Troubleshooting Water Woes: Common Issues in Commercial Buildings

3/12/2023 (Permalink)

If your company suffers a water loss, give SERVPRO a call.

Water is one of the essential resources needed for the smooth functioning of any commercial building. However, water issues in commercial buildings are common and can lead to significant damages and expenses if left unaddressed. In this blog, we will discuss some of the most common water issues in commercial buildings.

Leaks

Leaks are one of the most common water issues in commercial buildings. They can occur in plumbing fixtures, pipes, or valves. Even a small leak can result in significant water wastage and can damage the building's structure and equipment. Regular inspection and maintenance of plumbing systems can prevent leaks and ensure that any issues are promptly addressed.

Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure is another common water issue in commercial buildings. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including clogged pipes, faulty pressure regulators, or inadequate water supply. Low water pressure can make it difficult to perform daily tasks such as washing dishes, showering, or flushing toilets. Regular maintenance of plumbing systems can help prevent low water pressure.

Water Quality Issues

Water quality issues can occur in commercial buildings due to a variety of factors, including aging pipes, high mineral content, and water contamination. Poor water quality can lead to health hazards and can also damage the building's plumbing systems and equipment. Regular testing of water quality and installation of appropriate filtration systems can help address water quality issues.

Drainage Problems

Drainage problems can occur due to clogged pipes, damaged sewer lines, or inadequate drainage systems. Drainage problems can lead to unpleasant odors, sewage backups, and can also damage the building's structure and equipment. Regular maintenance of drainage systems and prompt attention to any issues can help prevent drainage problems.

Water Heater Issues: Water heater issues can occur due to various reasons, including sediment buildup, faulty thermostats, or leaking tanks. Water heater issues can lead to inadequate hot water supply, increased energy consumption, and can also damage the building's structure and equipment. Regular maintenance and replacement of water heaters can help prevent water heater issues.

In conclusion, water issues in commercial buildings can lead to significant expenses and damages if left unaddressed. Regular inspection, maintenance, and prompt attention to any issues can help prevent water issues and ensure the smooth functioning of the building's plumbing systems and equipment. It is essential to seek the services of a professional plumber for any plumbing or water-related issues in commercial buildings.

Stay Prepared for A Water Damage Emergency

2/3/2023 (Permalink)

When your property suffers a water loss, give SERVPRO a call at the first sign of damage.

Water damage is one of the most common types of property damage you can expect to experience. With climate change and natural disasters becoming more common every year, it's important to be prepared for potential flooding or other situations where your home might be affected by water damage.

Be aware of your local flood risk.

Before you can prepare for a flood, it's important to know your local flood risk. Know the risks in your area. You can find out what areas are prone to flooding by looking at local flood maps or talking with your neighbors and community members. If you live near a river or stream, ask them whether they have experienced any recent flooding and how much damage was caused by it.

Know the flood risk for your neighborhood and home. Different types of buildings have different levels of protection against water damage due to floods. For example, basements are more vulnerable than upper floors above ground level because they have less structural integrity than walls made out of concrete or brick (which is why basements should never be used as living spaces). If possible, consider purchasing insurance specifically tailored towards dealing with water damage caused by flooding so that you're covered if something happens!

Keep important documents in a safe 

To keep your important documents safe, it's best to keep them in a fireproof safe or a safe deposit box at your bank. If you need to access these documents quickly, you know where they are and won't have to waste time looking for them.

Make sure you're ready to evacuate.

If you see a flood coming, it's best to leave and take your pets with you. If possible, take important documents, such as birth certificates and Social Security cards. You can also bring along some cash if needed; it's better than having nothing at all when the power goes out. Finally, don't forget about medications that are typically kept in your home--if they're not already stored in an emergency kit (more on those later), then make sure they're packed up before evacuating!

Have an emergency kit and supplies on hand.

In case of a flood, you want to be prepared. Having an emergency kit and supplies on hand can make all the difference in the world when it comes to getting through a water damage situation.

