3 Steps To Stop a Toilet From Overflowing

9/8/2022 (Permalink)

If you need to replace your toilet, contact a water damage mitigation and restoration company.

A drain line blockage can result in a flooded toilet. Homeowners can take three steps to stop a toilet from overflowing and limit the extent of sewer damage at a residence in Salt Lake City, UT.

Steps To Stop a Toilet From Overflowing

1. Contain Damage

Contaminated water can cause major water damage. If this water sinks into carpet or porous building materials such as drywall, these materials will likely need to be torn out and replaced. Use towels or a mop to stop the spread of sewage backup.

2. Use a Plunger or Snake

Once a homeowner has taken measures to try to stop the spread of sewer damage, he or she should address the cause of the problem. If the backup is due to a minor clog close to the floor drain, plunging a toilet may be enough to clear the clog and stop the overflow.

If the clog is more severe, insert an auger or snake into the toilet. Some augers have hand cranks while others can be attached to a power drill. It may be more effective to remove the toilet and snake the floor drain directly. You will need to use specialized tools and remove water from the bowl and tank or use a solidifying gel. Clear deeper clogs by snaking the drain cleanout in a basement or crawlspace.

3. Contact a Plumber

Calling a plumber can be easier than removing a toilet or dealing with a drain cleanout. If you do not have a snake or the skill or tools necessary to attempt advanced plumbing techniques, a trained professional is your best bet. If the problem originates in a municipal main, contact a sewage company.

If a flooded toilet causes extensive sewer damage, a homeowner should contact a water damage mitigation and restoration company located in Salt Lake City, UT. Experts can remove damaged materials, promote drying to prevent mold and restore the affected area.

3 Tips for Fixing a Flooded Basement

8/11/2022 (Permalink)

A flood in your basement can result in serious water damage.

A basement flood can be a frustrating problem to deal with. If your home has a basement, it is important to familiarize yourself with what steps you can take to fix a flooded basement before a flood occurs. These three tips can help.

Tips for Fixing a Flooded Basement

1. Remove the Water Before You Go in

Many basements have electrical appliances, wiring, and electrical panels that can create an electrocution hazard in a flooded basement. If you are dealing with a shallow flood, and you can access the service panel to turn off the electric circuits in the basement without going into the water, you may be able to remove the water using a hose from a shop vac on an upper floor. However, if the water level is above electrical outlets, it is best to call the fire department, rent a heavy-duty gas-engine pump or contact a water remediation company in Salt Lake City, UT, to assist you.

2. Don't Try To Save Your Flooded Electrical Items and Appliances

The Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association recommend replacing any mechanical or electrical equipment that has been exposed to a basement flood. Any fixtures, outlets, switches, wiring, electrical motors or appliances that have been exposed to flood water should be removed and discarded, rather than repaired. Check with your insurance professional if you need clarification about whether your insurance coverage will cover replacement versus repair costs for damaged items.

3. Take Preventative Measures

Once you get your basement restored, take steps to prevent flooding from occurring again. Adding foundation drains, a generator to keep your sump pump operating during a power outage or a backup sump pump can help keep water out of your basement.

A basement flood can result in serious water damage to your home. These three tips can help you restore your home to preloss condition and prevent future problems from occurring.

How to Replace a Leaking Toilet

7/14/2022 (Permalink)

Leaking toilet in a Salt Lake City, UT, home.

Although most commodes last for decades, they do need to be updated every now and then. If you have a leaking toilet in your home in Salt Lake City, UT, it might be time to replace it. Here are the steps to take to make this process as easy as possible.

3 Steps for Replacing a Leaking Toilet

• Disconnect the Water Supply

Whether you are doing a toilet repair or installing a new one, never try to do work on a leaking toilet without disconnecting the water supply. This can lead to a large amount of standing water in your bathroom. In order to disconnect the water-supply tube you must loosen the compression nut on the shutoff valve.

• Remove the Old Toilet

Depending on how long the old toilet has been in place, it may be stuck to the flooring. In order to remove it, you will need to unscrew any bolts and then gently rock it back and forth until it comes off the floor. Typically, there is a wax seal holding it in place, so you will need to break this before it will come off completely. If you are having trouble removing it yourself, you may want to call a professional to come help.

• Install the New Toilet

Before you install the new toilet, you will need to get the area cleaned up, and remove any excess wax from the gasket. When you put the new one in place, make sure it is properly aligned. You can then secure it with the bolts. Some people choose to use caulk around the base to protect against mold growth. You should check with your building department to see if this is required in your area.

If you feel uncomfortable replacing the leaking toilet yourself, you should consider calling a water damage company in Salt Lake City, UT, to help you. They may also be able to work with you on the cleanup and check the extent of the damage. This may prevent larger or future issues from occurring.

Got a Sewer Backup? Get Professional Cleanup Help

6/17/2022 (Permalink)

Got a Sewer Backup? Just call Our Specialists!

As a homeowner in Park City, UT, you want your home to be a safe and welcoming place. If you come into find the sewer has backed up, it means black water is seeping into the porous materials in the home and potentially spreading. Sewer cleanup requires extra attention to safety, which is why it’s best to call a water damage and restoration company to handle the mess.

Important Steps in the Cleanup Process

Sewer Backup Cleanup Process

Black water, classified as Category 3 by the IICRC, means that there are potential contaminants, bacteria, chemicals and microorganisms lurking within it. Even a flooded toilet may be in this category, so it’s important to not just dive right in.

Sewer Cleanup Process

When you hire a professional company, you get peace of mind that the entire problem will be handled by one trusted company. Trained and certified professionals will have the expertise, safety gear and industry-grade tools to get your home back to like new. While every situation has different degrees of severity, the cleanup process typically involves the following steps.

• Containment: Containing the affected area is the first vital step. This will help ensure that secondary damage doesn’t spread to other areas.
• Extraction: Standing water and waste will be extracted using high-grade pumps and other tools. The waste and contaminated water will be properly disposed of. Water-logged belongings will also be removed and taken off-site to be inspected for salvageability.
• Dry Out: Air dryers and movers, along with dehumidifiers, will be used to thoroughly dry the area.
• Clean, Sanitize, Deodorize: After the area is dry, the real cleaning process begins. An array of industry-recommended cleaning methods will be used to ensure peace of mind.
• Restoration: The final, and often longest step, involves restoring the property to preloss condition. This may include replacing drywall, carpeting, flooring and other structural components depending on the degree of damage.

Prevention Tips

Once you have dealt with a sewer issue, you don’t want a repeat situation happening. While there may not be much a homeowner can do if it was due to a city sewer issue, there are ways to minimize the risk in regard to your sewer line.

If it’s been a while since you have had your plumbing inspected, now is a perfect time. A professional plumber will inspect the valves and pipes to ensure they are working properly and have the know-how to detect potential problems.

The easiest way to keep your sewer working right is to practice good habits. Avoid flushing chemical products or any items other than waste and toilet paper down the drain. In the kitchen, ensure that grease is being properly thrown away and not going down the drain. This causes a buildup in the pipes that will eventually affect the main sewer.

While trees add to a property’s aesthetic, know where your sewer pipes are before planting. Tree roots will quickly make their way through older pipes, causing an eventual clog or collapse.

Sewer cleanup is a messy job and one that requires adhering to strict safety protocols. Instead of dealing with it on your own, it's best to consider hiring a professional to handle the job from beginning to end.

What To Know About Making a Residential Water Damage Claim

4/9/2022 (Permalink)

Know More about Residential Water Damage Claims by Following our Tips.

Making a water damage claim for your home can be a stressful experience. That is because homeowners' insurance policies are often confusing. Typically, damage caused by emergency situations, such as bursting pipes, is included in your policy. Other types of damage that may be covered include:

• Sewer backup
• Floods
• Storms
• Overflow

Yet even a robust policy does not cover all kinds of damage. Here are some things you should know before making an insurance claim.

When Is Water Damage Covered by Insurance?

Your insurance policy should cover a sudden and accidental discharge of water in your Salt Lake City, UT, home. However, most policies exclude coverage for gradual damage that occurs over an extended period.

Over time, parts of your home will experience wear and tear. This could result in water damaging various parts of the house. For instance, basement cracks could cause liquid to seep into the lower level of your home. A leaky pipe could also lead to a buildup of water inside your walls.

Insurance companies believe that you need to take reasonable steps to care for your home. That means inspecting the property regularly and fixing any issues right away. If your house suffers gradual damage, the insurance company will assume that you were negligent in your maintenance of the home and will likely deny your claim. You will then have to pay for water restoration services yourself.

Still, even this general rule has some exceptions. You may have to pay to replace or fix broken pipe yourself if the harm to the pipe occurred over time. However, the insurer may still cover any resulting damage that occurred as a result of the break.

