Recent Water Damage Posts

What is Water Mitigation?

8/14/2023 (Permalink)

What Is Water Mitigation? Water mitigation is the process of stopping the immediate flow of water, assessing the type of mitigation efforts needed, extracting the water, and drying out the property. Whenever there is a water leak of any kind, we only see what is happening on the surface. What is so important is what we don't see. Water is able “wick” up walls because of capillary action in porous materials. So, when you think your floor is the only thing affected, most likely your walls are too. Without state of the are equipment here at SERVPRO we can detect the slightest elevation in moisture and be able to moisture map the areas of the walls that have been affected. By being able detect leaks quickly and find the source of the leak this helps eliminate the amount of damage that can incur if not found quickly and can cause further damage. As a remediation and full restoration company we can mitigate the damage and make it "Like it never even happened".

Understanding Water Damage Categories

6/10/2022 (Permalink)

It can be stressful to experience a water loss in your home, from a broken pipe to a toilet back up. Did you know there are categories of water? Water coming from different sources can come with some risks.  

Clean water or Category 1 comes from just that; a “clean” water source from an incoming water supply line, or various incoming water pipes running through the walls going to bathrooms, kitchen, laundry room or anywhere water is used. This is fresh water and generally not dangerous.

Gray water or Category 2 comes from a dishwasher or washing machine. It’s a little dirty before it reaches the drain line. It’s a little less dangerous. This water is not drinkable and can harbor soaps, pathogens or other materials that are not healthy to drink.

Black water or Category 3 comes from a sewer drain, toilet drain back up or outside ground water. Outside ground water could be from a broken sprinkler that has flooded the yard or planters and has come into the home or it could be flood water from a storm. It has a high risk of disease-causing pathogens, bacteria. 

In any instance it is important to mitigate or remove the water it right away to prevent ongoing and secondary damages. Remove any standing water, clear the area of furniture if possible and call SERVPRO of Fountain Valley. We can insure your home is mitigated properly based on the category of water. It could be as simple as drying the affected materials in place, or as complex as removing the affected materials and applying an antimicrobial treatment to leave you with a properly dried disinfected, safe home.

How to Detect Water Leaks

6/10/2022 (Permalink)

Here in California, we should always be on the lookout for ways to save water. This includes checking your home and property for leaks. Leaks can increase your water bill and also lead to costly damage to your home. You can start by checking your water bill. If you notice a sudden increase, you may have a hidden leak somewhere. Here are a few tips to keep your home safe and your water bill down.

Check your water supply lines from sinks, toilets and appliances for cracks and damage. Replace them if you suspect damage. If the faucet is leaking, it might just be that the handle needs to be tightened.  Don’t forget your refrigerator water supply line. This is a very common leak and can cause extensive damage to the walls, floors, and kitchen cabinets.

Check the yard and planters for overly wet areas or puddles. This could indicate an irrigation line leak.  Check sprinklers periodically while they are running to make sure they are directed at the garden, not the street or sidewalk and that they are free from leaks. Overly wet planters can cause water to seep into the home, damaging your visible walls, inner walls, flooring, sub floors and furniture. 

Hose spigot (faucet) leaks can be fixed by simply tightening the connection fitting or when at times when needed by adding or changing a worn gasket. 

Check your water heater, or tankless water heater system. Even a continuous small drip can lead to water damage or microbial growth as well as increase your water bill. 

Check out your attic and crawlspaces. These hidden areas may have leaks that take longer to appear or remain hidden for indefinite amounts of time. Insulation in the attic may soak up the water before it is noticeable. This can lead to microbial growth. Damp or wet soil under the home can damage the understructure and also cause microbial growth like mold. Over time, damages can advance to the collapse of supporting structures.

Sometimes a water leak can be a quick simple fix, or it may need a professional to give you a hand. If you have an active leak or suspect a leak, give SERVPRO of Fountain Valley a call. We are always happy to come by and check for moisture.

What To Do Until We Arrive When There Are Water Leaks by Paul Padilla, Operations Manager

6/10/2022 (Permalink)

Leaking Pipe Water Damage Leaking Pipe Water Damage

We regularly get asked what a home owner should do when they experience water damage in their home or office and what steps they can take to eliminate further damages until SERVPRO of Fountain Valley arrives. Here are 5 important tips on what you should do as soon as you hear, feel or see water coming into your home or place of business.

