Protecting Your Investment: How SERVPRO of Monterey Park's Water Damage Restoration Services Preserve the Value of Your Home

4/18/2024 (Permalink)

Protect Your Investment! Call Us Now @ (626) 656-6577

As a homeowner in Monterey Park, you understand the importance of protecting your investment. Your home is not just a place to live; it's a significant asset that requires care and maintenance to maintain its value. Unfortunately, water damage can threaten the integrity of your property and diminish its worth. Whether it's a burst pipe, a leaking roof, or a flood, water damage can cause structural issues, mold growth, and other costly problems.

In times of water damage crisis, you need a trusted partner who can help you preserve the value of your home. That's where SERVPRO of Monterey Park comes in. With their expertise in water damage restoration, they can mitigate the damage and restore your home to its preloss condition, ensuring that your investment remains protected.

Here's how SERVPRO of Monterey Park's water damage restoration services can preserve the value of your home:

1. Immediate Response: When water damage occurs, time is of the essence. That's why SERVPRO of Monterey Park offers a rapid response team available 24/7. They understand that every minute counts, and their swift arrival minimizes the extent of the damage, preventing further deterioration of your property.

2. Comprehensive Assessment: Upon arrival, SERVPRO of Monterey Park conducts a thorough assessment of the damage. They identify the source of the water intrusion, evaluate the extent of the damage, and develop a customized mitigation plan tailored to your specific needs.

3. Efficient Water Extraction and Drying: SERVPRO of Monterey Park utilizes advanced equipment and techniques to extract standing water from your property quickly and efficiently. Industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers are then used to dry out the affected areas completely, preventing mold growth and structural issues.

4. Professional Cleaning and Sanitization: Water damage can leave behind contaminants and odors that compromise indoor air quality and pose health risks. SERVPRO of Monterey Park's skilled technicians employ professional cleaning and sanitization techniques to remove harmful substances and eliminate odors, restoring your home to a safe and healthy condition.

5. Expert Restoration: Once the mitigation process is complete, SERVPRO of Monterey Park focuses on restoring your home to its preloss condition. Whether it's repairing damaged structures, replacing flooring and drywall, or restoring personal belongings, their team of experts is equipped to handle every aspect of the restoration process.

In conclusion, water damage can have devastating effects on your home's value. However, with SERVPRO of Monterey Park's water damage restoration services, you can rest assured that your investment is in good hands. Their prompt response, thorough mitigation, and expert restoration techniques help safeguard your property and preserve its value for years to come. When disaster strikes, trust SERVPRO of Monterey Park to protect what matters most – your home.

Water Damage Instructions

4/10/2024 (Permalink)

Identifying the source of water damage is crucial

Some of the most asked questions about water damage are 'what do I do in the event of water damage?' and 'who do I call when I have water damage?'. We are here to answer those questions a provide specific guidelines to any event of water damage.

Identifying and removing the source of water

Before restoring water damage, you have to identify the source of water first. Sometimes the source of water damage is apparent such as water leaking from a roof. First, try to shut off the water to mitigate further damages and then call your local plumber if the source of the water can't be identified or the water cannot be shut off. This is a crucial step in the process because water damage left unchecked can cause the worst damage to your surfaces and the structure of your home. Long term water damage can also lead to mold growth.

Repairing water damage and restoring your home

After shutting off the source of water, SERVPRO of Monterey Park comes into play. We are responsible for restoring your home back to its original state after the water damage has been done. As mentioned before, identifying the existence of water damage and the location of its source is important because the sooner that's done the less damage will be done to your home. SERVPRO of Monterey Park provides a free damage check to your home and water damage cost report so you don’t have to identify areas of damage yourself. After assessing the water damage, we will restore and replace everything caused by water damage. SERVPRO of Monterey Park covers all repairs from water damage repair so you don’t need to hire specific contractors for each type of structural damage. We also prioritize restoration over replacement so that’s less out of your pocket and we can help restore those irreplaceable valuables.

Getting Monterey Park Water Damage Cleanup Started Quickly

4/5/2023 (Permalink)

water damage in Monterey Park homes.

The Steps of Successful Water Damage Recovery

Water disasters and emergencies make up most of the house service calls our technicians respond to throughout the year. Anticipating these calls helps us stay alert for needed extraction, drying, and surface cleaning that might result from unexpected plumbing issues or flooding.

