Ceiling leak in residential property Jupiter

Ceiling Water Leaks: How to Detect Hidden Leaks & Types

Posted by Kiran on June 17, 2020

What might start as a slight discoloration in the ceiling can soon become the source of few drops and before you know your ceiling might cave out to your living room, costing you time and money. Ceiling water leaks can question the structural integrity of your property.

Those droplets that you see on the ceiling are a result of water damage or subsequent leaks over months. Most property owners overlook this fact and end up paying a lot more than they should be spending in the first place to fix the issue.

To understand how to fix ceiling water damage, it is important to understand how to detect the leaks, know about the types of ceiling leaks, and also the processes involved.

Types of ceiling leaks:

Plumbing leaks: a common cause of ceiling leaks, plumbing leaks could occur due to the following reasons:

Caulk wear off
Rusting/wearing of pipes or pipe fittings
Sweating pipes in summer or winter

Any plumbing damage, especially in bathrooms can cause the water to drip down and channel through to the ceiling.
If you observe a ceiling leak and if a kitchen or bathroom is located directly above the ceiling, you can expect a plumbing leak.

Roof leaks: damaged shingles or roofing tiles can trigger ceiling leaks. Interestingly, these leaks are not confined to just spring or summer season, they can also be prominent in winter.

The continuous freezing and thawing of the snow over the damaged roof let the ice clusters sweep through the roof and eventually leads to ceiling leaks.

Faulty appliances: faulty appliances, especially refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines that have water supply & drain lines attached, can trigger ceiling leaks.

Water accumulates on the floor beneath these appliances before sweeping through the ceiling below.

Burst pipes: frequently changing or extreme weather conditions could lead to bursting of pipes. Usually, the expansion of water, especially in cold and freezing conditions can lead to this situation.

Signs of ceiling water leaks

Saggy ceiling: water sweeps through to the ceiling from the leak source and if the ceiling is coated with waterproof materials or solutions, water accumulates and the coating starts to sag.

Sagging ceiling on drywall and plaster ceilings and can indicate a moderate water leak. A sagging ceiling can develop with time and cave onto your room causing further damage.

Peeling paint: as the water or moisture concentrates on specific parts of the ceiling for a prolonged time, the paint starts to flake or peel off.

Ceiling discoloration: discoloration or water spots on the ceiling are usually formed from inconsistent water leaks. The discoloration usually appears as rings and can be dry to touch at times.

Identifying difficult to find ceiling water leaks

One way of identifying difficult ceiling water leaks is by stimulating a rainstorm. This is a two person’s job, while you use a hose over the roof to channel water onto isolated areas on the roof, your partner needs to stay inside to notify you of any water dripping from the ceiling.

Isolate the areas and conquer small areas for accurate results. Know that this is a time-consuming task and requires careful observation and patience.

If you still cannot identify the leak, you could remove the shingles to track back to the source which, in this case, could be a plumbing or burst pipe leak.

Precautions against ceiling water leaks

Ceiling water leaks are common household issue. As a property owner, you need inspect your plumbing, roofing and potential appliances at least twice every year. Give special priority to your roofing system and include the following areas in your checklist:

Roof vents
Fix Walls and Dormers
Brick chimney perimeters
Shingles/roofing tiles
Contact specialist

If the ceiling water leak is minor, you can consider fixing it yourself. The trick is to identify the source and fix it. However, this can be difficult, especially when the leak type is inconsistent.

A specialized water damage professional will use pinpoint the exact source, type, and potential consequences of the ceiling leak at hand.

These professionals use industry-grade equipment including moisture meters, dehumidifiers, and exhaust fans to resolve the concern.

Identifying the extent of the situation and considering the potential after-effects like the possibility of mold growth can turn out to be crucial. Quick detection and action is an absolute necessity that can safeguard the property structural integrity and health statistics of the inhabitants.

Water damage specialist usually follows these strategies when fixing a ceiling leak:

Identify and fix the water source leak
Dry the damaged ceiling
Remove ceiling parts which seem beyond repair and could cause further concerns including mold growth
Install new ceiling materials
Seal and paint the ceiling

Dealing with a ceiling water leak is easy if the concern is identified at the earliest stage possible. Be attentive to anything abnormal including musty smell and water spots on the ceiling.

