water flowing from pipe to sink

Tips to recover from a pipe burst

Posted by Kiran on

Burst pipes are one of the worst nightmares of a homeowner. A burst pipe might not flood or damage a whole area within your household. However, if left unsupervised, it can cause lead to structural issues in addition to health concerns for the residents.

On the flip side, a serious pipe burst can spill gallons of water to flood your house endangering your valuable belongings or properties. We always recommend homeowners to think ahead when it comes to residential water system maintenance or checkups.

Unlike a mold growth scenario, the pipe burst can turn out to be an emergency situation in no time. Recovery from a pipe burst depends on how smart and efficiently you plan the whole process.

Safety first

The chaos of a pipe burst can compel you to take immediate actions to save your valuable possessions within your house. Restrain yourself from caving into all these impulse thoughts and think safety first.

A water leak near an electrical appliance or an outlet can second electrical conduction. Even the floor mat and walls can turn out to be an electrical conductor.

Ensure that you turn off the main water supply first and then the electricity to your house prior to rushing in to inspect or rescue.

Move your furniture

Bulky or upholstered furniture, especially couches can absorb water and remain waterlogged for longer durations. While carpets can be easily dried out, this furniture can continue causing issues.

Move all your upholstered furniture out prior to drying your carpets or flooring. If the weather is favorable, you can leave them outdoors to air dry.

Standing water check

Pipe burst often leads to standing water puddles. Attend to the situation quickly and get rid of water collected using a bucket and dry towel.

If the puddle forms over carpet insulated flooring, it is ideal not to try and lift the carpet as it can cause permanent damage.

Dehumidify

The next step is to dehumidify and ventilate the indoor area. If the weather permits, open windows and doors to let in the fresh air.

Using a dehumidifier is always recommended over using a household heater and a heater or dryer as a combination of moisture and warm conditions can trigger mold growth.

Seek professional help

On some occasions, you might not be able to contain a pipe burst completely. This is where you have to resort to the idea of calling a plumber.

Once the leak has been contained, you might need to seek the help of a certified water damage restoration service. This step is highly recommended if the whole situation leaves you with soggy carpets, drywall, and insulation.

When seeking professional assistance, it is ideal to choose a company that offers the following additional services:

• Drying, dehumidification & water extraction
• Mold remediation
• Carpet, rug & upholstery cleaning

Recovering from a pipe burst can be slow and painful. We recommend you to consider these tips to act smart and quick. Invest some time and effort to residential water damage prevention tips to reduce the risk of encountering pipe burst related emergency situations.

House in storm

Cleaning After Hurricane: FAQs

Posted by Kiran on

Cleanup after a hurricane can be a painfully slow process. If you have been smart enough to foresee and apply these hurricane precautionary measures, you would have already saved money, health and time.

People can easily overlook the process of post-hurricane cleanup. There are several precautionary measures that you need to consider to protect yourself and your loved ones when it comes to cleaning after a flood or hurricane.

As an individual with fairly less experience in hurricane or flood cleanup, you might have different questions regarding the overall process. This post features some of the frequently asked questions related to cleaning after a hurricane.

What do to after a hurricane is over?

The smartest and the most recommended thing to consider during a hurricane is to take shelter. An ideal place would be a room within your house with no or limited windows.

Hurricane can force people to stay indoors for days, this can build up the anxiety and compel you to wander around or try and move to a different place as soon as the storm seems to be subsiding or is over.

Therefore, it is smart not to attempt anything creative or daring soon after a hurricane. Remain indoors until you receive an official “all clear” message.

• Do not try to drive or walk around to survey the damage.

• Do not touch any low hanging wires or trees that are in contact with power lines

• Keep an eye out for anything in the surrounding or your building structures like porches that could collapse

How do you clean your house after a hurricane?

Hurricane flood can be devastating. If the mess seems to be too much to handle, it is ideal to consult a professional water/flood damage restoration company.

These are some tips that you can consider to cleanup hurricane flood.

• Wear proper safety equipment prior to going out or surveying the damaged areas within your house

• Water and humidity can be the main trigger for mold growth and structural damage to your house. Consider removing them first

• Toss of any furniture or electronics that seem to be beyond repair

How long does it take to cleanup after a hurricane?

