Why Are My Floors Buckling? 3 Common Causes

3/15/2023 (Permalink)

When your flooring suffers water damage, we are here to help.

Floors are an important part of any home and can be a great investment if you choose the right one. However, when your floors start to buckle or crack, it's an indication that something is wrong. In this article, we'll discuss what causes these issues to happen so that you can learn how to avoid them in the future.

Water Damage

Water can cause buckling in wood floors. When water gets into the wood, the wood naturally expands to accommodate the moisture. This can cause damage to the flooring material.

When it comes to wood flooring, this expansion can happen quickly if there's been an excessive amount of water introduced to your flooring. If your home or business suffers from a water damage event such as a leak or flooding, your floors are at risk!

High Humidity

High humidity can cause your floors to buckle and warp. High humidity is the result of excess moisture in the air, which is caused by water vapor or other liquids that have been introduced into your home's air circulation system. Not only can high humidity cause damage to your flooring, but it can also lead to other issues on your property, such as mold damage. In any case, it is important to keep the humidity levels in check.

To reduce the risk of buckling and warping, you'll want to make sure that you're keeping your home's relative humidity at a reasonable level: between 30% and 50%.

Drastic Temperature Changes

If your floors are buckling, the problem may be due to drastic temperature changes. This is especially common when it comes to wood floors, which can expand and contract depending on their exposure to heat or cold. This change might not occur drastically but can become an issue after just a few seasons.

It's Important to Get Professional Help Right Away

If your floors are buckling, it may be due to any of these problems, so it's important to get professional help right away. Floors can buckle for many reasons, but the most common cause is moisture. When you have excessive water sitting on a surface for too long, the wood begins to expand. This causes them to warp and crack over time as well as causing other problems like mold growth inside your home or business building.

A water leak or high humidity can cause buckling floors. If you see signs of water damage in or around your home or business, call SERVPRO of Kingwood/Humble for all your water damage cleanup and restoration needs.

Furniture Water Damage

2/10/2023 (Permalink)

After a water loss in your home, we are here to help restore you property properly back to pre loss conditions.

Water damage is never good for your furniture. If water damage goes left untreated, it can affect the structural integrity of your pieces over time and cost a lot of money to fix. When water damage is treated in a timely manner, there's a chance that your furniture will be salvageable. Here's what to do if your furniture gets damaged from water.

Remove Drawers and Cushions

Water can effect your entire piece of furniture quickly. It is important to remove and drawers or cushions to the furniture to help with the drying process. Opening the piece of furniture up with allow for adequate drying. Wood will take longer to dry than plastic or metal.

Cleaning

The first step in the cleaning process is to assess the level of damage and determine whether it can be repaired. Never attempt to clean a damaged piece of furniture or clothing on your own unless you know if it within your line of knowledge. If there is extensive water damage or stains on the fabric, you may have no other choice but to throw it out.

Don't use harsh chemicals or cleaners. Water damage can cause a number of different types of stains including mold and mildew growths. Using harsh chemicals or cleaners could make these problems worse by stripping the natural oils from materials like cotton or leather. Instead, try applying warm water with a soft cloth over any affected areas before moving on to another method.

The wood could have extensive water damage, you may use a wet/dry vacuum to remove water before wiping it down with a rags. Removing as much water as possible can cut back on secondary damages.

Treat Water Stains

If your furniture suffers from water stains, treat it with paint thinner, denatured alcohol or mineral spirits. These solvents are found in hardware stores and should be applied to a soft cloth with care. A small amount of solvent should be rubbed onto the stain until it disappears, don't apply too much because you can damage the wood underneath. Then let the solvent sit for a few minutes before wiping it off with a clean cloth.

If your furniture needs to be re-oiled after cleaning, it is recommended that you first use an oil-based stain on the damaged area. This will help seal in moisture and prevent further damage from occurring. You can find stains designed for wood at most hardware stores or online retailers such as Amazon or Home Depot. Select one that’s appropriate for your type of finish, whether it’s polyurethane, lacquer or shellac.

Furniture damage is a common problem after a water loss. Give the professionals at SERVPRO of Kingwood/Humble a call at the first sign of water damage in your property to help restore your furniture back to pre loss conditions. 

What Are Reasons To Have Noisy Pipes?

11/4/2022 (Permalink)

It's crucial to get a professional to come in and look at any noisy pipes you may have.

What Causes Noisy Pipes?

If you hear strange noises coming from your pipes, you're probably wondering what's going on. The good news is that most of the time, there's nothing to worry about — sometimes it can be as simple as a small amount of water that has entered the pipe or something falling into the waste line. However, if your pipes are making loud banging noises or rattling around in their fittings, then there may be more serious issues at hand, and you should consider calling an expert immediately.

