Recent Water Damage Posts
Top Steps to Take After Discovering a Leaking Appliance | SERVPRO of Wilshire Center
11/28/2023 (Permalink)
Has your home been impacted by water damage? Call SERVPRO of Wilshire Center today. We are here for the rescue!
So many of us rely on our appliances on a daily basis that we often don’t think twice about loading up the dishwasher or washing machine, hitting start and then heading out the door to tackle our busy day ahead.
While you are occupied with answering emails, attending meetings and thinking about what you are going to eat for lunch, all it takes for a mess to occur is a single faulty water line or an appliance malfunction.
Appliance leaks are one of the more common water damage situations that we help homeowners overcome, so we want to help you take control of the situation while you wait for us to arrive! Read on to learn more.
The Dangerous Effects of Water
Once water has leaked onto your floor, you can bet that it will flow and seep into every crack or crevice that it can. Minor puddles can usually be cleaned up on your own, but if the water was left to flow out of your machine for a long period of time, it could easily have made its way under your floors or behind your walls. Once it gets to these tricky locations, it can be hard to dry out on your own.
We can all mop up a simple mess on the floor, but most of us aren’t able to get under our floorboards or behind our walls without a little help. If you fail to dry out this hidden moisture, it can start to impact the structure of your home or even spark a massive mold infestation. Taking action quickly can prevent your situation from progressing to this state.
What to Do First
Your first reaction when you walk through the door will probably be a mix of shock and disgust as you enter the room and your feet get soaked or make that awful squelching sound.
Immediately take a step back and assess the situation from dry ground while trying to stay calm. Locate where the water is coming from and find the appropriate water valve to turn it off.
Close the valve and consider unplugging the appliance as well or shutting off electricity to the area for the time being. You don’t want the appliance to randomly turn back on and finish pouring what’s left in the pipes all over your floor! Once the flow of water has stopped, grab the phone and call SERVPRO of Wilshire Center.
Why a Professional Water Restoration Team Matters
While we all know that small puddles or a little water on your floor can be cleaned up with a rag and some ventilation, many times that is not enough to completely solve the situation. Once the water gets to a place that you can’t reach, that’s when a professional restoration company becomes necessary.
We will bring in air movers and blowers to remove the visible water, and our thermal imaging cameras will pinpoint exactly where the hidden moisture is located in your space.
Once everything is dry, we can assess any potential damage that needs to be repaired. Water has the innate ability to cause immediate damage to floors, walls and ceilings, so addressing this damage quickly is key to making a full recovery.
We will fix swelling in floors, replace soaked carpet, hang new drywall and even roll on a fresh coat of paint. We are here for you during the entire restoration and will keep working until you are completely satisfied with the finished product.
Addressing water damage right away is crucial. Call SERVPRO of Wilshire Center as soon as you discover the water.
The Silent Menace: How Dishwasher Leaks Can Damage Your Property
9/10/2023 (Permalink)
Homeowners should understand the causes of dishwasher leaks and take proactive steps to prevent them.
Image by zinkevych on Freepik
Modern dishwashers are a convenience that most of us can't imagine living without. They save time, effort, and ensure squeaky-clean dishes after every meal. However, amidst the convenience lies a potential threat that homeowners should be wary of: water leakage from dishwashers. While it might seem like a minor inconvenience, dishwasher leaks can lead to significant property damage if left unchecked. In this article, we'll delve into the causes of water leakage from dishwashers, the potential harm it can cause to your property, and the steps you can take to prevent such disasters.
The Culprits Behind Dishwasher Leaks
Faulty Door Seal/Gasket: Over time, the rubber seal or gasket around the dishwasher door can deteriorate, causing water to seep out during cycles.
Blocked Drain Hose: Accumulated debris and clogs in the drain hose can result in water backing up and leaking out of the dishwasher.
Water Supply Line Issues: Loose or damaged water supply lines can lead to leaks, causing water to escape during operation.
Malfunctioning Pump or Pump Seal: Leaks may occur if the dishwasher's pump or its seals are defective or compromised.
Tub Cracks: Wear and tear or impacts from heavy items can lead to cracks in the dishwasher's internal tub, causing water leakage.
Improper Installation: Incorrect installation can cause misalignment of parts, leading to leaks during operation.