Monterey Park water damage cleanup should begin as soon as possible. Our professionals have a wealth of vehicles and restoration equipment that SERVPRO can use to improve conditions in your home quickly after disasters.

What Emergency Repairs Help?

Damages to your home can only worsen the longer property owners wait for experienced help to arrive. With the fast response of SERVPRO professionals 24/7, we can get vital emergency repairs underway to keep the situation from worsening and prevent larger-scale tear-out and reconstruction of the utilities and the structural systems within the residence. Emergency repairs can include demolition, eliminating sagging materials, and patching up damage to the plumbing network.

Getting Water Removal Services Underway

One of the earliest actions our professionals can take is to remove water damage with extraction devices. Water removal is critical in protecting flooring and other exposed materials, as pooling is a pressing issue that must get addressed immediately to preserve installed building materials and contents. Some of the tools used to complete this crucial stage of mitigation include:

• Electric submersible pumps
• Trash pumps
• Wet vacuums
• Truck-mount extractors

Standard Instruments for Thorough Drying

Drying is a universal need of all restoration plans that our SERVPRO team creates after losses from leaks, flooding, and other water threats. Using a combination of air movers and dehumidifiers, we can manage moisture and wet surfaces to protect installed building materials however possible.

Unique Drying Tools We Use

Sometimes more than the basic drying and restoration tools are needed to manage where the water damage has moved. Absorption and moisture migration are significant threats to structural elements, so specialty tools might be required to help like:

• Carpet Wands – Wet vacuums are among the most versatile restoration equipment to dry the home, including using carpet wands that provide focused extraction from carpets and padding.
• Weighted Roving Extractors – Using the weight of the technician for effectiveness, roving extractors press carpets and padding against the subflooring materials to force moisture to the surface for collection.
• Drying Mats – Large mats can get placed on wood plank flooring to draw out moisture through capillary suction.

Protecting Your Home from Secondary Damage

Water damage is often more than removing moisture from building materials and regulating humidity in the environment. Experienced professionals on our team must also address the potential for mold development in these moist conditions. Moisture and damp materials create a favorable environment for mold and microbial growth and spread. Wet, porous elements are excellent hosts for aggressive mold spores, allowing for a rapid and deep infestation that requires direct remediation actions to resolve. Regulating moisture and damp pockets helps to limit the possibilities of fungal colonization

When Are Repairs Needed?

Repairs and reconstruction are likely part of the restoration solution if your property suffers flooding and burst pipe damage. With an experienced roster of specialists under a general contractor license, we can complete these needed build-back services seamlessly after the restoration ends. Fast transitions between recovery phases help homeowners to get back to their properties more quickly following a disaster. The process often begins with material removal and controlled demolition, but can continue through utility repairs, rebuilding, and new construction needs.

Monterey Park water damage can devastate your home, making it vital for our professionals to respond quickly for mitigation and restoration services. You can count on our experienced SERVPRO of Monterey Park professionals to help 24/7 when you call (626) 656-6577.

Water Damage Repair Keeps Monterey Park Businesses from Closing

1/5/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO provides top-quality water damage restoration services in your area.

Erase Building Deficits with Water Damage Repair 

It only takes a little nick in a water line to bring about a massive inundation of water in your Monterey Park business over a long holiday weekend. Shop owners coping with plumbing emergencies typically need professional water damage repair services.

After you find standing water in your boutique in Monterey Park, water damage repair services can help you protect everything. We seal any leaks, including shutting the water off at the main valve. Even the smallest holes in an appliance's water supply line can widen and release even more water per minute because of the tremendous pressure inside your plumbing. After we close the main valve, the force that remains helps us find any additional leaks.

More than finding the leaks and shutting off the water main is needed to protect your business's future. SERVPRO also does the following to help keep things moving forward for you:

• Restoration of inventory and equipment,
• Cleaning and drying the interior, and
• Demolishing and rebuilding damaged walls, etc.

Even though water leaking into your store is clean, it can carry contaminants that easily ruin your purchased and manufactured goods. Your equipment can also become compromised from direct contact or elevated humidity levels that induce corrosion. We wipe surfaces clean while checking for signs of damage. We also compile an inventory list detailing restored items and things that were too destroyed for successful restoration.