How do noisy pipes happen?

There are many reasons why a pipe might develop a noise. The most common cause is water hammer, which occurs when you turn off your faucet and the air in the pipes tries to rush out of them. This can be caused by multiple factors such as high-water pressure or a broken or leaking pipe.

Another possible reason for noisy pipes is that you may have an object stuck in one of your drains and that's causing it to vibrate.

What should you do about noisy pipes?

If you hear a significant amount of noise coming from your pipes, it's best to call a professional. If it's a small leak that you can fix yourself, however, here are some tips:

• Drill holes in the wall behind the noisy pipes and push ear plugs into them. This will help reduce the sound being heard on the other side of the wall by dampening its transmission.

• Look for hidden sources of noise (such as an air compressor) that could be interfering with your plumbing system. 

Call a specialist to inspect any noisy pipes you may have in your home.

If you have noisy pipes in your home, it may be time to call a professional to come in and investigate. Here are some of the common causes of pipe noise:

Corrosion – The most common reason for pipe noise is corrosion. This occurs when water runs through the pipes, causing them to corrode over time. If your home has older pipes, they could be more susceptible to corrosion than newer ones would be. In this case, one solution might be simply replacing those old pipes with newer ones that don't corrode as quickly or easily (though this can be expensive).

Age – As any homeowner knows, older homes tend to have older plumbing systems—and these often aren't nearly as reliable as modern ones are! If yours is one such older model and you're experiencing frequent problems with things like clogged drains or running toilets, then consider having them replaced before they start causing more serious issues like broken water lines or burst pipes (which can cause major flooding throughout your house).

Defective construction - While most people think about flaws occurring during manufacturing processes at factories where products are made by machine operators who make mistakes in adding certain materials into their products' ingredients lists which may not belong there because they didn't know what they were doing correctly enough yet without proper training needed before being allowed access zones containing chemicals dangerous enough kill everyone present if released into atmosphere air circulation throughout kitchen area at times leading up during holidays.

If you have noisy pipes, it’s important to call a professional to come in and investigate. We can help identify what is causing the noise and fix them so your home is quiet again.

Do All Drain Cleaners Damage Pipes?

7/23/2022 (Permalink)

Drain cleaners may degrade plumbing in a residence in Humble, TX

Most chemicals intended for clearing a clogged drain are corrosive and toxic. Depending on pipe materials, drain cleaners may degrade plumbing in a residence in Humble, TX. Enzymatic drain treatments are less damaging, but also work more slowly. Learn more about how acidic, caustic, and oxidizing cleaners work to determine the most effective sewage cleaning method.

How Do Cleaners Work?

Cleaning products are most effective on slow or partially clogged drains. There are three types of drain cleaner chemicals:

• Acidic, such as hydrochloric or sulfuric acid
• Caustic, such as sodium hydroxide
• Oxidizing, such as sodium hypochlorite

Acidic solutions attract electrons, while caustic solutions give electrons to the clog. Both of these types of cleaners release heat. Sodium hypochlorite oxidizes the clog and releases electrons, heat, and gas. A fully clogged drain should be cleared mechanically.

What Are Enzymatic Treatments?

Enzymes restore the bacterial balance of a drain line, which can prevent clogs. These treatments should be used before a drain slows or clogs. Flush mainline enzymes down a toilet twice a month to start and then once every three months. Clear sink or shower drains by pouring enzymes down the drain once a week for a month and then once a month.

Which Treatments Are the Most Effective?

Chemical drain cleaning solutions work quickly to speed up a slow drain or clear a partial blockage, but these products may also damage pipes. These substances are also highly toxic to humans, domestic animals, and the environment. When used as directed, enzymatic treatments are safer and can keep clogs from forming.

In the case of a completely clogged drain, it is better to call a plumber than use treatments that may fail to break up a blockage or sit in pipes and cause damage. If a clog results in a backup and sewer damage, contact a sewage cleaning company in Humble, TX.

3 Ways To Minimize Damage From a Basement Flood

5/27/2022 (Permalink)

Recovering from a basement flood can be a big undertaking.

3 Ways to Minimize Basement Flood Damage

When you have a basement flood in Pittsville, TX, it is important to begin the cleanup process as quickly as possible. The longer the water sits, the more damage is likely to occur. You can help to minimize the damage to your home if you know some reasonable steps to take.

