Common Causes of Water Damage

3/29/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage is a common problem for homeowners, give the professionals a call today.

There are many different causes of water damage. This article will go over some of the most common causes, but no matter what caused your problem it's important to get it taken care of immediately!

Leaks

Leaking pipes, roof leaks and other sources of water damage can be small or large. They may be hidden in walls, floors and roofs as well as other areas of your home. These leaks can cause mold and mildew to grow in your home's structure and belongings. If left unchecked for too long, these problems can become much more costly than if you had taken care of them right away.

Worn out water supply lines

Water supply lines are often overlooked and not replaced until they break. Water supply lines are usually made of plastic, which is prone to cracking and breaking. Frozen water supply lines can burst when the ice thaws, causing flooding and damage inside your home or business. Animals such as rodents may also chew through your water line and cause it to leak or break completely.

Flooding

Flooding is a common cause of water damage, and it can happen in any season. Flooding is most often caused by storms, heavy rains or snow melt. Heavy snows can also cause flooding if they are followed by warmer temperatures that melt the snow quickly.

Flooding can cause significant damage to your home--and even put you at risk for injury or death if you're caught in it!

Ice dams

Ice dams are a common cause of water damage in the winter. When snow melts on your roof and then refreezes, it can form an ice dam that causes water to back up under shingles and drip into your home. This can be prevented by properly insulating the attic and ventilating it, so that warm air rises up into the attic instead of getting trapped there. If you have an older house with no insulation or ventilation in its attic space (or if you've never checked), now's a good time to look into adding some insulation and vents--it'll save you money down the road!

Frozen or burst pipes

When a pipe bursts, it's usually because of outside temperatures. If you live in a climate where the temperature is below freezing for extended periods of time, your pipes may burst. When water freezes inside the walls of your house or apartment building and expands as it freezes, it can cause cracks in the walls or even break through completely.

If you want to avoid this problem altogether make sure all pipes are insulated properly so they don't crack during cold weather (and any other time). Also make sure that there aren't any leaks anywhere in your house. If there are leaks and they aren't fixed right away, then they could lead to bursts later on!

There are many causes of water damage.

Water damage is a common problem for homeowners. If you have water damage, it's important to act quickly. Water can cause mold and mildew, which can be costly to fix in the long run. Additionally, structural problems may occur if the wood in your home starts rotting due to prolonged exposure to moisture.

Water damage can be a very costly and destructive problem. If you suspect that your home is experiencing water damage, it's important to call in professionals who can diagnose the issues and repair them as soon as possible.

Everything You Need to Know About a Leaking Dishwasher

1/18/2023 (Permalink)

If you experience water damage from your dishwasher leaking, SERVPRO of Norman is here to help clean up the mess.

If you have a dishwasher, chances are you’ve noticed that it’s leaking at some point. If so, don’t worry: You are not alone. Most dishwashers leak at least once in their lifetime and most repairs can be done on your own without calling in a professional repairman for help. Here's what you need to know about the possible causes of leaking dishwashers and what to do if yours is leaking: 

Common Reasons for Leaking Dishwashers

There are several reasons your dishwasher might have a leak. Below are some of the most common causes:

? If your dishwasher is old, it may need to be replaced because it could be damaged or broken in some way.

? Improper installation or poorly installed parts could be the cause of the leak. It’s important that all parts are installed correctly so they function properly and don’t damage other appliances nearby or cause leaks in the machine itself. 

Torn Door Seal

If you have a leaking dishwasher, it could be an issue with the door seal. You will want to inspect this if you notice leaks. This can be done by visually inspecting it (and feeling for any wetness) to see if there are any tears in it. If you find that your door seal is torn, consider calling in a professional to replace it.

Cracked or Broken Water Supply Line

If you have a leaky dishwasher, the culprit could be that the water supply line has developed a small (or large) crack or hole. It's important to check this right away because it can lead to an expensive repair bill if left untreated for too long. Check for leaks by following these steps:

• Disconnect your dishwasher from its water source, usually at the house's outdoor spigot or inlet valve
• Turn off the power to your dishwasher before disconnecting it from its electrical source
• Make sure all connections are fully sealed and tightened (some connections may require pliers)
• Verify there are no leaks coming from any of these connections

Drain Line Leak

The drain line connection could have a leak. The drain line is the connection between your dishwasher and your drain, and it could be causing water to leak into your home. A loose fitting or damaged pipe can cause this issue, as well as damage to a valve or hose.

