24/7 Emergency Water Damage Service

4/17/2024 (Permalink)

Count on SERVPRO of South Palm Beach when water damage happens

SERVPRO of South Palm Beach is here for you any time of the day of night.  When you have a water emergency, delays can be costly.  We have teams to get to you fast – usually in less than an hour! 

Call any time – day or night:  561-391-3366

SERVPRO of South Palm Beach will work to make it “Like it never even happened.”  Whether your water comes from a broken pipe, a faulty water heater, or storm damage, our technicians have specific training to help you through your water damage emergency.  The best thing that you can do is act quickly: 

1. Shut off the water at the source
2. Turn off the electricity in the affected area
3. Call SERVPRO of South Palm Beach: 561-391-3366
4. Our 24/7 response team will quickly dispatch to your location
5. Professionally trained SERVPRO® technicians will arrive with specialized equipment for efficient water extraction and drying.

SERVPRO is Here to Help

Severe mold damage can result from water damage. For this reason, it's critical to address and reduce water damage to homes as soon as possible. If your home or place of business has water, mold, or other disaster damage, call SERVPRO®. We have professionals on staff who are specially trained, and who are accessible to take your call 24/7, 365.

How do I File a Claim for Water Damage?

11/5/2022 (Permalink)

Remember to review your policy and determine if you are covered.

How do I File a Claim for Water Damage?

Water damage is a serious issue, and you should never underestimate the impact it can have on your home and property. But while filing a claim can be intimidating, it’s also necessary. The first step is to review your policy so that you know what kind of water damage coverage you have (or don’t have) before contacting your agent about filing a claim.

Review your policy

Before you file a claim, it's important to review your policy and determine if you are covered. A standard homeowners insurance policy will only cover damage caused by water if it occurs suddenly and accidentally in the home. If this is the case, then any leaks will be covered up to whatever amount is stipulated in your policy. 

Contact your agent

To file a claim for water damage, you must first contact your insurance company. Once the claim has been filed, an adjuster will come to your property and assess the damage. They will collect information about what happened and why it happened, as well as how much money is needed to fix it. After collecting this information from you and inspecting the damaged areas, they'll let you know if they can cover any of those expenses (e.g., repairs or replacement). If so, they'll take care of paying for them on your behalf; if not, their rejection letter will explain why—and give advice about how to proceed next.

Document the damage

Documenting the damage may be one of the most important steps you take. It's easy to get caught up in the urgency of saving your belongings and getting water out of your home, but if you don't document what happened and how much is damaged, it will be difficult for an insurance adjuster or lawyer to assess your claim.

To make it easier on yourself later, take pictures with a cell phone camera or digital camera before doing anything else:

• Photographs of the area before any damage occurred (to show how clean or dirty it was).
• Photographs of any wet spots that were visible after initially starting cleanup efforts (to demonstrate how widespread they are).
• Photographs from multiple angles that clearly show where water entered your home as well as its path throughout different rooms.

Get an opinion

The first step in filing a claim for water damage is to get an expert opinion.

You should ask other professionals who are qualified to give their opinion on the situation, such as your insurance company's adjuster or a contractor who specializes in water damage restoration.

Even if it seems like you're wasting time by having too many opinions, these experts will be able to point out any errors with the initial report and provide valuable insight into how much work will be needed for remediation and repair.

Filing a claim is not hard, but there are steps you have to take.

As with any insurance claim, the first thing you need to do is call your insurance agent. If there is an emergency situation, like a burst pipe or flood, then take photos and video of the damage as soon as possible so that you have evidence to present in your claim. You should also keep all receipts related to repairs or cleanup costs. When working with a company, such as SERVPRO of South Palm Beach, they will take care of entire claims process for you alongside the mitigation and restoration services. This is definitely something to consider when shopping around for water cleanup companies after a loss.

What To Know Before Buying Business Interruption Insurance

8/25/2022 (Permalink)

This is why you also need to purchase business interruption coverage.

What To Know Before Buying Business Interruption Insurance

You probably purchased property insurance before opening your company. This insurance can help you replace any items destroyed by a broken pipe or another disaster. However, large water damage does not just harm physical assets. If your building is affected by flooding, you may have to temporarily shut down the premises while emergency cleanup professionals do their work.

This is why you also need to purchase business interruption coverage. This insurance assists with various operating expenses incurred while your building is closed for restoration. You can use business interruption insurance for:

• Loan payments
• Rent, lease or mortgage payments
• Lost income replacement
• Payroll
• Taxes

Business interruption coverage typically kicks in two to three days after the damage occurs. Each claim usually provides payments for up to 30 days. Here are some more things to know about this type of insurance.

