Water leaks are the most common business losses

3/8/2023 (Permalink)

When water damage shuts down your business, give SERVPRO a call for your water emergency.

Water leaks can be one of the most damaging events to hit a small business. Not only do they cause damage in the short term, but they also affect productivity and have the potential to increase your insurance premiums. In fact, water is the most common cause of small business insurance claims and has been for decades.

The most common business loss is water.

Water leaks are the most common business loss. They can be caused by a variety of things, including broken pipes and flooding. The second-most common cause of water damage is from roof leaks.

The best way to prevent these losses is through regular maintenance and inspections by a professional plumber or contractor who knows how to identify potential problems before they become serious issues.

Water leaks are the leading cause of small business insurance claims.

Water damage is the most common business loss, but it's also one of the hardest to prevent. Leaking pipes are the leading cause of water damage and can be hard to find if you don't know what you're looking for. If you have a leaky pipe, there are ways to find it before it causes major problems in your building. Look for wet spots on floors or walls. These could indicate that there's a leak somewhere nearby.

Check any faucets on sinks or bathtubs periodically, if they're dripping slowly instead of flowing freely, this could mean that there's an issue with your plumbing system that needs attention soon!

Water damage costs small businesses.

Water damage is one of the most common business losses, and it can cause significant damage to your business. Water can spread quickly through your building and cause thousands of dollars in damage before you even realize what's going on.

Keep track of all leaks and make sure they're repaired quickly. This will help to prevent water damage from spreading further into the building or causing further damage to equipment or furniture within the area where it's occurring.

Keep up with maintenance checks so that any problems that do arise are fixed before they become bigger issues (such as burst pipes).

A leaking pipe.

One of the most common business losses is water leaks. A leaking pipe can cost you more in lost productivity than the cost of fixing it. The cost of lost productivity can be hard to quantify, but it's often significant and sometimes greater than the cost of fixing a leak itself.

SERVPRO of Auburn/Enumclaw is available 24/7 for your restoration emergency in your home or business. Our team is trained in water restoration and can get your business back up and running as quickly as possible.

Washing Machine Tips to preventing a Water Loss

1/12/2023 (Permalink)

Check your washing machine for leaks

If you're a homeowner, your washing machine is an essential appliance that you likely use on a daily basis. Unfortunately, if you don't take care of it properly, it can cause major damage to your home. Whether that means flooding your house due to faulty drain hoses, or mildew build up inside due to not cleaning up after use. This guide will help keep washing machine disasters from happening at home.

Faulty Drain Hoses

Check the drain hose for kinks, obstructions and cracks.  If the drain has the least bit of wear and tear it is safe to replace to prevent any damages from happening in the near future.

Replace the drain hose if you find any of these problems immediately.

Don't overload your Washer

• Don't overload your washer. The more laundry you try to cram into the washing machine, the more likely it is that something will get caught and tear up your clothes or cause damage to other items in your laundry room.
• Don't put objects in the washer that are too heavy. This includes stuffed animals, pillows and blankets, large towels and sheets (which can weigh as much as 10 pounds), sheets with metal hooks attached (like hospital-grade bedding) and anything else that might damage your machine if it gets stuck inside while it’s running.
• Don't put clothes in the washer that are too large or small to fit through the opening of your washer door when closed; otherwise they may get tangled up before reaching their designated cycle at all! Also avoid putting any clothing with sharp edges or corners into a top-loading machine since these items could puncture holes in inner drum walls over time. This can eventually lead them to leaking out onto floors below once washed regularly under hot temperatures conditions like those found inside modern home spaces here today.

Check the seal to your washer door.

• Check the seal to your washer door. Keep the seal clear of debris and water build up can prevent the seal from breaking leaving your washer out of order.
• If you find a leak, replace the seal immediately to prevent a water loss.
• The brand and model of your washing machine will determine how to correctly install a new seal.

You should be able to make your washing machine last for many years if you take care of it. You can avoid many issues by making sure that the drain hose is not kinked, overloaded or damaged. You should also check the seal around the door to ensure that it's working properly so no water can leak out from there either.

How to Determine Kitchen Water Damage

1/9/2023 (Permalink)

Listen for drips and leaks

How to Determine Kitchen Water Damage

You wake up in the morning to find your kitchen counters covered with water and you think, "Oh no! Something's wrong with the plumbing.” Then you realize that a pipe under the sink has burst, but this can happen all the time! Here are some ways to tell whether your kitchen has actually been damaged by water:

Wet Cabinets

Look for wet spots on the wall, baseboards and flooring. Check the ceiling for stains (check under kitchen cabinets too). Look inside the sink and dishwasher. If you can't find any obvious signs of water damage, inspect your refrigerator by removing its kick plate or looking underneath it with a flashlight.