Valve or Hose Connection Leak

If you're seeing water leaking from your dishwasher, the first thing to check is whether something is broken inside of it. It could be that a valve or hose connected to the dishwasher is leaking.

Checking valves and hoses is simple and can often be done with just a screwdriver. The valve may be located under the sink, so it's worth looking there if you see water around your dishwasher area but can't find where exactly it came from (such as on top of or underneath). If you do find a leaky valve, it might require only minor repairs such as tightening some parts together or replacing them altogether. 

When in Doubt, Call the Professionals

A dishwasher is a convenient appliance for any home kitchen, but it can quickly become an inconvenience if it starts leaking. There are several common causes for a leaking dishwasher, if you suspect that your leaky dishwasher needs repair, call a professional to repair it.

If you experience water damage from your dishwasher leaking, SERVPRO of Norman is here to help clean up the mess and get your Norman home back to normal. Give us a call!

A Broken Pipe and Insurance

11/6/2022 (Permalink)

When you have a broken pipe call your insurance company.

A Broken Pipe and Insurance

Most homeowners insurance policies cover broken pipes, but it's important to know for sure if they're covered and how much you might be able to claim.

How Do I Know If It’s Covered?

If the pipe is inside your Noble, OK home, it's likely not covered by insurance. But if the pipe is on your property line and you share a joint ownership agreement with your neighbor, it could be covered by their homeowner's policy. Alternatively, if the pipe is in front of or behind your house and on city property, it may be covered by municipal insurance.

The first thing to consider is whether or not your pipe was broken due to neglect. If it was, you won't be covered. If you let your pipes freeze and then burst, for example, your insurance company will not help.

The second thing to consider is whether or not the broken pipe was caused by a natural disaster like an earthquake or flood that wasn't under your control. If you have homeowner's insurance and someone else's tree falls on your house during a storm, this would fall under their policy rather than yours because it was an act of nature and not one committed by anyone in particular.

The best way to figure out if your broken pipe is covered is to call your insurance agent. 

Steps to take after a pipe bursts

After a pipe burst, it's important to take the following steps:

• Call a plumber. You'll want to make sure that any damage is repaired and you have an accurate estimate on how much it will cost.
• Get your home inventory and insurance policy ready. After the repair is finished, document all repairs made on your house's interior with photos and receipts so that you can submit them to your insurer as soon as possible after filing a claim. It might seem like overkill at first glance (especially if there's no other damage), but having these documents ready will help speed up the process when dealing with both your plumber and insurance provider later down the line!

Preventing Broken Pipes

As a homeowner, you can help prevent this situation by doing the following:

• Properly maintain your plumbing system. The pipes in your house need to be cleaned regularly, and any leaks should be fixed immediately.
• Use the right tools for the job. If you're replacing a pipe, use an appropriate wrench or pliers rather than a screwdriver; if you're cutting through old lead pipes, use sealed shears instead of a hacksaw (unless you have an industrial-strength one).
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing new fixtures or appliances like toilets and faucets; these will tell you how much water pressure is recommended for each fixture type. For example, there are low-flow shower heads available that have been designed specifically for homes with low water pressure issues such as ours; they'll save money on both water usage and heating bills since they don't require as much water flow to produce steamy showers!
• Hire licensed plumbers with experience working on older houses like yours if possible—they'll know exactly what kind of repairs need fixing before moving forward with any actual work so none gets overlooked later down line!

When you have a broken pipe and need to get it fixed, your first step is to call your insurance company to find out if the damage will be covered. With proper coverage and a little bit of luck, you should be able to get your broken pipes covered by insurance. If not, then it’s time to take action. Contact your insurance provider and let them know as soon as possible so that they can begin filing a claim on your behalf. 

When you need the water that has flooded your home or business mitigated and restoration work done, give SERVPRO of Norman a call! We will help get your Norman business or home back to normal. 