Devastation Wrought by Dishwasher Leaks
Structural Damage: Prolonged leaks can weaken flooring, subfloors, and adjacent walls, causing warping, rot, and compromising structural integrity.
Mold and Mildew Growth: Excess moisture creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew, damaging property and potentially impacting occupants' health.
Electrical Hazards: Leaked water can reach electrical components, increasing the risk of short circuits, shocks, or even fires.
Damage to Adjacent Appliances: Water spreading to neighboring appliances or systems can cause damage to them as well.
Increased Utility Costs: Persistent leaks lead to higher water and energy bills due to continuous appliance operation.
Mastering Dishwasher Leak Prevention
To prevent property damage from dishwasher leaks:
Regular Inspection: Routinely inspect your dishwasher for leaks, unusual noises, or signs of moisture accumulation.
Maintenance: Clean filters, drain hoses, and seals regularly, ensuring they're free from debris and in good condition.
Prompt Action: If you notice leaks, turn off the dishwasher, investigate the issue, and seek professional help if needed.
Proper Installation: Ensure your dishwasher is correctly installed to avoid misalignment or installation-related issues.
While dishwashers offer unmatched convenience, they can also pose a significant risk if not properly maintained. Water leakage might seem trivial, but its potential to damage property, encourage mold growth, and create electrical hazards is substantial. By understanding the causes of dishwasher leaks and taking proactive steps to prevent them, homeowners can continue to enjoy the convenience of their dishwashers without the fear of property damage looming overhead. Regular maintenance and vigilance are the keys to keeping this silent menace at bay.
Water Damages From Storms
1/5/2022 (Permalink)
Businesses can suffer much less damage from a severe storm than a residence and still have to close their doors permanently. Each hour and day of clean-up are more important to saving not just a building, but an income and a contributor to the community as well.
A building can lose its functionality and close its doors permanently after a few days of water damage has ruined equipment beyond repair. SERVPRO has the training not just to respond quickly, but to properly clean and restore a facility to bring it back in line with city health codes, if at all possible. Storm-induced flooding does not have to have a lasting effect on your business.
The first step is getting rid of the water. For standing water, even in a large kitchen and customer service area, our technicians use commercial grade pumps to remove inches and even a foot of water in a matter of hours. With the visible water gone, our response team can tackle the next two items: drying out property and hidden water extraction.
Expensive industrial items such as commercial ovens are usually above most high water points but can suffer damage in a massive plumbing failure. Technicians must completely dry the electronics and heating elements before allowing the owner to use them again. Since it is not possible to disassemble these industrial appliances without violating warranties or possibly damaging them further, our technicians use commercial space heaters and dehumidifiers.
Both equipment items draw out moisture from the surrounding air and off of nearby surfaces. These techniques leave a dry surface without the chance of threads from towels or pieces of sponge accidentally being left behind to contaminate the next batch of cupcakes.
As this happens, other technicians dry out the building itself. Water extraction tools draw out moisture from floors, walls, and property items such as display cases. We accomplish this using commercial grade extraction wands that combine heat and vacuum to pull water droplets from between and underneath floor tiles and sections of concrete. Response team members also use the same heaters and dehumidifiers in corners to speed up drying walls, cabinets, and underneath counters.
SERVPRO understands that every hour your business is closed means income lost and customers go un-served. Count on a strong effort from a component of the SERVPRO large-loss storm team. Despite an improving economy, small business owners are still operating on narrow margins and even a weekend lost can mean not making payroll or loan payments. To prevent this from happening, call us at (213) 263-2292 to restore your business and your livelihood.
Water Catagory
1/5/2022 (Permalink)
There are 3 different types of water damage designated by the IICRC (the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification). There’s clean water damage, grey water damage, and black water damage.
- Category 1: The least severe of the three which includes water damage from broken pipes, water supply lines, sinks, bathtubs and other appliance related issues. This is less severe because the water is clean and doesn’t have sewage. Most Category 1 incidents can be dried very easily.
- Category 2: This water damage includes grey water. This can come from toilets, washing machines, and sump pump backups. This grey water may or may not be harmful to humans so it is very important to clean and disinfect the area.
