How Long Does Water Damage Restoration Take?

If your home or business has experienced water damage, you’re probably asking: “How long will the restoration process take?” While every situation is unique, most restoration projects follow a similar timeline based on the severity of damage and the speed of response.

In this article, we’ll break down the average timeline, explain the stages of restoration, and share what can delay or speed up recovery.

Typical Water Damage Restoration Timeline

• Initial Inspection: Within 1–2 hours of arrival
• Water Extraction: 1–2 days
• Structural Drying: 3–5 days with air movers and dehumidifiers
• Mold Prevention & Odor Control: Concurrent with drying
• Repairs & Rebuild (if needed): 1–4 weeks

In total, most water damage cases are resolved in **3–7 days**, unless structural repairs are required.

Factors That Affect How Long Restoration Takes

1. Type of Water

Clean water (e.g. burst pipes) is quicker to clean than black water from sewage or floods, which requires disinfection and may delay repairs.

2. Area Affected

A small leak in one room is faster to restore than a whole-home flood. Carpeted areas and drywall also retain water longer than tile or concrete.

3. Material Saturation

If water has deeply soaked into subfloors, insulation, or framing, additional drying and demo may extend the timeline.

4. How Fast You Act

Calling a professional right away prevents mold and secondary damage. Delays of just 24–48 hours can double your repair time.

Why Fast Response Matters

Every minute counts. At Vivid Water Damage & Restoration, we respond within 1 hour across Salt Lake City, Midvale, Millcreek, and nearby cities. Our equipment includes:

• Thermal imaging cameras to detect hidden water
• Low-grain dehumidifiers to remove deep moisture
• Air scrubbers to reduce odors and contaminants

Reconstruction Timeline (If Needed)

If walls, flooring, or cabinets are removed, the repair timeline adds 1–4 weeks depending on:

• Insurance approvals
• Material availability
• Extent of rebuild needed

We work directly with your insurance company to speed up the process and avoid delays.

Need Fast Help? We’re Available 24/7

Still wondering how long your project might take? We’ll assess the damage on-site and give you an accurate timeline right away.

Call 385-289-3885 for 24/7 emergency response or schedule your inspection online.