Leaking Appliances

Leaky appliances are an obvious sign of water damage. If your dishwasher or refrigerator were to start leaking, a mess would quickly develop around the appliance and could cause extensive damage. If you're noticing a leak from any of these appliances, stop using them immediately and call for professional assistance. The same goes for any other type of leaking appliance—including hot water heaters, faucets, and more—that may be leaking into your kitchen.

Drips and Leaks

• Listen for drips and leaks. The first step to determining if you have water damage is listening for the source of the leak. If you hear dripping or running water in your kitchen, investigate where it is coming from and see if there is any type of leak that can be fixed with a quick repair job.
• Look for drips and leaks. If you cannot find the source of a drip or leak by listening for it, then move on to looking at your kitchen cabinets and drawers for signs of damage caused by water intrusion such as cracks or holes in woodwork; peeling paint; warped wood doors; warped cabinet panels; bubbling paint cans used on countertops under sinks (this means there was standing water at one time); discoloration on surfaces near plumbing fixtures like faucets or dishwashers (again indicating standing water).
• Feel for drips and leaks. Sometimes it isn't easy to detect a drip or leak just by looking around because they may not be visible from every angle so take advantage of all senses including touch! Get down low where possible floors creak beneath my feet whenever I walk across them because my weight shifts causing vibrations that are magnified upon hitting those boards hard enough that they make noise when struck against something else like another board nearby making it vibrate until we reach equilibrium again.

Signs Your Kitchen Has Water Damage

You probably don't realize that your kitchen has water damage until it's too late. It's not uncommon for leaks to appear in the ceiling or walls, causing mold growth and structural damage. If you notice any of these signs, it's time to call in an expert:

• Leaks or stains on the ceiling
• A damp smell in the air (or a musty smell)
• Mold growing on walls or ceilings

If you’re experiencing water damage in your kitchen, it’s important to know what to look for. If you see any of these signs, contact a professional right away to assess the situation and determine whether or not there is damage.

What to Do When Water is Dripping from Your Light Fixtures

11/3/2022 (Permalink)

Hire a professional if you have a water leak from your light fixture.

What to Do When Water is Dripping from Your Light Fixtures

We've all been there—the first spring rainstorm pours down, and you realize that a pipe in your ceiling has sprung a leak. First of all, don't panic. The good news is that most leaks are pretty easy to fix. The bad news: They can be expensive and time-consuming, especially if the source of the problem is something as complex as an ice dam or other roofing issues. But with some basic knowledge about what kinds of leaks occur and how to detect them, you can make sure that your home stays dry (and dry-looking) for years to come!

Check You Ceilings

If you see evidence of water damage—water stains, discoloration, or mold—on the ceiling, you likely have a leak that needs to be repaired. Hiring a professional to fix the problem is your best bet for resolving the issue and getting it back in working order.

Another Source of Leaks

You may have an ice dam that formed on your roof when the snow melted and refroze on the eaves of your house. The water backs up and causes leaks inside the ceiling. If you find a leak, it will be difficult to identify if this is the case because there won't be any standing water or puddles outside of your home.

Turn the Electricity Off

Before you do anything else, call your electric company to turn off the power to your Auburn, WA home before you start investigating leaks. The last thing you want to do is work on electrical wires or cords if you are not qualified, and in this case, it's imperative that someone who knows what they're doing take a look at the source of any leaks before moving forward with repairs. If a professional electrician isn't available immediately, wait until one can get there before continuing any work yourself. You should also turn off all lights in rooms where leaks have been found so as not to accidentally create an unsafe environment for yourself or others. As you may know, water and electricity don’t mix, so you want to avoid being around the two together for your own safety. 

Call SERVPRO— Your Local Professionals

If you’re not sure what to do and cannot identify the source of the leak, it might be best to contact SERVPRO of Auburn/Enumclaw they can inspect your home for leaks and fix any problems that they find. They will also be able to diagnose problems with your plumbing or roofing systems before they worsen and become more costly to repair.

Pipes can get clogged, but they don’t have to cause you stress. If you notice water leaking into your home or hear strange sounds, it may be time to call your insurance agent, a plumber, and a professional restoration company like SERVPRO! We hope this article has given you some helpful tips and advice on how to deal with frozen pipes. Good luck!

Tips for Troubleshooting Your Irrigation System

9/17/2022 (Permalink)

Keep your irrigation system in top working condition by following these troubleshooting tips.

