How To Stop a Leaking Toilet

6/8/2022 (Permalink)

Our Professionals know how to Stop a Leaking Toilet. Just follow our Tips.

It's never a good sign to discover a puddle of water on your floor in your West Valley City, UT, bathroom. You know you have a job ahead of you if it's originating at the base of your toilet. Fortunately, though, there's a good chance you won't need a plumber. A leaking toilet can definitely be a hassle but is often a relatively simple fix. Discontinue use until it gets repaired because the problem can quickly worsen. Here are a few steps to resolve the issue if your toilet is leaking from the base. 

Toilet Repair Steps for a Base Leak

1. Determine the Cause of the Leak

There are several reasons why your toilet has started leaking. Even a tiny leak can turn into a disaster if left, so it's critical to find the problem and repair it as soon as possible. The toilet is not the most sanitary place in your home, to begin with, but excess moisture can also lead to secondary damage like mold. An issue like this usually requires the services of water damage restoration professionals.

2. Inspect the Inside of the Toilet Tank

Carefully remove the lid from the toilet tank and keep an eye on the float and inlet valve. The inlet valve, also known as the fill valve, brings clean water into the toilet tank and bowl from the water supply line. Then, the water empties out of the tank and into the bowl when you flush.

The float on the inlet valve goes down and back up with the water, which allows the water to go into the tank. It controls the quantity of water allowed to flow into the bowl. If the inlet valve or the float are not working correctly, the result can be a leaking toilet. 

3. Tighten the Base Bolts

A toilet has bolts on the base to hold it securely to the floor. You may notice the toilet rocking back and forth if the bolts are loose. An unsteady toilet isn't the worst problem resulting from loose bolts. The wobbling can break the wax seal between the toilet and the septic pipe. This will likely result in a leak at the toilet's base.

To tighten the base bolts, remove the plastic lids that are on top of the bolts. Two tee bolts must be tightened to properly create a water-tight seal. These bolts will keep the wax ring in place. 

4. Replace the Wax Ring

The wax ring attaches the toilet to the drain and seals the water from seeping into the bathroom floor. The ring could be worn or damaged, which is a sign that you need to replace it. Ensure with the hardware store employee that you get the right ring to fit your specific type of toilet, as they can vary from different toilet models. You can also take the old ring with you.

Whether an old toilet or a newer one, it is always possible for it to malfunction. Therefore, it's good to know some tips on handling it beforehand in case you have to deal with a leaking toilet.

Learn How To Use a Snake for Minor Drain Clogs

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

Clogs in the bathroom or kitchen sink are relatively common occurrences in homes.

Clogs in the bathroom or kitchen sink are relatively common occurrences in homes, and they do not always require a phone call to a handyman. Most clogs occur within the first few feet of pipe below the sink, which means that instead of calling a remediation company in West Valley City, UT, you can use a standard household auger or snake to relieve the clogged drain.

However, it is essential to use the tool correctly to avoid doing further damage, like a pipe break. Freeing up a stopped sink with an auger is a four-step process.

1. Uncoil and Push Into Drain

you will want to uncoil about a foot of the snake, and then gently push the head of the auger into the drain. Continue feeding the auger into the pipe until you feel some resistance. Know that the first sign of resistance is likely not the clog; it is probably the trap. You want to rotate the snake, pushing it gently past the trap before continue further into the pipe.

2. Feel Resistance, work it out

When you feel resistance again, you want to repeat the process above. Gently push into the clogged drain while rotating the auger. You can also use a slight forward and backward motion to help break away the clog. If you push too hard, you risk tangling the auger within the drain, at which point you will need a professional's help.

3. Free Movement, Recoil the Snake

When you feel the auger push through the clog and move freely through the pipe, it is time to recoil the snake, pulling it free of the drain. Once the snake ifs removed, run warm water down the drain to ensure the clog has cleared.

4. Call a Professional

If the clog is not free, or if you did not experience resistance, then it is time to call a professional. Plumbers and remediation experts have commercial augers that can reach further into your system. Do not use a drain cleaner.
If your sink is clogged, it is OK to try and remove it on your own. However, if you are struggling, make sure to call a professional to avoid doing more damage.

