When a pipe bursts or floodwaters rush in, panic usually follows. What happens after the emergency call? Understanding the water damage restoration process helps homeowners set clear expectations, communicate with insurers, and feel confident their property is in skilled hands. Today, AllStates Restoration pulls back the curtain on the exact step‑by‑step workflow our IICRC‑certified technicians follow across Monmouth, Middlesex, and surrounding New Jersey counties.
Step 1: Rapid Emergency Response & Inspection
24/7 Dispatch
Disasters don’t follow business hours. Our hotline answers around the clock, deploying crews within 60 minutes anywhere in Central NJ.
Safety & Source Control
Upon arrival, technicians:
- Verify scene safety (electric/gas shut‑offs, structural stability).
- Locate and stop the water source—closing main valves or patching broken lines.
- Document conditions with photos/videos for your insurance carrier.
Moisture Mapping
We scan walls, ceilings, and floors with infrared cameras and hygrometers, creating a precise moisture map that guides the entire project.
Step 2: Water Extraction
Standing water is removed using truck‑mounted pumps, submersible units, and high‑volume wet vacuums. Quick extraction prevents additional saturation, lowering overall drying time and costs.
Pro Tip: Every 24 hours left in standing water can add 10–15% to final restoration expenses.
Step 3: Content Protection & Pack‑Out
Furniture, electronics, and sentimental belongings are:
- Moved to unaffected rooms or
- Carefully inventoried, wrapped, and transported to our secure, climate‑controlled facility for cleaning and storage.
This prevents secondary damage and allows unobstructed access to structural materials.
Step 4: Controlled Demolition (When Necessary)
If drywall, baseboards, or insulation have soaked beyond salvageable moisture thresholds, we perform precise, minimal tear‑out to halt mold growth while preserving as much of your home as possible. Everything is bagged and disposed of according to local regulations.
Step 5: Structural Drying & Dehumidification
Equipment Setup
- High‑velocity air movers create airflow across wet surfaces.
- Low‑grain refrigerant (LGR) dehumidifiers pull moisture out of the air.
- Floor drying mats & wall cavity injectors target hard‑to‑reach areas.
Daily Monitoring
Technicians revisit daily to log temperature, relative humidity, and material moisture levels, adjusting equipment for optimal efficiency. Homeowners receive emailed reports—useful for insurance proof.
Step 6: Cleaning, Sanitizing & Deodorizing
Once materials reach acceptable moisture content, we:
- Apply EPA‑registered antimicrobials to inhibit bacterial and fungal growth.
- Clean surfaces with HEPA‑filtered vacuums and hot‑water extraction (for carpeting/upholstery).
- Use hydroxyl generators or ozone treatment to neutralize lingering odors.
Step 7: Final Walk‑Through & Documentation
We conduct a joint inspection with you, ensuring:
- Aesthetic satisfaction (paint matches, flooring flush).
- Functional checks (doors close, outlets work).
- Moisture readings confirm dryness.
- You receive a “Certificate of Satisfaction & Dry Standard” for insurance records.
Water Damage Restoration Timeline at a Glance
| Phase | Typical Duration* |
| Emergency Response & Inspection | 1–4 hours |
| Extraction & Pack‑Out | 4–12 hours |
| Drying & Monitoring | 3–5 days |
| Cleaning & Sanitizing | 1–2 days |
| Repairs & Reconstruction | 1–3 weeks (scope dependent) |
*Timelines vary by property size, severity, and material types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How loud is the drying equipment?
A: Comparable to a household box fan; we can adjust placement to minimize disruption.
Q: Will my insurance cover everything?
A: Most policies cover “sudden and accidental” water events. We handle direct billing and supply insurers with detailed Xactimate estimates.
Q: Do I need to move out?
A: Minor losses may allow you to stay. For large‑scale demolition or Category 3 water (sewage), temporary relocation is often safest.
Prevention—Your Best Investment
- Install smart water shut‑off valves that automatically close when abnormal flow is detected.
- Schedule annual plumbing and roof inspections.
- Upgrade to braided stainless steel supply lines on appliances.
Why AllStates Restoration Stands Out
Homegrown Expertise: Englishtown‑based, since 2008.
IICRC Triple‑Certified: WRT, ASD, and AMRT credentials.
State‑of‑the‑Art Equipment: Over 500 air movers and 120 LGR dehumidifiers in our warehouse.
Transparent Communication: Daily moisture reports and project portal access.
Five‑Star Reputation: 300+ Google reviews with a 4.9 average rating.
Understanding the professional water damage restoration process eliminates uncertainty and empowers you to make informed decisions. If water has invaded your New Jersey property, let the pros handle every step—from the first pump‑out to the final coat of paint.
Call AllStates Restoration 24/7 at (732) 956-3900 or request help online. We’ll guide you from soaked to safe—fast.
Our specialists are local, dependable, and IICRC certified; we are always on standby to guide you through all your water crisis needs. AllStates Restoration has been a New Jersey leader in water damage restoration since 2008 and have over 45 years of combined experience in the cleaning and restoration field.
We provide a 100% customer satisfaction, and we boast a 5 star rating from previous customers on Google.
