How long does it take for water damage to set in? 

4/1/2024 (Permalink)

This bathroom flooded after a pipe connected to the water heater ruptured and spread throughout the home.

How long does it take for water damage to set in? 

When you discover you have had a water intrusion in your home, you will have a lot of questions. How long has this water been sitting here? What do we do? Who do we call? How much time do we have to get this cleaned up? 

With any type of water damage, time is of the essence. A quick response is crucial to prevent water from causing its peak potential damage. It does not take very long for water to cause problems, but the longer it sits, the worse it will get. That also means that repairs will take longer and become more expensive. 

We have compiled this timeline to demonstrate just how quickly water damage sets in and what can happen if left for too long.   

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water absorbs into walls, floors, upholstery, and other belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces start to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Saline County and Hot Springs

SERVPRO of Saline County and Hot Springs specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a water damage event. Our team understands the importance of responding to water damage quickly, that is why we offer 24/7 emergency services so that our professional crews can get to work quickly, minimizing the potential damage to your property and returning it to “preloss” condition as soon as possible.  

Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certifications.