Reasons To Call SERVPRO for Every Mitigation Need

5/7/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's specialists are certified and trained with proper techniques

When homeowners need repairs and restoration, it's important to be able to call someone they trust. Damage to homes in West Valley City, UT, can result in costly insurance claims and secondary damage if it's not mitigated quickly and properly. SERVPRO commits to being Faster to Any Size Disaster through a reliable network of local technicians. Here are some reasons to choose them over other companies.

2 Reasons to Choose SERVPRO 

Broad Experience

The certified restoration experts at SERVPRO are trained in techniques to address a variety of problems:

• Fire damage
• Flood damage
• Storm damage
• Mold damage

Their broad expertise comes in especially handy after disasters that encompass several types of damage. For example, a fire that breaks out in a home can take a lot of water to put out, leaving behind not only smoke damage but also water issues. Full remediation requires a team that moves Faster to Any Size Disaster to address everything that is wrong with the home.

Vendor Program

As a preferred vendor for many insurance companies, SERVPRO offers benefits that make it stand out among its competition. The Claims Information Center provides all the information about each cleanup job necessary for filing an accurate insurance claim. Any changes to the process are updated in the system in a timely manner, providing a level of transparency that is hard to beat. When clients call 1-800-SERVPRO, they are referred to a local team that has met the stringent qualifications of 21 guidelines for service. The technicians provide 24-hour service to ensure that the damage is assessed and addressed as quickly as possible.

SERVPRO is committed to being Faster to Any Size Disaster by utilizing a trusted network of experts throughout the country who can provide quick, quality service. Wherever there is damage to a home after a fire, flood or storm, there is likely a team of SERVPRO technicians nearby, ready to mitigate it.

The Mitigation Process for a Wet Crawl Space

4/21/2022 (Permalink)

Learn more about The Mitigation Process of Wet Crawl Spaces and Avoid Damage in your property.

There are many spaces in commercial buildings in West Valley City, UT, that are susceptible to excess moisture. It's easy to detect when walls or ceiling tiles are affected, but regular inspection may reveal water in the building's crawl space, too.

To avoid mold growth and other secondary damage that can occur due to a wet crawl space, SERVPRO technicians must mitigate the water damage efficiently and thoroughly.

Steps of the Mitigation Process

Find Source

One of the first things that the water damage restoration experts will do when they arrive on site is to figure out where the floodwater is coming from. There are several common ways that water can flood a crawl space:

• Extra groundwater that seeps in
• Landscape grading that slopes toward the building
• Excess water in flower beds near the foundation
• Broken pipes or sewer lines
• Poor drainage from rainwater runoff

Extract Water

Standing water continues to cause damage every minute it is present. SERVPRO technicians pump the water out of the space quickly upon arrival. Their fast action stops the seepage in its tracks, thus reducing the overall cost of repairs.

The removal of the excess water from the wet crawl space will likely reveal ruined materials that need to be torn out. Any damp insulation must be discarded. Drywall or flooring that is saturated may not be salvageable. The team removes the parts of the structure that are no longer viable.

Clean Wet Crawl Space

The source of the water gives the mitigation team some information regarding how contaminated the space is likely to be, but the pre-testing they do guides the cleanup process more reliably. It assures that they use the correct procedures and chemicals needed to fully disinfect the area and prevent additional problems from surfacing later. This commitment to excellence is why SERVPRO is a preferred vendor for many insurance providers.

Dry Area

Even after the crawl space is cleaned, it is probably still wet. Before they start rebuilding it, the technicians make sure the space is completely dry. This prevents a second claim for mold damage that results from the original covered peril.

Replace Ruined Materials

The last step of the process is replacing the parts of the structure that were too damaged to remain in the space. The restoration team adds new insulation and installs new drywall and flooring. After they are finished, it will look "Like it never even happened."

Many companies only handle mitigation of the damage done by flooding, but SERVPRO takes care of your commercial clients from assessment through restoration. After they are finished, the building is back to normal. You get one estimate for the whole job, which you can access at any time through the Claims Information Center. Any time your clients have a wet crawl space in the building, they can depend on SERVPRO to get the job done well.