- Category 3: This is the worst type of water damage and is also called black water. Black water includes sewage and sea water and requires swift action.
Water Damage is not a DIY Job
5/10/2021 (Permalink)
Standing water in crawl space
Restoring water damage is a complex process that requires specialized equipment, knowledge, and experience. While you might be tempted to tackle the restoration yourself, there are several important reasons why it's generally better to let professionals like SERVPRO handle the job:
Safety Concerns: Water damage can present various safety hazards, including electrical hazards from exposed wiring, slip and fall risks, and potential exposure to contaminants in the water. Professionals are trained to assess and mitigate these risks safely.
Extent of Damage: Water damage can be deceptive. Even if it appears to be minor on the surface, water can seep into building materials, causing hidden damage that may lead to mold growth, rot, and structural issues. Professionals have the tools and expertise to assess the full extent of the damage.
Specialized Equipment: SERVPRO has access to industrial-grade equipment such as powerful water extractors, dehumidifiers, air movers, and moisture meters that are necessary for effective water removal and drying. These tools are often not readily available to the average homeowner.
Preventing Mold Growth: Mold can start growing within 24-48 hours after water damage occurs. Professionals are trained to properly dry and disinfect affected areas to prevent mold growth and its associated health risks.
Experience and Expertise: SERVPRO technicians are trained and certified in water damage restoration. They have the knowledge and experience to handle various types of water damage scenarios and know the best practices for mitigation and restoration.
Time Efficiency: Professional restoration companies like SERVPRO can respond quickly to emergencies, which is crucial for preventing further damage. Their efficiency in the restoration process can minimize downtime and disruption to your daily life.
Insurance Claims: If you're dealing with an insurance claim, having professionals handle the restoration can ensure proper documentation, accurate assessments, and effective communication with your insurance company.
Complete Restoration: Professionals not only remove the water but also thoroughly dry, clean, and disinfect the affected areas. They can also handle structural repairs and content restoration as needed, providing a comprehensive solution.
Long-Term Cost Savings: Attempting DIY water damage restoration without the proper tools and techniques can lead to incomplete drying and hidden damage. This can result in more extensive repairs down the line, costing you more in the long run.
Peace of Mind: Hiring professionals gives you peace of mind knowing that the restoration process is being handled by experts who are dedicated to restoring your property to its pre-damage condition.
Overall, while DIY projects can be rewarding, water damage restoration is a task best left to professionals due to the potential risks, complexities, and the need for specialized equipment and expertise.
Protect Your Home From Leaks
11/6/2020 (Permalink)
Now that fall is officially here, it is time to prepare your home and/or business for cold and rainy weather. But keeping water out of your property can be quite complicated. For example; plumbing issues can cause moisture and even light rain can cause leaks through the roof, walls, foundation etc. When this occurs the moisture eventually reaches the porous materials in your home, which may then lead to structural damage and other humidity concerns. It is important to note that if left untreated you also run the risk of mold growth. For these reasons it is highly recommended that you take proper care of any and all potential areas prone to leaks such as the following;
- Inspection of the plumbing pipe(s) system
- Inspection of the roof/chimney
- Inspection of the water heater
- Check attic insulation
- Clean the gutters
- Repair any cracks
- Seal proof doors and windows
- Check exterior faucets and irrigation system
After all, “An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure”. However, in the event that you encounter any leaks or flooding occurs, please contact SERVPRO of Wilshire center. We specialize in helping property owners recover from water damage and make it "Like it never even happened."
Water Damage Restoration
10/1/2020 (Permalink)
Water damage can happen under many different circumstances, but the worst ones are those that occur because of harm to the exterior of the home during a storm. Trees and even downed power line poles can cause extreme damage to your home, and allow water to enter. This water can create hazards immediately. Even after the danger has passed from electric shock, water can seep throughout your home, creating the right conditions for future damage to develop.
Unresolved Water from Storms can Create Future Problems through Water Damage
When water damage affects your home water damage may appear slowly. While you may have noticed the water on the exterior surfaces on the interior of your home, as on walls and floors, water may have settled on the interiors of these structures. Walls made of drywall can crumble after being saturated with water and allowed to dry naturally. Water left on drywall weakens it considerably, even if the damage is not visible. Hardwood floors and stairwells made of wood can buckle, causing carpeting to become rumpled and hazardous.