1. Do Not Enter the Flooded Area Unprotected
Submerged basements can pose many hazards. If you must enter, do so with extreme caution. If the water is only an inch or so deep, you can wear rubber boots and walk on plywood to shut off the circuit breaker or stop the source of the water leak. If the water is above the electrical outlets, do not enter. Instead, call the fire department or other emergency personnel and wait for them to arrive.

2. Remove and Replace Damaged Equipment
According to the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) and the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association (GAMA), mechanical and electrical equipment that has been damaged in a basement flood should be replaced. Do not reuse electrical outlets, wires, or appliances after a flood. Doing so could cause a hazard later. When a professional restoration company arrives on-site, they will help determine what is salvageable and what must be discarded or replaced. Fortunately, flood insurance coverage usually includes the cost to replace damaged building materials such as sockets, drywall, and wires.

3. Create Safeguards for Future Protection
There are some steps you can take to prevent your basement from flooding again in the future. First, make sure all stormwater is routed away from your home's foundation. Proper preparation includes maintaining the ground slope and diverting rain spouts. Install drains or multiple sump pumps inside your basement to quickly get rid of any water. You can install a generator as a backup to keep the sump pumps running even after the power goes out.
Recovering from a basement flood can be a big undertaking. Luckily, there are things you can do to minimize damage to your home and avoid future problems.

The 3 Types of Water Damage

3/8/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage event after a pipe break in Kingwood, TX.

Water Categories

Whether you experience a water pipe repair job gone wrong or a sewage backup, you must immediately remedy the water damage. The first step to fixing your Kingwood, TX, business's damage is to hire a water cleanup company. They will categorize the water, so the proper remediation steps are taken.

1. Category 1 or Clean Water

Category 1 water damage is the least worrisome and is often caused by a broken pipe, overflowing sink, or appliance malfunction. This is considered clean water because it is free of toxins and sewage. Typically, the restoration following the water pipe repair will be quick, and there will be few side effects for the building. However, have remediation performed as soon as possible to prevent further damage and mold growth.

2. Category 2 or Greywater

Category 2 damage is caused by greywater. This includes water from a toilet, washing machine, or sump pump backup. While the water may not necessarily be harmful, it is important to have a water pipe repair performed and follow it up with prompt restoration and sanitation to avoid potential health concerns and further damage. This type of remediation will involve water cleanup and sanitation.

3. Category 3 or Black Water

Category 3 damage must be remedied immediately and is the most dangerous of the water categories. This includes water from sewage, storm surges, seas, rivers, and other bodies of water. When this occurs, most of your items will need to be removed for cleaning, and it will take extensive disinfecting to make your business safe again. It is also probable that you will not salvage some of your items and building materials.
If you have recently experienced a flooded business, you should take action quickly. No matter what category the water is, you should promptly hire a remediation team to perform the cleanup. Otherwise, you could endanger yourself and have further damage to your building.

Bursting Pipes Got You Down?

2/7/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage in Magnolia Gardens, TX.

Do You Have a Problem With Burst Pipes?

Bursting pipes leave a big mess. You can call a professional in Magnolia Gardens, TX, to fix a broken pipe, but what do you do about the water damage? Plumbers will perform the necessary repairs to fix your burst or leaking pipe, but it will be up to you to deal with the cleanup.

Water Damage

Water can cause serious damage, especially if it is left standing for a prolonged period of time. You should start the cleanup efforts as soon as possible. If the damage is limited to a small space, you might be able to handle things on your own. A water mitigation professional in Magnolia Gardens, TX, may need to be called in if the bursting pipes affected multiple rooms, traveled between floors of your home or went unnoticed for over eight hours.

Cleanup

If you are dealing with standing water or the leak happened near electrical appliances, turn off the power before you enter. You will need to have any carpet removed. Depending on the damage, it may be salvageable. Clear the room of all furniture and other removable items.

If you are dealing with standing water, it needs to be removed. You can hire a professional or use a shop vac, depending on how much water you are dealing with. It is important to thoroughly dry the area. Warm, dry weather might allow you to open doors and windows. Bring in big fans.

You may even need to remove sections of your wall to ensure the space behind is completely dry. Drywall and insulation can wick water. If the insulation isn’t dried properly mold can grow. Water mitigation specialists can come in and determine the full extent of the damage caused by the bursting pipes.

Dealing with water damage can be a frustrating and overwhelming task. It is vital that you remove all water-soaked materials and dry the space out completely. The faster you can accomplish this, the less likely you will have to deal with mold in the future.

5 Steps for Dealing With Toilet Overflow

12/30/2021 (Permalink)

The water from a flooded toilet is a Category 3 contaminant.

