Is Your Carpet Salvageable After a Pipe Break?

11/3/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage to carpet in Georgetown, TX.

A pipe break could require significant restoration efforts when water spreads across your home's floors in Georgetown, Texas. When water soaks your carpet, you may wonder if you should try to salvage or replace it. Your decision may depend on the following factors.

Insufficient Drying Measures

Homeowners attempting to dry their water-soaked floor coverings may find the following efforts are insufficient and may even spread contaminants:

• Blotting with towels
• Sprinkling baking soda over wet areas
• Applying heat with a hairdryer
• Running fans without opening windows
  
  

Opening windows and running dehumidifiers can help, but a flood restoration company's services are critical. Professionals can quickly and efficiently apply water extraction and sanitization methods, using powerful tools to prevent mold growth.

Exposure Time
The longer a carpet remains wet after a pipe break, the higher the probability that it will not be salvageable. Even the cleanest water can become unsanitary as it remains in the fibers. Quickly lowering the overall humidity level of a room can prevent mold spores from penetrating the air and compromising the furnishings within it. Still, it is prudent to contact a professional drying service immediately following a flood to prevent further damage.

Underlying Floor Condition
Floors and paddings that remain wet can lead to the growth of mold spores that can quickly penetrate the fibers of coverings sitting over them. Removing and replacing flooring before returning carpeting may be necessary depending upon its materials and how readily they absorb moisture.

Choosing To Replace
Replacing a water-soaked carpet can be the best decision, especially if mitigation efforts were delayed. Sometimes the fastest efforts to dry can't prevent or entirely remove bacteria, mold and other contaminants, so removal and replacement is the only option.
If you need help deciding if your rugs and other belongings are salvageable after a flood from a pipe break at your home, a professional disaster recovery service can assist and advise.

There Is a Leak Under the Kitchen Sink

7/18/2023 (Permalink)

A leak under the sink could go unnoticed for days or even weeks.

Leaking Kitchen Sink

If the water in your home stays where it belongs, it may be a homeowner’s best friend. When it is set free by a burst pipe or comes flooding in from the outdoors, it can be one of the homeowner’s worst enemies. Even the damage caused by a simple leak could be extensive, costly, and a major inconvenience.

Check the Sink Enclosure
The pipes in the cabinet enclosure beneath a kitchen sink are a perfect example of a plumbing failure waiting to happen. In that cabinet, you will often find some combination of:

• Hot and cold water supply pipes for the faucet
• A hot water supply pipe for the dishwasher
• A hose for the sprayer
• A water supply pipe for a hot water dispenser
• Water supply for a filtered water dispenser
• Drains

A leak under the sink could go unnoticed for days or even weeks. At that time, the damage could look like it was caused by significant flooding. Even if the leak is small, don’t be fooled into thinking that it can wait.

Prevent Additional Damage
The simplest way to prevent more damage is to shut off the water supply using the valves under the sink. If you are looking at a long wait for the plumber to arrive, you might be able to find other ways to capture the leaking water and reduce the inconvenience.

Call Your Insurance Company
If your insurance policy covers water damage, an adjuster may open a claim and evaluate the damage caused by the leak. By notifying the company of the leak, you can begin the process.

Proceed With Restoration
Whether your sink area has been damaged by significant flooding or a simple leak, your kitchen repair often requires the attention of water remediation specialists who can restore the area quickly and completely. You may find such specialists in Serenada, TX, who are prepared to quickly come in and deal with your problem.

How To Prevent Water Damage on Vacation

11/5/2022 (Permalink)

Turn off the water supply at the main shut-off valve

Preventing Damage Back Home When You Are On Vacation

Vacation is a time when you want to relax and enjoy yourself. But if you're like most homeowners, there's probably underlying anxiety about whether your house will be safe while you're away. Even though it's unlikely that anything will happen while you're away, it's still worth taking some precautions to prevent damage from occurring while you're on vacation.

