Smell Something Funny? It Might Be Water Damage

9/20/2021 (Permalink)

Do you know when to be worried about a funny smell? Most new homeowners are not water damage specialists, but the human nose is an excellent tool for sniffing out trouble.

The sooner you notice a problem, the sooner you can call us to help mitigate ongoing damages. When you notice a problem, a highly trained SERVPRO professional can assess the extent of your damages. We can use our specialized equipment to remedy the issue fast.

What should you keep an eye out for when you do your regular cleaning? Start at the top. When looking for roof damages, obvious water stains aren't the only problem. Swollen insulation is usually an indication of water retention. Check your flashing (where the roof meets the walls) for cracks and look for missing shingles as well as more obvious signs like holes. Look at door frames and molding. Unusual stains or dark spots on the walls can mean trouble.

Inside, make sure you check your appliances after you move in to be certain they are not leaking where you cannot see easily behind them. Cracked hoses and loose connections can be tricky. Ripples, buckling, and changes in texture can tell you the flooring has a water problem. Remember to trust your nose. If it smells wrong, it probably is.

Outside water damages and mold are often caused by improper drainage. Check your spouts to see that they are clear and make sure you do not have water pooling around the foundation of your new home. At the first sign of damage, you can call SERVPRO.

No one wants to find water damage in their new home. If you do, SERVPRO of Fresno NE/Shaver Lake is available at 559-797-4041 24 hours a day. We can make things “Like it never even happened,” so you can relax in your new house.

Water Category Affects Treatment Plans

9/9/2021 (Permalink)

Not all water damage is the same!

To most homeowners in the Fresno NE/Shaver Lake are, water damage is all the same. It is a nightmare situation that disrupts daily routines and makes life rather difficult. Depending on where the flooding or intruding water came from, treatment options can vary based off of contamination level.

The information below explains the main types of water damage and could help you identify the problem quickly if it ever happens to you.

Category One: Clear Water 

This water is the cleanest, most non-toxic form of water damage. It is potable water, perhaps directly from the tap. It is unlikely to cause you any harm, even if you are exposed for some time. Nevertheless, even clean flooding can lead to electrical and structural faults, so it is safer you to call in the experts for repairs. Clean water comes from things like a broken water supply line, tub or sink overflow with no contaminants, appliance malfunctions involving water-supply lines to name a few. However, once clean water leaves the exit point, it might not remain clean after contacting other surfaces or materials. Although it is considered the "safest" of the categories, it can degrade to category 2 or 3 if left untreated.

Category Two: Gray Water 

The Necessity of Professional Water Damage Services

9/3/2021 (Permalink)

The Necessity of Professional Water Damage Services

Dealing with water in your home or business can be disconcerting and understandably so. The thought of luxury furnishings soaking water in a flooded home or destruction of costly office machines is more than any property owner can bear. Couple that with the stress of claiming damages from an insurance company and the need for professional restoration services is apparent. Recovering from water damage is tedious, expensive, and dangerous if the right procedures are not followed. Water cleanup exercises demand a particular dedication and specialty, which a regular property owner may not possess. Investing in a restoration company offers distinct benefits.

Skilled Flood Damage Restoration

Mitigation of water damage has its share of complexities which increase with the severity of the situation. If a pipe break or a supply line break led to the flooding, the water cleanup crew has to factor in the malfunctioning plumbing system during the repairs. In the case of rain or storm damage, a building may have to contend with clogged gutters and overflowing downspouts. These aspects determine the necessary mitigation efforts. Flood damage cleanup companies train their workers on how to deal with such problems. Their experience and expertise allow them to apply the correct measures for drying a flooded home as efficiently as possible without posing any more inconveniences than necessary.

Fast Restoration Exercise

Every water cleanup company understands the need for urgency when dealing with a flooded home. It is why these teams work at a speedy pace to ensure that the destruction doesn’t result in any more losses. Restoration services conduct mitigation using established techniques and advanced equipment when clearing water in home and water in business. Flood damage can derail operations in an enterprise and make a home habitable. However, timely drying and clean up can reduce the waiting period considerably.

Expert Advice

Helpful tips from a qualified water cleanup professional go a long way in instances of water in home or water in business. Some cases of flood damage spin out of control because people don’t know how to detect when something is wrong. If there is a pipe break, for example, how should one respond? After the mitigation, a property owner should know how to transition safely to recovery. Professionals will also offer their take on how far the damage has spread. After a supply line break, a homeowner can learn if there is a need for repair or complete replacement of certain components.