Extent of Coverage

Not every disaster is included with business interruption insurance. Damage caused by earthquakes or flooding is covered under a separate policy. The policy also may not reimburse you for utility payments or undocumented income losses.

Cost

The cost of business interruption insurance is based on several factors. Obviously, more extensive coverage will come at a higher expense. Estimate your future profits based on projections and gross earnings. You can then use that amount to decide how much insurance to purchase.
The price may also vary based on the size, type and location of your business. Businesses in high-risk cities or industries could cost more to insure.

Endorsements

You may also want to add some endorsements to your business interruption policy. You can purchase extra expense insurance to cover expenses such as overtime payments and hardware replacement. You can also ensure some of your dependent properties that you do not own, such as manufacturing locations and suppliers' headquarters.

While business interruption insurance does not cover flooding, many other disasters are included in this type of policy. It is thus a worthwhile expense that can help keep your Boca Raton, FL company running during restoration.

3 Times Homeowner’s Insurance Doesn’t Cover a Flooded Basement

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

A basement flood from a natural disaster is generally not covered by your insurance.

A Flooded Basement Isn't Always Covered By Homeowner's Insurance.

Unfortunately, there are plenty of sources for a basement flood in your home in Boca, FL, that your homeowner's insurance will not cover. The following sources are common examples of when the flood is not covered.

1. Storms

A basement flood from a natural disaster is generally not covered by your insurance. This means you should have a sump pump in your unfinished basement. If you have a finished basement, you should take other measures to keep water out. For all situations with rising water levels, flood insurance is your best bet. This type of policy offers insurance coverage for your personal belongings. In other words, they will pay to replace your items or have them dried by a water restoration company that offers content cleaning.

2. Sewage Backups

If sewage backs up and floods your basement, it will probably not be covered under a standard policy. This type of disaster is the most expensive and can cause a lot of damage. Fortunately, you can combat it by purchasing an additional clause on your insurance policy. Just make sure that you get at least $10,000 of coverage. Otherwise, they could leave you footing a lot of the bill for the restoration work.

3. Groundwater Seepage

A basement flood caused by groundwater seepage is generally not covered. You may notice these after heavy rain strikes as water seeps through the cracks in your foundation. Your insurance company considers this a non-coverable calamity. This is also typically not covered by flood insurance. The best way to prevent this type of disaster is to ensure that your foundation is solid. Also, reseal your basement walls periodically. This will prevent any water from entering, so you don't have to worry about paying for the damage.

Your homeowner's insurance doesn't cover every type of water damage. These are just some of the sources of a flooded basement that your insurance company will likely exclude from your policy.

3 Ways To Prevent Water Damage During Construction

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

If you are establishing a new business or expanding an existing one, you want to make sure the construction of your new Boca Del Mar, FL, commercial.

Three Ways to Avoid Water Damage During Construction

Whether you're starting a new business or expanding an existing one, you want to ensure that the construction of your new Boca Del Mar, FL, commercial building goes smoothly without any setbacks. Flooding is a common problem on many construction sites, whether from water pipe repair issues or heavy rainfall, so taking steps to avoid it is crucial to the success of your build. Here are three ways you can prevent water damage during construction.

1. Look for Areas that Could Become Flooded

Before construction begins, put together a Quality Control and Assurance team. Task the team with evaluating the construction plans and specifications to ensure that no problem areas have been overlooked. Have the team look for potential areas that could flood, whether from a broken pipe in the building or rainfall. It's also helpful to evaluate the property's drainage and ensure that the ground's slope will direct outside water away from the building.

2. Continually Inspect New Construction

Weekly inspections are vital to ensure that your construction doesn't face unnecessary setbacks from something avoidable, such as a water pipe repair or leaking foundation. Even a tiny leak in the foundation could cause a tremendous amount of damage, and you would need to call in a water damage specialist to help mitigate the problem, so it's essential to inspect it for problems. When the plumbing begins to go in, examine every connection and pipe to identify issues early.

3. Thoroughly Test Everything

The only way to know that your systems are watertight is to test them. Have a professional test your roofing system to look for leaks or potential problems. Also, allow water to run through your plumbing systems for a minimum of 15 minutes to ensure there are no leaks. A water pipe repair is much easier to do before the walls go up. Remember that testing will save you a lot of time and hassle in the long run.

Water damage can be costly and time-consuming to handle when building a new commercial space. However, when you take the time to inspect and test everything, you will be better prepared against unforeseen damage.

What Should I Prioritize When My Kitchen Sink Leaks?

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

A small leak underneath the kitchen sink in your Boca Raton, FL can quickly escalate into flooding if you do not respond fast.

When my kitchen sink leaks, what should I do first?