Another common yet complicated situation occurs when a tree falls onto a roof and creates a hole. Your insurance provider will likely cover the costs of fixing the hole and addressing any damage caused by the water entering your home through the hole.

Yet what happens if you notice new water or mold damage near the hole months after the repairs have been completed? In this case, your insurer may still cover this additional harm if it was also caused by the original roof hole.

In general, mold is not covered by home insurance policies. Yet you may have coverage if the mold results from bursting pipes or another covered peril. Ask your insurance broker if it is possible to add mold coverage to your policy.

How Can You Decrease the Chances of Your Claim Being Denied?

There are several things you can do to prevent the denial of your water insurance claim. First, make sure to purchase a policy that addresses all of your needs. Do not be afraid to ask about any add-ons, such as mold coverage.

Performing timely repairs of your home is important, as well. Your claim will likely be denied if the provider determines that you have not been taking care of your property. Keep records of all repairs that you or a third party has performed over the years.

While damage caused by bursting pipes is often covered by insurance, your provider may reject other water-related claims. By performing regular maintenance on your home, you should increase the odds of your claim being accepted.

How To Repair a Leaking Faucet

11/24/2021 (Permalink)

A leaking faucet can lead to water and mold damage in your Salt Lake City, UT home.

When your home is quiet and you suddenly hear the quiet sound of a leaking faucet, it's often the prelude to another home maintenance chore. Don't postpone this repair, though; that little drip can add up to gallons of wasted water and an increased Salt Lake City, UT, water bill.

5 Steps of Leaking Faucet Repair

Here are the steps you can take to fix the leak before contacting a water and mold cleanup and repair crew to address any damage:

1. Turn Off the Water

Start by looking underneath the sink. There should be pipes running along the wall with a handle for shutting off the water. Turn the handle clockwise. Once you believe the water is off, turn the faucet on in the sink to be sure. Next, plug the sink to prevent losing any hardware down the drain.

2. Determine the Type of Faucet

There are four common types of faucets: compression, ball, cartridge, and ceramic disk. The compression faucet has separate handles for hot and cold water, so it is easy to identify. You may need to disassemble the faucet to determine the other types of mechanisms. The ball faucet has a ball bearing inside the faucet. The cartridge and ceramic disk faucets have, respectively, a cartridge and ceramic disk within the faucet.

3. Gather Your Tools

Before you start taking the faucet apart, gather the supplies you'll need. These include a bucket, some towels, and rags, an Allen wrench, an adjustable wrench, some needle nose pliers, slip joint pliers, and both flathead and Phillips screwdrivers. You will probably also need a faucet repair kit and some fresh O-ring seals. Make sure you have an area to lay the parts of the faucet, so they don't get lost.

4. Identify the Source of the Leak

Once you have taken the dripping faucet apart, look for a dried-out or worn rubber washer, a piece of broken hardware, or gaps between mechanisms. The specific steps for repairing or replacing parts vary by type of faucet. For example, repairs to a cartridge faucet often involve cutting out old O-rings and using a plumber's grease when installing new rings. In a compression faucet, you can generally pull the washer out; however, you do need to have the exact match for a good repair. You can usually find the specifics for your leaking faucet online or at your local hardware store.

5. Reassemble the Faucet

After you've replaced the damaged components, put the faucet back together. If you're not sure, refer to the instructions on the repair kit or use an online how-to video. Don't put your supplies away, however, until you have tested the faucet. There shouldn't be any drips from the faucet after a successfully fixed leak.

Contact Professionals To Prevent Mold

After completing your leaking faucet repair, it's important to contact mold and water damage professionals. It doesn't take long for a small amount of hidden moisture to develop into a thriving mold colony. You may not spot any mold right now, but when you can see or smell it, the problem has already become significant. Remember that prevention and quick action is the best way to limit the expense of mold remediation.

Black Mold and Secondary Water Damage

10/6/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage in your Park City, UT building leads to black mold and further damage.

An emergency pipe burst or trouble along the sewer line can quickly put the brakes on your daily operations. Your quick efforts to deal with the source of trouble, to remove the water, and to thoroughly dry your facility can prevent a lot of further problems. Unfortunately, it is possible for water to soak into carpeting or drywall and for humidity to build-up, allowing for the growth of black mold and other forms of mildew.

Dealing With Black Mold and Other Damage

The first step in tackling secondary damage from any type of water leak or flooding is understanding the problem. Learn as much as you can about the types of damage you can expect:

• Mold growth
• Rotting materials
• Peeling vinyl and paint
• Warped wood
• Compromised electrical wiring
• Corrosion and rust
  

As you come to fully understand the havoc caused by hidden pockets of moisture and high humidity, you're better prepared to aggressively target those problem areas.

Understanding the Causes of Further Damage

One of the main reasons properties suffer from black mold and other forms of damage are that flooding, leaks, or spills weren't properly mitigated the first time around. Certified cleanup and mitigation professionals are trained to prevent secondary harm, protect your building from lasting damage, and save you a lot of money in ongoing repair costs.

As a property owner, you may be a fastidious cleaner with a determination to properly repair and clean your facility. However, there are several areas where moisture builds without giving notice of the trouble brewing:

• Humidity buildup in the air conditioner
• Damaged appliances with hidden leaks
• Hidden moisture beneath or behind surfaces
  

It isn't uncommon for property owners to thoroughly clean and dry their buildings, only to discover later on that damage, such as mold growth

Taking Action Immediately

It doesn't take long for water to cause a lot of expensive damage. It is vital that you act immediately for the protection of your building. This means shutting off the main source of water, contacting cleanup crews right away, and getting all available hands involved in the cleanup. If it's possible to remove carpets from the floor, you may prevent an expensive loss of flooring.

Avoiding Secondary Problems

In addition to hiring professionals to help you recover from water damage, there are steps you can take to prevent further trouble. Once you've dealt with the immediate flow of water, open doors and windows to provide thorough ventilation. Remove water and water-logged furniture, equipment, and belongings as quickly as possible. If it's safe to use the electricity in your building, set up fans in the affected area. Be sure that there's a consistent flow of air through unaffected rooms so that humidity doesn't build up and cause new damage.

For the best results, choose a Park City, UT, professional company to deal with water damage before your experience any type of trouble. This proactive step ensures that you or your employees know who to call, so professionals arrive as soon as possible. The better you understand black mold and other secondary harm, the better able you'll be to take prompt action and avoid a lot of expensive damage.

How Do I Make a Water Damage Insurance Claim?

9/16/2021 (Permalink)

Filing an insurance claim form correctly is essential to get your Park City, UT home restored faster.

Water damage is one of the most common reasons homeowners file an insurance claim. To get your claim processed quickly, it is helpful to familiarize yourself with the claims process before you need to make a claim.

How To File a Homeowner's Claim

Filing a homeowner's claim is a multi-step process. Proceeding through the steps in order will help you make sure you don't forget to do anything.

1. Read Your Policy

Your policy should explain what your responsibilities are and what types of damage are covered by your policy. This is particularly important for water damage claims, because most homeowner's policies cover water damage from sudden and accidental discharges, such as a pipe burst, but exclude damage from a flood.

2. Mitigate Your Damage

Most insurance policies require homeowners to mitigate their damages. This means that if there are reasonable steps you can take to prevent additional damage from occurring while you are waiting to get the initial damage repaired, you are expected to take those steps. An example is shutting off the water to your home when you have a leaking pipe. If you have to spend any money to make temporary repairs, save your receipts. Your insurance policy may cover these costs.

3. Contact Your Insurance Company

Call your insurance agent or the claims office of your insurance company as soon as possible to begin the process of filing your insurance claim. Ask any questions you have about your coverage and deductible. Find out how long it will be before repairs can begin. Ask if you need to get an estimate done or if the insurance company will be sending someone out. Drying your property out promptly is important, so you may want to inquire about hiring a water remediation company in Park City, UT, to begin that process.

4. Complete Claim Forms and Other Paperwork

Your insurance company may mail your forms or allow you to complete them online. It may also ask you to submit other documentation. Return the requested materials as soon as possible. The longer you take to furnish the requested documentation, the longer it will take to process your claim.

5. Prepare for the Insurance Adjuster

In most cases, your insurance company will send an insurance adjuster to inspect your home and estimate the amount of damage. Take photographs of your damaged property and make an inventory of everything that was damaged. Gather together any receipts or other documentation that proves the value of your damaged property.

6. Keep Your Receipts for Relocation Expenses

If your home is uninhabitable because of the damage, keep your receipts for the cost of hotel rooms or rent for the period of time you are unable to live in your home. You may also be reimbursed for other additional living expenses, so keep the receipts for anything you had to spend money on because you were unable to occupy your home.