Water Damage Restoration: 21 Frequently Asked Questions

Posted by Kiran on June 9, 2020

Residential or commercial water damage is a nuisance that taunts every landlord or property owner. If not addressed quickly, it can lead to major concerns including mold growth and property structural damage in the long run.

As a certified water damage restoration specialist, we come across several questions related to water damage cleanup. This post showcases some common questions related to water/flood damage restoration.

What are the common causes of water damage?

Some common causes of water damage include:

Faulty appliances
Plumbing mishaps
Deteriorating foundation
HVAC problems and
Natural disasters

What should I do after a flood, or sewage or water leak?

Turn off water supply to your house
Disconnect electrical appliances in the affected rooms
Move furniture or other perishable possessions from the affected area
Take photos and videos during the different stages for insurance claim purposes
Call a water damage restoration specialist

How do certified technicians typically handle water damage?

Certified or experienced water damage technicians start with a detailed assessment using industry-grade equipment, which includes moisture and humidity level checks.

Determining the severity of damages to possessions like carpets or drywall is a crucial step. Any possession beyond repair is removed from the property to prevent any concerns of mold growth.

The next step is to dry and disinfect the water damaged areas using tools including humidifiers and Wet/Dry Shop Vac.

Some water damage specialists can also assist you in claiming the insurance.

Will my homeowner’s insurance cover water damage?

This depends on the policy you have chosen. Usually, homeowners insurance covers for water damages that seem to be sudden or spontaneous. Gradual water damage like damage from a leaking pipe is not covered.

How bad is water damage to a house?

The effects of water damage can be severe and can go unnoticed until it’s too late. It can trigger gradual structural deterioration and mold growth, which in turn can cause health concerns.

What happens when water gets in your walls?

Once water gets into walls, it starts deteriorating the wall structure and gradually gives way to the formation of mold colonies.

Mold formation is accompanied by a strong musty smell and additional mold spore generation which turns ubiquitous and starts infecting other possessions including dresses and furniture.

How can you tell if your house has water damage?

High utility bill
Musty smell
Mold growth
Outdated water supply system
Appearance changes to ceiling, walls, and flooring

Learn the details about each here:

How do you tell if there is a leak behind a wall?

Look for the following signs to identify leaks behind walls:

Discoloration of walls
Peeling and bubbling
Musty smell
Warped walls
Staining

How can you tell where a water leak is coming from?

You can check the water meter for signs of leaks and do a thorough inspection. However, identifying the water leak source can be tricky, especially when you are dealing with multiple leaks and leaks in inaccessible areas.

This is where a trained specialist who uses sound equipment, charging pipe strategy, locator clamps, and other advanced tools can make a difference.

How long does it take to dry a flooded house?

It depends on the severity of the damage. On average it can take from 12 hours to a few weeks.

How long does it take for mold to grow in wet drywall?

A drywall is highly porous and suitable for mold growth. Under the right conditions, it can take from 24 to 48 hours for mold growth on drywall.

Does drywall need to be replaced after water damage?

Due to the porous nature, drywalls accommodates water easily. Given the condition, drywalls are replaced on most of the occasions after water damage. Since they are not load-bearing, you do not have to be concerned about the structural integrity of the property.

What are the consequences of Water Damage in Office Buildings?

With commercial water damage, you risk the following:

Business coming to a standstill
Damage and replacement of office equipment
Destruction of documents or paper records
Cost based on severity and response time to the mishap

What kind of damage is caused by floods?

Sewage and bacterial infestation
Damaged natural gas lines
Sinkholes
Property structural damage
Mold growth

Can electrical wiring be water damaged?

Exposing electrical wiring to water or excessive moisture can make the internal components vulnerable to mold growth and corrosion. This is prominent with low quality or poorly maintained wiring. We recommend performing an electrical and water supply system inspection for your house or residential property at least once a year.

Can water damaged carpet be saved?

Water damaged carpets are not unfixable; however, it is important to consider the severity of the damage. There are some potential risks which makes reusing water damaged carpets not a smart move.

Will wet carpet smell go away?

The carpet smell can be removed, provided, each and every inch of the carpet is dried under the right conditions. A carpet that is not properly dried can second mold and mildew growth.

