Water Damage can occur during Construction

3/7/2023 (Permalink)

Cracked tile during reconstruction can cause water damage on the sub flooring.

Construction projects often bring with them the potential for water damage. If you are planning a construction project, there are steps you can take to prevent damage from happening.

Replace or upgrade your water lines

Water pipes are an essential part of any home, but they tend to get old as time goes on. If you have an older home and notice that some of your water lines are corroded or leaking, it's best to replace them before any major damage occurs. Even if you don't notice any leaks or corrosion right now, it's still a good idea to upgrade the piping in your house so that there isn't any risk of future problems with leaking or corrosion when you least expect it.

If one pipe started leaking today, other pipes may start leaking soon after due to stress from overburdened pressure from higher levels of usage in multiple areas around town (like hot summer days). This could result in serious consequences like flooding which could cause property damage throughout homes built near rivers/streams/lakes etc.

Replace natural gas-powered appliances with electric ones

Natural gas is a fossil fuel and a greenhouse gas. It can leak into the air, where it causes health problems and contributes to global warming. Electric appliances are safer because they don't use any fossil fuels, so you won't have to worry about any of these issues with them.

Use a dehumidifier to prevent mold

A dehumidifier is a device that removes moisture from the air. It can be used to prevent mold and mildew in basements, crawl spaces and other areas prone to water damage.

Mold is one of the most common types of indoor air quality issues that homeowners face today because mold spores are microscopic fungal organisms that grow on wet materials such as wood paneling or carpeting if not properly taken care of by removing moisture from these surfaces before they become infested with spores.

Prevent leaks by insulating pipes and updating your thermostat

Insulate pipes and water heaters. Pipes can be insulated by wrapping them in an insulating blanket or using foam pipe insulation. This will help prevent the loss of heat through the walls, floors, and ceilings during winter months.

Update your thermostat. If you have an older model that doesn't automatically adjust itself based on temperature changes in your home, consider replacing it with one that does so you can have more control over how much energy is used to keep things warm or cool throughout the year. Use timers when away from home: Set up automatic timers for lights and appliances such as washing machines so they don't run when no one's around.

Water damage can be prevented

Water damage can be prevented by taking the proper precautions and using the right tools. Water damage can be expensive to repair. Water damage can happen for a variety of reasons, a pipe may burst in your home or office, or you might accidentally leave a faucet running all day long. If you have an overflowing toilet or scalding hot water running through your kitchen sink pipes, this could cause serious problems for both structural integrity as well as electrical wiring throughout your home or business premises.

Take precautions to help reduce water damage to your property during reconstruction. SERVPRO has the experience and expertise to help upgrade your home preventing water damage during a remodel.

How Does Water Affect Building Materials?

11/7/2022 (Permalink)

If your home has experienced water damage, SERVPRO is equipped to remediate any restoration need!

How Do Building Materials React to Water?

Water is one of the most dangerous elements to deal with in your home. It can cause damage on every level, from mold and mildew to rotting wood and even termites. Water can also be very destructive to many different building materials, such as wood, plaster, metal, and concrete. Fortunately, there are ways you can protect yourself from these issues.

Swelling Wood

If you've ever had to move a water-damaged piece of furniture and watched it crack, crumble, and fall apart as if there were some sort of zombie virus in the wood, you've experienced this phenomenon firsthand. Wood is porous and absorbs water, which can swell the fibers of the wood as well as cause small gaps between them. When this happens, the wood will shrink back to its original size when it dries out again; however, if too much moisture has been absorbed into a piece of furniture or other household item (especially from water lingering on one side), then it may be irreversibly damaged. As we all know from experience with dishes or clothing that have been soaked in the sink for too long: when you leave something wet for too long, mold growth will occur, and damage is irreversible.

Plaster and Drywall

The other two common building materials are plaster and drywall. Plaster is a very soft, malleable material that can be molded into any shape or form, then set. It's used as the finish coat in most homes and buildings to give them a smooth finish or texture. If water gets behind a wall of plaster, it can swell up quite a bit. However, if you act quickly by drying out the walls with fans and heaters attached to blowers (the same kind used for drying paint), it should be fine after some time passes — if there's no mold growth or damage from freezing temperatures while waiting for drying to occur.

