Potential Shower Leak

3/7/2023 (Permalink)

Look for signs of a leak in your bathroom

You can have your bathroom checked for leaks by a professional, but there are some signs of a leak that you can check yourself. If you notice water around the base of your shower head or in the area where the floor meets the wall, it's likely there is a leak in your shower. Leaks are often caused by an improperly installed diverter valve or broken pipe, so if you find evidence of water coming from inside your wall or ceiling then this may be what's causing your problem.

You can look for signs of water in your bathroom.

You can look for signs of water in your bathroom.

If you see any water stains on the ceiling, walls or floor of your bathroom, that might be a sign that there is a leak somewhere. Water stains will appear as dark spots on drywall or plaster walls and ceilings (and sometimes even floors). The best way to tell if there are any leaks in these areas is by doing an inspection after a heavy rainfall or when it's raining outside. If you see any new water stains then there may be an issue with your roof or gutter system.

You should also check all windows in your home regularly because they're another common area where leaks can occur due to poor construction techniques used during construction time period when house was built.

The floor may sag.

Sagging floorboards. If a leak is causing your floor to sag, it will be noticeable in the form of cracks or gaps between the subfloor and drywall. Leaks can also cause your walls to bow out or crack over time due to water damage to the studs behind them, which are often made of wood that can rot over time when exposed to moisture.

Water damage under cabinets and along baseboards/door trim. If there's any evidence of mold or mildew growing where you wouldn't expect it (like under a sink), then this could be an indication that there's been some kind of leak in your bathroom or kitchen area, and possibly even down into your walls too.

Sounds of running water

When you run the shower and hear water coming from an unknown location, this could be a indication of water damage. If you hear water running in your bathroom, basement or kitchen while no other faucets are on, there's a chance that it could be a leak coming from one of these areas.

Clogged drain

If you see bubbles or white foam on the inside of your shower door or curtain, it's likely that there's a leak. These bubbles are caused by air being sucked into the drain through a clogged pipe. If you notice these signs, check to see if your drain is clogged before calling a plumber or taking other measures to fix it yourself.

A shower leak can cause significant damage to your home and property if it's not caught early enough, so it's important to know what signs to look for.

If you notice any of these signs, it's probably time to call in a professional. A shower leak can cause significant damage to your home and property if it's not caught early enough, so it's important to know what signs to look for. Give SERVPRO of Laguna Beach a call for your water damage emergency in your home or business.

Vulnerable Areas of your Home that can be Affected After a Storm

2/13/2023 (Permalink)

When storm damage hits, give the professionals a call today!

It's important to know what damage can happen to your home when it's hit by strong winds or heavy rain. The most vulnerable areas of the home are generally the roof, siding, gutters and downspouts, doors and windows.

What is the most vulnerable part of a home after a storm?

Your home is made up of several parts. Each part has its own unique vulnerabilities and weaknesses, so it’s important to keep your home protected from damage. Roofing, siding and gutters protect a house from the elements outside. Doors, windows and basement or crawlspace walls keep the interior dry on the inside. Damage can occur anywhere in a home during a storm because of high winds or heavy rain that falls for hours at a time. Inspect your home quickly to help prevent secondary damages to your Laguna Beach, CA, home or business.

Roof

The roof is the most vulnerable part of your home when a storm hits, and it may be the most expensive to repair. The roof can be damaged by wind, hail, rain and snow, or even ice. It can also be damaged by falling trees or branches that are too close to the house.

If you've had a recent storm and are concerned about damage to your roof, it's important to find out what type of impact it's had on your home before making repairs.

Siding

Siding is the external covering of your house. It protects your home from the elements, and can make a big difference when it comes to resale value. Siding comes in several different types: aluminum, vinyl, cedar and redwood are among the most common.

