What to look for to prevent a dishwasher leak

3/15/2023 (Permalink)

Prevent a water later by ensuring your dishwasher is in good working condition.

Your dishwasher may be leaking for one of several different reasons. The most common cause of leaks is a clogged drain hose or a cracked tub. You can check for these things by removing the bottom rack and looking at both ends of the drain hose.

Check water supply line

If you suspect that your dishwasher is leaking, look for a valve on the water supply line. If there is one and it's open, close it and then check for debris in the bottom of your dishwasher. If there isn't a valve, turn off power to your dishwasher by flipping off its breaker switch or pulling out its plug from an outlet (if possible). Then turn off water supply lines leading into your house by opening faucet handles until they're fully closed, if this doesn't work, call an electrician or plumber for help shutting down these lines permanently so that no more leaks can occur.

Check to see if the fill hose is connected to a water source.

To check if the dishwasher is connected to a water source, remove the drain hose from its connection point and see if there is water flowing through it. If there is not, then you have an issue with your plumbing or faucet, which will need to be addressed by a professional plumber.

If you can see that there is water flowing through the drain hose but nothing coming out of it when you open up your dishwasher door, this could mean that clogs have formed inside of both ends of your hoses. You'll want to remove these hoses from both locations before trying again. This time making sure each end has been cleaned thoroughly beforehand so as not introduce any more blockages into them.

Adjust the pressure switch on the back of the dishwasher.

The pressure switch is usually located on the back of your machine, but it could be in other places depending on your model. The pressure switch is usually a small plastic box with a simple dial inside it. To adjust this part, you'll want to turn the dial clockwise until you hear water rushing through your plumbing pipes or see steam coming out of them.

Level your dishwasher.

Make sure your dishwasher is level. If it's not, it may be leaking from the bottom. Check to make sure there's enough water in the dishwasher. If there isn't, add more until you hear a gurgling sound when you open and close the door (this indicates that all of the tubs are full). Inspect your connection between your faucet and drain hose to make sure they're tight by hand-tightening them if necessary--and then check again after running hot water through them for five minutes or so (it can help loosen up any corrosion).

Check for debris.

To check your drain hose, first remove it from the sink and examine it. Look for kinks or other obstructions in the hose that could be blocking water flow. Also look at the ends of your drain hoses, if they're cracked or have holes in them, you'll need to replace them right away.

If everything looks good with your drain hoses, move on to checking for leaks around their connections with other components. Leaks here can cause similar problems as clogs in your dishwasher's filters. If you suspect a dishwasher leak, give a plumber or the professionals at SERVPRO a call immediately to prevent secondary damages.

What Happens To Building Materials When Wet?

11/14/2022 (Permalink)

Flooring warped by water

What To Do About Wet Building Materials

When a water loss occurs in your Raleigh, NC home or business, you want to know that your building materials are safe. It's our job to prevent damage to your property and belongings, but we also want you to understand how each material is affected by water.

One of the most common questions we hear when we talk to our customers is "What happens to building materials when they get wet?" The answer depends on the material and its condition. Let's take a look at what can happen to wood, concrete, drywall, finished wood, and the supporting structure when water enters your building.

Wood

Wood has a moisture content called MCF (moisture content). When wood absorbs water, it swells and loses strength. This can also cause warping or splitting depending on how much moisture is absorbed by the wood. 

Wood can be saved or it can need to be replaced. Dry wood will shrink back to its original size and shape, but if it is left too wet for too long, the wood will swell and may need to be replaced. To save your wood furniture, place it in an area with good airflow and keep it there until the moisture has evaporated.

Concrete

Concrete tends not to absorb significant amounts of moisture from water damage events, so it's less likely than other materials to see any significant damage. 

Drywall

The drywall product is made from sheets of paper covered with a gypsum plaster mix that is pressed between two pieces of wood, one on each side. When wet, this mixture will deteriorate quickly, but if it’s dried out within 24 to 48 hours it will be just fine. Drywall loses its paper but the gypsum board can be dried and saved. No need to replace it at all!