Drywall is very similar to plaster except it doesn't have any give whatsoever: once you put drywall up on your walls, that's where it stays until you decide otherwise! The only way this type of material will crack apart during normal use is if there's too much moisture present within its structure.

Metal

You may have heard the expression, “Water and metal don’t mix.” While this isn’t exactly true, it does illustrate the point that metal can be damaged by water. There are three different ways that this can happen:

• Cracking of the material due to expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes.
• Corrosion, which is chemical degradation of a metal surface over time as it encounters oxygen and/or water molecules. This leads to rusting (oxidation), tarnishing (electrochemical corrosion), or pitting (galvanic corrosion).

Concrete

Concrete is a great building material, but it’s also porous and can absorb water. If your concrete isn’t cured properly or if it isn’t protected from water, it can be damaged by water.

Brick

Brick is made of clay and sand. It absorbs water, which can cause bricks to fall out of place or crack when exposed to freezing temperatures. While brick can be dried out, it takes a long time — up to several weeks depending on the size of the area affected. If your brick becomes damaged due to exposure to moisture or freezing temperatures, you may need professional help removing and replacing it.

Water can damage many common building materials, but some can be saved

Water damage is a serious problem. Water can seep into your building materials, causing them to expand or contract and crack. This can cause a host of other problems, like mold growth and rotting wood.

The cost of repairing water damage can be high, with some estimates running as high as $5 per square foot. To avoid this expensive repair bill, you'll want to act quickly when you notice signs of water intrusion in your home or on your property.

If you think that your home or business has been damaged by water, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Downtown Las Vegas. We offer free quotes for all types of restoration services in Las Vegas.

While water damage can be a major problem for building materials and structures, it's important to remember that not all buildings are the same. Different materials react differently to water, so you'll need to know how they're affected before deciding on any course of action. In some cases, it might be possible to salvage your home or business after storm damage. 

Causes for and Curing of Leaky Toilets

8/25/2022 (Permalink)

A leaking toilet should not cause panic

Know What Causes The Problem And How To Fix IT

Sooner or later, a leaking toilet will plague one of your bathrooms in Downtown East, NV. Before yours begins oozing sewage, know what causes the problem and how to fix it.

Toilet Leak Causes
A bathroom leak may occur for any number of reasons, including:

• A cracked tank or bowl
• Rusty pipes
• A worn flapper
• Loose or worn out base seals
• Faulty connectors
• A maladjusted flush valve

Left untreated, toilet seepage can cause serious structural damage. If floor tile warps or sink cabinets endure discoloration, contact a residential water restoration specialist to get your restroom looking “Like it never even happened.”

Toilet Leak Fix Procedure
Toilets have been known to last more than 40 years with minimal care. Despite their dependability, faults still happen. The below information may help fix your leaking toilet.
Start by tightening the bolts that secure the toilet in place. Remove the caps covering the bolts with a putty knife or screwdriver and then tighten the nuts using a wrench. Keep your aggression in check, as excessive pressure may crack the base.
If the leak continues, try replacing the wax gasket. Turn off the valve and drain as much water as possible. Hold down the handle and remove the remaining liquid with a paper towel and disposable cup. Rock the toilet back and forth until the seal breaks. Remove the toilet and scrape off the old gasket. After loosening the screws used to secure the flange, insert the repair strap. Finally, place the new gasket on the ground and complete reinstallation.
Plumbers disagree on whether caulking should be applied to toilet bases. Some government buildings require it since caulking inhibits bacterial growth. Most abstain, as doing so obscures expanding leaks. If you elect to apply caulk, use one that is resistant to mildew.
A leaking toilet should not cause panic. With a bit of effort, yours will flush properly once more.

How To Clean up After a Water Heater Leak

7/18/2022 (Permalink)

Never put off fixing a leaking water heater or cleaning up the mess left behind.

You probably rely on your water heater every day. For cooking and showering, this appliance is more than a convenience. However, it's also prone to causing problems, including flooding. A leaking water heater can send gallons upon gallons of water all over your floors, possibly affecting a variety of materials and items in your home. Knowing how to mitigate these challenges can save you a lot of time and money.

Take Care of Objects in the Area

If you don't discover a failed water heater as soon as it starts having problems, the damage may be too severe. As soon as you notice water leaking from this appliance, make sure you get all items out of the area. These include:

• Carpet
• Furniture
• Electronics
  Clothes

Reduce the Risk of Shock or Electrocution
Everyone in Winchester, NV, knows that water and electricity don't mix. Before you start looking at the broken water heater, turn the power off in your home. If possible, work on the water heater without touching the water. Wear proper protective gear such as gloves and boots.