A small leak underneath the kitchen sink can quickly escalate into flooding if you do not respond fast. Turning off the water supply, decreasing the damage, and contacting the right people in Boca Raton, FL, are all important steps, but there are also less obvious concerns. As you deal with water home incidents, you might need to prioritize the following factors for a successful process.

Safety
The presence of excess water in the kitchen creates numerous hazards that can endanger yourself and others. A wet electronic appliance can shock you and a large body of water can conduct electricity. Even a small amount of water can cause you to slip and fall. Fragile wet ceilings usually break apart and fall, hitting anyone nearby. Avoid using electronic devices and shut down the power if possible. If the area is too flooded, prevent all entry until professionals arrive.

Valuables
The water damage caused by leaks and potential flooding can devastate belongings inside and beyond the kitchen. Some valuable items you should protect from water include:

• Kitchen appliances and utensils
• Wood furniture
• Decorations and art
• Books and magazines
• Carpeting
• Fabric and leather items

Remove these items from the wet area if you can. Ensure all devices are turned off and unplugged before removing them. If your furniture touches wet carpeting, use wood blocks or aluminum foil to protect it.

Assistance
Calling for assistance is an important step, but you will need to contact multiple factions to assist you. When you speak with your insurance agent, you should gather detailed information about the damage so you get the appropriate coverage. A cleanup and restoration team can work with you to conduct kitchen repairs. You should also hire a licensed and bonded plumber to fix the original flaw that started the situation.

Something as small as a leaky kitchen sink can create stress-inducing situations such as flooding, water damage, and mold. Control these situations by prioritizing important elements like safety and property protection whenever possible.

Make Your Homeowners Insurer Happy: Avoid Water Damage With These Simple Tips

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage is the number one reason for homeowners insurance claims. The thing about water damage, however, is that it is usually preventable.

Make Your Homeowners Insurance Company Happy: Follow These Simple Steps To Avoid Water Damage.

Water damage is the number one reason for homeowners' insurance claims in the United States. The thing about water damage, however, is that, the majority of the time, it's preventable. Water in home is often the result of a broken pipe, burse pipe or leaking pipe. In the minority of instances, it is the result of flooding, which, to some extent, can also be prevented. If you want to get on. Your insurer's good side, there are measures you can take today to prevent costly water damage in your home.

• Check your appliances.
• Have your HVAC unit inspected.
• Inspect pipes for condensation or erosion.

It doesn't take much to prevent water damage. Below is a brief guide of how and why you should implement the above tips.

Give Your Appliances a Once Over

Appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, water heaters and refrigerators are a common source of water in the home. Aging materials crack, connections become loose and cold weather causes pipe bursts. You can prevent all from happening by conducting routine maintenance on all appliances and wrapping pipes with insulation if you live in a colder climate.

Request an HVAC Inspection

There are countless reasons to have your HVAC unit inspected. For one, routine maintenance can prevent costly issues. Two, regular inspections can ensure that your units are clean and therefore, only push out clean air. Three, maintenance technicians can spot moisture issues and correct them before they become costly and damaging.

Inspect Your Pipes

Pipes run all throughout your home. There are pipes in your bathroom, in your kitchen and in your laundry room. They run down into your basement and possibly up to your attic. They run through your walls and beneath your floorboards. For this reason, a single leak can become a costly and damaging problem. You can prevent costly water damage in your home by inspecting your pipes on a routine basis or, at the very least, hiring someone else to do it for you.

Pipe cleanup can be costly. You can prevent it by working with a Boca Raton, FL, water damage restoration team to identify issues and correct them before they become expensive problems.

Broken Pipes: What Will Your Insurer Cover?

12/3/2021 (Permalink)

A water damage is a significant problem for homeowners, but homeowner’s policy agreements usually protect them in these instances.

What Will Your Insurance Cover If Your Pipes Burst?

While every insurance coverage policy varies and is conditional, a sudden flood caused by broken pipes will likely be covered. However, that is dependent on the underlying circumstances and conditions that resulted in the pipe failure. In signing the insurance contract, homeowners make a promise to maintain their property, which means that whether you are covered depends on your commitment to that promise.

Sudden and Unexpected Breaks.

Most insurers will cover sudden and unexpected breaks, meaning that there was no way to predict the mishap. However, many insurance companies have certain expectations for upkeep. Therefore, it is a good idea that you keep all receipts from inspections and repairs to prove that negligence was not a part of the pipe failure.

Secondary Damage.

For flood claims that pass muster, an insurer will likely cover secondary damage as well. Secondary damage refers to any items that were harmed because of the water buildup or broken pipe — for instance, carpets, furnishings, artwork, important documents and any other material or equipment that may have been harmed.