Gutters and Downspouts

When a storm hits, it is the downspouts on your house that will most likely be damaged. Downspouts are designed to have a certain degree of flexibility, but they are not meant to withstand high winds or heavy rains. If you find that your downspouts have been damaged in a storm, contact a professional contractor immediately to repair them.

Doors and Windows

Doors and windows are the most vulnerable areas of your home. Windows are often the first to be damaged by high winds, flying debris, or flooding. When you're looking for a contractor to help you repair your windows and doors after a storm, make sure they have experience with these areas of your home.

If you're looking to make your home safer in the event of a storm, it's important to know which areas are most vulnerable. Knowing what these areas are may help you determine which ones need more attention or protection. If a storm has occurred, make sure to give the professionals a call quick at the first sign of storm damage. If your looking for a professional after a storm in your local California area, give SERVPRO of Laguna Beach a call today!

What You Should Know If Your Basement Has Water Damage

1/9/2023 (Permalink)

If you have a flooded basement in your Laguna Beach, CA home don't hesitate to call SERVPRO of Laguna Beach.

What You Should Know If Your Basement Has Water Damage

Have you ever found yourself in a situation with water damage in your basement? Don't worry, it happens to the best of us. It can be quite annoying and sometimes even dangerous if not handled properly. In this guide, we'll go over some steps that will help you assess the damage and protect your family.

Shut off your Electricity, Gas, and Water

Before you do anything else, it's important to shut off your electricity and gas. Here's how:

• Turn off the circuit breaker or fuse box for the room where you'll be working.
• If you're using a generator, make sure that it is plugged into an outlet that isn't connected to a wall switch. This will ensure that it doesn't turn on when you least expect it!

Now that your power is out, let's move on to water supply lines:

Call a Professional

If your basement is a disaster, it's best to call in the pros. They'll have the right tools and equipment, and they'll be trained to handle whatever situation comes up. Professionals also have experience working with water damage situations, so they know what to expect when they're dealing with flooded basements or crawlspaces. Finally (and most importantly), professionals are insured for this kind of work—which means that if any damage does happen while they're on your property, their insurance will cover it.

Assess the Damage

When you find that your basement has water damage, the first thing you should do is take photos of the damage. You can use these pictures to compare against what happened later on and help you determine whether or not the problem was fixed effectively.

You should also check for mold. Mold can grow anywhere moisture is present, and it needs only a few days or weeks to spread throughout your house if left unchecked. Mold spores are very small and will often go undetected until they have grown into large colonies capable of causing sickness in humans who inhale them. If this happens, then it's time to call in an expert so they can test for any signs of mold growth and remove them before they become too much trouble!

Maybe Call Your Insurance Company

If you have a flood, the first thing to do is call your insurance company. The second thing to do is call your insurance company and make sure they will cover the damage. If it turns out that your policy doesn’t cover floods, then call your agent again and find out if there are any perks or discounts for which you qualify. For example, if you have older plumbing in your Laguna Beach, CA home (think: lead pipes), this might be enough of an excuse for them to waive some of the standard deductibles on water damage claims.

If it's bad enough, then don't worry—you won't need to deal with it yourself! Your insurance company has specialists who can handle everything from drying out soaked carpets to replacing damaged drywall and flooring with new materials that look similar but aren't actually made from toxic chemicals (like asbestos). Remember: stay calm during all this drama so that everyone stays safe until things get back on track!

Protect your Valuables

If you have valuables in your basement, make sure to secure them with plastic. For larger items like furniture, you can use a tarp or drop cloth to cover them up. If there are any drawers or cabinets in your basement, make sure to open and close them as little as possible so that they don’t get wet.

If you have a dehumidifier on hand, this would be an excellent time to use it! It will help dry out the air faster by sucking up moisture from the air and converting it into water vapor that is released outside of your home through the exhaust hose attached to the back of your machine.

If there is already moisture in your basement (or if you know that there has been flooding), it might also be helpful for you to install some sort of sump pump system right away before further damage occurs—especially if this is something that happens regularly during rainy seasons.

