Archived Water Damage Blog Posts

How to Safely Dispose Water-Damaged Materials and Debris

10/10/2023 (Permalink)

Safe disposal of water-damaged materials and debris is an essential step in the aftermath of any water-damage event.

Dealing with water damage is never easy, but once the cleanup process is underway, another important task comes into focus: the proper disposal of water-damaged materials and debris. Knowing how to handle this step is crucial to protect yourself and the environment. In this blog, we will provide you with essential guidelines and tips for the safe disposal of water-damaged materials and debris after a flood or any other water-damage event.

Post-Water Damage Cleanup

Before we dive into the disposal process, it's essential to remove the damaged materials and debris from your property. This may include items like carpets, furniture, insulation, drywall, and personal belongings. Sorting these materials appropriately is crucial to ensure a smooth disposal process.

Hazardous Materials

During water damage incidents, there is a possibility of encountering hazardous materials. Substances such as lead-based paint, asbestos, mold-infested materials, and chemicals from household products may be present. Identifying these harmful substances is crucial for safe disposal. It is recommended to seek professional assistance in handling and disposing of hazardous materials properly, ensuring your safety and compliance with local regulations.

Working with Your Local Waste Management System

Proper disposal of water-damaged materials requires working in tandem with your local waste management system. They provide guidelines and resources for handling different types of debris. Reach out to your local municipality to inquire about any special instructions or regulations, such as guidelines for sorting debris and hazardous waste pickup or drop-off locations. Adhering to these guidelines helps protect the environment and avoids potential fines.

Avoiding Environmental Damage

Water-damaged materials, if not disposed of properly, can cause harm to the environment. It's vital to ensure that no hazardous waste enters local streams, rivers, or groundwater sources. Avoiding environmental damage can be achieved by working with environmental regulators and following their guidance. They can provide information on safe disposal methods and alert you to any specific environmental concerns related to your area.

Safe disposal of water-damaged materials and debris is an essential step in the aftermath of any water-damage event. Proper handling and disposal protect your health, prevent environmental damage, and ensure compliance with local regulations. Remember to remove damaged materials carefully, identify and handle hazardous substances appropriately, and work with your local waste management system and environmental regulators. By following these guidelines and tips, you can contribute to a safe and sustainable recovery process.

We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights on how to handle the safe disposal of water-damaged materials and debris. If you have any further questions or require professional assistance with water damage cleanup and restoration, don't hesitate to reach out to our experienced team at SERVPRO® of Costa Mesa.

4 Easy Ways To Prevent Plumbing Issues

3/6/2023 (Permalink)

We all know that plumbing problems can be a huge headache. They can also be costly, and it’s often best to avoid them altogether. So how do you avoid plumbing issues in the first place? Here are four simple ways to keep your pipes healthy:

Clean Your Pipes Consistently

If you're looking for a way to prevent plumbing issues, then the best thing you can do is clean your pipes regularly. This can be done by using a drain snake or non-corrosive drain cleaner once every month or two. You could also try using a baking soda and vinegar solution to clear out any gunk that might be clogging up your drains.

If you want to make sure that these methods work well for you and prevent future problems with plumbing issues, then it's important that you clean out all of the pipes in your house.

Don’t Pour Grease Down the Drain

You may be tempted to pour grease down your kitchen drain, but this is a huge mistake. Grease is extremely hard to get rid of and can cause serious plumbing problems.

If you do have some leftover grease in your pan or pot, make sure that you dispose of it properly by putting it into an airtight container before throwing it away in the trash. You can also put used cooking oil into an old coffee can with a lid and store it outside until trash day arrives so that no animals or children get their hands on it!

Be Careful What You Flush Down the Toilet

Avoid flushing paper towels, cotton balls, and feminine hygiene products down the toilet. These are some of the most common items people flush down the toilet that can cause a clog. If you do flush these items down your toilet, don't use them until it has been fixed by a professional plumber.