Possible Prevention and Restoration.

In addition to covering damage, many insurers will provide funds to fix a broken pipe, restore the damage, and even upgrade elements to prevent a potential disaster in the future. As these are significant expenses, your insurance provider may require you to get several quotes and estimates from emergency restoration companies in the Mission Bay,FL, area. These companies are typically one-stop shops for all of your restoration needs, either handling your case entirely in-house or helping to facilitate contracts for renovation efforts.

A flood caused by broken pipes and leading to water damage is a significant problem for homeowners, but homeowner’s policy agreements usually protect them in these instances. As long as the homeowner can disprove negligence, if not already apparent, then an insurer will likely have no issue approving coverage on your insurance claim.

Top Tips for a Successful Water Supply Line Replacement

11/18/2021 (Permalink)

Before commencing your supply line replacement, you should turn off the main water valve. Then, open faucets to drain your home’s water pipes.

Top Water Supply Line Replacement Hints

The water supply lines connected to your bathroom sinks and toilets are an often overlooked but essential component of your plumbing system. Although it can occur in any home, older homes are susceptible to bathroom leaks resulting from supply line damage. Fortunately, replacing worn lines is typically a simple task that most homeowners in Boca Del Mar, FL, can readily accomplish. To complete the job successfully, keep the following tips in mind.

1. Drain Pipes

Before commencing your supply line replacement, you should turn off the main water valve. Then, open faucets to drain your home’s water pipes.

2. Choose a Durable Supply Line

Supply lines made of all metal or copper can kink and often wear out easily. A better alternative is a braided steel line fastened with brass nuts. Because of its durable design, braided steel typically does not kink and is more resistant to supply line damage.

3. Ensure a Watertight Connection

To help prevent a future supply line leak, it’s essential that you ensure a watertight connection. To accomplish this, use pipe dope or thread tape. If you use tape, wrap it five or six times in a clockwise direction to minimize the risk of it loosening when you tighten the nuts.

4. Avoid Overtightening

Be cautious when you attach your new supply lines. If you overtighten the connection, you may warp the threads or damage the rubber O-ring.

5. Assess For Leaks

Before finalizing your work, you should verify the absence of leaks. After reinstating water flow, thoroughly inspect the new supply lines and the connections to ensure a watertight fit.

6. Protect the Supply Lines

A braided steel supply line is durable. However, to help prevent damaging corrosion, avoid exposing the exterior sleeve to chlorine and other potentially corrosive chemicals.

Depending on the line’s composition, supply line damage is sometimes unavoidable. If not addressed quickly, a bathroom leak caused by a faulty supply line can cause significant water damage, resulting in time-consuming and potentially costly cleanup and restoration requirements. Preemptively replacing aging water supply lines in your home may save you from this hassle.

3 Ways To Deal With Commercial Rentals and Dated Piping

9/26/2021 (Permalink)

Scheduled, regular maintenance of old pipes, regardless if they are polybutylene, ensures your Boca Del Mar, FL, business remains operational.

An older commercial rental can require special considerations regarding maintenance. The pipes could consist of outdated materials such as polybutylene that are no longer used because of longevity concerns. Even worse, you may not receive your landlord’s permission to do any systematic overhaul to prevent future problems. Here are three ways you can maintain the property during your tenancy.

1. Maintain a Dialogue With Your Landlord

Depending on the lease agreement, some responsibilities may lie with the landlord. You should immediately inform your landlord of noticeable problems, such as leaky pipes, so the issue can be remedied or documented. By practicing diligence, you can stop the blame from being misattributed to gross negligence.

In addition, you should take photographs of the damage when it’s first noticed. You can then forward these on to the landlord to show the situation and potentially urge her to act.

2. Evaluate Risks and Watch Weak Areas

Even if you don’t own the building, you should still familiarize yourself with its structural risks and flaws. For example, your utilities could be connected with polybutylene pipes that deteriorate from the inside when exposed to tap water.

You should recommend replacing the system with the landlord if you notice multiple rusted, flimsy, old, weak, or damaged pipes. By keeping on top of your rental’s wellbeing, you can prevent costly repairs and shutdowns.

3. Know Your Insurance and Responsibilities

In case your landlord is cleared of responsibility due to your lease or your own provable negligence, you should familiarize yourself with your renter’s insurance policy. By knowing your entire policy, you can utilize it effectively in dire situations. It is beneficial to evaluate and adjust your policy’s coverage to compensate for your lease’s exceptions.

Scheduled, regular maintenance of old pipes, regardless if they are polybutylene, ensures your Boca Del Mar, FL, business remains operational. In the event that water does seep in, a damage restoration service can remove the flood and restore damaged assets. With your best efforts to maintain the rental’s condition, however, you can mitigate the risks of water damage.

