends on what type of water you’re dealing with and how much damage it caused. But we’ll walk you through what to expect so you’re not flying blind through this process.

The 24-48 Hour Rule

First thing you need to know, the CDC and EPA both say you have 24-48 hours to start cleanup before mold becomes a serious problem. That doesn’t mean everything needs to be fixed in two days, but the water removal and drying process needs to start immediately.

Mold is a health hazard that can make restoration way more expensive and complicated. So even if you’re overwhelmed right now, getting professional water extraction started quickly will save you money and headaches later.

The Three Types of Water 

The type of water changes everything about your timeline and costs. Water is typically classified into 3 categories. 

1. Clean Water 

Clean water generally comes from broken pipes, overflowing sinks, or fresh rainwater. This is the best-case scenario for water damage. 

If you act fast, you’re looking at about 3-7 days to get everything dried out and maybe a few weeks for any repairs needed.

2. Gray Water 

This category of water is slightly contaminated, typically from dishwasher overflow, washing machine backup, or toilet water (without sewage). It’s not going to kill you, but it needs more careful handling. Add a few extra days to your timeline for proper cleaning and sanitization.

3. Black Water

Black water is a nightmare, sewage backups, flood water, or any water that’s been sitting around for more than 48 hours, growing bacteria. This stuff is dangerous and requires extensive safety measures. You’re looking at 2-4 weeks just for the cleanup phase, and potentially months for full restoration.

Also Read: How to Choose a Water Damage Restoration Company in NJ?

What Actually Happens During Restoration?

The process breaks down into two main parts that happen one after the other.

Phase 1: Emergency Cleanup (3 days to 6 weeks) 

This is all about stopping the damage from getting worse. 

Professional crews will extract standing water, remove destroyed materials like soaked carpet padding, set up industrial fans and dehumidifiers, and monitor moisture levels daily until everything is completely dry.

The timeline depends on how bad the damage is:

• Small, fresh water damage: 3-7 days
• Older damage or larger area: 1-2 weeks
• Contaminated water or extensive damage: 2-6 weeks

Phase 2: Putting It Back Together (1 week to 12+ months) 

Once everything is dry and safe, reconstruction begins. This could mean anything from repainting a room to rebuilding entire sections of your house:

• Minor repairs: 1-4 weeks
• Moderate reconstruction: 1-4 months
• Major reconstruction: 4-12 months or more

What You Can Do to Speed Things Up? 

While you can’t control everything about the restoration timeline, there are things you can do to avoid unnecessary delays.

Here’s what to do immediately: 

• Document everything immediately with photos and videos before cleanup begins. Your insurance company needs this documentation, and having it ready speeds up the claims process.
• Stay in contact with your insurance adjuster. The squeaky wheel gets attention, so check in regularly on approval status and ask about any additional information they need.
• Don’t shut off the drying equipment even if it’s loud and annoying. Those industrial fans and dehumidifiers need to run continuously to prevent mold growth and secondary damage.
• Keep the work area accessible for restoration crews. If they can’t get to damaged areas or equipment, everything gets delayed.
• Make decisions quickly when contractors present options for repairs or replacements. Delays in decision-making extend the entire timeline.

When to Expect Things Back to Normal?

Water damage can happen to anyone. When you’re struck by bad luck, you’re probably eager to get back to your daily life immediately. 

Minor water damage caught early, like a small pipe leak in one room, can be dealt with within a couple of weeks. Most moderate water damage situations take 1-3 months from start to finish when everything goes smoothly.

Major water damage from flooding or sewage backups can take 6 months or more, especially when reconstruction is extensive. The most complex cases involving structural damage, mold remediation, or insurance disputes can drag on for over a year.

These timelines assume you’re working with experienced professionals and your insurance company cooperates reasonably. Work with people who don’t know what they’re doing, and you’re in for a ride! 

Unfortunately, complications are common, so build some buffer time into your expectations.

Don’t Let Water Damage Dampen Your Spirits! 

So, how long does water damage restoration take?

The honest answer is anywhere from a few weeks to over a year, depending on the extent of damage, the type of water involved, and how quickly you start the process. 

Mold Master Restoration understands that water damage disrupts your entire life, not just your property. We provide realistic timelines based on your specific situation and keep you informed throughout the entire process. 

Contact us and get your life back to normal as quickly as possible.