The Flood Water Cleanup Process

9/13/2023 (Permalink)

Flooding can cause severe damage.

Excess water can cause a lot of damage to your commercial building in West Valley City, UT, and these issues can only be properly mitigated by certified water restoration experts. When the flood water in question is contaminated, this adds extra steps to the cleanup process. It's important to understand the measures necessary to ensure that your building is free of both moisture and bacteria.

Steps for Cleanup After Flooding or Toilet Overflow

A simple pipe break can be a big problem, but at least the water it releases is clean. By contrast, Category 3 water is contaminated. It can come from a variety of sources:

• Overflowing toilet
• Groundwater seepage
• Storm damage
• Municipal sewer backup

Any time your building is flooded with Category 3 water, mitigation automatically includes measures to ensure that no contamination gets left behind.

1. Extract Excess Water

Removing water is a crucial step that prevents it from causing further damage. Technicians pump it out of the building. Then they use special equipment to get rid of whatever the pump couldn't extract. They must assess which items and parts of the structure are salvageable before they can continue with remediation.

2. Remove Debris

Any debris that enters your building along with the flood water must also be removed. Additionally, all porous materials that are saturated with contaminated water need to be torn out. This inevitably includes carpet and insulation, but it may also mean that drywall, floor pads and ceiling tiles have to go. Technicians have to clear the area of all ruined items.

3. Rinse Area

No matter how meticulous the mitigation team is, some debris will not be able to be removed manually. The only way to get it off the remaining surfaces in your building is to rinse it. The purpose of the initial rinse is to remove all remaining particles that don't belong in the space.

4. Sanitize Surfaces

Once all the dirt and particles that you can see have been washed away, it's time to disinfect the remaining surfaces. Technicians use industrial-strength cleaners to ensure that all bacteria and microbes are killed in the cleaning process. For spaces that are hard to reach, they may need to use equipment that helps them get the detergent into nooks and crannies.

5. Dry Thoroughly

There is often residual moisture left by the cleaning process. To prevent secondary damage such as mold, your building needs to be dry. Fans are useful not only for drying surfaces but also for bringing the humidity level back under control.

6. Conduct Tests

The final step before the restoration phase begins is confirmation that the space has been sanitized. Technicians may perform a variety of tests, including surface swabs and air quality measures, to make sure that their efforts to disinfect the building were successful. If the results are not satisfactory, they know they have more cleaning to do before moving on to rebuilding.

Cleaning up after flood water is always a multi-step process. When the damage is caused by Category 3 water, however, even more tasks must be added to mitigate it completely.

5 Steps for Water Mitigation After a Building Pipe Burst

8/31/2023 (Permalink)

Bursting pipes can lead to severe water damage.

When you notice that a pipe has broken or a supply line leaking at your West Valley City, UT, commercial building, it can bring on a sense of panic. Water could still be pouring in, but all you can think about is how to properly perform the pipe burst cleanup procedure.

These basic steps must be taken to keep damage to a minimum.

1. Shut Off Electricity

First and foremost, in this situation, you must ensure that everyone remains safe. Turn off the electricity to the part of the building affected by the water, or to the entire building. If there are electronics, appliances, or outlets in the area, an electrical current could be in the water, so don't let anyone walk through it or touch anything until the electricity is shut off. If you can't navigate to the breaker box safely, call a professional electrician or the power company to shut it off before the water cleanup begins.

2. Remove Soaked Materials

Next, you must get all of the water-soaked material out of the building. Wet items will only contribute to the excess humidity that needs to be eliminated. Soaked carpets and drywall will have to be removed and won't be salvageable. Some porous items such as wooden or upholstered furniture may be salvageable if they can be completely dried soon enough.

3. Extract Standing Water

All standing water must be extracted as soon as possible. Every minute counts when it comes to water damage; standing water can wreak havoc indoors. A wet/dry is ideal for safely, quickly, and efficiently eliminating the water. It's a great tool to have on hand for water emergencies like a pipe burst cleanup. However, if you don't have one, many home improvement stores rent them. Mops and towels will also do the job.

4. Dry Everything

Everything in the affected area must be thoroughly dried as swiftly as possible. Besides structural damage, excess moisture can contribute to mold growth. Mold can begin growing within 24 hours of water exposure, and it can get out of control fast. Not only can standing water cause damage but humidity can also. If the humidity outside is lower than the indoor level, open windows and doors to let the fresh air blow through. You can also use fans, heaters, and dehumidifiers. Dehumidifiers can also be rented at home improvement and hardware stores. You must pay close attention to the unit to empty the collected water when necessary. If you feel you cannot dry the area properly, water damage restoration professionals have the expertise and industrial-grade equipment for these situations.