If the house has suffered any structural damage, cleaning it up can take some time and it is better to get this done via professionals.

A normal hurricane cleanup can last between 24 to 48 hours.

What do you wear to hurricane cleanup?

It is recommended to have these for a cleanup session:

• Rubber gloves

• Face masks

• Goggles

• Boots

How do you cleanup mold from a hurricane?

Any surface within your house that has come in contact with water and humidity can turn out to be a favorable place for mold growth.

• Ensure that you scrub and sanitize these areas with recommended solutions thoroughly to kill any chances for mold growth

• Dry out the interiors by keeping the windows and doors open and using a hardware fan

• Get rid of any insulation or carpets that seem to be beyond repair

• Dry out the basements thoroughly and check for any leaks on the plumbing systems or the roof

How long should I run a dehumidifier after a flood?

It depends on the extent of the damage and the amount of porous and insulation materials used indoors. More the number of pertinent materials, the longer you should use the dehumidifier. You might have to use a dehumidifier from two days to a week.

Ensure that all the porous materials are dried out completely and replace the ones that seem to be damaged beyond repair.

Cleanup after a hurricane can be a hectic and time-consuming task. Consider these tips and work with patience and assistance whenever you can to get the task done effectively.

5 signs of water damage in your house

Posted by Kiran on

water damaged ceiling in west palm beach

For a property owner, water damage to their residential property can be the biggest headache and the hardest thing to contain.

Not identifying the symptoms early and overlooking the obvious signs of water damage can cost you big bucks and effort in the long run.

One of the key factors to eradicating any potential cause for water damage or resolving the issue at the very beginning is to understand what to look for.

This post features a list of things that you should be keeping an eye out for to identify any potential signs of water damage to your house that can cause havoc in the future.

Musty odor

Feeling of elevated humidity or dampness within the interiors of your house is a strong sign of water damage. Both these signs are accompanied by a musty odor.

The dampness and humidity level second mold growth which in turn produces the musty odor. Consider this as an ideal sign of water damage in bathrooms. The smell can be strong around the areas where water damage exists.

The water damage related musty smell is similar to that of wet paper or cardboard boxes. Old houses might have such odors, especially in the attic or basement. However, keep an eye out for any sudden changes in the smell accompanied by seasonal changes.

Appearance of mold

Stain or mold dominated walls and ceilings are always a sign of water damage. The mold growth or stain has an epic center which signifies the origin of the water damage.

You can commonly observe this sign near laundry rooms, kitchen, and bathrooms that accounts for major water usage in the house.

The moist surface provides the perfect environment for mold growth, which in turn can affect your health in addition to causing structural damage to the house.

Appearance changes to ceiling, walls and flooring

When water damage is on the cards, you can observe dry walls or ceilings being flaky or bubbly. These conditions, if left unchecked, can become bloated or swollen and respond malleable to touch.

Wet flooring is another sign of water damage which is easily overlooked. The corners of rooms which are hardly used can house molds and even cause irreversible damage to the sub-flooring if left unattended for too long.

Outdated water supply system

The outdated water supply system is one of the major giveaways to residential water damage. While the pipes itself is reliable, the connections and faucets can be the major culprits.

This is why it is highly recommended to perform a water supply system inspection on a yearly basis. Consider cutting off the source of water supply when you are out of town for long periods. You might need regular maintenance and checkups for appliances like furnaces and air conditioning.

High utility bill

It is not always possible to identify water damage, especially with a big house with multiple attics. A sudden surge in utility bill is an ideal indicator of water damage on such occasions.

Ensure that you check the visible pipelines and faucets in the house for any leaks. If you fail to find any leaks in the visible areas, consider the possibility of water damage inside walls.

How to tell if water damage is new or old can be tricky. You might need extensive experience, professional tools and time to figure this out. This is where you can consider contacting a certified water damage restoration company.

Walk around your house with this checklist on a monthly basis to identify water damage at its earliest stage.

Save Properties from Excessive Damage Due To Water Damage

Posted by Travis Bumgarner on

Considering the escalating price of real estate properties, home owners need to take care and maintain their homes so that they do not incur heavy expenses. Florida is home to hurricanes and heavy rains even though the State enjoys its fair share of sunshine. When there is damage to the home due to inclement weather conditions, the value decreases if constant repairs are not carried out.

