You come home after a long day at work to find water seeping from under the front door. You could even head downstairs first thing in the morning to be greeted by an inch of standing water! These unwelcome surprises are signs you need to contact a water restoration service right away. Here are three reasons why acting fast is crucial when water damage strikes your home.

1. Assess the Situation ASAP

Your first instinct may be to start sopping up the water yourself. However, experts say to skip the towels and call water restoration services immediately upon discovering flooding. There are good reasons to have professionals handle water extraction and drying; one of them is preventing mold growth.

If moisture isn't thoroughly removed from porous materials like drywall and wood within 24 to 48 hours, mold can take hold, per the Federal Emergency Management Agency. This toxic substance causes allergy symptoms and respiratory issues. Certified water restoration techs use powerful equipment like vacuum extractors, dehumidifiers, and fans to fully dry all affected areas of your home. Letting the experts handle this ASAP gives you the best chance to avoid a mold problem down the road.

2. Save Your Belongings

You probably have all kinds of irreplaceable mementos, important documents, and other valuables in your home. When these items get wet, quick action is necessary to rescue them. The sooner a water restoration service can get to work extracting water and drying your space, the better the odds. Their powerful drying equipment and expertise beat your attempts with towels. Acting fast boosts the chances of restoring your cherished belongings and vital records.

3. Prevent Further Damage

Water leaks and flooding don't just cause immediate harm. If excess moisture lingers, it can lead to all kinds of secondary damage. Wet building materials like drywall, carpeting, wood, and insulation soak up water like sponges. Prolonged dampness causes warping, corrosion, mold growth, and more.

Certified water restoration techs have the equipment and know-how to fully dry everything. Getting them in quickly to extract standing water and create a controlled drying environment minimizes destruction. It gives you the best shot at avoiding major repairs or full-scale replacement later on.

No one wants to think about their home flooding, but it happens. In fact, according to iPropertyManagement, 14.6 million homes are at risk of flooding in the United States. If you find yourself in need of water restoration services, call our team at Advanced Cleaning & Restoration for professional assistance.