Follow These Troubleshooting Tips

When your commercial irrigation system in Enumclaw, WA, works well, it keeps your lawn and landscaping green and plush. If something in the system breaks down, however, it can cause costly problems. Fortunately, there are some smart troubleshooting tips to keep your system working as intended.

1. Inspect Sprinkler Heads
Sprinkler heads are damaged by lawn mowers, vehicles and foot traffic. Check each head periodically for breakage or missing features, and make sure they pop up properly. Remove dirt and debris, and replace any missing sprinkler heads right away.

2. Look for Leaking Around the Sprinklers
Zone valves within the irrigation system can become dirty or damaged over time, preventing the valves from closing all the way. Remove the valve and clean it thoroughly. If it is broken, replace it promptly.

If the leakage isn’t handled right away, water can begin to pool in areas on the lawn. Surface water can drain into the building causing serious water damage. If this occurs, call a water repair service as soon as possible to investigate the damage and determine a plan of action.

3. Check for Low Water Pressure
If you notice that water only trickles out of a sprinkler, you most likely have low water pressure. There are a couple of reasons this may occur.
The least serious of the irrigation problems could be that the backflow device’s water valves may not be fully turned on. If that doesn’t solve the problem, there may be a pipe leaking somewhere in the system. At that point, it is best to call an irrigation repair service to inspect the entire system.

4. Look for Sprinkler Zones That Don’t Turn On
Generally, this is caused by faulty electrical signals between the valve solenoids and the controller. Someone with professional electrical training should inspect the system and fix the problem.
Keep your irrigation system in top working condition by following these troubleshooting tips.

3 Ways To Clean Items After Flooding

8/25/2022 (Permalink)

If you have water damage in your home, call SERVPRO

After A Flood, There Are Three Ways To Clean Your Belongings.

If you’re dealing with a flooded company or home in Enumclaw, WA, you may be wondering if it’s possible to salvage any items located in the structure. You may be relieved to know that as long as the water wasn’t contaminated this should be possible. Here’s what you may need to know.

Items Will Need To Be Cleaned

Any item that has come into contact with the flooding should be cleaned. There are many methods available depending on item type.

• Clothing and cloth items may be washed with hot water
• Dry cleaning is an option for non-washable cloth items
• Sanitizing dips are available for small items
• Furniture and large pieces may be wiped over with a cleaning solution
• Electronics should be looked at by a professional service

Some items May Need To Be Replaced

In the case of a flooded company or home some items may need to be replaced. It's a good idea to look over each piece thoroughly to see if there is any irreparable damage. Fortunately, many insurance policies cover damage to items resulting from a flood, so you may want to talk to your provider when these items are discovered.

A Professional Restoration Company Can Help

If you don’t feel comfortable conducting repairs yourself you may choose to work with a water damage restoration service. Many such companies can help with cleanup, sanitation, repairs, and even help with damages caused to personal items. In many cases, they may also be able to take steps to help prevent future issues.

When salvaging items in a flooded company or home, whether it’s from storm damage, a broken pipe, sprinkler system failure, or other sources, you may be relieved to know that you can save the items and equipment in the building, as well as repair the structure. Remember, each item will need to be cleaned according to its type, and some items may still need to be replaced. Fortunately, a professional team may be able to help with this process.

Anyone Can Fix a Leaky Toilet With These 4 Steps

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is highly trained and experienced in water damage cleanup and restoration and we are always here to help, no matter the day or hour.

With These Four Steps, Anyone Can Repair A Leaking Toilet.

As a homeowner in Auburn, WA, you will encounter plumbing issues at one time or another and need to make repairs. Many problems require a professional to handle the job, but fixing a leaking toilet is something nearly everyone can do themselves if they follow a few easy steps. The most important thing is to address the leak right away before it causes any damage to your home.

1. Find the Source

Before you begin repairing the problem, you need to know what's causing it. Often, the wax seal at the base of the toilet is to blame. Other times, it could be that it's an old toilet and wasn't installed properly. If you're lucky, you may just need to tighten the tank or fix the tank flange with a repair strap.

2. Get Rid of the Water

Turn the water off with the valve at the back of the toilet and flush your leaking toilet to empty the bowl and tank. You may need a cup to scoop out the rest of the water or soak it up with a towel. Next, disconnect the water supply tube at the base of the toilet.

3. Take the Toilet Off

Now, gently rock the toilet back and forth to loosen the seal and set it down on its side. You're already more than halfway through your toilet repair!