Document the Damage

Once you've determined where the water is coming from, it's essential that you document the damage with photos. You should take photos of the damaged area prior to any repairs or cleanup. This will allow you to compare how things were after they were repaired and how they are now—allowing you to identify whether there was further damage or deterioration as a result of these repairs. Take these photos with a date and time stamp so that they're easy to reference later on.

You should also take detailed notes about what happened before anything was fixed (if there was no actual repair), so this can be compared against both your initial documentation and any future documentation of change in status. For example: "There was standing water in front of my basement door." Compile this information into an organized logbook so it's readily accessible when needed later on down the road—it'll make things much easier for everyone involved!

Know When to Call a Professional

If you’re dealing with water damage in your home, here are some steps to take:

• Know how to shut off the water. If there is flooding in your basement or another part of your home, it is important that you immediately shut off the main valve for that area. A professional plumber can help with this process and determine what caused the initial leaky pipe or broken pipe altogether.
• Know when mold may be an issue in addition to structural damage from water damage in your basement. If the moisture level reaches 80%, mold will begin to grow on any material that has absorbed moisture into its pores—this includes items like drywall and insulation which are typically found inside walls/ceilings of homes built after 1950s-era construction standards (as well as older homes). 

Remember, water damage can be devastating and expensive to fix. It’s important to take action as soon as possible so that you don’t find yourself paying for repairs down the road. If your basement has been flooded, call SERVPRO of Laguna Beach immediately!

Why is My Dishwasher Leaking?

12/5/2022 (Permalink)

If your dishwasher has leaked and has damaged the floors and walls don’t hesitate and give our SERVPRO of Laguna Beach team a call today!

Why is My Dishwasher Leaking?

If your dishwasher is leaking, it could be because of a few different things. It could be that the door isn’t properly shut, some food has gotten stuck in the drain or maybe even something broke. We have listed a few common causes below.

Has your dishwasher been leaking water? 

If you have a dishwasher that is leaking water, it could be because of a number of different problems. Here are a few examples:

• A faulty part or seal may have broken
• The drain hose could have been pulled out of place
• The door was left open after it was finished running

Water Leaking from Door

If you’re noticing water leaking from around your dishwasher door, the problem could stem from one of several things. The first thing to do is inspect the seal that attaches the door to its frame, which should be made of rubber or plastic and look like a U-shaped piece. Water may be leaking because this seal has been damaged or dislodged. You can easily fix this by using an adhesive product that will secure it back in place. If this does not solve your problem and there are no visible signs of damage on either side of the seal, then you need to check for other problems such as dirt buildup around hinges, screws and joints between pieces.

Another possible issue is with your door gasket—the rubber strip at each corner where glass meets metal or plastic. If yours has been damaged or removed for some reason (such as during installation), you need to replace it before proceeding with any repairs on other parts of your machine!

Water Leaking from Bottom of Dishwasher

If your dishwasher is leaking water from the bottom, there are several possible causes. The most common reason for this problem is a leaky gasket around the door seal. This can happen due to wear and tear, or because of a sharp object such as a fork that poked through. If you see any signs of damage on your gasket, replace it immediately before proceeding with any other troubleshooting steps below.

Clogs

A clog is when there's a buildup of food particles, mineral deposits or even mold inside the dishwasher. This can occur in both the filter and drain hose of your machine. If you're able to easily remove any obstructions or blockages, then there may be nothing else that needs to be done. However, if this isn't possible, you'll need to call in a professional plumber to unclog your dishwasher.

Dishwashers are great. They help make our lives easier by doing all the hard work for us. But sometimes they can be temperamental—especially when they’re leaking water! Thankfully, there are things you can do to fix this problem without calling in a professional service provider. If your dishwasher has leaked and has damaged the floors and walls in your home or business, don’t hesitate and give our SERVPRO of Laguna Beach team a call today!