Turn Off the Water

It isn’t a bad idea to turn off some things when you leave for a few days:

• main water shutoff valve
• water meter
• backflow prevention device
• well pump

Turn Off the Thermostat

Depending on the time of the year, it might be a good idea to turn off your thermostat. Turning off your thermostat will save you money because it won’t be running when no one is there.

Additionally, make sure that any space heaters are unplugged or turned off completely before leaving town. If possible, have someone check in on your home while you're away so they can make sure everything is turned off properly.

Be Prepared With Tools

It’s a good idea to have some simple tools and materials on hand in case you need to shut off the water or electricity. For example, you can purchase inexpensive shutoff valve adapters that will fit over any plumbing fixture for easy access. If you have an electrical panel in your home, it’s helpful to have a multi-tool with wire cutters so that you can safely disconnect any exposed wires from the circuit breaker.

If possible, locate all of these items ahead of time and place them somewhere accessible in case they are needed during your trip away from home.

Check Your Insurance Policy

One of the most important things to be sure of before you leave is whether or not your current insurance policy will cover your home while it's empty. Many homeowners' policies do not cover damage caused by a pipe break or flood. If you don't have insurance, then this may be an opportunity to consider adding it.

Another thing to verify before leaving on vacation is how much coverage you have in case of theft, vandalism, or burglary. Is there enough? Do you need to increase it?

If you do have an adequate amount of coverage and decide to leave town anyway, then be sure and take pictures of everything that's left behind so that if anything does happen while your house is unattended, there will be photographic evidence for the insurance company.

Remember, every home is different and it’s important to know what your insurance policy covers. You can also protect yourself by turning off the water supply at the main shut-off valve, which will save time if you have a leak and need to call a plumber quickly.

In the event of a water damage event or fire damage event while you are away from your Florence home on vacation, give SERVPRO of Georgetown, Florence, Sun City a call!

What To Do If You Have Leaking Light Fixtures in Your Home

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

Do not attempt to address water in light fixtures on your own

Take the Following Steps If You Find Yourself In This Hazardous Situation

Water damage in your home can come from a variety of sources. A storm in Serenada, TX, a broken appliance and damaged plumbing may all cause quite a bit of trouble. If flooding occurs on an upper floor, this can sometimes result in water in light fixtures.

1. Turn Off the Electricity
The first thing you need to do if you notice water in the lights in your house is to turn the electricity off. Do not attempt to switch off individual devices since this can be dangerous. Instead, use the breaker to shut off electricity in the whole building.

2. Turn Off the Water
Depending on the source of the flooding, you may also need to shut off the water in your home. This is likely if the dripping water in light fixtures is coming from a damaged pipe or appliance. Plumbing problems, such as an overflowing toilet or bathtub, may require the same treatment.

3. File an Insurance Claim
If you have insurance that covers the type of damage that has occurred, you should file a claim right away. Depending on the terms of the policy, waiting too long could result in denial of your claim. The process can be lengthy, so starting immediately will also save you some time.

4. Hire a Professional
Because water and electricity are a dangerous combination, you should not attempt to address water in light fixtures on your own. These may need to be completely replaced and should be tested by a professional before you use them.
If you have ceiling damage or need repairs after a leak or flooding, a water damage remediation company can take care of this for you. They will inspect your home to assess the damage, perform mitigation and make repairs. If you have belongings that have been affected, these can often be salvaged as well.

3 Ways to Mitigate Damage Caused by a Water Heater Leak

3/22/2022 (Permalink)

If you have a leaking water heater, then you need to take immediate action.

Water Heater Leak

To enjoy hot showers in the morning, you need a working water heater in your home. If you locate a leaking water heater, then you need to take immediate action to prevent it from causing even more problems. Homeowners in Georgetown, TX can easily curtail extensive water damage by remaining proactive and contacting professionals as soon as they notice something out of the ordinary.

1. Regularly Inspect the Heater

In many cases, a broken water heater will not result in a flood of liquids rushing from the system. More often than not, the leak will be minimal. A little bit of water will flow out at a time, which means it can take days or even weeks to realize something is wrong. Your chances of having a failed water heater increase if the appliance is more than a decade old. Check on your heater once in a while. If your heater is more than 10 years old, then you may want to consider replacing it before an actual problem develops.

