Our Commercial Property Experience by Paul Padilla, Operations Manager

6/10/2022 (Permalink)

Hotel Fire Sprinkler Water Damage Remediation

Commercial properties make up a large majority of people's everyday lives, from malls and office buildings to warehouses and schools. Commercial buildings have the public moving in and out of the doors day in and day out. Whether it is a flood, fire or other disastrous event that can happen, it affects large amounts of people. Having the right team to keep everything running smoothly means everything to our successful remediation and re-build of a commercial property.

At SERVPRO of Diamond Bar/South Pomona we know what needs to be done and how to do it. Our team of remediation and construction experts have years of experience in the remediation and construction industries. We can help guide a client through the most challenging projects with confidence and knowledge. Our services range from performing emergency remediation services including water extraction, drying, demolition, sewage, mold, disinfection and fire damage clean up to board ups, temporary power, temporary fencing and full reconstruction services.

We have resources and expertise to set up temporary power and can keep an office running throughout the process. We can also pack out  and store items from offices, buildings, schools, stores and other commercial properties when necessary. At SERVPRO of Diamond Bar/South Pomona we can remediate and restore any type or size of loss including water, flood, storm, fire, wind, mold, fire, smoke, smokers, trauma or biohazard damage from start to finish. We are fully capable and have done the impossible time and time again. We have remediated hotels, retail stores, movie theaters, car dealer ships, churches, temples, summer camps and numerous warehouses and offices. We do jobs for numerous large companies including Ayres Hotels, Hilton Hotels, Radisson Inns, Edwards Cinemas, Fletcher Jones Mercedes, Yakult, Mathnasium, Penny Saver, Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions, the Allstate Corporate Office and more. We have also done work for the cities of Newport Beach, Fountain Valley and Diamond Bar. 

We at SERVPRO of Diamond Bar/South Pomona are an honest, reliable company having proven ourselves over the last 18 years to be the "go to" company for Remediation and Construction throughout our region.

Understanding Water Damage Categories

6/10/2022 (Permalink)

It can be stressful to experience a water loss in your home, from a broken pipe to a toilet back up. Did you know there are categories of water? Water coming from different sources can come with some risks.  

Clean water or Category 1 comes from just that; a “clean” water source from an incoming water supply line, or various incoming water pipes running through the walls going to bathrooms, kitchen, laundry room or anywhere water is used. This is fresh water and generally not dangerous.

Gray water or Category 2 comes from a dishwasher or washing machine. It’s a little dirty before it reaches the drain line. It’s a little less dangerous. This water is not drinkable and can harbor soaps, pathogens or other materials that are not healthy to drink.

Black water or Category 3 comes from a sewer drain, toilet drain back up or outside ground water. Outside ground water could be from a broken sprinkler that has flooded the yard or planters and has come into the home or it could be flood water from a storm. It has a high risk of disease-causing pathogens, bacteria. 

In any instance it is important to mitigate or remove the water it right away to prevent ongoing and secondary damages. Remove any standing water, clear the area of furniture if possible and call SERVPRO of Diamond Bar/South Pomona. We can insure your home is mitigated properly based on the category of water. It could be as simple as drying the affected materials in place, or as complex as removing the affected materials and applying an antimicrobial treatment to leave you with a properly dried disinfected, safe home.

How to Detect Water Leaks

6/10/2022 (Permalink)

Here in California, we should always be on the lookout for ways to save water. This includes checking your home and property for leaks. Leaks can increase your water bill and also lead to costly damage to your home. You can start by checking your water bill. If you notice a sudden increase, you may have a hidden leak somewhere. Here are a few tips to keep your home safe and your water bill down.

Check your water supply lines from sinks, toilets and appliances for cracks and damage. Replace them if you suspect damage. If the faucet is leaking, it might just be that the handle needs to be tightened.  Don’t forget your refrigerator water supply line. This is a very common leak and can cause extensive damage to the walls, floors, and kitchen cabinets.

Check the yard and planters for overly wet areas or puddles. This could indicate an irrigation line leak.  Check sprinklers periodically while they are running to make sure they are directed at the garden, not the street or sidewalk and that they are free from leaks.  Overly wet planters can cause water to seep into the home, damaging your visible walls, inner walls, flooring, sub floors and furniture. 

Hose spigot (faucet) leaks can be fixed by simply tightening the connection fitting or when at times when needed by adding or changing a worn gasket. 

Check your water heater, or tankless water heater system. Even a continuous small drip can lead to water damage or microbial growth as well as increase your water bill. 

Check out your attic and crawlspaces. These hidden areas may have leaks that take longer to appear or remain hidden for indefinite amounts of time. Insulation in the attic may soak up the water before it is noticeable. This can lead to microbial growth. Damp or wet soil under the home can damage the understructure and also cause microbial growth like mold. Over time, damages can advance to the collapse of supporting structures.

