Water Damage Cleanup Should Begin Quickly After a Flood

12/8/2022 (Permalink)

Flood water contains bacteria. It becomes more contaminated as time passes.

Why is "Time" Important During Water Damage Restoration?

When a structure has a water flooding event, the EPA says it is vital to begin the restoration process within 48 hours or less because wetness in an indoor environment can produce bacteria growth and cause secondary damage. Secondary damage is damage to contents caused by the elevated indoor humidity caused by flooding. Paper, leather, and other materials may be ruined by excessive moisture. High humidity can also cause problems such as potential mold growth. If the structure already had mold colonies before the recent flooding event, the elevated humidity often stimulates the existing mold to grow and spread its spores. Even if no mold colonies are present before the flooding event, there are already mold spores in the indoor air. These spores can settle on wet building materials and begin to grow. Many studies indicate that mold spores can start to grow in a damp, high-humidity (60% RH and above) as quickly as three to five days. That is why it is imperative to begin mitigation (stop and contain the damage) as soon as possible. Mitigation and restoration companies, such as SERVPRO of Yuma, believe it is best to begin extracting water and drying a wet structure whenever possible within hours of the flooding event. 

Standing water on a floor may be from a clean water source, such as a bathroom sink overflow, or the water may have come from a sewage backup referred to as blackwater. It is easier to extract and dry up "clean water" than to clean up and dry "blackwater." Don't worry; competent mitigation companies like ours will employ the proper techniques and equipment for each type of water damage regardless of the size and extent of the damage.

Please, do yourself a favor; if your property suffers a severe sewage backup, don't attempt to clean it up yourself. Sewage often contains bacteria and nasty chemicals.

Safety Tips For Victims of Water Damage:

- Wet floors are a slip hazard

- Wet structures may present an electrocution risk

- When a room is wet, check inside closets and opposite walls for additional wetness

- Remove books, papers, boxes, and clothing away from wet areas

- Don't attempt to clean up serious sewage spills

- Don't procrastinate in calling for professional help

SERVPRO of Yuma has solved hundreds of water damage problems at homes, businesses, schools, churches, hospitals, and other locations. We will be there 24/7 should you ever need our services. 928-247-1180

Can a Person Have Confidence That A wet Building Can be Dried?

12/8/2022 (Permalink)

Even a small pipe leak can create substantial flooding if it is not repaired promptly.

Modern Restorative Drying Techniques available to Yuma Property Owners are Effective

When portions of a structure become wet it is essential to dry the affected structural materials quickly and thoroughly. How can the property owner know if the restoration company that “dried” the wet building did an excellent job and was able to dry the hidden moisture?

The drying equipment and techniques used by SERVPRO of Yuma are designed to help us apply the scientific drying standards established by the IICRC (the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification.)  These standards are based on several decades of research at test centers and data collected from thousands of jobs. Our employees have graduated from IICRC-certified training programs that teach the standards of care for various water damage situations, including the severity of the “flooding”.

Here are three circumstances to consider:

1. There are certain flood situations where dehumidifying the damp indoor air will be adequate for drying the damp structural materials.

2. In hidden spaces, dehumidified air can be pumped into the wet cavities in the structure by using small tubes and air pumps. Other tubes can be inserted into these cavities to exhaust the damp air by way of vacuum pumps.

3. In other cases, the penetration of water into certain building materials may require that the wet materials be removed by way of controlled demolition In other cases, the penetration of water into certain building materials may require that the wet materials be removed by way of controlled demolition.

Qualified restoration technicians at SERVPRO of Yuma know when to use surface drying techniques, when to use penetration (inner wall) drying, and when controlled demolition is required.

However, the question remains, is it dry?

Using the correct restorative techniques and technology is essential, however, how do we know if the systems worked? Is the structure dry?

Some moisture meters, humidity sensors, and thermal image cameras can detect hidden moisture. These advanced tools are available for the property damage recovery industry. Our SERVPRO technicians use these tools to monitor the moisture reduction from the first day on the job through drying and to job completion.

A customer should feel confident about the drying results when SERVPRO of Yuma has produced the restorative drying process. Furthermore, SERVPRO work orders and contracts provide written guarantees for our customers.

Our goal is always to do the job right and have satisfied customers.  For your water damage and other property damage needs, please call SERVPRO of Yuma at 928-247-1180

How to Prevent Water Damage in Your Home

12/8/2022 (Permalink)

Sweeping up and or extracting excess water is often the first step in water mitigation.

There are Several Ways to Prevent Water Damage

Water damage is one of the most common and costly problems to affect a home. The good news, there are ways to maintain a home to prevent water damage problems from happening.

1. Remove outdoor plants and trees that are near water and sewage pipes
2. Remove hoses from outdoor faucets when a freeze is anticipated
3. Clean your gutters and downspouts frequently
4. Push rain runoff away from the foundation (especially door and garage entries)
5. Have sandbags ready if your home is in a potential flood zone
6. If you use a sump pump, make sure it is in good working order
7. Inspect your windows for water leaks
8. Look at your roof, or have it professionally inspected
9. Install an intelligent water main shutoff valve

ADDITIONAL TIPS:

• Install smart water sensors
• Inspect appliances that use water/ keep them in good repair
  1. Washing machines
  2. Dishwashers
  3. Ice makers
  4. Water-heaters  
• Know where your main water shutoff is located
• Know how to shut off specific water valves to toilets, sinks, etc.

