Our Commercial Property Experience by Paul Padilla, Operations Manager

6/10/2022 (Permalink)

Hotel Fire Sprinkler Water Damage Remediation

Commercial properties make up a large majority of people's everyday lives, from malls and office buildings to warehouses and schools. Commercial buildings have the public moving in and out of the doors day in and day out. Whether it is a flood, fire or other disastrous event that can happen, it affects large amounts of people. Having the right team to keep everything running smoothly means everything to our successful remediation and re-build of a commercial property.

At SERVPRO of La Mirada/South Whittier, our team of remediation and construction experts have many years of experience in the remediation and construction industries. We know what needs to be done and how to do it. We can help guide a client through the most challenging projects with confidence and knowledge. Our services range from performing emergency remediation services including water extraction, drying, demolition, sewage, mold, disinfection and fire damage clean up to board ups, temporary power, temporary fencing and full reconstruction services.

We have resources and expertise to set up temporary power and can keep an office running throughout the process. We can also pack out  and store items from offices, buildings, schools, stores and other commercial properties when necessary. At SERVPRO of La Mirada/South Whittier we can remediate and restore any type or size of loss including water, flood, storm, fire, wind, mold, fire, smoke, smokers, trauma or biohazard damage from start to finish. We are fully capable and have done the impossible time and time again. We have remediated hotels, retail stores, movie theaters, car dealer ships, churches, temples, summer camps and numerous warehouses and offices. We do jobs for numerous large companies including Ayres Hotels, Hilton Hotels, Radisson Inns, Edwards Cinemas, Fletcher Jones Mercedes, Yakult, Mathnasium, Penny Saver, Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions, the Allstate Corporate Office and more. We have also done work for the cities of Newport Beach, Fountain Valley and Diamond Bar. 

All of us at SERVPRO of La Mirada/South Whittier are part of an honest, reliable company having proven ourselves over the last 18 years to be the "go to" company for Remediation and Construction throughout our region.

Understanding Water Damage Categories

6/10/2022 (Permalink)

It can be stressful to experience a water loss in your home, from a broken pipe to a toilet back up. Did you know there are categories of water? Water coming from different sources can come with some risks.  

Clean water or Category 1 comes from just that; a “clean” water source from an incoming water supply line, or various incoming water pipes running through the walls going to bathrooms, kitchen, laundry room or anywhere water is used. This is fresh water and generally not dangerous.

Gray water or Category 2 comes from a dishwasher or washing machine. It’s a little dirty before it reaches the drain line. It’s a little less dangerous. This water is not drinkable and can harbor soaps, pathogens or other materials that are not healthy to drink.

Black water or Category 3 comes from a sewer drain, toilet drain back up or outside ground water. Outside ground water could be from a broken sprinkler that has flooded the yard or planters and has come into the home or it could be flood water from a storm. It has a high risk of disease-causing pathogens, bacteria. 

In any instance it is important to mitigate or remove the water it right away to prevent ongoing and secondary damages. Remove any standing water, clear the area of furniture if possible and call SERVPRO of La Mirada/South Pomona. We can insure your home is mitigated properly based on the category of water. It could be as simple as drying the affected materials in place, or as complex as removing the affected materials and applying an antimicrobial treatment to leave you with a properly dried disinfected, safe home.

How to Detect Water Leaks

6/10/2022 (Permalink)

Here in California, we should always be on the lookout for ways to save water. This includes checking your home and property for leaks. Leaks can increase your water bill and also lead to costly damage to your home. You can start by checking your water bill. If you notice a sudden increase, you may have a hidden leak somewhere. Here are a few tips to keep your home safe and your water bill down.

Check your water supply lines from sinks, toilets and appliances for cracks and damage. Replace them if you suspect damage. If the faucet is leaking, it might just be that the handle needs to be tightened.  Don’t forget your refrigerator water supply line. This is a very common leak and can cause extensive damage to the walls, floors, and kitchen cabinets.

Check the yard and planters for overly wet areas or puddles. This could indicate an irrigation line leak.  Check sprinklers periodically while they are running to make sure they are directed at the garden, not the street or sidewalk and that they are free from leaks.  Overly wet planters can cause water to seep into the home, damaging your visible walls, inner walls, flooring, sub floors and furniture. 