Fire Commercial Cleanup Process

10/29/2022 (Permalink)

If you have commercial fire damage don't hesitate in calling your local SERVPRO

Fire Commercial Cleanup Process

If you've just experienced a fire in your Norman, OK home or business, you're likely dealing with more than just the loss of property and valuables. Smoke and soot can spread quickly after a fire, causing damage that can last for years to come. Cleaning up from a fire is essential in restoring your home or business to its pre-fire condition, but it can also be dangerous if done incorrectly. That's why it's important to hire skilled professionals who have experience cleaning up after fires and know how best to ensure that no residue remains once the smoke has cleared.

Smoke and Soot Spread Fast

Smoke and soot particles are the most visible sign of a fire. They can spread through a building in minutes after a fire, contaminating everything they touch. Soot particles are often the first priority when cleaning up from a fire because they can cause health issues if inhaled over time.

Starting the Cleanup Process

After the fire damage has been assessed and the fire department has left, it’s time to start cleaning up the mess. The first steps in this process are to clean up any debris and soot from walls, floors, and furniture. This can be done using a variety of methods including vacuuming or wet mopping with water and detergent solution. If you have carpets that were damaged by smoke odor, you may need to shampoo them as well.

Call the Professionals

Once the fire is extinguished and the bulk of the smoke has cleared, SERVPRO of Norman will use special equipment to remove particles from carpeting, curtains, and furniture. They will also vacuum soot and ash with a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner. The vacuum should be cleaned after each use to prevent excessive dust accumulation which can become airborne again when disturbed in some way (such as vacuuming).

Air purification. Professionals use advanced air purification methods to remove smoke and soot particles from your building's interior. They'll use air scrubbers, HEPA filters, and other methods to remove particles.

You can also use a vacuum cleaner (like the Shop-Vac brand) to pull dust and dirt from your carpets and floors after a fire has been put out by firefighters. A wet/dry vacuum is another option for removing debris from flooring surfaces

Hiring a professional to clean your house or business after a fire is the best way to get your home back in shape. Although you may be tempted to tackle the job yourself, it's important to remember that these types of cleanup efforts can be very dangerous and should only be completed by professionals who are trained and equipped with the proper equipment.

When you’ve been affected by a fire, it can be easy to overlook the damage that smoke and soot can cause. But if you want your home or business to return to normal as quickly as possible, it’s important to call in professional damage restoration experts who have experience dealing with these types of messes. These professionals will know exactly how much time is needed for cleaning up after a fire before it’s safe for people to return.

Hidden Mold in Facility Air Ducts

8/25/2022 (Permalink)

Mold in air ducts

While mold is often visible on surfaces like ceiling tiles, walls, and floors, black mold could be hiding unseen in the ductwork at your facility in Hall Park, OK. If you suspect mold growth in your ducts, you will need to take steps to determine where the problem is and remediate any affected areas.

Why Does Mold Grow in Air Vents?

Mold requires four ingredients to grow:

• Moisture
• Darkness
• Organic material (often found in dust)
• A surface to grow on

Air ducts are dark and often contain moisture from humid air. Ducts that have not been cleaned in a while can contain dust. With all of these favorable conditions, mold can sometimes be found in ductwork.

How Can I Spot Signs of Mold in Ductwork?

The presence of black mold in your ducts may be indicated if you see black dust around your vents. It may be in patches and difficult to wipe off. You may also notice a musty smell. If any of these signs are present, you can call a mold remediation specialist to help you with removal.

What Is the Mold Removal Process?

After technicians have confirmed mold is present in your air ducts, they will inspect the insulation around the ductwork. If there are signs of damage, the insulation may need to be replaced.

Technicians will clean ducts and disinfect them using appropriate tools and mold-cleaning agents. They can also use specialized air filtration systems and HEPA vacuums to remove any spores from the air in your facility. If mold is also present on walls, floors, or ceiling tiles, technicians can conduct remediation for those areas.

Remediation specialists can also find the source of the mold problem, helping you prevent future growth.

Identifying black mold growth early and getting help from a mold remediation company in Hall Park, Ok, will help you keep your facility operational. Early intervention can also save you money in the long run.

