What is Water Mitigation?

8/14/2023 (Permalink)

What Is Water Mitigation? Water mitigation is the process of stopping the immediate flow of water, assessing the type of mitigation efforts needed, extracting the water, and drying out the property. Whenever there is a water leak of any kind, we only see what is happening on the surface. What is so important is what we don't see. Water is able “wick” up walls because of capillary action in porous materials. So, when you think your floor is the only thing affected, most likely your walls are too. Without state of the are equipment here at SERVPRO we can detect the slightest elevation in moisture and be able to moisture map the areas of the walls that have been affected. By being able detect leaks quickly and find the source of the leak this helps eliminate the amount of damage that can incur if not found quickly and can cause further damage. As a remediation and full restoration company we can mitigate the damage and make it like it never even happened.

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.

Don’t Let a Broken Pipe Burst Your Bubble

6/17/2021 (Permalink)

Broken pipe

Tips To Take Control Of The Situation

When a pipe breaks in your home, you often find yourself dealing with a huge mess. Bursting pipes involve so much more than the break itself; you also have damage from the expulsion of water to contend with in the aftermath. Instead of panicking, however, just take a deep breath and follow these tips to take control of the situation.

Put Safety First

Before anyone can fix the broken pipe or begin the clean-up process, you need to take a few steps to keep everyone safe up until help arrives and while repairs are underway.

• Turn off electrical breakers that may be impacted by the escaping water.
  
• Shut off the main water valve to keep any damage from worsening.
  
• Relieve pressure that may still be in the pipes by turning on a faucet.
  
  

Failing to address these safety concerns could result in electrocution or more excessive flooding and damage to your belongings. You have to act quickly and decisively to protect yourself and your home before you can move forward with repairs.

Assess the Damage

Depending on the amount of liquid released by the bursting pipes, you can use towels to begin mopping up any standing water on surfaces. Remove your furniture and other belongings from the affected area to prevent further deterioration. Understand that visible wetness is only on the surface. It’s more than probable that you’ll be dealing with the harm done by water that has seeped down into walls and flooring, as well.

Fix the Problem

A Leffingwell, CA, professional restoration service can best assist you with ensuring that all water damage caused by the break and any lingering moisture is found and repaired appropriately. It’s imperative to get them in quickly to avoid mold growth or secondary damage to your home’s structure. Once the immediate risk to your house is mitigated, you can focus on the logistics of taking care of the original leak source. Bursting pipes can be daunting, but you don’t have to face the recovery alone.

Water Damage? What to do at the 1st signs.

6/6/2021 (Permalink)

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

At the first sign of water in your home or business, call our SERVPRO of La Mirada/South Whitter team... time is of the essence to mitigate said damage. Our licensed plumbers will work around the clock to repair any broken pipes, sump pumps, and/or sewer backups.

SERVPRO is a water restoration company thus when our crews arrive on the scene there is no need to worry about water or sewage left behind. We will clean up floodwaters caused by heavy rain, groundwater, and natural disasters and restore your home or business in La Mirada back to its original state. In a very timely manner, we will have a water restoration expert on-site to assess the extent of any water intrusion, develop a comprehensive plan of action, and we will work diligently with your insurance company to expedite a claim. Throughout the entire process, we will communicate with your insurance company, providing them with photos, measurements, and all necessary details.

We utilize state-of-the-art imaging software which is the insurance industry standard and the insurance-preferred method for seamlessly resolving claims.

SERVPRO of La Mirada/South Whitter is locally owned and operated, so we’re close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us! We’re also part of a national network of over 1,700 Franchises, which gives us access to more resources for larger cleaning or restoration projects or major storm scenarios.

Flooding Dos and Don'ts

3/16/2021 (Permalink)

Leave the cleanup process to water damage specialists.

Coming home to a broken pipe is never a fun experience in Santa Fe Springs, CA. After finding water all over your floor and furniture, you might be ready to throw in the towel. However, if you find yourself in this predicament, you should know there are several things that you should and should not do to increase your chances of salvaging your belongings and preventing additional damage.