Hose spigot (faucet) leaks can be fixed by simply tightening the connection fitting or when at times when needed by adding or changing a worn gasket. 

Check your water heater, or tankless water heater system. Even a continuous small drip can lead to water damage or microbial growth as well as increase your water bill. 

Check out your attic and crawlspaces. These hidden areas may have leaks that take longer to appear or remain hidden for indefinite amounts of time. Insulation in the attic may soak up the water before it is noticeable. This can lead to microbial growth. Damp or wet soil under the home can damage the understructure and also cause microbial growth like mold. Over time, damages can advance to the collapse of supporting structures.

Sometimes a water leak can be a quick simple fix, or it may need a professional to give you a hand. If you have an active leak or suspect a leak, give SERVPRO of La Mirada a call. We are always happy to come by and check for moisture. 

What To Do Until We Arrive When There Are Water Leaks by Paul Padilla, Operations Manager

6/10/2022 (Permalink)

Leaking Pipe Water Damage

We regularly get asked what a home owner should do when they experience water damage in their home or office and what steps they can take to eliminate further damages until SERVPRO of La Mirada/South Whittier arrives. Here are 5 important tips on what you should do as soon as you hear, feel or see water coming into your home or place of business.

1. Stop the water: When a water leak occurs the first priority is to immediately stop the water or shut off the supply of water as best you can. Whether the leak is from a copper pipe, plastic Pex line or a supply line, it needs to be shut off ASAP. If a supply line burst, it can be as easy as shutting the Angle Stop Valve off to stop the water from going past the valve. If it is a copper or plastic main line then the entire system will need to be shut off at the Main Water Shut Off Valve until the leak can be isolated and/or repaired. An example of that would be when a plumber caps off the leaking section of pipe to allow the rest of the plumbing to function as normal until the full repair can be made.

2. Stay Safe: Make sure all electrical devices and power bars are elevated out of the water. Turn off power if needed to then move electrical devices out of water. Electrical can be turned back on once the area is considered safe.

3. Use barriers to stop the water: Stop the flow of the water with towels or sand bags if possible. Stopping the migration of the water will help stop the water from traveling into rooms that would otherwise be unaffected. This will reduce the damage and cost.

4. Protect furniture and objects: Get contents and furniture out water and off floor. Remove boxes and loose items from floor that can be damaged by water. Put aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs to eliminate damage to furniture. 

5. Remove water: Remove excess water with wet shop vacuum where and when possible. Removing the standing  water will cut down on the time the water will have to absorb into the building materials.

Call SERVPRO of La Mirada/South Whittier ASAP!

When water leaks occur it is a very confusing and stressful time. At SERVPRO of La Mirada/South Whittier we understand most people have never dealt with this before. This is why we are here to help guide you through this very hectic time. With these 5 recommendations a homeowner can minimize  the amount of damage that occurs before SERVPRO of La Mirada/South Whittier can arrive and mitigate effectively.

Water Damage? Let us help!

8/8/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of La Mirada/South Whittier is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us.

When you experience water intrusion from a flood or sewer backup in your home or business in La Mirada, CA, time is of the essence. Secondary-type water damage, such as the effect of humidity and mold growth, can be particularly devastating... and long-lasting. That's why SERVPRO of La Mirada/South Whittier water restoration services respond promptly 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Our water restoration services are provided by our own skilled technicians, not sub-contractors. We arrive on the scene with the latest and most effective water remediation and restoration equipment. Our professional crews are equipped with everything needed to remediate water damage. We act with a sense of urgency to get your home or business back to a livable state as effectively as possible.

FASTER TO ANY SIZE DISASTER

SERVPRO of La Mirada/South Whittier is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. Call us today - (714) 735-8927.

How To Undertake A Mold Removal And Remediation Project

8/1/2021 (Permalink)

Hiring a professional duct cleaner or HVAC technician for mold removal and remediation is better than investing in deodorization.

