Signs that a Pipe in your House is Leaking

12/6/2022 (Permalink)

A leaking pipe can cause a variety of problems with your plumbing system.

Signs that a Pipe in your House is Leaking

In most cases, a leaking pipe won't be something you can notice right away. The water that's coming into your home is probably leaking in invisible areas, so you'll only know there's a problem if there are obvious signs of leakage and flooding. That's why it's important to know the warning signs that a pipe in your house is leaking. Here are some ways to tell if you might have an issue.

1.  Low water pressure

A leaking pipe can cause a variety of problems with your plumbing system. One of the most common is low water pressure. If you’ve noticed that your faucet isn’t working as well as it should, it may be time to call in a plumber to check for leaks in your pipes and fixtures.

2.  Water stains on the walls and ceilings

Water stains on the walls and ceilings are a good indicator that there's a leak in your home. If you see water stains on the ceiling, check the attic for leaks. If you see water stains on the walls, check underneath them for cracks or other damage that could be causing the leak.

3.  Soggy floors

Soggy floors are a definite sign of some kind of leakage. If you notice these signs, it’s important to call a plumber right away. The longer you wait, the more damage will be done to your home and belongings. If you’re not sure whether there is water damage in your house, look at the ceiling and walls for mold growth or discoloration. Mold spores can travel through air ducts, so if you smell mildew in several rooms this may be an indication that there is water damage somewhere in your house.

4.  Mold and mildew growth

If you see mold or mildew growth in your home, it's a sign that water damage is occurring. If you see this type of growth in your house, contact a professional immediately. 

5.  Unpleasant odors

While the smell of mold and mildew may be unpleasant, it's not uncommon to notice an odor in your home or basement. In fact, you should expect your water pipes to have odor — but if you're getting strong smells from them that aren't normal, there might be a problem.

If you're experiencing a strong and strange smell coming from your water pipes, it's time to investigate further. The cause could be as simple as a backed-up drainpipe or toilet overflow, but if the odor persists for longer than it should or seems more intense than what would normally come with those events, then there may be something more serious going on. A leaky pipe can also cause unpleasant odors in other parts of your home: sewage is one example that comes up frequently in conversation about water leaks; decaying organic matter like dead plants or animal waste can also lead to an unpleasant scent emanating from below ground level.

6.  Sounds of water running when no one is using it

If you hear water running in your house when no one is using it, then you might have a leaky pipe somewhere. Check faucets and toilets for leaks. You may also want to check the pipes that run through your walls as well as those that connect to appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines (these types of devices often have their own internal problems).

There are many signs that a pipe in your house is leaking, but the most important thing to remember is that it’s crucial to check for leaks before they become big problems. If you suspect a leak, contact a licensed plumber right away so they can come out and thoroughly inspect your home.

How Do You Prevent Water Damage?

11/1/2022 (Permalink)

This Clear Lake home sustained significant damage as a result of standing water caused by a pipe burst.

How Do You Prevent Water Damage?

Water damage can occur in your Clear Lake, TX building or home, and it can cause serious problems to the structural elements of your home. One of the most common causes of water damage is a burst pipe, which can be caused by several factors, including burst pipes, drips & leaks, pipe blockages, and other things. If you have a pipe burst in your home or business, it's highly likely that you're going to need to call a professional water restoration company to assess the damage and clean up the mess before it gets too bad. To prevent water damage from happening (and to prevent natural disasters), here are three tips to help keep water out of your home.

If you have any doubts about whether your property has been affected by a burst pipe then it’s best to get in touch with a professional plumber immediately as they will be able to inspect your appliances and repair any issues that may arise before any further damage occurs.

While it's tempting to try and fix the problem yourself, attempting to repair or replace a broken pipe can cause more harm than good (especially if you don't know what you're doing). If your house is experiencing flooding due to plumbing issues, call SERVPRO of Clear Lake at (281) 486-4716. We'll be happy to send someone out over as soon as possible so that we can begin assessing the damage and preventing further damage from occurring.

To prevent water damage from happening, here are three tips to help keep water out of your home.

• Make sure you have a backflow preventer.
• Install a water alarm.
• Check your pipes regularly to make sure they're in good condition.

Make sure you have good drainage systems installed on your property.

Without a proper drainage system in place, water can pool at the lowest point of your home or property. When this happens, it is more likely to seep into walls and floors.

To ensure that you have good drainage systems installed on your property, ask a professional contractor to come out and assess the drainage system. The contractor may recommend installing sump pumps or other types of pumps that can drain water away from your home.

When you are away from home for long periods of time, shut off the main water supply so that if there is a leak in one of your pipes, no damage will occur while you are gone.

Shutting off the main water supply is a crucial step in preventing water damage to your home. Each house has a main water shutoff valve, which is usually located near the meter. If you can't find it, check with your local water company or plumber for help.

