Even the smallest amount of water that intrudes into your home can quickly gravitate from a nuisance to a significant issue. And a water intrusion that involves hundreds or thousands of gallons of water may mean you become homeless for a short time, while the repair is performed
Did you know that water losses are given classifications? One water loss isn’t always like the next. There are differences. Many water damage situations involve a basement, and often a sump pump failure. Others are from leaky pipes or even broken pipes. When this occurs, along with other types of water loss situations, did you know the water type is classified by professional water damage restoration experts as “clean?” That’s right. Even if it looks dirty, because of a lower amount of potentially hazardous contaminants in the water, it is given a “Category 1” classification. However, this type of water loss can quickly escalate into a more dangerous situation, if not removed and affected materials dried out quickly. Then we have water damage situations that may contain potentially hazardous contaminants and bacteria that could be harmful to your health. An example would be a toilet that overflows, that doesn’t involve raw sewage. This would be a “Category 2” classification. A Category 1 can become a Category 2 if left unattended, because of bacteria and microbial growth occurring over time. And it gets worse from here. A “Category 3” water damage situation is “black” water and is always considered dangerous to the health of occupants in a home or building. An example would be a raw sewage backup and contamination. Another would be flood waters, since you aren’t sure of the source of the water or where it has been. The contamination involved would dictate wearing personal protective equipment and even respirators. Never risk your health. For Category 1 and Category 2, there is a chance you could extract and dry the area yourself. Often, it ends up in frustration and even mold growth. Easy to call someone for a mold test in Barnegat, N.J. But for Category 3, never attempt this on your own. In fact, play it safe. Always call a professional water damage in Barnegat, N.J. company when you have any type of flooding situation in your home. And always call a professional if mold removal in Barnegat, N.J. is needed. After all, it pays to call a pro! Your home may be nice and warm — and dry — but if you have a basement and a sump pump, anything can happen if there is a failure of your trusty remover of ground water.
Sump pumps work to keep basements dry in certain geographic locations, and we trust our own pump will continue as a reliable sentinel of protection. Yet, as is the case with any mechanical device, failure will eventually happen. How long should your sump pump work? It depends on several factors, including how hard it works and the mineral content of the groundwater it is pumping out. Anything can happen. The experts say that a sump pump should last an average of 10 years, so do the math. How old is your sump pump? It might be a good idea to consult a plumber (or do it yourself) and replace it before it fails. And before you have the problem of water damage in Absecon, N.J. How they work Sump pumps work on demand. When the ground is dry, they obviously don’t do anything. But when it begins to rain, or groundwater begins to rise naturally, the float switch rises and the pump starts up, removing water to the outside, usually to a storm drain. When the water level lowers, the float switch follows and turns off the pump. Sometimes, the float switch can become stuck in the “up” position, which means the pump will run continuously. Most people can hear their pump and if you notice it is running continuously, go look and check the float. If the float is down, and the pump is running, it is time to consider replacement. Over time you will get to know the normal sound of your pump and anything out of the ordinary will get your attention. Don’t ignore an abnormal sound. A flooded basement is no fun. This can cause more issues like needing mold removal in Absecon, N.J. If you feel that could be a problem it is always good to get a mold inspection in Absecon, N.J. Replacement The cost of a sump pump can be as low as $50 to several hundred dollars, depending on the model you choose. Larger capacity pumps cost more, obviously. Installing a sump pump can be straightforward, simple. When you purchase a new pump, such as at your favorite hardware store, ask for instructions. Some of them come with the pump, but the experts who sell you the pump also know what to do. You can also call a plumber. That shouldn’t be too expensive as a professional will make quick work of the task. And you have the peace of mind that the pump is installed correctly and working as it is designed. Of course, if your pump ever fails you and your basement floods, you need professional help to clean up the mess. Call your favorite water damage restoration company. After all, it pays to call a pro! Water damage in Ventnor, N.J. issues in your home can really ruin a good day… week… or month.