4. Install a New Gasket and Put the Toilet Back On

You should be able to easily scrape the old gasket off the flange and set a new one in its place. Put the toilet back on, making sure to press it down firmly to create a seal with the new gasket. Tighten the bolts, press down again and tighten the nuts before replacing the caps. All that's left is to reconnect the water supply tube, turn the water valve back on and flush the toilet to make sure there are no leaks.

Repairing a leaking toilet can be as simple as following these four steps. However, if the leak stems from a more complicated issue, you may need to call a plumber or a water damage specialist if the damage is extensive.

5 Steps To Replace Your Leaky Toilet

3/2/2022 (Permalink)

If you have water damage in your home, you can count on SERVPRO, we offer our cleanup and restoration services around the clock, 7 days a week

Replace Your Leaky Toilet in 5 Easy Steps

Toilet repair or replacement is an important part of home maintenance. A leaking toilet can waste gallons of water each day, meaning that your money is going down the drain, too. Leaks can also cause serious and costly water damage. If your toilet in Black Diamond, WA, is leaking, following these steps to replace it can save you money and help you avoid further issues.

1. Drain the Water From the Toilet

Shut off the water supply valve, which should be located on the left side of the toilet. Flush the toilet to drain most of the water out of the bowl and tank. Any remaining water will need to be removed with a sponge or mop. The supply line at the base of the tank should also be disconnected.

2. Remove the Leaking Toilet

Loosen the bolts at both sides of the old toilet and then remove all nuts and washers. Carefully lift the toilet straight up and place it on a drop cloth or other protective surface to avoid staining your floor. Clean any remains of the wax ring or putty from the floor.

3. Install the Wax Ring

Center the new wax ring and press firmly to ensure that the gap between the floor and the toilet is completely sealed. Be careful to avoid damaging the wax ring, as it will not function properly if deformed.

4. Assemble the New Toilet

Begin with the bowl, placing it over the drain and then add the tank. You may need to gently rock the toilet to place it firmly on the wax ring. Install and tighten nuts, bolts and washers, and attach the toilet seat and lid.

5. Test Your Work

Turn the water supply back on, and flush the toilet to ensure it is working correctly. Check carefully for any leaks.

If you prefer, you may also call a professional to replace a leaking toilet. If you discover or suspect water damage, contact a residential restoration specialist to safely resolve problems.

Even Washing Machines Can Spring a Leak

11/30/2021 (Permalink)

If your home suffers any water damage, rely on SERVPRO, we have a trained team ready to help you.

Even Washing Machines Have The Potential To Leak.

What’s not to love about your washing machine? You hit a few buttons and your clothes come clean. It runs fine for years until, one day, you have a washing machine leak.

There Is a Good Reason Why Appliance Repair Firms Are Hard to Find

Major appliances have a long service life. It is easy to find washers and dryers that are still running after 20 years. Most of them don’t require maintenance until their later years and, by then, appliance stores would rather sell you a new one instead of repairing the old one. The shortage of repair people invites owners to take on the job of repairing the appliances themselves.

To find a washing machine leak you:

1. Examine the hot-water and cold-water supplies for leaks.
2. Start the washer’s fill cycle and check for leaks.
3. Watch to see if the washer tub overfills, which would indicate a faulty overfill assembly.
4. Run the wash and drain cycles where leaks would indicate a pump problem.
5. Check for leaks during the drain cycle and check to see if the drain pipe overflows.

Risk of Water Damage Is the Biggest Problem With Faulty Washers

A broken washer is not your biggest problem. If you have an older washer, it uses about 40 gallons of water to wash a full load of clothes. High-efficiency washers can do the same job with about 20 gallons. Either way, that water can cause a lot of damage. Unless your washer sits on a concrete basement floor next to an open drain, a major washer leak can cause significant damage in your home.

A water damage restoration company in Enumclaw, WA, can help you assess and contain the damage and perform any necessary cleanup.

Repairing a Washing Machine Leak

Once you have found the source of the leak, you need to decide if you are up to the task. If you aren’t, you can always leave it up to a professional.

How To Flush a Water Heater in 8 Easy Steps

11/16/2021 (Permalink)

Water heaters are useful in so many ways, but they require some attention on your part to stay working for a long time.

In 8 Simple Steps, Learn How To Flush A Water Heater

Whether you are cooking, cleaning, or taking a bath, you need a functioning water heater. Water heaters are useful in so many ways, but they require some attention on your part to stay working for a long time. To avoid water damage, broken parts, and hot water shortage, here are 8 steps you can follow to flush out the heater.

