5 Signs of Water Damage Every Homeowner Should Know

2/16/2024 (Permalink)

Remember, early detection is the key to preventing water damage from turning into a homeowner's nightmare!

Water damage can be a silent troublemaker in your home, wreaking havoc if left unnoticed. Let's delve into the top five common signs that scream, "Houston, we have a water problem!" - without the need for a detective's magnifying glass.

1. Musty Odors: The Nose Knows

Musty, earthy odors are often the first giveaway of hidden water issues. If your home smells like a dank basement or a damp forest, it's time to investigate. These odors often signal mold growth, a consequence of prolonged water exposure in concealed spaces.

2. Stains and Discoloration: Water's Artwork on Walls and Ceilings

Stains or discoloration on walls and ceilings are like water's artistic signature. These unsightly blemishes can indicate leaks, seepage, or hidden moisture accumulation. Keep an eye out for yellow or brownish stains that hint at water infiltrating your home.

3. Peeling or Bubbling Paint: A Cry for Help from Your Walls

If your walls suddenly start shedding paint or developing mysterious bubbles, it's not a quirky art installation—it's likely water damage at play. Water lurking behind the scenes causes paint to lose its grip, leading to peeling or bubbling.

4. Warped or Buckled Flooring: A Subtle SOS from Below

Floors that resemble a rollercoaster with unexpected dips and rises are sending a clear signal of water issues. Water damage causes wood to swell and buckle, transforming your once-smooth flooring into an uneven terrain.

5. Unexplained Spike in Utility Bills: The Silent Culprit

Your water bills might hold the secret to hidden water issues. An unexplained increase in water usage can point to leaks in pipes, faucets, or appliances. Keep an eye on those bills – they could be telling a tale of water escaping where it shouldn't.

Addressing these common signs promptly can save your home from extensive water damage. If you notice any of these red flags, it's time to put on your detective hat, track down the source of the issue, and call in the experts at SERVPRO of Laguna Beach to ensure your home stays dry and healthy. Remember, early detection is the key to preventing water damage from turning into a homeowner's nightmare!

How To Choose the Right Restoration Company in Laguna Beach, CA

10/10/2023 (Permalink)

Selecting the right restoration company in Laguna Beach, CA, is a critical decision when dealing with damage to your home or property.

When disaster strikes, choosing the right restoration company is crucial for a swift and successful recovery. In this blog, we'll guide you through the essential steps to help you select the perfect restoration company to meet your specific needs in Laguna Beach, California.

1. Assess Your Needs

Before you start your search, assess the scope of your restoration project. Determine the type of damage you're dealing with, whether it's water damage, fire damage, mold remediation, or something else entirely. Understanding your needs will help you narrow down your options.

2. Verify Licensing and Certification

Ensure that the restoration company you choose is licensed and certified for the services they offer. This guarantees that they have the necessary training and expertise to handle your restoration project safely and effectively.

3. Local Presence

Choosing a local restoration company in Laguna Beach has several advantages. Local companies are more familiar with the area's unique challenges, and they can respond quickly to emergencies.

4. Check Insurance

Ask the restoration company about their insurance coverage This protects both you and the company in case of accidents or unforeseen issues during the restoration process.

5. Ask for References

Request references from the restoration company and follow up with past customers. This will give you insights into the company's reputation, the quality of their work, and their level of customer service.

6. Read Online Reviews

Online reviews can provide valuable information about a restoration company's performance and customer satisfaction. Check websites like Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau for reviews and ratings.

7. Availability and Response Time

Emergencies can happen at any time. Choose a restoration company that offers 24/7 availability and quick response times to minimize damage.

8. Comprehensive Services 

Opt for a restoration company that offers a wide range of services, including cleanup, restoration, and reconstruction. This ensures a seamless transition from damage assessment to full recovery.

9. Transparency and Communication

Clear communication is essential during the restoration process. Choose a company that communicates openly, provides detailed estimates, and keeps you informed about the progress of your project.

