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 from Dishwashers

5/10/2021 (Permalink)

How long before dishwasher water damage occurs?

Dishwasher water damage can occur within just a couple of hours. You get home, turn on the dishwasher, walk away and watch TV for a while, or run a few errands, only to come home and find a pool of water on the kitchen floor. The first reaction should be to soak up as much of the water as you can, because the longer it sits there, the more likely it will cause permanent damage.

Some flooring materials are more susceptible to dishwasher water damage than others, such as wood or bamboo. Wood will absorb water quickly, causing your flooring to warp and crack. Make sure to effectively dry out the area ASAP so you can avoid as much damage as possible.

Dishwasher water damage and what to expect

If you’ve never experienced dishwasher leaks or water damage before, you might not even know what you’re in for. Here’s what to expect when you’re dealing with water damage from dishwashers, including the common causes of leaks as well as what elements of your kitchen are most vulnerable after a leak.

What would cause a dishwasher to leak?

Common causes of dishwasher leaks include:

• Worn gaskets
• Dishwasher not level
• Wrong dishwashing soap used
• Broken door
• Defective dishwasher tub

Your dishwasher leak can cause water damage in a variety of ways to a variety of different elements of your kitchen. The below are all susceptible to damage after a dishwasher leak:

• Tile flooring
• Wood flooring
• Laminate flooring
• Electrical wiring
• Drywall
• Wallpaper
• Paint

Water Damage is not a DIY Job

5/10/2021 (Permalink)

Despite the magazines, television shows, and Internet articles that may have you thinking otherwise, water damage restoration is a job that should only be performed by certified professionals. SERVPRO of Wilshire Center technicians not only have the know-how to get the job done right, but they also have the specialized tools needed to thoroughly dry your home, preventing further damage and even mold.

Additional benefits of hiring a professional water damage restoration company:

1. Health Hazards: Depending on the source of the water damage, safety can become a concern. There are three varying degrees of water damage, ranging from clean water to black water, each more hazardous than the next. Black water, the most dangerous of the three, is water that has come into contact with fecal matter, a haven for harmful bacteria and disease-causing pathogens.
2. Hidden Damage: Water damage is not always obvious. Sometimes it is found inside walls and under flooring. If you attempt a DIY restoration and fail to diagnose hidden damage, the resulting issues could be extreme…and expensive.
3. Peace of Mind: Hiring a professional restoration company gives you the peace of mind knowing you have done everything in your power to rectify the situation.

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)

Despite the magazines, television shows, and internet articles that may have you thinking otherwise, water damage restoration is a job that should only be performed by certified professionals. SERVPRO of Wilshire Center technicians not only have the know-how to get the job done right, but they also have the specialized tools needed to thoroughly dry your home, preventing further damage and even mold.

Additional benefits of hiring a professional water damage restoration company:

1. Health Hazards: Depending on the source of the water damage, safety can become a concern. There are three varying degrees of water damage, ranging from clean water to black water, each more hazardous than the next. Black water, the most dangerous of the three, is water that has come into contact with fecal matter, a haven for harmful bacteria and disease-causing pathogens.
2. Hidden Damage: Water damage is not always obvious. Sometimes it is found inside walls and under flooring. If you attempt a DIY restoration and fail to diagnose hidden damage, the resulting issues could be extreme…and expensive.
3. Peace of Mind: Hiring a professional restoration company gives you the peace of mind knowing you have done everything in your power to rectify the situation.

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.