3 Tips To Help You Deal With Toilet Overflow

8/18/2021 (Permalink)

Calling restoration specialists can help you handle any toilet overflow problems.

3 Ways To Handle Toilet Overflow

Have you ever been standing in the bathroom of your Boca Del Mar, FL house watching in terror as the toilet water continued to rise? Calling in a team of sewer damage restoration specialists can help you handle any toilet overflow problems you have. You can also check out these tips to prepare for the professionals.

1. Understand Why It's Happening

Getting to the bottom of a problem can help you better deal with the issue at hand. There are typically three reasons toilet water comes over the edge: There's a clog that's not allowing the water to escape through the plumbing, there's an error with the float mechanism, or there's a sewer backup. You may be able to solve the first two issues on your own. However, a backup can be a serious problem that requires the help of your sewer company and restoration experts.

2. Stop the Immediate Overflow

A flooded toilet is typically not a pretty sight. You can stop the water from coming over the edge by turning off the toilet's water supply. Check for a valve near the bottom side of the bowl, and turn it counterclockwise.

If you can't find a valve, take off the tank cover. Raise up the float ball or float cup. If you lift it high enough, the water should stop running. If you still can't manage to get the water to stop running, turn off the water supply to your whole house. After you turn off the water, the only reason your toilet would still be overflowing is if there is sewer damage.

3. Get Rid of the Blockage

Assuming you were able to get the water to stop flowing, you now have to get rid of the blockage that caused the problem in the first place. You can use a plunger to dislodge the blockage. You can also call in a plumber if you'd rather not deal with the problem yourself.

Toilet overflows can be a sign of sewer damage. You should try to take care of the problem as quickly as possible.

Fixing a Leaking Faucet in 7 Steps

6/29/2021 (Permalink)

Leaky faucets can lead to water damage.

What Are The Steps To Fix A Faucet?

Most homeowners have faced this scenario before: You’re almost asleep when you hear the soft drip, drip, drip of a leaking faucet. By following these seven steps professionals use to fix a dripping faucet, you can rest easy knowing that you’ve properly handled the plumbing issue and your sleep will no longer be threatened.

1. Turn off the water. No one wants a small leak turning into a flood. Turn off the water supply valves beneath the sink. The hot water is usually on the left, and the cold water on the right. To ensure that there won’t be any leaks or surprises, also turn off the main water valve. In many homes throughout Boca Del Mar, FL, the main water line is in the basement or garage.

2. Plug the sink drain. Faucet parts are small and could go down into the trap below the sink. No one wants unnecessary work or additional costs.

3. Put on gloves. Many faucets have built-up residue, and the smell can linger on your skin even after a good scrub.

4. Remove the fixture. If your faucet model has a cap, then remove the cap with your finger or a small screwdriver. Then unscrew the handles. Next, use an adjustable wrench to loosen the handle knob. Then remove the cartridge.

5. Assess the damage and replace broken parts. Depending on the model of your fixture, your leaking faucet may need to have the cartridge replaced. If that is the case, many professionals suggest upgrading to a ceramic cartridge as they have a longer use life. In other cases, sometimes only an O-ring, spring, or seat will need to be replaced. If you’re unclear about what needs to be replaced, call a professional plumber, who will usually have the parts on hand.

6. Reassemble the handle. After the damaged parts are replaced, put the faucet back together in the reverse order you disassembled it.

7. Turn the water supply back on. To test whether you’ve repaired the issue, turn on the faucet and turn it back off. If there aren’t any drips, you will have fixed the leak.

When you have a leaking faucet or other plumbing issues, swiftly taking matters into your hands or calling a professional plumber is imperative to avoid flooding or water damage. If you notice the leak already has led to water damage, a water restoration service in Boca Del Mar, FL, can help.

A Brief Guide To Keeping Sinks Free of Clogs

3/10/2021 (Permalink)

Clogged sinks demand immediate attention.

Ridding yourself of a clogged sink does not need to be difficult. Failure to deal with the issue, however, can result in a pipe break that triggers structural damage. In some cases, the consequences are bad enough that assistance from a residential water damage restoration service becomes necessary. What follows is a quick primer to help thwart this situation from happening to you.

Clog Avoidance

Prevent your sinks in Boca Raton, FL home from getting stopped up through proper usage. Good habits include:

• Using strainers to keep chunks of food from entering pipes
• Running cold water along with garbage disposals
• Placing non-organic materials and cooking grease in trash receptacles instead of down drains
  

Observation of these rules will significantly reduce the odds of experiencing a clogged pipe.

