Recent Why SERVPRO Posts

4 Reasons a Faulty Water Heater Could Be a Big Deal

5/17/2022 (Permalink)

Four Reasons Why a Faulty Water Heater Is a Big Deal

Nearly every home in the U.S. comes with a water heater. This ingenious device makes sure everyone in the household has access to the wonderful properties of hot water for bathing, washing hands, washing dishes, and washing clothes. Not only does the appliance hold anywhere from 40 to 70 gallons of water, but it also is connected to your plumbing system. A leaking water heater is a serious concern for several important reasons.

1. The Location of a Failed Water Heater
In most homes, the water heater is located on a lower floor. This means it could be out of sight and out of mind; if the unit does leak it might not be discovered for a while. This gives the water time to spread throughout a home, causing additional damage. A local water damage restoration company in Fort Lupton, CO, should be called right away when water damage occurs.

2. The Volume of a Leaking Water Heater
Most units hold enough water to meet household demands and then refill after usage. This quantity is large enough to cause significant damage to household furniture, flooring and personal items. As more water streams into a broken unit, this further exacerbates the situation.

3. The Difficulty of Cleanup
Many homeowners might find it hard to get equipment down into the basement. A professional crew, on the other hand, has the necessary personnel to get vacuums, water pumps and dryers into the impacted area. This will result in a more efficient cleanup.

4. The Technical Nature of Dealing With a Broken Water Heater
While some situations dealing with water damage are fairly simple, handling a faulty water heater often involves complex concerns. This includes removing the old unit and reinstalling a new one.
A leaking water heater is a common problem that many homeowners face at some stage. The situation can be quickly resolved with the help of qualified professionals.

How Do I Know If I Am Handling Black Water?

3/29/2022 (Permalink)

The bathroom is a common area to experience a water damage event.

Ways To Identify the Type of Water That Is Leaking Into Your Property

Not all leaks are equal in Platteville, CO. When you experience a severe leak or flood on your property, it is important to take the appropriate steps to prevent water damage. The water that enters a building is categorized by the following characteristics:

  • Clean water
  • Gently used water
  • Contaminated wastewater

Find the Source of the Water

Knowing the source of the water entering the building is the first way to identify unsanitary water. If the water is coming from a water supply line, it is unlikely to be harmful to your health. Water that is sourced from a drainage pipe or a clogged toilet is highly toxic and should be dealt with safely. Locate the leak to determine the type of water.

Clean Water and Gray Water Sources

Clean water is water that is drinkable. A clean water leak is not toxic but should be cleaned quickly to prevent water damage to the building. Gray water is somewhat contaminated, having been gently used in sinks, showers, or washing machines. Though gray water is lightly contaminated, it is not as toxic as category 3 water.

Category 3 Water

Category 3 water, or black water, is highly toxic and, in most cases, is sourced from sewage. This type of water should be handled with extra precaution. Wear protective gear, such as gloves and bodysuits, if you will be cleaning water from sewers or drainage pipes. It is best to contact a professional water cleanup and restoration service to clean and restore your property from category 3 water damage.
Your local SERVPRO is Faster to Any Size Disaster and can properly restore your property today. If you have experienced a leak or flood from contaminated water, be sure to contact the experts preferred by most insurance companies. Acting fast will prevent severe water damage to your property.

3 Ways To Banish Shower Mold

1/30/2022 (Permalink)

Black mold anywhere in your home is a drag. But shower mold is particularly troublesome - after all, it’s where you go to get clean. Yet this perpetually moist environment is one of the most common places for mold to grow. There are ways to prevent mold if you don’t have it in your Hudson, CO, home, and kill it if you do.

Why Do I have mold?

It’s easy to think you did something wrong to have a mold problem. The fact is, it’s impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores in our environment. These organisms love moist, dark areas like:

  • Garages
  • Attics
  • Crawl spaces
  • Beneath sinks

And of course, your shower. Fortunately, you have options.

Dry It Out

Mold loves wet areas, so one of the easiest ways to prevent it is to keep things dry. Invest in a bathroom fan to remove damp air following showers. Hang towels and clothes to dry, since piles of wet fabric offer a perfect place for mold to take hold.

Replace Grout

Grout, the white stuff in between your tiles, is a common location for bathroom mold.
You can try bleach-based cleaners, but those don’t penetrate porous surfaces like grout. If your grout is covered in slimy shower mold, it’s best to find a contractor to replace your grout and start fresh.

Re-caulk

Caulk is the flexible, silicon-based material that seals up your shower. It’s also another favorite place for mold to grow, as it tends to absorb water and never fully dry out. If mold is at home on your caulk, it’s easy enough to remove and replace with a trip to the hardware store and a little elbow grease.

Your shower should be a clean, comfortable place. If mold is threatening that, take charge! Use these tips or call a mold remediator to learn more about ways you can keep your shower fungus-free.