How To Undertake A Mold Removal And Remediation Project

Molds depend on carbon atoms to survive. When the wood begins to rot, it releases the carbon by-products that the molds require to thrive. In damp conditions, mold has adequate nourishment to develop in any part of your home. Surprisingly, mold can also develop in a clean home. If the home provides the necessary conditions for the mold to grow, the spores can germinate in a short time. The deodorization of the indoor air to get rid of the smelly odor is a futile endeavor. Mold removal entails creating a formidable remediation and mitigation plan. When planning your mold removal regimen, you must inspect the mold damage to develop a budget that considers the mitigation. The wet areas in a home include the basements, utility rooms, bathrooms, laundry areas, and kitchens.

How to Control Mildew and Fungus

Commercial mold damage can affect the walls and floors significantly. Remove all mold in home gutters and repair them to avoid spillages. While planning for mold removal and mitigation, you must assess the extent of mold damage. It is vital to inspect the drainage systems and floor traps where the black mold is likely to develop. Be sure to take drastic steps to curb mold growth by keeping every surface clean and dry. Molds can grow on stones, wood, outdoor benches, and logs. Commercial mold damage can also affect your business negatively. Remediation and mitigation involve taking the right steps to eliminate the fungus and mildew. Eradicating the mold growth is almost impossible since the spores can spread to different locations in your home. You can use the following tips to prevent this menace in your home:

Improving the Ventilation

The remediation of mold damage entails removing the molds and eliminating the spores in the air. Poor ventilation in the basement leads to the accumulation of vapor and moisture. These damp conditions favor the growth of fungus, mildew, and molds that have a smelly odor. Improving the ventilation is a great way to dissipate the moisture in a natural way and avoid the cost or deodorization. Look out for mold in home footpaths and walkways. While deodorization can be a temporary solution to the smelly odor, adding another window will help to bring fresh air into the basement. You might also want to invest in a fan and a dehumidifier to circulate the air. Avoid exposing your home to the ravages of the mold damage by improving the ventilation and keeping the spores out of the bay.

Fix foundation cracks

Mold damage comes in many forms. Small cracks in the foundation can provide the habitat for mold growth since they allow some water to percolate into the foundation walls. Besides sealing the foundation cracks, you should inspect the gutters regularly. Remember to seal the window and door frames with the appropriate sealants to prevent the rainwater from seeping into the house. Ensure that you remove the mold in the home HVAC and plumbing systems to curb the spread.

Avoid Stacking Items

Stacking items in your garden can also create dark and wet conditions that favor the growth of mildew and fungus. Items such as firewood and broken furniture can create the perfect breeding ground for the molds. When these molds produce the spores, they can get into the bathrooms and kitchens. Avoid trapping moisture by organizing such items in a proper storage facility. The mold in home terraces and patios requires special attention during removal and deodorization.

HVAC systems

Commercial mold damage comes in many forms, but the HVAC systems can escalate the problem by distributing the spores in the entire building. When handling commercial mold damage, start by cleaning the HVAC system. The heating and ventilation systems require regular checkups to keep them free of molds. Remember to clean the heating systems, air ducts, filters, and air conditioning systems regularly. This intervention will prevent the mold from spreading and growing in the entire home. The HVAC systems allow the spores and smelly odors to travel throughout a home quickly. Hiring a professional duct cleaner or HVAC technician for mold removal and remediation is better than investing in deodorization.

Call our SERVPRO of La Mirada/South Whittier team for more information on mold removal and remediation.

Wildfires Bring Us Together

7/18/2021 (Permalink)

We care so much about our local communities and nothing will stop us from assisting those in need.

In 2018, huge wildfires broke out all over Southern California. Wildfire season is extremely dangerous. In 2018, it was recorded that that year was the deadliest and most destructive wildfire season in California at the time. The total acres consumed by the fire was 1,893,913. Not just the hills were burning, many homes and businesses were caught up in this natural disaster. That is where we came into the picture.

Our crew who specializes in fire damage cleanup and restoration came to the aid of the residents affected and wanted to help in a big way. Although the affected area was out of our territory, we were not going to let that stop us from helping those in need. We drove out and helped an insane amount of families get their homes and lives back to normal. We care so much about our local communities and nothing will stop us from assisting those in need.

When a Kitchen Fire Strikes

7/1/2021 (Permalink)

Our technicians are highly trained and experienced.