Filing an insurance claim for water damage can sometimes be confusing, but your insurance professional should be able to answer any questions that you have. Promptly and correctly filing your claim is critical for getting your home restored as quickly as possible.

Confront the Damage From a Flooded Toilet

8/11/2021 (Permalink)

The damage caused for a flooded toilet in your business in Salt Lake City, UT, must require professional help.

The sewer damage that results when a flooded toilet overflows throughout your Salt Lake City, UT, a business can quickly add up to a lot of money. The good news is that your commercial property insurance policy probably covers a lot of the damage. With this in mind, it's important that you know which steps you can take yourself and which work should be left to professionals.

Take These Steps Immediately

As soon as you notice the flooded toilet, you need to complete a few vital steps:

Turn off the water. You can do this by lifting the float inside the toilet tank, turn off the valve at the back of the toilet, or shut off the water at the building's water main.

Mop up as much water as possible. It doesn't take long for water to cause expensive damage to your building.

Clean up organic matter. This includes dirt and other substances that may have been in the toilet. You must be aware of the dangers of black water, at this point. The bacteria from waste in the water can have serious side effects, especially during extended contact.

Contact sewer damage cleanup and remediation professionals. In addition to handling any black water and other dangerous contaminants, these experts may point out potential areas of mold growth and help you avoid future water damage.

If the flooding is confined to a small area, you may clear the clog and clean up the mess on your own. However, if there's any possibility that you're dealing with anything other than clean water, you're better off turning the job over to professionals. Depending on how widespread the damage extends, you may need to take additional steps, such as contacting the sewage company.

Respond to Further Damage

If water from the toilet has traveled from one floor of the building to another, it may be necessary for cleanup crews to tackle some demolition and reconstruction. For example, flooring and ceiling materials may need to be removed, disposed of appropriately, and then replaced. Wet materials, including drywall and insulation, may need to be thoroughly dried out, disinfected, or replaced. Your insurance company may require you to work with damage cleanup and remediation professionals.

Prevent Mold Growth and Damage

Mold is a common concern after any type of water damage. High levels of moisture can cause unseen pockets of humidity that provide an ideal breeding ground for mold spores. Unfortunately, within just a couple of days, there may be enough mold growth to encourage the spread of multiple colonies. If you don't know what to look for, this trouble could continue unseen until serious damage has been done. Cleanup technicians may test for mold and take steps to clean up and prevent spread.

Avoid More Unpleasantness

Cleaning up after an overflowing toilet isn't one of the things that most business professionals are excited about. However, when sewer damage happens, these simple steps can help keep further damage under control. Your quick response and the work of professionals is the best way to limit further harm and get your business back underway.

Out with the Old: Changing your Pipes

8/4/2021 (Permalink)

Broken pipe causing water loss in a Park City, UT home

From the 1970s to the 1990s, a specific sort of pipe was used in a lot of commercial plumbing. Polybutylene was thought to be the pipe of the future because it was inexpensive to make and easy to install. After a few years, however, those buildings started having plumbing problems. These pipes are not used in Park City, UT, today because they inevitably wear out, and they cause significant water damage when they do.

Here are some reasons these pipes must be replaced if they are part of your building's plumbing.

1. Exposure to treated water makes it brittle. One of the reasons this particular piping does not work for plumbing is that the water itself destroys the pipe. The chlorine and antibacterial chemicals used to make drinking water safe make the polybutylene pipes brittle and prone to breakage. Over time, they cannot be fixed. They must be replaced.

2. Disintegrating parts get stuck in the water. Another startling effect of this type of piping is that as it disintegrates, it flakes off and leaches chemicals into the water supply. New plumbing made from safer materials is a necessary upgrade.

3. It costs more to maintain than to replace. Replacing these pipes has a comparable cost to replace the carpet in your house. The piping change isn't inexpensive, but neither are all the costs from having to hire water remediation experts to clean up every time you have water damage.

4. It drives down the resale value of your building. Because this piping causes so many problems, it needs to be fixed before you put your property on the market. Most realtors won't even show a commercial property that still has old pipes in it. The pipes must be replaced before the building is likely to sell.

If your commercial building seems to have more water damage problems than it usually does, polybutylene pipes may be the culprit. Have the pipes replaced to avoid additional repair expenses.

4 Advantages of an Electronic Claims Service

6/28/2021 (Permalink)

Utilizing an Electronic Claims Service has its benefits.

When your home is hit by a disaster in Salt Lake City, UT, immediate action is necessary to minimize loss. First, you must call to get your insurance agent to inspect the damage so that you can file an insurance claim. Then, restoration can finally get underway to minimize loss. These days, with the help of SERVPRO electronic claims service, the process is becoming increasingly faster and more efficient, allowing for numerous benefits.

Benefits of an Electronic Claims Service

1. All the Data Is Saved in One Secure Location

Every stage of the claims process is documented and placed on the electronic claims service site. These days, there's very minimal, if any, sorting through piles of paperwork and looking on multiple company sites. Electronic claims services enable professionals to obtain all your damage information from one website. They can also access it from any computer or mobile device, whether in the office or the field.

2. The Information Is Updated and Accessed in Real-Time

As soon as a professional uploads information to the database, it's available for others to access. This enables a smoother insurance claim and restoration process with less downtime.

3. The Agents, Adjusters and Service Providers Have Access

From insurance agents and adjusters to damage restoration specialists, everyone can access your information about the entire ongoing process at all times. The service also provides professionals access to nationwide collected data from various types of claims to make sure you receive fair costs and compensation.

4. Communication Is Made Easier for Everyone

Property owners, insurance agents, adjusters and service providers have an easy line of communication throughout the entire process. Everyone involved can simply go to the account and interact with one another.

An electronic claims service makes filing an insurance claim a simple, efficient procedure from start to finish. Whatever type of disaster your home endures, this technology is invaluable. The damage to homes is mitigated and restored faster than ever.

Alternatives to Using Chemical Drain Cleaners

4/16/2021 (Permalink)

Clogged drains can cause damage to your home.

A chemical drain cleaner is a powerful tool when it is used correctly in a clogged drain. However, they can cause damage in the wrong situation.

The chemical cleaners produce heat, and this can lead to damage:

• Weakened older pipes may develop cracks and leaks.
  
• Plastic pipes may become warped and misshapen.
  
• If the drain is completely blocked, the chemicals will sit in one place and eat through the pipes even if they are relatively new.
  

In addition to these risks, the chemicals could harm you and your environment:

The chemicals in drain and sewage cleaning products are toxic and are generally more damaging to skin than to plastic and metal pipes.
Even breathing the fumes could lead to irritation.

Before you treat your drain with chemicals, consider the risk of damage to the piping system. It may be worth your time to reach out to water damage cleanup and repair professionals.

How Chemical Cleaners Work

If you understand how drain cleaners work, you'll be better prepared to make the right decision about whether to use them in a clogged drain. There are three types of chemical cleaners:

• Acid
  
• Caustic
  
• Oxidizing
  

Although the makeup of these products are different, they all cause a chemical reaction, either adding electrons or removing them from the gunk in your pipes. However, as the fats, oils, and grease break away from the clog, they simply move further down the drain and end up forming a new clog deeper in your pipes.

Alternatives to Drain Chemicals

There are two methods you could try before pouring chemicals down your drain. First, you can try manually clearing the clog. Secondly, you could try a non-toxic enzyme cleaner that introduces living bacteria or enzymes into the pipes. This option may take 24 hours or so before you see results.

For the Best Results

Professional cleaners are some of the best Salt Lake City, UT, professionals to address your clogged drain issue. If you have already put a chemical in the drain, be sure to alert the technicians before they start working.

Where to Start when Restoring a Flooded Basement

1/18/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO performed flood cuts to remove all water damaged materials in Park City, UT.

When flood season comes to Park City, UT, it can hit hard. The impact of the excess water is most likely to be felt by homeowners in the form of basement flood damage. Whether the sump pump failed or just couldn't keep up with the water flow, homeowners may be left scratching their heads. Feelings of where to start and what to do can be overwhelming. The following three steps may give some direction as to how to approach flood cleanup and prevention of future incidents.   

3 Steps to Cleanup Flood Damage

1. Remove Water

Before any repairs can be made, all of the water must be removed from the basement. Some people prefer to call a water removal and restoration company for assistance. Flooded basement water removal may look something like the following:

• Hiring an electrician to evaluate the risk of electric shock. 
• Getting the sump pump up-and-running to remove sitting water.
• Using a shop vacuum to suck-up the last inch or so of water. 
• Lifting carpet and using large fans to dry-out moisture. 
• Sanitizing with warm water and disinfectant to prevent mold growth.