5. Inspect for Damage

Finally, once the job is complete, it's essential to inspect for damage to be repaired as soon as possible. Ideally, you can have professionals inspect the area because they know where to find damage and how to best resolve the problem. They'll check for structural water damage and mold growth and determine any repairs or cleanup procedures that must be performed.

In a water disaster, such as a supply line leaking, it's advantageous to know what to do before the situation arises. A pipe burst cleanup will never be pleasant, but it can go more smoothly having a plan in place.

3 Things Not To Do After a Flood

8/31/2023 (Permalink)

Heavy rains may lead to flood damage.

It’s one of many homeowner’s worst nightmares: a large storm or local disaster has flooded your neighborhood in West Valley City, UT. Many who experience flooding for the first time are unprepared and uninformed, not knowing what to do after flood water has covered the streets or entered their home. To help you prepare, whether you’re facing a flooded home now or foresee its possibility in the future, here are three things not to do after a flood:

3 Things to Avoid After a Flood

1.Remain in your home. For you and your family’s safety, if water has entered your home, it’s important to leave and not reenter until flooding has subsided. In a flood’s immediate aftermath, the risk of rising water is still imminent due to the possibility of more rain, a compromised levy or busted dam. Find refuge outside the flood area, whether it be in a hotel, a loved one's home or a public shelter.

2. Touch the water. Flood water can be contaminated with any number of bacteria, sewage and/or chemicals that can be harmful to your skin and health. It’s also imperative to avoid standing water to minimize the risk of electric shock from electrical lines and equipment touching the water. If you must enter or be around the water for any reason, protective clothing such as rubber boots should be worn.

3. Fix it yourself. Repairing flood damage in a home can require a large amount of construction materials, professional knowledge and skill to ensure the damage is fully repaired and any mold is removed. Instead of trying to take on the job yourself, it’s best to save time and additional headaches by contacting a water damage repair and restoration company.

For any homeowner, flood water is certainly an unwelcome sight. Knowing what to do, or not do, in this type of disaster is imperative to keep you and your family safe and to begin the restoration process successfully.

Steps of the Fire Restoration Process

8/18/2023 (Permalink)

Fire damage in West Valley City, UT.

A fire in your home in West Valley City, UT, can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time. After the flames are put out, fire restoration can begin. There are several steps to this process.

Important Tips to Start the Fire Restoration Process

1. Initial Contact

Even if the fire doesn't reach all areas of your home, you still need to call fire damage mitigation specialists. They are certified to complete a thorough inspection and treat any problems they find:

• Smoke damage
• Weakened structure
• Soot residue
• Water issues

Other than your insurance provider, the cleanup team is the first call you need to make. Fast contact means that they are more likely to be able to repair the damage before any further problems occur.

2. Damage Assessment

The first thing the technicians will do when they arrive is to survey the affected area. They look for weak spots and damaged materials. They then compile a list of tasks that need to be completed so that they can present you with an estimate that will be helpful in filing your insurance claim.

3. Material Removal

Before any repairs can be done, the cleanup crew has to remove the parts that can't be salvaged. Drywall, insulation, flooring and ceiling materials may need to be torn out, even if they weren't directly touched by the flames. They may have water damage from the emergency efforts to subdue the fire, or the soot may be embedded deep within the porous materials.

4. Surface Cleaning

The next step of the fire restoration process is cleaning all the remaining surfaces. Smoke and soot continue to erode materials the longer they are left on them, so prompt attention is the key to successful salvage. Technicians are likely to use a combination of chemicals and equipment to rid all cracks and crevices of unwanted substances and get rid of any lingering smoke smell.

5. Area Drying

To prevent mold growth and other secondary damage, the mitigation team must remove all excess moisture from the affected area. The amount of water used to put out a fire makes this step one of the crucial tasks for ensuring that remediation is thorough.

6. Item Repair

The structure isn't the only thing in your home that can be affected by a fire. Damage cleaning also includes determining which of your belongings must be thrown away and which ones can be restored. Before you toss items from the fire, give the mitigation team a chance to salvage them. You may be pleasantly surprised to find out how many things can be repaired.