No matter how large an area is affected, these technicians are Faster to Any Size Disaster. Speedy and thorough service from mitigation to restoration is just one of the reasons many companies that insure commercial properties list SERVPRO as a preferred vendor.

Understanding the Water Damage Assessment Process

4/8/2022 (Permalink)

Learn more about the Water Damage Assessment Process by following our Tips.

Your commercial property in West Valley City, UT, may be inspected regularly to ensure that it is flood resistant. A broken pipe or heavy storm, though, can get past all the precautions you have put in place.

When water restoration experts arrive at your building, they conduct a series of assessments and pretesting to tell them exactly what needs to be done to fix the problem.

Water Inspection

Water damage can vary greatly in terms of extent and contamination. First, technicians have to determine the water source:

• Broken or leaky pipe
• Sewer backup
• Storm runoff

Water is clean when it comes straight out of a pipe that feeds your faucets or supply lines, but that doesn't mean that it stays clean. By testing the water's contamination level, specialists can determine the equipment and procedures they will need to mitigate the damage. Then they formulate a plan that you can include on your insurance claim to get the payment process started.

Content Inspection

After the water is identified and removed, technicians start to move out the contents of your building, particularly those that may stain the floors and cause more damage. They also inspect each item to determine whether it can be repaired or needs to be replaced. Through this pretesting process, they identify items that are not total losses, thus reducing the amount on your insurance claim.

Structure Inspection

Walls, ceilings and floors often bear the brunt of water damage. Your insurance agent will likely want to know how much of the building is affected, and the technicians assess the damage before any repairs begin. If they suspect mold damage, they can test for growth and determine if it was caused by the covered incident. This step helps them get an accurate estimate for your claim.

By pretesting your building and its contents, restoration experts gain the big picture for the remediation process. This can lower your claim and improve its accuracy from the start.

Regular Duct Cleaning for Your Home

11/29/2021 (Permalink)

Keep air ducts clean to prevent the spread of mold in your West Valley City, UT home.

If you've never taken a look at the air ducts and vents in your West Valley City, UT, home before, there's a very good chance that you won't like what you find. A lot of air moves through the ducts, and it may carry dirt, germs, insects, dust, and other contaminants. During seasons of humidity, moisture also gets into the ducts, increasing the risk of mold growth. Routine duct cleaning is important for many reasons. Make an appointment if you've noticed:

• Visible mold growth
• Evidence of rodents or insects
• Reduction of airflow through vents
• Musty smell from the vents
  

Don't wait for serious trouble before getting your dirty ducts cleaned. Prevention is a simple but sure home care solution.

4 Benefits of Regular Commercial Duct Cleaning

The air ducts draw air into your property and then circulate through all the rooms of the home. This means that any dust, dirt, mold, insects, and mites in the vents are also circulating through the air. Professional duct cleaning is a good way to improve air quality.

1. Get Rid of Insects and Pollutants

In one year, about 40 pounds of dust build up in an average home. That buildup contains dust mites and chemicals which can be hard on the welfare of the building. Commercial cleaning crews use powerful vacuums to remove and contain dust, mites, and other debris from the vents and the rest of the ventilation system.

2. Improve Indoor Air Quality

Many things impact the comfort and indoor environment of your home. These factors include inconsistent temperature, low air circulation, and clogged ventilation systems. You may have noticed that it's harder to keep up with dust removal; this is an indication that the air quality in your home has been impacted by dirty ducts.

3. Increase HVAC Efficiency

As ventilation ducts become full of dust and dirt, the path of heated and cooled air becomes smaller, decreasing the efficiency of the entire HVAC system. With that buildup removed, more air passes through the system and the HVAC equipment doesn't have to work as hard. Clean, open ducts make it easier for you to maintain a consistently comfortable temperature throughout your home.