Finished Wood

When finished wood such as cabinets and hardwood floors are exposed to moisture, they can swell. This can cause them to warp, crack, split and peel. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove and replace these materials altogether:

• Cabinets can be removed from their baseboards and walls if they show signs of damage or if they're simply too damaged to repair. New cabinets may need to be custom-made by a qualified contractor in order to fit properly into existing openings (which will likely have been slightly altered from water damage). The good news is that once new cabinets are installed, you can use the same hardware on them as your old ones for a seamless transition into your new space!
• Flooring that has been warped by water damage should be removed as soon as possible so it doesn't continue warping even more over time—and potentially create cracks between boards that could allow insects or vermin access into your home's interior walls later down the road!

The Supporting Structure

The supporting structure of your home, the studs, joists, and sill plates, can remain intact. The studs and joists may be covered with drywall or other building materials on both sides of the studs. In some cases, they are only covered on one side with a layer of wood or metal trim. The sill plate is often covered by flooring material such as carpet or hardwood floors. The drywall will help to keep moisture out of those areas even though it doesn't always prevent water from entering the space between the insulation and studs/joists (as long as there isn't significant damage).

The Professionals Can Help

No matter the size of your building materials, we can help. Our equipment is designed to mitigate the damage to all of your building materials during a water loss. This means that you will get far more value out of your investment than if you went with any other company in town.

If you’re ready to work with people who care about restoring your property just as much as you do, then call SERVPRO of Southwest Raleigh/ Holly Springs today. 

How To Make a Business Continuity Plan

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

It is importan to have a business continuity design for your company in case of any risk.

Steps for Creating a Business Continuity Plan

Starting a business always comes with risk, and it is important to plan for any risks that are common in your industry. A business continuity plan is designed to help you plan for situations when business operations are disrupted for an extended period of time. Common risks include natural disasters, fires, water damage, and cyber attacks.
A business continuity plan is usually divided into four parts:

• Business impact analysis
  
• Recovery strategies
  
• Organization and teamwork
  
• Training and testing
  
  

This standardized model allows businesses to create comprehensive plans and adapt them to whatever industry they are involved in.

1. Conduct a Business Impact Analysis
You can complete an impact analysis by focusing on the business functions that would be immediately affected by a disaster. If you are not sure how to organize and develop this information, it is a good idea to use a template provided by a reputable source, such as Ready.gov, which is administered by the federal government.

2. Identify Recovery Strategies
Recovery strategies will depend on the industry you are in and the types of events you are planning for. Identify ways to quickly restore vital business functions in the aftermath of a disaster.

3. Use Organization to Develop an Emergency Response Plan
Divide employees into teams and define what each team's responsibilities will be during an emergency. Create plans for relocation if a building becomes unusable during disaster cleanup and restoration.

4. Develop Training and Testing Procedures
Create a training process for new employees and a schedule for reviewing emergency response procedures. Conduct testing to make sure the business continuity plan is meeting the needs of your business.
Following this four-part model will help you create a solid continuity plan for your business in Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant, NC. If your business experiences fire or water damage, contact a professional restoration company to address the issue promptly.

3 Facts About Water Damage

5/23/2022 (Permalink)

Drying equipment placed in a home due to water damage.

Three Water Damage Facts

As a Boylan Heights, NC, homeowner, you probably want to do all you can to avoid water damage and other problems a pipe burst can cause. Understanding how moisture can affect your home's building materials, systems and personal belongings is the first step to protecting your property from these types of incidents.

1. Flooding Causes Mold Growth
One issue you may not be aware of after a burst pipe floods a room is how quickly mold can appear in the aftermath. Mold spores that exist naturally inside your home thrive on humidity and moisture, something almost any type of indoor floods cause. Mold may appear as soon as 24-48 hours after the initial incident, but keeping humidity levels low with fans may slow this process.

2. Building Materials Absorb Water
After a pipe or water line break, the walls, carpeting and even the insulation inside your home can absorb water. Drywall is especially porous and may grow mold that you cannot see. Ask your water restoration and mitigation company to perform a flood cut, which involves cutting into the wall about a foot above the flood line to examine the extent of the interior walls' damage. This can help you decide which sections can remain and which must be replaced.

3. Water Warps Wood
After a pipe bursts, the water that enters other rooms, such as your living room or home office, can warp wooden floors and furniture. You may want to remove wooden furniture from the flooded areas or close off flooded rooms so the water cannot reach areas with wood floors. You can use absorbent padding or towels to block the thresholds of rooms that have gaps between the door and the floor.
Floods with an indoor source, such as those caused by a pipe burst, are usually unexpected and it can be difficult to protect your Boylan Heights, NC, home if you are not aware of the damage can cause. Remaining in the know can help you remain prepared.