Water damage weakens the structure of the home

The structural integrity of the home suffers when it is exposed to water damage. Water causes damage to the walls and floors, and when wood is used, the danger is that one may not notice a problem till it is too late. A leak in the ceiling or in crawl spaces may not be immediately noticeable, and the damage may manifest before one is aware there is a problem.

Water damage restoration Jupiter service companies are mushrooming in every area to help homeowners cope with the problem. These companies are run by experienced professionals who have the technical knowledge and expertise to assess the situation quickly and take remedial action using the right mitigation techniques.

Homeowners are strongly urged to register with a water damage restoration Jupiter company and report a leak or a burst pipe when they see one. This will help them save money in the long run as quick remedies prevent large disasters which can make a homeowner burn a large hole in their pocket.

Find a reliable service provider for taking care of water damage

  • The first step to finding one is to ask for referrals from friends and family members
  • Do a background check and find out if they are licensed, bonded and insured
  • Read the reviews and testimonials from customers to know if you have identified the best provider in the area
  • Ask them to give you a free estimate and check if their rates are reasonable
  • They should be on call 24/7 and answer all queries immediately
  • They should be able to guide you through the insurance process

Once you have identified a reputable water damage restoration Jupiter service company, put their number on speed-dial on your phone to call during an emergency. You should also be alert and make frequent inspections in and around your home.

A routine inspection is advisable especially when there are heavy winds or rains detected.

  • Check to see if there are any leaky faucets or drain pipes in the house
  • Check the condition of the water heaters and supply pipes
  • Inspect the water supply hose of the washing machine and other electrical appliances in the house.
  • Refer to the guidelines on the life expectancy of these gadgets and make sure to change them when it has run its course.
  • Do not keep electrical appliances in the basement
  • Be aware of the main lines for shutting off power or water in an emergency

Be alert when there are floods reported in your area. Check the gutters outside and remove all dead leaves to keep it clean and clear. If a sewage backup is reported, call the water damage restoration Jupiter Company immediately. When dirty black water enters your home due to a backup or overflow, it is necessary to get the water damage restoration company to start work and remove the same immediately. Apart from problems such as corrosion and mold, you will have to deal with health issues as this type of water contains fecal matter, urine and possibly fungi and bacteria.

Keep your home and family safe by calling a service provider to take care of extracting all water, moisture and odor from your home. A service provider that can handle all your water damage issues is TITAN RESTORATION CONSTRUCTION they can be reached at (561) 345-3751.

Palm Beach house Flooding

Precautions to Take When You Face Flooding In Your Area

Posted by Travis Bumgarner on

When purchasing a home in Florida, there are many points to consider. All of us wish to maintain a beautiful home and keep it safe from all unforeseen disasters. However, there are forces of nature that work against our interests and we end up spending a lot of money on repairs and try to keep the house safe and protected. Keep the numbers of the Palm Beach flooding service provider handy to dial in an emergency.

Flooding is not uncommon in Florida and can happen when a hurricane or tropical storm ravages the area. Water does not drain out quickly, and even though it is not very deep, it can damage properties and prove to be a threat to humans. Flooding can also occur when there are seasonal rainstorms or a sewage overflow. It is a constant threat and can happen when there is a storm surge or river floods.

Florida House Near a RiverbankIf you are faced with a flooding emergency, you should contact the Palm Beach flooding service company, and they will arrive promptly to take care of the problem. You should be aware of the types of threats you can face with floods in your area.

  • Are there creeks or rivers in your area that flood frequently?
  • Is the area around you low lying?

As the terrain in Florida is generally flat, it is difficult to drain out water that has accumulated. Water begins to spread out from the riverbanks when the rivers rise and combined with heavy rainfall tends to flood nearby areas.

If you live in an area prone to floods you should:

  • Determine the elevation in the area.
  • Formulate an emergency action plan.
  • Evacuate if necessary immediately.
  • Check on the news media.
  • Never try to cross flowing water.
  • Do not allow children or pets to play where there are pools of water.
  • Make sure to drink only boiled water.
  • If you notice any broken utilities, you should bring it to the notice of the authorities immediately.