How do you fix the water damaged wooden floor?

Fixing waterlogged wooden floors can be tricky as wood is a good water absorber. Depending on the severity of water absorption, which is determined via advanced moisture meters, we can choose between replacing and restoring.
When it comes to replacing it is ideal to replace the wooden boards that were affected by water.

What are the precautionary steps that I should take after a hurricane?

Find some important steps to consider here.

How much does it cost to repair water damage?

It varies from the type of property and the extent of water damage; we offer a free inspection and bill the insurance career for the water damage repairs.

How do you restore flood-damaged clothes?

Flood-damaged clothing can be infected with bacteria and fungi. Soaking the clothes overnight in oxygen-based bleach followed by washing it with normal water and detergent is an ideal strategy. Also, ensure that the cloth is dried in the highest drying heating level possible.

Water damage to residential or commercial property can have major impacts. Foreseeing the possibilities and taking precautionary steps are the key to making sure that things are in control or you know what needs to be done when the unexpected happens.

Paint Peel on Water Damage Wall in a residential property west palm beach

The 3 Categories of Water Damage and Considerations

Posted by Kiran on April 28, 2020

Flooding in your property can cause serious damage. Irrespective of how well you are prepared, flooding or water damage can produce unforeseen scenarios and threats.

Minor property water damage incidents can be restored via the DIY checklist. However, sever water damage cleanup or restoration requires professional supervision and industrial grade tools & machinery.

Identifying the water damage category is the first step to water damage restoration. Water damage restoration professionals customize their restoration process based on this information for an effective and timely recovery.

This post features the three categories of water damage and the respective considerations.

Clean water or Category 1

Category 1 water damage is water damage from broken pipes, overflowing sink, or rainwater. Health risks associated with category 1 water damage is low, provided, you respond to the situation in less than 48 hours.

On most occasions, overlooking the fact that water damage can cause major headaches if left unattended escalates the situation.

Category 1 water damage if left untreated for more than 48 hours gets exposed to different contaminants which can turn it into category 2 water damage.

Greywater or Category 2

Some common sources of greywater are equipment discharges, chemical wastes like detergent, laundry, and soap. Category 2 water damage can pose mild to severe contamination risks. Greywater can promote microbial growth and the severity of the condition usually escalates with time. Both direct and indirect exposure to greywater damage can affect your personal health and property.

Blackwater or Category 3

Waters from sewers or water containing grease, oil, urine, etc are ideal examples of black water. Presumably, this water type hoards bacteria, viruses, and other toxic allergens, which makes it contagious.

The vulnerability of getting an infection or illness post direct or indirect exposure to black water is more than 90%. It is mandatory to exercise special caution when dealing with black water.

Considerations

Health and safety of occupants: When facing water damage, the priority is to consider the health and safety of the occupants.

Irrespective of the type of water damage you are dealing with, if the situation seems going out of control, moving your family away from the site should be your first step.

Contain the damage: If it is possible, try to locate the source of the water damage and contain it. For instance, if the culprit is a broken pipe or a leak in the ceiling, you could use waterproof tape to contain the damage temporarily and prevent further damage.

If the situation seems serious, it is ideal to contact a water damage restoration professional to how severe the damage is, especially if the area in question is near drywalls and crawlspaces.

Move your belongings: relocating your belongings like the furniture, bed, and clothing to a dry place is another important aspect to consider. Most of these belongings when wet or when subjected to high moisture content can become a haven for mold growth.

Dealing with water damage can be a tricky task. The key is to take action within the first 48 hours and to keep the microbial growth under constant check. This is where water restoration specialists can play a crucial role.

Wet-Carpet-and-Dry-wall-House-in-Jupiter-Florida

Do you know why drying carpets is not always a safe idea?

Posted by Kiran on March 31, 2020

Commercial or residential water damage can be a big headache. Even after the mess is cleanup, the property as such and even the environment takes it time to recover.

One of the major or common concerns during a residential or commercial water breakout is wet carpets. We recommend throwing away the carpets that are beyond repair or have been waterlogged for more than 48 hours.