One of the best ways to prepare yourself for a flood is by keeping an emergency kit in your car or at home. The contents of these kits will vary from person-to-person, but they should include things like flashlights, battery-powered radios, first aid kits, cash and change. It is also good to have bottled water and nonperishable food items like granola bars or canned food that won't go bad if left unrefrigerated for long periods.

water shutoff valves

Knowing where your water shutoff valves are located and how to use them is an important part of staying prepared for a water damage emergency. The location of your water shutoff valve will vary depending on the type of plumbing system in your home, but most homes have one near the front door.

storm-safe glass from windows and doors.

Tempered glass, laminated glass and safety film are the best options for your windows and doors. Tempered and laminated glass is stronger than regular plate or tempered glass. It can withstand the wind pressure of a Category 1 hurricane (74-95 mph) without breaking. Safety film is another option that helps prevent injury from flying debris during storms but does not protect against structural damage to your home if it breaks in high winds.

Be Prepared

When it comes to water damage, you need to be prepared. A flood or leak can happen at any time, so it's best to be prepared ahead of time. When a water emergency happens, you may not have much time to react and act quickly. That's why it's important for everyone in your family or business who lives or works in the building where the damage occurred (including tenants) should know what steps they should take during this type of situation.

Water damage can be a nightmare, but if you take the proper steps to prepare your home and family for the worst-case scenario, then you'll be able to handle any situation that comes along.

How to Test Your Fire and Smoke Alarms

1/10/2023 (Permalink)

When cleaning your smoke alarm test it again to ensure it's working.

How to Test Your Fire and Smoke Alarms

A smoke alarm is one of the most important detectors in your Keystone, FL home. It can alert you to a fire and provide enough time for you to escape safely, but only if it's working properly. Smoke alarms have a limited lifespan, so it's important to test them on a regular basis.

Press and hold the test button for five seconds.

• Press the test button on your alarm and hold it for five seconds.
• The test button is usually located on the back of the alarm.
• If you hear a chirping sound, it means that your alarm is working properly. If you don't hear a chirping sound, then there's a problem with your smoke or fire alarm and you should call an electrician to check it out right away.

If both the smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm do not sound, change your batteries immediately.

If both the smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm do not sound, change your batteries immediately. By law, all smoke alarms should be replaced at least once every ten years. If you find that you have trouble hearing the low-battery chirping of your smoke detector, it's best to make sure that a new unit is installed with an access panel in the back for easy battery replacement. It's also important that you test your carbon monoxide (CO) detector monthly by pressing the "test" button.

Be sure that the smoke alarm is free of dust and debris. After you've cleaned it, test it again.

• If you have a vacuum cleaner, use it to clean the smoke alarm.
• Wipe the alarm with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris.
• Test your smoke alarm again after cleaning it to ensure that it's working properly.

Replace your smoke alarms after 10 years—or sooner if they don't work properly when tested.

To ensure that you and your family are protected, it is important to test the smoke alarms in your Keystone, FL home at least once a month. However, if you have an older model of smoke alarm that does not have an end-of-life warning label or does not have an "A" or "B" on the label, be sure to replace it as soon as possible.

Smoke alarms with an “A” or “B” on their label will function normally for 10 years from their date of manufacture. Smoke alarms without an “A” or “B” on their label require replacement after only five years.

If your smoke alarm does not work when tested: Replace it immediately!

It is also important to replace all carbon monoxide (CO) carbon monoxide detectors after 7-10 years.

In summary, the best way to test your fire and smoke alarms is by pressing the test button on them. This will make sure they still work in case of an emergency and makes sure they are not being affected by dust or any other objects that may be present around them. If you have any questions about this process, then please contact us!

How To Detect Water Damage in Your Kitchen

12/1/2022 (Permalink)

If your home or business has suffered from water damage, don’t hesitate and give our SERVPRO team a call today!

How To Detect Water Damage in Your Kitchen

Water damage can be a very serious problem in the kitchen. It is important to know how to detect water damage when you see it. This blog will look at three different areas of the kitchen where water damage is likely to occur: under your dishwasher, under your refrigerator, and under your sink.