So why do these things clog toilets? It's simple, they're too big for the pipes to handle. When the water flows through them, it creates blockages that prevent any more waste from passing through.

Routine Maintenance With A Reliable Plumber

Routine maintenance is important. If you have a home or business, regular routine maintenance with a reliable plumber is the best way to prevent plumbing issues. Plumbers are trained professionals who can do routine maintenance for you at a reasonable price. Pick one that has been in business for many years and has an excellent reputation for reliability and quality workmanship, then call them once or twice a year to take care of any minor problems before they turn into major ones!

As you can see, there are many ways to prevent plumbing issues. This article has covered some of the most important ones, but it's always a good idea to be proactive about your pipes so you don't have any problems in the future.

Can I Do my Own Home Water Damage Restoration?

1/9/2023 (Permalink)

If you have water damage in your Anaheim, CA home call SERVPRO of Costa Mesa.

Can I Do my Own Home Water Damage Restoration?

Water damage is a serious problem that can have long-lasting effects on your Anaheim, CA home. If you don't properly clean up the water and dry out your possessions, mold and mildew can start growing. Not only does this make the house smell bad, but it also increases the risk of serious property damage.

The Water Damage Restoration Process

The water damage restoration process is a lot more complicated than you think. However, this doesn't mean that you can't do your own home water damage restoration.

First, you need to make sure that the area is safe for yourself and others in your house. If there's any chance of electrocution or toxic fumes, it's best not to attempt it yourself.

Once this has been decided on, start removing all of the furniture from the room that has been damaged by water. Next up is drying out the area so it won't be damaged further by mold or mildew growths or wood rot caused by excess moisture buildup (which could lead to structural problems later on).

When choosing between professional help vs DIY solutions for repairs and cleanup after flooding events at home--do your research! There are pros & cons-but most importantly remember: safety first!!

Step 1: Assess Safety

Before you begin, it is important to assess the safety of the area. Make sure that there are no electrical hazards, gas leaks or structural damage in your home. If mold has started growing on any surfaces, you will want to wear protective gear and use fans to blow air out of your house as much as possible until a professional water damage restoration company can come in and help get rid of it.

Step 2: Remove any Standing Water

Now that you’ve removed any visible water, it’s time to get a little more serious. If your home was flooded by an overflowing toilet, sink or tub, use a wet vacuum (or rent one) to suck up the standing water where it has pooled. If the source of the flood is not obvious—perhaps there was a pipe leak behind walls or under floors—use a mop or sponge to soak up as much water as possible from carpets and furniture before going further with this next step. For any area where standing water still remains after soaking for several minutes with towels or rags, choose another towel or rag and wring some more out until most of the excess moisture has been wrung out of it. Repeat this process until only dry towels remain. Only when both rooms are completely dry should you proceed to Step 3.

Step 3: Protect your possessions

Dehumidifiers and moisture control. These are two of the most important things you can do to protect your possessions from water damage. A dehumidifier will remove any excess moisture from the air, preventing it from settling on your furniture and household items. The ideal humidity level for a room is 50 percent, which is especially important during winter months when heating systems dry out homes that are already low in moisture.
Air conditioning and ventilation. Your air conditioner should be set at 78 degrees Fahrenheit with 50% relative humidity to prevent mold growth or further water damage behind walls and ceilings. If there's no AC system in place already, consider installing one before disaster strikes!
Water damage restoration services (if needed). Homeowners often try home remedies like sponging up spills with paper towels or mopping them away with soap-and-water mixtures—but these aren't always effective ways of dealing with larger amounts of water than just a few drops here or there on hardwood floors or carpets; they also risk spreading bacteria throughout other areas of your house rather than containing it within one localized area so that professionals can clean up properly afterward without worrying about cross-contamination between rooms/floors etc.

Step 4: Dry the Affected Areas

Once all the water has been removed, it's important to dry out all affected areas.