You want to do all you can to avoid any type of flooding because damage can be quite extensive and expensive. One thing you can do to avoid future issues is to ensure your appliances are in good working order and that they don’t spring a leak that can damage your home. Some of this could result in mold. Always be safe and get a mold test in Ventnor, N.J. Obviously, the biggest threat in your home is the toilet. Or toilets, if you have more than one bathroom. They can plug up, overflowing when you flush them. They can also leak at the seal, where the toilet sits on the floor. And, of course, the supply line can leak, sometimes slowly but occasionally with a strong spray of water. This normally happens when you replace the parts inside the toilet tank. Make sure you do a good job when you work on your toilet! You don’t want any surprises popping up. Second on the list is your washing machine. Its job is to fill up with hot, soapy water, do some shaking, and clean your clothes, and then drain into the sewage system. However, sometimes the drain can become plugged and water can come spewing out, causing all kinds of damage. A hot or cold supply hose can also break, and if you aren’t home when that happens, the damage can be devastating. Be sure to inspect your drain and the condition of your hoses regularly. The seals on the door need to be inspected as well, if it is a front-loading machine. Third in this lineup of appliances is your dishwasher. It’s like your washing machine but doesn’t fill up with water quite as much, but if it springs a leak, whether from the drain or from the door, you will have a big mess. Using too much dishwashing detergent can also be a cause of a machine overflowing. Inspect the supply and drain hoses and use the appropriate amount of detergent. The seals on the door, like your front-loading washing machine, need some attention from time to time. When the worst happens, and your home suffers from any type of flooding, do the right thing. The safest thing. Call your water damage restoration experts. And always use a professional for mold removal in Ventnor, N.J. After all, it pays to call a pro! What a mess! What are we going to do!
Have you ever said something like that? If you have experienced a leaky hot water tank… you probably have. When it happened, hopefully it was in an unfinished basement and not in an area of the house that suffered severe damage. Leaks can happen anytime there is contained water, in any pipe, hose, or appliance. For hot water heaters, you add the element of pressure and heat. A leak can quickly turn into a spray of water, and a bad flood. To add insult to injury, when you discover a hot water tank is leaking or flooding your home and you turn off the water, chances are those remaining 50, 60, 70, 80 or more gallons are still going to come out to haunt you. Some water tanks are big. Good for multiple occupants in your home… bad for flooding. Adding insult to injury, when your hot water tank fails, you not only have to clean up the mess, but now you don’t have… hot water. It’s a cold shower for everyone until you get it fixed. Of course, if a leaking hot water tank ruins your day, it’s time to bring in the water damage in Tuckerton, N.J., professionals. But there are some steps you can take so this never (hopefully!) happens to you. An aging issue Like any appliance, the older it gets, the more likely it may have issues. Some experts say a tank should last between 8-12 years. How long have you had your tank? If much longer than that, you may be living on borrowed time! Replacement may be necessary. Healthy checkups You can keep an eye on things yourself. Once a month, look over your hot water tank, inspecting for evidence of water seepage. Often, this comes from underneath the tank. If any moisture is noticeable, call a plumber and get it fixed ASAP. An annual inspection by a plumbing company is a good idea as well. These visits are not that expensive and can really save you in the long run. Also a good thing to have is a mold inspection in Tucerton, N.J. Flush away troubles When you don’t see it, you don’t think about it. But inside your water tank, sediment and residues are building up. These can cause all kinds of issues. You can flush out your tank by (after reducing the temperature, of course) attaching a garden hose to the connection at the bottom of the tank and removing all the gunk and goo down there. It will have to drain somewhere, which could be a challenge. Of course, if you don’t want to mess with this, have your plumber do it for you. And always use a professional if mold removal in Tuckerton, N.J. is needed. When the unthinkable happens, though, and you are facing inches (hopefully not feet!) of water to clean up, and damaged belongings in your home as well, it’s time to call your water damage experts. After all, it pays to call a pro! There’s not much that can cause a panic and loud screaming than when the handle of the toilet is pushed and — instead of everything swirling down into the sewer line — it all comes rushing back out. This could be a serious water damage in Toms River, N.J.