How To Detect Water Damage in Your Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the trickiest rooms to check for water damage. If a leak occurs, it can be tough to detect without close inspection. But regular checks can help you prevent costly repairs down the road! Here's how:

• Check under your sink regularly. Look at the bottom of your cabinets and underneath fixtures like faucets, dishwashers and washing machines. Be sure to check along any piping as well—if there's a crack in the line underneath your sink, it could mean trouble down the road.
• Check around appliances too! You might not think about this area when checking for water damage but make sure you're inspecting appliances like stoves and refrigerators too.

You may have a leaking dishwasher if:

• Water does not drain when the dishwasher is running.
• You see water under the dishwasher, or anywhere else in your kitchen.

If you find water where there shouldn't be any, turn off the power to your dishwasher and call a professional to fix it.

Refrigerator water line leak.

If you think your refrigerator is leaking, check the water line for leaks. The most common location for a leak is at the point where the water line enters the back of your refrigerator. If you discover that there is a leak in this area, shut off power to your refrigerator, and call a professional for help. You can also check for leaks around drain pans on both sides of the refrigerator or underneath it. If you find either one cracked or damaged, replace it immediately to prevent further damage to your home's foundation.

Leak under the kitchen sink.

Leaks under the kitchen sink are common, especially if you have an older home. Here's how to check for a leak:

• First, look for wet spots on the floor with a flashlight. If you see any, turn off the water supply at your home's main shut-off valve and then use a sponge or cloth to wipe up any excess water.
• Next, inspect cabinets underneath your sink for signs of water damage—especially if there are stains on cabinets or moldy smells emanating from them. You may also notice that cabinet doors are swollen or warped from excessive moisture under them.

Regularly checking for water damage.

Water damage can be an expensive problem that can affect your home or business. It leads to mold, rot, and structural issues. It is also extremely common.

Water damage can come from many sources, but it's important to note that the most common source of water damage in your home is often not obvious.

There are three main areas where you'll want to regularly check for signs of water damage: walls, ceiling, and underneath cabinets.

The walls. Water can seep through your wallboard and cause mold growth or even structural warping if left unchecked.

The ceiling. Water dripping down from the kitchen sink or bathroom faucet can make its way into an insulation void space between your ceiling panels and lead to serious risks if moisture is not removed immediately after discovery.

Underneath cabinets and countertops. Your kitchen cabinets are built with gaps between them so they're easy to open, but these gaps also provide pathways for moisture buildup which leads directly into your cabinetry as well as underneath adjacent countertops like granite or marble countertops!

Water damage can be a serious problem in any home. Mold growth is one of the biggest concerns when dealing with water leaks, as mold spores are microscopic and easily spread throughout the air. If your home or business has suffered from water damage, don’t hesitate and give our SERVPRO team a call today!

Avoiding Water Damage

11/14/2022 (Permalink)

If it's not safe for you to turn on the water yourself, call a water damage restoration company like SERVPRO of Oldsmar/ West Chester right away.

Avoiding Water Damage

Water is a precious resource, and it's no laughing matter when you're dealing with water damage. That said, if you can prevent the problem before it happens and know what to look for when something does go wrong, you can save yourself a ton of money and headache in the long run. Here are some tips on how to keep your home safe from water damage:

Regular Inspections

To do this, you'll need to have a visual inspection performed on your plumbing system at least every three years. While there are many things that can go wrong with your plumbing system, the most common problems are related to leaks and clogs.

When inspecting for leaks, look for puddles or water stains around faucets and toilets. If you notice either of these signs of water damage, contact a professional plumber immediately. You may also be able to detect leaks by doing some sleuthing around your home's exterior and looking for wet spots that may indicate a leak has occurred somewhere nearby.

Inspecting for clogs will require more time than simply noting whether or not there is any liquid staining surfaces in your house; however, as long as you know what to look for (and how often it should be done), then detecting problems before they get worse should be easy peasy!

Watch for Warning Signs

The best way to avoid a water damage disaster is to pay attention to your surroundings and watch out for signs of leaks. These include:

• Your water meter running faster than normal. If you notice an increase in the amount of water being used, it could be because your pipes are leaking or there's a problem with your plumbing system.
• Puddles of standing water on the floor or wet spots on walls and ceilings that were previously dry. This could indicate that there are leaks in your roof or walls, which can cause mold growth if left unattended.