Use fans to help remove moisture from the air and circulate air in your Anaheim, CA home.
Use dehumidifiers or a wet vac to remove excess water from hard surfaces and carpets.
If you have central air conditioning or heating systems, turn them on for a few hours each day until all areas are completely dry.

DIY Water Damage Restoration

Water damage repair is a dangerous process and can be time-consuming. However, it's also important to recognize that some homeowners have the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully complete their own home water damage restoration without professional assistance.

If you have the experience and training required for successful DIY water damage repair, we highly recommend reading through our guide on how to do it yourself!

Don't be afraid to ask for help if you're not sure how to handle a water damage emergency. Water damage repair can be complicated, and it's best to leave the job to professionals who have experience with the process. If you are overwhelmed by the amount of work that needs done after a flood or other emergency like pipe bursting, then contact us today! We will assess your situation and give you an estimate within 24 hours.

Everything You Need to Know About Sewage Damage

11/1/2022 (Permalink)

Everything You Need to Know About Sewage Damage

When you have sewage damage, it's important to take the proper steps to clean up and repair it. If you don't know what you're doing, you could end up making the problem worse or exposing yourself and others to harmful bacteria. This guide will walk you through everything from setting up a containment area to hiring a professional service.

Safety Precautions You Should Consider

Sewage is a dirty business. As such, it's important to take precautions and follow safety procedures when cleaning up sewage damage in your Costa Mesa, CA home.

We highly recommend wearing protective gear: gloves, eye protection, and clothes that cover as much of your body as possible. It's also important to avoid eating or drinking anything in the area where you're working (especially if it's been contaminated by sewage), smoking, or doing any other activity that could make you sick if there were residual bacteria on surfaces.

Remove Standing Water and Debris

To remove standing water, you will want to use a wet vac to remove any remaining standing water and debris. If you don’t have a wet vac, use a shop vacuum instead.

To remove debris, you will want to use a broom or shovel to brush off any large pieces of dirt or mud from the affected area and dispose of them as you would any other trash (in an outdoor garbage can). Be sure that there are no sharp objects such as rocks left over in your home after removing them with your broom or shovel. They may cause additional damage if they get left behind on your floorboards.

Dry Out Wet Areas

Use fans, dehumidifiers, and air movers to dry out the wet area and contents. A wet vac can be useful for removing water from the carpeting as well. A heat gun can also come in handy for drying out harder surfaces like countertops and floors.

Disinfect and Deodorize

If the area is only wet and not damaged, you can use disinfectant to clean the affected area. But if there is any damage, use deodorizer instead. If your home smells like sewage, fans are the best tool for drying out your property since they can circulate air throughout a room quickly and efficiently. If necessary, use a dehumidifier to get rid of any excess moisture in the air and prevent mold growth on walls or furniture surfaces in your home.

Sewage and Your Health

Sewage damage can make you very ill. Sewage contains bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause illness. It also contains chemicals, such as pesticides, which are harmful to your health.

In addition to the immediate damage caused by sewage backups, there is a greater threat to your health in the long run.

If you have sewage damage, you should immediately contact a professional like SERVPRO of Costa Mesa. Don't hesitate on calling us, we can help. Our experts have years of experience dealing with this kind of situation and will be able to get your Costa Mesa, CA home back in shape quickly. This way, you don’t have to worry about it, and you can focus on getting back to normal.

3 Signs Your Shower or Bathtub May Be Leaking

4/6/2022 (Permalink)

Three Signs That Your Shower Or Bathtub Is Leaking

A bathtub leak or a shower pan leak may result in permanent harm to your bathroom. Such a leak may go unnoticed for a significant period of time, leading to wood and sheetrock decay and extensive mold growth in out-of-sight areas. Water damage may end up severe enough to require the services of a professional cleanup and restoration company in Mesa Verde, CA, to handle. It is important to recognize potential indicators of such an issue so you can identify and correct it as soon as possible.