Sewer Cleanup Process

When a toilet floods your home in Crosby, TX, it is unlikely that you are dealing with clean water that can just be sopped up with a towel. To properly mitigate sewer damage, you will need to take certain precautions and enlist the help of certified sewer cleanup experts.

1. Protection

Safety is the first thing you should consider. Because the water from a flooded toilet is a Category 3 contaminant, it is imperative that you keep pets and children away from the area. Do not enter it yourself unless you are wearing protective gear, such as coveralls, goggles, a face mask, and rubber boots.

2. Air Flow

Fresh air can displace the microbes that are in the affected area’s airspace. If possible, open a window to increase ventilation. Avoid using your HVAC system to do so, however, as this simply allows the airborne germs resulting from sewer damage to spread to other parts of your home.

3. Sewage Removal

The team from the sewage company will remove the water from the area. All items such as rugs or linens that the water touched must be removed as well.

4. Drying

After the standing water is removed, all surfaces must be dried. If the contaminated water has seeped into the floors or wall, they will likely need to be replaced with dry, undamaged materials.

5. Disinfection

The final step is making sure everything is clean. Mitigation professionals use special detergents and other methods to clean the remaining surfaces in the room as well as any items that can be salvaged. No item can return to your home unless it can be restored properly.

Sewer damage requires swift attention and remediation. Start with the appropriate safety measures and make sure all the appropriate steps of the cleanup process are taken. With a prompt call to certified experts, you can get your bathroom restored relatively quickly.

5 Reasons There Could Be Water in Your Crawl Space

11/22/2021 (Permalink)

If you see standing water in the crawl space, call a clean-up and restoration team.

Five Reasons You May Have a Wet Crawl Space

The area beneath your home is a remote space that homeowners seldom think about, let alone visit. It isn’t the basement; it’s the crawl space. It's often dark, dirty, and almost always filled with the unknown creepy crawlies of the world. When water invades the crawl space of your property in Kingwood, TX it can quickly become a mold-filled problem that needs addressing before it can affect the structure of your house. 

1. Hose and irrigation over-watering. It is easy to open the irrigation gate or turn on a hose and forget about the water running into the yard. Human-error-caused flooding is more common than people like to admit.

2. Landscaping errors. Do-it-yourself landscapers often make the mistake of creating a level flowerbed or grassy yard. Poorly sloped or level yards invite any excess water to seep under your home through the foundation and enter the crawl space.

3. Ill-fitted downspouts and gutters. Gutters can become filled with debris, develop cracks, and break at joints. The downspouts can also become twisted or knocked out of place. Water can then trickle down the outside of your home and create a wet crawl space.

4. Subterranean waters. Broken city lines or underground water seepage can also cause standing water to form under the house. Torrential rains are also often known to raise ground water levels and fill the crawl space.

5. Leaking water lines. Water runs to the lowest possible point in a home when there is a leak. A broken or leaking pipe can quickly find a crack in the flooring or wall and flood your crawl space.

If you see standing water in the crawl space, call a clean-up and restoration team in Kingwood, TX. Don’t wait to see if the water disappears. Mold can grow rapidly in standing water and attach itself to the wood or cement of your foundation. As specialists, a cleanup crew can address the wet crawl space issue and discuss possible solutions to prevent future problems.

4 Key Steps for Maintaining Income After a Disaster

9/28/2021 (Permalink)

Don't wait until you need a plan of action to come up with one.

4 Important Steps for Retaining Income After a Disaster

Most people are in business to turn a profit, but that goal often gets interrupted if the building floods or some sort of disaster occurs. Before this happens in your building in Houston, TX, it is important to have a business continuity plan. Your plan can help you stay afloat even if you have to relocate. There are four main steps for putting a plan for staying in business in place.

1. Conduct a Business Impact Analysis

The first thing you need to do is determine the impact that a disaster is likely to have on your company. Survey key employees to determine how it will affect your operations and, by extension, your business's finances. It is also important to know how long these impacts will take to hit. It's easier to make an emergency response plan if you have an idea of how the emergency is going to look.

2. Develop Strategies

After you know what you need to maintain, you need to develop a strategy for doing so. Identify resources that will likely help you close the gap between need and solution. Propose these strategies to management and get approval.

3. Make a Plan

After you have a list of vital operations and the resources needed to carry them out, you can put them together to form your business continuity plan. Assign recovery teams and delegate specific responsibilities. This way, everyone knows what their job will be if the plan should ever be enacted.

4. Test the Plan

The last step is making sure your plan works. Stage a dry run to identify any problems that may occur. Everybody will need to know exactly how they fit in and what role they play. Fix the issues and train employees on how to implement the changes.