Know How to Shut Off Your Water Supply

First, locate the main water valve. You can do this by turning off all of the fixtures in your Oldsmar, FL home, including toilets and sinks; then turn on the faucet handles until you hear water running in a place you know there isn't any (such as down below where your pipes are). If you find where there is still water running, that's where the main shutoff valve will be located.

When working with this part of your plumbing system, always be sure to turn off both sides of it—both hot and cold—so that no unneeded pressure builds up while working on one side at a time. Also, if there are two valves within reach of each other but not connected together (which may happen in some cases), remember that they don't share anything but their location. They should both be turned off separately before starting work on either one individually!

Flood Preparation

Being prepared for a flood can save you time, money, and stress. If you know that you have a water leak problem, it's important to get it fixed as soon as possible. Even if the leak doesn't cause damage yet, it could very well lead to mold growth or even flooding in the future. A good way to avoid this is by hiring a plumber who can identify any problems with your plumbing system before they become worse.

If you do experience flooding in your home due to an accident like a burst pipe or broken appliance, try not to panic—it may seem overwhelming at first but there are steps you can take right away that will help minimize damage and prevent further flooding:

• Shut off power at main switches or circuit breakers
• Disconnect all appliances with hardwired cords such as refrigerators and washing machines
• Turn off the gas supply if safe/possible (call the utility company first)

Call the Professionals

While you might be tempted to run out and buy a new washing machine or refrigerator, there are other options. A professional plumber can help determine if the issue is with your pipes or appliance, and then either repair it or recommend replacement. 

If it's not safe for you to turn on the water yourself, call a water damage restoration company like SERVPRO of Oldsmar/ West Chester right away. They'll be able to deal with any leaks or flooding so that you can move back in as soon as possible.

Water damage is a serious issue, and it can happen to anyone. But if you are prepared for the worst, you can avoid it or at the very least, minimize it. By knowing where your main water valve is located and keeping an eye out for the warning signs of a leak, you'll be able to avoid some of these problems before they even happen. If not? Call SERVPRO of Oldsmar/ West Chester immediately so we can help with cleanup!

Basic first aid for burns.

10/3/2022 (Permalink)

Burns are an injury that can be extremely painful, so it’s important to know how to treat them in case of an emergency.

Basic burns first aid.

A burn is a type of injury to the skin and the tissues underneath, caused by heat or cold. A burn can be mild or severe, and it can occur in any part of your body.

• There are different types of burns. They range from first to fourth degree.
• There are many different types of burns, and they range from first to fourth degree.

First-degree burns are the mildest form of burn and involve only the outer layer of your skin (the epidermis). The area turns red and may be painful, but there is no blistering or peeling. For example, if you touch a hot stove or iron for a few minutes, that's likely how your skin will react—and it's usually nothing to worry about. You can treat this type of burn with cool water and in some cases a gel like aloe vera.

Second-degree burns involve damage to both layers of the skin (the epidermis and dermis). They often cause blistering as well as blisters on top of them (superficial epidermal). This type is more painful than first-degree burns because it includes nerve endings in both layers of your skin being damaged by heat/fire/flame etc...

Third-degree burns destroy all three layers: epidermis+dermis+subcutis (fat layer under dermis). These wounds require medical attention immediately because they pose a significant risk for infection due to extensive tissue destruction, which can lead to sepsis (blood poisoning), gangrene, etc...

A burn occurs when cells in the skin are damaged.

A burn is a type of injury to the skin that can occur when your body comes in contact with heat, electricity, or chemicals. Burns are generally classified as minor or severe depending on how deep they penetrate your skin. Minor burns usually heal with little or no scarring, while severe burns may require surgery and extensive recovery time.

In general, it's best to treat all burns as if they were severe until an experienced healthcare provider determines otherwise based on their size, location, and depth of injury. It's important to know that even small burns can become infected if not cared for properly; this is why it's so important to seek medical attention immediately after sustaining any kind of burn injury—even one that appears minor at first glance!

Sunburns are an example of first-degree burns.

Sunburns are an example of first-degree burns. Sunburns occur when skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun.