You know what the “everything” is... and you surely do not wish to be the offending flusher who must clean it up. But someone needs to do the dirty work. Yes, when a toilet overflows, it’s time to put on your best game face and get ready for action. Put this nightmare behind you. But before you start work, you might wish to reach for good shoes, like rubber boots, along with gloves and other protective gear. A nose clip might not be a bad idea, either. The first order of business is to stop this exciting event from happening again. Be sure the toilet is unplugged, draining, and working properly. If you clean everything up and it all happens again, your nightmare just repeats itself. Scrape up any (ick) solids and soak up any liquids with disposable towels. Remove as much excess contamination as possible. Then liberally apply a strong disinfectant cleaner, something appropriate for this type of work. Your local hardware or grocery store will have a selection of products, and you may have something under your kitchen sink that will work. Wipe down everything, even if in doubt if a surface was affected. Better safe than sorry. After doing all of this, do it one more time, just to be sure. Follow this with cleaning the same surfaces with a typical bathroom cleaning product, to remove any remaining residues. And having a mold test in Toms River, N.J. may be a good idea. Although this is a common occurrence and it is a safe bet that every home has a vengeful toilet that has belched up offending olfactory gunk, be sure to do a thorough job with your cleanup process. Bacteria can grow and affect the health of your family. To keep your home clean and healthy, there’s something else you can do. Reach out to your restoration pros. They know how to handle not only floods, mold, fire and smoke damage… but sewage backup as well. Let them handle the icky stuff. In time, if you need mold removal in Toms River, N.J., always call a professional. What a mess! What are we going to do!
Have you ever said something like that? If you have experienced a leaky hot water tank… you probably have. When it happened, hopefully it was in an unfinished basement and not in an area of the house that suffered severe damage. Leaks can happen anytime there is contained water, in any pipe, hose, or appliance. For hot water heaters, you add the element of pressure and heat. A leak can quickly turn into a spray of water, and a bad flood. To add insult to injury, when you discover a hot water tank is leaking or flooding your home and you turn off the water, chances are those remaining 50, 60, 70, 80 or more gallons are still going to come out to haunt you. Some water tanks are big. Good for multiple occupants in your home… bad for flooding. Adding insult to injury, when your hot water tank fails, you not only have to clean up the mess, but now you don’t have… hot water. It’s a cold shower for everyone until you get it fixed. Of course, if a leaking hot water tank ruins your day, it’s time to bring in the water damage in Surf City, N.J. professionals. But there are some steps you can take so this never (hopefully!) happens to you. An aging issue Like any appliance, the older it gets, the more likely it may have issues. Some experts say a tank should last between 8-12 years. How long have you had your tank? If much longer than that, you may be living on borrowed time! Replacement may be necessary. Healthy checkups You can keep an eye on things yourself. Once a month, look over your hot water tank, inspecting for evidence of water seepage. Often, this comes from underneath the tank. If any moisture is noticeable, call a plumber and get it fixed ASAP. An annual inspection by a plumbing company is a good idea as well. These visits are not that expensive and can really save you in the long run. Having a mold inspection in Surf City, N.J. can also be a great idea. Flush away troubles When you don’t see it, you don’t think about it. But inside your water tank, sediment and residues are building up. These can cause all kinds of issues. You can flush out your tank by (after reducing the temperature, of course) attaching a garden hose to the connection at the bottom of the tank and removing all the gunk and goo down there. It will have to drain somewhere, which could be a challenge. Of course, if you don’t want to mess with this, have your plumber do it for you. When the unthinkable happens, though, and you are facing inches (hopefully not feet!) of water to clean up, and damaged belongings in your home as well, it’s time to call your water damage experts. After all, it pays to call a pro! And should you need mold removal in Surf City, N.J. a professional is your best bet. There are many causes of water damage in Somers Point N.J. to homes and buildings, ranging from heavy rains, leaky roofs, broken pipes, failure hot water heaters, sewage back-ups and more.