In addition to these issues, mold can also begin to grow within 48 hours, only two days, from the time the water was deposited by the storm. We can pack up your belongings for removal to a dry location so we can clean and sort through them. Sorting involves categorizing salvageable and non-salvageable items, with unsalvageable ones being listed (CCIS) on an inventory sheet for your insurance needs.
We Know How to Prevent Future Problems in Your Home's Structure
In addition to cleaning your belongings and restoring those we can to their original state, we can also set up equipment that is designed to prevent mold from getting a foothold in your home. Water extraction to dry those structures that have become saturated by storm and rain water, in addition to drying heaters and high-powered air circulation fans will stop mold from growing. If water were allowed to stand for extended periods of time, as is common when there are major storm cells passing through an area, we would use additional types of equipment. These can include air scrubbers that will remove any mold (spores) that has already begun to spread throughout your home. If your heating or air conditioning unit ran during this time, we highly recommend that we scrape the interior of your ducts and then vacuum the debris away with our HEPA vacuums. We want to get your home back to pre-damage condition, “Like it never even happened,” so you and your family can get back to your normal routines.
If you own a home that has been damaged by storms or suffered other types of water damage, please call SERVPRO of Wilshire Center at (213) 263-2292. We are available 24/7 to assist you. We respond quickly and can answer any questions you have about your particular situation.
Water Damage is not a DIY job
10/1/2020 (Permalink)
With the cost of living rising, one may be tempted to repair their water damaged property on their own. However, water damage restoration is a job that should only be performed by certified professionals.
SERVPRO is a professional cleanup and restoration company that specializes in helping individuals and businesses recover from various types of disasters, including flooding and water damage. If someone in the Cheviot Hills area experiences flooding or water damage, SERVPRO can offer several services to assist in the recovery process:
Emergency Response: SERVPRO provides 24/7 emergency response services, meaning they can quickly respond to your call and begin assessing the situation.
Water Extraction and Drying: They have specialized equipment for extracting standing water and moisture from affected areas. This helps prevent further damage, mold growth, and structural issues.
Cleanup and Disinfection: After water extraction, SERVPRO professionals clean and disinfect the affected areas to ensure they are safe and free from contaminants.
Mold Prevention: If water damage is not properly addressed, mold can start growing within 24-48 hours. SERVPRO's prompt response and thorough drying process help prevent mold growth.
Contents Restoration: They can help restore personal belongings and contents that may have been damaged by water. This includes cleaning, drying, and deodorizing items when possible.
Structural Repairs: In more severe cases, structural elements of a property may be damaged by flooding. SERVPRO can coordinate repairs and renovations to bring the property back to its pre-damage condition.
Insurance Coordination: SERVPRO can assist in working with insurance companies to ensure a smooth claims process.
Documentation: They provide detailed documentation of the damage, the restoration process, and the work performed. This documentation can be valuable when dealing with insurance claims.
Professional Expertise: SERVPRO technicians are trained and certified in water damage restoration. They have the expertise and experience to handle different types of water damage scenarios.
It's important to note that every situation is unique, and the extent of services needed will depend on the severity of the water damage. If you're in need of assistance after experiencing flooding or water damage, contacting a professional restoration company like SERVPRO can help ensure a thorough and effective recovery process.
Flooding Damage
9/21/2020 (Permalink)
When you encounter flooding SERVPRO has some procedures we recommend doing. First off before even beginning this process you should assess whether it's even safe to stay in the home, are their electrical poles that have fallen from the flooding that have direct contact with your home? Also note that water is very heavy, one gallon of water weighs 8.345 pounds. Don't overexert yourself trying to move furniture because wet furniture is a lot heavier than you would think. We recommend attempting to remove excess water by mopping, wiping excess water from wood furniture, remove wet upholstery and cushions, turn on A/C for maximum drying, remove colored rugs so dyes don't bleed and remove art objects and personal possessions with sentimental value. We also encourage people to NOT leave wet fabrics in place, don't leave books or other colored items on wet carpet or floors, don't use a household vacuum to remove water and don't use household appliances or ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet.