Sunburns can be painful and can cause blisters to form. While some may think that they’re doing themselves a favor by applying lotion or aloe vera, it’s important to remember that these products do not help heal the burn and should not be applied if you have a sunburn.

Second-degree burns develop blisters and the skin turns pink or red. The area may be painful, swollen, and sensitive to pressure.

Second-degree burns develop blisters, the skin turns pink or red, and the area is painful.

Second-degree burns are more severe than first-degree burns. They are caused by heat, electricity, chemicals or friction (such as a scalding liquid). A second degree burn can be minor or severe depending on how much of your skin is injured. Minor burns will heal within a week to 10 days with basic home care; however, more severe injuries may require medical treatment to prevent infection and additional problems from developing.

If you have any concerns about your burn injury you should seek immediate medical attention from a qualified health professional who can assess your condition and provide appropriate treatment for your healing process.

Conclusion

First aid for burns is a very important topic, and it’s one that everyone should be aware of. Burns are an injury that can be extremely painful, so it’s important to know how to treat them in case of an emergency. If you or someone else has been burned, seek medical attention immediately by calling 911 or going to the nearest hospital emergency room!

How To Reduce Your Home Flooding Risk

8/26/2022 (Permalink)

Home flooding in Foxs Corner, FL

Home flooding and the resulting damage account for a large share of homeowner’s insurance claims. Basements and crawl spaces bear more risk than most other areas of your home because water seeks the lowest points. This discussion on minimizing residential flood risk may help you prevent a basement flood and an expensive, disruptive cleanup process.

Sources of Home Flooding 

Part of preventing water-related property damage is understanding the potential sources of the problem. These are the primary scenarios that can cause residential water damage.

• A broken water pipe or leaking appliance
• A failed sump pump
• An overflowing bathtub or toilet
• Storm-related flooding
• Municipal failures such as dam breaches or water main breaks
  
  

While homeowners tend to associate extreme weather with home flooding, both internal and external water sources can be the culprit. A malfunctioning sump pump can turn a minor rain storm into a basement flood in a matter of minutes. Empowering yourself with knowledge about flood risk reduces the likelihood that you will experience a home flood event.

Flood Risk Reduction
A risk assessment for home flooding will help you make some decisions about proper preventive measures. Your homeowner’s insurance agent or local flood remediation service can help point out vulnerable conditions in your location, elevation, structure and climate. This will help you determine what measures could reduce your risk.

Based on the outcome of your risk assessment, you can develop a custom flood prevention plan that includes preventive repairs and maintenance, emergency preparedness and household readiness. For instance, maintaining perimeter drainage routes can prevent a basement flood. Involving your family in emergency evacuation drills reduces risk by preparing residents to act quickly in an emergency.

It is smart to sign up for any local or national emergency notification services, so you will be aware of any major threatening events.

The best plan for preventing a flood in your Foxs Corner, FL, home is to survey your property for weak points and address them. A little bit of preventive maintenance and some household preparedness could mean the difference between a muddy back yard and a completely flooded first level.

Fulfilling Basic Cleaning Requirements After a Flood

8/21/2022 (Permalink)

Flood damage in a Westchase, FL home

Fulfilling Basic Cleaning Requirements After a Flood

Storm damage, flooding, and similar natural disasters can bring contaminants to your home in Westchase, FL. Therefore, you must meet several cleaning requirements to make your house safe from these agents. Even if you hire water damage professionals to repair and perform a storm or flood clean, you should still ensure they meet the right guidelines for the best results.

Disinfecting Surfaces

The surfaces throughout the house are the areas most affected by pollutants and the ones most people touch. Technicians should use EPA-approved flood disinfectant and tools to clean surfaces. Note that some procedures are different than others depending on the surface or material. A piece of cloth submerged in a chlorine and hot water solution works with most surfaces, while others require boiling water, slow drying or outright removal and replacement. Talk to your specialist about specific treatments for each.

Removing Contaminated Materials

There are certain items like mattresses, wallboard and wood veneered furniture that cleaning requirements consider complete losses. They may either absorb floodwater too easily or the costs of repairing them are too much to be worth it. Even though it is tempting to salvage them, the water may alter them too much to do so. These items lose their intended function and the contaminants can place others in peril. Experts will decide whether this measure is necessary.