1. Peeling or Flaking Paint

When you have a shower or bathtub leak, the liquid can pool under the paint in your home. Over time, prolonged exposure to water can cause paint to crack, peel and fall off in flakes. Such symptoms may present themselves in numerous areas, including:

The bathroom wall
The roof
The walls of other rooms

2. Mold or Mildew

Mold and mildew thrive in damp places. Dark, cool atmospheres with plenty of moisture serve as the perfect environment for these fungi to propagate. If you begin to notice a musty mildew smell or visible colonies, your bathing fixture may have sprung a leak, causing water to gather.

3. Water Stains

A major indicator that you might have a shower or bathtub problem is water stains spreading across the ceiling right beneath your bathroom or in the walls. Drywall often shows such signs in this kind of situation. If you have sheetrock, it may develop a saggy appearance, particularly if it is directly under the restroom.

If you have a bathtub leak or a shower pan leak, you need to find it and deal with it swiftly to mitigate possible negative consequences. You may have to employ an expert to tear out walls or ceilings to get to the issue. Fortunately, while insurance companies may not shell out for the replacement of a broken shower pan, they generally cover expenses for handling the damage caused by one.

What To Do When a Basement Floods

3/7/2022 (Permalink)

Old dirty cellar flooded from a pipe break,

SERVPRO has a team of licensed water damage restoration professionals who are ready to restore your home or business after any damage at any time.

When a Basement Floods, What Should You Do?

A basement flood can result in extensive water damage and pose secondary risks, such as mold growth. Here are several reasons why a basement may flood, steps homeowners should take, and insurance coverage guidelines.

A Broken Pipe

A pipe break can rapidly fill a basement with water, particularly if homeowners are not aware of the problem or are away from home. A homeowner should take the following steps:

Shut off the main water supply
Turn off power at the breaker box if possible
Contact electric and gas companies if flooding is severe

Shutting off water may limit the amount of damage. These other measures can promote the safety of residents and restoration workers.

An Appliance Leak

An appliance such as a water heater or washing machine may leak. While the cause of this damage may not be a covered peril, insurance coverage should be available for the resulting basement flood. A homeowner can take several measures:

Shut off the water supply to the appliance or the main supply
Shut off electricity or gas to the appliance or the main supply
Contact an appliance repair specialist or plumber

Limit damage by removing as much water as possible. A water damage cleanup company can be helpful if damage is severe.

Heavy Rain or Rising Water

Flooding from external sources can cause extensive damage and is excluded from most homeowners insurance policies. An additional flood policy is necessary to offset the costs of mitigating and restoring a basement flooded by heavy rain or a rising body of water. Rely on professionals to complete this cleanup job.

A Sewer Backup

Sewer backups are also not covered by standard homeowners policies. An additional sewer damage endorsement or rider can cover cleanup and restoration costs. Owners of homes that frequently experience backups may want to install a prevention valve.

These are four common scenarios that can cause a basement flood at a residence in Mesa Verde, CA Depending on the water source, homeowners insurance may or may not cover damage. Act quickly to mitigate primary damage and prevent secondary damage.

Do All Drain Cleaners Damage Pipes?

2/7/2022 (Permalink)

Is It True That All Drain Cleaners Harm Pipes?

Most chemicals intended for clearing a clogged drain are corrosive and toxic. Depending on pipe materials, drain cleaners may degrade plumbing in a residence in Mesa Verde, CA. Enzymatic drain treatments are less damaging, but also work more slowly. Learn more about how acidic, caustic, and oxidizing cleaners work to determine the most effective sewage cleaning method.

How Do Cleaners Work?

Cleaning products are most effective on slow or partially clogged drains. There are three types of drain cleaner chemicals:

Acidic, such as hydrochloric or sulfuric acid
Caustic, such as sodium hydroxide
Oxidizing, such as sodium hypochlorite

Acidic solutions attract electrons, while caustic solutions give electrons to the clog. Both of these types of cleaners release heat. Sodium hypochlorite oxidizes the clog and releases electrons, heat, and gas. A fully clogged drain should be cleared mechanically.

What Are Enzymatic Treatments?