7. Fire Restoration

Finally, after everything is clean and dry, the team can rebuild the damaged parts of your home to make it livable again. They install new walls and flooring and make sure that the paint, tile and wallpaper match the remaining structures. The job isn't done until the affected area looks like there was never a fire in the first place.

No one likes the idea of a fire breaking out at home, but there's often a lot that can be done to save what's left. Once you call the fire restoration experts, they can get to work on your damaged home.

6 Tips for Preventing Mold Growth After a Flood

8/4/2023 (Permalink)

Flooding can cause severe mold damage if not cleaned properly.

Floods can cause a significant amount of property damage; however, the initial damage from the water isn't the only problem homeowners face. The moist conditions created by flooding in a home often lead to mold growth. These tips can help you avoid this problem.

6 Ways To Avoid Mold Due To Standing Water

Mold needs several basic things to flourish. Mold requires moisture, food, warmth, and oxygen to grow. It is difficult to eliminate food sources or manipulate the temperature in a home to affect mold. The primary way to prevent mold problems is to reduce moisture.

1. Dry Your Property Out Quickly

As soon as it is safe, you should begin drying out your property. Mold can begin growing in 24 to 48 hours from the initial water exposure. This makes it important to remove any standing water and dry out wet materials and contents as soon as you can. You may be able to remove small amounts of water with a wet/dry vacuum. You will probably need professional equipment to remove larger amounts of water. In some cases, it may be wise to contact a water remediation company in West Valley City, UT, to speed up the process of drying out the home.

2. Increase Ventilation

If the weather permits it, open windows and doors during the day to increase airflow. Use fans to circulate the air and increase water evaporation. Position the fans to blow air out of doors and windows. Reduce indoor humidity by using dehumidifiers. A dehumidifier designed for home use may work for smaller spaces, but for larger spaces, you may need to rent an industrial model.

3. Remove Wet Items

Remove wet debris and contents. Carpets, carpet pads, drywall, ceiling tiles, and other porous materials may need to be discarded because these items are difficult to clean. Salvageable contents may be left outside in the sun to dry or taken off-site by a restoration company for cleaning. Clean surfaces that were exposed to floodwater with a disinfectant or sanitizer to kill mold spores and bacteria. If you can't immediately remove wet carpet, extract the water from it with a commercial carpet extractor or wet/dry vacuum.

4. Shut Off Water Sources

If anything in your home is leaking water, shut off the water to your home. As long as there is a source of moisture, mold growth is likely to be a problem. Do not turn the water back on until broken pipes or leaking appliances are repaired.

5. Turn Off HVAC Systems

Try to keep your home at a moderate temperature, but avoid over-cooling or overheating. A home that is too hot or too cold can cause the drying process to take longer.

6. Watch for Warning Signs

If you are noticing stains on ceilings or walls or noticing musty smells, then you may have a mold issue. Take steps to remove the mold before the problem can get worse.

No homeowner wants to go through the process of restoring a flood-damaged home only to have to deal with a mold growth problem. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce your chances of having to deal with this problem.

3 Fire Prevention Tips for Your Business

9/13/2022 (Permalink)

Keep your commercial property safe by having a fire extinguisher.

Knowledge is power when it comes to fire prevention. While it’s impossible to completely eradicate the potential for a business fire, there are several steps you can take to keep your commercial property in West Valley City, UT, safe.

Three Steps You Can Take To Keep Your Commercial Property Safe

1. Schedule a Building Assessment

Fire assessments aren’t reserved solely for your local fire damage restoration company, and they don’t always have to take place after a fire. Contact the fire marshal and inquire about a fire hazard assessment for your building. Identifying and resolving risks up front is your first line of defense.

2. Equip Your Building With Fire Suppression and Prevention Tools

It’s standard procedure to have fire extinguishers and smoke detectors on every floor of your commercial property. Test smoke detectors monthly to ensure that they’re working properly and be sure to change their batteries promptly when needed.

Depending on the size of your business, you may also want to invest in a sprinkler system as part of your fire prevention plan.

3. Draft and Distribute a Fire Safety Plan

Your employees need to know what to do if there’s a fire during business hours. Those fire extinguishers mentioned above? Your staff needs to know how to operate them. They should also be aware of multiple evacuation routes in the event of a business fire. Run regularly scheduled practice evacuations and post the routes at various intervals through the building.

For larger companies, instituting a chain of command for fires and other emergencies is an easy way to streamline the process. By appointing fire safety officers and assigning responsibilities, you can lessen confusion in the unlikely event of a fire. All of your employees should know where to locate a first-aid kit as well.