Drying Out Property

Sometimes the best way to expedite the flood clean and repair process is to dry out surfaces, equipment and objects. This process makes the materials less vulnerable and easier to disinfect afterwards. It also prevents mold from growing on the surface. Drying methods vary depending on the items, from using air conditioner and fans on furniture and cloths to cutting off wet wallboard to air out the less affected sections.

While every affected surface and object in your Westchase, FL, house requires different cleaning methods, they all follow common cleaning requirements. Ensure the company working with you follows these basic rules.

How To Contain Mold and Begin the Cleanup Process

8/15/2022 (Permalink)

Mold cleanup in Westchase, FL

There Are Three Major Steps To Containing Mold

Finding mold in your office building requires immediate attention in Westchase, FL. If you think you have a fungus problem, start the mold removal process as quickly as possible. One of the first and most important steps in mold cleanup is containment.

1. Isolating the Area
Physical barriers are set up to isolate the affected area to prevent mold from spreading into neighboring areas. Heavy plastic is often used to separate the contaminated and uncontaminated areas by sealing doors to individual rooms or covering air vents and windows. Any area that allows air flow to and from the contaminated space should be closed off.

2. Creating Negative Air Pressure
Air from the contaminated area must be removed. HEPA-filtered negative air machines pull air from the contaminated area and expel it outside using a tube or hose, removing airborne mold spores from the site. Once the air pressure inside the containment area is less than the pressure outside, a negative pressure environment is created, continuing to move air out. This is essential for controlling any spores that become airborne due to the mold cleanup process.

3. Stopping Air Flow
Mold contamination can spread quickly if air moves across the affected area. Turning off any cooling or heating fans prevents any spores from growing and multiplying.

After the mold is contained, the next step is removal and remediation. Calling a commercial mold remediation service is always recommended to ensure that mold is carefully removed and the impacted areas of your business are thoroughly cleaned, dried and disinfected. Once removal and cleaning are complete, you should begin restoring and damaged areas. Drywall, flooring and structural components should be repaired or replaced, depending on the severity of the damage.

There is no time to waste if you spot mold in your building. Act fast to contain the area and begin the mold cleanup process immediately. Swift action and containment can prevent additional spread and mitigate the damage and losses, ensuring your business recovers more quickly.

Types of Flood Contamination

7/25/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage can result from any type of flooding

Not All Types Of Floods Are Handled The Same Way

It's important to prepare your business in Lake Fern, FL, to face any type of flooding or water damage. That being said, not all types of floods are handled the same way. There are three primary types of floods, each categorized by the types of contaminants present in the water itself.

Clean Water Floods
Category 1 floods are also called clean water floods. They are categorized by an absence of contaminants and are the least dangerous types of floods. Even though the water is clean, you still need to make sure that you take the situation seriously to avoid suffering unnecessary water damage. If left untreated, clean water floods can quickly turn into more serious disasters. Category 1 floods are typically a result of one or more of the following:

• Supply line rupture
• Water pipe burst
• Flooded sink, shower or bathtub

Gray Water Floods
Also called Category 2 floods, these waters are categorized by a minor amount of contamination. They are often the result of a Category 1 situation that either wasn't resolved quickly enough or came into contact with some type of external contamination. Likewise, Category 2 situations will become Category 3 if left untreated for more than 48 hours. Gray water flooding is typically caused by:

• Malfunctioning appliances, such as dishwashers and washing machines
• Rain or snowmelt flowing off of the roof
• Broken aquariums

Black Water Floods
Category 3 floods, also known as black water floods, are the most dangerous types of floods. They are categorized by the presence of lethal contaminants, such as human/animal fecal matter, raw sewage, chemicals and other dangerous biohazards. You should never attempt to remediate a Category 3 flood by yourself; always consult professional assistance. Category 3 flooding is often caused by:

• Sewer line bursts
• Toilet overflow
• Riverbank flooding

Water damage can result from any type of flooding. It's important to take immediate action as soon as the incident occurs. Contact flood remediation experts for assistance dealing with any type of black water flooding that your business suffers.