Drying and reusing the carpets that survived water damage can sound an easy and effective strategy. You need to consider several factors prior to making a call on this. This post features some pointers on why drying carpets to reuse might not always be a safe or smart idea.

Blackwater contamination

While you can get away with drying carpets on some of the occasions, most people overlook the possibility of water damage type.

Water contaminated with fecal matter or water from the sewer can make the carpets beyond repair. Even a dried carpet which suffered black water contamination looks good, chances are its housing different bacteria types. This is where you need an expert opinion regarding whether its worth to reuse to carpet or to buy a new one.

Mold growth

Mold growth and wet carpets go hand in hand. Wet carpets seconds effective and rapid mold growth. The possibility of mold growth is at its peak when a carpet remains waterlogged for more than 24 hours.

On most occasions, mold growth at its initial stages is hard to detect. It might spread to different areas unnoticed, for instance, the wooden floor beneath the carpet. People who dry their carpets and reinstate on the floor misses these mold spread which can start deteriorating the air quality and property structure.

Even when people consider the possibilities of mold growth and take action against it, with limited experience, they are always vulnerable to make some mistakes. The consequences of not adhering to IICRC’s standards on mold removal can be severe.

Health concerns

A carpet that is not properly dried or housing a highly destructive mold type like Chaetomium can induce several health concerns. The air quality deterioration from wet carpets usually goes unnoticed and continue to affect your health slowly and consistently. Your family members, especially toddlers can keep falling sick for no apparent reasons.

Dangerous chemicals

We have been noticing increased cases of people drying the carpets on their own and resorting to chemical cleaning to address all the related health concerns or risks.

Even when carpet cleaning companies use “mild” cleaning chemicals, you need to understand that mild doesn’t always mean good. Chemicals like perchloroethylene, Naphthalene and Butyloxy Ethanol are potentially dangerous and can trigger several health concerns.

Carpets can be a critical component of a healthy home. There are several reasons why you need to hire a water removal specialist when it comes to addressing a wet carpet or other related concerns. When engaging with a carpet cleaning company, ensure that they are using industry level equipment to dry your carpets.

6 Major causes of water damage in commercial property

Posted by Kiran on March 9, 2020

Water damage in the workplace can be a nuisance. You can easily come across some minor water leakage issues like leaky faucet or damage sprinkler systems within your workplace compound. This can be in the garage or at the fire escape. It is important to understand that even the minute concerns like these has the potential to bring the business to a standstill over time.

It is certain that unaddressed water damage issues at the workplace can add up to some hefty bills over time. As a property manager, it is your responsibility to understand and maintain the common sources of water damage in commercial properties.

Faulty appliances

Keep an eye out for a faulty dishwasher or a refrigerator with an automatic ice maker. These appliances are bound to break down at some point or the other in response to daily usage. Keeping these appliances in your routine service inspection checklist is a smart move.

Plumbing mishaps

Leaking pipes and plumbing mishaps at workplaces are almost inevitable. In addition to high water bills, these leaks even have the potential to cause some structural damage if it remains unattended for long.
For instance, water damages or leaks in garages often go unnoticed. Over time, these can develop into concrete spalling or concrete cancer.

Concrete cancer is a serious concern characterized by the rusting of steel reinforcing within the concrete. The concrete initially cracks which is called spalling and then the steel rods start to rust.

Concrete cancer once formed is really hard and expensive to alleviate. It spreads slowly but consistently making the structure weak with time.

Deteriorating foundation

Irregular maintenance of gutters can result in clogging and the water to channel through from the roof to the foundation. Consistent water leaks like this can cause the foundation to deteriorate over time. A good sign of a weak foundation is the formation of puddles and wet framings.

HVAC problems

HVAC systems responsible for heating and cooling regulations in the workplace can wear out over time and get damaged.

The HVAC condensate water which is a byproduct of the temperature regulation process gets collected in the collection pan. Since the HVAC systems are usually associated with several ducts throughout the structure, it can lead to corrosion and damage.

Sprinkler system leaks

Keep an eye out for wet drywall and carpets even if it cannot be directly related to a sprinkler on the roof, it might be from a duct leading to it. The moisture and dryness in the ceiling or drywall can create the perfect condition for mold growth, which can add to the headache.