Prevent Mildew and Mold Growth

Besides extracting water and drying surfaces, a restoration company will check every inch of a residential or commercial building for mold and mildew growth. When water damage is left unattended, it creates the perfect environment for microorganism like fungi to breed. Restoration professionals use machines to remove moisture completely, which eliminates the threat of mold and mildew. If the mold has already set in, the water cleanup team will conduct professional mold remediation to remove and treat the affected regions.

Decrease Losses

The longer a home or place of work goes without clean up after a pipe break or supply line break, the higher the losses get. A wall that may have required a few repairs if the restoration was immediate may have to be brought down due to extensive water damage. Loss of valuables especially sentimental items like photo albums and family heirlooms is another concern for a household dealing with a flooded home. When the cleanup crew responds right away after a reported flooding, it is possible to salvage some items and restore them. The damage caused to hardwood floors and carpets can also be contained through fast water extraction and drying. Decreasing the water exposure to a building preserves its structural integrity.

A reputable restoration company offers a range of services for customers suffering from water in home and water in business. Whether the flooding was due to a supply line break, leaking roof, or pipe break, a professional clean up team will fix the source and restore the property. A restoration company can also do remodeling if necessary.

Preventing Water Damage During a Vacation: What You Can Do

9/3/2021 (Permalink)

If you are going on vacation soon, you may be worried about what could happen if your home floods while you are away due to a water leak. You should try not to get too stressed out about this concern - there are several things you can do both to defend yourself against a flood and understand what options for remediation you would have if water pipe repair was required.

Prepare Yourself

If you know you are going to be away for some time, there are several things that you can do to help protect your home from a water-related disaster. Some of these actions include:

• Asking a friend, neighbor or family member to watch your house.
• Insulating external pipes (if it is cold outside).
• Cleaning and inspecting your sump pump, water hoses and gutters before you leave.
• Checking for leaks in water-based areas around your home.
• Turning off your water right before you go.

Taking action by following the advice above can help you avoid a flood and water pipe repair when you get home from your getaway.

What Might Happen

If a broken pipe floods your house while you are away, you may come home to find structural damage to various parts of your home. These could include floors, bathrooms and furniture, to name a few. Depending on how long the water has been sitting, it may be contaminated and require speedy removal.

Help is Available

You will hopefully be able to avoid a flood issue completely by following the preventative measures above. However, if you do come home from a relaxing trip only to find a flooded mess that will require water pipe repair, you will likely need to seek help from a water damage company, especially if highly contaminated water is involved. They will be able to understand what happened and what needs to be done to get everything back to a normal state as soon as possible.

A/C Water Damage

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

With the temperatures reaching well over 100 degrees for the past week our air conditioners have been working over time in the Fresno NE/Shaver Lake area. If air conditioner units are not properly maintained then you may be at risk for a water damage incident, especially with the current temperatures. An air conditioning system can collect up to 10-20 gallons of water daily. If the system is not working properly, either due to a clog or a drain, the unit will produce too much water and potentially cause water damage.  

Units are not typically in easily accessed place, so water damage may be occurring unbeknownst to the owner. This can result in costly mold damage that can affect an entire home. Follow these tips to help maintain your unit and prevent water damages in your home:

1. Consider having a professional air conditioning repair service to clean the condensation line at least once a year or every six months if the AC system is used on a year-round basis. 
2. Make sure to change the air filter every month. By changing the air filter monthly, it gives you the opportunity to check whether there is excessive moisture collecting on the condensation line. 
3. It is important to regularly check to see that water is indeed flowing from the opening of the condensation line directly to the drain as it was designed to do, especially during periods of very high humidity.

If you experience a water damage at your home or business call SERVPRO of Fresno NE/Shaver Lake at 559-797-4041.

Category 3 Water Loss? This is What You Should Know

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

What You Should Know About Category 3 Water Cleanup

Not all water is the same. In fact, some are just outright disgusting. Blackwater, the third category of impact, is one form that you simply don't want to have anything to do with. It's a filthy mess, full of microbes that love to invade your home, taking up residence in anything porous. Residents in the Fresno NE/Shaver Lake area, should be aware of what it is and why it needs immediate attention.