Extract the Water
It doesn't take long for a leaking water heater to leave a significant amount of water in your home. If the water covers a small area, you can gran a wet vacuum and remove the water on your own. However, if the water spreads throughout the area, you should contact a professional flood remediation company. The professionals have the right equipment and skills to do the job right.

Drying and Sanitizing
Removing the water isn't enough. To discourage the growth of mold and mildew, you need to make sure the ground, walls, and other nearby materials are completely dry. The pros will use fans and dehumidifiers to do this. The team will also use powerful chemicals to disinfect all places where there was water.
Never put off fixing a leaking water heater or cleaning up the mess left behind. Following these steps can ensure your safety.

How Flooding Affects Furnaces

3/19/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding on a furnace in Las Vegas, NV.

The Effects of Flooding on Furnaces

Many large commercial buildings have packaged rooftop units with a gas or electric boiler or a chiller with a boiler for space heating. Smaller structures that rely on conventional gas or electric furnaces can sustain serious damage from a furnace flood. Find out how to avoid the worst consequences of water damage after a pipe burst near a furnace in a building located in Las Vegas, NV.

Increased Risk of Electrical Problems

A commercial building may have a gas or electric furnace. Furnaces powered by electricity contain several components that could malfunction after being exposed to water:

• Contactor
  
• Heating element
  
• Sequencer
  
• Transformer
  
  

If any of these components malfunctions on a flooded furnace, the unit could trip a fuse or even blow a breaker. It is important to shut off the power to a flooded electrical furnace unit to reduce fire risks.

Metal Components May Corrode

Corrosion on sensitive components such as the contactor in a furnace can cause a unit that runs on electrical power to cease to function. Corrosion is caused by a chemical reaction between the salts that occur in water and any type of metal. Iron components corrode more quickly than stainless steel. Noble metals are less reactive and prone to corrosion.

Ductwork Can Become Contaminated

After a furnace flood, residue from a unit powered by gas or oil can travel through outflow ducting and contaminate a structure. Under the worst circumstances, a furnace blowback can spread soot throughout a building. It is a good idea to arrange for air duct cleaning after any commercial furnace or heating unit suffers water damage.
A furnace flood has the potential to undermine the function of this crucial appliance and the safety of a structure. Shutting off the furnace and the circuit for an appliance powered by electricity can help to limit safety risks at a commercial building in Las Vegas, NV.

How To Handle Water Damage in a Light Fixture

1/27/2022 (Permalink)

Finding water in a light fixture in your home probably isn’t your favorite discovery.

Steps To Take When Your Light Fixture Floods

A water leak is not something anyone wants to have to deal with at home. The tell-tale dripping sound alerts you to a probable leak, but when you find water in a light fixture in your home, you still have to find out where the water came from. With a little investigation and a lot of help from water remediation experts, you can hopefully take care of the leak before it causes any further damage. Here are the first few steps you need to take when your light fixture floods.

1. Locate the Source

In order to get an idea of the ceiling damage repair required, you must find out where the water originates. There are several potential sources:

• Broken pipe
  
• Overflowing toilet
  
• Leaky supply line
  
  

Each of these sources comes with its own unique repair criteria. A leaky supply line may need to be replaced before it does you any good to repair the ceiling where you found water in the light. A broken pipe will likely saturate the insulation between the floors and may affect the walls as well. An overflowing toilet means the water is contaminated and thus additional disinfection is necessary.

2. Turn off Water and Power

Before anyone approaches the light fixture, safety precautions must be taken. Shutting off the water stops the leak and helps to prevent further flooding. Turning off the breaker that feeds electricity to the light keeps the water from becoming charged.

3. Call the Professionals

A leak that affects two different floors is not a problem you want to try to resolve on your own. Restoration specialists in Medical District, NV, are trained and certified to remedy water damage in a thorough and efficient manner. By calling in the experts as soon as you notice the problem, you can avoid bigger issues and secondary damage.

Finding water in a light fixture in your home probably isn’t your favorite discovery. Quick action and professional help, however, can minimize the damage it causes.