1. Stop the water: When a water leak occurs the first priority is to immediately stop the water or shut off the supply of water as best you can. Whether the leak is from a copper pipe, plastic Pex line or a supply line, it needs to be shut off ASAP. If a supply line burst, it can be as easy as shutting the Angle Stop Valve off to stop the water from going past the valve. If it is a copper or plastic main line then the entire system will need to be shut off at the Main Water Shut Off Valve until the leak can be isolated and/or repaired. An example of that would be when a plumber caps off the leaking section of pipe to allow the rest of the plumbing to function as normal until the full repair can be made.

2. Stay Safe: Make sure all electrical devices and power bars are elevated out of the water. Turn off power if needed to then move electrical devices out of water. Electrical can be turned back on once the area is considered safe.

3. Use barriers to stop the water: Stop the flow of the water with towels or sand bags if possible. Stopping the migration of the water will help stop the water from traveling into rooms that would otherwise be unaffected. This will reduce the damage and cost.

4. Protect furniture and objects: Get contents and furniture out water and off floor. Remove boxes and loose items from floor that can be damaged by water. Put aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs to eliminate damage to furniture. 

5. Remove water: Remove excess water with wet shop vacuum where and when possible. Removing the standing  water will cut down on the time the water will have to absorb into the building materials.

Call SERVPRO of Fountain Valley ASAP!

When water leaks occur it is a very confusing and stressful time. At SERVPRO of Fountain Valley we understand most people have never dealt with this before. This is why we are here to help guide you through this very hectic time. With these 5 recommendations a homeowner can minimize  the amount of damage that occurs before SERVPRO of Fountain Valley can arrive and mitigate effectively.

Fixing Your Leaky Toilet

6/17/2021 (Permalink)

Leakage of water from a toilet due to blockage of the pipe Leaking toilet in Fountain Valley, CA.

Fixing Your Leaky Toilet

Suddenly discovering a puddle of water in the bathroom can be concerning. In most cases, the cause of a bathroom leak is the toilet. While a leaking toilet is a problem you’ll want to address as quickly as possible, it isn’t as daunting as it might seem. Here are steps you can take to stop the leak and minimize the impact of water damage to your home.

1. Find the Leak

The first visible indication that your toilet has a leak is the presence of water on your bathroom floor. However, sometimes, you won’t see any water at all. That’s because leaking water can get trapped between your flooring and underlayment. If you suspect a leak, probe the floor for spots that feel soft or spongy. If the toilet is on the upper floor, water can leak down the flange and stain the ceiling below. You can’t miss the unmistakable odor of sewer gas when a toilet isn’t seated properly.

2. Tighten the Bolts

Once you’ve determined the toilet is the culprit, inspect its fit. Is it stable, or does it rock? If the anchor bolts on either side are loose, tighten them down. Alternate when tightening to ensure you don’t overdo it. Too tight, and you could break the flange.

3. Replace the Wax Ring

If the leak persists after tightening the bolts, you’ll have to replace the wax ring that sits between the toilet and the flange. Over time, this ring can dry out and break the seal, resulting in a leaking toilet. You’ll need to uninstall the unit, remove the old ring and install a replacement.

4. Beware of Hidden Damage

Hopefully, you’ve caught the leak early enough. If the toilet leak has exposed your subfloor and structural supports to water, however, there may be larger issues you need to consider. If there’s any question whether the leak has caused rot or damage, contact a restoration specialist in Fountain Valley, CA, who can assess the situation and suggest the proper repairs.

If you find you have a leaking toilet, address the issue as quickly as possible. If necessary, call in a professional for expert help.

How Professional Water Damage Restoration Can Help You

5/24/2021 (Permalink)

Hallway of a building with air movers and drying equipment Drying equipment placed on-site to avoid any secondary damage.

Process of Water Cleanup and Drying

If you have water damage in your business or home, it is imperative to act fast. Many people are unaware of what to do when a flood or water damage occurs. When your residential or commercial place suffers water damage, you need to get professional help immediately. Professionals will analyze, plan, and ultimately restore your property to where it was before the water or flood damage. The following are the steps used by flood mitigation professionals or companies for water cleanup and drying.