2. Move the Water Heater

You can lessen the impact of a leaking water heater by moving it to an area of the house that does not contain a lot of valuables. The garage is a great location because it does not have carpet and most items are kept higher up on shelves. If you are planning on some major renovations around your house in Georgetown, TX, then consider moving the heater during that time.

3. Pay Attention to Faulty Water Heater Symptoms

You may need a new water heater sooner than you were expecting if you notice things out of the ordinary around your house. It’s likely you need a new heater if water does not get as hot as it normally does, water has a metallic taste to it or popping sounds come from the heater. These symptoms will likely be accompanied by a leaking water heater.

How Professionals Clean Damage from Sewer Damage

3/16/2022 (Permalink)

Sewage backup in Serenada, TX.

How Sewer Damage Is Repaired by Professionals

If your business has a flooded toilet, sewer backup, or requires sewer cleanup for any other reason, you may wonder how anyone could return your business to its former glory. While it’s not magic, it’s pretty amazing what professional restoration companies in Serenada, TX can do. First, the crew may send out technicians that specialize in each of these areas:

• Water Damage Restoration
  
• Applied Structural Drying
  
• Odor Control
• Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning
  
  

Each of these trained professionals can tackle a different aspect of cleaning up after a sewage backup.

Water Damage Restoration

Whether you need help with a broken pipe, rain flooding, or sewer backup, water damage restoration should be part of the method. This process helps prevent secondary damage, such as black mold. The sooner you call a cleanup crew, the more effective water damage restoration can be.

Applied Structural Drying

Mold isn’t the only problem that water can cause. Too much water can make the structures in your building vulnerable. That’s why sewage cleanup should always include applied structural drying. This process precisely dries the walls, floors, and other structures that the water damaged. If done quickly, this can keep you from needing more construction work.

Odor Control

Of course, sewer cleanup must include some way to make the foul odor disappear. A skilled Odor Control Technician can make this happen. These professionals tackle the smell from many different angles to ensure it disappears. Not only can they get rid of the sewage smell, but they can also prevent mold and mildew smells.

Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning

In some unfortunate situations, the sewage can damage upholstered furniture and other fabrics. If that happens in your office, a professional restoration company in Serenada, TX can send a specialist to tackle this problem. This technician may work with the Odor Control Technician to keep the smells at bay. While they may not be able to save everything, you may be amazed at the skills this member of the sewer cleanup crew has.

Today’s technology and years of experience enable many restoration crews to quickly and efficiently restore your property after a flood. Don’t hesitate to find the company that will work best for your needs.

Cleaning Up Sewage Backup

2/9/2022 (Permalink)

Sewage backup should be cleaned up as quickly as possible.

Tips To Restore Flooded Areas

No one enjoys cleaning up after a flooded toilet, but the process must be done quickly and thoroughly to reduce the risk of your family becoming seriously ill due to sewage backup. The flooded area, whether confined to a small bathroom or spread out over an entire floor of your home, needs to be scrubbed thoroughly and disinfected to remove all traces of bacteria. When you begin the time-consuming process of sewer cleanup, use these tips to restore flooded areas.

Cleaning

Before you can begin disinfecting the area as part of the sewer cleanup process, you must remove every bit of remaining water. Depending on how much dirty water remains in the flooded area, you can use any of the following items to remove it:

• Old towels
  
• Buckets
  
• Sump pump
  
• Trash pump
  
• Wet vac
  
  

Once the water has been removed, use wet rags and household cleaners to wipe down every surface that touched the sewage to remove every trace of dirt, debris, and filth from the area. Any porous items that may have absorbed water should either be thoroughly washed and dry cleaned or discarded.

Disinfecting

Once the area has been cleaned and all filth has been removed, you can begin the process of disinfecting. Mixing household disinfectant sprays with bleach and warm water makes the best solution to kill any remaining bacteria. Apply the solution to every surface that may have been contaminated and let it soak for a few minutes before scrubbing with a clean rag. After the solution has been removed, rinse every surface with clean, warm water.