One component we perform while we repair water-damaged shops involves cleaning the area of contaminants and silts that have accumulated and are now lifted to the surface by the water. Removing condensation and then drying everything helps prevent mold and more extensive destruction.

Pulling out cut-away sections of drywall and paneling allows for new materials. When flooring retains water, we use our InjectiDry system to combine heat and airflow to remove the excess moisture. With carpeting, we detach it and force air underneath. Once dry, we evenly stretch the section and refasten it to the tack strips.

Calling SERVPRO of Monterey Park at (626) 656-6577 when you need water damage repair means your business recovers faster.

Infestations Water Damage Restoration Fixes in Monterey Park

11/8/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO gives you access to expertly trained mold remediation specialists that put vast resources and years of experience to work for you.

SERVPRO Offers Monterey Park One-Stop Water Remediation

Water leaks may bother you because of the physical problems they cause, like slippery floors and the physical deterioration of materials. However, that is only part of the problem since your Monterey Park premises can develop other issues or may even be infested by unwanted critters.

Decisive water damage restoration at your Monterey Park home fixes or stops material deterioration and eliminates the infestation. SERVPRO provides the expertise to identify and address the problems at the earliest stages when it is easier to get solutions. 

Your home may develop these problems:

• Mold
• Insects
• Contamination
• Odors

One or two insects crawling along the floor may not be a big issue, but when you see hordes of them, you know it is time to take action. Moisture attracts different insects, including Silverfish, Centipedes, Earwigs, and cockroaches. Even extermination may only provide long-term relief if you resolve the moisture problem. 

Material Colonization

Moisture on structural materials like wood and contents made of fabrics creates the perfect opportunity for microbial growth and other forms of contamination. Microbial growth mostly manifests as mold, which can stain or leave rot-like deterioration. Some problems may be invisible, such as developing pungent odors and contamination. Various processes are necessary to address these issues, including halting microbial growth and removing invading substances. Our SERVPRO technicians have the essential equipment to facilitate these processes.

Necessary water restoration procedures:

• Cleaning
• Chemical application
• Water extraction
• Drying

Whether the water originates from a clean source or not, there is a need to clean all the affected surfaces. The moisture interacts with materials spreading loose dust and diluting fabric dyes leading to soiling. If there is contamination, our SERVPRO technicians use disinfectants to neutralize them. Other processes include extracting any standing water and drying wet materials.

SERVPRO of Monterey Park understands the need to handle water damage restoration comprehensively. Call us at (626) 656-6577 whenever your property needs attention. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

What To Do While Waiting For SERVPRO After Water Damage Strikes

8/4/2022 (Permalink)

A Water Damaged Home in Alhambra, CA. Call SERVPRO of Monterey Park @ 626-656-6577

SERVPRO of Monterey Park will be on the scene quickly after a water damage event, but while you are waiting for us to arrive, there are some things that you can do to prepare for the cleanup. 

Here is your to-do list:

• Safety assessment. This is the first order of business: making sure that affected areas are safe for anyone who may come in contact with them. If your flooring has been affected, you will want to ensure that it is safe to walk on in order to avoid slips, trips, and falls or a possible collapse. Look for exposed wiring, sharp edges, and sharp objects as well. Make sure everyone in your home or business are safe and accounted for, and see to any needs that may come up. 

• Take stock of the damage. Get your camera or smartphone out and take pictures of all the damaged areas and belongings. This will be helpful to have on hand for your insurance adjuster. Make a folder just for the water damage event, and keep all the photos there. If you need to, you can add descriptive notes as to what the area looked like before the event occurred, as well as any helpful notations that may seem important. 
• Insurance. Contact your agent and let them know what has happened. Ask them what they require to make their assessment, and provide them with whatever they ask for. Obtain a copy of your policy and make sure you have all the pages it should include. If the damage is extensive or if there have been injuries and you anticipate a claim being filed, contact an attorney who specializes in these kinds of events. 
• Dry it up. If you have safe premises, it will be a good idea to start the drying process if the event is not too big for you alone. Sweep water away from corners, for example, and mop up standing water. Move any affected machinery or furniture away from the areas that will be focused on if you can do so safely. 

The SERVPRO of Monterey Park is a team of water damage cleanup experts. We handle fire damage and mold remediation too!