Inspection and Assessment

In any water or flood damage situation, the first step is to assess all of the building materials as well as the contents that are affected by water in-home or moisture. A professional will use advanced equipment such as infrared technology to determine where there is moisture and/or water in the building. The professional will take appropriate steps to figure out where the water seeped in and if it has saturated into the walls. The restoration professional will want to know if the water has made it into the wood.

After the assessment of water in business or home, the mitigation professional will develop a specific water cleanup and drying plan for the water in the home or water in the business. Flood damage and water cleanup companies have trained professionals and specialty equipment they use to evaluate flood damage and make sure all areas that are affected by water or moisture are identified. Even if the damage seems small or isolated, you should have a professional evaluate the situation.

Extraction

Once the restoration professional has assessed the damages it is time to extract all of the water. Removing excess moisture and unwanted water is a crucial step in a flood situation. Water damage mitigation professionals have the equipment to remove any standing water quickly and thoroughly. They remove excess moisture and get the water out in no time, to avoid further damage. Extraction is done with their state-of-the-art equipment.

Structural Drying

Once all of the water in the home or water in business has been extracted and disinfection and deodorization have been completed, it is time to take further steps that involve drying. Even after the standing water and excess moisture have been removed, building contents and materials may still retain some amount of moisture and this can be removed through drying.

If everything is not properly dried, mold, bacteria, and odors could result. Water cleanup and mitigation professionals have top-of-the-line equipment, which enables them to thoroughly dry your home or business building and protect your property. They ensure that everything, including couches, walls and other affected materials is fully dried out.

Eliminating Bacteria And Mold

Don’t treat flood or water in-home or business lightly. Standing water in business or home can encourage the growth of bacteria and mold, leading to nasty odors. Mold growth can ruin furniture, walls, flooring, carpets, and other materials. 

Water or flood damage cleanup professionals, after extracting the water and moisture, will perform disinfection and deodorization of your home immediately. Reputable professionals understand how crucial it is to take appropriate measures to protect your business or home environment and avoid expensive repairs. Flood mitigation or restoration professionals are certified to remove mold and they have the proper equipment to do it efficiently and effectively and ensure a safe indoor environment.

Considerations

Water damage mitigation should begin as soon as possible after the incident has occurred. You need to call professionals to handle the situation and restore your property to good condition. Professionals can handle the situation effectively and efficiently. From the evaluation to the drying phase, the goal is to get the job done quickly to prevent further damage to your property. Professional service will get your home or commercial property restored to its original condition. 

4 Crucial Steps To Take When Filing a Water Damage Insurance Claim

3/16/2021 (Permalink)

Insurance claim form Try to fill out the forms quickly so you'll be compensated sooner.

Four Steps To Take When Filing An Insurance Claim

After water damage occurs in your Fountain Valley, CA, home, you may be unsure about what to do next. In this event, it's important to remember that filing a claim with your insurance providers is key. If your home or possessions are heavily damaged, you'll need monetary assistance from your insurance company. So, here are four crucial steps to take when filing a water damage insurance claim.

1. Contact Your Insurance Agency
The first thing you'll want to do after the damage occurs is to contact your insurance agency. If you want to go through a quick and easy process, you'll need to know more about the next steps. Tell your providers about the situation and ask a series of questions. These are some essential things to ask:

  • What's the timeline going forward?
  • Are my damages covered?
  • What should my next steps be?

You need to know these details for your insurance claim, so keep asking things until you have a full understanding of the situation.

2. Record Damages
In order to receive a reasonable amount of financial help after a pipe burst, you have to inform those involved as to what property was damaged. If it's safe, search your home and any recovered items for damage. Ask your water damage restoration company for a detailed bill. Afterwards, make a thorough list of what was affected and how much its repair or replacement costs will be.

3. Use an Adjuster
Insurance providers require proof of the damage before any money will be exchanged. An adjuster will usually be sent by your providers to inspect the area. If you're worried about the quality of this adjuster, you can hire a separate individual. Make sure this person sees everything you documented.