Carve a few hours out of next week’s schedule to make sure your fire prevention procedures are up to snuff. It only takes a few hours of planning to significantly decrease the odds of a dangerous fire erupting at your commercial property.

6 Helpful Hints About Filing a Water Damage Insurance Claim

9/13/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage in a residential home in West Valley City, UT.

Insurance claims for water damage are on the rise. In fact, water damage claims are purportedly the second most reported petitions in West Valley City, UT. However, questions often arise when homeowners try to decipher the legal jargon of insurance policy, and many frequently become frustrated over exemptions and exclusions. Here are six hints to help you decode the steps you to take when making a water damage insurance claim.

6 Steps to Make a Water Damage Claim. 

1. Take pictures of the damaged area immediately after finding the water. Also, continue taking pictures during all stages of cleanup and restoration. If the damage is due to a pipe burst, take pictures of the pipe as well. Offer a copy of all photos to the insurance adjuster.

2. Contact your insurance agent regarding the loss. Ask the agent questions about your coverage, the time limit to file a claim, and deductibles. Request information on repairs, restoration, and how long a claim takes to process.

3. Establish your claim by filling out the claim forms as soon as you receive the papers. Return the completed documents to the insurance company right after you finish the paperwork.

4. Keep a list of damaged and lost items. Include all steps taken to clean or discard major items, if possible. Also, take pictures and keep the photos with the records to substantiate the loss. If receipts are available for destroyed or damaged items, provide copies with your insurance claim.

5. Request receipts and a detailed list of all work done by your water repair and restoration company. Also, ask the team to include a list of all supplies used to clean and sanitize the area.

6. If your family needs to relocate during cleanup and restoration, keep receipts. Extensive records required may include living expenses, replacement clothing, and meal expenditures.

Once your insurance claim has been settled, and the insurance company accepts your submission, payment is typically sent to cover the terms of the settlement. If the claim is refused, you have the right to contest the refusal and the right to hire an attorney.

5 Signs You Have a Hidden Shower Leak

8/11/2022 (Permalink)

Presence of mold can be a sign of a shower leak in West Valley City, UT.

Residential plumbing is essential for the functionality of a house, but it is not uncommon for these systems to require maintenance. Unfortunately, it is not always apparent when corrective action needs to happen, like with a shower or bathtub leak. A water mitigation expert in West Valley City, UT, can provide some pointers on preventative steps to take, but you can never really know when a sudden leak will occur. To ensure that you find hidden leaks before they cause too much damage, consider the following five signs of a shower leak.

5 Signs Of A Shower Leak

1. Presence of Mold or Mildew

Mold and mildew are indeed common in moisture-rich environments. However, if you are consistently finding mold or mildew around the shower faucet or head, then you may have a leak. To inspect, you will need to shut off the water supply and assess the faucets.

2. Peeling or Flaking Paint

Another common sign of water damage from a bathtub leak is peeling or flaking paint. The peeling can suggest a leak behind the wall. The drywall is becoming damp, which is causing the adhesive of the paint to fail.

3. Water Stains

If you have a shower on the second level of your home, then look for water stains on the ceiling of the lower level. The stains may appear grey or brown, depending on the damage.

4. Sounds

When you turn your shower off, do you hear dripping? Continued water noises after the shower is turned off could indicate a leak in the line behind the wall.

5. Loose Tiles

It is not uncommon for a shower pan leak to cause loose tiles around the tub. Water seeps around the drain, causing the subfloor to dampen and swell, which results in the tile breaking away from the floor.

A bathtub leak or shower leak is relatively common, but you do not want to let it fester. If you believe you have a leak, then contact a plumbing or water mitigation expert for help.

The Proper Use of a Fire Extinguisher and Other Critical Tools

7/25/2022 (Permalink)

A fire extinguisher is a critical tool.

If your company in West Valley City, UT, is serious about fire protection, it needs to have the most important fire tools on the premises. It is just as important that these critical items are maintained and that key personnel know exactly how to use them to the best effect. These items include but are not limited to the fire alarm system, the fire extinguisher and the sprinkler system. A fourth category, the services of fire professionals such as a fire restoration team, will also be addressed here.

The Fire Extinguisher and Other Fire Protection Tools

The Fire Alarm System

The type of alarm you need depends upon your facility and how large it is. Professional installation is important as the contractor will understand the requirements for building codes and local fire regulations. The system should be professionally maintained to the highest standards.
The alarm should be set up so that it covers all relevant areas of your building as this will provide the greatest protection against fire damage. Finally, the alarms should have both auditory and visual alerts so that it reaches all individuals in the building should a fire break out.