Dishwasher and Water Damage

7/7/2022 (Permalink)

Damaged or loosen valves may cause the dishwasher to leak!

Dishwasher cause water damage when they leak. I am sure we have all seen little puddles of water on the floor from a leaking Dishwasher. But the bigger leaks, that you usually cannot see right away. That water could cause thousands of dollars of damage to cabinets and floors! Let us not forget to mention the risk of mold that water could cause!

Here are six reasons why your dishwasher could be leaking:

• Leaky Dishwasher Door
• Leaky Dishwasher Tub
• Damaged or Loose Valves
• Improper Alignment
• Wrong Dishwasher Detergent
• Overfilled Dishwasher

If such an incident happens to you, don’t let the sitting water cause more damage. Call SERVPRO of Monterey Park and our experts will take care of the rest!

Call Today @ (626) 656-6577

Water Heater - Hot Water Pipe Leak

7/7/2022 (Permalink)

One of the most basic dangers of a leaking water heater is the damage to the surrounding floor and walls.

There are generally 3 reasons to consider why a hot water pipe starts leaking:

1. There is increased water pressure in the tank
2. A faulty float valve
3. An overused washer

One of the most basic dangers of a leaking water heater is the damage to the surrounding floor and walls.  Again, it can lead to mold and even seep down into the foundation of the home and can weaken the foundation.  If water is coming from the water heater it has the potential to be dangerous and even deadly.  If gas is leaking near the water heater, the ignition flame can ignite the gas causing an explosion.  The water pressure heats and begins to build up pressure inside the tank which causes the explosion.  

We're here to help. Call SERVPRO of Monterey Park for immediate assistance.

(626) 656-6577

Water Loss and Extraction in Monterey Park, CA and Rosemead, CA

7/7/2022 (Permalink)

Extracting water at a local business... Do not hesitate to call us if your home or business becomes flooded!

Water is the single most long-term destructive substance in the indoor environment. It can dissolve or weaken building materials, damage floors and ceilings, and can also cause microbial growth if you don’t fix water damage quickly and professionally.

The first thing to do if you are dealing with water damage at your place of business is to remove the water immediately. The faster the water is extracted the less damage to the building structure and contents. In situations, this is not enough. Standing water from carpet, flooring and walls can cause permanent damage if not taken care of in a timely manner

Water extraction is used to assist in the prevention of microbial growth from expanding and growing. Extraction of water is also needed to keep floors from buckling. The dehumidifiers and air movers will be placed by the technicians in the necessary areas of the building.

Google us!

For further information, you may contact us at 626-656-6577. We are here to help!

Monterey Park Homeowners Trust SERVPRO With Their Water Damage Restoration

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

Drying Equipment Inside A Water Damaged Home in Monterey Park

Modern technology can significantly improve the outcome of water damage restoration of your Monterey Park home. SERVPRO techs use a perfect blend of traditional and contemporary equipment to speed up the drying and reduce long-term damage after a water incident. 

What makes SERVPRO so efficient during water damage restoration of your Monterey Park home goes beyond the advanced equipment we use. Our techs understand the science behind the process and spend countless hours training to use specific pieces of equipment, making them experts.

How do SERVPRO Techs Use Heat in the Water Cleanup of Monterey Park Homes?   

A heat and air exchange drying system involves using an indirect fired furnace to heat the airspace of your Monterey Park property. Heating the indoor air can speed up the drying process by:

• Increasing the humidity ratio of the air 
• Allowing the surface moisture layer to evaporate
• Decrease the vapor pressure, promoting evaporation of water from wet material

Call SERVPRO of Monterey Park at (626) 656-6577. Our techs are available around the clock to answer your questions. 

Where Should You Look For Water Leaks?

4/12/2022 (Permalink)

Call us now for a full inspection

It can be overwhelming to find water damage on your property. 

To get started, here are five familiar places to find water leaks:

1. Water Heaters

Water heaters leak all the time, especially when they are old. About 70% of all failures have been the result of a leak or burst. 

2. Toilets

Toilets are the appliance that passes the most amount of water each day. In this situation, turn off the main water switch and inspect the tank. You may have to call a plumber, depending on the severity of the problem. 