4. Save Money on Monthly Bills and Equipment Upkeep

As property owners consider any financial investment in maintenance and upkeep, it's important they understand the value of those tasks. Keeping the ducts and vents clean results in savings on monthly utility bills and reduced repair and replacement costs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, proper HVAC system maintenance substantially reduces the percent of wasted energy in the home.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Many industry experts recommend having the ducts cleaned every three to five years. Depending on the traffic through and the immediate environment surrounding your home, you may want to increase the frequency of commercial cleaning. When you decide to schedule commercial duct cleaning, be sure to choose a cleaning company that is dependable and reputable. The well-trained technicians at West Valley City, UT, SERVPRO are Here to Help and are ready to provide the high-quality results you expect. There's no reason to delay your improved comfort and the financial savings of professional duct and ventilation cleaning.

Which Commercial Cleaning Services Does SERVPRO Offer?

9/23/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has a professional and qualified team to give the customer the best service.

First impressions are important for any business. Whether you have property damage or normal wear and tear commercial cleaning can be critical for restoring your business's appearance. SERVPRO franchises offer a variety of services that can make it “Like it never even happened.”

Services Offered by SERVPRO

SERVPRO offers a variety of cleaning services to meet the needs of businesses. With over 40 years in the business, award-winning training, and more than 100 exclusive cleaning products, we have the skill and expertise to provide cleaning services to many types of businesses:

• Education facilities
• Retail facilities
• Healthcare facilities
• Foodservice facilities
• Property management
• Hospitality facilities

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

The CDC recommends that businesses clean high-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs, keyboards, and workstations to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. SERVPRO's certified clean service is a defensive cleaning program designed to make it easier for businesses to operate safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. This viral pathogen-cleaning program goes beyond what your regular janitorial staff can do and is based on our Consult, Clean, and Certify model.

Our professionals start by discovering the unique needs of your space. They then perform an expert deep clean using our proprietary EPA-approved, hospital-grade cleaning solutions. All cleaning plans are tailored to your needs and conform to CDC standards. Finally, we provide a window shield and digital emblems so that your customers in West Valley City, UT, know that your business is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Commercial Building Restoration Services

The SERVPRO team is an expert at providing restoration services for water and fire damage. Our franchises are available to you 24 hours a day to get your business operational as soon as possible. As part of this service, we can restore electronics, dry documents, and provide mold remediation services. Additionally, we can remove smoke damage and odors, provide storm cleanup services and assist with disaster recovery.

Commercial Building Cleaning Services

Whether you need odor removal, carpet cleaning, or deep cleaning of your flooring, our commercial cleaning service can help. Our professionals work hard to complete the job correctly the first time and respond quickly to make sure your business looks its best. We offer both office and industrial cleaning services.

Specialty Cleaning Services

In addition to our standard cleaning services, we offer a range of services to address the specific needs of various industries. Our professionals can clean restaurant hoods, remove biohazard contaminants, and clean air ducts and HVAC units. We can also deep clean upholstery and carpets, floors, ceilings, and walls, restore documents, remove odors, and clean drapes and blinds. Additionally, we can safely clean sewage spills, perform trauma and crime scene cleanup and deal with vandalism.

With more than 1,700 national franchises, SERVPRO is uniquely positioned to meet your commercial cleaning needs. Our professionals are ready to serve you 24 hours a day and seven days a week. We are a preferred vendor for many local and national insurance companies. Whether you need to ensure your space is safe during the pandemic or restore it after a disaster, SERVPRO is ready to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Benefits of Professional Sewer Repair

7/26/2021 (Permalink)

To clean pipes without damage them must be used some specific products.

Insurance providers often see sewer damage claims from commercial property owners. One clogged drain can cause a lot of problems for the whole building. While chemical drain cleaners claim to tackle the problem, they're no match for a serious clog and can often do more damage than good in the long run. Your clients in West Valley City, UT, are better off using professional plumbing and sewer damage mitigation services such as those offered by SERVPRO.

Pipe Protection

A drain cleaner is typically made of one of three types of chemicals:

• Acid
• Oxidizing
• Caustic

While the specific cleaners used may vary, the outcome is typically the same. The chemicals produce heat to break down the materials and clear the pipe. If the problem is only a small blockage, a one-time use will likely clear the clogged drain. If chemical cleaners get trapped in the pipes, however, they can actually damage the pipe without clearing the clogged drain.