1. It's Heavy in Bacteria
This liquid arrives in your space via an outside source. It's considered black, dirty, because it's contaminated from other places, picking up bacterial and fungal spores as it makes its way into your home. Therefore, this category may arise from rivers, streams, or oceans. This is common during a flash flood or severe weather system such as a hurricane where the water rises quickly. In addition, sewage cleanup also appears in this category. If the line backs up from outside or inside, you could see an overflow from a toilet or a pipe backup. All of these situations prove problematic, leaving you with a house full of growth.

2. It Is a Breeding Ground for Mold
Left alone, your space would not only begin to smell from lingering fluid, but the black water microbes find locations to reproduce. Breeding within 24 to 48 hours, homeowners don't have much time to waste. Very quickly a contamination can move to various spaces via the air ducts. Contact a water restoration company that can assist in establishing a border using negative air chambers, thus stopping the spread.

3. It Requires Drying and Extraction
Products such as bleach and vinegar are often used for cleaning; however, they aren't enough for category 3 flooding. These cleaners don't penetrate the objects. The best method is to dry up the impacted rooms and remove anything saturated. During this stage, the carpets, baseboards, and even drywall are torn out.
Don't mess with black water. When exposure occurs, seek aid from professionals, and be prepared to get rid of polluted items.

For help with any type of water damage give SERVPRO of Fresno NE/Shave Lake a call at 559-797-4041.

Water Damage Timeline

7/29/2020 (Permalink)

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 

559-797-4041

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

It's the Water You Don't See

7/29/2020 (Permalink)

Even small water damages have the potential to cause serious structural and indoor air quality issues over time. The key to avoiding costly future restoration is to handle every water problem as a real threat to your property. SERVPRO of Fresno Northeast / Shaver Lake has the equipment, training and experience to find and dry unseen water before secondary damages occur. The proper equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing the damage expense during a fire or water loss. When time matters, technology and equipment must be counted on to perform. Your local SERVPRO of Fresno Northeast / Shaver Lake will answer your call with fast action and a full arsenal of drying equipment. From evasive & non-evasive moisture meters, air movers and dehumidifiers,too  Ultra Low-Volume (ULV) Foggers that  atomize liquid deodorizing agents, producing a fine mist that can easily penetrate the site where odor-causing residues may accumulate. This device can also be used to inject fungicides and disinfectants into wall cavities and other hard-to-reach areas.

Water Restoration Process

7/29/2020 (Permalink)

When your home or commercial property has water damage from flooding or leaks, we have the expertise and equipment to properly restore your property. Our experience and scientific approach to water removal and water cleanup enable us to properly dry and restore your property.

Water or Flood Damage?
Call Today – (559) 797-4041
Every water damage event is a little different and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. You can click on any of the steps below to learn more about that process.

Step 1 - Emergency Contact
The restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will guide you through the crisis and may ask several questions to help us better understand the equipment and resources.

Step 2 - Inspection and Water Damage Assessment
We determine the scope of your water damage at this stage. We inspect and test to determine the extent of damage and how far the moisture has traveled to ensure proper and complete restoration.

Step 3 - Water Removal / Water Extraction
The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We use powerful pumps and vacuum units to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons from your property, which helps prevent secondary water damage and mold growth.

Step 4 - Drying and Dehumidification
We use specialized equipment to remove the remaining water that is harder to access. Our Professionals will use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers needed to dry your home or business.

Step 5 - Cleaning and Sanitizing
We clean all of the restorable items and structures damaged by the water. We are adept at cleaning contents using a number of techniques. Our professionals are trained to provide sanitizing treatments and to remove odors and deodorize your property.

Step 6 - Restoration
Restoration is the process of restoring your home or business to its pre-water damage condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall and installing new carpet, or may entail major repairs, such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Vacations Could Mean Unexpected Water!

7/29/2020 (Permalink)

Looking forward to your getaway trip?

• Dog Walker Scheduled         
• Mail On Hold 
• Neighbor Watching The House 

But, have you ever thought to turn off your water?  Should you?  The answer is YES.  A simple drip of water will add $ to your water bill and a minor pipe leak has the potential of flooding your home while you are away.

Be safe, not sorry where water is concerned.  An unexpected flood can cause hundreds (or thousands) of dollars in damages to your home.