10. Environmentally Friendly Practices

If sustainability is important to you, inquire about the restoration company's eco-friendly practices and their commitment to minimizing environmental impact.

11. Emergency Planning

Discuss emergency planning with the restoration company. A proactive approach to disaster preparedness can save you time and money in the long run.

12. Trust Your Instincts

Ultimately, trust your instincts when choosing a restoration company. If you feel comfortable and confident in their abilities, it's a good sign that they're the right choice for your needs.

Selecting the right restoration company in Laguna Beach, CA, is a critical decision when dealing with damage to your home or property. By following these steps and conducting thorough research, you can ensure that you choose a reputable and reliable company that will help you restore your property to its pre-damage condition efficiently. Remember, when disaster strikes, SERVPRO® of Laguna Beach/Dana Point is here to support you with our expertise and commitment to quality service. Your home's recovery is our top priority, and we're dedicated to helping you through every step of the restoration process.

Potential Shower Leak

3/7/2023 (Permalink)

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.

What You Should Know If Your Basement Has Water Damage

1/9/2023 (Permalink)

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)

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.

How To Know When It Is Time for a Plumbing Overhaul

4/6/2022 (Permalink)

When Is A Plumbing Overhaul Necessary?

Many people ignore the home's plumbing system until it is too late. This often leads to repeated repairs for leaks, pipe breaks and similar issues. The problem with this approach is that some plumbing issues can lead to significant water damage in a home.

Supply line damage is one example of a problem that could release hundreds of gallons into a home in Laguna Beach, CA. Though this water is likely to be clean water, it still has the power to inflict damage on flooring, walls, insulation and furniture. In some situations, a complete plumbing system overhaul might be the best solution.

Signs of Big Trouble

An occasional bathroom leak is fairly common and nothing to cause undue alarm. However, if the plumbing system experiences frequent breaks, especially in difficult-to-access locations, a replacement system might be in order. Still, it is important to carefully assess the situation by considering the following factors:

• The age of the plumbing system
• The lifespan of piping materials
  
• The condition of the joints and fittings
• The presence of corrosion

Each type of piping material has an expected lifespan. Supply line damage is rarer in PVC, copper and cast iron piping that is less than 50 years old. Brass and galvanized steel piping wear out more quickly.

A Reasonable Solution

While avoiding a supply line leak is important, a major replacement of plumbing is a big job. It can make sense to look for reasonable opportunities to replace plumbing components. For example, remodeling projects are great times to include a plumbing upgrade, especially if walls are being removed.

If major supply line damage does occur, calling in a water damage restoration company is the best way to avoid significant harm to a home. Trained technicians will remove standing water quickly and dry out the home to prevent future damage such as mold growth. Avoiding water damage is a worthy goal as is minimizing the consequences of a water disaster.

5 Causes of Pipe Noises

3/6/2022 (Permalink)

Pipe Noises: 5 Causes

Noisy pipes can be distracting, but these sounds may also indicate an increased risk for a pipe break. Find out more about five common causes of pipe noises.

1. Abrupt Flow Stops

An abrupt stoppage of water flow may cause banging or chattering noises. Stops may be due to the manual control of faucets, malfunctioning toilet components, or appliances that draw on water.

2. Appliance Valves or Pumps

A dishwasher or washing machine supply valve may cause banging or chattering noises when the water flow shuts off. A water pump without a holding tank can make similar sounds. These noises do not indicate heightened risk of a pipe break.

3. Faucet Washer

A whistling noise may indicate that a faucet washer is distorted or that the brass screw that holds the washer in place is loose. Replacing the washer or tightening the screw should stop these noises.

4. Toilet Ballcock Valve or Overflow

A malfunctioning ballcock valve or overflow may result in hissing noises. Shut off the water supply and adjust these components or contact a plumber.