Damage Mitigation

A persistent clog is likely to eventually lead to a backup of the sewer into your client's building. If this happens, the business owner will need a reliable mitigation company to sanitize and restore the structure. SERVPRO is a preferred vendor for many insurance providers because it has teams throughout the country. Franchises that meet the rigorous standards set by corporate are fast, efficient, and thorough when it comes to the sewage cleaning process.

Environmental Safety

Another benefit of professional intervention over DIY drain cleaners is the potential effects on the environment. Anything poured down a drain has the potential to affect the water supply. Experts use methods and equipment that minimize this impact.

It may seem to make sense to use a chemical cleaner to fix a clogged drain, but this action can actually cause your clients more trouble than it resolves. By referring them to reliable sewer damage experts, you can help them avoid further damage and expense.

How To Repair a Leaking Toilet

7/26/2021 (Permalink)

Repair the leaks will prevent different damage caused by water.

Most household toilets are durable pieces of equipment that can withstand regular use for decades, with a minimum amount of maintenance. However, parts can wear out or come loose, leading to a leaking toilet. If your toilet has begun to leak, it is important to take steps to repair it, before it causes more damage.

Identify the Problem

The most common cause of a leak from the bottom of an old toilet is the failure of the wax seal. However, leaks can also be caused by other things:

• Loose supply tube
• Cracked tank
• Broken shutoff valve
• Sweaty bowl

Remove the water from the floor with a mop, wet/dry vacuum, sponge, or towel, and then dry the toilet. If there is a lot of water, or the water has caused a mold or mildew problem, you may need to contact a water remediation company in West Valley City, UT. If the puddle forms again, check to see if it is coming from under the toilet or from somewhere else.

Fix the Leak

If the water is coming from the bottom of the toilet, you may be able to fix the leaking toilet by tightening the bolts that attach the toilet to the floor. To do this, use a slotted screwdriver or putty knife to remove the caps that cover the bolts and then tighten the bolts with a wrench. Avoid applying excessive pressure, because this can crack the toilet. If this doesn't stop the leak, you may need to replace the wax seal. Replacing the seal is a more complicated toilet repair that involves removing the toilet. While you can do it yourself, you may want to contact a plumber instead.

Water from a leaking toilet can cause severe damage to your floor and lead to mold growth. It is important to repair leaks as soon as you discover them to avoid unnecessary damage.

SERVPRO Helps Communities Recover From Natural Disasters

6/22/2021 (Permalink)

Basement flooded.

When disaster strikes an entire community, each insurance claim is joined by hundreds of others. For the insurance agent covering your West Valley City, UT, home, this means hours of effort to work through detailed paperwork. SERVPRO serves insurance companies and homeowners by offering a claims inventory system that cuts through home cleanup and repair confusion, simplifying the completion of claims for agents.

The Claims Inventory System in Action

A single insurance agent, entire firms, and claims adjusters can all use the claims inventory system to complete their paperwork more quickly. Trusted cleanup, restoration, and mitigation companies provide data, estimates, and pertinent information to the inventory. The information is then made available to professionals in the following ways:

• An organized collection of claims, arranged by damage type as well as by type of loss.
• Reviewed files for each individual homeowner.
• Regional and national repair and reconstruction cost comparisons
• Recorded response times.

While you're waiting for news about your own insurance claim, insurance personnel are sorting through the details of many homeowners' claims. The inventory makes it quick and easy for professionals to access repair estimates, client details, service options, and other pertinent information.

Actions You Can Take While Waiting

While your insurance agent is at work on your claim, there are some steps you can take to speed up the process. These include gathering documentation, such as copies of your insurance information and proof of homeownership. It's also important that you document all damages. Use written records and photographic evidence as much as possible. Although you probably don't want to work on repairs that property damage restoration professionals will cover, you should board up or tarp any openings that would expose your home to further damages.

Community Partners Working Together

There are many ways that SERVPRO works to improve property restoration in West Valley City, UT. The claims inventory system is one example of these efforts, speeding up the results of your insurance claim, so you can get back to your desired routine.