Dealing with a flooded toilet in Serenada, TX is never fun. Sewage backup presents a health hazard, so it should be cleaned up as quickly and thoroughly as possible. For small areas, you may choose the complete the sewer cleanup by yourself, but larger areas may require the help of a qualified restoration company. In either case, use these tips on cleaning and disinfecting to make the cleanup process easier.

5 Criteria for Carpet Restoration

12/31/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage in Andice, TX.

5 Criteria for Carpet Restoration

A flooded house in Andice, TX, is a hassle. A major worry you might have when water strikes is if your carpet will need to be replaced. If the flood is clean water from a pipe break or supply line to a household appliance, the damage can be undone. In addition to a clean source, successful recovery depends on these five criteria.

1. Water Remains Clean

Contaminants that change the water lurk around every home. Water is categorized in increasing severity depending on how contaminated it is. With time, a Category 1 flood can become Category 2 or 3. As it increases in classification, recovery of the flooring become less likely.

2. Timely Intervention

Time is not an ally in treating water damage. Even if it’s clean water from a pipe break, mold and deteriorating water are inevitable if the problem remains untreated. On top of the microbial threat, the flooring’s structure worsens and can split into unrepairable layers.

3. Age and Condition

Cheap or tattered carpet is typically not worth the cost of restoration. It’s sometimes more economical to replace the flooring. If you do not know the value, an insurance adjuster or other professional can assist in determining which is the better option.

4. Usage After Becoming Wet

Heavy foot traffic risks breaking apart the flooring in its wet and vulnerable state. Delamination, the process of layers coming apart, is more likely if the floor is used when not dry. The affected area should remain undisturbed or, at worst, lightly used if no alternate routes exist.

5. Proper Procedure

An incomplete job can leave carpet irreparably damaged or still in danger of growing microorganisms. Any company specializing in flooring restoration has access to industry-grade machines and established procedures to ensure water is adequately removed.

If you experience a water leak or pipe break, examine these five criteria so you can make informed decisions on which actions to take. After fixing it, the floor will be new or like new.

There Is a Leak Under the Kitchen Sink

11/15/2021 (Permalink)

A leak under the sink could go unnoticed for days or even weeks.

Leaking Kitchen Sink

If the water in your home stays where it belongs, it may be a homeowner’s best friend. When it is set free by a burst pipe or comes flooding in from the outdoors, it can be one of the homeowner’s worst enemies. Even the damage caused by a simple leak could be extensive, costly, and a major inconvenience.

Check the Sink Enclosure
The pipes in the cabinet enclosure beneath a kitchen sink are a perfect example of a plumbing failure waiting to happen. In that cabinet, you will often find some combination of:

• Hot and cold water supply pipes for the faucet
  
• A hot water supply pipe for the dishwasher
  
• A hose for the sprayer
  
• A water supply pipe for a hot water dispenser
  
• Water supply for a filtered water dispenser
  
• Drains
  

A leak under the sink could go unnoticed for days or even weeks. At that time, the damage could look like it was caused by significant flooding. Even if the leak is small, don’t be fooled into thinking that it can wait.

Prevent Additional Damage
The simplest way to prevent more damage is to shut off the water supply using the valves under the sink. If you are looking at a long wait for the plumber to arrive, you might be able to find other ways to capture the leaking water and reduce the inconvenience.

Call Your Insurance Company
If your insurance policy covers water damage, an adjuster may open a claim and evaluate the damage caused by the leak. By notifying the company of the leak, you can begin the process.

Proceed With Restoration
Whether your sink area has been damaged by significant flooding or a simple leak, your kitchen repair often requires the attention of water remediation specialists who can restore the area quickly and completely. You may find such specialists in Serenada, TX, who are prepared to quickly come in and deal with your problem.

How To Identify Sprinkler System Problems

9/27/2021 (Permalink)

Irrigation problems can lead to flooding that only a water restoration specialist can combat.