1. Shut Off the Power

You’ll need to turn the power off completely to begin the flushing process. If your home in Enumclaw, WA, has a gas heater, look for the thermostat on the bottom. If the fixture is electric, go to the breaker box and turn off the switch.

2. Turn Off the Water Supply

Next, turn off the cold-water valve. This will allow a smooth process.

3. Run Hot Water From a Nearby Faucet

You don’t want to create a vacuum within the tank, so this is an easy way to relieve the water pressure.

4. Screw On the Garden Hose

You’ll be draining the water, so find a hose that you can attach to the spigot. Find a place to distribute the water. You may need a portable pump so that you don’t cause any water damage within your home.

5. Drain the Tank

Drain the water until most of the sediment appears to have escaped the tank. You may have to drain the entire water heater.

6. Reopen the Cold-Water Supply Valve

This is the step that flushes the tank. Let the cold water run through the tank into the hose for a few minutes.

7. Close the Drain Valve

Close off the valve and disconnect your garden hose. Double check that the pressure relief valve is closed.

8. Fill the Tank and Power Up

Turn off the faucet from a nearby sink and fill up the tank. Once it is filled, open the pressure relief valve and turn the electricity or gas back on.

A water heater flush is needed periodically to remove sediment build-up and prevent a premature breakdown. Keep your water heaters in top shape to avoid problems in the future.

Keeping Coziness In and Water Out

9/16/2021 (Permalink)

There is never a perfect time for water damage in your Auburn home, but SERVPRO is always ready to respond to your water damage.

Keeping Coziness And Water Away

Most properties in Auburn, WA, can be susceptible to some extent of water damage. Just one flash flood or leaking pipe can lead to an indoor catastrophe. Having water in the home is no easy problem to have; however, by becoming aware of these three common areas for water damage, you can be better prepared for issues down the road.

1. The Bathroom

When it comes to vulnerable rooms for water damage, the first area that likely comes to mind is the bathroom. With toilets, tubs, showers and sinks, finding a broken pipe or other point of leakage in the bathroom is typical. Drains also commonly see blockage, which can ultimately result in burst pipes. By inspecting pipes on a regular basis, you can stay in the know about any potential water invasion.

2. The Kitchen

Your oven may be the most reliable friend when it comes to making delicious meals, but is it contributing to water in the home? As appliances wear, their pipes and hoses can crack, causing them to develop leaks. Although pipe cleanup usually gets the job done, practicing a routine maintenance check on refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers and washing machines is a wise step.

3. The Utility Closet

Regular HVAC checks can also help you prevent trouble in the future. One red flag to watch out for is a leaky indoor unit – water-damaged units usually point toward an underlying leak, drip or draining failure somewhere in the heating and cooling system. Evaporator coils naturally build up condensation but should be the only wet part of the unit.

A bathroom full of leaks, a malfunctioning appliance and a dripping HVAC system are no fun problems to have. Because these systems can be sensitive and complex, it is typically ideal to call on the professionals for help. Once you get to the bottom of water in the home, you can wave goodbye to the leaks and reclaim your coziness.

3 Water Heater Noises That May Indicate a Problem

8/14/2021 (Permalink)

If your water heater is noisier than usual it may be trying to tell you something.

3 Noises from a Water Heater That Could Mean There's a Problem

The water heater in your Auburn, WA, home can be a vital piece of equipment when it comes to providing your family with hot water for cleaning and bathing. Despite its importance, you may not give it much thought unless it acts up. The sounds a unit makes can be an indication of a problem, and there are several different noises you can listen for if you suspect a malfunction.

1. Screaming

This sound can be startling, especially if it happens suddenly. However, there is usually no cause to be alarmed. A screaming water heating unit may have loose valves that need to be adjusted or tightened. You may be able to chase down the noise by listening closely when someone turns on the water in the kitchen or bathroom.

2. Banging

Noisy pipes can be common in older homes, and banging sounds that emit from your water heater usually occur if the unit is not bolted down properly or if pipes move or jerk suddenly when the water in your home is turned on or off. Over time, this movement may cause damage to the pipes or the tank itself. You can prevent these problems by bolting down the pipes and the tank or by updating your home's plumbing.

3. Crackling or Popping

If you hear crackling, rumbling or popping as your water heats up, this may be a sign that sediment has collected inside your unit. This can be especially true of older units or those that have never been serviced. Calling in a professional restoration company to perform a water heater flush can eliminate these sounds. Having your heater inspected and cleaned can improve its efficiency and ensure that small problems do not get any worse.

If your Auburn, WA, home's water heater is noisier than usual, it may be trying to tell you something. Having the unit inspected and maintained can keep it running like new and quiet any troublesome noises.