2. Repair Damage

Once the area has been completely dried, repairs may be in order. Checking your home flood insurance coverage may be a good place to start. While salvaging some belongings may be an option, it is unwise to try to save anything which uses electricity or gas. If your gas furnace or electric outlets took on water in the flooding, replacement over repair is the safe route to go. 

3. Plan for Future Flood Prevention

Now that the basement is clean, dry and repairs are complete, it's time to plan ahead for the future. There is nothing worse than putting time and money into basement flood restoration only to have it ruined all over again. Consider the following preventative measures:

• Install a back-up pump.
• Create outside drainage for storm runoff.
• Buy a generator for use during a power outage.

Flooding in Park City, UT, is common. If a basement flood catches you by surprise, follow these three basic tips to get cleanup underway.

Carpet Restoration After a Flood

11/26/2020 (Permalink)

Carpet restoration after suffering water damage.

A pipe break in your home in Salt Lake City, UT, can saturate your floor in a hurry. When this happens, should you have your carpet replaced or simply cleaned? There are several factors that can help you make the right decision and prevent further damage.

3 Factors That Prevent Further Carpet Damage After a Flood

1. Contamination

The main determinant of whether water restoration specialists will need to tear out and replace your carpet or invest time in drying and cleaning it is the contamination level of the flood water. You probably won't have to replace it if the water came directly from a clean source:

• Pipe
  
• Supply line
  
• Faucet
  

If the leak is from an appliance, sewer backup or storm flooding, however, the carpets that are affected will need to be torn out. This helps prevent bacteria in the water from getting trapped in your home.

2. Duration

As soon as you know you have a pipe break in your house, you should call both the plumber and the restoration team as soon as possible. Allowing your saturated flooring to remain in standing water can turn a clean water problem into a gray water problem in a relatively short amount of time. A quick cleanup may be able to keep the water in the carpet from seeping down into the pad beneath where it can hide and cause secondary damage such as mold growth later.

3. Complication

There are other instances that can contaminate clean water, making it necessary to replace your flooring instead of just cleaning it. Even if the water came out of a clean source, if it then soaked through from the floor above, it probably picked up some microbes along the way. If the carpet was already old or dirty before the flood happened, it may not be able to be salvaged. Technicians must assess each unique situation to determine the course of action that is best.

To save your carpets after a pipe break, several criteria must be met. Restoration services are necessary for a quick assessment.

Is It Time To Replace Your Water Supply Lines?

9/22/2020 (Permalink)

There are several types of supply lines.

Many older homes could be moments away from a major pipe burst and serious flooding. This is because supply line damage is a common source of flooding in Salt Lake City, UT, homes. Fortunately, you can easily avoid this danger in your own home. Before attempting to DIY this project, you need to understand a few facts:

Facts About Water Supply Lines

• To avoid a supply line leak, you should replace the lines in your home every eight to ten years.
  
• Across the country, water damage restoration for a single dwelling costs between $2000 and $5000 on average.
• Check with your insurance company and cleanup and restoration professionals for tips about avoiding leaks, floods, and water damage in your home.
  
• Water from the plumbing system could contain contaminants that put your home and your health at risk. Keep this in mind before tackling any plumbing leak.
  

If your home is ten years or older, it's time to replace the supply lines throughout the home.

Where Are the Lines and How Many Lines Do You Have?

Your first step is to locate the supply lines. These are found behind each toilet and under every sink. There are supply lines between washing machines and other appliances that use water. Don't forget to check behind your refrigerator.

Which Replacements Do You Need?

As you browse through the selection of lines at your home repair, take note that there are lines for specific purposes. One important way to avoid supply line damage is buying an ice maker connection for your ice maker, a toilet connector for behind the toilet, and so on.

You may also notice that there are several types of supply lines, including copper, brass, plastic, and braided steel. If you aren't sure which is best, contact a professional for help. At this point, you either know how to complete the replacement or you don't. When you have any doubt about a bathroom leak or other plumbing task, turn the job over to professionals to avoid expensive supply line damage.

What To Do Immediately After a Pipe Break

8/13/2020 (Permalink)

Flooded commercial property due to a broken pipe in Park City, UT.

Three Steps to Take When You Discover a Broken Pipe

A broken pipe can cause extensive damage within a matter of minutes. Bursting pipes can swiftly flood a commercial property in Park City, UT. This damage may be significant even if someone is on site when a pipe breaks. Severe flooding can take place if a pipe break occurs while a building is unoccupied. A property owner, manager or any occupant who discovers a broken pipe can take three steps to minimize damage.

1. Contact a Plumber

Plumbers have the tools and expertise necessary to fix broken pipe. It may take some time for a plumber to arrive. In the meantime, there are several measures that can limit the extent of damage caused by a pipe break.

2. Shut Off the Water Supply

Bursting pipes tend to be supply lines. It is possible to slow and eventually stop the flow of water by turning off the main water valve. This valve is typically located on the water pipe where piping enters the structure. A valve is often located near the water meter. Building owners and managers are likely to be aware of this location. It is a good idea to inform occupants who may be in the building at other times about the location of this valve. Relieve remaining pressure in pipes by turning on a faucet.

3. Try To Limit Damage

Collecting water in containers can limit the extent of damage to building materials. Try to use garbage bins or other containers with wheels that will be easier to move than heavy containers which require lifting. It is also a good idea to start removing water with any equipment available on site, such as towels, mops or a wet vac.

After bursting pipes have been fixed, a property owner or manager should immediately arrange for mitigation and restoration. Contact a company that specializes in commercial water damage in Park City, UT.

How To Avoid Water Damage While You Are Away From Home

6/24/2020 (Permalink)

Make sure your home is protected.

Vacation is a time to relax with your family and get a break from the worries of everyday life. Making sure your home in Salt Lake City, UT, is protected before you leave lets you enjoy your getaway. Whether you need water pipe repair or just someone to check on the house in your absence, completing this checklist can help put your mind at ease.

Inspect

A week before you leave on vacation is a great time to inspect your home for potential issues. You can ensure that your home is in good shape with a few key tasks:

• Check pipes for leaks.
  
• Look for supply line damage.
  
• Clean gutters and downspouts.
  
• Test sump pump.
  
• Insulate pipes to prevent freezing.
  
  

If you see any damage during your inspection, call a plumber to have it fixed before you leave home. If a leak from a broken pipe has already caused water damage, have water restoration specialists repair the damage. Taking care of these issues before you go can prevent a bigger mess.

Delegate

Even if you hire someone to complete water pipe repair before you leave, something could still happen in your absence. It's a good idea to have trusted friends or neighbors check on your home while you are gone. Make sure they know which plumber you prefer and where the water main is located. They should also have a reliable way to contact you in case they need to do so.

Block

If there is no one to watch your place while you're gone, it's best to turn off the water main for the whole house. A damaged pipe can't flood your house if there is no water running through it. Minimize your risk of a flooded home by shutting the water off at the source.

No one wants to come back from vacation to a flood that could have been prevented by simple water pipe repair. Check your home before you leave to avoid such problems.

The Benefits of Working With Cutting-Edge Restoration Professionals

2/27/2020 (Permalink)

Flooded basement in Salt Lake City, UT home.

Disasters can strike suddenly, especially when nature is involved. When your Salt Lake City, UT, home is part of a community event, there's a very good chance that one of your first calls will be with insurance professionals. It's only natural that you'll feel anxious to get repairs and restoration resolved as quickly as possible. Just remember that your insurance agent may be trying to complete your insurance claim as well as claims for your neighbors and other clients.

There's a Long Trail of Paperwork To Follow

When filing an insurance claim, the agent must go through a lot of reports, assessments, descriptions of damage, and other relevant numbers. In the past, this meant sifting through hard copies of paperwork and maybe traveling to other locations where similar disasters hit. Today, an electronic claims service, offered by SERVPRO, an emergency cleanup and restoration provider, makes the process much easier. With access to electronic records, agents have access to:

• Professional assessments of damage
• Quick verification using pictures, lists, and videos
• Storage of visual proof of damages
• Communication with adjusters and other professionals

Basically, SERVPRO's electronic claims system keeps files at the fingertips of the insurance agent, speeding up the claims process. This is great news for you, the homeowner.

Collaboration Is Convenient and Fast Through an Electronic Claims Service

Typically, homeowners submit their information to their insurance representative and then wait for answers before they can begin repairs. An electronic claims system offers up-to-date information and shares that with the various professionals involved in completing the claim.

This quick access means each member of the claims process can complete their specific area of work and then submit it into the system. As adjustments are made, the agent can provide you with progress as it happens.

How Fast Do You Want To See Results?

When your home is affected by a community-wide disaster or a disaster limited to your property, contact a restoration company, such as SERVPRO, using modern technology to help agents complete each insurance claim and to provide cutting edge restoration results. This choice may have a huge effect on how quickly you can proceed with repairs.