If you have ever experienced the nightmare of water-soaked belongings, quick immediate action is needed to get to the problem, rid your home of the water and restore your house “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Fresno Northeast / Shaver Lake also proudly serves the following communities:

• Clovis
• Bakersfield
• Madera
• Merced
• Shaver Lake
• Visalia
• Huntington
• Bass Lake
• Coarsegold
• Sanger
• Selma
• Kingsburg
• Tulare

Water Saving Tips For This Summer

7/29/2020 (Permalink)

Every state is experiencing the effects of drought, and saving water is on everyone’s mind these days. We waste a lot of water; our showers are too long, and we are often obsessed with an emerald green lawn. We need to change the way we handle and view water and leave behind the outdated and inefficient water management systems of the past.

Here are some tips that will help you save water this summer. Your water bill will be reduced, and you can save yourself some time into the bargain as well as doing some good for the Earth.

1. Water your yard in the cool parts of the day. Water evaporates more quickly when it’s hot, so run your irrigation system while it’s most likely to stay with your lawn. Make sure you are not watering your sidewalk or your driveway, too. A drip system works quite well in this respect. Replacing your thirsty lawn with a drought tolerant garden would be a great way to save water, and it won’t have to be mowed every week!
2. Check for leaky toilets. Put a few drops of food coloring into the tank. If the color shows up in the bowl, your tank is leaking, and could be wasting up to 100 gallons of water a day!
3. Take shorter showers. Trimming just two minutes off of your showers can save up to 1700 gallons of water a year. One way to do this is to turn off the shower while you shave or soap up. Install water-efficient shower heads, toilets, and faucets for a savings of thousands of gallons per year as well.
4. Cover the pool. Make sure the water in your pool stays there by covering it when you are not using it. This will prevent water loss by evaporation.
5. Use a car wash. When you are washing your car by hand can easily use 100 gallons of water, and takes a lot of time and effort, as well. Commercial car washes average 40 gallons or less!
6. Trap rain water. Collect the water from summer rain storms by getting a water barrel. You can reuse this water for your garden. Green roofs, rain gardens, and other water-saving techniques are called green infrastructure and go a long way towards saving this most precious resource. More and more landowners and city governments are choosing to invest in these and other innovative strategies as ways to save water, reduce pollution, and save millions, and even billions, in costs for new water tanks, tunnels, and other traditional water infrastructures.

Category 3 Water Damage

7/29/2020 (Permalink)

There are many water sources that contribute to your water damage, and they are classified as Category 1 (Clean Water), Category 2 (Gray Water), and Category 3 (Black Water). Out of the three categories, category 3 is the most unsanitary type of water damage. 

Flood water is one source of unsanitary water in a home or business.  This is something to be aware of as we enter hurricane season.  But the most common source of category 3 water is a sewer back up. Any porous materials that come in contact with the contaminated water should be removed and disposed. This includes carpet, carpet pad, and drywall.

Our water technicians are all IICRC certified and trained and know what to do, and the steps to take, in cleaning up category 3 water.  We know how stressful water damage can be, and they are there to help guide you through any water situation that you encounter.

Remember, the sooner you mitigate your water damage, the less chance you have of major repairs.  Give us a call at 559-797-4041 – we’re here to help!

Water Damage Timeline

7/21/2020 (Permalink)

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 

559-797-4041

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

Dry Rot from Water Damage

7/18/2019 (Permalink)

Rotted framing from a water damage

Here is a close up photo of a drain line and a bunch of rotted framing. A slow leak caused water damage and microbial growth on the framing of a home. We arrived on site and assessed the damage then removed all the sheet rock to expose the damaged framing and all of the affected sheet rock was then bagged and properly deposed of. We then disinfected the framing or replaced where it was needed. The insulation that was in the affected wall will always be removed and replaced due to the fact that it can hold mold spores and trap moisture in the walls. All of the work was done inside of a negative pressure containment area that was set up on site the first day.

Water Damage

6/21/2019 (Permalink)

lifting baseboards after water damage

The picture shown here is indicative of what happens when a water damage happens in the kitchen. Water often spreads into rooms and we have to dispatch a couple of trained employees to immediately remove the water and baseboards so further damage doesn't occur.The kitchen had a pipe break and it flooded the majority of the first floor of the house. Although there was not standing water, meaning it clearly went up the walls, it still got the baseboards and wall wet. Because of this it is very important to get baseboards off very quickly and use perforate the walls to make sure when we put fans up against the wall it gets behind the wall and drys it completely. Mold can grow and spread rather quickly so we take every step as directed by the IICRC standards to get the job done correctly.