Natural disasters

The unexpected and unwanted nuisance like flooding or a thunderstorm can never be off the charts. This is something that you can hardly prevent but can prepare for. Hiring a professional water damage restoration service is critical to ensure that your business is back on track in no time and doesn’t lose too many dollars.

Conducting regular checkup that relates to all these systems are the prime means of ensuring that you are one step ahead when it comes to dealing with water damages. Foresee these concerns and act accordingly to save both time and money.

Water soaked wooden floor in house florida

Water damage? 7 questions to ask yourself

Posted by Kiran on February 27, 2020

Have you identified the source?

If the water damage seems out of control you need a water removal specialist to bring the situation under control. However, it is smart if you can identify the source of the water leak and try to address it.

Such an act will help you to save money, time and priceless possession within your residential or commercial property. Some common causes of water damage within the both residential and commercial property are:

• Leaky/broken faucet
• Leaky refrigerator
• Flooded toilet

Look into these aspects and ensure that you move the belongings under concern to safe areas within your property.

Is the situation an emergency?

A concern like a leaky faucet in the kitchen might not be an emergency when comparing it with a situation like an overflowing bathtub which was left unattended for a night or a day. A situation like forgetting to attend to an active running bathtub overnight is definitely an emergency. This can happen to both you and your neighbor.

Under such circumstances, make it a point to contact the water restoration specialist as soon as possible.

What are the immediate steps to consider?

There are some quick steps to consider to prevent or contain further adverse effects from water damage.

• Disconnect all the electrical appliances and power supplies
• Turn of the main water supply to the property
• Document the initial scenario: take pictures and videos of the damage
• Move all the movable items to safe areas
• Expel the excess water using pumps or other household cleaning items

Try to contain the leak source: a hand towel or a water leak sealing agent in a hardware store can turn out to be a godsend.

Is this covered under my insurance?

Most of the basic homeowner’s policies cover only sudden or accidental water damage situations. Burst pipes or faulty appliance leaks are covered under such policies. Usually, these policies do not cover flood damage.

If you reside in an area vulnerable to floods, you need to do in-depth research on flood insurance policies.

Is the water damage company certified?

When contacting a water restoration company, ensure that you are dealing with certified technicians. Look for certifications like IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification).

Is there any stagnant water?

Always be on the lookout for stagnant or standing water after water damage. Stagnant water is undisturbed water which can stay unnoticed. A puddle of water in the lawn or crawlspaces within your house or commercial property can turn out to be a big headache.

Stagnant water can cause serious health concerns like dengue fever and malaria.

Is there a possibility of mold growth?

Water damage usually creates ideal situations for mold growth. Look for signs of mold growth, communicate this with your water removal specialist and ensure that all the possibilities are covered and addressed.

Addressing water damage to your property might sound an easy task, however, there are several sub-tasks and things to consider when it comes to pulling this task off effectively. Make use of the above-listed checklist to ensure that you handle the situation in the most effective manner.

How to prevent your insurance carrier from underpaying you

Posted by Kiran on February 21, 2020

A home insurance policy can turn out to be crucial especially when you reside in an area prone to natural disasters. If the unexpected or the worst happens, it is time for you to evaluate the damage and plan and start an insurance claim process.

There are several options to consider when it comes to dealing with an insurance career. For instance, you have the option i.e. is to let the insurer repair the damage or to accept an equivalent cash settlement.

This post features some tips to prevent your insurance carrier from underpaying you.

Choose an experienced restoration company

There are tons of fire/water damage restoration specialists who offer to take up the task of performing the restoration and handling all the paper works to be reviewed by the insurer. This is where an experienced disaster restoration company can play a crucial role.

A disaster restoration company and assess the damages suffered to your property and advise you whether to go ahead with an insurance claim or not. After the initial review, if a claim seems to be on the charts, the restoration company can clean up, rebuild restore and collect all the pieces of evidence in a timely and efficient manner.

As the property owner, you should understand that it is your right to choose your own restoration company. Bear in mind that a professional insurance company can take over the tedious task of dealing with an insurance adjuster.

Dealing with an insurance adjuster will involve repeated negotiations and paperwork assessments and re-assessments. An experienced disaster recovery company can stand up against this task to ensure that that insurance company doesn’t underpay you.