3 Types of Home Floodwaters

12/16/2021 (Permalink)

Water extraction in a kitchen.

Water Categories

No homeowner in Downtown East, NV, wants to have to deal with a flood. After all, not only can floodwaters destroy the comfort and condition of your home, they can be downright disgusting. You may not know, however, that floodwater poses varying risks. When talking about water and the damage it causes, technicians usually group contaminated water into three categories.

1. Clean Water

The first category of floodwater is clean water. This water comes from a clean source, such as a leaky pipe, damaged supply line or broken faucet. As the name suggests, clean water is not contaminated when it leaves the source. It may, however, run through contamination when it spreads.

2. Tainted Water

While clean water comes from an uncontaminated source, tainted water has contaminants before it spills. Contaminants can be essentially anything, so the contaminated water you must address is likely specific to your home. That doesn’t mean, of course, that this type of floodwater does not cause damage. When planning a cleanup, you must expect to remove water and any pollutants suspended in it. Depending on the type of contamination, you may need to approach cleanup differently.

3. Sewage and Exterior Floodwater

The third type of floodwater is often the most serious. Sewage, also called black water, likely contains unhealthy bacteria. The same is true for exterior floodwater. When addressing floods of this type, you likely need some professional assistance. A water-contamination specialist can survey your home and recommend a plan of action. Since technicians have both expertise and equipment, they can usually restore the comfort, condition and value of your damaged home.

Your home in Downtown East, NV, is probably one of your most valuable investments. As you probably know, floodwaters can wreak havoc on your house. Whether you have clean or contaminated water in an unintended area, you simply can’t ignore it. By understanding the classifications of floodwater, you can better plan to remove it from your home.

3 Tips To Quicken the Water Damage Restoration Process

11/23/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage in Medical District, NV.

Water Damage Restoration Process

If you have experienced water damage in your home in Medical District, NV, you know that the restoration process can seem overwhelming. A pipe burst, or a damaged water line, can quickly lead to your home being flooded. Here are some important steps to keep in mind as you begin the restoration process.

1. Take Precautions

It isn’t always possible to know when you’ll have a burst pipe or a toilet overflow, so taking precautions before water damage occurs can help you protect valuable items in your home. Keep important documents, including birth certificates, contact information and insurance material in water-proof containers.

2. Avoid Hazards

As you start the restoration process, it’s essential to prioritize your safety and the safety of those around you. Depending on the source of the water, there may be pipe burst debris from outside your home that makes cleaning up the water unsafe. Make sure to wear appropriate attire when you enter your home to clean, such as water-resistant shoes and gloves. If you are unsure whether or not your home is safe to be in, it’s probably best not to enter.

3. Act Quickly

As long as it is safe to be in your home, it is important to start the restoration process quickly to prevent excessive damage. Once flooding has occurred, water that sits stagnantly in your home can grow mold and bacteria over time, which can ultimately require more time and money to clean. The sooner you begin to air out your home and remove water, the less damage your house may sustain.

Whether it’s caused by a pipe burst or a flood, water damage can be a common occurrence in many homes. Although there are several ways in which you can make the restoration process move quickly after you’ve experienced water damage, consider contacting professionals in water damage cleanup to ensure your home is as clean and as safe as possible.

Out with the Old: Changing your Pipes

9/27/2021 (Permalink)

If your commercial building seems to have more water damage problems than it usually does, polybutylene pipes may be the culprit.

From the 1970s to the 1990s, a specific sort of pipe was used in a lot of commercial plumbing. Polybutylene was thought to be the pipe of the future because it was inexpensive to make and easy to install. After a few years, however, those buildings started having plumbing problems. These pipes are not used in Las Vegas, NV, today because they inevitably wear out, and they cause significant water damage when they do. Here are some reasons these pipes must be replaced if they are part of your building's plumbing.

1. Exposure to treated water makes it brittle. One of the reasons this particular piping does not work for plumbing is that the water itself destroys the pipe. The chlorine and antibacterial chemicals used to make drinking water safe make the polybutylene pipes brittle and prone to breakage. Over time, they cannot be fixed. They must be replaced.

2. Disintegrating parts get stuck in water. Another startling effect of this type of piping is that as it disintegrates, it flakes off and leaches chemicals into the water supply. New plumbing made from safer materials is a necessary upgrade.