There are various types of flooding that you can experience in Florida:

  • Flash floods – this type of flooding occurs when there is plenty of water that has not been absorbed in any place. If there is a levee or dam failure flash floods can result. It destroys structures, pulls down trees and washed out roads. This type of floods are deadly as they come on suddenly.
  • This type of flood is noticed in urban developments where there are pavements that do not absorb rainfall. Driving in an urban flood is dances as the water runoff is two to six times more than on natural terrain.
  • River floods – occur every year in Florida and causes extensive damage. Banks overflow when the water runoff begins to collect in streams and rivers.
  • Areal flooding occurs when there is standing water normally seen in open fields and low lying areas. This type of flooding is not dangerous to life though the stagnant water proves to serve as a breeding ground for diseases and insects.

Things you should not do when there are floods in your area:

  • Do not leave you home without turning off the electricity.
  • If you see any downed power lines, make sure you do not drive over it as electric current passes through water.

Call the Palm Beach flooding service company, and they will arrive to take care of the problems. They are experienced and licensed to carry out such tasks, and you should make sure that you follow their guidelines. Cleanup after a flood involves a lot of work, and you should be able to remove all contaminated quickly to avoid health risks.

After a damaging flood call TITAN RESTORATION CONSTRUCTION at (561) 345-3751 to help you take care of these problems.

Flooded Home

Take the Necessary Precautions and Remain Safe When There Is Flooding

Posted by Travis Bumgarner on

Homeowners should carefully select a location if they wish to purchase a home in Florida and refrain from selecting an area in the Flood Danger Zones.

Keep emergency supplies on hand

If you live in Florida, you will face flooding when there is heavy rain or a storm. Be prepared for any eventuality by keeping emergency supplies on hand. This should include a portable radio, cooking equipment, fresh batteries and flashlights, food that is non-perishable and drinking water. Make sure to keep a list of all the medications that you require and also a first-aid kit.

Discard hazardous waste in designated locations

When you are preparing for a flood, make a note of the Palm Beach flooding Service Company and keep it in a place where even the children can reach and call them in an emergency. If you have any hazardous products on your property, make sure to reduce the same and get rid of unwanted stuff lying around the house. This includes items or household products that are marked “Poison”, “Danger”, “ Caution” or Warning” These items should be discarded in facilities set apart from household hazardous waste. Check out the locations that are listed for disposing of unwanted medicines and other items that you wish to discard.

Listen to the news on radio

Make sure to sign up for flood warnings so that you are alerted to the possibility of a flood disaster coming your way. Obtain information on flood insurance and get emergency kits which should be kept handy during these trying times. Keep your radio tuned on to a local station to get the latest news and follow all the instructions given.

Take the right precautions

When flooding occurs, make sure to close the main gas valve and switch off all utilities in the building using the main power switch. Unless you are positive that the area is dry, refrain from touching any electrical equipment in the home. Make sure to wear rubber-soles and latex gloves.

Contact a reliable service provider

When you return to the home after a flood, make sure to look for structural damage and be wary of electrical shorts, live wires and gas leaks. Do not hesitate to call the Palm Beach Gardens flooding Service Company to check the heating system, appliances and different outlets before you use them. You should also ask them to check the electrical panel to see if it is working.

Sucking water out with Sump PumpSince the basement will get flooded with water, you should start trying to drain out the water after the outside water has gone. The Palm Beach Gardens flooding service provider will bring their equipment to remove the water using an electric sump pump. Dry out the walls and shove the mud from the basement. Use a high-pressure hose to remove the dirt and silt stains from the concrete walls and foundation if it is of masonry. Wash the walls with warm water and detergent and then wipe dry.

Fans should be used after a flood to air out the basement. Make sure to wear protective waterproof boots and gloves before you begin cleaning up the home. Keep the windows and doors open to let in fresh air and air dry or sun-dry all the items in the home. Make sure that all moisture is removed from the air. It is important to ventilate the area well to remove odors. Use a lump of dry charcoal in a metal container after opening the windows and applying a solution of equal amounts of water and bleach on the walls and floors. Dry out the area completely.

If you are recovering from a storm and facing flood damage, call TITAN RESTORATION CONSTRUCTION at (561) 345-3751.