How to Spot Sprinkler System Issues

The landscaping on your commercial property is one of the first things that clients and visitors see, so it's important for your irrigation system to function properly so that it looks nice. A faulty system not only ruins the look of your landscaping but also can flood and cause damage to your building. It's necessary, therefore, to pinpoint the issue at the first sign of irrigation problems to get it fixed quickly. When you call irrigation specialists in Serenada, TX, about a problem, here are some ways you can help them identify issues with your sprinkler system.

Electrical

It is possible that your problem is electrical. If your system or even part of it isn't getting power, it's obviously not going to work well. There are several electrical problems to troubleshoot:

• Timer not sending full 24 volts to valves
  
• Solenoid detached from wire and not getting power
  
• Valve not getting power
  
• Wires cut or corroded
  
  

The whole electrical system has to be connected and working to power your irrigation system. Check first to see if the source of the power is hot. Then spot check every step of the way.

Hydraulic

Often, the system will lose pressure in one or more zones. This could be caused by something as simple as debris that clogs the solenoid, valve or even a pipe. Pipes could get broken by a wayward tree root, which could result in both a leak and possible clogging of the rest of the pipe. If the mechanics of any individual sprinkler are malfunctioning, it could create problems for the whole system.

Irrigation problems can lead to flooding that only a water restoration specialist can combat. Early detection of the issue can help you avoid damage to your landscaping and to your building. If you notice that your irrigation system is not performing correctly, try to troubleshoot as well as you can, and don't hesitate to call for repairs.

What To Do After a Toilet Overflow

6/29/2021 (Permalink)

Overflowing toilet in an Andice, TX home.

Protect Your Family and Home From Sewer Damage

An overflowing toilet is a frustrating problem, no matter what the circumstances involved. However, when the overflow involves a sewage backup, the problem becomes much more serious. Sewer damage could contain viruses, bacteria, and other illness-carrying microbes. The possible risks associated with contamination could affect your Andice, TX, home and your family for many years.

• Toilet Overflow: Blockage in the plumbing system causes the toilet to overflow. In this case, the flooding water hasn't passed through the sewer system. Water damage may occur, but you won't have to involve the sewage company.

• Plumbing System Overflow: Water from the sewage system backs up through residential lateral pipes and into homes. This water is often filled with serious contaminants, such as raw sewage.

If you can't tell whether you have an overflowing toilet or a sewage situation, contact a professional immediately. If you have a flooded toilet, you may be able to handle the problem yourself.

Step 1: Stop Flushing

Much of the time when homeowners see something they don't like in the toilet, they flush. Unfortunately, this will only make a flooded toilet situation worse. Each flush contains more than a gallon of water that you'll have to clean up off the floor.

Step 2: Turn Off the Water

There should be a water shut-off valve located near the floor behind the toilet. Once the water has been shut off, you won't have to worry about more water making the situation worse.

Step 3: Clean Up Spilled Water

If the toilet was only flushed once or twice, you can probably mop it up pretty quickly. If there were more flushes and the resulting four to five gallons of water, you may want to contact a professional to prevent water damage.

Step 4: Address the Clog

Hopefully, you'll be able to dislodge whatever was stuck in the pipes and return to your normal daily activities. Otherwise, you may need to contact a professional.

Remember to protect your home and family from sewer damage. Learn how to recognize the type of trouble you have and take the right steps for correction.

Special Techniques To Protect Your Home From Fire

3/18/2021 (Permalink)

Kitchen fire in a Florence, TX.

Common Causes Of House Fires

Fires happen in homes for many reasons. The six most common causes of house fires are as follows:

• Cooking
  
• Heating appliances
  
• Electrical
  
• Smoking
  
• Candles
  
• Chemicals
  
  

If your home in Florence, TX, has a washer and dryer, you could experience a lint fire. Because lint is an easily combustible material and because your dryer generates heat, this is a combination that should be monitored. Lint can buildup in several places. The first spot is the lint trap, which should be cleaned out after each use. You should also occasionally rinse down this sheet of plastic as well as vacuum out the vent.