Water Heater Failure: 3 Steps for Protecting Your Home

7/15/2021 (Permalink)

A leaking water heater can cause plenty of damage to your home.

Prevent Water Damage From Spreading

You may not give much thought to the water heater in your Pacific, WA, home, at least not until something goes wrong. For example, a leaking water heater can cause a lot of problems in a short amount of time, especially if the leak is severe. However, there are several actions you can take right away to prevent water damage from spreading until you can call in a professional flood cleanup and restoration service.

1. Shut Off the Water Lines

A failed water heater can lose water rapidly and create a flood in your utility room. This may cause damage to the floor and any other large appliances you store there, such as a washer or dryer. To prevent this, shut off your home’s water right away. This may slow the leak and contain the water to a small area.

2. Turn Off the Room’s Power

A broken water heater can spew water at high velocity and damage any electrical systems that may be in the room. You can try to mitigate some of this damage by shutting down the power in that room. However, it is important that you only attempt this if your home’s fuse box is located somewhere other than the flooded room. If it is located there, call your local power company for help.

3. Seal the Room

You can prevent a leaking water heater from causing widespread water damage by temporarily sealing off the room. Shut the nearest door, and plug the base with absorbent cotton towels. Even if you cannot stop the leak, this may help confine the spread of water until a cleanup crew arrives. Try to avoid entering the flooded area itself, as leaking water from the tank may be hot.

A leaking water heater can cause plenty of damage to your Pacific, WA, home. However, taking a few steps to contain the problem while you wait for help to arrive can reduce cleanup costs and protect the rest of your property.

Options for Cleaning Personal Items After Water Damage

3/10/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage in Auburn, WA

Options for Cleaning Personal Items After Water Damage

In addition to the normal suspects of carpeting, upholstery, walls and insulation, water in a home also causes damage to many different types of personal items. Many of these items pose difficulties in the cleaning process that are often beyond the capabilities of the owners. In fact, individuals might just throw out valuable personal belongings as the result of water damage. In some cases, though, with the help of professional cleaning techniques, the following items might be able to be restored:

• Documents
• Photographs
• Paintings
• Keepsakes
• Clothing
  

A local water restoration company in Auburn, WA has the equipment and the expertise to determine what items can be saved after a water disaster. Trained technicians will pretest belongings to identify candidates for a successful restoration.

Powerful Cleaning Methods
Wayward water in home coats items with residues that are harmful to fabrics and finishes. It is important to remove the water and to clean away dirt, grit and chemicals. Professional cleaners match the item to one of these optimal cleaning methods:

• Wet cleaning for removing moderate to heavy residues
• Spray and wipe cleaning for delicate items
• Foam cleaning for upholstery that might shrink
• Dry cleaning for lightly soiled items
• Immersion cleaning for stubborn stains
  

When used following the highest standards of the cleaning industry, these methods provide an opportunity to save cherished personal belongings. A restore versus replace mentality also saves money.

Other Techniques for Home Cleaning
A water disaster caused by a broken pipe or some other calamity sometimes requires advanced techniques. A move-out of personal belongings allows for a quicker remodeling process while protecting fragile items from further damage. Electronic cleanup involves reducing hazards caused by water damage to television sets, computers and printers. A qualified electronics technician performs a complete cleaning to prevent corrosion.
When water in home presents several challenges, it is best to call for professional help. A trained crew will restore a home and its contents to their original condition.

How To Repair a Leaking Toilet

12/28/2020 (Permalink)

It’s a nasty shock when a leaking toilet starts creating puddles

Follow These Steps And You'll Be Flushing Away Your Concerns

It’s a nasty shock when a leaking toilet starts creating puddles. Fortunately, most homeowners can correct the matter with a bit of effort.

1. Remove the Toilet

Begin by using a wrench to separate the supply tube from the shutoff valve. Check that the valve has been closed and your old toilet is completely drained. Unscrew the rounded caps covering the bolts and then set aside the hex nuts. Without moving the tank, lift the bowl and set it on top of an old blanket or piece of cardboard. This will help prevent contaminated liquid that is still lurking within your leaking toilet from spreading further.

2. Make the Repair

Scrape the old gasket off the closet flange and then slide a repair strap underneath. Only do this once the screws used to anchor the flange have been loosened. Place the new wax gasket upon the closet flange, taking extra care that it is properly centered. Now, connect the water supply tube to the shank located at the toilet’s base.