Why Preventative Maintenance of Your Commercial Plumbing System Is Important

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

The professional should look for signs of corrosion or leaks.

Why Is It So Important to Maintain Your Commercial Plumbing System?

A commercial building needs proper maintenance in order to function properly. The plumbing system is no exception. You need to take care of your pipes, sewers and drains to avoid any plumbing problems. In fact, there are several benefits of being proactive with your plumbing system. Preventative maintenance:

• Keeps the pipes running properly
  
• Limits water temperature spikes
  
• Assures everything is up to code
  
• Prolongs the life of your system
  
  

How Does Preventative Maintenance Save Money?

Perhaps most importantly, being proactive can help you financially. After all, fixing a water main can be expensive. Specifically, a broken pipe may necessitate costly water damage repair services.
Emergency cleanups are typically more expensive than regular maintenance calls are. You should thus have a professional regularly inspect your Meredith College, NC, property for potential issues.

What Does Preventative Maintenance Entail?

The preventative maintenance should start with your pipes. The professional should look for signs of corrosion or leaks. He or she can also test the water pressure within the building. Low pressure could be a sign of sediment buildup or other plumbing problems.

However, the plumber you choose should not only look at your pipes. The drains, water heater and sewers should be inspected, as well. Slow drainage may indicate a clog deep in the system. A professional can use advanced cameras to locate the problem and then break up the clog with high-pressure jets.

Commercial bathrooms are common locations for leaks. Have someone check the seals and gaskets in the toilets. The caulking in the toilets and sinks should also be inspected.

Flushing the water heater is an important preventative maintenance step, as well. Best of all, you can do this yourself. A professional can also inspect various parts of the heater, including the vent pipes and burners.

Frequent inspections of your pipes, toilets, water heater, drains and sewers should prevent plumbing problems. Even a small leak can cause lots of damage, so being proactive about water issues is cost-efficient.

How to Prevent Toilet Overflow

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

Do not flush random items down the toilet.

Prevent a Toilet Overflow

Every homeowner in Bass Lake, NC dreads coming home to face a flooded toilet. Regardless of the toilet spurting clean or contaminated water into the bathroom, it requires a professional’s immediate help. The flooding may be a result of sewer damage causing waste to go back up through the pipes into the toilet. You can do a lot of good by preventing overflow before it happens by taking a few preventive measures.

1. Do Not Flush Random Items Down the Toilet

This is a particular concern in households with children, but even adults have been known to flush things down the toilet they should not. Some common items to keep out of there include:

• Napkins
  
• Papers
  
• Soaps
  
• Baby wipes
  
• Lotions
  
• Body creams
  
  

Flushing these items can cause them to get stuck in the pipes. Even things such as body cream, lotion and grease should stay out of toilets because they can harden through the pipes, causing a backup.

2. Clean the Toilet Regularly

In addition to keeping solid objects out of the toilet that can cause significant sewer damage, you also want to perform regular maintenance on the septic tank system. You should contact a sewage company once every eight years to clean and maintain your home’s septic tank. You can also clean your toilet routinely by using disinfectants and liquid detergent.

3. Avoid Flushing

Hopefully, the kind of toilet backup you will contend with will not be anything serious. Some toilets will merely overflow a little bit before receding. You may be able to clean up a small mess on your own, but you want to avoid flushing until you know the issue is resolved. Use a plunger to try to move the clog out of position. If nothing at your disposal seems to be working, then you should hire a professional plumber in Bass Lake, NC to come out and address the sewer damage.

How To Deal With Water Damage in Your Ceiling

1/28/2022 (Permalink)

Water in a light fixture in a home in Cameron Village, NC.

What to Do If Your Ceiling Has Been Damaged By Water

When water gets into your Cameron Village, NC, home’s ceiling, it’s reasonable to worry about getting water in light fixtures among other potential issues. Ceiling damage can tricky to fix, but it is doable. Here are a few things you may want to know.