Why Your Water Heater May Be Creaking and Groaning

2/10/2020 (Permalink)

Check your water heater to avoid water damage in your Salt Lake City, UT home.

If you hear bumps in the night and creaking moans coming from your basement, there is a slight chance that your home is haunted, but an even greater chance that your water heater is just acting up. Before you sprinkle garlic around the perimeter of your home, contact your Salt Lake City, UT, water cleanup team, or perform a few quick tests on your heater yourself to see if maybe it's not the old tank that's giving off the creepy vibes.

Troubleshooting Water Boiler Issues

There are a few telltale signs of a troubled water furnace for which you can look that can help you diagnose the issue and therefore identify a viable solution. Some such signs are as follows:

• You have no hot water or not enough hot water.
• The hot water is far too hot.
• The water smells funny or is discolored.
• Your water heater bangs, pops, gurgles, screeches, screams, shrieks or makes any other unsettling noise.

If you notice one or more of the first three signs in conjunction with the strange noises, rest easy knowing that your hot water tank is your ghost. Now that you know the furnace is to blame, however, what can you do about it?

Repairing a Troubled Water Tank

The requisite repair all depends on the issue. If the issue is lack of or insufficient hot water, you may need to check the gas pilot or the electrical connection. You may also want to check the dial on your heater to make sure that it's set to a sufficient temperature.

If the water is too hot, again, check the temperature gauge. It may be turned way up. If that's not the problem, and if you hear boiling noises coming from within the heater, the pressure relief valve may be improperly installed.

If the water has a strange odor, the source of the problem may be your water source and not the water tank. Iron, copper and discoloration often cause discoloration and bad smells.

Finally, if noise is the only complaint, there may be sediment trapped at the bottom of your tank. If that's the case, perform a water heater flush and see if that doesn't correct the issue.

Don’t Let a Broken Pipe Burst Your Bubble

11/27/2019 (Permalink)

Kitchen flooded and ceiling colapsed in Salt Lake City home.

When a pipe breaks in your home, you often find yourself dealing with a huge mess. Bursting pipes involve so much more than the break itself; you also have damage from the expulsion of water to contend with in the aftermath. Instead of panicking, however, just take a deep breath and follow these tips to take control of the situation.

Put Safety First

Before anyone can fix the broken pipe or begin the clean-up process, you need to take a few steps to keep everyone safe up until help arrives and while repairs are underway.

• Turn off electrical breakers that may be impacted by the escaping water.
• Shut off the main water valve to keep any damage from worsening.
• Relieve pressure that may still be in the pipes by turning on a faucet.

Failing to address these safety concerns could result in electrocution or more excessive flooding and damage to your belongings. You have to act quickly and decisively to protect yourself and your home before you can move forward with repairs.

Assess the Damage

Depending on the amount of liquid released by the bursting pipes, you can use towels to begin mopping up any standing water on surfaces. Remove your furniture and other belongings from the affected area to prevent further deterioration. Understand that visible wetness is only on the surface. It’s more than probable that you’ll be dealing with harm done by water that has seeped down into walls and flooring, as well.

Fix the Problem

A Salt Lake City, Utah, professional restoration service can best assist you with ensuring that all water damage caused by the break and any lingering moisture is found and repaired appropriately. It’s imperative to get them in quickly to avoid mold growth or secondary damage to your home’s structure. Once the immediate risk to your house is mitigated, you can focus on the logistics of taking care of the original leak source. Bursting pipes can be daunting, but you don’t have to face the recovery alone.

After the Home Flood: The Threat of Secondary Damage

9/26/2019 (Permalink)

This kitchen suffered water damage and #SERVPRO used professional equipment to speed up the drying process.

Flooding in the home is a scary enough prospect in itself, but many fail to realize that simply removing the water is only half the battle. Floodwaters are capable of producing secondary damage such as black mold, a potential health hazard and a definite threat to any residence in Salt Lake City, UT. That’s why it’s vital to take immediate action when this type of disaster occurs. Quick removal of water diminishes the threat of extended high humidity, the condition which allows harmful mold to take shape.

Quick Removal Diminishes the Threat

Lasting Effects

While it’s certainly important to eliminate standing water when flooding occurs, it’s only the first step in a complete recovery process. Professional restoration is frequently requested for this purpose, as commercial technology allows both for rapid water removal and proper analysis of the situation afterward. The next recommendations will go toward preventing secondary threats such as:

• Rotted wooden building materials
• Growth of harmful black mold
• Warped or swollen flooring

Remember, floodwaters need not make direct contact with a surface in order to affect it, and not all signs of moisture remain visible to the naked eye.

Tools of the Trade

Any number of solutions may be employed to inhibit mold formation and other moisture-related issues. Many restoration teams utilize tools such as industrial air movers and high-strength dehumidifiers to ensure that the environment is totally free of unwanted moisture after a flood. Microbial growth begins quickly and is usually very difficult to address once a problem has begun, so make moves quickly should disaster strike.

Protect Your Investment

No one wants to pay for unnecessary services, but when it comes to your home, the investment’s worth it. Black mold resulting from high humidity often ends up costing homeowners much more than handling the problem correctly from the start, so don’t fall victim to secondary damage. If flooding should affect your home, consider calling in the pros—it may just be a case of paying a little now instead of paying a lot later.

How To Make a Water Damage Claim

1/15/2019 (Permalink)

Broken pipe in a Park City, UT bathroom

Bursting pipes and other mishaps that flood your home can add a lot of tasks to your to-do list. You must find the source of the water so you can minimize overall damage. You need to arrange for repairs from a certified water restoration company. You will also probably want to file an insurance claim. Filing a claim can be daunting if you don’t understand whether your policy covers the accident or what you are entitled to receive. The following information may help demystify the process.

Factors Affecting Claim Acceptance

Standard homeowners’ policies cover a myriad of sudden accidents that may lead to water damage. Whether your policy covers the damage to your home in Park City, UT, depends on several factors:

• Type and scope of policy
  
• Source of flooding
  
• Timing of damage onset
  
  

Some policies cover more than just bursting pipes. Coverage can vary by state or region and the amount of extended coverage you purchase. If floodwaters come from outside your home, particularly if you are in a flood plain, you may need an extra flood policy to cover the loss. If the damage was brought on by an ongoing problem rather than a sudden issue, your claim is more likely to be denied.

Tips for Minimizing Denials

The best way to avoid a claim denial is to understand your coverage and make sure it is adequate to protect you against the specific risks to your home. Your agent can explain your policy and suggest extended coverage when necessary. It is also important to keep up with a regular maintenance schedule for your home. Most gradual damage claims are denied because they indicate a lack of vigilance on the part of the homeowner. If you fix a broken pipe in a timely manner, for example, it is less likely to cause significant damage.

Hiring a restoration company that is Faster to Any Size Disaster can improve the chances of claim acceptance. Knowing your rights, as well as your responsibilities, makes filing after a bursting pipes incident easier.

When Should You Use Drain Cleaners?

10/3/2018 (Permalink)

Water loss in a bathroom in Salt Lake City, UT

When you encounter a clogged drain at home in Salt Lake City, UT, you want to fix the problem as soon as possible. Though you may be tempted to immediately use a drain cleaner, it’s not always an appropriate fix for every problem.

With Newer, Stronger Pipes

Pipes that have been installed recently will be significantly stronger than older pipes, and therefore will be able to stand up to the cleaner’s chemicals. Older pipes are particularly susceptible to damage from chemical drainage cleaners. Using harsh cleaners with older pipes could create a more serious sewage issue, costing you additional time and money to clean. If you have plastic pipes in your home, do not use a chemical cleaner regardless of how new the pipes are, as the plastic will immediately erode upon contact with a chemical cleaner.

If You Have Appropriate Tools

It’s essential to only use drainage cleaners if you can do so safely. Just as the chemicals in drain cleaner can damage pipes, it can also be harmful if it makes direct contact with your skin. When using drainage cleaner, take precautions to ensure that your skin will not come in contact with the cleaner itself. If you do not have access to protective gloves and other safety equipment, it’s best not to use chemical cleaners.

Minor Blockages

Using harsh cleaners can create more issues if used when a drain is entirely blocked. If you are certain that your clogged drain is not entirely blocked, then you can use a cleaner to remove the blockage. However, a drain that is wholly blocked will cause the drainage cleaner to remain in the pipes, which can result in even the strongest of pipes becoming eroded and damaged.

Clogged drains can disrupt your day-to-day life in your home. If you encounter an issue with your drains that can’t be easily fixed, contact professionals in sewage cleaning who will ensure your drains are safely and quickly cleaned.