To shut off the main supply of water:

• Turn off the main valve that supplies fresh drinking water to your house. This is typically located near your hot water heater. This will prevent any unexpected leaks into this part of your pipes from being swept away by running taps or toilets in other parts of your house that could cause serious damage. 

Water damage can be a nightmare to deal with. It is not only time-consuming but expensive as well. So, before you call a professional restoration company to come out and assess your home or business after a burst pipe caused flooding indoors, make sure it's covered by insurance first!

How Do Fire Sprinklers Work During a Fire?

10/13/2022 (Permalink)

Fire sprinklers are an invaluable tool for fire prevention in commercial buildings.

How Do Fire Sprinklers Work in the Event of a Fire?

Fire sprinkler systems are the most common fire prevention method in commercial buildings. Sprinklers work by activating when high temperatures or smoke from a fire trigger them to release water on the flames, stopping them from spreading further. If you’re curious about how your building's sprinkler system works and what options are available for commercial fire sprinklers, read on for answers!

How do fire sprinklers work?

Fire sprinklers are designed to be activated by heat, releasing water to extinguish the flames. The process of sprinkler activation is simple: when a fire starts, heat causes the sprinkler’s metal housing to expand. That expansion triggers the fusible link inside the housing, which allows water to flow out of a small orifice at high pressure through an open onto the affected materials. Some sprinklers contain compressed air that helps spray farther than normal; others use a special mechanism called an actuated pressure switch that closes when exposed to heat and opens when cold again—like flipping a light switch off and on again!

What are the options for commercial fire sprinkler systems?

There are four different types of commercial fire sprinkler systems: pre-action, deluge, high-temperature, and dry pipe. Each type is used for a specific purpose, but they all work the same way. All commercial fire sprinkler systems are designed to detect a fire through heat sensing technology that detects fast temperature rises in certain areas of the building. When this happens, water flows out into those areas and puts out any potential flames before they can cause too much damage or injury to people or property within your building.

Can fire sprinklers cause water damage?

Fire sprinkler systems are designed to put out fires, not cause water damage. That said, there may be some instances where water damage does occur due to a water-soaking drywall and other materials. In these cases, you should seek the help of a professional restoration company as soon as possible to determine whether your home has been affected and what needs to happen next.

If you're concerned about the potential damage caused by a fire sprinkler system in your home or business, here's how they work:

Conclusion

Fire sprinklers are an invaluable tool for fire prevention in commercial buildings. They can save lives, property, and time. If you’re looking for a new fire sprinkler system or need one repaired, contact our experts at SERVPRO

4 Steps for Getting FEMA Assistance

8/27/2022 (Permalink)

Get FEMA assistance

If your property isn't located in a floodplain or other area where flooding is a high risk, you may not have considered flood insurance to be a priority. Unfortunately, many types of natural and manmade disasters can result in flooding and water damage. For example, water leftover from firefighting efforts is a big concern after a fire. A burst pipe that goes unnoticed over a weekend can lead to significant flooding. Each of these situations may present unique requirements from your insurance company, but few situations are quite as complex as applying for FEMA coverage when you don't have insurance coverage.

Do You Qualify for Assistance?

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, people who own or manage property in eligible counties qualify for federal assistance. In the event that Clear Lake, TX, is an eligible community, property owners and managers should take the following steps:

Apply for Federal Aid

The first step in applying for aid from FEMA is either using the phone the call 800-621-3362 or visiting www.DisasterASsistance.gov. Whether you call or visit the website, you are likely to get in touch with a representative between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., and it's possible to connect with someone all seven days of the week.

Identify Appropriate Grants

There are a variety of grants available whether you have flood insurance or not. If you own property with renters, you may connect some of your tenants with temporary housing. There are grants available for uninsured and underinsured property losses and emergency property repairs. Register for the grants that are most appropriate for your situation.

Attend Federal Inspections

A few days after you've registered by phone or online, a federal representative will contact you. They'll present official identification, won't ask for money, won't make recommendations, and won't approve or deny requests. However, they will make a careful survey of the damages your property has suffered. You'll receive official news about your claim after the inspection results have been submitted and reviews.

Check the Status of Your Case

You can follow the progress of your case by going online or calling the same federal help number. It's important that you understand the type of help you're going to receive before you contact commercial property damage agencies. You'll need specific flood insurance and FEMA information to share with these professionals.

How To Use an Auger To Unclog a Drain

8/27/2022 (Permalink)

All you need is an auger, also known as a snake

If a sink in your Nassau Bay, TX, home has stopped working, there may be something blocking your pipes. A clogged drain does not only affect the flow of water in your house, either. Over time, the clog could cause pressure to build up in the pipe. The pipe could then burst and flood your house.
To avoid the need for water damage restoration services, you should thus remove any clogs from your sink immediately. Luckily, all you need is an auger, also called a snake.