Know What to Look For

If you think there may be water damage in your ceiling there are a few things you can look for

• Discoloration in the ceiling surface
  
• Soft spots in the material
  
• Bubbling or warping of tiles, paint or surfacing
  
• Areas showing drip marks around the top of walls
  
• Condensation around light fixtures
  
  

Remember, if you think you may have water in or around a light fixture or fan, it’s important to turn the electricity to the area off.

Find the Source of the Problem

When investigating any problems with water in light fixtures it’s important to locate the source of the problem. In some cases, it may be a leak in the roof, but there’s also the possibility of a leaking pipe among other things. Finding the source will allow you to remedy the problem and prevent future issues.

Contact a Professional When Needed

In many cases, you may want to contact a local water damage restoration service to help conduct repairs. They should know how to find the source of the problem and make any repairs necessary. This team of professionals may also be able to help with leak and flood prevention, offer cleaning services, and some may even be able to work with your insurance company to help ensure that every step of the process goes smoothly.

When dealing with water in light fixtures and other ceiling damage it’s important to remember to put safety first. A professional should have the tools and knowledge necessary to do the job properly, so if you don’t feel comfortable handling the situation yourself it’s best to contact one in your Cameron Village, NC, area. It’s also important to locate the source of the problem so you can prevent future issues. Knowing what signs to look for may help.

Leaky Pipe, Now What: How to Temporarily Fix Small Leaks to Avoid Business Interruption

12/5/2021 (Permalink)

The suggested repairs above can temporarily stave off any business interruption due to small leaks from a broken pipe.

A broken pipe can interfere with your business’s operations, but depending on the extent of the damage, you may be able to temporarily fix a leaky pipe, pushing off official repair until the close of day.

1. Shut Off Water

Before repairing a small leak, you may want to ensure that the water to the affected area is shut off, this allows you to work with a relatively dry surface and can help calm the initial panic of stopping the running water. You can turn off the water locally to avoid disrupting your entire business or, if you fear potential flooding and it makes you feel secure, you can turn off the water main.

2. Epoxy Putty

Once the water is off and the area is dry, you can use epoxy putty to perform basic water repair by filling in any holes or sealing any leaks. You can do this by cutting off a good chunk of putty and, using a putty knife, spreading it over the area. You may want to wear protective gloves to avoid contact with your skin. After the putty has cured/dried thoroughly, you can turn the water back on and check for any leaks.

3. Repair Clamps

If you do not feel comfortable using the putty, or if there is a crack in the broken pipe, then you may want to use a pipe repair clamp. These clamps come in a variety of sizes and are most likely available in any local hardware or home improvement store. The clamp slides over the crack and then, upon tightening the small bolts on the opposite side, provides pressure and ideally stops the leak.

4. Call a Professional

Whether your temporary fix works or not, you will likely want to call a local plumbing specialist in the Raleigh, NC, area to resolve the issue for you. While the above temporary fixes are good for the short term, they are by definition temporary.

The suggested repairs above can temporarily stave off any business interruption due to small leaks from a broken pipe, but you will likely want to seek out a more permanent solution in your off-hours.

How to Drain a Flooded Basement

11/18/2021 (Permalink)

Rent a submersible pump for deeper floods.

Draining a Flooded Basement

Flood insurance coverage is a blessing if you have it, but even if you do, there is still the issue of water removal after a basement flood. The tips and tools below can help make this type of cleanup less of a headache and more approachable.

1. Wait for Exterior Water to Recede

While it is troubling to see water where there shouldn’t be, you should wait for the exterior water level to recede before attempting to pump out your basement after a flood. If you do not wait, then everything you pump out will likely recollect in your basement. Once water levels have receded, you can safely remove standing water without the worry of reflooding.

2. Rent a Submersible Pump for Deeper Floods

If the basement flood is more than a foot deep, you may want to rent or purchase a submersible pump, which will allow you to submerge the pump in the lowest area of the flood and, connecting a drainage hose, begin evacuating the water. Depending on the overall area of your basement, it may be more efficient to rent a couple of pumps to speed up the process.

3. Use a Wet/Dry Vac for Shallower Floods

For a shallower flooded basement, you can use a wet/dry vac to suck up excess water. It is better to use these vacuums in shallower floods because the process of bringing them up the stairs when full can be daunting. Use wet/dry vacs when the flooded area is contained to a small space and no deeper than an inch. If it is a larger space, you may want to use a pump, although you do not necessarily have to use a submersible pump for shallow floods.