3. Re-secure Your Toilet

Push down on the rim of the toilet to secure the gasket. Tighten the bolts and press down once again. With a close-quarter hacksaw, trim the bolts. Make sure the nuts are solidly reconnected before replacing the caps. All that remains is hooking up the supply tube to the shutoff valve. Allow water to flow back into the bowl and try flushing. If your task has been properly executed, no leaks should appear.

If you have a significant bathroom leak, toilet repair may be the least of your concerns. Indoor flooding can cause intense damage. Hire a residential water repair professional to make your bathroom in Auburn, WA look “Like it never even happened.”
A leaking toilet can be repaired by the average resident entirely by themselves. With some knowledge and old-fashioned elbow grease, the problem can be entirely alleviated without outside help.

How To Create a Business Continuity Plan

12/12/2020 (Permalink)

A business continuity plan can help ensure that you are prepared for business disruption

How To Create a Business Continuity Plan

Business interruptions caused by weather events, natural disasters or other disruptive events can result in thousands of dollars in lost revenue. A business continuity plan can help minimize the impact of business interruptions.

Constructing Your Plan
Your emergency response plan will need to address every aspect of your business operations. When drafting your plan, you should seek input from managers and employees in all departments as you proceed through a six-step process:

• Determine the scope of the plan.
• Identify critical functions.
• Identify key business areas.
• Calculate allowable downtime for all critical functions.
• Analyze how different business areas and functions are dependent upon each other.
• Create your plan to keep operations functioning.
  

Create a Disaster Recovery Plan
A disaster recovery plan should be part of your business continuity plan. If you do not already have a disaster recovery plan, you will need to create one.

Test Your Plan
Sometimes plans look good on paper but do not work out very well in reality. You do not want to find out that your plan does not work while you are in the middle of recovering from a disaster, so it is important to test it out. You should test your plan two to four times per year and make sure the scenarios are challenging. The goal is to find any weaknesses in your plan and fix them. Popular testing methods include structured walk-throughs, simulations and table-top exercises.

Review Your Plan
You should not create your plan, test it once and then forget about it. You will need to periodically review and improve your plan to account for changing technology, personnel and business operations. Solicit feedback from employees during this process. It may also be helpful to consult with a disaster recovery professional in Auburn, WA.
A business continuity plan can not prevent business disruptions, but it can help ensure that you are prepared for them when they occur. Proper preparation can minimize your downtime and save you money.

What To Know Before Making Your Next Water Damage Insurance Claim

11/24/2020 (Permalink)

Basement damaged by water

Water damage is the second most common cause of residential insurance claims. In fact, 1 in 50 homeowners makes a water-related claim each year. The below information will come in handy the next time your home suffers bursting pipes or a similar disaster.

Types of Water Damage

Several types of water emergencies may force you to file a claim. Some of the most common are:

• Floods
• Water or sewer backup
• Overflow
• Storm-related damage
  

Insurance usually pays for harm cause by sudden and accidental discharges of water. Yet you may have damage that occurred over time, such as a leaky faucet or cracks in your wall. If the insurer determines that the water entered your home gradually, it may not pay for the cost of repairs.
Even bursting pipes may be considered gradual damage. However, your policy may cover the damage that results from the ensuing flood even if the insurer will not pay to replace the pipe.

Filing Your Claim
Before your next disaster, you should take steps to ensure the insurance provider accepts your claim. Since your policy likely does not cover gradual damage, you should do regular maintenance twice each year. You should also keep track of any repairs you or a contractor perform.
If your claim was denied, contact your insurance provider to find out exactly why. You should also ask who made the decision to deny the claim: Was it the adjuster, a contractor or your agent? Do not be afraid to seek a second opinion.
It may simply be that the language of your policy did not allow you to make a claim for your bursting pipes or other disaster. If that is the case, consider switching insurance companies or adding an endorsement.
Most water damage caused by a sudden and accidental discharge is covered under a homeowners' policy. You can use the insurance money to pay emergency restoration professionals in Auburn, WA, who fix broken pipe. To save yourself some headaches, read over your policy in advance and be sure you understand it.

3 Types of Contaminated Water

10/13/2020 (Permalink)

Water categories

Types Of Contaminated Water Floods

While all floods are certainly capable of causing massive amounts of damage, that doesn't mean that you can always treat them the same way. There are three main types of floods, each categorized by the types of contaminants present in the flood. Read on to see how you can best remediate the damage if your home in Bayne Junction, WA, recently suffered a contaminated water flood.

1. Clean Water Floods
Clean water floods, also known as Category 1 floods, are the least dangerous types of floods. These floods originate from sources that are not harmful to humans, such as a burst supply line, bathtub overflow, excess rain water or snow melt and much more. Theoretically, this type of water is safe for human consumption, but you should still never attempt to drink any type of flood water.