3. It costs more to maintain than to replace. Replacing these pipes have a comparable cost to replacing the carpet in your house. The piping change isn't inexpensive, but neither are all the costs from having to hire water remediation experts to clean up every time you have water damage.

4. It drives down the resale value of your building. Because this piping causes so many problems, it needs to be fixed before you put your property on the market. Most realtors won't even show a commercial property that still has old pipes in it. The pipes must be replaced before the building is likely to sell.

If your commercial building seems to have more water damage problems than it usually does, polybutylene pipes may be the culprit. Have the pipes replaced to avoid additional repair expenses.

Know When Your Homeowner's Insurance Covers Broken Pipes, and When it Does Not

8/20/2021 (Permalink)

When Does Your Homeowner's Insurance Cover Broken Pipes and When Does It Not?

You may have heard that homeowners insurance doesn’t cover water damage, and while this is true in many instances, it is generally not true in the case of a broken pipe. While most policies won’t cover the broken pipe itself, they will cover the ensuing damage, such as weak drywall, ineffective insulation and ruined carpet. If you recently experienced a flood of water because of a pipe burst, it is important that you understand what your insurance policy does and does not cover. Though this post can give you an idea, the best thing you can do is contact your Showboat, NV, insurance provider regarding your coverage.

Some factors your insurance adjuster may consider when examining your claim include:

• The cause of the broken pipe
  
• Whether you were negligent in the care of your pipes
  
• Preventative measures employed by you prior to a pipe burst
  
• The type of damage
  
  

Was Negligence at Play?

While most homeowners insurance agencies agree to cover water damage, they do so under the condition that homeowners do their best to maintain their premises. Part of home maintenance includes eliminating hazards, fixing noticeable damage before it becomes a problem and taking proper preventative measures. If an adjuster determines that you did not fix a broken pipe when it started to leak or that a lack of heating caused your pipes to burst, your claim may be denied. However, if you did everything in your power to prevent a flood, your agency cannot rightfully deny your claim.

What Type of Damage Is Present?

Fortunately, most homeowners policies are fairly extensive when it comes to water damage. Basic homeowners insurance coverage should cover the cost of damaged drywall, carpet, framing, woodwork and restoration efforts if the damage was sudden and unpreventable. However, any type of gradual damage is not likely to be covered.

Every homeowners insurance policy is different, and what may be covered by one company may not be covered by another. If you want to know whether the flood damage in your home is covered by your policy, the best thing you can do is talk with your provider.

Cleaning Sewage in a Home

7/8/2021 (Permalink)

A flooded toilet.

Sewer cleanup in Las Vegas, NV is certainly not a pleasant experience, but when a sewer backup happens, be sure to take care of it right away. Whether it occurs as the result of a flooded toilet or another issue, leaving the sewage in place can result in significant water damage.

Taking Steps To Clean and Disinfect

The first step in the process is ensuring safety, so you should wear the right protective gear and ensure that the gas and electricity to the area you have to clean are shut off. Next, use the following steps to make sure that the area is sufficiently cleaned and sanitized:

• Drain all flood waters from the area.
• Remove all items that can be picked up and carried out of the space.
• Mix a low-suds detergent with warm water and completely scrub all surfaces.
• Use plain warm water to rinse thoroughly every area that you just cleaned.
• Sanitize the surfaces using bleach or a similar product.
• Use fans and open windows to air out the space and alleviate the humidity.
  
  

Preventing Future Sewage Backup

After you go through the sewer cleanup process, you probably understand this is surely something that you never want to have to tackle again. To help avoid it in the future, you should take the right preventative measures. The first step to this process is knowing what the possible causes are, which include tree roots causing blockages to the sewer lines, water in your basement deteriorating the elements that protect your home’s lines, and the sanitary main becoming blocked.

With this information about sewer cleanup and the prevention of future problems, you can better get the task completed and start working on the steps for restoring your home. Keep in mind that the faster you tackle the problem, the less damage that may occur.

4 Reasons Why a Toilet May Leak After Being Flushed

3/19/2021 (Permalink)

Dealing with a leaking toilet is no picnic, but it may be easy to fix.

4 Reasons Why a Toilet May Leak After Being Flushed

A leaking toilet is never a pleasant surprise to discover. When left unchecked, this problem can cause extensive damage in a house. If a toilet in your Fremont Street, NV, home begins leaking after being flushed, it's essential that you locate the problem and address it quickly. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to determine how the leak was caused. Here are four reasons why a toilet may leak after being flushed.