4. Hire a Professional

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the process of floodwater removal, then you can hire a flood cleanup professional in Holly Springs, NC, to assist you. These specialists will have the proper equipment and expertise to help you resolve your flood woes quickly and efficiently.

A basement flood can be devastating. Fortunately, there are tools and even companies that can make the flood cleanup process less stressful and more manageable.

5 Potential Sewer Problems in Commercial Properties

9/13/2021 (Permalink)

Some of the common sewer problems that occur in your commercial building can be avoided with diligent inspection and maintenance.

A sewer problem in a commercial building can be unpleasant for everyone. The telltale odor of sewer gases often permeates the building when there is a blocked sewer or a broken line. Your commercial property in Raleigh, NC, is susceptible to five potential sewer problems that it's important to know about so you can plan ahead with the proper insurance coverage if they happen.

1. Worn-Out Sewer Lines

Cast-iron lines are built to last, but nothing lasts forever. If you notice that appliances and drains clog regularly or there is a consistent aroma of sewer gas, it is a good idea to have your lines checked to make sure they're still in good shape.

2. Structural Problems

If your pipe system is not structurally sound, you are going to have plumbing problems. Pipe breaks and weak connections can cause sewage leaks in and around your building.

3. Root Invasion

Trees growing on your property may look nice, but their roots can cause serious damage to your sewer lines. The roots fracture the lines, causing structural damage and leaks where sewage escapes.

4. Municipal Blockage

When city's sewer is blocked, everyone has a blocked sewer. When that happens, sewage will often back up into your building through pipes in the basement or toilets and drains on the lower levels. Valves that prevent backflow can keep this particular problem at bay.

5. Pipe Blockage

A common type of blockage occurs inside the building. When people flush items down the toilet that are not meant to be flushed, these items can get lodged in the pipe. When the toilet is flushed again, it can cause toilet overflow and potentially extensive water damage.

Some of the common sewer problems that occur in your commercial building can be avoided with diligent inspection and maintenance, but some problems are out of your control. Awareness of potential problems helps you ensure that you have the right coverage for your building.

What To Do if You Notice Water in Your Light Fixtures

4/13/2021 (Permalink)

Water in light fixtures should be addressed as soon as you notice it.

Follow These Steps If This Occurs

A broken appliance, leaky plumbing or severe weather in Holly Springs, NC, could cause water damage to your home. If there is flooding on an upper floor, it may leak through to the level beneath. When this happens, it can cause additional problems such as water in light fixtures on the ceiling. The following steps should be taken if this occurs.

1. Turn Off the Electricity
Water in any electrical device can be dangerous, so power should be cut off quickly. Do not attempt to turn the lights off with the switch. This can create sparks, resulting in a hazardous situation. Instead, use the breaker to turn off electricity to the whole building.

2. Turn Off the Water Source
Depending on what has caused the water damage, additional steps may need to be taken. If the ceiling damage was caused by a leak in your home, you should turn off the water source as well. Otherwise, it may continue to flood the building.

3. Have Water Damage Repaired
Once the electricity and water have been turned off, contact a water damage remediation service to have the water in light fixtures and elsewhere removed from your home. If this is not done right away, secondary damage like mold growth, warping wood and corrosion can occur. These workers can also perform cleanup and repairs to both the building and any belongings that have been damaged by the water.

4. Have Lights Replaced
Any lights that have water in them will likely need to be replaced. To ensure everything is installed correctly, this should be done by a professional electrician. Do not attempt to use any affected fixtures until they have been inspected and repaired.
Because it can be hazardous, water in light fixtures should be addressed as soon as you notice it. Have water damage repaired and light fixtures replaced by a professional to return your home to a safe environment.

How To Treat Your Commercial Property's Water Damage

2/11/2021 (Permalink)

Business in Middle Creek, NC damaged by water

Four Things That Must Happen To Restore The Facility Effectively

When your commercial property in Middle Creek, NC, faces water damage, a swift response is essential to minimize destruction and contamination. Permitted to linger, the moisture can lead to mold and mildew growth as well as structural rot. However, with prompt, proactive approaches, owners may reduce the number of repairs and safeguard the premises from future microbial development. The following are four things that must happen to restore the facility effectively.