What Is The Most Common Form of Secondary Damage?

11/1/2022 (Permalink)

Secondary water damage can cause mold growth.

What Is The Most Common Form of Secondary Damage?

Water damage is a serious problem that can lead to secondary damage, which is often more costly and damaging than the initial water issue. In fact, mold growth and other types of secondary damage can undermine the structural integrity of your home or business. As you can see, it’s important to address any water damage as soon as possible to avoid these problems.

What is secondary damage?

Secondary damage is damage that occurs when water-damaged items are not addressed quickly enough. Remember, water can cause mold and mold can destroy your home’s structure. It’s important to get help from a professional restoration company as soon as possible.

Mold can start growing in 48 hours.

Mold needs just three things to thrive: water, oxygen, and food. If you see any of these ingredients in your home, you're at risk for mold growth. Mold can start growing in as little as 24 to 48 hours and can continue to grow for months or even years. The reason this is so dangerous is that when you have a mold problem, the spores are still there but they're just not visible. They're in your walls and they're going to keep spreading.

Mold can grow for months or even years if you don't address it. Mold remediation is an ongoing process that requires a lot of work and care. The higher the humidity, the faster mold will grow

If you find mold anywhere in or on your property (in a house or other building), call an experienced remediation company right away—time is of the essence when dealing with fungal infestation!

Dehumidifiers can help.

In areas of high humidity, dehumidifiers can help reduce humidity levels to prevent mold from growing and causing damage to the home. Dehumidifiers can also help prevent structural damage by lowering relative humidity.

If you live in a humid climate and have a leaky pipe or roof near your AC system, it's especially important that you take precautions against secondary damage to your home. A dehumidifier is an affordable and efficient way to combat this type of damage before it occurs; if you have any questions about how best to use one in your situation, consult with our SERVPRO team today!

If you see mold, it is time to call a professional!

If you see mold or notice a musty smell, call a professional like SERVPRO of Laguna Beach immediately! Mold is a fungus that feeds on organic matter. It can grow in places that are damp, dark, and warm—basements, bathrooms, and attics. Mold can cause structural damage to your home by eating away at the materials it grows on like wood, drywall, and carpet.

If you’re worried about mold, or if you just want to be sure that your home is safe from dangerous contaminants, contact our SERVPRO team today. We can help ensure your home is safe from mold and other harmful materials.

Is Water Damage Common To See After A Fire?

10/25/2022 (Permalink)

Sprinklers can cause water damage after a fire

Is Water Damage Common Following A Fire?

People often associate water damage with a leaking pipe or flooding. But did you know that water damage can often be a common result of fire damage? Fire suppression systems and tactics used by firefighters to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading can result in extensive water damage. When water comes into contact with smoke or soot particles, these can be absorbed into wall coverings and other materials that are difficult to clean and dry out. This can then cause mold growth just a few days after the fire has happened.

Water damage is common to see after a fire

Water damage is often a result of fire damage. Fire sprinklers go off when a fire starts, and firefighters use water to put out the fire. When this occurs, it adds an entirely new level to the mitigation and restoration process.

Wet ceilings and walls need to be dried carefully after a fire

When a fire and water damage occur, the structure and contents of your home need to be dried out immediately. If this process is not done properly, you may be left with long-term problems: mold and mildew growth, structural damage, and other unwanted effects.

For example, ceiling tiles can sometimes be removed without causing any structural damage to walls or ceilings. However, if not dealt with carefully, removing these tiles can cause wood framing behind them to rot prematurely (or even collapse).

A certified water and fire cleanup crew can come in as soon as the fire has been put out and begin the mitigation and restoration. From start to finish, the crew will take care of your home and restore it back to preloss conditions.

Some materials are hard to dry out enough 

When you've experienced fire and water damage, it's best to clean up and dry out your home as quickly as possible. However, some materials and wall coverings are hard to dry out enough to prevent mold. In many cases, materials that have been affected by fire and water damage need to be removed and replaced to prevent any further damage to your property.