1. Issues in the Tank
Your problem may be with some of the parts inside your toilet tank, particularly if the water is leaking from that area. Any of these components could be at fault:

• Flapper
  
• Water supply line
  
• Gasket
  
  

If you're confused as to how you can fix these parts, contact an expert who can help you. Some parts only require replacements, while others need a more intense procedure.

2. Wrong Installation
Sometimes, the answer is simply that the leaking toilet was incorrectly installed. If this is the case, you'll need to have it reinstalled correctly as soon as possible. You may want to bring in professionals who can ensure the toilet is properly installed this time.

3. Cracked Toilet Tank
The answer to your bathroom leak may be an obvious one: Part of your toilet is cracked. A crack in a toilet is easy to cause, and it often originates from other repair jobs. Luckily, this problem can be simple to fix. If the crack isn't too expansive, you can probably use a sealant to fix it.

4. Failing Wax Ring
Toilets have wax rings placed between the closet flange and the actual toilet. These rings mainly reduce odor and stop water from splashing all over the floor. Therefore, failed wax rings tend to result in water leaks. If this is the cause, you'll need to either repair the ring or buy a new one.
Dealing with a leaking toilet is no picnic, but it may be easy to fix. Take immediate action and call water damage restoration experts to repair and minimize any damage. If you locate the problem and fix it quickly, you may be back to normal in no time.

Situations That Complicate a Commercial Water Leak

2/8/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial water damage

Situations That Complicate a Commercial Water Leak

As a business owner or property manager in Downtown, NV, you no doubt understand that water leaks come in many shapes and sizes. A simple water leak can probably be handled by your custodial staff. A larger problem, though, is probably best handled by a professional water remediation company. Any type of sewer damage necessitates the services of a trained and certified crew. The presence of dirty water in your building complicates a cleanup in several ways:

• It poses a danger to humans and pets
• It contaminates building materials and furniture
• It requires advanced cleanup techniques
• It demands specialized equipment for remediation
  

Technicians will immediately cordon off the impacted area. They also wear effective PPE to minimize exposure.

A Multi-Floor Leak
Another complicating factor occurs when a leak is not contained in one area. If the sewer damage moves into multiple rooms or if it flows through the flooring and into the ceiling below, the issue becomes more complex. Fortunately, certified technicians have been trained for such an occasion, and they have probably dealt with similar issues in the past. This means they can develop a plan of action to address the complete situation. An experienced sewage company should be able to restore your property to its original condition.

A Flooded Toilet
Another complicated issue that often plagues a business is when a clogged toilet overflows, spilling dirty water onto the floor. This situation can put customers and employees at risk of being exposed to an unhealthy environment. It can also cause sewer damage to parts of your building. A professional team can arrive at your facility quickly and provide a comprehensive cleanup according to the best practices of the restoration industry.
No matter what type of water issue your company faces, a trained team is often the best choice. A qualified crew always looks out for your best interests during a disaster.

What To Do After a Pipe Break

1/6/2021 (Permalink)

A leaky pipe left unattended will eventually cause a mold problem in your home

Three Steps To Take After A Pipe Break

When a pipe breaks in your home in Downtown East, NV, you are likely to have a lot of questions and concerns. Knowing what to do beforehand can be one of the best ways to ensure there is no avoidable lasting damage to your home. Bursting pipes that are left unfixed can cause floods or water damage. There are three relatively simple steps you can take directly after you notice a pipe break that can help mitigate damage and jumpstart the clean-up process.

1. Call a Plumber
Your first step should be to contact a plumbing service. The faster professionals arrive, the faster repairs and cleanup can begin. Plumbers can bring the right equipment or tools to help fix broken pipe problems. While you wait for the plumber, there are other steps you can take.

2. Stop the Source
Plumbing or pipe issues are often caused by a supply line or some sort of leakage. While you wait for help to arrive, try to identify and cut off the source of the bursting pipes. Often, this may require turning off the water valve of the water pipe. If you have frequent plumbing issues, it is a good idea to know the location of the main water valve in your home in case of an emergency.