1. Contain the Area
The broken pipes sprayed water throughout the facility space, possibly filling the room with bacteria and fungus. Section off the impacted zone, restricting access and minimizing exposure to other rooms. Post signs to keep others out. If someone enters, ensure proper protective gear is worn.

2. Reduce Water Exposure
When water damage lingers, the moisture permeates into porous objects, triggering mold and mildew growth. Focus on reducing dampness to slow the process and safeguard the property. Extract saturated structural materials such as drywall and flooring. Pull out wet fixtures, and throw out soaked valuables.

3. Dry Out Space
A water cleanup company has industrial dehumidifiers that pull humidity from hard-to-reach places, including the air. Several of these devices may be required to obtain the appropriate moisture levels. Expect the process to take several days, and add air movers such as a fan to control the speed.

4. Wash and Spray
Tend to the nonporous items by evaluating them closely. You may treat them with warm soapy water followed by a thorough dry. For additional assurance, apply an antimicrobial spray.
If you have special objects such as electronics, documents and photos, speak with specialists about content cleaning procedures. The experts may have the equipment to salvage those pieces.
When water damage invades your company in Middle Creek, NC, be proactive in your cleanup response. Get a clear overview of the issues, pull out the moisture and sanitize the rooms.

How To Classify Water Damage

1/15/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage categories

Not all water losses are the same. You can probably remove small puddles of relatively clean water from your home yourself. However, a flood that features contaminated water should only be handled by emergency restoration professionals in Raleigh, NC. To determine whether you need to call the experts, you first must determine what type of damage occurred.

Water Damage Categories

Water damage is characterized by the amount of contaminates in the fluid. The three categories are:

• Category 1
  
• Category 2
  
• Category 3
  
  

Category 1 water, also known as white water, is relatively clean. It usually stems from a drinking fountain or faucet supply line leak.
Category 2 water contains some contaminants and is thus not safe to drink. This gray water typically results from an overflowing dishwasher or toilet.
Finally, Category 3 water, or black water, is the most dangerous. This highly contaminated water could make you severely ill if you drink it. River overflows and sewage backups are common causes of Category 3 water damage.

Water Damage Classes
A water loss is also classified based on the extent of the damage. Class 1 damage is fairly minor and limited to one small area of the home.
Class 2 damage typically takes up an entire room. The water seeps up the walls and causes structural harm to the property. Wet carpets are also a sign of Class 2 disasters.
During a Class 3 water damage, the liquid saturates the floors, ceiling, walls, and carpet. Finally, Class 4 damage is the hardest to address. It occurs when water has permeated hard materials such as stone and brick.
If your home suffered Class 1 damage featuring Category 1 water, you may be able to dry the property yourself. However, more severe losses involving contaminated water require professional expertise. Restoration company employees will identify the type of damage present and use this information to create an effective and safe cleanup plan.

Steps for Managing Water Leaking From a Light Fixture

11/20/2020 (Permalink)

Water in light fixtures is especially dangerous because water conducts electricity and can close the circuit

Here Are Some Steps To Take To Safely Manage A Leak In A Light Fixture

The difficult part about getting ahead of leaks in your home is that you can't often see that they're happening until it's too late and damage has already been done. If you've ever noticed water pooling in a light fixture, it means that you have a leak. Water in light fixtures is especially dangerous because water conducts electricity and can close the circuit, causing you to be electrocuted if you try to flip the switch. 

1. Shut Off the Power Source
The power needs to be shut off at the source. Find the breaker box and flip the breaker that connects to the light that is leaking. This will prevent electrical shock and other potential hazards that can result from the combination of water in light fixtures and electricity. If you're suspicious that there may be leaks in other places, you may want to shut off breakers to those areas as well, to be safe.

2. Shut Off the Water Supply
Shutting of the water supply is inconvenient, but it's the best way to prevent more water from accumulating in the light fixture and to prevent further ceiling damage.

3. Call For Assistance
It's not a good idea to try and repair a light fixture that is waterlogged. Calling an electrician to come and remove the fixture the is safest choice as they will know best how to safely handle the situation. Another important call is to a water damage cleaning service in Raleigh, NC, so that they can help you determine the full extent of the ceiling damage and dry, clean, and repair it properly to avoid additional water leak damage in the future.
Water in light fixtures is a dangerous combination that should be taken seriously. The best option is to call a professional for help to ensure a safe and complete repair.