Auger Use

You can rent this plumbing tool for just a few dollars. Then, just follow the below steps to clear the drain.

1. Put the Auger Into the Drain
One end of the snake should go into the opening of the drain. Turn the handle on the drum to push the auger into the pipe. Keep going until you feel resistance from the clog.

2. Rotate the Snake
The auger's rotation should chop up the clog. If you do not feel the clog breaking up, try pulling the auger out of the clogged drain. The snake should take the clog with it.

3. Run the Water
Once you remove the snake, run the sink to make sure the clog is gone. If the clog did not come out of the pipe with the auger, it may just flush down the drain.

Clog Prevention
Now that you have cleared your drain, you should take steps to prevent the problem from happening again. Start by purchasing a strainer that collects foreign materials before they go down the drain.
You can also prevent kitchen sink clogs by properly utilizing your garbage disposal. Turn on the cold water while the disposal runs, and leave the water on for a minute after you shut off the disposal. This should flush the garbage into the main drainpipe rather than the smaller sink one.
Over time, a clogged sink could lead to a damaging pipe break. Therefore, should reduce the number of clogs in your sinks and use an auger to break up clogs that do develop.

What it Means if Your Building Smells Like Mold

8/27/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial mold damage

If you’ve noticed a musty odor or mildew smell in your building, that’s a sure sign that mold colonies are actively growing somewhere in the building. To understand why it’s helpful to know a little about the way mold functions and how it produces that distinctive “mold smell.”

What Mold Needs To Grow

Indoors or outdoors, the air in Clear Lake, TX, is always full of tiny mold spores. These tiny spores are generally harmless. They won’t begin to grow and colonize unless and until they come into contact with a source of moisture and a food source. Mold doesn’t need a large amount of water: The moisture in a slice of bread can be enough. Just about any material can serve as a food source, including:

• wood
• drywall
• cloth
• soil
• plants
• paper
• food scraps
  
  

Mold that is growing on a surface is actually consuming that surface as a food source. When mold consumes building materials, like wood or drywall, the materials eventually begin to rot and to become unstable.

Where The Mold Smell Comes From
Once mold spores settle onto a food source where moisture is present, they begin to grow and multiply. Mold releases gas-like compounds into the air as part of its digestive process. Some of these compounds have a strong, distinctive fungus smell, although some are odorless. Mold only releases these compounds when it is actively growing. If you smell mold, it means mold is eating away at your building.

How To Stop the Mold Growth
Finding and eliminating the moisture source is the key to stopping mold growth. A mold remediation specialist can use a thermal imager and other equipment to locate leaks that are hidden from view, such as behind walls.
Never ignore a musty or mildew smell in your building. That smell means mold is actively growing nearby. Mold spreads rapidly. If you notice a mold smell, schedule a mold inspection as soon as possible.

Understanding the Importance of 24-7 Damage Restoration

6/28/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial water cleanup in Clear Lake, TX.

Understanding the Importance of 24-7 Damage Restoration

Damage that results from fire, weather, and other disasters is never convenient. These situations can occur at any time of the day, requiring an immediate response. Should you ever experience fire, water, and other types of damage at your business in Clear Lake, TX, you can be confident that SERVPRO of Anytown stays ready to provide a fast response to your emergency situation. We serve you with 24-hour availability every day of the week for your professional damage restoration needs.

The Importance of 24-Hour Availability
When it comes to damage to your property, time makes all the difference. For example, water damage can become more severe in terms of contamination the longer it’s left unaddressed. Water damage that isn’t addressed can also What might originally be a simpler cleanup can become much more complex the longer you wait. 24/7 availability also benefits you in the following ways:

• Helps prevent further damage, potentially saving money
  
• Minimizes the time it takes to assess the damage and begin remediation
  
• Reduces the length of interruption to your business
  
  

A delay in response time can make all the difference when it comes to getting your property back to preloss conditions as quickly as possible.

A Comprehensive Solution
SERVPRO of Anytown is always open, responding to your call within the hour. We can be onsite within four hours and we provide a rundown of the issue within eight hours. Our approach is one that involves full remediation. We offer a comprehensive suite of services to restore your property to pre-damage conditions, including reconstruction, removal, and special cleaning and drying methods.
24-hour availability and rapid response help you get back to business sooner. You don’t have to worry about calling during office hours, and should a disaster occur on the weekend, you can expect to hear from us right away.

Responding to Fire Alarms in Your Home

6/21/2022 (Permalink)

You should change the batteries every six months to ensure that you’ll be alerted if there’s a fire.

Fire alarms are essential in every home, and they serve as a warning system in the event of a fire. When the alarm goes off, you need to know what to do. The damages can be costly, so take the necessary precautions to protect yourself, your family, and your belongings.