3. Water Pipes

Leaky pipes are one of the leading causes of water damage. One of the scariest thoughts is that most pipes are hidden, often leading to hidden water damage until it has seeped through the building materials and is noticeable through walls and floors. Be sure to have a licensed plumber inspect them every so often to prevent any potential water damage.

 4. Gutters

While many sources of water damage occur within the home, external issues, like blocked gutters, also cause for concern. With every fall and spring, hire a professional or clear away the debris from the gutters yourself to allow water to flow freely away from the foundation. 

5. Sinks and Showers

Similar to washing machines and refrigerators, tubs and showers are among the most common sources of water damage.

Call SERVPRO of Monterey Park for an inspection.

626-656-6577

Monterey Park 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

4/6/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Monterey Park provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Monterey Park

SERVPRO of Monterey Park is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 626-656-6577

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Monterey Park has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Monterey Park

SERVPRO of Monterey Park specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Monterey Park Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

4/6/2022 (Permalink)

Flooded home basement? We're here to help!

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - 626-656-6577

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Monterey Park and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help 626-656-6577

How To Handle A Sudden Pipe Burst In The Kitchen

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

Burst Supply Line Under Sink

Steps To Take After a Pipe Burst

You come home to find a geyser in your kitchen causing minor flooding. What do you do? Obviously, you hop on the internet and look for the answer. Well, you’re in luck. Below are the initial steps you should take after a pipe break in your kitchen.

1. Shut Off the Water

To stop a faucet from spewing water in the home, you should immediately shut off the valves under the sink. By turning off the valves, you cut off the water supply and end the unintentional geyser, thereby preventing further water damage. If the supply line is damaged below the shut-off valve then you may want to turn off the main water supply to the house.

2. Call Your Policy Holder

As most homeowner policies will cover flooding caused by broken pipes – as long as the damage was not caused by neglect – you can call your insurer to discuss next steps. Most insurers will require you to file a claim, which will need to be investigated by an adjuster. An adjuster will come to your home, inspect the damage, and make a recommendation to your insurer about any potential coverage.

3. Dry the Affected Area

An adjuster visit can happen quickly, or it can take a week or more. In the meantime, you can mitigate any further damage by drying the affected areas. If the exposure time was minimal, then it may be enough to dry items with mops and towels. If the exposure time was significant, then some tear out may be necessary to ensure adequate drying and to reduce the risk of mold growth.

4. Call a Restoration Specialist

Depending on the exposure time and the extent of the damage, you may want to hire a restoration specialist in Monterey Park, CA, for your kitchen repair. If the damage was extensive enough to make a claim then your insurer may require professional repair anyway.

Flooding in your kitchen can be substantial if left unchecked. While it is possible to catch this type of disaster early and prevent extensive repair, the expanse of the pipe break may determine if you require professional assistance, especially if filing a claim.

Most Common Types of Water Leaks

12/22/2021 (Permalink)

Your toilet is a very common source of water leakage. Be sure to replace your toilet flapper every two years.

No homeowner wants water leaks as uncontrolled water sources can lead to damage in your home and drive up water bills way past your monthly budget. A lot of the times, leaking water goes unnoticed and long term water leaks can lead to severe damage and better yet, void coverage from your insurance company. To ensure that your home is free from water leaks, it is important to know the most common type of water leaks. We will discuss preventative measure later on.

Burst Pipe 

Water pipes are highly sensitive to temperature (especially cold temperatures). Pipes burst frequently during the winter due to expansion of freezing water. Pipes don't usually burst at the site of freezing. Rather, they burst in the area between frozen blockage and the faucet. The blockage causes the pipe to expand and burst. 37% of bursting pipes occur in the basement where temperatures near 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the freezing point of water. In order to prevent bursting pipes, it is important to regulate temperatures near pipes and also conduct a routine maintenance for pipes especially in cold regions during the winter time.

Toilet Supply Line

The line that connects the toilet to the sewage system is frequently a source for many water leaks. Thankfully, this is as easy as replacing or tightening and does not require as much remediation as bursting pipes. A toilet supply line needs to be replaced if the leak occurs between the fitting and it needs to be tightened if it's around the fitting. A toilet supply line is easier detected than water leaks from bursting pipes so be wary of this source.