4. File the Claim
Most importantly, you'll need to actually file the insurance claim. If you tell your insurance company about the damages, the company should send you the claim forms. Try to fill out the forms quickly so you'll be compensated sooner.
When dealing with a flood, the last thing you need to handle is massive expenses. File a claim quickly to stay financially secure.

When Should Property Owners Call a Restoration Company

2/16/2021 (Permalink)

Servpro van parked in front of a commercial building. Hire a water restoration company to guide you in the remediation procedures.

Here Are Four Times To Definitely Give The Specialists A Call

Water intrusion creates several major issues for a commercial building. The saturation harms the structure, possibly leading to rot and mold; therefore, property owners should call in a water restoration company any time moisture problems arise. Whether dealing with a pipe burst cleanup or an internal leak, the experts have knowledge and where-with-all to properly care for the source and avoid secondary damage. 

1. Possible Contamination
A backflow or sewer line break permits mass levels of bacteria to invade the space, permeating deep with any porous surfaces. A plumber and a can of bleach do not eradicate the infestation. Instead, rely on a sewer cleanup company in Gothard, CA, to determine the type of organisms and organize a plan to contain and eliminate them.

2. Water Saturation
Heavy water absorption not only deteriorates material but triggers rapid mold growth. Check dark closets and cabinets. If there is a musty smell, unusual discoloration, or heavy moisture, have the area checked. In addition, call for toilet overflow or pipe burst cleanup; these especially demand a quick response. The remediation team enters to assess and immediately implement effective drying techniques that hinder spore production.

3. Older Plumbing Systems
Don't wait until something happens. Older pipes incur more wear and tear; thus, they are likely to develop cracks and breaks. Allow crews to perform a leak detection test to ensure that the lines function correctly. Ask about whether pipes need to be replaced or repaired. Take initiative, and fix small issues to thwart the larger ones.

4. Concerning Deterioration
Before the broken pipe busts, owners may see signs of water seepage. Wallpaper and paint may curl; the drywall may develop water stains. Also, the floors may shift or buckle. Ask for an evaluation to locate the source.
Dampness is alarming, especially when allowed to sit idly. That prolonged moisture wreaks havoc on the structure; therefore, immediately tend to pipe burst cleanup to safeguard the establishment and hire a water restoration company to guide you in the remediation procedures.

Water Damage Repair in California

11/9/2020 (Permalink)

man fixing pipe problem Water issues should be fixed immediately

Water overflow can be caused by pipe leaks, floods, sewer backup, etc. This can be devastating if it’s not immediately fixed. Humidity and moisture can cause mold growth and irreversible damage to your property. This is why it’s crucial to clean and restore your property as soon as possible. 

We understand the urgency of such situations which is why SERVPRO is always ready 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help you with water damage repair. Our skilled technicians will do everything they can to restore your property effectively and efficiently.  

SERVPRO of Fountain Valley is locally owned and operated. We’re also ready to help you with cleaning or restoration projects in California. We’re always available so feel free to call us at (714) 965-4500.

3 Ways to Flood-Proof Your Home

5/26/2020 (Permalink)

Living room flooded SERVPRO of Fountain Valley Does Restoration Services for Flooded Properties

Even if you live in a low-risk area, floods are potentially still a problem if a strong enough storm with heavy rainfall hits your city or town. In this blog, we will provide tips on how to flood-proof your home or business to minimize or prevent water damage. 

Alter Your Landscape

It’s possible that your landscape can amplify the damage caused by stormwater. This is because stormwater might directly go to your home or business. The best thing you can do is to get advice from a landscaping company on how to effectively landscape your property. They will most likely advise you to create channels that force stormwater away from your house or office.

Get Flood Insurance

In most cases, standard property insurance doesn't cover flood damages so you must get separate flood insurance. Ideally, the insurance should also cover the contents of your property. 

Add a Sewage Water Backstop in Your Basement

If your basement floor drain fills up fast after heavy rains then you should consider installing a sewage water backstop or a backflow prevention valve. This device helps prevent filled sewer mains from backing up to your basement. Be sure a licensed plumber installs the device.

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - (714) 361-0572

FASTER TO ANY SIZE DISASTER

SERVPRO of Fountain Valley is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We’re also part of a national network of over 1,700 Franchises, which gives us access to more resources for larger cleaning or restoration projects or major storm scenarios.