How To Quickly Respond To a Disaster

8/24/2022 (Permalink)

Mitigation requires quick action

How To Quickly Respond To a Disaster

A commercial building owner or manager should respond to a disaster at the first indication of property damage. Preparation ahead of time is necessary for the most effective response. Here are three measures that a property owner or manager can take at any time to create an emergency profile for a property in Noble, OK.

1. Establish a Restoration Relationship

Selecting a provider of damage mitigation, cleanup, and restoration services ahead of time can prevent panic over who to call when disaster strikes. SERVPRO specializes in every phase of the restoration process and can provide a single estimate that will simplify the process of making a commercial property insurance claim.

2. Develop a Property Profile

Picking a provider is only the first step toward a timely disaster response. A building owner or manager should create an emergency profile for each property to obtain the fastest feedback from damage mitigation, cleanup, and restoration specialists. Arranging for a no-cost assessment in advance ensures a quick response when every second counts. A facility walkthrough can supply all of the information and documentation restoration professionals need to assess damage through the Emergency Ready Program application.

3. Report Damage As Soon As Possible

The same ERP app used to create profiles can also notify a restoration company in the event of a disaster. Even if a building owner or manager chooses to contact the service by phone or online, property profiles provide important information and allow for a more efficient response. This app also supports the submission of the first notice of loss.
Building a relationship with a restoration company and maintaining an emergency profile can significantly expedite the process of reporting damage at a commercial building in Noble, OK. The information a building owner or manager provides about a structure can improve the accuracy of a preliminary assessment of damage and allow for quick mitigation and restoration.

Protecting Your Business From Flood Damage

8/17/2022 (Permalink)

Consider unplugging your electronics, this will help them against flood damage

Ways To Protect Your Building From Flood Damage

If you own a business, you know you need to protect your building from flood damage. Fortunately, there are a few ways that you can do this in Hall Park, OK.

Have a Plan
One of the most important ways you can protect your business from a flood is to have a clear plan for what happens if it is going to flood. This plan should:

• Be comprehensive
• Encompass before and after the flood
• Have vital information on what to do
  
  

Keep your flood plan on-hand or in an accessible place.

Keep Vital Information On-Hand
You will need to keep important information like insurance policies and the number of a storm damage remediation company in a separate location. This can help you get things started even before the floodwaters recede.

Prepare for Flooding

You can prepare for flooding by keeping some flood supplies on hand. You can easily store absorbant flood barriers and plastic sheeting.

Keep Electricity Away From Water

Whenever possible, move your electrical outlets to water safe heights. You should also keep all electronics like computers and printers off the floor. If it is safe and you suspect that it might flood, consider shutting down the power to any electronics and unplugging them. This will help to protect them against flood damage.

Use Flood-Resistant Landscaping and Materials

If you have the choice, choose flood-resistant materials to decorate your office. Most of these materials can survive around 72 hours in the event of a flood. This can save you time and money when you want to return to normal business operations.
Decorate your premises with native landscaping. Native plants help provide a barrier and can survive a flood if it is something normal for your area.

Seal the Cracks

Like using water-resistant materials, you can also help protect yourself by sealing any cracks in the outside of your building. This will keep water from seeping in.

Protecting yourself against flood damage is important in all areas. If you follow these suggestions, they can help you get back to business faster.

The Potential Income Loss After a Business Fire

7/28/2022 (Permalink)

Business fire in Slaughterville, OK.

The Potential Income Loss After a Business Fire

If your company is hit with a business fire, you will have many things to worry about. One of the most serious issues is the potential loss of revenue as your business shuts down for reasons of safety and repairs. For this reason, having a robust interruption insurance policy is often a necessity for many companies. This type of policy is added as a rider to your comprehensive insurance and has the following benefits:

• Pays many of the bills while operations cease
• Replaces lost business income
• Pays some or all of the expenses of a temporary facility
  
  

The coverage typically lasts for the length of the business interruption. In some cases, the coverage will last a few days after the completion of repairs.

The Consequences of Inadequate Insurance
Business insurance is there to help your company manage risks. Without adequate insurance, your company in Slaughterville, OK, is vulnerable to the devastating effects of a fire. Your company could potentially face thousands of dollars of lost income each day your business can't manufacture or sell products or provide services. Without interruption insurance, this could result in missed loan payments as well as missed obligations to vendors. Your credit rating could take a hit and your relationships with vendors could suffer.