Appliance leaks

Many appliances can have water leaks: dishwashers, washing machines, faucets, refrigerators. Rubber tubes from washing machines are the most common types of leaks. For a top load washing machine, leaks in the front could mean overflow tube is blocked or tilted and this is normally caused by loading too much detergent. For front load washing machines, leaks in the front are probably caused by damaged door seal, leaking water intake hose, and leaking outer drum.

Hot Water Tank/Boiler

Another common source of leaks is a hot water tank/boiler and there can be many locations of water leaks. Either the pipes could be corroded or the tank itself is corroded and might need to be replaced. If water is leaking from the heater itself, its probably from the pressure release valve. Be mindful in dealing with water damage from hot water tanks as they can burn you.

Leaking Toilet

A leaking toilet can cost up to 90 gallons of water per day and cause your water bill to be exorbitant. It is important to maintain your toilet flapper every two years. An eroded flapper can continuously cause water to flush.

Irrigation System 

Your irrigation system consists of pipes connected to your sprinklers. You should maintain your irrigation system at least once every couple of years.

Now that you know the most common sources of water leaks, you can do your utmost best to prevent further water leaks. Save yourself the money from the water damage and the water waste. Undetected water leaks can cause severe structural damage to your home and drain your monthly budget without any warning. If you need an inspection or maintenance of identifying sources of water damage or water leaks, call SERVPRO of Monterey Park.

Restoring vs Replacing Your Carpeting

12/22/2021 (Permalink)

Consult a restoration professional to see if your carpet requires replacement or not but defaulting to a replacement ensures no risks.

Upholstered furniture and carpeting is extremely sensitive to any exposure to water. The cleaning process needs to begin almost immediately when dealing with a water damaged carpet. Usually carpeting needs to be replaced since it is a highly sensitive material and fosters mold growth very easily but there are certain cases where restoration is more favorable in terms of cost. Here are certain guidelines in restoring or replacing your water damaged carpet. 

Before deciding what you want to do with your carpet, you should consider evaluation of restoration or replacement based on these conditions:

• Amount of water in the carpeting The amount of water that has made it into carpeting may make it harder to get rid of water and moisture in the carpet. If there is too much water, then the drying process might take longer and at that point, you are better off replacing your carpet.
• Length of time water sat in carpeting The length of time water sits in your carpeting correlates with the risk of mold growth in the carpet. The amount of water can impact the length of time of the drying process. If water is retained in the carpet for too long, you should probably consider replacing the carpeting.
• Source of water in the carpeting You should only consider restoration if you are certain that the water source contains clean water. Gray water or black water harbors hazardous contaminants: toilet backflow, sewer water, chemical water. 
• Can the material be restored? Some materials of carpet do not allow for restoration since the carpet is immediately destroyed when pulled from the flooring. Consult an expert when considering restoring your carpet to see if you have restorable carpet.

Most of the time, homeowners opt for a carpet replacement as there are too many uncertainties with carpet damage and water damage from carpeting may also pose health hazards. You can also clean a carpet yourself with some DIY solutions but it is not advised as professionals are able to evaluate the restorability of your carpet as well as having the tools and knowledge when it comes to carpet restoration. It's best to leave it to professionals. If you are unsure of your carpet's restorability, call SERVPRO of Monterey Park. 

Proper Disposal of Grease

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

Disposing of cooking oils down the drain can lead to damages your home and the municipal sewer system.

The worst type of water damage you would want is a sewage backup. That's because it is highly unsanitary and hazardous and also creates undesirable odors. In the event that you get a sewage backup, you can call SERVPRO of Monterey Park. But before you want to deal with any form of sewage backup, you can stop the problem before it even begins.

One of the common causes of sewage backups is the improper use of pipes especially in the kitchen. It is not uncommon that used cooking oils are disposed of in the kitchen sink. This might not seem problematic since oil seems to be a liquid that easily flows down the drain. However, when oil cools down, it solidifies creating blockage in the drain. Because of this, wastewater will fill your drains and pipes and will eventually lead to a sewage backup which will then flow into your home. Oil that does not get trapped in the pipe that it initially flows into can also spread to other parts of the home and neighboring homes through the sewer system. Also, when cooking oil makes it into the sewers it starts to collect trash and waste eventually creating a "fatberg". "Fatbergs" can be enormous in size and block sewers, causing sewage flooding in public areas. 