3. Mitigate Damages
There are multiple things you can do to try to limit damages. If there is a significant amount of water, you can use buckets or other containers to collect it. For any furniture or household items that have already been affected by water, bring them out of the wet area to dry immediately. You can also soak up any excess water with towels or a mop. A water mitigation company can handle more serious issues.
Bursting pipes can be a pain to take care of, but fast action can reduce damage. After you have taken the immediate steps, you can begin the restoration process.

What To Do When You Find a Leak Under Your Kitchen Sink

10/5/2020 (Permalink)

A sink leak does not have to destroy your home

Tips To Stop A Leak From Causing Major Flooding

A leak under your kitchen sink can lead to extensive damage. Luckily, there are ways to stop the leak from causing major flooding.
Indeed, once you discover the leak, there are steps you can take to mitigate the harm. Following the below tips will keep you safe and increase the chances of your Fremont Street, NV, home returning to normal.

1. Shut Off the Water
Your first step should be to turn off your home's water supply. This will prevent additional liquid from damaging your house.

2. Call the Experts
Next, contact your local kitchen repair specialists. Attempting to remove the water by yourself can just make the problem worse. You should thus leave the job to the professionals. Be sure to call your insurance provider, as well. The insurer may help pay for the cost of the restoration.

3. Perform Initial Cleanup
While you wait for the pros to arrive, you can start to address the flooding. Take loose items off the floor. Any wet leather goods or furs should be hung up to dry. Colored items, including rugs, magazines, and books, should be removed from wet carpets. Similarly, use wood blocks or aluminum foil to separate wet carpets from the legs of your furniture.
You can also blot and mop the excess water in your home. Wipe your wooden tables, desks, and chairs, as well. Be sure to remove any items on top of the furniture first.

4. Stay Safe
Of course, water in a home can be dangerous. Avoid using any household appliances until the water has been completely removed. Even turning on a ceiling light can be harmful if the ceiling is wet. You should not attempt to dry your floors using a vacuum cleaner, either.
A sink leak does not have to destroy your home. By turning off the water, calling restoration experts, and safely performing some initial cleanup, you can limit the flooding in your house.

What Causes Water Damage to Your Business?

8/19/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial water damage in a Showboat, NV office

Water damage comes in many forms and can cause severe damage to your business in Showboat, NV. As you work to protect your business and employees, there are several signs to watch out for to avoid the long-term effects of a broken pipe, faulty windows, or leaking air conditioning units.

Causes of Water Damage

Leaking or flooding can occur in several ways, including:

• Plumbing issues, including backed-up sewage lines
  
• Leaky roofs
  
• Clogged or faulty AC units
  
• Improperly sealed windows
  
• Cracked pipes
  
  

Gallons of water flow through your business every day, whether through pipes or in the moisture that collects in your air vents. At any time these systems you rely on could break down and cause damage, so it is important to keep a close watch over potential problem areas and seek out water repair services when you notice an issue.

Identifying Water Damage
There are several indicators that your business has water damage from a broken pipe or other faulty equipment. Any discoloration on the walls or ceilings means that there is likely a leak that is not otherwise visible. If the problem has persisted for a while, then you may also encounter a musty smell around the office - a sign of a mold infestation. If the issue has progressed to the point of mold growth, then it is important to seek professional assistance immediately.

Repairing Water Damage
Everyone hopes to avoid the harm of water damage, but if an incident occurs, you are advised to seek out a water damage remediation team. If you notice any moisture or water puddles around your business, then it is important to immediately dry the area and remove any wet furniture. You can keep your business and employees safe by acting quickly and repairing the issue, whether it be a broken pipe or leaky AC unit, the moment you notice a problem.

Key Steps To Developing a Business Continuity Plan

5/10/2020 (Permalink)

Creating a business continuity plan is essential

Part of being a good business leader in Las Vegas, NV, is preparing your company for emergencies and unforeseen situations. In the wake of a disaster or widespread incident, could your business survive and continue to operate efficiently? If you're not ready for such events, you could face economic turmoil or even the shutdown of your company. Creating a business continuity plan is essential.

Looking at Your Technology

Thanks to advances in communication, data storage, and processing, you can do more for your customers and employees than ever before. Ensure that you have the following capabilities:

• Sufficient storage for all documents, videos, materials and other data
  
• Effective project management and tracking systems
  
• The ability to recover and restore all the needs of your business
  
  

Setting up for Remote Working
Part of a business continuity plan should include consideration for working offsite. If something such as a flood or fire destroys part or all of your building, you need a way to continue carrying out the day-to-day operations of your company. Be prepared to set up employees to work from home and access your servers. Train employees on how to use video conferencing and other virtual meeting programs. If possible, consider temporarily moving to another office.

