The Water Damage Restoration Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Is Your Property at Risk?

Has your Los Angeles home or business suffered water damage? Flooding, burst pipes, or roof leaks can cause structural damage and mold growth within 24-48 hours (EPA). This guide breaks down the professional 5-step restoration process and the specialized equipment used to save your property.

What is Water Damage Restoration?

Water damage restoration is the process of cleaning, drying, and repairing a property after leaks, floods, or sewage backups. The goal? Restore your space to its pre-damage condition while preventing mold and structural decay.

Why Immediate Action Matters

Untreated water damage can lead to mold growth, structural weakening, and costly repairs. Proper restoration protects the property against mold and mildew. Also prevents any long-term structural damage. And it gets you a faster recovery and reduced repair cost. Simply put, get it done before it’s too late.

• 72 hours: Mold begins growing (CDC)
• $3,000-$10,000: Average cost of untreated water damage (FEMA)
• -70% drying time with industrial equipment vs. DIY

Common Causes of Water Damage in Los Angeles

Water damage can result from various sources. Water damage can occur due to any of the following reasons.

• Natural Disasters: Floods, hurricanes (increasing by 35% in CA since 2000)
• Plumbing Failures: Burst pipes, leaking water heaters
• Roof Leaks: Damaged shingles, clogged gutters
• Fire Damage: Water used to extinguish flames

It is important to address water damage promptly to prevent further issues and make sure of the safety of the property’s occupants. Having a reliable water damage restoration company on hand can help mitigate the effects of flooding, burst pipes, sewage backups, and appliance malfunctions.

Also read: Flood Damage Cleanup vs. Sewage Damage Cleanup

What are the Signs of Water Damage?

Identifying water damage signs early will help you in avoiding further damage:

• Yellow or brown discoloration of walls and ceilings.
• Musty odors suggest the growth of mold or mildew.
• Yellowing and warped/buckled floors due to water absorbed in wood or laminate flooring.
• Peeling paint or wallpaper caused by too much humidity behind walls.

Also read: Water Damage Restoration Costs

3 Types of Water Damage

Also read: Sewage Damage and Leaks

The 5-Step Water Damage Restoration Process

Water damage restoration is more than just drying out the wet spots. It’s a complex process of complete water extraction, drying, prevention of mold growth, and repair of structure. Here, we outline the necessary steps professionals undergo to bring a property back to its pre-damaged state.

Step 1: Emergency Water Extraction

Why it’s important: Standing water weakens structures and breeds mold.

Equipment Used:

• Submersible Pumps (e.g., Tsurumi HS2.4S): Remove 1,000+ gallons/hour
• Truck-Mounted Extractors (e.g., HydraMaster Boxxer 318HP): Deep suction for carpets
• Water Claws: Extract water without damaging flooring

“Our crews extract 90% of water within the first 2 hours – key to preventing mold.”

Step 2: Drying and Dehumidification

Problem: Hidden moisture remains after extraction.

Industrial Solutions:

• LGR Dehumidifiers (Dri-Eaz LGR7000XLi): Remove 90 pints/day
• Air Movers (Viking 2200EX): Circulate air at 2,200 CFM
• Injectidry Systems: Dry inside walls without demolition

Step 3: Hidden Moisture Detection

Water damage isn’t always apparent – it can infiltrate walls and floors, causing long-term problems if not caught early. That’s why professionals use advanced moisture detection equipment to reveal concealed damage. Water damage isn’t always apparent.

Moisture can be concealed behind walls, beneath floors, and within ceilings, causing long-term damage if not identified early. Restoration experts employ advanced equipment to detect and remove concealed moisture.

Tools:

• FLIR Thermal Cameras: Spot wet walls behind drywall
• Protimeter Moisture Meters: Pinpoint exact dampness levels

“40% of water damage is invisible. Our sensors find what you can’t see.”

Step 4: Air Scrubbing and Odor Removal

Flooding can result in poor indoor air quality from mold spores, bacteria, and lingering scents. These devices contribute to air purification and the elimination of unpleasant odors.

Key Equipment:

• HEPA Air Scrubbers (B-Air Raptor 650): Filter 99.97% of mold spores
• Ozone Generators: Eliminate smoke/sewage smells

Also read: Top Tips for Smoke Protection

Step 5: Smart Monitoring and Prevention

Restoration isn’t just about big machines anymore. Smart monitoring is playing a huge role in generating dry out logs and preventing water damage before it gets out of control.

New Tech to Stop Future Damage:

• Flo by Moen: Shuts off water during leaks
• AI Moisture Mapping: Predicts high-risk areas

Step 4: Air Quality Control and Odor Removal

Flooding can result in poor indoor air quality from mold spores, bacteria, and lingering scents. These devices contribute to air purification and the elimination of unpleasant odors.

Air Purification and Odor Removal Equipment

• HEPA Air Scrubbers: Remove airborne contaminants and odors with Neg Air Scrubber such as Abatement Technologies Neg Air Scrubber, B-Air Raptor 650 HEPA Air Scrubber, and Dri Eaz Defender HEPA 500.
• Ozone Generators: Break down airborne pollutants and eliminate stubborn odors with the Enerzen Ozone Generator.

Step 5: Smart Technology in the Water Damage Restoration Process

Restoration isn’t just about big machines anymore. Smart technology is playing a huge role in detecting and preventing water damage before it gets out of control.

Key Smart Tools Revolutionizing Restoration

• IoT-Connected Leak Detection Sensors: Devices like Flo by Moen send real-time alerts to homeowners and restoration professionals when leaks occur.
• Smart Moisture Sensors: Products like GE Protimeter BLE+ provide Bluetooth moisture readings, making it easy to track hidden damp spots.
• AI-Powered Moisture Mapping: AI-driven software can predict where moisture will spread, helping restoration teams act faster.

DIY vs. Professional Restoration

“Homeowners waste $1,200 on average fixing DIY restoration mistakes.”

Hire Green Planet Restoration for Water Damage Restoration.

Need Expert water damage restoration Los Angeles? Act fast if you see:

• Black water (sewage, floodwaters)
• Warped floors/walls
• Persistent musty smells

Reach out to our experts who leverage industry-leading tools to protect and restore your property. Call us today for an inspection and get your space back to normal!