Learn the Basics of Dealing With Leaking Toilets

10/9/2020 (Permalink)

A leaking toilet is not just irritating, but it is also destructive to your home

Why Leaks Are Important?

Every device and appliance in your Garner, NC, home is bound to develop issues. One of these problems is a leaking toilet. While leaks might seem like just minor annoyances, they can create greater problems than you might expect. Identifying and resolving these toilet issues eliminates greater problems before they occur. Learn more about why leaks are important, what can cause them, and some potential solutions.

Importance of Leaks
Leaking water poses several threats to your house and everyone living in it. They can deteriorate the foundation and damage the floor. Additionally, anyone near them can slip or get electrocuted by them. Therefore, you must fix a bathroom leak fast before dangerous incidents occur. Wipe off the excess water and see if the leaking continues. It might be some spilled water, but if it continues, it could be a sign of a serious issue.

Causes of Leaks
Removing water from a leaking toilet does not usually address the actual problem. There are a variety of scenarios that create this result, such as a:

• Damaged wax ring
  
• Loose tank flange
  
• Malfunctioning shutoff valve
  
• Broken tank
  
• Faulty supply tube
  
  

These errors may be caused by wear and tear, improper installation or impact damage. No matter the reason, you will need to act and stop the leaking.

Resolving Leak Issues
Every leak situation requires a different solution. For example, the toilet's base is too separated from the floor, so you will have to tighten the bolts attaching them. Other times, you will have to replace a component such as a wax gasket by disassembling the toilet. If the toilet is too outdated, replacing the entire unit is the easiest solution. Avoid potential errors by hiring an experienced and licensed plumber, along with emergency restoration specialists to handle the water damage.
A leaking toilet is not just irritating, but it is also destructive to your home and a hazard to others. Identify the root cause, think about the solution and bring professionals to efficiently conclude the problem.

Restoring Your Business After Fire Sprinkler Damage

8/31/2020 (Permalink)

Fire sprinkler in a Boylan Heights, NC business goes off accidentally

Commercial Water Damage

Flooding, leaky roofs, busted pipes, backed-up drains, appliances, and natural disasters are a few causes of commercial water damage. However, what happens if the fire sprinklers at your business in Boylan Heights, NC, go off accidentally?
Check your building’s sprinkler system regularly to make sure it is functioning properly. If it has been a while since you last had it inspected, consider what could happen if you don’t:

Fire sprinkler systems fail. Pipes age and corrode. Winter cold can freeze pipes and cause them to burst.
Sprinkler flooding can cause just as much if not more damage than if there was a fire. Water soaks through everything in its path: furniture, carpets, walls, office equipment, and people if they have the misfortune of getting caught under the sprinklers.
The repair can be costly. According to a March 2020 report from iPropertyManagement, the annual cost of repair from water damage in the United States is $13 billion.

Be Prepared
Don’t be caught off guard. Make sure you and your designated employees know what to do if the fire sprinklers discharge:

Shut off the water. Know the locations of the shut-off valves for different areas of the building as well as the location of the main valve.
Document and itemize the damage as soon as possible. This will help make the claims process more efficient when you contact your insurance company.
Don’t try to do the cleanup yourself. Get a reputable restoration company to come in to remove the water, dry and dehumidify the flooded areas, and thoroughly clean, sanitize, and deodorize.

Everyone in the facility should have emergency contact information for the sprinkler system company, your insurer, and a qualified commercial restoration company that offers 24-hour service.

SERVPRO is Here to Help
Getting back to business after water damages your office will take time, but if you have the right flooding restoration team help guide you through the steps, you can be up and running as soon as possible.

Raleigh, NC - 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

3/26/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Southwest Raleigh / Holly Springs provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Raleigh, NC and surrounding areas

SERVPRO of Southwest Raleigh / Holly Springs is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - (919) 944-4002

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Southwest Raleigh / Holly Springs has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Southwest Raleigh / Holly Springs

SERVPRO of Southwest Raleigh / Holly Springs specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Click Here to Meet Our Team

Certifications

• AMRT - Applied Microbial Remediation Technician
• RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation
• WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician

Affiliations

• Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification – IICRC

Awards

• THINK REALTY MAGAZINE - Property Rehab Specialist of the Year Award
• REMODELING MAGAZINE - BIG 50