Purchase Insurance
Your commercial property insurance should cover damage your building and materials suffer. It will also pay for the efforts of a professional disaster cleanup company. However, to compensate for lost revenue and to keep up with payroll in the aftermath of an emergency, you'll need business interruption insurance. In an emergency response plan, you should choose interruption coverage that will also pay for relocation.

Practice
Once you come up with a plan, test it, and run through it. Make sure your employees are ready to make the necessary adjustments at a moment's notice.
You may never have to deal with a crippling disaster at work. If you do, you'll have peace of mind.

What To Expect When Structural Materials Get Wet

2/11/2020 (Permalink)

Swelling wood floor in a Las Vegas, NV home

Your home in Las Vegas, NV, is a big investment and a safe haven for you and your family, so unexpected flooding problems are a worry. Swelling wood and other saturated materials may cause you a good deal of concern, but there is good news: Some of these materials can be saved. How can these swollen studs or water-soaked drywall be saved following a flood? What about a wet subfloor or cabinets that have soaked up water from a flooded floor? How will you know what can be saved and reused?

What To Do First

If your flooding is due to a failed water supply line or broken pipe and the water is clean, you can save more of your building than you may think. Take a look at the following guidelines.

Shut off the water immediately and have any necessary water pipe repair completed
Extract as much of the water from the area as possible
Remove drywall if necessary to expose wood studs and insulation to air
Lift carpets and use industrial fans to dry out underneath them
Use a dehumidifier if necessary, in order to inhibit the growth of black mold

How To Tell What Is Salvageable

In a freshwater flood, swelling wood studs or other structural components may be reused if they are dried out properly, as may real wooden cabinets. Subfloor or other composite materials will likely swell and bulge beyond reuse. Likewise, carpet can be dried and cleaned and re-stretched if the water is clean and removed quickly. If the flooding is caused by sewage or other contaminated sources, however, then swelling wood and most of these materials will probably need to be discarded and replaced.
Getting the help of professional water damage and restoration service in Las Vegas, NV, is probably the best call. A professional could help assess the damage and help you salvage as much as possible by using proper cleanup and drying procedures. You can once again feel your home is clean and secure for your family.

Fire Sprinkler Maintenance Key to Operability

1/28/2020 (Permalink)

Completing sprinkler maintenance frequently can ensure it will work when needed

Ensuring the safety of your everyone coming into your Showboat, NV, business is a top priority. For businesses with fire sprinklers, it can provide peace of mind that you are prepared for an emergency. Like with most things, for something to work properly, it must be maintained. Completing sprinkler maintenance frequently can ensure it will work when needed, as well as not accidentally be triggered.

Reasons for Malfunction

While it is rare for a system to go off when it shouldn’t, it can happen. All that water can be a major pain to deal with. If not properly cleaned up by a water remediation expert, further damage can happen, including mold growth and structural issues. Instances for improper activation often happen for the following reasons:

Overheating – Heat is what sets them off. Unfortunately, these systems can’t tell the good heat from the bad. If sprinklers are near heaters, skylights or other areas with higher temperatures, they could go off.
Freezing – The water in the pipes has the potential freeze. As it warms, it can damage its integrity, resulting cracks or broken fittings that leak.
Mechanical – The many components of these systems can eventually begin to loosen or malfunction.
Corrosion – Older systems are especially prone to corrosion. Once the process begins, it should be replaced.

Luckily, all of the above issues can be avoided with regular inspection.

Regular Inspection

Sprinkler maintenance should be done on a monthly, quarterly and annual level. The monthly inspection doesn’t take much time and can be a simple check of the valves and gauges for any leaks or damage, and that they are in the correct positions. Each quarter, the monthly check should also include an inspection of the supervisory and water flow alarms, fire department connections, and pressure relief and pressure reducing valves. A dry test of the system should also be performed. A comprehensive inspection by a professional should be done annually.
If sprinkler maintenance isn’t on your monthly to-do list, you could be creating more risk. Taking the time to ensure proper operation can make a world of difference.