What You Should Do

• Find and fix the pipe to stop the flooding.
  
• Pick up loose items on the floor and move them to a dry, safe place.
  
• Remove any excess water from the floor.
  
• Dry your floors and furniture.
  
• Clean and disinfect the affected area.
  
  

A broken pipe can cause water to seep into the fibers of your wood floor, carpet or furniture. If left untreated, the water damage could cause the wood to swell and crack, and it could potentially lead to mold and mildew. It is best to leave the cleanup process to water damage specialists who will ensure your home is completely dried and disinfected and the risk of additional damage has been removed.

What You Should Not Do

• Do not leave paper items, including books and magazines, on your floor.
  
• Do not turn on any electronic appliances.
  
• Do not leave clothes and fabrics soaking wet.
  
• Do not attempt repair and restoration on your own.
  
• Do not waste time!
  
  

Time is not your friend during a flood. If you find water in home furnishings, do not turn a blind eye. Water damage can escalate within just a few hours, so the sooner you call for help, the better the chance you have of mitigating damage and loss.
A broken pipe can be a huge drag, but it does not have to be a lost cause. If you take action quickly enough, call for help and follow the steps above, there is a good chance you could salvage the damage.

How To Save Wood Floors From Water Damage

2/16/2021 (Permalink)

Wood floor damaged by water damage.

Here Are Three Basic Steps To Addressing The Problem

Finding large amounts of flooded water on your wood floor can really dampen your ability to conduct business, let alone your spirits. If you suspect you have a pipe burst causing the issue in Leffingwell, CA, you should take care of it right away. If left unattended, standing water on floors can lead to serious damage and costly repairs.

1. Fix the Pipe
This may seem like an obvious step, but you might be surprised at how often people are so consumed with salvaging their property that they overlook this step at first. Locating the pipe burst and fixing it is the only way to stop the water from building up.

2. Save the Floor
After you have stopped the water from flowing into your building, you must work quickly to prevent the water from seeping into your wood floor. If the water sits for too long, it can soak into the fibers of the wood and destroy it. At the very least, the waterlogged wood will become even harder to dry out. Remove the water by soaking it up with towels or a mop. Once the water is out, allow the floors to dry by opening windows and using fans to increase the airflow. Avoid adding extreme heat to the floors, as high temperatures can crack the wood.

3. Hire the Experts
Enlisting the help of a professional water cleanup service is the best way to ensure the water is completely removed from your wet floor. These professionals are experts in water cleanup and use commercial equipment to ensure the job is done quickly and thoroughly. Even after the water is removed and your office is dry, they can help you repair or replace the wood if needed.

Dealing with a pipe burst can be a huge burden to deal with but taking care of the problem as soon as you find it can prevent the situation from getting out of hand. The sooner you address the situation, the sooner you can focus on getting back to business.

Top signs you have a water leak

11/24/2020 (Permalink)

Avoid water damage by inspecting water leaks

Some plumbing issues aren’t immediately recognizable until it’s too late. One such problem is a water leak. Here are the top signs your house has a water leak! 

1. Increased water utility bill 

Naturally, if you use more water than usual due to the season then the water utility bill will increase. However, if you noticed that the bill still increased significantly despite the same usage, then you need to be suspicious of a water leak somewhere in your home.  

2. Water meter is ticking even without using water 

For an effective inspection, make sure you’re not using water inside or outside of your home, and then check the water meter if it’s still ticking or not.  

3. Check out wet spots 

Check if there are wet spots on sinks, tubs, and/or the toilet. You should also inspect if the flood is discolored. These are the signs that there is a leaking pipe.   

Need Emergency Service for Water Damage? Call Us 24/7 – (714) 735-8927

11/17/2020 (Permalink)

Being Proactive is the Key to Prevent Water Damage

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.