More Advanced Cleaning of the Dryer
A second spot to clean is the hose at the back of the dryer. This area should be looked at regularly to reduce the chances of a dryer fire. In many new models, a sensor will indicate if there is too much lint present; this sensor might not even allow you to operate your machine in these conditions. Every now and then, you will want to undertake complete cleaning of your appliance to protect against a lint fire. This involves removing the back panel of the appliance. For safety, you should unplug the dryer from the power source. Once the back panel is removed, look for the accumulation of lint and remove it manually or with a vacuum.

Other Methods of Preventing Fire Damage
It is important to install working fire alarms throughout your home. Regular monitoring of any space heaters in use is always important. The use of candles in the home should be limited to adults, and candles should never be left to burn unsupervised. If you do experience a fire, a quality fire restoration company can minimize damages to your home through quick and efficient actions. Avoiding a lint fire and other dangers can be accomplished through a combination of common sense and preventative maintenance.

Is Your Carpet Salvageable After a Pipe Break?

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage to carpet in Georgetown, TX.

A pipe break could require significant restoration efforts when water spreads across your home's floors in Georgetown, TX. When water soaks your carpet, you may wonder if you should try to salvage or replace it. Your decision may depend on the following factors.

Insufficient Drying Measures

Homeowners attempting to dry their water-soaked floor coverings may find the following efforts are insufficient and may even spread contaminants:

• Blotting with towels
  
• Sprinkling baking soda over wet areas
  
• Applying heat with a hairdryer
  
• Running fans without opening windows
  
  

Opening windows and running dehumidifiers can help, but a flood restoration company's services are critical. Professionals can quickly and efficiently apply water extraction and sanitization methods, using powerful tools to prevent mold formation.

Exposure Time
The longer a carpet remains wet after a pipe break, the higher the probability that it will not be salvageable. Even the cleanest water can become unsanitary as it remains in the fibers. Quickly lowering the overall humidity level of a room can prevent mold spores from penetrating the air and compromising the furnishings within it. Still, it is prudent to contact a professional drying service immediately following a flood to prevent further damage.

Underlying Floor Condition
Floors and paddings that remain wet can lead to the growth of mold spores that can quickly penetrate the fibers of coverings sitting over them. Removing and replacing flooring before returning carpeting may be necessary depending upon its materials and how readily they absorb moisture.

Choosing To Replace
Replacing a water-soaked carpet can be the best decision, especially if mitigation efforts were delayed. Sometimes the fastest efforts to dry can't prevent or entirely remove bacteria, mold and other contaminants, so removal and replacement is the only option.
If you need help deciding if your rugs and other belongings are salvageable after a flood from a pipe break at your home, a professional disaster recovery service can assist and advise.

What You Need To Know About Fire Sprinklers Accidentally Discharging

2/10/2021 (Permalink)

Fire sprinkler accidentally discharge.

One of the most common concerns among business owners is that their fire sprinklers will accidentally discharge. While this really does happen, the chance of it occurring in your business is low. However, it is still important to know why this happens and what to do if you suddenly find your building flooding because of a malfunction.

Why Do They Accidentally Discharge?

There are quite a few causes of accidental discharge and flooding that would cause you to need water remediation professionals in Andice, TX. These commonly include:

• Overheating
  
• Freezing
  
• Mechanical damage
  
• Corrosion
  
• Sabotage
  
  

What Should You Do if This Happens?

After the flooding has been taken care of and you can reenter the building, you need to gather your system's remaining components. This is crucial because these components will be used in your insurance company's investigation to determine the cause of your accidental discharge. Once you have the pieces, contact your insurance company and alert them to the situation so that they can send an investigator to your business. Tell this person the complete history of your fire suppression system. You will need to tell them information about how it was shipped here, stored before use, and installed if you have a newer building. If you have an older system, they will want to know information about your building's conditions, maintenance routines, and any information you know about the installation of your sprinklers.
After providing the information, give the inspectors room to work. While they are conducting their investigation, it is a good idea to call a restoration company. They can help clean up the damage and restore your building to its pre-disaster condition.
Accidental discharges are rare, but they can cause a lot of water damage when they do occur. The best thing you can do is understand why they malfunction and what you need to do after this happens to seamlessly remedy the situation.