2. Gray Water Floods
These types of floods, also known as Category 2 floods, contain some degree of contaminated water, due to the flood's source. Gray water floods originate from flooded household appliances, such as dishwashers or washing machines, sump-pump failures and broken aquariums, to name a few. If not treated in less than 48 hours, gray water floods can turn into Category 3 floods.

3. Black Water Floods
Category 3 floods are the most dangerous type of flood water. These floods are categorized by the presence of biohazards, such as human fecal matter, raw sewage, pesticides and other dangerous chemicals. They typically originate from toilet back flow, surface ground water, overflowing river banks and sewage overflow. You should never attempt to remediate this type of flood by yourself, and instead enlist professional help.
It's a good idea to contact flood remediation experts for assistance handling all types of contaminated water floods, not just Category 3 black water floods. It's the only way to guarantee that the job is performed quickly, efficiently and effectively. Don't take risks when it comes to protecting your property.

How To Deal With Electronic Damage After Your Business Floods

8/20/2020 (Permalink)

Drying equipment in commercial building

Steps For Dealing With Flooded Electronics

When your Berrydale, WA, business experiences a flood, the toll on your office equipment can be devastating. These are some essential steps for dealing with flooded electronics with damages due to:

High humidity
Direct contact
Submersion

Disconnect Power
Turning off the power is the most important thing you can do when first dealing with flood-related electronic damage. You must first turn off circuit breakers if you can safely do so and before touching electrical devices, plugs or outlets. It is best to avoid all contact with submerged electronics or any equipment that remains plugged in if you or your clothes are wet.

Get Professional Assistance
After a flood at your business, you should contact a commercial cleaning company as soon as possible to extract excess water using heavy-duty equipment. This essential step can prevent the development of mold that can spread quickly. Prompt attention to water extraction can prevent further damage to your flooded electronics to determine whether they are salvageable.

Assess Damage
Commercial flood remediation professionals are skilled at assessing office equipment, including computers, phones, copy machines, and other electronic devices essential for your business. A knowledgeable professional can safely handle your electronic devices to determine the extent of damage and apply the best methods to restore them.

Repair
Generally, submerged items are beyond repair and require replacement; however, it is possible to treat electronic damage resulting from high humidity and some direct water contact. Commercial flood restoration teams work with experienced electricians to remove dirt, debris, and water from the delicate interior parts of your devices. Consulting with a professional cleaning service is the best way to determine what you should replace and what is worth keeping.
Floods can devastate any Berrydale, WA, business if flooded electronics prevent access to valuable data. It is always best to back up all sensitive files in case your electronic devices are beyond repair.

Basement Flooding: What Your Insurance Covers

6/16/2020 (Permalink)

Flooded basement in Bayne Junction

Basement Flooding: What Your Insurance Covers

Flooded basements account for a large number of residential insurance claims. If you’ve descended your stairs only to discover a basement flood in your Bayne Junction, WA, home, you are suddenly tasked with protecting your property and scrambling to orchestrate a cleanup. It may help you move forward to understand what kind of reimbursement to expect from your insurance company.
Home water damage is addressed by two separate insurance areas, depending on the origin of the offending water. Your conventional homeowner’s insurance will generally cover the most common types of damage, but it’s important to understand the exceptions.

Conventional Insurance and Water Damage

Your homeowner’s policy will generally reimburse a portion of the cleanup and restoration costs for a basement flood, as long as the water originated from inside your home. These scenarios would likely be allowable for reimbursement:

• A leaking appliance, such as a water heater or ice maker
  
• A broken plumbing pipe
  
• An overflowing toilet or bathtub
  
  

Water damage should be reported to your insurance agent right away, so you are informed of the coverage possibilities. If water entering from the exterior ground level caused your problem, your conventional policy will do you no good. You would need to have purchased a government-issued flood insurance policy.

Government Flood Insurance
A flood occurs when normally dry land is inundated with water or mud. If your basement flood was caused by exterior water, a specialized government flood policy would be needed to cover the damages. Flood insurance can be purchased from the US Government, though your insurance agent can broker the sale and answer any questions. Your agent or your local flood remediation service can help you determine your risk, which will inform your level of need for flood insurance.
Understanding water damage insurance coverage is essential to protecting your home from unwanted water. If you do have water damage, you are likely in the midst of a disruptive time. Being prepared with the proper insurance and resources may reduce your stress level and help you restore some normalcy to your home and your life.