Archived Water Damage Blog Posts
Operation: Water Damage
9/2/2022 (Permalink)
Every water damage event is a little different and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same.
Step 1 - Emergency Contact
The restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will guide you through the crisis and may ask several questions to help us better understand the equipment and resources.
Step 2 - Inspection and Water Damage Assessment
We determine the scope of your water damage at this stage. We inspect and test to determine the extent of damage and how far the moisture has traveled to ensure proper and complete restoration.
Step 3 - Water Removal / Water Extraction
The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We use powerful pumps and vacuum units to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons from your property, which helps prevent secondary water damage and mold growth.
Step 4 - Drying and Dehumidification
We use specialized equipment to remove the remaining water that is harder to access. Our Professionals will use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers needed to dry your home or business.
Step 5 - Cleaning and Sanitizing
We clean all of the restorable items and structures damaged by the water. We are adept at cleaning contents using a number of techniques. Our professionals are trained to provide sanitizing treatments and to remove odors and deodorize your property.
Step 6 - Restoration
Restoration is the process of restoring your home or business to its pre-water damage condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall and installing new carpet, or may entail major repairs, such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.
Call SERVPRO of Rancho Santa Margarita/Coto De Caza/Trabucco Canyon at (949) 472-0992
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Let SERVPRO Help You With Water Damage
8/25/2022 (Permalink)
Drywall in need of repair after a water damage
A burst pipe in your home can cause significant water damage especially to your drywalls. When that happens, you can’t just wait it out and then slather on a fresh coat of paint because the damage might be bigger than it looks. What you need to do is to call SERVPRO of Rancho Santa Margarita/Coto De Caza/Trabucco Canyon because we are water damage restoration experts.
Assess the Damage
The first thing you should do is assess the extent of the damage on your drywall. You may misjudge how much water has leaked and that could lead to bigger problems. Look for signs of depressions on the wall. These look like small dimples around nails or screws. If you see them, immediately move all your valuables away from the wall as this might be a sign of imminent collapse. Even if the situation appears less serious than this, you should still call a professional for proper damage assessment.
Look for Mold Damage
Another problem you should watch out for in times of water damage is the formation of mold or mildew. Mold and mildew thrive in wet and damp environments, especially water damaged spots in your home. The first thing you’ll notice if you have mold problems is the dank smell. Use the distinct odor of the mold to find the source. If you see black spots on water damaged drywalls, immediately call Rancho Santa Margarita/Coto De Caza/Trabucco Canyon mold damage restoration professionals, like those at SERVPRO. They will help you contain the growth and prevent them from coming back through proper cleaning and disposal of contaminated areas.
Patch Up the Drywall
Significant damage to a drywall should be fixed properly to avoid any more problems. If some portions are still sturdy enough, you may not need to replace everything. A water damage professional can tell you whether a paint job will be sufficient. If repainting is not a safe option, you’ll need to have the water damaged parts removed and replaced with fresh sheets. The new drywall has to be properly sealed and painted, not only to make it look as good as new, but also to give it better protection from moisture.
Call SERVPRO of Rancho Santa Margarita/Coto De Caza/Trabucco Canyon at (949) 472-0992
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The SERVPRO Difference - Air Mover
6/7/2022 (Permalink)
What are Air Movers?:
Air Movers are industrial fans that come in different sizes for different uses. One thing they all have in common is that they move or blow air around a job sight. The result of that moving air allows the wet areas to dry.
Why Are They Important?:
Air Movers are crucial to the drying process of a job. More fans doesn't necessarily mean faster drying. These fans are placed strategically for optimal drying time. After 3-5 days of constant use, the wet area will be dry.
Though they don't work alone. Dehumidifiers carry a heavy responsibility on the job sight by removing any moisture in a room. A separate post will be available regarding dehumidifiers and their functions.
Hiring a professional like SERVPRO of Rancho Santa Margarita/Coto De Caza/Trabuco Canyon right after a water leak can save you time and money.
Call SERVPRO of Rancho Santa Margarita/Coto De Caza/Trabuco Canyon at (949) 472-0992
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The SERVPRO Difference - A Dehumidifier
6/6/2022 (Permalink)
A dehumidifier is essentially a refrigerator that forgot to get fully dressed. Really. The basic mechanical function of a dehumidifier is the same as a refrigerator. Compression and expansion of a gas is used to lower the temperature of metal coils to freezing temperatures.
However, instead of the cooling action being directed into a closed box, a dehumidifier is designed to blow warm moist room air over these cold coils. The moisture in the room condenses on the coils to become liquid water. The water then drips into a drip collection pan, or to a drain. The room air is now freed of much of its moisture and the room returns back slightly warmer than it was.
Dehumidifiers are controlled by a device known as a humidistat. This is an adjustable rotary switch which detects moisture in the room's air. It automatically turns the dehumidifier on or off as it is needed, based on the setting you choose. If you wish, you can set the dehumidifier to the maximum setting for continuous operation.