Fan used flood damage restoration house jupiter

Exert Caution and Follow Guidelines When Returning To Your Home after a Jupiter Flood

Posted by Travis Bumgarner on

One of the reasons for floods creating havoc in Jupiter Florida is hurricanes. These are strong storms that cause extensive damage to properties and prove life-threatening when it crosses certain areas. Floods, high winds and storm surges affect properties and create a lot of destruction. If you receive orders to evacuate the premises, it is advisable to pick up all important documents and leave the home and return after the floods.

Register with a reliable service provider for dealing with problems

Once the floods have passed you should check with Jupiter flooding service providers or local authorities if your neighborhoods or community is safe.

  • You may require creating plans for back-up communication and making sure that you have cash on you as the stores may be unable to accept debit or credit cards.
  • Fill up the fuel tank of your care and make sure to carry food, pillows and other items that you may require when you return home. You will need bottled water, food, flashlights and batteries.
  • Stock up on your medicines and check if you can get in touch with your reliable service provider in case of any emergency.
  • When you return home after a flood, you may have to check if pests such as snakes and rodents have made their way into your property or home.
  • Check if the power lines are down or damaged and look for exterior as well as interior damage.
  • If you smell gas, you should worry about a fire starting somewhere in the house. Contact the fire department and do not remain indoors.
  • Mold is something that you will have to combat when you return home as moisture in the air will encourage the growth and you will also have to deal with bacterium and fungi.
  • Open all the doors and windows and dispel the odors.

Main Power Switch in a HomeCall the Jupiter flooding service company before you turn on the main power for electricity and water. If there is water in the area, do not step on it when turning on the power systems.

If you notice any sagging in the ceiling or flooring, you will know that there is water trapped and you should take immediate action to get it removed by professionals.

Safety precautions to take when you plan to clean up after a flood

  • Wear protective rubber boots and gloves.
  • If the furniture or carpets are water logged you may require need help to move them around.
  • Food and medicine that has been lying in the home should be tossed out. Do not take chances with tinned and canned foods.
  • Avoid cleaning solutions that emit toxic fumes. This will prove poisonous and cause health risks.
  • The furniture and hard surfaces that include counter-tops, flooring and appliances need to be cleaned with soap and warm water before use.
  • Remove areas of drywall and insulation that has been contaminated with flood water.

Take all precautions to ensure that there is no further damage when you return home after a disaster with floods or hurricanes. Remember that carbon monoxide is dangerous and do not use a generator or camp stove inside the home, basement or garage.

Consult your Jupiter flooding service company, TITAN RESTORATION CONSTRUCTION at (561) 345-3751 on the use of generators and do not use the electrical system in the house to connect a portable generator. Your main aim is to protect the family members and eliminate the dangers of living in an unhealthy environment. If proper care is not taken, you expose your family members to health risks so you should first ensure that you provide a healthy and clean environment for everyone in the home.

 

boynton beach flooding

How to Rebuild Your Home after A Flood Disaster and Learn From Your Mistakes

Posted by Travis Bumgarner on

Once you have undergone a flooding experience, you will be more cautious in the future. You will be traumatized at the disaster caused by a hurricane or a sewer overflow. Your house may be flooded due to negligence and a family member may have undergone a serious health crisis.

Your first duty is to your family members. You should provide support for each one in the house especially after the devastating experience that you have faced together. Stress may be temporary but it can have long lasting effects. Talk to each other and share your stress and anxieties. Talk to your children factually and help them deal with the fear and reassure them.

Take the right steps to provide further damage

It is time to take steps to get your home and property back in order. The floods may have caused major hazards including damage to the structure and electrical power in the home. The first thing to do is to hire an experienced Boynton Beach flooding company to assess the flood damage and make sure you can enter the home.

It is important to check if the structure is sound before you enter the home. Do not enter the home if there is standing water near the outside walls of the home. The front door may be swollen tight or there may be debris behind the door that does not allow it to open naturally. Be careful of mud or water that makes the floor slippery. Many reptiles and rodents may find their way looking for shelter in your home.

Hire the best service provider in your area

Call the Boynton Beach flooding service provider to check all the problems before you bring your family back to the home. You may have to shut off the electricity supply while they check the home. Before you disconnect the wiring you will have to check with the local authorities.

