How Long Does The Water Damage Drying Process Take?

11/27/2020 (Permalink)

After heavy rains, a saturated carpet in the basement of a Maryville home

How Long Does The Water Damage Drying Process Take?

Water damages can take from 2-10 days, with an average of 3-4 days to dry out depending on several factors such as the type and source of water, how long before the water was discovered, the square footage affected, and they type of building materials affected.

Three Types of Water Damages

Water damages are put into three categories based on where the water came from:

Category One is clean water from burst pipes and only needs to be dried

Category Two is gray water that must be disinfected and dried

Category Three is black water that often contains raw sewage and requires the removal of solid waste, disinfection, removal of building materials and drying

The Duration of the Damage

The longer building materials have been exposed to water, the more extensive and lengthy the restoration process. Standing water that goes unnoticed for hours or even days can lead to more severe secondary damage.

The Extent of the Damage

Extensive damage due to major flooding will likely take longer to restore than a smaller area affected by a broken pipe, leak or backup.  Account for the square footage exposed to water when estimating the length of the restoration process.

The Building Materials Affected

Certain building materials require special consideration when drying.  Hardwood floors in particular can prolong the duration of the cleanup.  Hardwood floors should be dry all way down to the concrete or floor joist before being repaired or replaced. Also water trapped under vinyl or laminate floors, behind or under cabinets, or inside wall cavities can all lead to extended drying times.

Regardless of the conditions in your home or business in Alcoa or Maryville, TN, you can count on the expertise and equipment of the restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Blount County. Call us to quickly start to remove the water from your property and start the restoration process at 865-982-2332.