The Benefits of Hiring a Water Damage Restoration Company

5/25/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Green Service Van from the side SERVPRO of Fountain Valley provides 24-hour water damage restoration service in Fountain Valley

There may come a time when your home or business will suffer from water damage no matter how careful you are. Restoring the damaged areas can be extremely challenging on your own. Fortunately, there are high-quality water damage restoration companies that can help should such problems arise. There are plenty of benefits in hiring these services, check out just a few below.

Fast and Effective Results

Quick response time can help mitigate water damage and restore your home or business faster. Water damage restoration companies can produce fast and effective results and some even provide 24/7 emergency services.

Expert Advice

They can also provide advice on how to maintain your property after restoration. These professionals can also help determine if your appliances, furniture, and decorative items can still be used.

Mold Prevention

Water damage restoration experts can identify spots that are prone to mold growth. This is very useful since molds can easily develop after a property has undergone water damage.

Insurance Claims Assistance

These companies can help you in providing proof of damage for claims and assist in filling out insurance forms and policies.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (714) 361-0572

FASTER TO ANY SIZE DISASTER

SERVPRO of Fountain Valley is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We’re also part of a national network of over 1,700 Franchises, which gives us access to more resources for larger cleaning or restoration projects or major storm scenarios.

Understanding the Necessity of Water Damage Repair Procedures

6/21/2017 (Permalink)


Understanding the Necessity of Water Damage Repair Procedures

When floods occur in a building, it can cause severe flood damage that can be very problematic. Understanding the nature of this damage, and how mitigation and restoration help, is crucial for assessing how water in home and water in business structures are impacted and why water cleanup, drying, and mitigation are such necessary procedures.

How Water Damage Occurs

Water damage occurs when a building suffers from excessive exposure to a high volume of water. For example, a pipe may burst and cause a flood in delicate parts of the home. However, it could also be caused by a literal flood from a rainstorm or a dam burst. Water cleanup of this type requires drying the water in home or the water in business and assessing the amount of flood damage that has occurred.

However, water damage of this type, especially water in business, can cause a variety of serious dangers. Understanding these problems should help you get a better feel for why the restoration of flood damage is so necessary. Water cleanup is a delicate process, but it is one that needs to be performed correctly to be effective.

The Dangers It Causes

When flood damage and water damage occur, they can seriously affect your building's structural health. For example, water in home and water in business will wear away the interior decorations of a building. This damage will include problems caused to the carpet, furniture, flooring, and other delicate areas of a building.

Unfortunately, this kind of water damage can quickly spread and get a lot worse. Other problems include potential collapses of buildings caused by weathering elements and other serious concerns. Typically, this will require restoration, mitigation, and drying processes. Water cleanup is also a necessity.

Managing This Problem Successfully

The best way to manage this concern is to use a variety of treatment methods to clean up the water and repair any severe damage. Water cleanup is the first step, and it requires getting the water out of a home, drying up all the wet areas, and continually managing water spread through the home. In this way, it is possible to control flood damage, water in home, and water in business successfully.

Next in is the restoration process. This step is the bulk of the water damage repair procedure. It will involve removing the water-impacted items, carefully cleaning any materials around them to which they were connected, and finding ways to replace these items successfully. For example, destroyed carpet will be removed from the home and replaced by all new carpeting. This process is suitable for both the aesthetics and construction qualities of a home.

However, it is is also necessary to take the time to check the impacted areas of the building for mold and bacterial growth. These items are dangerous and can affect the quality of a home or business. Another step is the elimination of any animals or pests they may have gotten in during a flood. For example, termites often use floods as a way to get inside of a building. They must be eliminated with proper pest control methods.

These steps will often take several days or even a few weeks to finish. During that time, a person may not live in their home or do business. However, once the restoration process has been finished, you will have a home or a business that looks as good as new.

Final Thoughts

Flood damage simply can't hold up against these kinds of repair techniques. So if you are suffering from water in home or water in business and think mitigation and restoration would be right for you, please don't hesitate to contact us today.

We can provide you with the drying and mitigation services you need to get your home or business open. In fact, we can provide you with a free estimate of the repair costs to help you budget everything properly.
Visit http://www.SERVPROfountainvalley.com for more information on water damage.