Wet flooring and wet carpets must be removed as soon as possible after a fire in order to prevent secondary damage. 

If you see signs of mold in your home after a fire or other natural disaster, it's crucial that you get professional help right away. Mold can cause serious damage to your property.

The next time you hear about a fire, remember that water damage is often unavoidable. Though a fire and water loss might seem devastating, just know that there are highly trained teams available to help with all the cleanup and restoration necessary. For example, SERVPRO of Laguna Beach is the leading expert in fire damage cleanup and restoration in the greater Laguna Beach area. Our team offers our services around the clock, so no matter when a loss occurs, our team is there to help!

Recover Faster with a Business Continuity Plan

8/28/2022 (Permalink)

Recover faster with a business continuity plan

Savvy business owners in Capistrano Beach, CA, know that the unexpected can and will happen. Instead of being caught off guard, developing a business continuity plan makes it easier to weather a disaster. Whether it is flooding that requires a temporary shutdown while a water damage and restoration professional restores the building or mechanical malfunction causes an interruption, being prepared for anything makes it easier to get back on track.

Essential Elements

A continuity plan should cover three areas:

Preparedness – Determine the potential events that could impact the business and establish protocols to minimize or eliminate them.
Response – Have clear procedures in place to handle a disaster and ensure everyone’s safety.
Recovery – Know the operations critical to success and define ways to restore them.Ensuring Success
Once those three elements are made clear, executing the plan requires communication, planning and research. To ensure its success, the following are recommended:

Build a team to oversee the process. Include key members from the departments that are critical to the overall success of the company.

Take the time to identify and rank all the what-ifs. Along with the potential effects of storm damage, consider fire risks, staffing issues, supply chain interruptions and other areas that would be the most threatening to operations.

An overall analysis of critical functions should be completed. This will help business owners rank their importance and better identify department-specific processes to ensure a smoother recovery.
Ensure you have the plan written down with each procedure clearly laid out.

Since a plan is just a plan, regular tests should be done to validate strategies. Doing so will also shed light on any missed opportunities or oversights that could be detrimental in a real situation.

Although unexpected events happen, businesses don’t have to be lost in the chaos. Stay ahead of the game by developing a continuity plan to get back on track faster.

3 Places Mold Can Hide in Your Facility

8/23/2022 (Permalink)

Check your vents for any mold growth

Here Are Three Places To Look For Mold

Mold can appear in your facility in Three Arch Bay, CA, when and where you least expect it. Mold requires four conditions for growth: darkness, moisture, organic material, and a surface to grow on. Unfortunately, most facilities have spaces that meet all of these requirements. Therefore, it's not unusual for facility managers to need a plan for remediation and mold prevention. Here are three places to look for mold.

1. Carpet

Carpet catches organic materials and hangs onto them. It can also capture moisture through:

• Leaks
• Spills
• Floods
• Moist room air

To minimize mold growth in carpet, check room humidity levels, and adjust accordingly. If a flood has introduced moisture, use fans, dehumidifiers, and wet/dry vacuums to dry the carpet as quickly as possible. You can call a mold remediation specialist to help with the cleanup.

2. Ductwork

During the cooling season, the air supplied to the facility has a high moisture level, causing water to condense and accumulate inside duct linings. Damaged insulation can also cause moisture accumulation on duct exteriors, and leaky ductwork can allow moisture to escape into spaces with unconditioned air.

Consider having ductwork inspected regularly as part of a mold prevention plan. Also, ensure that air-flow rates are within the design range of your system. Rates that are too high can draw moisture from the face of the cooling coil and into the ductwork system.

3. Ceiling Tiles

Many ceiling tiles are made from porous materials that readily absorb dirt and moisture. Tiles near the HVAC system vents are particularly susceptible to mold growth as these areas are high in humidity and dirt.