 The Importance of the Water Main:

Plumbing experts say that the water main shutoff may be the most crucial plumbing feature in the entire house. Your water main supplies water to the other pipes throughout your entire house. Knowing where to shut off the water will minimize any damage if you experience a plumbing emergency inside your home.

It is also a great idea to shut off your water main if you leave your home for an extended period.

Maintain Appliances:

Appliances are the most common cause of in-home water damage. Check and maintain your appliances regularly for leaks according to the manufacturer’s directions. A water supply hose typically has a life expectancy of about five years. Replace yours regularly to avoid a mighty mess and expensive damage.

Install Water Detection Devices:

A water detector is a small electronic device that sounds an alarm when its sensor is in contact with moisture. Install it near water heaters, sump pumps, washing machines, dishwashers, and toilets to prevent extensive damage.  Some of the most advanced sensors can be connected to WIFI to send an alert signal to a smartphone. These devices are available at hardware stores and online retailers.

For more information about water damage and how to prevent it, please visit 123HELP.

Accidents Happen:

Even with the best planning and maintenance, a home may suffer from a water damage emergency. If that happens, SERVPRO of Yuma provides water damage restoration services 24/7. We are just a phone call away… 928-247-1180

Los Básicos de Restauración después de Daño por Agua.

9/9/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Yuma 24 horas / 7 dias.

Porqué es tan importante el “tiempo” durante un incidente de Restauración después de Daño por Agua?

Cuando hay un incidente de inundación en una estructura, la EPA (Agencia de Protección Ambiental/Environmental Protection Agency) ha determinado que es vital comenzar con el proceso de restauración dentro de las primeras 48 horas o menos, porque la humedad puede causar que bacteria crezca y cause daño secundario.  Se le llama “daño secundario” al daño a los artículos en su hogar causados por los altos niveles de humedad causados por la inundación.  Materiales como papel, piel y otros materiales, se pueden arruinar por los niveles elevados de humedad en el interior de su hogar.  Altos niveles de humedad pueden causar problemas como crecimiento de moho. Si la estructura ya contenía colonias de moho antes del evento de inundación, los niveles elevados de humedad usualmente estimulan el moho existente y promueve la propagación de sus esporas.  Aún cuando no hay colonias de moho presente antes de el evento de inundación, podría ya haber esporas de moho en el aire.  Estas esporas se pueden desarrollar en un edificio mojado más fácilmente y comenzar a crecer.

Muchos estudios indican que las esporas de moho pueden desarrollarse en un área de humedad elevada (60% RH o más) en tan poco como de tres a cinco días.  Por eso es muy importante iniciar con la mitigación (detener y contener el daño) tan pronto como sea possible.  De hecho, compañías de mitigación y restauración como SERVPRO de Yuma East, Foothills, creen que siempre es mejor comenzar a extraer agua y secar una estructura mojada dentro de las primeras horas después del incidente de inuncación, siempre que sea posible. 

El agua estancada en un piso puede proveer de una fuente de “agua limpia”, como un derrame sobre un lavabo de baño, o el agua puede proveer de una cañería de drenaje, que normalmente se denomina “blackwater”. Es bastante más fácil extraer y secar “agua limpia” que limpiar y secar “blackwater.” No se preocupe, en compañías competentes de mitigación como la nuestra, utilizamos las técnicas adecuadas y el equipo correspondiente para cada tipo de daño por agua, independientemente del tamaño y el alcance del daño.

Por favor, si su propiedad sufre un daño por agua proveniente de un drenaje, no trate de limpiarlo usted mismo.  Los drenajes por lo regular contienen bacterias y productos químicos repugnantes.

Consejos de Seguridad para Víctimas de un Incidente de Daño por Agua:

- Los pisos mojados son resbalosos

- Las estructuras mojadas pudieran presenter un riesgo de electrocución

- Cuando un cuarto esté mojado, revise el interior de los closets, y las paredes del lado opuesto a las dañadas para revisar si hay humedad adicional

- Retire todos los libros, papeles, cajas y ropa de las áreas mojadas

- No intente limpiar usted mismo agua proveniente de un drenaje

- No vacile en llamar para pedir ayuda professional

SERVPRO de Yuma East, Foothills,ha resuelto cientos de problemas por daño de agua en casa, negocios, escuelas, Iglesias, hospitals y otras ubicaciones.  Estamos para servirle 24 horas/7 días por semana por si necesita de nuestros servicios.  Sólo llámenos al: 928-247-1180

• Los pisos mojados son resbalosos
• Las estructuras mojadas pudieran presenter un riesgo de electrocución
• Cuando un cuarto esté mojado, revise el interior de los closets, y las paredes del lado opuesto a las dañadas para revisar si hay humedad adicional
• Retire todos los libros, papeles, cajas y ropa de las áreas mojadas
• No intente limpiar usted mismo agua proveniente de un drenaje
• No vacile en llamar para pedir ayuda professional

SERVPRO de Yuma East, Foothills,ha resuelto cientos de problemas por daño de agua en casa, negocios, escuelas, Iglesias, hospitals y otras ubicaciones.  Estamos para servirle 24 horas/7 días por semana por si necesita de nuestros servicios.  Sólo llámenos al: 928-247-1180