Importance of collecting evidence

You can expect the following reports from a specialist disaster restoration company.

• Official reports from Fire and Police departments
• Report from the plumbing company
• Scientific data in terms of moisture readings and dehumidifier readings
• List of damaged properties or items
• Financial estimate based on the list of damaged properties or areas within your house

Bear in mind that something simple like taking multiple photos of the damaged area or property might not satisfy your insurance company. The insurance company wouldn’t say no to a series of pictures documenting the whole restoration processes, especially if the damage was inflicted by water.

Think and act smart

Once your property has suffered a disaster, call the insurance company straight away. Waiting too long to notifying your insurer can even lead to the denial of your claim.

Review the conditions in your insurance claim and do not hesitate to raise questions to the insurer like “Am I covered for this?”. Most insurance careers will have a preferred disaster recovery specialist; however, it is not mandatory that you choose this company.

Claims negotiation

Claims negotiation is the most critical step during the whole insurance claim process which mirrors the effectiveness of your efforts. This is where a reputed disaster relief company can act on your behalf to present all the necessary pieces of evidence in a timely and efficient manner and to go through to till the end to ensure that you get the deserved amount in return.

Choosing the right disaster restoration company is the key to ensure that you do not get underpaid by the respective insurance carrier. Always, stick with a company that has certified professionals, can work around the clock and with a quick response rate.

Apartment water damage: Things to consider

Posted by Kiran on February 15, 2020

Water damage can have a drastic and lasting impact on apartments. If the water damage is severe, it can even affect your neighbors. As a tenant, it is your duty to inform your landlord immediately and you should be aware of some rights when dealing with the water damage.

As a tenant or owner of the apartment, there are several factors to consider when there is a water damage situation in your apartment.

Prompt action

If you are the tenant, you need to contact your landlord or the maintenance team immediately. Delay in reporting the damage increases the likelihood of property damage and even eviction.

If you are the property owner, it is important to contact a water restoration specialist as soon as possible. It is ideal to consider a water restoration specialist that provides assistance with insurance documentation.

Identify the source

Even though the likelihood of you needing a water removal specialist to efficiently resolve the situation is more, it would be ideal to try and identify the source of water damage.

There are several possible sources of water damage within apartments, which are listed below:

• Leaky/broken faucet
• Leaky refrigerator
• Flooded toilet

Faulty appliances, broken faucets are the major causes of water damage in apartments. Overlooking the possibility of an overflowing bathtub or forgetting it completely can easily lead to a water damage situation. Bear in mind that this can happen to your neighbor as well.

Document the damage

Ensure that you take videos and photos of water damage as early as possible. This will come in handy when documenting files for renter’s insurance or even communicating with a water restoration specialist. It is ideal to keep these files for at least a year.

You can even consider documenting the procedures carried out by the restoration specialists. Keep notes of the process and other aspects like the call logs and what was initially agreed upon.

Contacting a water restoration company

If you are just the tenant of the apartment and would like some immediate response in cases where the landlord is taking his time, you can consider contacting the water damage specialists directly.

On most of such occasions, the company will refuse to carry out the restoration process unless they get approval from the landlord. Under such circumstances, be prepared to require the company to contact the landlord directly.

Who pays for the water damage?

As just a tenant, your landlord is responsible for water damage repair costs to the apartment. However, bear in mind that any damage to your personal belongings is your own responsibility. Foresee this and make sure that you prioritize the task of moving your belongings to a safe area during water damage or instances like flooding.
However, if the damage to your possessions seems to be due to the negligence of the landlord and if you can prove it, you can get some compensation.

It is critical to act quickly and smart in case of water damage irrespective of whether it’s contacting a restoration company, informing your landlord or moving your belongings to a safe area. Foresee these caveats to ensure that you make the right decisions without any delay.

Brown and Beige Wooden Barn Surrounded With Brown Grasses Under Thunderclouds

5 reasons why you should hire a water removal specialist to handle flood damage

Posted by Kiran on February 11, 2020

Water damage can be mild or disastrous. As a property owner, it is your duty to foresee different aspects within your house and the environment which can lead to water damage or flooding.