Mechanical piping is often located above suspended ceilings, and leaks can cause moisture to accumulate inside the ceiling. Roof leaks can also lead to water damage and wet tiles.
To prevent moisture from accumulating in ceilings, inspect plumbing systems regularly and repair roof leaks promptly.

Regular inspections along with prompt attention to excess moisture can help your mold prevention plan and keep your facility in Three Arch Bay, CA, in good working condition.

3 Candle Safety Tips

8/11/2022 (Permalink)

There are plenty of candle alternatives that reduce or eliminate the risk of fire

Use These Tips To Safely And Properly Use Candles In Your Home

Candles can be a great, cozy addition to your home in College Park, CA. Candles have many benefits, including creating a relaxing ambiance and helping your home smell good. However, it's important to be safe while using candles to prevent a candle fire or other accident. Using a candle without proper care can quickly turn into an emergency. Be sure to use candles safely and properly to stop a preventable accident.

1. Do Not Keep Anything Flammable Near Candles
Flammable objects like curtains and loose papers can quickly create a fire emergency. If you are burning a candle, be sure to keep it away from anything that is capable of catching fire. Any liquids that are highly flammable should be kept completely clear of the candle, and you should create a plan for what to do if something does catch fire that includes calling the necessary emergency services and contacting a fire restoration company.

2. Don't Leave Candles Unattended
Leaving a candle unattended while you leave the house or even just the room can be an easy mistake to make, but it can quickly lead to a candle fire. Be sure to extinguish your candle when leaving it.
Additionally, if you have children or pets, be sure to keep them away from the candle and do not leave them unattended with the candle, either.

3. Try Candle Alternatives
There are plenty of candle alternatives that reduce or eliminate the risk of fire. For example, using battery-operated or electric candles can help eliminate the risk of a fire and smoke cleanup. If you like the scents of candles, try an essential oil diffuser or wax warmers. When you need a light source in case of a power outage, use a flashlight instead when possible.

A candle fire can spread quickly and create a fire emergency. 

5 Things Commercial Owners Can Do After a Building Fire

7/23/2022 (Permalink)

Fire restoration services in Treasure Island, CA.

Five Things To Do After A Fire

Fire restoration is a complicated, multi-step process. In-depth cleaning must take place to avoid significant issues such as mold and structural loss. It's imperative that commercial owners in Treasure Island, CA, understand that this takes time and outside assistance. While owners allow professionals to tend to the facility, there are vital steps that proprietors should take. The following are five things to do immediately after the fire occurs.

1. Initiate Your Claim
Contact your insurer, and ask to use your fire insurance policy. Create a claim, and discuss details of the process. Know your deductible, maximum coverage and any exclusions. Inquire about mortgage assistance and property loss as well. Ask questions. It's better to know what the agent needs than to hope you are doing something right.

2. Gather Important Business Documents
While the building undergoes fire restoration, owners may not have access to essential paperwork. Locate your reports and accounts files. Have a copy of mortgage statements or lease agreements. Take them to a safe place for continued reference.

3. Secure the Facility
Protect the property from further harm. Contact a fire remediation company to oversee the area. These professionals arrive directly after the blaze and assess immediate vulnerabilities. The team should board up any openings and put a tarp over the roof.
The main goal here is to limit entrance. Keep others out, including curious bystanders, animals and rain.

4. Approve Remediation Efforts
Allow some work to begin before insurance approval. For instance, allowing water and smoke cleaning to start promptly could reduce overall costs, time and trouble. Save the receipts. Insurance usually compensates for it. Always speak with agents, however, to see what is required on that end.

5. Locate Temporary Workspace
The building is typically off-limits during remediation. Hunt down a temporary venue where you can set up shop and continue projects.
While specialized crews focus on fire restoration, owners should focus on insurance communication and business operations. In doing so, the operations may continue and financial help may be received.