Sometimes a water leak can be a quick simple fix, or it may need a professional to give you a hand. If you have an active leak or suspect a leak, give SERVPRO of Diamond Bar/South Pomona a call. We are always happy to come by and check for moisture.

What To Do Until We Arrive When There Are Water Leaks by Paul Padilla, Operations Manager

6/10/2022 (Permalink)

Leaking Pipe Water Damage

We regularly get asked what a home owner should do when they experience water damage in their home or office and what steps they can take to eliminate further damages until SERVPRO of Diamond Bar/South Pomona arrives. Here are 5 important tips on what you should do as soon as you hear, feel or see water coming into your home or place of business.

1. Stop the water: When a water leak occurs the first priority is to immediately stop the water or shut off the supply of water as best you can. Whether the leak is from a copper pipe, plastic Pex line or a supply line, it needs to be shut off ASAP. If a supply line burst, it can be as easy as shutting the Angle Stop Valve off to stop the water from going past the valve. If it is a copper or plastic main line then the entire system will need to be shut off at the Main Water Shut Off Valve until the leak can be isolated and/or repaired. An example of that would be when a plumber caps off the leaking section of pipe to allow the rest of the plumbing to function as normal until the full repair can be made.

2. Stay Safe: Make sure all electrical devices and power bars are elevated out of the water. Turn off power if needed to then move electrical devices out of water. Electrical can be turned back on once the area is considered safe.

3. Use barriers to stop the water: Stop the flow of the water with towels or sand bags if possible. Stopping the migration of the water will help stop the water from traveling into rooms that would otherwise be unaffected. This will reduce the damage and cost.

4. Protect furniture and objects: Get contents and furniture out water and off floor. Remove boxes and loose items from floor that can be damaged by water. Put aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs to eliminate damage to furniture. 

5. Remove water: Remove excess water with wet shop vacuum where and when possible. Removing the standing  water will cut down on the time the water will have to absorb into the building materials.

Call SERVPRO of Diamond Bar/South Pomona ASAP!

When water leaks occur it is a very confusing and stressful time. At SERVPRO of Diamond Bar/South Pomona we understand most people have never dealt with this before. This is why we are here to help guide you through this very hectic time. With these 5 recommendations a homeowner can minimize  the amount of damage that occurs before SERVPRO of Diamond Bar/South Pomona can arrive and mitigate effectively.

A Hardworking Team

7/31/2021 (Permalink)

We are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.

There are lots of companies out there and so there is no doubt that you may wonder, why should I choose SERVPRO?

Our team is highly trained in water and fire damage and mold remediation. We are heavily trained and go through multiple courses to get properly certified to do the best work we can on every job. We do not take shortcuts and are a very detailed crew.

Pleasing the customer is always a top priority for us and we want them to be satisfied with our work and have zero complaints. We work together and have fantastic team-building skills that help every job move smoothly.

We are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. Always ready to respond to your disaster in Diamond Bar and surrounding areas. Never second guess giving us a call!

How to Stay Cool During this Hot Summer

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

These are just a few helpful tips from our team to keep you and your loved ones safer and more prepared during the summer months!

There is no doubt that summer is in full swing and here to stay for quite a while! Soon your kiddos are going back to school but that does not mean the weather is going to cool down. 

You and your family need to take certain precautions to stay safe out there.

First, drink lots of water, because hydration is key and prevents heat stroke and fainting.

Second, always apply sunblock. If you want your skin to be healthy make sure to apply it no matter where you go to prevent skin cancer.

Third, rest up! Never push yourself too hard and not recover. Whether it is a good night's sleep or a nap, it should be a priority.

These are just a few helpful tips to keep you and your loved ones safer and more prepared during the summer months!

Wildfire Clean Up

6/30/2021 (Permalink)

Our goal is to get your life back up and running like normal as quickly as possible!

Over the last few years, there have been many wildfires in our greater Diamond Bar area. Our team does our best to help those in need.

Many homes were affected by this hot storm, some having to be evacuated, others just full of ash, and lots with their homes completely burned down to the ground. We stepped up and helped out, caring for people who would need restoration and clean-up done after the fires were put out.

There was lots of cleaning that needed to be done, the houses were super smokey and all the furniture inside smelled like it. We took care of that right away.

Our goal is to get your life back up and running like normal as quickly as possible! If disaster strikes, call us today - (909) 860-1748.

How To React to a Gas Leak

6/22/2021 (Permalink)

A gas leak can quickly turn into a gas fire or explosion.

While gas delivery systems are very safe, the pipes can still deteriorate and leak with age. A gas leak can quickly turn into a gas fire or explosion. These can quickly burn through your home and cause a lot of damage. If you want to avoid this unpleasant situation, you need to know the signs of a leak and what to do in this emergency.

What To Do if You Smell Gas

The best way to avoid a gas fire is to react quickly to a leak. Typically, you will identify a leak by smelling sulfur or rotten eggs. If you smell gas, you need to do the following:

• Leave the area and get to safety
  
• