Water damage is a common issue that many homeowners and property owners face. It can be caused by various reasons such as floods, burst pipes, leaking roofs, or even faulty plumbing systems. No matter the cause, water damage can lead to significant destruction of your property if not addressed promptly and properly.

If you are facing water damage in your home or property, it is essential to act quickly to prevent further damage and start the recovery process. Here are the steps you should take to recover from water damage:

1. Identify the source of water: The first step in recovering from water damage is identifying the source of the water. If it is a minor leak or burst pipe, turn off the main water supply to stop more water from entering your property.
2. Ensure safety: Before starting any cleanup process, ensure that it is safe to enter your property. If there was extensive flooding or electrical appliances have been affected by the water, it may not be safe for you to enter without professional assistance.
3. Document everything: Take photos or videos of all damaged areas before starting any cleanup process; this will come in handy when filing an insurance claim.
4. Contact a professional restoration company: Contact a professional restoration company immediately as they have the expertise and equipment to handle water damage safely. They will use fans and dehumidifiers to circulate air around damp areas; this will help speed up drying time significantly.
5. Discard damaged items: Your restoration team will discard any severely damaged items that cannot be salvaged safely; these include furniture pieces, electronics, carpets with extensive mold growth among others.
6. Clean walls and surfaces: Walls must be cleaned thoroughly after experiencing severe flooding. Again, your restoration team has all of the necessary tools and solutions to clean all non-porous and porous surfaces.
7. Disinfect all affected areas: After cleaning, your restoration team will disinfect all surfaces to kill any harmful bacteria and prevent mold growth.
8. Check for mold growth: Mold can start growing within 24-48 hours after water damage occurs, so it is crucial to check for any signs of it in your property. If you notice any visible mold growth, contact a professional remediation company immediately as they have the expertise and equipment to handle mold safely.
9. Repair structural damage: Water damage can cause significant structural damage, which may require you to contact a water damage restoration contractor to repair the affected areas in your home.