Don't wait until you need a plan of action to come up with one. If you have a business continuity plan, you are less likely to suffer dramatic income loss when a disaster strikes.

FAQs About Water Damage Remediation

7/7/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage in a Kingwood, TX home.

Water Damage Remediation

No matter what caused your bursting pipes, you'll end up with many concerns and questions. As a homeowner, you'll naturally want to determine what it will take to correct the damage and how long you'll be affected. The following information includes answers to some of the most common questions.

1. Can I clean up the water and correct the damage myself?

Whenever you have leaks or flooding in your home, you should immediately begin to correct the situation. Whether you call a Kingwood, TX, professional depends on the possibility of contaminated water, how much water has entered your home, and how long your home has been exposed to the water. Much of the time, professionals will help you determine whether their expertise is needed.

2. Will my insurance cover the costs to fix the broken pipe and water damage?

You will need to contact your insurance company for the answer to this question. However, many insurance companies will tell you to contact a water damage restoration company first to begin remediation as soon as possible.

3. How long does it take to clean up water damage after bursting pipes?

There are usually two phases to water restoration. The first consists of drying out the home and furnishings, and the second involves completing repairs. Most water damage remediation takes between three and five days, but if you have wood flooring, antiques, and other special circumstances, it may take between seven and 10 days or longer.

4. Will I be able to stay in my home during repairs?

If it isn't necessary to do a lot of reconstruction, you may feel comfortable remaining in your home. However, the equipment used to dry your home is often very loud and your home may become uncomfortably warm. Air movement may also be an inconvenience. Check with your insurance provider to determine the most appropriate accommodations.

5. How much will necessary repairs cost?

The costs in Kingwood, TX, depend on the extent of the damages from bursting pipes. The faster you respond, the better chances you'll have of being able to keep costs low.

Tips for Handling Sewer Overflow

3/8/2021 (Permalink)

Plumber snaking a clogged toilet.

Tips for Handling Sewer Overflow

When you step into your shower, you expect the water to flow down the drain and be carried away from your home. When you step out of the shower, however, you discover that your toilet has overflowed. Sewage cleaning experts recommend a few tips you can try to remedy the problem yourself, but if these simple solutions don't work, it's best to call the professionals before the problem gets out of hand.

Clear the Clog
If shower drainage causes a toilet overflow, it is likely that you have a clogged sewer pipe. There are several places you can use an auger to get rid of the clog:

• Through opening in the bowl of the toilet
  
• Through the drain under the toilet base
  
• Through the drain cleanout
  
  

It is likely that one of these actions will clear the clog that is causing a backup between the shower and the toilet. If you exhaust these options and the problem persists, however, you need to call a plumber.

Call the Professionals
When snaking a clogged pipe does not release the blockage, a plumber must be notified to prevent further damage to your home. While you are waiting for the problem to be fixed, you also probably need professional sewage cleaning to take care of the water damage the overflow left in its wake. Don't just assume that mopping up the floor around the toilet will take care of the issue. There may be additional damage under the tiles or along the base of the wall that you can't see. Quick remediation is crucial to prevent secondary damage that compromises the structural integrity of your home.
A clogged sewer pipe can cause an overflow in a fixture you're not presently using. While small clogs may be able to be remedied with basic maintenance tools, professional plumbing and sewage cleaning services ensure that the job is done thoroughly and correctly.

How To Stop a Continuously Flushing Toilet

2/9/2021 (Permalink)

You can stop a toilet that is continuously flushing.

If your toilets are continuously flushing, there may be a problem with the flushometer. The flushometer is the mechanism that flushes the toilet. If the flushing is not stopped, there may be toilet overflow that could result in damages. Here's how to stop a toilet from flushing continuously.

Take the First Steps

If your toilets won't stop flushing, there are a series of steps you can try:

• Turn off the water
  
• Remove the cover
  
• Clean the gasket
  
• Reinstall the gasket
  
• Replace the gasket if flushing continues
  
  

Once the problem is fixed, you should call a water damage restoration service in Timberlane Acres, TX, to clean up any toilet overflow and prevent mold growth.

Access the Gasket
To access the gasket, you should first turn off the water so that you do not have a toilet flood. You will then need to remove the cover on the flushometer. You will first need to unscrew the cover on the side of the flushometer and then use a wrench to remove the lid on top. This will expose the gasket, allowing you to remove and clean it.

Clean the Gasket
The gaskets in flushometers can become covered with sediment due to their constant exposure to water. You should wash the gasket, carefully removing as much sediment as possible. This includes using a small instrument, such as a needle, to clean out the weep hole. Doing this will improve the vacuum created by the gasket and hopefully stop the continuous flushing.