Clog Removal
Both electric and manual drain augers, also known as drain snakes, are available for rent or purchase. Insert your device into the drain and begin turning the handle attached to the drum that houses the coiled hose.
Keep turning until you are unable to do so any further. Note that the curve of your pipe’s elbow might require additional pressure. Just keep pushing until you get beyond the bend. Once you pass this section, going further should be comparatively easy.
Continue cranking even after you hit the clog. The rotation of the hose should push the blockage through or chop it up. If turning suddenly becomes effortless, the gunk that was plugging your sink has likely moved forward. Should rotating the handle further become impossible, remove the hose. The blockage has likely wrapped around the device and will likely come up with it.
Once you believe the clog to be gone, run your sink’s water at maximum pressure. Quickly draining liquid is a sure sign that your mission has been accomplished.
Clogged sinks demand immediate attention. Luckily, resolving these matters is easier than you may think. Either acquire a gadget that allows you to tackle the job yourself or obtain assistance from a professional plumber.

4 Things Not To Do After a Flood

12/28/2020 (Permalink)

Flooded living room in Boca Raton, FL

Four Things Not To Do After A Flood

Water damage in your Boca Raton, FL home often occurs from a broken pipe, storm, or leaking roof. Since these types of disasters don’t happen often, many people don’t know how to handle them. To prevent substantial damage, here is a list of four things you should not do after a flood.

1. Don’t Wait To Take Action
One of the most important things to remember is not to delay action. Fast work is necessary when dealing with any type of water disaster. Moisture offers favorable circumstances for mold to grow; therefore, it is prudent to remove water as quickly as possible. Immediately following water damage, contact a water restoration specialist. Service companies are available 24/7 to help with emergency situations. Fast response is essential to limit damage and reduce repair costs.

2. Don’t Assume an Area is Undamaged
If you experience a broken pipe in a bathroom located in the basement, don’t assume that the water was contained completely in the bathroom. Water in home travels rapidly and easily spreads to surrounding areas. A thorough inspection of all areas is needed to develop an accurate cleaning plan.

3. Don’t Leave Furniture and Belongings in Place
While you’re waiting for professional help to arrive, don’t leave belongings in place. Prop up heavy furniture on wood blocks and move upholstery and rugs off the ground. Art pieces, books, magazines and other loose items should be removed from the area as well.

4. Don’t Use a Household Vacuum
It is never safe to use a household vacuum to remove water caused from flooding. If you don’t have a wet dry vacuum, the best action you can take is removing your belongings and propping up furniture until help arrives. A professional cleaning company will have the proper equipment and training to safely remove water from your home.
Water damage caused by a broken pipe or other disaster often causes individuals to panic. If you experience water damage in your home, remember to avoid doing these four things.

Signs Your Water Heater Needs Help

11/24/2020 (Permalink)

A good water heater is probably one of the most overlooked appliances in your home

Signs Your Water Heater Needs Help

A good water heater is probably one of the most overlooked appliances in your home. Multiple times a day you and your household members take it for granted that when you turn on the faucet, hot water will soon come your way. When it doesn't, then panic often ensues, especially if you are getting ready to head to work. Like all other manufactured units, water heaters require a little bit of attention now and then, and of course they eventually wear out. The following signs indicate trouble could be right around the corner:

• Excessive noise
• A decrease in water temperature
• An increase in time for water to heat
• A pool of water near the heater
  

The Importance of a Water Heater Flush
Over time, sediment often collects in the bottom of your water heater. This buildup can eat away at the lining of the unit, eventually causing it to corrode and then begin to leak. About once a year it makes good sense to flush the heater. This clears out sediments and can increase the longevity of the unit. The use of a deliming agent during the flush will accomplish two things: it will keep components cleaner and it will reduce the buildup of minerals in the water.

The Value of Responding to Water Damage
If your water heater fails completely, it can released dozens of gallons of water into your home. In addition to creating a mess, this water can also harm drywall and carpeting and create a breeding ground for mold. A local water mitigation franchise in Boca Raton, FL, can arrive on scene in a matter of hours. If the problem is relatively small, they can vacuum up the spill and dry out the room in less than a day. A larger spill could take a day or two to cleanup, but you can feel confident your home is in good hands with a reputable restoration company.

3 Ways Your Basement May Have Flooded

10/13/2020 (Permalink)

A flooded basement is a difficult issue that many homeowners must deal with at some point

Three Of The Most Common Flood Causes

Homeowners have a lot of problems that they need to tackle regarding property care, but none are quite as daunting as a basement flood. The last thing you want to do is wait out the flood to see whether it drains on its own. In reality, the best way to protect your property in West Boca Raton, FL, is to tackle the problem as soon as you discover it. In order to do that, you need to understand where the flooding is coming from. Here are three of the most common flood causes.