The cause of the damage must be considered when drying out a home or building. If it is “fresh” water, such as a broken pipe or leaky roof, the drying process is a little simpler than a sewage back-up. Small water damages that are concentrated to an area, such as under a kitchen sink, can quickly be cleaned up. Large water damages can take days to clean and dry out, often resulting in pesky odors that then must be dealt with. It’s that pesky odor that tells you not all is well, and more work needs to be done. During times like this, it's always good to get a mold test in Somers Point, N.J. Remove, Clean, Dry Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces quickly means less microbial growth, which can lead to potentially dangerous mold. Some people are highly sensitive to mold spores, while others show no physical reaction at all. Don’t take the chance in learning the hard way how you might react to mold. Prevention is best. To ensure the safety of your family, there are three basic steps:
Remember, water damage can be potentially dangerous even after you think surfaces are dry. If it feels dry, it just might be… but it might not. Professional water damage removal pros have meters and devices to determine when surfaces are totally dry. And they have the products and equipment necessary to do the job right — items you can’t buy at your local grocery or hardware store. Play it safe. Protect your family. Call your restoration pros for any type of water damage to your home. When a fire, flood, water leak, mold growth or other issue that makes your home either inhabitable or just an inconvenience to deal with, you must decide “Will I clean this up myself, or hire a pro?”
While some small, minor “disasters” can be tackled by a do-it-yourselfer, most restoration projects are best left to the pros. Sometime having a mold inspection in Smithsville, N.J. can save time and money. Here’s why. Safety Obviously, keeping your family and loved ones safe is important to you. When dealing with disaster issues, what might seem like a minor issue may actually be a dangerous situation. Water damage In Smithsville, N.J., even from the smallest leaks, can result in mold growth. Wet materials that might seem to be drying out could hold moisture in hidden areas. Smoke from a fire can be dangerous as well. Back to normal Anyone that has never suffered from a loss might not understand the emotions, frustrations and feeling of hopelessness that are common during a restoration project. Using a professional company means things move along quickly, and you are back in your home or able to use damaged rooms as soon as possible. Doing it yourself can make the project drag on for days longer than necessary, often with undesirable results. Insurance coverage Water, fire, smoke, wind, mold… what’s covered? And what’s not? Insurance policies are difficult to interpret, yet a professional disaster restoration company works with insurance companies every day, so they are best equipped to help you through the process of dealing with insurance agents and adjusters. You want to be treated fairly and receive fair coverage from your insurance company. Having a qualified, reputable restoration contractor in your corner helps with the entire process. Getting a professional mold inspection in Smithsville, N.J. can help save time and help with insurance as well. Do what’s right. Call your disaster restoration company when you suffer any type of loss. When water damage in Seaside Heights, N.J. strikes your basement, or any part of the home, you panic a little. But it isn’t too bad as long as it isn’t too deep.
But when sewage strikes, that’s an entirely different situation. Raw sewage can’t be as easily removed and cleaned as a typical water intrusion, such as from a storm or pipe that has broken. The first order of business is to find out whose sewage it is. Did it come from your own home because it couldn’t drain properly? Is it a simple overflow from the toilet? Or is it from the sewer system backing up from the street? There’s a big, big difference dealing with your own poo and the poo of all your neighbors. The small jobs As mentioned, sewage can occur from a simple toilet overflow. Those dirty jobs are easy to handle. Put on rubber gloves, preferably rubber boots, and other protective gear so there is no skin contact. A wet/dry vacuum is a handle tool for picking up raw sewage, since you are dealing with just one overflow and the amount is small. After removing the waste, use a powerful disinfectant on the floor to clean the last of it up. If you have carpet, that might need to be replaced. The big jobs Some sewage backups occur because of a failed sewer system, not just a simple overflow of a toilet. These types of water problems can lead to mold down the road, it is always wise to get a mold inspection in Seaside Heights, N.J. A common issue with sewer issues is when your sewer line is attacked by tree roots. Over time, roots can work their way into the sewer line, as they search for water. The roots grow into the line, expanding and eventually plugging up the line completely. Then your normal household use of the plumbing system backs up into the home. The worst type is a backflow from the public sewer system, where gallons — or even hundreds of gallons — of raw sewage from all types of sources can enter your home. There are various causes of this, but the bottom line is you now have contaminants that are very hazardous to your health. When this happens, it’s time to protect yourself. Don’t attempt to go into the basement and clean it yourself, even if you have face masks and skin protection. The biological hazards are too great. Should you have the need for mold removal in Seaside Heights, N.J., always use a professional. This is one of those times you must call a professional water damage company, one that specializes in sewage issues. After all, it pays to call a pro! |
Jo Lucas
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April 2023
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