There are many occasions when we may need to start a controlled fire, like a bonfire or for a barbeque. When an unexpected fire happens in the home what should you do? What is the best way to handle the situation? Why call SERVPRO of La Mirada/South Whittier to take care of the damage?

The first reaction to seeing a fire in your home in South Whittier, you may be scared and panicked. Remain calm, that is a very important step so you do not rashly make decisions that may make the situations worse. You need to immediately leave the area where the fire is and close any doors to try to contain it. Help others get out of the dangerous area and get to a safe place away from the fire. Call 9-1-1. The fire department will arrive shortly after and put out the fire.

Why is SERVPRO of La Mirada/South Whittier the company to call? Our technicians are highly trained and experienced. We know how much damage fire and smoke can bring to your home and we want to take care of it as fast as we can in a professional manner.

Basic First Aid for Burn Care

6/22/2021 (Permalink)

What kind of aid can you provide for burns?

Basic First Aid for Burn Care

When your South Whittier, CA, business suffers a fire, fire damage isn’t your only concern. People may be injured, and you may have to contend with first aid on the spot while waiting for help. But what kind of aid can you provide for burns, and how can you tell a minor burn from a major burn?

Minor Burns

Minor burns may look no worse than a sunburn. They’re usually mildly reddened, with some blistering and pain. To qualify as a minor burn, the burn should be no more than 3 inches in diameter. While it’s best to seek professional medical care, initial emergency burn first aid for minor burns involves:

• Using a cold wet compress or cool water to reduce the temperature of the burned area
  
• Quickly getting rid of any clothing or tight jewelry that may compress or abrade the area
  
• Using lotion to soothe, preferably something water-based with aloe
  
• Covering the wound with a bandage; keep it loose and use sterile gauze
  
• Being careful not to apply enough pressure to break blisters
  
• Providing pain relief with over-the-counter meds as needed
  
  

Major Burns

Major burns cause deep traumatic harm and usually make the skin crisped or leathery. Some patches may appear black, brown, or white char. Major burns are larger than 3 inches and can be fatal. Steps you should take include:

• Immediately calling 911
  
• Moving the victim away from the source of the burn or fire damage
  
• Checking for steady respiration; use CPR/rescue breathing if needed
  
• Cutting or pulling clothing and restrictive accessories away from burned areas
  
• Gently covering the burn area with a cool, damp cloth or bandage
  
• Elevating the burn area above heart level
  
• Monitoring for shock
  
  

Things Not to Do

Be careful that investigating fire damage doesn’t lead to personal injury for yourself. For burn victims, do not submerge major burns in water as this can lead to hypothermia. Never use anything grease-based to cover the burn; grease can seal the heat of the burn against the skin.

3 Ways To Keep Mold Away from Your Restaurant

6/22/2021 (Permalink)

Keep food sealed in containers.

3 Ways To Keep Mold Away from Your Restaurant 

For restaurant owners in South Whittier, CA, one of the last things they want to see is mold growth in their facility. There are several ways to prevent this problem. Here are some of the steps many business owners take.

1. Use Proper Ventilation

The presence of high humidity in the kitchen can not only lead to food mold but other types of mold as well. This is why it’s important to keep humidity levels low. One way to do this is to make sure the property had enough ventilation to keep air circulating and reduce the buildup of water vapor in the air. Water vapor in the kitchen can come from a variety of places including boiling liquids or dishwashing.

2. Take Care of Leaks

Mold also likes to grow in areas where water has damaged the property. Water damages can come from leaky pipes, roof leaks, the buildup in poor ventilation, and even unattended spills. To prevent mold growth in these areas, it’s best to fix the problem as quickly as possible. A mold and water damage restoration professional may be able to help.

3. Remember Food Safety

The Department of Agriculture has released several food safety steps that may help prevent a food mold problem. These include having proper food storage areas with a humidity level under 40 percent, regularly cleaning refrigeration units, keeping food in sealed containers until ready for use, keeping all sponges and other cleaning tools fresh, and examining food items received by the restaurant to ensure they are up to your quality standards.

Using proper ventilation, fixing water damage quickly, and following food safety guidelines are all ways to prevent mold growth in a restaurant environment. If you think you may have a mold problem, it’s best to call a professional as soon as possible so that the issue can be handled safely and quickly.