Reinstall and Test
After cleaning the gasket, you should put it back in its place and reattach the cover. You will then need to turn the water back on and flush the toilet. If the flushing still will not stop, you may have to replace the gasket or call a plumber.
You can stop a toilet that is continuously flushing by accessing the gasket, cleaning the gasket and then reinstalling and testing the gasket. If cleaning or replacing the gasket does not work, you may need professional assistance to prevent toilet overflow.

Is a Basement Flood Covered by Insurance?

12/30/2020 (Permalink)

Basement flood in Pittsville, TX

Is a Basement Flood Covered by Insurance?

After a burst pipe, a basement flood is a mess to clean up. The structure of your home may be damaged and your belongings that reside in the basement may be destroyed. If the basement of your home in Pittsville, TX, becomes flooded, you'll want to know what type of water damage is covered under your insurance policy.

1. What is Covered
Dwelling coverage may help pay for repairs to the structure of your home if it is damaged by a covered event. Personal property coverage can help pay for damage to your belongings if they are damaged by a covered event. Covered events according to your insurance coverage usually include perilous events such as a sudden pipe burst. These events are unexpected, unable to predict, and cause damage severe enough to require repairs or necessitate replacements.

2. What is Not Covered
Water damage caused by neglected home maintenance issues is generally not covered. For example, a damaged floor from a leaky faucet you failed to repair will not be covered. Repairs to or a replacement of the source of the water damage is usually not covered. If a broken appliance caused water damage to your floor, repairs to the floor may be covered while repairing the appliance will not be. Most homeowners insurance policies also do not cover damage caused by water backed into your home through sewer drains or from an actual flood. In short, homeowners policies generally cover damages caused by sudden disastrous events, not acts of nature or neglect.

3. What to Do
A basement flood means extensive cleanup and repairs. Water often needs to be drained out of the structure before structural damage can be repaired. Furniture needs to be dried out and sanitized if it can be salvaged. Belongings needs to be cleaned, repaired, or replaced. Restoration specialists can help throughout the tedious, costly process.
In every case of water damage from a basement flood, check with your insurance provider to verify what is and is not covered under your specific policy.

3 Potential Causes of Broken Pipes

11/30/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage in Humble, TX

Here Are Three Things That May Cause Your Pipes To Break

A broken pipe can spell disaster in any home. Ruined possessions, mold growth, water damage and unpleasant odors are examples of possible consequences of flooding due to a burst pipe. Even if the pipe only leaks, water in home areas can lead to the need to hire a professional cleanup and restoration company in Humble, TX. At the very least, handling the mess can cost you time and cause inconvenience. Understanding what might cause a pipe to bust a leak can help prevent a massive headache. Here are three things that may cause your pipes to break.

1. Existing Issues
If your pipes already show signs of wear and tear like corrosion and rust, the likelihood of you experiencing a broken pipe goes up. Examples of such issues include:

• Cracks or fissures
• Deteriorating or deformed pipe joints
• Degraded or broken seals
  

You should keep an eye out for any of these as they are weak points. Pipes are more likely to break at locations where they are not as strong.

2. Unobserved Nature
While the forces of nature are often visible while rampaging, some of their impact on surrounding objects can be less visible. This is the case with their effect on pipes, as pipe systems tend to be underground for the most part. Tree root growth, earthquakes and floods can cause subtle shifts beneath the surface of the earth. They move pipes and the dirt around them, potentially weakening or damaging the pipes.

3. Water Pressure
Excessively high water pressures can also break pipes. Normal pressure ranges from 30 or 40 psi to 80 psi. If your water pressure is too high, it may be caused by a number of reasons, such as your location, your water company’s operations and sudden temperature changes. Signs of high water pressure include hammering/banging noises and shortened appliance lifespans.
There are more possible causes of a broken pipe than the ones listed here. However, these are some of the more common ones. It is important to watch for anything that might signal a pipe breaking in the future. It might help you avoid a catastrophe.

3 Important Steps To Minimize Damage From an Overflowing Toilet

10/12/2020 (Permalink)

Overflowing toilet in Pittsville, TX

Act Fast To Protect Your Home

Whether caused by flushing too much paper or because of major sewer damage, having a toilet overflow in Pittsville, TX, can turn a nuisance into a household disaster if not taken care of promptly and properly. If what should be going down is instead all over your bathroom floor, you need to act fast to protect your home.

1. Stop the Flow
A toilet works by filling the bowl with fresh water to create enough pressure to send waste down the drain. Unfortunately, if the drain is clogged, the water will continue to rush in and flood the toilet. The most immediate way to deal with this situation is to stop the water from being pumped into the clogged toilet. You can do this in one of two ways: Either lift the fill valve or float located in the top tank to stop the additional water flow, or shut off the water supply at the plumbing line source that usually runs from the floor or wall into the toilet tank.