Water and Humidity
2/25/2020 (Permalink)
Water and humidity are one of the many enemies of a home, acting as a catalyst for mold growth and overall damage to a home. Here are some measures you can take to ensure your home or property aren’t damaged by water, rain, or humidity.
- Waterproofing Materials - If a home is older or has problems with structural integrity, simple rainfall could spell disaster in the form of water damage and mold. A simple fix to consider is waterproofing materials that are made for the walls and roofs of homes that ensure your home or property is water tight and dry.
- Appliances - Many water damage scenarios are caused by faulty appliances and hardware, to counteract this simply check and ensure that all appliances that use water and pipes such as washers and showers are properly functioning without any leaks.
- Water detection - In severe cases you might want to install water and humidity detection devices in your property, these devices will notify you if the humidity levels in your home are where they should be ensuring you know of any potential water damage and deal with the issue properly before it becomes more serious.
Water vs Concrete
2/25/2020 (Permalink)
We know how damaging water can be, but we may not know the extent to which water can damage homes, properties, and materials. Many homes have previously experiences with water damage, but did you know water can even soak and damage concrete? For example, a flooding basement can damage the concrete foundation of a home if left to stand for too long, damaging the structural integrity of a home. Now you can imagine if water can damage concrete like this you can imagine what it can do to softer and more vulnerable materials such as wood or drywall. The reason water damages so many materials is all about chemistry, water is a universal solvent, this means that water can dissolve almost any material given time. This is the reason that acting quickly when it comes to water damage is very important.
How We Identify the Problem: Water Damage
11/5/2019 (Permalink)
Beware of leaking pipes that can cause unseen damage.
Water damage comes in many forms from pipe leaks in your walls causing mold to large scale floods which can destroy properties. But more often than not it's the water that's not seen that causes the damage more often than not. Cases such as these can go on for weeks or even months without being noticed such as a leaky pipe in the wall, slowly dripping for long periods of time being absorbed by the surrounding materials in the building turning them into a prime breeding ground for mold and other bacteria. The way we treat cases like this is, after you inform us about the issue we send out a technician to observe the scope of the damage and then we proceed accordingly applying treatments and remediation as soon as possible as to not worsen the damage by letting it sit.
Rain Protection
10/1/2019 (Permalink)
Water can be disastrous.
Of all the different types of damage, flood damage is the mos common type. In the US and especially in unassuming areas heavy rains can cause flash floods, mud flows, or even cause debris to damage properties. Here are some tips to make sure your property is protected from rain and water damages.
- Purchase flood insurance so your property is covered in case of a flood emergency.
- Install gutter systems to insure water flows off of your property, and clean them regularly.
- Fix any leaks in your property immediately.
- Possibly install extra roof protection such as a rubber liner or a waterproof barrier that goes under the shingles of your roof.
With these tips your property should be ready for any rainy season and save you possibly thousands on damages and repairs!
Staying Safe from Water Damage
10/1/2019 (Permalink)
What you can do to be safe from water damage.
Of all the forms of damage the a property can go through, water damage is some of the most severe. Water damage can range from minor leaks in walls or pipes to full blown floods causing massive damage to both the property and belongings held within. Here are some tips to make sure you are safe from water damage.
1. Making sure your home or property's drainage system is properly functioning is key. The geography of your property matters as well, such as when a property is built on a hill making sure the yard is sloped to flow water away from the property is paramount.
2. If you notice possible signs of water damage such as minor leaks or flooding make sure to fix the issue immediately to guard against further damage.
3. Maintaining your roof is also very important as even a single shingle missing from your property's roof can cause a leak, subsequently causing mold and other types of damage.
Water Acts as a Universal Solvent
9/19/2019 (Permalink)
Water damage can be devastating.
Water damage can come in many forms, some varying from minor leaks to major flooding and mold as result. Not only does the moisture from water cause issues like mold, but water is known for having properties that can dissolve most materials over time. This means that if you have water damage in your property it can damage the materials surrounding the leak or flood. One of the most common examples of this is drywall or plaster which is used as the walls and ceilings of most homes and buildings when exposed to water can absorb water causing it to break down and deteriorate, becoming soft and moist creating a breeding ground for mold and bacteria that can spread quickly throughout a property. Make sure to keep these facts in mind when dealing with water damage.
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