3 Things To Do With Your Pipes Before Vacation

6/28/2018 (Permalink)

When you're planning a trip, don't forget to make plans for your pipes before you leave Salt Lake City, UT. Under normal circumstances, they work quietly and harmoniously, carrying water to and fro, but they can't be trusted to do the work when nobody is there. You need to prepare those pipes for the trip. If not, you may come home to a broken pipe and a water park in your basement. Here are three things to do before you leave town:

1. Repair any known problems.

You may already know about a tiny problem here or a little chore there. Now is the time to make that necessary water pipe repair.

2. Shut it all down.

Find the main water supply line to your house and turn it off. This is the best solution to prevent a flooded home. The most difficult part of this task is finding the main water supply valve. It may be in a basement, the garage, or by the hot water heater. A couple days before your vacation, do a practice run of shutting down your water supply. This is much better than explaining to your family later why you're calling in restoration and flood specialists.

3. Only shut down the troublemakers.

If you have someone coming over to take care of the pets, shutting off the main water supply may not be convenient. You can still turn off individual supply valves to the areas most likely to leak, which include lines for the washing machine, dishwasher, ice maker, and toilets. Do you really want your pet sitter working on a water pipe repair?

Of course, this all assumes you have kept up with the regular maintenance (cleaning gutters, septic tank pumping, water heater flushing, and minor water pipe repair) that would help prevent water damage while you are away. If you happen to have pushed these tasks down your list, then you should make sure they are finished before you go. Your preventative actions will ensure that your vacation-induced state of relaxation may continue when you return to your undamaged home.

For more information, please visit us at http://www.SERVPROnesaltlakecityparkcity.com.

So, the Water Damage is Done—What’s the Hurry?

4/9/2018 (Permalink)

Many people live by the notion that once the damage is done, there is no hurry to make the fix. This is a dangerous and costly notion to live by, especially where water damage is concerned. Whether the damage in your building is due to a pipe burst, sewage backup or a flood, you need to act fast, and here’s why:

• Mold growth begins within 24 hours of the incident.
• Once mold has started to grow, it produces spores, which can float from room to room and wreak more damage than the original patch, making complete mold cleanup extremely difficult.
• The water itself can deteriorate building materials and furniture.
• Some water is contaminated with dangerous chemicals and biomaterials.
• The longer you wait, the less likely your insurance will be to cover the issue.

Water Damage Is a Ticking Clock

Once water damage occurs, you have between 24 and 48 hours to clean it up and prevent mold growth. Even something as small as a pipe burst has the potential to create costly and difficult-to-remedy issues. Because this is your livelihood at stake, don’t try and clean up the mess on your own. Rather, contact a Salt Lake City, UT, water restoration team to help.

The right team can use commercial-grade tools to pump sitting water out of your building and to begin drying it out. Depending on the source of the issue, the water may be contaminated, in which case, the team you call would wear Hazmat suits and protective gear to decontaminate the area. This is an important step for commercial buildings, as any illness or injury caused by improperly cleaned water damage could pose a liability issue for the building owner.

Just because the pipe burst is done leaking or the water from a flood has receded doesn’t mean you don’t need to act quickly. The sooner you reach out to your Salt Lake City, UT, water remediation team, the better. The longer you wait, on the other hand, the greater the damage will become.

For more information, please visit us athttp://www.SERVPROnesaltlakecityparkcity.com.

3 Steps To Recover From Kitchen Water Damage

3/12/2018 (Permalink)

When you find a leak in your kitchen, many details should be handled quickly to minimize the damage flooding can cause. Though it may seem overwhelming, following these steps can help save your property and return your kitchen to its undamaged state.

1. Shut Off the Water and Assess Your Safety

The first step when you have a leaky kitchen sink is to turn off your water. Check underneath the sink to start. There will probably be stop valves there (one for hot water and one for cold), which you can turn clockwise to stop the water from flowing to the sink.

Once you've stopped the active seepage, you should make sure the environment is safe. The most common concerns after kitchen floods are slip-and-fall incidents and electrical hazards. Also remember that wet materials can be extremely heavy. Exercise caution when removing damaged items.

2. Call Your Insurance Company

You should call your insurance company when dealing with flooding in your residence. There are several types of water-related disasters, but for insurance purposes, there are only three categories of damage. Talking with restoration professionals can give you the details your insurance agent needs during the claims process.

3. Call in the Professionals

Depending on the severity of your leak, damage can include ruined floors, cabinets, or appliances and can lead to mold or rot. These problems are more likely to linger if they aren't handled correctly from the start. A cleanup and restoration company can make recovering from emergencies from water in the home more manageable. A trained expert typically uses a scientific approach and powerful technology to help with every step. Restoration services may include evaluating damage, moisture extraction, drying, dehumidification, sanitizing, and kitchen repair.

If you feel daunted by the prospect of repairing your kitchen after flooding in Salt Lake City, UT, hire a skilled restoration company. By approaching the repairs methodically and using an array of impressive tools, experts can return your home to its pre-damage condition more quickly.

For more information, please visit us at http://www.SERVPROnesaltlakecityparkcity.com.

Get the Facts About Secondary Damage After a Flood

1/19/2018 (Permalink)

Secondary damage is a term used to describe factors such as high humidity and black mold. Water damage can develop fast in Park City, UT, and it usually does not take long for significant problems to result. You should be aware of what damage can happen and what to do about it so that you can take the appropriate action.

Understanding Types of Secondary Water Damage

You should know what the different types of secondary water damage are in order to know what to look for following a flood or similar water problem. The following are what you should be aware of:

• Mold growth, which can start to occur in as little as 24 hours
• Corrosion of certain metal components and materials
• Damage to your personal belongings and elements, such as flooring and walls
• Electrical damage if the water is able to penetrate sockets and anything else powered by electricity
• Wood rot when wood is allowed to remain wet for a prolonged period of time



Beginning cleanup quickly can be imperative to saving your possessions. If you get started with cleaning up excess water fast enough, you may be able to prevent, or at least reduce, black mold and other damage. Make sure to get all of the water out after shutting off all utilities to the impacted area. Run a dehumidifier and open windows to finish drying out the space. From here, you may want to use warm water and detergent that produces limited suds to thoroughly scrub the space. Once you complete this task, go back over everything with a sanitizing solution, and make sure that it dries completely.

You are now aware of the issues that can result from black mold and other types of secondary water damage. With this information, you have the knowledge necessary to better detect these problems and eradicate them as quickly as possible.

Visit http://www.SERVPROnesaltlakecityparkcity.com for more water loss prevention and tips. 

The Process of Restoring Water Damage

9/26/2017 (Permalink)

The Process of Restoring Water Damage

It is always a great challenge to go back to normal life after flood damage or other types of water accidents, and that is why you need professional water damage restoration services for proper mitigation in a flooded home. A restoration company extracts all the water in business or water in home restoring your building to its pre-damage condition. A pipe break or a supply line break leads to water in business or water in home leading to flood damage, mold growth, and damage to furniture. Licensed and certified experts from a reputable water restoration company should be contacted to carry out the damage restoration process. The water damage restoration process in a flooded home includes the following steps:

Initial Visual Inspection

The first step involves conducting a thorough assessment of the situation to find out the extent of water in business or water in home. The only way to achieve proper mitigation is by determining the category of flood damage. The category of damage guides the restoration company when coming up with the restoration strategy. Category 1 damage includes flood damage resulting from clean water sources such as water from a pipe break, toilet water tank, or a supply line break. Water in business or water in home that contains detergents and other chemicals cause category 2 damage. Category 3 d river flood damage is caused by unsanitary water that can cause disease or even death. This includes water from the sewerage system, river flooding, and stagnant water.

Water Removal

In case of pipe break or supply line break, there is always a need for an immediate water cleanup in a flooded home. Vacuums and pumps are normally used to remove water from all the rooms. A restoration company decides on the type of equipment to use based on the level of damage caused by water in home or water in business. It is advisable to extract the water as soon as possible to prevent mold and bacterial growth. Further damage can be prevented through immediate extraction in case of a pipe break or a supply line break.

The water cleanup process should not take place before wet materials such as throw rugs, pillows, carpets, clothing, and toys are removed from the affected area in a flooded home. Wet surfaces on surfaces such as ceilings, walls, floors should be removed after water cleanup to expedite drying. In addition, the contractors should open cabinet drawers and doors during the water cleanup process to accelerate drying.

Stabilizing and Drying

This process begins after water extraction and removal of wet material. In order to achieve complete evaporation and proper circulation of air, professional contractors use specialized equipment such as heaters and air movers. Moisture control helps in the prevention of mold growth in a flooded home. The time the building takes to dry is determined by the nature of the damage and the type of impacted materials.

Reassessment of the Damage

The best way to ensure complete mitigation after a pipe break or a supply line break is to reassess the level of water damage after the drying process. It is important to ensure that there are no traces of moisture hidden within the building. Mold growth can result from hidden pockets of moisture, and that is why there is a need to reassess the entire process.

