General information only. This describes how restoration is typically done in the trade. It is not a description of any one company.
Professionals often sort water using the IICRC S500 standard. Category 1 water comes from a clean source, like a supply line. Category 2 water may carry contaminants, like appliance discharge. Category 3 water is grossly contaminated, like sewage. They also use Classes 1 to 4 to describe how much water is present and how hard drying may be.
A typical job starts with a moisture check and mapping of the wet area. Next comes extraction of standing water. Air movers and dehumidifiers then dry the structure over a monitored period. Surfaces may get an antimicrobial treatment. Material that cannot dry, like soaked insulation or crumbled drywall, is usually removed. Repairs come last, once moisture readings show the area is dry.