The proper way to dispose of cooking oils is to contain it in a sealable plastic container and dispose of it through the trash. There are also used oil collection services that convert the oil to low carbon biodiesel. 

Call SERVPRO of Monterey Park if you have a sewage backup in your home or any other types of water damage.

Water Damage Coverage by Your Insurance Company

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage caused by extreme weather conditions such as wind causing a tree to fall on top this house is generally covered by your insurance.

Understanding what type of water damage is covered by your insurance is important. That way, you can get a better of understanding of your expenses when dealing with water damage and be more conscious of preventative measures. In general, water damage coverage is determined by the amount of maintenance and upkeep in a home and whether or not the water damage was accidental or not. We’ll talk more about that later. First off, let’s introduce the different types of water damage.

Categories of Water Damage

Clean Water: This type of water damage is usually immediate and can result from a leaking pipe. It is usually low risk if dealt with on the spot. If the water is exposed for too long the water can become contaminated leading us to the second category of water damage.

Grey Water: Grey water is usually associated with water that is contaminated and its source is most often from leaking appliances such as dishwashers. This type of water usually contains chemicals such as dishwasher fluid and can pose risks for one’s family.

Black water: Black water is the most harmful type of water damage and is usually associated with the sewer water. This type of water usually contains oils, urine and toxic waste. The water can foster growth for bacteria, viruses, and allergens. Being exposed to black water can almost certainly affect an individual with an illness or an infection 90% of the time.

Water damage coverage by your insurance company

What is covered

As stated above, water damage coverage is usually determined by a matter of responsible upkeep and maintenance of your home and appliances. Negligence is largely factored into water damage coverage. If the water damage is sudden and completely accidental such as a bursting pipe, then it is most likely that the water damage will be covered. Water damage that occurs from water getting into your home from extreme weather conditions, such as a tree or ice dam falling on top of your home and leaving exposures will be covered by water damage. When water enters your home through a leaking roof, you may or may not be covered depending on how gradual the water damage was and maintenance of the roof.

What is not covered

One instance of damage that will not be covered is improper maintenance. For example, if you have water damage to your home while being aware of a leaking pipe and using tape as a fixture, then you will not be covered. There is also another weird concept when it comes to water damage coverage. Water damage where the source of water is external and has touched the ground will not be covered in your homeowner’s insurance. This can involve water damage from a sewage backup or rainwater that results in a flood. However, there are separate types of insurances for these situations.

What to do in the event of water damage

1. When you first notice any instances of water damage, call your insurance company before attempting to make repairs. That way you have an estimate of your coverage before you start making any repairs.
2. Gather as much proof as you can of any water damage in your home. This way you will have the most coverage you can possible and also is less problematic for the insurance company
3. Gather water damaged valuables and belongings to provide as proof of water damage for further coverage.
4. Call a cleanup and restoration vendor. Usually, your insurance company will refer you to a vendor but you can do your own research to find a reliable vendor such as SERVPRO of Monterey Park.

If you're seeking a reliable cleanup and restoration service, call SERVPRO of Monterey Park! We have certified professionals that deal with all sorts of water damage.

Water Damage Preventative Measures

12/10/2021 (Permalink)

Clean your gutters regularly to prevent water damage.

Water damage typically is the result of leaking water and unchecked moisture levels. The damage is detrimental over time. Here are some preventative measures you can take to protect your home from water damage.

• Gutter cleaning. Make sure to get your gutters cleaned at least once or twice per year.
• Move rain runoff away from foundation. You can purchase downspout extensions to prevent rainwater from leaking into foundation cracks. Water damage in your foundation can cause severe damage.
• Sump pump maintenance. Regularly check on your sump pump. It checks for water levels in the basement and pumps out the excess water. It is important for maintaining moisture in a home.
• Check your roof. A large amount of water damage comes from water entering through leaks in the roof. You can check your roof for openings and cracks.
• Check on your appliances. A lot of electrical appliances can be sources for water leaks and tends to go unnoticed most of the time. Some of the appliances that can leak water include refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters.

Water damage can be expensive but if you take preventative measures, then these problems can be avoided altogether. If you don't know where the source of your water damage is or if you want to secure your home from water damage, call SERVPRO of Monterey Park! We are trained experts that deal with any sort of water damage.