Call SERVPRO of Rancho Santa Margarita/Coto De Caza/Trabuco Canyon at (949) 472-0992
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What to do After a Broken Pipe
6/1/2022 (Permalink)
A pipe break can happen during any time of the year but is more likely to occur during the winter if the pipes are in an uninsulated area of your commercial property in Rancho Santa Margarita/Coto De Caza/Trabuco Canyon. Be advised that bursting pipes can cause extensive water damage which is why it’s important to call a restoration company like SERVPRO as soon as possible. Here are the three steps to take after a pipe break.
1. Stop the Water Flow
Turn off the water immediately. After you shut off the main water supply, you need to drain the pipes. To do this, turn on the cold water on every faucet on your property and flush every toilet at least once. Then turn off the hot water heater and run the hot water on every faucet. Taking these crucial steps ensures the leak will stop. But you’re not done yet.
2. Reduce and Fix the Damage
At this point, it’s best to reach out to the professionals so they can fix the broken pipe. However, you might be able to locate the broken pipe yourself. Don’t walk in water as this increases the risk of getting electrocuted. It’s recommended that you turn off the electrical power no matter if the water is one foot or only one inch high. Furthermore, unplug appliances and turn off the furnace. If safe, you can move valuable items, electronics and fabrics to higher ground.
3. Call a Water Restoration Company
Opening the windows and running fans run won’t prevent mold growth from bursting pipes. No matter how extensive you think the damage is, contact a water restoration company as there might be damage you are not able to spot. Mold and mildew begins to grow only 24 to 48 hours after such an event. You don’t want to risk more damage to you or your property.
When your plumbing breaks, there’s little time to spare. Take these three steps immediately to reduce the water damage due to bursting pipes.
Call SERVPRO of Rancho Santa Margarita/Coto De Caza/Trabucco Canyon at (949) 472-0992
Like us on Facebook and Leave a review on google
Operation: Water Damage
6/1/2022 (Permalink)
Every water damage event is a little different and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same.
Step 1 - Emergency Contact
The restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will guide you through the crisis and may ask several questions to help us better understand the equipment and resources.
Step 2 - Inspection and Water Damage Assessment
We determine the scope of your water damage at this stage. We inspect and test to determine the extent of damage and how far the moisture has traveled to ensure proper and complete restoration.
Step 3 - Water Removal / Water Extraction
The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We use powerful pumps and vacuum units to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons from your property, which helps prevent secondary water damage and mold growth.
Step 4 - Drying and Dehumidification
We use specialized equipment to remove the remaining water that is harder to access. Our Professionals will use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers needed to dry your home or business.
Step 5 - Cleaning and Sanitizing
We clean all of the restorable items and structures damaged by the water. We are adept at cleaning contents using a number of techniques. Our professionals are trained to provide sanitizing treatments and to remove odors and deodorize your property.
Step 6 - Restoration
Restoration is the process of restoring your home or business to its pre-water damage condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall and installing new carpet, or may entail major repairs, such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.
Call SERVPRO of Rancho Santa Margarita/Coto De Caza/Trabucco Canyon at (949) 472-0992
Like us on Facebook and Leave a review on google
How YOU Can Help After Water Damage
6/1/2022 (Permalink)
It’s one thing to deal with water damage if a pipe broke or a water source overflowed. However, if it’s an unexpected event like severe flooding, it doesn’t give a property owner like you enough time to salvage your important valuables.
There’s still hope though, because there are ways for you to have a successful water damage restoration in Rancho Santa Margarita/Coto De Caza/Trabucco Canyon.
- Post-Damage Evaluation
The first thing you have to do is examine what are the damages incurred by your property and how severe they are. It’s advisable that you do not barge in the house without ensuring that it’s clear for you to go in. Inundations like flooding can weaken the structure, which can cause it to fall down. Fires may also start if electrical sources get wet or if a live wire breaks and touches the damp house material.
Once you’re inside, document everything inside. Take notes of sections of the house that were damaged the most, the items that were affected, and the extent of their damage. Take photos if you can. This should help you point out to professionals what areas you would want to prioritize. More importantly, this documentation will serve as proof for your insurance company when you make your claims.
- Recover What You Can
There’s no telling just how bad the situation is until you see it for yourself. If you want to have a head start on the clean-up while damage restoration service providers such as SERVPRO aren’t around yet, pick out and separate items according to their material. Separate the books and other documents in a box so that you can lay them out to dry somewhere safe. Handle with care so that you don’t risk any more damage to them.
Electronics also need proper handling following water damage. Before touching any electronics—or before going inside, actually make sure that the main source of power is already turned off to avoid electrocution or unwanted fires.
- Leave it to the Pros
As much as you would want to oversee the recovery and restoration process yourself, you’ll have to concede that some jobs are simply meant to be undertaken by professionals who have the skills, knowledge, and tools. You’d need someone who isn’t just a pro in water damage, but also a service provider for mold damage restoration in RSM/Coto De Caza/Trabucco Canyon, because this is the next problem that usually comes up following water damage.