1. Inadequate or Poorly Installed Drainage System
When working properly, your drainage system is intended to drain water and divert it away from your home, thus preventing incidents like floods. When these systems aren't functioning properly, or were installed incorrectly, they tend to cause the very issues they were intended to prevent. Double check the downspouts in your home to see whether they're positioned too close to the property, or whether they're diverting water towards your house.

2. Blocked or Clogged Gutter System
Your house's gutters are supposed to collect rainwater or snowmelt that runs off of your roof and divert it away from the house. When these gutter systems become clogged, they collect water, eventually causing a basement flood. In extreme cases, blocked gutters can cause ponding on your roof. Prevent unnecessary water damage by cleaning out your gutter systems regularly.

3. Poor Property Location
If your house has been constructed at the bottom of a hill or slope, then water is naturally going to run towards the property during storms. Unfortunately, there's not much you can do to remedy this type of problem, aside from installing blockades or waiting for the elements to erode the slopes on their own.
A flooded basement is a difficult issue that many homeowners must deal with at some point. The key to preventing and remediating a basement flood is understanding the source of the issue. Contact flood remediation experts for more information, or for assistance dealing with home floods.

Lower Your Business Interruption Insurance Loss After Flooding

8/20/2020 (Permalink)

Business interruption insurance will help you cover the costs of your business being closed

Steps For a Quick Recovery

You want to get back on your feet as soon as possible after flooding has occurred. Business interruption insurance will help you cover the costs of your business being closed, but it is important to take care of large water damage as soon as possible.

1. Have an expert on hand. It is tough to know the full extent of water damage without consulting an expert. Consider outlining in your business plan a trusted expert you know you can call in case of emergency to make a full survey of damages.

2. Determine the costs of recovery. The goal is to lower your losses after your insurance pays out. Getting a clear picture of the costs involved will allow you to make a plan and greatly speed up the recovery process.

3. Get a professional to fix major issues. In the event of a major issue like a broken pipe, put your trust in a trained professional to fix it. Cutting corners will only hurt you in the long run when more issues arise.

4. Know what is necessary to fix before resuming business. You are the expert on your business, so you need to know what is necessary before business can resume. Make sure clear recovery goals are defined and met before opening again.
Water damage can be difficult to deal with, but if you tackle the problem head-on with a plan you can reopen your business quickly and minimize your losses.

How To Handle a Flooded Toilet

6/2/2020 (Permalink)

A flooded toilet is a hassle, especially if the spill is a lot more than you are able to deal with

Try These Steps To Stop The Flooding

Toilet overflows are always nauseating and stressful to handle. Your toilet may have overflowed due to a clogged drain, congested septic tank, or even sewer damage. Whatever the reason, it’s vital that you clean every affected area and figure out the cause of the incident. If your toilet has overflowed, try these steps to stop the flooding, get rid of the mess, and fix your plumbing.

1. Dry and Disinfect the Flooded Areas
If only a small amount of water has spilled onto your floor, use towels to dry the wet areas. If a larger portion of your floor has been flooded, use a wet/dry vacuum. Afterward, mop your floor with soap and hot water. Then, go back over it with bleach.

2. Investigate the Cause of the Overflow
If your toilet is clogged, use a plunger to loosen the clog. If you do not have a toilet plunger, you can try a sink plunger. There may also be something blocking the drain. If this is the case, put on some gloves and reach into the toilet to remove it if you can.

3. Determine if Your Toilet Needs Professional Repair
If your water is heavily polluted and it’s impossible even to stop the flooding, then your problem is most likely sewer damage. This occurs when there is damage to the sewer line connected to your home. It is important to act quickly in a situation like this because the contaminated water can cause mold to grow inside your floors and walls and create a permanent odor. It’s best to contact a water damage restoration company to ensure everything is repaired and disinfected.
A flooded toilet is a hassle, especially if the spill is a lot more than you are able to deal with. Finding out the root of the issue can be even more frustrating when you’re dealing with an issue such as sewer damage. Calling a professional sewage company in West Boca Raton, FL could be the key to ensuring your bathroom is clean and returning your plumbing to normal.

Taking Care of Your Belongings After Water Damage

5/18/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage in Mizner Park, FL

Taking Care of Your Belongings After Water Damage

Any type of damage from water is devastating regardless of how much property is involved. Electronic damage can be particularly expensive. As the owner of a Mizner Park, FL, business, it’s imperative that you understand what needs to be done in any type of water damage situation. There are professional water restoration technicians that specialize in water cleanup. Your first step as a business owner should be to have an emergency contact. After that, you’ll be able to utilize their help in the following areas.

