Blog Post

How Long Does It Take to Dry Water Damage

Ryker Bingham |  May 17, 2021

When it comes to water damage to your home, getting everything dried out is essential and has to be dealt with quickly. How long your home will take to dry out depends on a number of factors. 

However, you can typically expect your home to need two to five days to completely dry and air out. If your home has suffered massive water damage that has affected your personal belongings, the drying process could take a couple of weeks. 

In this article, we will dive more into why water damage should be taken care of quickly and the steps that can be taken to ensure you get ahead of the problem. 

Common Causes of Water Damage

Water damage can be very easy to find or it can hide for years without you even noticing. Oftentimes, damages occur for multiple reasons, including: 



  • Severe Storms
  • Plumbing Problems
  • Broken Pipes


In order to prevent water damage from occurring, check and service your plumbing and appliances regularly to ensure that all are working properly. In cases of inclement weather, secure all of your windows and make sure that there are no hanging trees near the roof.

Hidden Water Damage That You May Not Find Right Away

Even the smallest amount of water, including small leaks, can cause big damage if left unattended for too long. According to bobvila.com some common places that water damage occurs include:


  • Under the Dishwasher
  • In & Around the Toilet
  • On the Side of a Home
  • Behind Wet Drywall 
  • Improperly Repaired Chimneys

Your Checklist For Water Damage

Water damage should be taken care of quickly because the longer water sits, the more damage you will have on your hands. Use a checklist to ensure that you are working with the right company for the job.  Consider adding the following items to your checklist:



Once you find a company that offers the above-mentioned services, find out how they work to remove water damage. The majority of companies will perform an inspection and give you a better idea of exactly how long it will take to dry out your home. Water damage typically impacts the following areas of a home:


  • Appliances
  • Electronics
  • Cabinetry
  • Flooring and Subflooring
  • Drywall

Water Damage Extraction Equipment

There is no one size fits all process for removing water from a home. The following are the most common and effective ways a professional will help you get your home back to working order. 


Dehumidifiers:  These are used to dry up moisture from the air and surrounding areas. Dehumidifiers will suck air in, collect moisture and condensation, then release dry air back out into the environment.


Every dehumidifier has a tank that will need to be emptied after each use. Dehumidifiers are often chosen for larger water damage projects, due to their ability to cover and dry out larger areas.


Pumps and Vacuums will most likely be used as well. Commercial grade pumps and vacuums have the power necessary to pump out water from your home and assist you in fully sucking moisture out of damaged areas. 


Air Circulation Machines act to circulate dry air and minimize moisture. This method does need to be used in pair with a dehumidifier to discourage potential moisture growth.


Heat Technology is typically used for drying out wood, especially wood flooring. This technique will involve using high-heat air dryers throughout your home. 



Air Scrubbers are not technically used to dry up or fan out moisture but are used to clean the air after flooding has occurred. Harmful dust and toxins can mix in and affect the overall air quality in your home.

Conclusion

Water damage is never something you want to deal with, but the good news is that your home can be dried out by following a few simple steps. Count on it taking some time and effort, but in the end, you can and will get your house back in working order!

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