2. Dry Out the Bathroom
Cleaning up debris and water promptly is important, especially in cases where sewer damage is the culprit and has caused additional waste to back up into the home. Air out the bathroom and anywhere else impacted to prevent seepage to the subfloor or the ceiling below the flooded toilet. Always be sure to adhere to proper personal hygiene practices and use potent disinfectants on surfaces when cleaning up any wastewater.

3. Call a Professional
Once you’ve done the preliminary work, now is the time to call in a sewage company to handle the rest of the cleanup. A water damage restoration company has the tools and know-how to make sure your home is completely clean and sanitized.
Regardless of whether you’re facing a single overflowing toilet or sewer damage to the household, your dream home can quickly become a stinking nightmare if you don’t act quickly and take the proper steps to preserve your home.

Protect Your Business During the Spring Thaw

8/15/2020 (Permalink)

Remember to have your gutters and downspouts clean for spring weather (or spring thaw for cold areas).

The beginning of spring can be a beautiful time of year that ushers in warm, sunny days. However, as temperatures rise, all of the snow that has built up over the winter will begin to thaw and flood the area. If you are a business owner in Houston, TX and experiencing a particularly severe spring thaw, then there are some tips you can use to prevent flooding on your property.

Stay A Step Ahead of the Thaw

As winter nears its end, there are several actions you can take to make sure you are ready for the thaw, including:

• Ensuring the drainage system is functional
  
• Shoveling excess snow off the property
  
• Checking gutters to make sure they are not clogged
  
  

There are systems in place to prevent flooding, but sometimes they fail when you need them most. To make sure you are ready for the spring, it is recommended that you regularly inspect drains, gutters, and other water diversion systems.

Avoiding Water Damage
The spring thaw can cause several types of damage to your business if the proper steps are not taken beforehand. For example, a frozen pipe can crack during the thaw, but if you gradually warm the pipe, then you can avoid such damage. Other areas that can be harmed during the spring thaw are the roof and foundations, which can sustain water damage if they already have cracks and open spaces. If you can shore up the weak areas of your company's property, then you can avoid the negative impact of a spring flood. Have a Good Start to Spring
Spring is a wonderful season, but it can get off to a bad start if your business is not properly protected from flooding. In the event that you do encounter water damage, then you should seek out the assistance of a water damage and recovery team, who can help you get your business back up and running.

How To Clean up After Sewer Damage

5/22/2020 (Permalink)

A sewer cleanup is an emergency that you shouldn't take lightly

How To Clean up After Sewer Damage

Water damage in the home is bad enough. Sewer damage is an even bigger problem. Not only can the water ruin your belongings, but it can leave behind an unbearable odor. Also, sewer water can be lethal. Only professionals should handle sewer cleanup, but there are some important points you should know about to make this process successful.

Your Initial Responsibilities

As soon as you notice a sewer backup or other sewage problems in your home, you should contact your city's utility company immediately. If you notice black water, get family members out of the home immediately, and do the following:

• Turn off the electricity to your home.
  
• Remove valuables from harm's way if you can do so without touching the water.
  
• Call a professional sewer cleanup company.
  
  

Safety First
A sewer cleanup is an emergency that you shouldn't take lightly. Within sewer water are contaminants including human waste. This water can be dangerous if you come in contact with it. If ingested, the water can be lethal. Do not let anyone in your household, including pets, get near the water.

What the Pros Will Do
Professional crews in Porter, TX, have the experience and skill to safely clean up your home and free it from sewage problems. Technicians have the right equipment to get into the water to remove it from your home. The team will find the source of the problem and stop it, whether it's a sewer line break or a flooded toilet. Next, the company will thoroughly dry the area and sanitize it. This will keep mold from growing and spreading. The team can also deodorize your home to get rid of the unpleasant smell.
Never try sewer cleanup by yourself. This critical job is best left for knowledgeable experts. If you follow these guidelines, you can stay safe and get your home back into once piece as soon as possible.

4 Common Plumbing Repairs Needed in Older Apartment Complexes

5/7/2020 (Permalink)

A blocked toilet in a home

4 Common Plumbing Repairs Needed in Older Apartment Complexes

Older apartment complexes are sometimes notorious for the complexity and obsolescence of their plumbing systems. It's just a fact of life for landlords. Therefore, it takes a bit of ingenuity to manage some of these antiquated systems. For example, units constructed in the time period of the 1970s to the 1990s sometimes still contain polybutylene piping, a material that has grown so out of favor in the plumbing industry that it is no longer recognized in building codes. Here are four common plumbing issues landlords of older rental units may need to face.