1. Electronics
Electronics are especially vulnerable to damage from water. If your company has time to prepare for an event, such as a storm or flood, preventative steps include unplugging all electronic devices. This will help you avoid water that is electronically charged. If you don’t have time to unplug computers and appliances beforehand, it’s best to leave them alone. Flooded electronics need to be handled by a professional to ensure safe and proper restoration. A professional will act quickly to clean the exterior to stop further damage. Afterward, a thorough inspection will be done by a qualified electronics technician.

2. Furniture
There are specific steps to effectively and safely clean your business once it’s been involved in a flood. In addition to flooded electronics, large furniture items including cubicles, tables, and desks make cleaning difficult. Fortunately, a professional restoration company offers move-out services. To make the cleaning process faster and more effective, it’s helpful to move large items out of the building. This also prevents further damage to your belongings by taking them off-site.

3. Documents and Photographs
A professional restoration company is Here to Help. Flooded electronics and furniture are costly but documents and photographs can be even more devastating due to their special nature. Professionals can use several techniques to restore your documents and photographs.
As a business owner, it’s important to be prepared for any type of water damage, including electronic damage. Have the contact information for a restoration company in the event of an emergency.

Fixes for a Leaky Faucet

2/25/2020 (Permalink)

Ball faucets contain a ball bearing as their internal mechanism

Tips For Fixing Two Of The Four Main Types of Faucets

Maintenance is not usually one of the joys of homeownership. However, when you detect a plumbing issue in your West Boca Raton, FL, home, you should tackle it sooner rather than later. A leaking faucet may seem like just a minor annoyance but it can become a bigger issue if ignored. In addition to high water bills, a leaky faucet can lead to water damage and require professional cleanup.
Here are some tips for fixing two of the four main types of faucets. Before you start, you need to turn off the water supply and plug the sink's drain. These are crucial steps no matter what type of dripping faucet you have.

1. Fixing a compression faucet

A compression faucet has two handles: one for hot water and one for cold water. If this is the kind of leaking faucet you have, start by unscrewing and removing each handle. When the handles are removed, you will find the stem, which sits on top of the O-ring. The O-ring sits on top of a rubber seat washer, which can wear down with use. In order to replace the O-ring and seat washer, pull the stem out and identify what kind of replacement parts you need. When you have the new items, install each piece and reassemble the handles.

2. Fixing a ball faucet

Ball faucets contain a ball bearing as their internal mechanism. These faucets have several parts, so you should buy a replacement kit to ensure you have the correct parts and tools. To begin, unscrew and remove the handle, then use pliers to remove the cap and collar. Then, remove the faucet cam, washer, and ball and locate the inlet seals and springs with needle-nose pliers. Remove these items and replace the O-rings, coating the news ones with plumber's grease first. From your kit, find and install the new springs, valve seats, and cam washers. Finally, reassemble the handle, and you should have a fixed leak.
If your home has a leaking faucet, don't hesitate to repair it. An unattended dripping faucet can lead to water damage, which you don't want to find in your home.

Important Facts About Floor Cleanup

1/30/2020 (Permalink)

Floor damaged by water in Boca Raton, FL

With all that happens each day in your Boca Raton, FL, office, accidents are bound to happen from time to time. You won't worry too much about minor incidents, but for large-scale emergencies, you need to take decisive action. If something such as severe weather, a broken appliance or a pipe burst leave water on the floor, you should act quickly to clean it up. This will ensure the safety of everyone in the building and help preserve the floor and other materials.

When to Call the Pros

You should be able to handle minor cleanups needs yourself. However, if there is standing water or if the wet floor affects much of the building, it's time to contact a professional flood remediation team. More specifically, get a cleanup company involved when:

• You see black water or when an overflowing toilet or sewer backup caused the flooding.
  
• There is damage to electronics and documents.
  
• The floor is saturated or leaking through the ceiling on the floors below.
  
  

Timely Cleanup

If possible, you want to salvage your flooring, whether it's carpet or a hard surface. A wood floor, in particular, requires immediate action. If water sits on it too long, the wood will begin to warp and rot. At this point, you would have to tear it out. To save it, cleanup crews will extract the water and dry the area thoroughly. Technicians will then sanitize the floor to discourage mold growth.

Replacement Work

A pipe burst can send large amounts of water onto your office floor. If the crews discover that the wood is damaged beyond repair, they will tear it out and replace it. This will add to the restoration process, but it will give you peace of mind that your office is once again suitable for business.
Whether from a pipe burst or some other cause, a wet floor can cause serious problems. Make sure you respond promptly and get the pros on the job.