The Do's and Do Nots for Water Damage

10/26/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Dania Beach helping a local restore home to original condition

Water damage is an issue that affects most places, which occurs either due to natural flooding or other reasons. Regardless of the cause, you have to take necessary measures to prevent damage caused due to water in your residence or workspace. 

Here, we will delve deeper into water damage emergency tips that can help you during these situations.

The Do's:

As soon as flooding happens, you can take these measures to enhance your safety. They include:

- Focus on Safety

Your main concern has to be safe before doing anything specific on your property. It is because contaminated water can pave the way for many health effects. Other than that, if there is an electric supply in your place, it can be dangerous.

- Switching off Electric Supply

Ensure that you take the necessary measures to turn off the power in your property by unplugging devices and using the circuit breaker. Besides, switching off the main water supply to your place can also help reduce the damage.

- Prioritize Your Valuables

Along with ensuring your safety, you have to take care of your valuables. Here, your focus has to be on important documents, electronic gadgets, jewelry, or other essential items.

After flooding and once the water level starts receding, here are the things that you have to do.

- Connect with Your Insurance Company

Yes, this is something that you have to do immediately so that the concerned authorities can take the necessary actions. Here, you have to provide ample proof to validate your statement. For that purpose, furnish all the essential documents and also make sure to take photographs or videos to show the damage.

- Connect with Your Local SERVPRO

At SERVPRO, our technicians have been certified in fire and smoke restoration by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and we are prepared to handle every step of the restoration process. We’ll inspect for structural issues, address the removal of water flooding by take steps to ensure air purification and the removal of odors, fully address any water damage to prevent mold buildup and take steps to protect the contents of your home as well.

Within three to four days, water will drain out completely. However, there can still be water trapped in places, and also the things present in your property can be wet. Hence, why SERVPRO will be there to help you by ensuring all water is removed.

We are part of the Community and live here in the West Hollywood area ourselves, so we have a vested interest in helping this community. At SERVPRO of West Hollywood / Dania Beach, we are committed to responding faster to any disaster. We’ll also go the extra mile to ensure that your home is treated with the same loving care you would give it yourself. That means returning your home to its pre-water damage condition and making sure it’s safe for you and your family. Our trained hands of the SERVPRO of West Hollywood / Dania Beach are restoration professionals.

Top Ways to Protect Home from Water Damage

8/30/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage in a room at a work site for a costumer.

Water damage is an issue that affects several houses in the US and across the world. As per the data available on Property Management, in 2017, US residents spent $13 billion to recover from water damage issues. Even though you can avail of the benefits of home insurance, the amount you would receive is $10,234. It might not be sufficient in overcoming the damage suffered.

In a nutshell, different reasons pave the way for water damage in your home. Mainly, they include plumbing issues, water overflow, appliance failure, and sewer clogging. However, by taking the necessary precautions, you can protect your home from water damage. Here are five ways that you can employ to protect your home.

1. Inspecting the Plumbing System

While checking the plumbing system, you have to look into any cracks or leaks in the hoses or pipes connecting appliances. If there are any issues, you have to repair or replace them based on the situation.

Some of the appliances to check include refrigerators, washing machines, bathtubs, water heaters, etc. Apart from that, installing a pressure release valve can be highly beneficial. It would help in maintaining the pressure and enhance safety. Checking the walls next to appliances can also help you ensure that there are no water leakage issues.

2. Taking Care of the Foundation and Basement

Your house's foundation and basement are two factors that you have to protect from water damage. However, in 98% of water damage issues, basements get affected. You can reduce this issue by checking them from time to time. If there are any cracks on the foundation, you have to take care of them. Other than that, using waterproof sealants can also reduce the damage caused by water. Having a slope in your basement can also help water to run away with ease.

3. Protecting Your Home's Exterior

In the same way, as you take care of your home's interior, you have to protect your home's exterior. You have to check your home's roof, and sealing the walls can help reduce water damage. You have to cross­check the sprinkles and irrigation systems in your home to be on the safe side. Frozen pipes can also be an issue, so you have to make sure there aren't any from time to time. The gutter blockage is something that you have to focus on while taking care of your home. It can happen due to the growth of moss and weeds as well. For rain gutters, ensure that there isn't any debris present in them affecting the drainage system.

4. Installing Water Detection Devices

A water detection device refers to an electronic device that comes with a sensor. By installing this device, you can detect the presence of moisture, and you can hear an alarm. In the latest models, you can connect this device to your smartphone using WIFI. Through this, you can receive notifications in case of any moisture content. When it comes to the best place to keep a water detection device, you have to pick one there is a chance of water overflowing. It can be next to appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, water heaters, etc.,

5. Monitoring Water Bill

Monitoring your water bill is a practice that can not just help you take care of your finances. When there is an increase in your monthly water bill, there could be a probable reason for such a sudden spike. However, ensure that there wasn't a surge in water usage from your end.

If there is no specific reason for the increase in the bill, you have to inspect and monitor your home's water supply system. It would provide you with clarity on if there is a leak in any of the connections. It could even be water drippings from faucets.