Enzymes restore the bacterial balance of a drain line, which can prevent clogs. These treatments should be used before a drain slows or clogs. Flush mainline enzymes down a toilet twice a month to start and then once every three months. Clear sink or shower drains by pouring enzymes down the drain once a week for a month and then once a month.

Which Treatments Are the Most Effective?

Chemical drain cleaning solutions work quickly to speed up a slow drain or clear a partial blockage, but these products may also damage pipes. These substances are also highly toxic to humans, domestic animals, and the environment. When used as directed, enzymatic treatments are safer and can keep clogs from forming.

In the case of a completely clogged drain, it is better to call a plumber than use treatments that may fail to break up a blockage or sit in pipes and cause damage. If a clog results in a backup and sewer damage, contact a sewage cleaning company in Mesa Verde, CA

Why Is My Toilet Leaking, and How Do I Fix It?

1/2/2022 (Permalink)

What Is The Cause Of My Toilet Leak, And How Do I Fix It?

If you have a leaking toilet in your Costa Mesa, CA, home, you need stop it as soon as possible. A constant bathroom leak could weaken the house's structure and cause further damage from mold. If this is the case, you may want to call a professional water remediation company. But if caught quickly, you can easily prevent more damage from occurring with the following steps.

1. Turn off the Water Supply

First, turn off the shutoff valve. Check to see if the problem is coming from a leaking supply line. If so, try replacing the hose. If not, undo the supply line. If the leakage is coming from the bottom of the toilet, drain it and proceed to the next step.

2. Take the Toilet Out

First, check the bolts around the bottom of the leaking toilet to see that they are tight. By simply tightening them, you may get the leak to stop. If this doesn't work, you should remove the toilet. Loosen and remove the bolts, then gently rock the toilet until it comes loose. Holding onto the bowl, lift the toilet and put it aside onto some cardboard or old newspaper.

3. Change the Wax Ring

Scrape away the wax ring, taking care to inspect the flange for breakage or cracks. If necessary, replace the flange. Then set down the new ring, making sure to center it properly.

4. Put the Toilet Back in Place

Place the toilet above the bolts and lower it into position, making sure that a complete seal is formed with the new wax ring. Securely but gently tighten the bolts, and then put the caps back on.

5. Turn the Water Back On

Reconnect the supply line and turn on the water valve. Flush the toilet, checking to make sure there are no leaks coming from around the bottom of the toilet or the supply line.

A leaking toilet, if not repaired quickly, can cause all sorts of problems beyond the immediate mess. By following the steps outlined above, you can stop the leak and avoid more costly repairs to your home.

If you have a fire or water emergency, please call us now at (949) 566-8887

Archived Water Damage Blog Posts

Top 4 Tips for Mold Prevention Post Water Damage

1. Swift Water Extraction

2. Remove Damaged Materials

3. Clean and Disinfect

4. Monitor Humidity Levels

How to Safely Dispose Water-Damaged Materials and Debris

Post-Water Damage Cleanup

Hazardous Materials

Working with Your Local Waste Management System

Avoiding Environmental Damage

4 Easy Ways To Prevent Plumbing Issues

Clean Your Pipes Consistently

Don’t Pour Grease Down the Drain

Be Careful What You Flush Down the Toilet

Routine Maintenance With A Reliable Plumber

Can I Do my Own Home Water Damage Restoration?

Can I Do my Own Home Water Damage Restoration?

Everything You Need to Know About Sewage Damage

Everything You Need to Know About Sewage Damage

3 Signs Your Shower or Bathtub May Be Leaking

Three Signs That Your Shower Or Bathtub Is Leaking

What To Do When a Basement Floods

When a Basement Floods, What Should You Do?

Do All Drain Cleaners Damage Pipes?

Is It True That All Drain Cleaners Harm Pipes?

Why Is My Toilet Leaking, and How Do I Fix It?

What Is The Cause Of My Toilet Leak, And How Do I Fix It?

Categories

Archived Posts