Know the Fire Alarm Types

Your home will have at least one of several different types of fire alarms. Here are some possibilities and how they work:

• Smoke detectors alert you of a possible fire once the smoke concentration exceeds a threshold.
  
• Heat detectors detect temperature changes associated with fires.
  
• Carbon monoxide detectors will go off in the presence of carbon monoxide gas.
  
  

Take Precautionary Measures
Be aware of which kinds of fire alarms are in your home and test them regularly to ensure they work effectively. To do so, press the test button on the alarm or use a testing device. You should change the batteries every six months to ensure that you’ll be alerted if there’s a fire. This process is as simple as removing the cover of the fire alarm and replacing the batteries with new ones. You may also consider replacing the backup battery as well.

Protect Yourself
Your safety should be your number one priority. When the alarm goes off, stay calm. If possible, address the cause of the alarm going off. If you are in an apartment complex, follow the evacuation procedures. Don’t stop to gather belongings. If the fire department arrives, make sure to follow the given instructions.

Assess the Damage
If you suspect that there may be smoke damage, you should call a fire damage restoration service in Nassau Bay, TX, for a proper evaluation. These professionals will assess the situation and make necessary repairs to ensure that your home is safe from further damage. You may also consider filing an insurance claim to cover repairs and losses.
Knowing what to do when your fire alarm goes off will help you mitigate damage and understand the best way to protect yourself and your home.

The Need for Mitigation After Storm Damage

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

Having flood insurance is helpful.

The Importance of Mitigation Following Storm Damage

Storm damage can run the gamut from flooding, roofing, and other damages. While having a storm and flood insurance is helpful, you cannot wait for an adjuster if you want to protect your home and claim. According to storm remediation services in Dickinson, TX, there are several reasons to act quickly to mitigate damage.

1. Flood Insurance Requirements
Many insurance companies require homeowners to protect their houses against further losses after damage. If a homeowner fails to mitigate problems resulting in other issues, such as water and mold damage, those losses may not be covered. Additionally, the failure to mitigate losses can jeopardize your entire claim.

2. Vandalism and Looting
Mitigation is about more than preventing further flood damage. Storm damage can result in broken windows, holes in roofs, etc. A damaged home is tempting for looters and vandals. These criminals might see a damaged home as an opportunity. Mitigation strategies aim to protect the home by sealing all entry points.

3. Animal Curiosity
Aside from human beings taking advantage of a vulnerable home, many animals will seize the opportunity to establish a nest or den. Even a damaged home can present an ideal home for some animals. Raccoons, squirrels, birds, etc., will likely find a manufactured structure preferable and safer than other options. Thankfully, standard mitigation practices will seal all entry points. You can also install temporary fencing to limit animal intrusion and curiosity further.

4. More Storms
Finally, waiting for an insurance adjuster before performing fundamental mitigation can leave your property vulnerable to future storms. Your insurance will likely not cover any damages occurring because of subsequent storms.
Most storm and flood insurance policies require homeowners to mitigate the possibility of further loss. Failing to protect your home can result in the rejection of a claim. Therefore, it is best to act fast after a storm, not waiting for adjusters and mitigating any sustained damage.

2 Common Questions About Category 2 Water Damage

5/27/2022 (Permalink)

Contaminated water after a leak in La Marque, TX building.

Category 2 Floods and Their Restoration Process

A broken pipe and water damage are among the most difficult things that a business owner must face. When this type of damage occurs, a water cleanup company is generally required to help with mitigation and restoration. This is because water pipe repair is only the first step in getting a business back open. The rest includes categorizing the water and making sure the building is properly sanitized. Here are some commonly asked questions about category 2 floods and their restoration process.

1. What Is a Category 2 Flood?
When the water pipe repair professionals note they fixed your greywater lines, you know you have experienced category 2 water damage. This is simply water that contains contaminants. It will cause discomfort and irritation if you come into contact with it. The most common issues which cause this type of damage include toilet lines, kitchen pipes, and sump pump failure. Once category 2 water enters your business, you should evacuate it immediately.

2. What Measures Are Taken To Restore the Damage?
As soon as there is flooding in your business in La Marque, TX, you should call remediation professionals. After arriving, the first thing they do is develop a contract with the owner, so they have the proper authorization to start working. As soon as they have this authorization, they will start working.
The first thing a company will do is survey your building and look for safety hazards. This includes electrical wires in water or structural issues. When it is safe to enter, they will perform water pipe repair tasks and start cleaning up the flood. Once this is finished, they can replace any damaged materials, so your business looks new.
When your business is flooded with dirty water, it is likely a category 2 flood. To properly remedy the situation, you should start a suitable remediation process as soon as possible. This will mitigate the damage and restore your business to normal. Hiring professionals is often the best option because of the contaminants in the water.