5. Vibrating Pipes

In addition to abrupt stops of water flow, excessive pressure levels can cause pipes to vibrate and may increase the risk of a pipe burst. If pipes are in good condition, a homeowner may want to consider installing anti-hammer devices, pipe straps, or specialized shock-resistant chambers to keep pipes from making contact with walls. These components may help to prevent broken pipes, severe water damage, and the need for cleanup and restoration.

Any of these factors may cause plumbing to make banging, chattering, hissing, or whistling noises. If the cause of noises is not evident after an inspection, contact a plumber in Laguna Beach, CA. Some sounds may indicate the presence of issues that can result in a pipe break and the need to fix broken pipe and restore water damage.

Flush Your Water Heater As a Gift to Your Guests

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

As A Courtesy To Your Visitors, Flush Your Water Heater.

’Twas the eve after guests arrived and all through the house, nobody could shower, not even grandma. When was the last time you flushed the water heater at your house in Aliso Viejo, CA? If it was more than a year ago, it’s time. If you’ve never flushed it, you may receive a rude awakening at the worst time possible.

Yes, You Can!

Forget table cloths and napkins, and listen up! You are probably thinking of reasons why you can’t do this now, but you don’t want your houseguests to go without showers for the holidays. Here are some dispelled myths about flushing a water heater.

• Myth: You are too busy.
• Fact: If you have time to drink some coffee, then you have time to do this. Most of the job involves waiting.

• Myth: It’s too much work.
• Fact: Your job is to hook up a hose and turn a knob. Gravity does all the hard work.

• Myth: You don’t know how.
• Fact: You are about to learn.

How To Do the Flush

It may sound like a cool dance, but it doesn’t take that much energy to flush a water heater. Here are the steps:

1. Find the breaker and shut down the power.
2. Attach a hose to the faucet at the bottom of the tank.
3. Turn the spigot and watch it flow!
4. Open the pressure release valve at the top and turn on your kitchen faucet to hot.
5. Close the water supply valve.

When it’s all done, it’s time to close any valves you opened and fill the tank again. The water and the hose are very hot, so be careful. Finally, turn on the power when the tank is completely full.

Help During the Holidays

A water heater flush is easy. Water-related destruction is much more difficult to deal with because of the varied materials involved and the risk of secondary damage from mold. You can call a water remediation professional to help see you through the disaster recovery, so you can go back to sipping eggnog by the fire.

What to Know About Water Damage and Your Insurance Policy

1/1/2022 (Permalink)

Water Damage And Your Insurance Policy: What You Should Know

When the cold hits, your Laguna Beach, CA, home could be facing issues with bursting pipes. Fortunately, your insurance policy can help. Here are a few of the common questions people have with filing a claim for water damage.

1. What Damage is Covered?

When it comes to damage caused by water in your home, several causes may be covered by your insurance. Sudden damages such as sewer back up, an accidental break in the plumbing, storm caused damage, or flooding are all instances insurance companies usually cover. Gradual damage which occurs over time is usually considered neglect on the part of the homeowner and will most likely not be covered. This is why it’s important to conduct any repairs as soon as water caused damage is found.

2. What Other Services May Be Covered?

Your insurance provider may also include coverage for the cost of hiring a professional cleanup and restoration service to help restore your home. These professionals can assess the damage and formulate a plan for repair and restoration. Your insurance company may also be able to help you contact a plumbing professional who can help fix broken pipe issues in your home to help prevent further problems with bursting pipes.

3. What Things Can You Do?

Aside from fixing any damage you find as soon as you can, there are a few things a homeowner can do to help the insurance process. The first is to understand your policy, and what it covers and does not cover. It may also be helpful to conduct a home maintenance check regularly and maintain a record of all your home repairs.

If you’ve had issues with bursting pipes, it’s important to know what type of water damage your policy covers. Your policy may also offer coverage for the costs of hiring professionals to help restore your home after the damage occurs. Remember, it’s important to know what's in your policy when filing a claim.