The Fire Extinguisher

This essential tool can stop an incipient fire before it gets out of control and causes thousands of dollars in damages. Your company should have enough units on hand so that one is close by should a fire begin. The whereabouts of each unit should be identified with bright markings, and all units need to be inspected regularly. Your company should have the right extinguisher on hand for the type of fire that is possible in your facility, whether it be a kitchen fire, an electrical fire or a wood fire.
Fire extinguishers are not overly difficult to operate, but key personnel should undergo training on how to use them. The steps for operating a unit can be summed up by the acronym PASS:

• Pull out the pin to engage the unit
  
• Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire
  
• Squeeze the handle to discharge the contents
  
• Sweep the nozzle back and forth until the fire is out
  
  

The Sprinkler System

A modern fire sprinkler system has many advantages for the ultimate in fire protection. It works automatically, even when your building isn't occupied. It responds quickly to a small fire and targets the area so that any water damage is limited. It does require professional installation and should be maintained by a licensed contractor.

The Fire Recovery Process

Fire cleanup and restoration is a highly technical process that requires the work of a professional team of technicians. They use advanced techniques and sophisticated equipment to remove smoke, soot and fire damage. The process typically involves the removal of smoke odors and deep cleaning of soot from walls, furniture and fabrics. With a commercial fire, professionals work quickly to get your business going again as soon as possible.

A fire extinguisher is one critical tool to fight a commercial fire. The right tools and resources can prevent a small fire from becoming a big one and limit damages

4 Things a First Responder Should Know When Working With a Flood

7/19/2022 (Permalink)

Severe flooding can cause serious damage.

When your home in West Valley City, UT, gets hit with a flood, you need to take action quickly. However, even a first responder cannot run directly into an impacted space. Water and moisture can create an unsafe zone. Appropriate precautions should be taken by anyone entering the premises.

Top Tips for How a First Responder Should Approach a Flood Zone

Floodwater, also known as blackwater, plays host to high levels of pathogens and spores. The onslaught of water takes over an area, drenching it. External bodies of water overflow, or the sewage line backs up. Either way, homes become inhabitants of many organisms and potential hazards. Responders should remain vigilant and aware of the contamination, and understand the toll water takes on buildings. Be sure to follow these four essential tips.

1. Be Sure Your Immunization Records Are Current

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that anyone working with flood response be current in several immunizations. After all, a flooded environment proves challenging, uncertain and cumbersome. Severe flooding weakens structures and displaces items, creating physical obstacles. In addition, dampness encourages rust on metal objects.
These conditions establish a problematic setting where cuts and wounds could quickly and easily occur. Exposure to rusted materials and bacteria complicates injuries further. Therefore, responders should have tetanus and diphtheria shot, called the Tdap for short. In addition, the CDC suggests responders have the Hepatitis B vaccine as well.

2. Use Safety Gear

Minimize injuries and exposure by wearing appropriate safety gear and guarding yourself. Use durable rubber gloves and avoid touching your face and eyes with gloved or bare hands. At the end of the shift, discard gloves appropriately, using a new pair the time you enter. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and warm water before moving to other activities.
In addition, the skin remains vulnerable, so cover up as much as possible. Have full-body clothes for the worksite, and keep goggles with you at all times. Don't forget a sturdy pair of boots. When you leave, change immediately. Take clothes off before you enter your home, and wash them.

3. Survey Your Surroundings

The United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration emphasizes that floods create multiple hazards for first responders. While water damage proves the most obvious concern, people must also remain aware of other conditions. Responders should consistently keep on their toes, understanding they could encounter the following situations:

• Carbon monoxide buildup
  
• Extreme heat
  
• Chemical and biological exposure
  
• Animal encounters
  
• Electrical issues
  

4. Recognize Mold Growth

Note that mold is likely to grow quickly in damp areas, demanding swift cleanup and precautions. Mold spores activate when water and organic matter meet, reproducing within one to two days. Floods establish the perfect conditions.
Use an N-95 mask, and wash everything thoroughly. Furthermore, discard porous, saturated items. Collaborate with an emergency water remediation team to assess the status and use high-quality gear and sanitizing methods.

As a first responder in West Valley City, UT, you face an incredible challenge to help homes and people. Remain cautious, constantly surveying your surroundings and adopting protective measures, to keep yourself and others safe during a flood disaster.