It is important to call the insurance agent to check the damage of the contents in the home. Make out an inventory for filing a claim. As the agent if you can contact the adjuster and get a comprehensive cost for repairing the damage to your belongings in the home.

Use the right materials to repair damages

Sealed Garbage ContainerMake arrangements to get the clean up started by contacting the Boynton Beach flooding service company. Consult the professionals and get expert advice on how to rebuild your home and make it flood proof. They will suggest cost-effective measures that you should heed to ensure that you and your family are protected the next time there is flooding in the area.

Make sure that you use flood proofing materials if you plan to continue living in the same house. You have an option of moving to a safer area. Make sure to follow the local building codes when you reconstruct your home.

Make sure to store garbage far away from water and food in a container with a tight fitting lid in case the pickup truck does not get to the area for a few days. If you notice any animal waste or asbestos anywhere, report this to the city authorities.

Ensure that your family is safe in a healthy environment

Get advice from your service provider on home maintenance and repair. Get referrals from friend and colleagues when you are trying to source out the best service provider in the area. Ask for an estimate and if they offer you a reasonable rate for their service, go along with them. Titan Restoration Construction, a professional company, will be able to guide you on the insurance process and help you rebuild your home with state-of-the art material that will protect you from subsequent flood disasters.  Call us at 561-345-3751 for great results!

Water Damage Home Florida

Precautions to Take When Your Home Has Been Damaged Due To Floods

Posted by Travis Bumgarner on

Flooding in the area where you live can pose a serious problem for homeowners as it brings on health risks. One of the leading causes for weather- related deaths in America is flash flooding.

There are certain measures you can take to protect your property when there are flooding.

Safety and security is important when anticipating floods

It is always advisable to secure your home against flood damage. The first precaution to take is to ensure that you do not build your homes in areas that may be high-risk. Check out the regulations and avoid flood zone areas. Make sure that there are no cracks or crevices in the walls as this could allow the water to get into the home. Make sure to seal them well.

Get your property insured against floods

One of the most important steps to take is to obtain the appropriate coverage for flood insurance. One should never under estimate the power of flowing water as it moves faster than it appears and can even carry a person away. Make sure to explain dangers associated with flooding to your employees or children. Make a note of the West Palm Beach Flooding company and let the family members know how to get in touch with them in an emergency.

Keep abreast with the media

You should talk to your neighbors and share any information and experience that you may have and be prepared for the same. Remove all debris and fallen leaves from storm grates, flap gates and street drains to avoid clogging. If you have evacuated from the premises and are returning to your home after the flood, make sure to check for structural damage before you enter the home. Look out for gas leaks, live wires and electrical shorts.

Take precautions when re-entering the home after a flood

There may be a gas leak so be careful and use only flashlights when you re-enter the home.

Call the gas company if you find that the gas is still switched off. Get a professional from the West Palm Beach flooding company to check if the heating system and other appliances, including the electrical panels are working properly.

Call your West Palm Beach flooding service provider and let them know the problem you are facing. You should also:

  • Move all the valuable items in the home to a higher level.
  • Place plastic sheeting or sandbags in front of the doorways.
  • Prevent the back-flow of sewer water by sealing off the sewer lines to the property.
  • When you install electrical boxes, water heaters, furnaces and washing machines, make sure to elevate the location to a place where there are less chances of flooding.

Here are some safety tips to help you clean up after there has been a flood:

  1. Clean the walls and floors with hard surface using soap and water. Add a disinfectant to the water.
  2. Wash all your clothes including linen in hot water and dry them out thoroughly.
  3. Disinfect all surfaces that may come in contact with children including their play areas.
  4. Dry out large mattress and furniture that is upholstered in the sun.
  5. Carpets should be steam-cleaned.
  6. Replace fiberboard and all fibrous insulation if it has been contaminated with floodwater.
  7. This should also be done if sewage water has made contact with the air conditioning system and heating.
  8. Do not walk in this water without wearing protective gear.
  9. Discard material than cannot be salvaged or dried thoroughly.

Boil the drinking water and throw out all food that has been lying in the refrigerator.

We want you to be able to return to your normal work schedule and activities as soon as possible. Floods are quite traumatic enough, and we know that when you don’t have access to your home or office, you’re losing income. Call Titan Restoration Construction at 561-345-3751.