Cleaning

All the personal belongings should be cleaned and sanitized to prevent mold growth and bacterial growth. Materials such as carpeting, clothing, and drapery should undergo anti-microbial treatment. Air scrubbers are normally used to remove particles and moisture that may be present in the air.

Reconstruction

Replacement of the drywall and insulation is a very important component of the mitigation process. The next step after mitigating water damage involves replacement of the structural damage caused to the building. This is part of the reconstruction process that is meant to restore the building to its pre-damage condition. Examples of materials and items that may need some repairs or reconstruction include walls, floors, clothing, shelves, drapery, ductwork, and heating systems.
Visit http://www.SERVPROnesaltlakecityparkcity.com for more information on water damage.

Processing Water Damage

8/21/2017 (Permalink)

Processing Water Damage

When maintaining a home or business, there is a wide array of disasters and accidents that we have to account for. Many of these disasters and accidents can come from nowhere, leaving home and business owners with a list of unexpected costs and setbacks. One of the most common disasters that we tend to face as home owners is flood damage that leaves water in the home or water in the business. Water in the home or water in a business can occur at any given moment, and have a myriad of causes, including a supply line break or a pipe break. Because a flooded home can usually strike without warning, there are several steps that are necessary for you to take in order to properly assess and fix the situation. When facing water in the home or water in a business, the first action to take is to contact your insurance company.

Once your insurance company is contacted, you should detail the current condition of the property, including the level of standing water in the home or water in a business. Remember, your insurance company works for you, so detailing as much of the situation as possible will help to save time during the process, as time is an essential element when dealing with a flooded home. The next step in the process is contacting a restoration company that can properly handle the flood damage that you are facing. An insurance company will normally have a relationship with a restoration company, or at least adequate knowledge of their dealings, and should be able to recommend one to you.

When choosing your restoration company, it is important to have a full understanding of the type of work that they specialize in, as well as their limitations. Every restoration company is not the same, and some will be licensed by the state of origin to handle additional repairs that extend beyond water cleanup. If your restoration company is not licensed by the state to handle repairs additional to removing water in the home or water in a business, an additional company may need to be contacted in order to complete restoration.

Mitigation of water damage in your flooded home is one of the most sought after outcomes when choosing a company for the restoration of your home. When it comes to damage mitigation in your flooded home, time is of the essence. Time is the most valuable commodity when it comes to the water cleanup process, as the longer the process takes, the lesser the chance is that damage mitigation will be possible. One of the major causes of a flood damage in the home or business is a supply line break or a pipe break. Many outside factors, such as torrential downpours, or sub zero temperatures, can cause a supply line break or a pipe break. In reference to flood damage, freezing weather is one of the number one factors to cause a pipe break or supply line break, resulting in a flooded home. A wall or another physical barrier could block access to a supply line break or pipe break, and if this is the case, may result in additional costs, due to difficulty regarding accessibility. Water damage will only increase as time passes.

In restoration, drying is the final physical step in the water cleanup process and it is also one of the most important. Improperly drying a formerly flooded home, can result in a myriad of additional problems that may increase costs. Drying will help to reduce the chances of mold growth, or other unwanted microbial life. The mitigation of water damage and the mitigation of costs can be entirely possible if the water cleanup process is followed completely. Remember, when faced with water damage, the restoration process is very time sensitive and is only complete after the drying process is completed.
Visit http://www.SERVPROnesaltlakecityparkcity.com for more information on water damage.

The Secrets of Professional Flood Damage Repair

7/25/2017 (Permalink)

The Secrets of Professional Flood Damage Repair

While a pipe break might seem like a minor problem in your home, it can cause significant water damage that might require some expensive restoration activities. Dealing with flood damage is a tedious exercise that involves pinpointing the supply line break, plumbing repair, water cleanup, and sanitization. Undertaking the restoration of the property without disinfecting the surfaces is futile since the contaminants will remain the in property. If the supply line break is bringing foul water to the home, you cannot start the sanitization process without handling the pipe break. Another way to eliminate the foul water from contaminating the house is to invest in some backflow preventers. These backflow preventers can restrict the foul water from getting into your building when the drains block.

Safety precautions

Before you enter the flooded home, you need an electrician to check whether it is safe to do so. A flooded home might cause some risks that include electrical shocks and exposure to the contaminants. As you begin the water cleanup, drying, and the minor repairs, be sure to take these precautions seriously. Once these professionals have eliminated the threats of contamination and electrocution, you can start pumping the water out. Remember that the water damage escalates with time and that you can minimize the destruction by acting swiftly. An emergency restoration company can come in handy when it comes to addressing the supply line break, stopping the leakages, water cleanup, and drying the property after flood damage.


Flood mitigation involves understanding the risks and taking some measures to avert them. For example, the best mitigation procedure is to ensure that the storm water can flow to the municipal drains easily. A foundation crack can cause the amount of water in business basements to increase significantly. As you tackle the water damage, inspect your drainage system or modify the slope of your home to facilitate the flow of storm water. While it is difficult to prevent flooding in the neighborhood, you can protect your home by adhering to the requisite mitigation measures. Take the following mitigation initiatives to protect your home from water damage:

• Avoiding the plumbing leaks by repairing a pipe break quickly
• Repairing a clogged toilet that can lead to the contamination of your flooded home
• Drying the moisture in the air and water behind the walls
• Engaging a restoration company to repair the roof
• Hiring a reputable restoration company to repair the foundation cracks

Besides the pipe break, a leaky roof can also cause some water damage in the house. The hardwood floors in a flooded home are at risk of warping and rotting. As such, drying the water in business laminate floors is extremely vital. The water in home bathrooms can flow into the lounge if you have some leaky faucets. Since the water in business floors can be destructive, drying the floor is a priority. The excess water in home switches can cause some electrical faults that are extremely risky. Besides, the water in home crawlspaces can cause the spread of molds in the house. Whether you are dealing with a flooded home or the seepage of water in business premises, you need a reputable flood damage restoration company to undertake the repairs and suggest the key mitigation measures. A pipe break should be repaired fast if you want to safeguard your home against such problems in the future.


Decontamination is a vital process when drying the home since you want to get rid of the germs. A flooded home requires thorough water cleanup before you start renovating. Beware of the supply line break that might continue to leak during the restoration process. You will never handle the water in home bathrooms and kitchens if you do not consider such issues during the restoration process. As you begin rebuilding your home, ensure that you install several drainage channels to facilitate the flow of storm water in the future.
Visit http://www.SERVPROnesaltlakecityparkcity.com for more information on water damage.

Making Progress With Water Damage

6/29/2017 (Permalink)

Making Progress With Water Damage

Restoring property due to water damage can be a serious hassle due to the costly repairs necessary and the immense property destruction that it may cause. When facing damage due to water in the home or water in a business, there are a few steps that are necessary to take in order to completely resolve the issue quickly and effectively. With water cleanup, the first option is to contact the restoration company of your choice, who are normally equipped to handle a myriad of causes that initiate property damage including, fires, flooding, water damage and sewage backup. These restoration companies are only responsible for cleaning up the initial mess created by the water damage, and a separate contractor may need to be contacted for physical repairs unless they have attained a license for repairs with the state of origin. Due to the unpredictable nature of water damage, many restoration companies are available 24 hours a day.

Water damage can be an intense emotional stressor due to the seriousness of the unfortunate event and it is important to seek professional assistance immediately for the mitigation of further damage. There are a few important factors to list when contacting a restoration company including, your contact and insurance information, the cause of the flood damage, and whether there is standing water in the home. Most insurance companies and claims adjusters have a working relationship with the companies designed for restoring the affected home or business and may recommend a few credible options. Reviewing the insurance policy will keep the policy-holder abreast of their individual responsibilities while continuing damage mitigation. Water in the home and water in a business can have a myriad of side-effects and processes to consider. One of the most imperative factors to consider mentioning when speaking with a qualified professional is the availability of electricity in the facility, as this can become a major hazard for the residents, as well as those hired to complete the restoration.

Before property restoration can be initiated, a detailed inspection must take place in order to assess the flood damage. Once the flood damage is properly assessed, the cleanup company will begin refurbishment. The source of the property damage must be identified, if there isn’t an outside factor, such as inclement weather, as this will help to expedite the process while also helping in the mitigation of further issues that will increase costs of repair. While alleviating the source of the damage is essential in the process, checking for water contamination is also imperative, as this can become a lingering problem even after repairs are complete if as soon as possible.