Call SERVPRO of Rancho Santa Margarita/Coto De Caza/Trabucco Canyon at (949) 472-0992
Like us on Facebook and Leave a review on google
How Water Damage Effects You and Your Property
12/23/2021 (Permalink)
An unexpected flood, a burst or leaked pipes are just some of the scenarios that can cause water damage to your property. The sudden inundation of water can cause problems to your property.
Effects of Water to Your Property
Water affects various kinds of materials in different ways. Paper, for example, gets soggy or, at worst, disintegrate when soaked for too long. Wood, upon exposure, can become dry and mossy. Varnished furniture can also end up being discolored. Metal gets rusty, and even some plastic materials are prone to the disintegration upon prolonged exposure to water..
Wood, in particular, not only becomes mossy, it can also potentially become a breeding ground for mold and other types of fungi. The humidity indoors brought about by the water damage also makes the environment more susceptible to dust mites and other allergens that can trigger respiratory illnesses.
The longer you wait it out to get professional help, such as SERVPRO of Rancho Santa Margarita/Coto De Caza/Trabuco Canyon, for water restoration in Rancho Santa Margarita, the bigger the difficulties will be in preserving or saving your personal effects.
Restoration isn’t as simple as drying out the water damaged items. It requires utmost care in handling and treatment in order to ensure that it’s not going to be ruined for good.
These processes normally require high tech equipment, not only for the cleanup process but also to ensure that your home or office are safe from any elements that may come up as an effect of the water’s presence.
Call SERVPRO of Rancho Santa Margarita/Coto De Caza/Trabucco Canyon at (949) 472-0992
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Lets Categorize Water Damage
11/17/2021 (Permalink)
Category 1: "Clean Water"
This is water from a clean source, such as a broken clean water supply line or faucet. If left untreated, category 1 water can quickly degrade into category 2 or 3 water depending upon such factors as time, temperature, and contact with contaminants.
- Water from a clean source like a broken water line
- If left untreated, can degrade into category 2 or 3
Category 2: "Gray Water"
This water has a significant level of contamination that could cause discomfort or illness if ingested. Sources for category 2 water may include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow with some urine, but no feces; or dishwasher overflow.
- May contain bacteria and viruses
- Can quickly degrade into category 3 if left untreated
Category 3: "Black Water"
This water is grossly unsanitary and could cause severe illness or death if ingested, and any contact should be avoided. Sources for category 3 water could include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.
- May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
- Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup
Slab Leaks and Pinhole Leaks in Orange County, CA
2/3/2014 (Permalink)
Small unseen leaks can cause big problems
Slab Leaks, the development of a pinhole leak in one of the copper lines below your concrete floor, are an increasing problem to property owners nationwide and our Orange County area in particular. Most homes built in our area since the late 60’s have a soft copper water system installed below the concrete slab on grade foundation. It is in this system that our homes are seeing frequent pinhole leak failures. We are acquainted with one commercial insurance adjuster in South Orange County who handles 6 to 7 slab leak claims per day for home owner associations.
According to a 2008 report published in Water Intelligence Online Pinhole leaks in copper water systems have been confirmed in all states and most major urban areas. Approximately 8.1 percent of homeowners nationally have experienced at least one pinhole leak and between 21-60 percent of homes in certain communities have developed pinhole leaks in their copper pipe water systems. We have found exceptionally high instances of leaks in newer homes in South Orange County including the communities of Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, Ladera Ranch, Rancho Santa Margarita and Anaheim Hills.
During our performance of hundreds of leak detection services for slab leaks and pinhole leaks here in Orange County we have seen type K hard and soft copper water lines, correctly installed, develop leaks within 3 years of installation. Two cases in particular come to mind:
- A 3 year old custom home in Shady Canyon, Irvine, had developed 3 active leaks below the slab. The installation of the soft copper type L lines was flawless with both hot and cold lines being fully jacketed with ½” closed cell insulation below grade. The failed lines had no contact with concrete or soil.
- A 6 year old townhouse in Ladera Ranch had developed a pinhole leak in the middle of a 10’ section of type L hard copper. This installation was also as close to perfect as could be with all piping isolated and supported on a hanger system with plastic inserts. When the leaking section was removed the internal pitting corrosion could be clearly seen.
Based on our observations of many pipe sections and repairs the pinhole leaks are a result of the water chemistry reacting with the copper and not external forces on the piping. We have observed internal pitting corrosion within most of the leaking lines we have opened for repair. Dr. Marc Edwards* of Virginia Tech has done extensive research into the copper pipe corrosion problem and his studies point to several factors that accelerate the incidence of internal pitting corrosion in our copper piping systems. Two key conditions he isolated are the reduction in NOM (natural organic minerals) as mandated under EPA clean water guidelines and the use of chloramine gas as a disinfectant.
As of this writing no one entity is accepting responsibility for the early demise of our household water systems. The water departments simply state that they are delivering water that meets the EPA guidelines and the Copper Counsel is virtually silent on the issue, they offer a 50 year warranty on copper piping but exclude corrosion. So we are on our own to repair or replace our failing copper pipe water systems.
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