Being a common cause for property damage, water damage is something that most property owners lament on.
You can easily find several DIY tips to alleviate the concern of flood or water damage within your household or commercial property. However, there are several factors that seconds hiring a water removal specialist for handling flood damage.

Leak source and hidden water damage

On occasions finding the source of water damage can be tricky. People overlook the possibility of multiple water leak sources and end up fixing the most evident source. Hidden mild leak sources can turn out to be disastrous with time. Mild water leaks sweeping through walls, ceilings or even a crack in the foundation can endanger the structure of the property.

Professional water removal specialist have industry-grade tools to detect water damages that can go undetected until its too late. Their experience can play a crucial role in identifying water leak sources quickly.

Water extraction

With respect to the severity of water damage or the amount of water involved, you might need water extraction or pumping. This is where water removal specialists with professional water extraction tools can be handy.

These tools can perform the much-needed work of pumping out large quantities of water in a short period. This can be crucial when it comes to saving time, money and other priceless possessions.

Mold

Once your house or commercial property is affected by water damage, it is vulnerable to mold growth. Mold makes life within the affected property a nightmare. Mold can start thriving in 48 to 72 hours post-water damage. This is why a quick response water specialist can turn out to be crucial when it comes to addressing any additional threats.

Water removal specialists can use advanced drying techniques and dehumidifiers to maintain air quality to hinder any possibilities of mold growth.

Insurance assistance

Professional water Restoration Company can provide assistance with insurance claims. These people are mostly experienced in handling the respective documentation and have come across multiple cases with different scenarios.

This contributes to successful documentation and application with a high percentage possibility of success rate.

Additional care

Water damage specialists can always look for additional risks and vulnerabilities based on the water damage type. For instance, flood water can be grossly unsanitary and requires special/professional cleanup with additional chemical or cleanup procedures.

A professional water damage restoration company can assess the situation at all stages and act accordingly for the much-needed results.

When the water damage at your property seems to be the next level, it is recommended to contact a water damage specialist. Never overlook the possibility of mold growth and act quickly to get the concern under control.

Health risks associated with stagnant water

Posted by Kiran on February 8, 2020

Stagnant water is standing water that is trapped or sits undisturbed for hours/days. Standing or stagnant water is usually a result of flood and water leaks. Basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms are common areas where you can find standing water.

Plumbing leaks within the house or rainwater leaking through roof or windows can also be some of the main cause of stagnant water. While these can be clean sources of standing water, sources like flooding and sewage backups can be the contaminated source of standing water.

As a property owner, it is your duty to check for standing water within your property or compound, especially after events like floods or storms. There are several health risks associated with standing water, the dangers of which can grow worse over time.

Mold

Standing water saturates the floors and walls, this, in turn, can create support mold growth. Involvement of sewage or other contaminants in stagnant water catalyzes the possibility of mold growth. For instance, under favorable conditions and with clean water, mold requires a maximum of 72 hours to thrive. However, if contaminants are involved, it can thrive in 24 hours.

Structural damage

A crack in the foundation can turn out to be deadly with a condition like standing water. Water can easily sweep in and the damage can go unnoticed until its too late. This is something that can seriously affect the structure of your property.

Stagnant water can slowly but definitely dissolve and deteriorate drywall, flooring, carpeting and cabinets.

Insects and rodents

Standing water can be a good breeding source for insects like mosquitoes. This gives way to problems like malaria and dengue. Zika virus and West Nile Virus can be bigger or serious concerns that can even lead to fatality.

Similarly, mice, rats and possums can always be on the lookout for watering holes. They can spread diseases and consider your house as the perfect place to thrive.

Some of the health risks associated with standing water are:

• Malaria
• Rotavirus
• Fungus
• Dengue Fever
• Entamoeba
• Zika fever

Stagnant water is often hard to detect and goes unnoticed especially in areas like crawlspaces and lawns. Preventing standing water is the key to alleviating related health hazards. Once you find stagnant water within your property, it is ideal to get it inspected by professional water removal specialists, especially if the source seems old and involves sewage.

One way of telling whether the standing water is old is by the smell of it. Standing water involving sewage can start smelling with time and look for the smell of rotten egg. Ensure that your lawn has proper drainage and get your water and plumbing systems in your house checked at least once a year.

Category: Water Damage