Water cleanup begins with the water extraction process. Any items that may obstruct the water cleanup and drying process must be removed immediately for safety and the salvaging of any products that may be saved. The excess water will be removed with the usage of pumps that are submerged in the standing water and then vacuumed by industrial hardware, before proceeding with the drying process. Industrial tools, such as gas-powered pumps, infrared cameras, and moisture detectors, may be necessary to identify and alleviate flood damage that may not initially be visible. Professional assistance is always a necessity when tackling this issue. Water cleanup and drying time will vary based on the severity of the water in the home or water in the business. Part of the drying process is dehumidifying the affected areas as quickly as possible in order to avoid mold buildup. An antimicrobial treatment may be necessary for the event of suspected contaminated water in the home. The progress of the drying should be monitored over time with specialized meters in order to assure that initial quality is fully restored. Mitigation of damages is the primary objective when addressing water in the home or water in the business, and attacking these issues are essential for the mitigation of costs.
Visit http://www.SERVPROnesaltlakecityparkcity.com for more information on water damage.

How To Handle Flood Damage In Your Home Or Business

5/29/2017 (Permalink)

How To Handle Flood Damage In Your Home Or Business

If you're unfortunate enough to have flood or water damage in your residential or commercial property, you need to take action immediately.

Flood water in home or business can be due to a non-functioning sump pump, faulty plumbing, or a frozen pipe, and every second counts. It is important that you act fast to prevent serious and long-lasting damage.

Call Professionals Immediately

Call water damage restoration services as soon as flood damage occurs. Professionals are available and will respond any time and they will provide water cleanup, drying and restoration service. Professionals will take care of your mitigation needs, quickly.

When a burst pipe leaves your flooded, or a storm causes serious issues in your home or business, getting water damage mitigation services from a reputable company should be your top priority. It is important to choose professionals that are well trained and qualified to provide the service. You should should be cautious of who you hire for the job, as an untrained person may make the situation worse, resulting further damage to the property.

Shut Off The Water Supply

While waiting for the professionals to arrive, try and shut your water off and keep in mind that if the source of the problem is in the sewer system, don’t run washing machines, dishwashers or other appliances, and don’t flush the toilets.

The following are the basic steps used by mitigation professionals for water cleanup and drying.

1. Identify the Source of the Flooding

Some sources of flooding can be easily identified, and others are not so obvious. In either case, the first step is to ascertain the source of the flooding. Once the professionals find the source of the water in business or home, they can deal with accordingly.

If it's a broken pipe that caused water in home or water in business they will block it and shut off the water main. If it's a malfunctioning appliance they will turn it off and drain it. If an open window is allowing in flood water it will be sealed.

Experienced professionals will fix the problem and draft a mitigation plan based on the severity of flooding and damage.

2. Call Your Insurance Company

You should also contact your insurance provider immediately about water damage coverage. You can find out information about insurance coverage options for water in home or water in business and what you should do. Restoration professionals will also report the damage to your insurance provider to help determine coverage options.

3. Begin The Restoration

Reliable water cleanup and mitigation professions begin the flood restoration right after the initial evaluation. For water extraction, professionals use powerful water extraction equipment, and dehumidifiers to get rid of unwanted water and moisture from furnishings, flooring, and other the affected materials.

The carpet is often vulnerable to water damage and the excess water it absorbs can cause severe damage to the backing and fibers while also encouraging the occurrence of mold growth. To prevent mold and bacterial growth, professionals take appropriate steps to evaluate the damage to the carpet and padding and restore what can be saved.

4. Cleaning And Disinfection

Once the water cleanup has been done, the next step is to disinfect the area. Flood water can contain bacteria and other harmful microorganisms. Once the water is removed, restoration professionals use state-of-art equipment and advanced cleaning products and supplies to sanitize the affected area and materials.

5. Drying Process

After the water in business or water in home is removed, reputable flood damage professionals set up their large fans and advanced drying equipment to dry the wet materials. Air movers and dehumidifiers are placed around the materials and areas affected by the flood. They also use advanced air scrubbers to eliminate odors and remove contaminants from the air. This process can take anywhere from 24 hours to several days to complete.

Flood damage professionals have the knowledge and the necessary equipment to handle the job. They can ensure that your your property is restored to where it was before the water damage incident. Visit http://www.SERVPROnesaltlakecityparkcity.com for more information on water damage.

Is There Water in Your Home or Business?

4/26/2017 (Permalink)

Is There Water in Your Home or Business?

Step 1

Emergency Contact 

This is to a plumber in an active leak, but in every other case of water in the home or water in the business, the very next contact should be a professional water damage restoration company. This call will initiate a protocol that will return the home or business to its proper functioning status. The quick action of contacting a water damage restoration service is a function of mitigation also. Mitigation is the act of preventing as much water damage as possible by acting both to find and fix the leak, but also in the water cleanup effort. Most insurance companies mandate a policy of mitigation that is the incumbent responsibility if the homeowner or business owner that has water in the home or water in the business.

Step 2

Inspection and Flood Damage Assessment

The water damage restoration company chosen will send a professional technician to inspect and assess the flood damage. These professional crew arrives ready to institute some drastic water cleanup techniques in the initial visit in order to begin mitigation and eventuality water cleanup, drying and restoration immediately in order to satisfy the insurance mitigation requirement, but also to give home and business owners the best chance at recovering and saving items affected by the flood damage.

Step 3

Water Removal and Extraction

This portion of the process removes the physical water, but it also may involve limiting the effects of water damage on certain portions of the home. This means that portions of the home or building must be removed to effectively remove the water. Commonly, this means removing the lower portion of Sheetrock or other wall covering to promote the drying step that follows. and to prevent wicking. Wicking occurs when the water damage creeps up walls because of prolonged contact.

Step 4

Drying, Dehumidification, Air Movement

After the actual water is removed, there is still an extreme amount of water left in the form of moisture. Experienced companies use industrial strength dehumidifiers and improved air movement equipment and techniques to promote the drying process of the water cleanup. In this portion of the process, air movement is key.

Step 5

Cleaning and Sanitizing after Flood Damage

This is an important step in the water damage recovery effort. This steps is only incurred once the home is sufficiently dry. Some forms of water damage are very toxic, and the sanitation step becomes infinitely more important. In lesser cases, the act of drying and improved air movement will eliminate any possibilities of contamination, molds and mildews.

Step 6

Restoration. This final step involves repairing any physical structures either damaged in the flood or removed to promote air circulation to their pre-flood condition. In order for many of the restoration efforts to be successful, a professional restoration company will have to have rendered the establishment completely dry. Visit http://www.SERVPROnesaltlakecityparkcity.com for more information on water damage.

Staying Safe When You Discover Water Damage In Your Home

4/26/2017 (Permalink)

Staying Safe When You Discover Water Damage In Your Home

A home or business that's been damaged by water can be very difficult to clean up. Most times water damage is very unexpected and while you can't always be prepared for it, there are tips you can follow that can make mitigation much easier. But when it comes to the water damage restoration process itself you should let only a professional water cleanup company handle that as they are trained in safety and cleanup efficiency.

The first step is to pay attention to any areas of your home or business that seem to be even a little damp. If you've noticed puddles on the floor, any drips no matter how small coming from the ceilings, wet spots on the walls or mold gathering anywhere you need to act immediately. Maybe you're worried about calling a water cleanup company because you think it will be too much money to fix the problem, but the truth is as more water in your home or water in your business accumulates from leaks the more prone your home's structure will be to major damage. You don't want to get injured from a floor or ceiling that collapses or breathe the fumes of toxins caused by flood damage.

Second, you should open any windows or outdoor vents in your home that could help with drying and air movement in areas where flooring or appliances have been subjected to flood damage. You should not attempt to dry out water in your home or water in your business by turning on the building's central heating, using space heaters or hair dryers as that could create a hazardous situation. You also shouldn't attempt to unplug appliances or cut off electric circuit breakers if water damage has affected the area around them. If the flood damage is very severe and you notice any strange smells, you should probably evacuate your home immediately.

It's good to find a reputable water damage restoration company that can speed up the mitigation process. You should look for a company that has positive reviews, is certified in water damage restoration and uses professional tools for maximum drying and air movement. When you have too much water in your home or water in your business the water cleanup company might be able to recommend a removal process for your belongings, and some companies are also connected to a repair companies for special items such as electronics and appliances need repairs after drying.

Water damage mitigation could take a few hours or a few days depending on the extent of the mess, but usually once there's been adequate drying and proper air movement the flood damage company will disinfect and remove mold plus dehumidify areas where there was water in a home or water in a business. Some areas such as dark corners of basements or attics may need additional air movement due to mold collecting in greater quantities in those areas. Water cleanup and flood mitigation are never easy to deal with, but staying calm and calling the right water damage restoration company is always the best first step in addressing water damage. Visit http://www.SERVPROnesaltlakecityparkcity.com for more information on water damage.