1. Clogged Drains. Since this can result in water backing up and flowing onto the floor, it should be addressed fairly quickly. Options for clearing a clogged drain include using a drain snake, employing a plunger, cleaning out the drain trap, and using a chemical cleaner.

2. Blocked Toilets. The methods for clearing a clogged toilet are similar for those fixing a clogged drain. However, since this could involve the overflow of contaminated water, the services of a reputable water remediation company should be considered if raw sewage spills out onto the floor.

3. Poor Plumbing Designs. This often involves the use of improper materials for pipes, such as polybutylene. If not replaced, this type of piping can result in burst pipes and extensive water damage. Poor design can also refer to the actual physical configuration of the pipes and might include an excessive number of twists and turns and elbow joints that impede water flow.

4. Damaged Discharge Lines. This refers to the lines that lead away from the property and join the municipal water lines. Over time, these lines not only age and weaken, but they also are vulnerable to damage from tree roots and other obstructions.
Some plumbing issues in older units are easier to fix, while others, such as the presence of polybutylene pipes, require major renovations. The services of a water restoration company can be a big help with water damage.

How To Care for Wet Items After a Flood

2/17/2020 (Permalink)

Cleanup teams can dry wet computers

If you discover water damage in your home, there's a lot to worry about. Not only could the structure itself be in trouble, but you could lose personal belongings. It's important after you find water in home to act quickly and salvage as much as you can. There are steps you can take alone, but you should also call a professional flood mitigation team to help restore your home and its contents.

Your First Responses

It's never a good thing to find water on your floor or dripping out of the ceiling. Whether due to a broken pipe, sewer backup or severe weather, water damage can compromise your safety and destroy important materials. Make sure you do the following after you find water:

• Turn off the main power to your home.
  
• Remove any items from the water and from the vicinity of water and set them out to dry.
  
• Do not turn on any electronics.
  
• Call a professional cleanup company.
  
  

Tearing out Materials

Water removal crews won't likely be able to save porous materials such as wood and drywall. In some cases, you can salvage carpet if you tear it out, set it out to dry and use dry cleaning methods to clean it. After removing water from the carpet, technicians will thoroughly sanitize the area to stop mold growth.

Documents and Electronics

Like anyone living in Magnolia Gardens, TX, you use electronics every day. Cleanup teams can dry wet computers, monitors and televisions when there has been water in home. You leave this task up to the pros because they have the proper equipment to safely handle this delicate work. Also, professionals can use specialized free-drying methods to save papers, photographs, maps and books. You can lay these items out to dry and then let the pros take over. Professional processes will not leave the papers crinkled either.
Finding water in home may cause you to panic. Luckily, an experienced team of technicians can restore even badly damaged possessions and materials.

4 Ways to Be Proactive With Your Plumbing

1/27/2020 (Permalink)

Don't let plumbing problems wreak havoc on your business

4 Ways to Be Proactive With Your Plumbing

When major plumbing problems impact your company in Pittsville, TX, your pocketbook isn't the only thing impacted. The store may need to close temporarily, repairs may need to occur and customer relations could be impacted. It could become a thorough headache. To avoid such impact, it's best to stay proactive, maintaining regular inspections and fixing minor complications as early as possible.

1. Have Routine Checks

Don't skip appointments. It could be the best way to avoid an overflow or broken pipe. Items such as your air handler, pipes, and water heater are important to your place. Have a plumber come once or twice a year to look over the property, making sure the water flow is appropriate and that they don't see any signs of leaks or blockages.

2. Fix Things Immediately

Don't let plumbing problems fester. That's an invitation to pandemonium. That small leak could become a pipe break or a mold issue. Instead, approve repairs as soon as possible. That small bill is much better than a restoration charge.

3. Know the Structure

Should something unexpected occur, don't get caught off guard. Have a plan. All staff should know how to locate the cut off valves. This could drastically reduce the devastation and the cleanup afterwards. Then, ensure that numbers are available for whom to call. This should include a chain of command as well as the contact for a reputable water remediation company in Pittsville, TX. This should be readily available to all employees.

4. Let the Professionals Help

If a disaster does occur, call in experts. Shut off the water main line, and begin inspection. The source needs locating, the dilemma necessitates investigating and the area requires drying cleaning. If left untreated, mold can develop or material can rot.
Don't let plumbing problems wreak havoc on your business. Be on the lookout for any issues and maintain quality checks as much as possible. Awareness is vital.