Water damage restoration Archives - Restoration and Cleaning Tips

Water damage restoration

Common Sump Pump Problems and What to Do About Them

No matter whether a homeowner lives in a rainy part of the country or a drought-prone one, a sump pump is the first line of defense against basement flooding. Any of the following common sump pump issues should be handled promptly to ensure continual protection. Homes are especially vulnerable to plumbing leaks as well as storms. Water pipes can spring a leak, which will lead to significant water damage or a flood. On the other hand, thunderstorms have the ability to unleash a fury of moisture and cause flooding in the basement. Sump pumps drain floodwater via an external discharge pipe and keep the basement dry. As an important piece of emergency equipment, the sump pump should be properly maintained at all times. Mechanical problems must be resolved right away to avoid high water d...

Water damage restoration

What’s a Slab Leak, Warning Signs, and What Should I Do About It?

A ‘slab leak’ is a term used to describe a water leak that has developed in the water lines beneath the concrete foundation. Such leaks in the water lines are often a result of long-term corrosion, abrasion, foundation shifts, high water pressure, and poor installation. Slab leaks can start from any point. They aren’t necessarily visible on the top, but since water finds the easiest path, it often hits the reinforcement. When such leaks are present above ground, in the wall or ceiling, they are referred to as pinhole leaks. Be sure not to ignore a potential slab leak. The longer you wait the more extensive & expensive the water damage will be. Here are the top seven warning signs of a slab leak: Warning Sign #1 of a Slab Leak: Puddles of Water This one is among the...

Water damage restoration

How to Dry Wet Wood

Water damage can occur in numerous ways. Weather can cause water damage by way of heavy rainfall and flooding. Internal issues can cause water damage by way of pipe bursts, leaks, and other internal property issues. No matter how water damage occurs, properties are in danger. Porous materials, like wood, are especially at risk for suffering water damage. What Happens to Water Damaged Wood? When excess water and moisture enter a property, porous materials and furnishings absorb it. As this absorption occurs, the materials become weaker. The more water these materials take in, the more damage they sustain. With enough time and absorption, damaged items may experience structural damage and are at risk for mold growth. Many homes and commercial properties are made using porous building ma...

Safety Tips, Water damage cleanup, Water damage restoration

What Should I Do After a Flood?

All cases of water damage are considered emergencies, but flood damage, in particular, can be especially disastrous due to the large amount of water involved. The excess water will become absorbed by porous building materials and furnishings, allowing it to spread quickly. In turn, the water will cause rapid damage and continue to make matters worse until it has been removed. Therefore, flooding needs to be addressed right away. Otherwise, your property will suffer significant harm. After a flood has occurred in your home or business, refer to the following information to help with flood cleanup and to give your property the best chance at complete flood damage restoration. Contact Your Insurance Company As you should in any situation concerning property damage, get in touch with ...

Cleaning and restoration tips, Water damage restoration

How to Make Your Home Flood Proof

If you own a home, there are many steps to take, both big and small, to prevent flooding in your home. But before taking these steps below, it is important to assess the flood risk in your geographical area. Simply type in your address on FEMA’s (Federal Emergency Management Agency) flood maps and you can identify your flood risk and whether you are in a low, medium, or high-risk area. After determining your geographical flood risk, you may want to customize your flood prevention plan accordingly. Determine Your Risk of Flooding You will also want to note the date on the maps, as some of them are severely outdated. So of course, the flood risk will change over time and the actual risk in your area will be different than what is reflected on the map. You will also want to discus...

Cleaning and restoration tips, Sewage Cleanup, Water damage restoration

7 Tips on How to Clean Up After Sewer Water Damage

Water damage on its own is an emergency disaster that requires immediate attention. However, when the water damage involves sewage water, there is even more that you need to be worried about. When water damages your property, any porous building materials and furnishings absorb the excess water and moisture. However, when the water is contaminated with sewage, then the materials also absorb the harmful contents of the sewage water. Because of this, they suffer even more harm as damage comes from both the water and the sewage. Knowing this, you will need to take immediate action if your home or business suffers water damage from sewer water. Use the following information to help you figure out how to go about sewage cleaning: 1. Be Safe While it is important to take immediate ...

Carpet Cleaning, Cleaning and restoration tips, Water damage restoration

Can Carpeting and Rugs be Saved After a Flood?

When your home experiences a flood, there is a lot of damage you need to worry about. The building materials that make up your property's structure absorb the excess water, which can make it unstable. But then there is also the damage to your personal content, including clothing and furnishings, that you need to attend to. Your home's carpeting and rugs are among the items that can sustain the most harm in a flood. Because they are on the ground, they are not only the first items that the flood will affected, but they can also sustain more damage. And though this can make saving carpeting and rugs more difficult, it is not impossible. Saving Your Carpeting In the event of a flood, your belongings—including wet carpeting and rugs—are salvagable. However, to do so, there are various...

Cleaning and restoration tips, Water damage restoration

Prevent Water Damage by Keeping Your Home’s Gutters Clean and Repaired

The welcome, warmer climate of spring brings with it torrential rain. Springtime downpours fall straight into a home’s gutter systems, making a clean gutter essential. The balmy temperatures of spring allow homeowners to ascend to their rooftops and bring down the host of debris that has accumulated along the gutter throughout the frosty winter. A spring season gutter cleaning removes all the accumulated debris from the winter. Plus, spring gutter cleanings are necessary due to the fact that the spring blossoms and seeds of trees and plants develop and can potentially land in the gutter, causing blockage problems. Gutter Cleaning to Avoid Water Damage A blocked gutter leads to a significant issue—water damage. When the spring’s rainwater and melting snow along the rooftop have nowhere...

Water damage restoration

How to Safely Remove Snow from the Roof

Chances are your roof will probably not cave in from snow, but it is heavy and can cause significant water damage given the right conditions. It can also slide off if the roof is sloped and cause serious injuries to anyone standing in the wrong place at the wrong time. So to avoid the risk of injury and any roof leak, here’s how to safely remove from the roof (without hiring a professional). How to Safely Remove Snow from the Roof Remember, removing snow from your roof yourself is only recommended if you have a one-story home. If the job involves getting on top of the roof, always hire a professional. To remove the snow yourself, you will need a long-handled snow rake which will cost about $45 from a hardware store. Make sure to look for ones with built-in rollers and sturdy teles...

Emergency Tips, Water damage restoration

Prevent Your Pipes from Freezing with These Tips

When temperatures sink into the 20’s and below, the chances of your pipes freezing are much higher. In fact, one of the most common disasters during harsh winters is frozen and burst pipes, causing thousands of dollars worth of damage. Preventing Frozen Pipes The pipes at the highest risk for freezing include those that are in unheated areas, like in attics, basements, and garages. Also keep in mind that the pipes that run through the walls and ceilings are also at risk of freezing. On the other hand, there are some steps you can take to prevent this from happening. Preventative methods like pipe insulations are one of the best ways to avoid this disaster. They are an inexpensive investment and are more than worth it when it comes to protecting your property structure and surround...

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