The Benefits of Professional Fire Restoration

One way to minimize the impacts of a business fire, is to hire the services of a trusted fire remediation franchise. The SERVPRO company is always Here to Help in any emergency situation.

Trained technicians will arrive on the scene fast and begin to work to get your company operational again. After a fire, they will remove soot and smoke damage and clean and sanitize the building. They will repair all damaged areas of your facility.

Interruption insurance is a vital tool to help your company survive a fire. A fast and efficient cleanup that minimizes the disruption is also beneficial to your company's bottom line.

3 Things You Should Know About Fire Damage Legal Liability Coverage

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage in Lexington, Ok home

3 Things You Should Know About Fire Damage Legal Liability Coverage

Most of the time, when a fire occurs in a rental property, the property owner's policy covers the damage to the building and the tenant's policy covers damage to the tenant's personal belongings. However, there are some instances where a tenant may be held liable for the damage to the building they occupy. This liability may be covered by fire damage legal liability coverage.

1. What it Covers
This coverage, which may be included as part of a general liability policy, applies to damages caused to the rented premises a tenant occupies that the tenant is legally liable for. It may be referred to on the policy as a "damage to premises rented to you" limit.

2. Who Needs This Coverage
Any tenant who negligently causes a fire that damages the rental unit or other parts of the building could be sued by the property owner. Fire damage legal liability coverage would pay for repairs to the building, cleaning smoke damage, and other costs the tenant is found to be legally liable for due to negligent actions. This coverage could be beneficial to any tenant and may be a requirement in some rental agreements.

3. What the Coverage Limitations Are
This coverage usually comes with a limit of $50,000 or $100,000. It only covers liability that arises out of damage caused by a fire. It would not cover other causes of loss, such as water damage. The coverage does not apply to contents. It only covers fire damage restoration for the premises. The insured person must be found to be legally liable for the damage and other exclusions may apply.

If your negligence causes a fire that damages the premises you rent, fire damage legal liability coverage may pay for the damage to the building you are legally liable for. An insurance professional in Lexington, Ok, can explain your coverage options.

5 Common Commercial Water Issues

7/11/2022 (Permalink)

Dripping faucets can slowly drive up your monthly water bill

Common Water-Related Problems

Staying on top of smaller issues in your commercial building is one of the best ways to prevent them from snowballing into larger problems. Remaining vigilant is especially important when it comes to plumbing issues, such as leaking pipes or backed-up toilets. Make sure you regularly check your building in Eason, OK, for the following common water-related problems.

1. Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure can indicate several different issues, such as leaking pipes. Any water that escapes through the leak naturally won't come out of the faucet where it's supposed to, leading to suboptimal water pressure.

2. Damaged Building Foundation
Structural damage in your building, such as cracked, bulging or otherwise warped foundation, can signal the presence of a serious leak. These deformities are often a result of flood water accumulating within your building's structure and can indicate a hidden pipe break.

3. Clogged Drains
Customers are much less likely to treat your commercial bathrooms with the same respect that they'd treat a residential one. This can lead to many undesirable items getting flushed down your pipes, resulting in clogs. At the very least, this leads to an unsightly bathroom. In severe cases, it can result in toilet backup or sewage overflow.

4. Pinhole Leaks
Pinhole leaks are especially common in older buildings, where the copper or cast-iron pipes aren't built to last as long. These tiny holes can cost thousands in wasted water. Keep an eye out for these silent leaks by watching for a spike in your monthly water bill or a drop in your building's water pressure.

5. Leaking Toilets and Faucets
Much like pinhole leaks, dripping faucets and toilets can slowly, yet steadily, drive up your monthly water bill. Make sure you take the time to inspect your commercial bathrooms to make sure none of the appliances are dripping or leaking. Repair any problems you come across.

Leaking pipes, dripping faucets, and clogged drains are all common plumbing issues for commercial building owners. Staying on top of the issue can help reduce the amount of damage your building suffers and keep your business running smoothly. Contact water restoration experts for professional help.