Black Mold Growth in West Valley City

5/6/2021 (Permalink)

Visible mold growth

Mold growth that is visible may appear like an undeniable indication of a mold problem.

However, some individuals don't see little signs of mold development or they believe it's simply residue or smudged dirt. Now and then individuals basically overlook unmistakable black mold in their West Valley City, UT home.

On the off chance that you can see mold growth, regardless of whether it's just little, you should call a remediation company quickly.

Little mold patches can spread quickly.

Visible mold in your home is enough evidence to determine a problem. In the event that you don't deal with the mold problem right away, it will soon turn into a more concerning issue. Obvious mold and mildew growth could likewise be an indication that there is a substantially bigger mold problem that could be hiding in full colonies behind walls.

At times you won't not understand there is mold in your home, particularly on the off chance that it doesn't quite look normal. Some mold development looks white and string like. Other forms show up as bunches of little dark spots. They can be dark-brown, light-brown, green or even a dark-green shade.

Damage Repair Due to a Faulty Toilet

4/30/2021 (Permalink)

Replace a leaking toilet to avoid further damage.

When your clients' homes flood due to leaking toilets, it may be difficult to understand the details of their claims. There is a reason that SERVPRO is a preferred vendor for many providers. The Claims Information Center gives you and the homeowners you serve in West Valley City, UT, all the information you need to issue an honest and fair payout.

Leaking Toilet Repair

Find the Source

The first step in fixing a leak is figuring out its source. A toilet leak can come from several places:

• Overflowing bowl
  
• Leaky Supply line
  
• Cracked tank
  
• Unsealed base
  

The reason it's important to find the source is that it helps water damage mitigation experts determine the contamination level of the water, which can affect how much it costs to repair the damage. It also determines the type of toilet repair your clients need. In many cases, a leaking toilet can be fixed by replacing the supply line or tightening the bolts at the base. If this doesn't work, however, other steps have to be taken.

Remove the Toilet

While homeowners' policies may not cover the repair of the old toilet, you want them to be able to fix the problem quickly so that no more water damage is done to the home. They or a qualified plumber will likely need to remove the toilet to replace the broken seal underneath it. If the seal itself isn't the problem, they should keep the water valve shut off to the toilet until it can be replaced.

Replace the Toilet

Once the source of the leak has been repaired, the toilet just needs to be put back in place. A certified plumber can ensure that the job is done properly so that no further water damage occurs.

No matter how much damage a leaking toilet causes, SERVPRO's CIC keeps you and your client informed about the repairs that are needed and the subsequent expenses. Choosing SERVPRO as your preferred vendor ensures efficient, excellent service.

Mold damage Remediation

2/25/2021 (Permalink)

Baseboard mold damage.

Any home or business can quickly become infested with mold with the introduction of a water source, like a roof or plumbing leak. Mold can spread throughout a property in as little as 48-72 hours, and can produce allergens and irritants that have the potential to cause other health effects.

If you suspect that your home or business has a mold problem, SERVPRO Of West Valley City can inspect and assess your property. If mold is found, we have the training, equipment, and expertise to handle the situation.

Understanding Mold

Microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere, outdoors and indoors, making it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy.

Consider the following mold facts: 

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air, and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or on a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor which can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

Water Damage in West Valley City

2/25/2021 (Permalink)

Broken pipe leading to water damage in West Valley City, UT.

Water damages happen quite frequently in the West Valley City area. The most common that we see are from failed supply lines from a toilet or fridge.

When experiencing a water loss in your home you should first:

• Shut off the water
• Remove furniture from the area
• Call your insurance agent
• Call SERVPRO for a free consultation or emergency services

When dealing with a water loss from a broken supply line or pipe it is considered a Category 1 or clean water source. Most of your building materials that are wet will be salvaged and restored to pre loss conditions.

About SERVPRO

SERVPRO of West Valley City has a quick response time. All our technicians are background checked and are certified through the IICRC. Their certifications range from Water Restoration Technician, Applied Structural Drying, Commercial Drying Specialist, and Applied Microbial Remediation Technician.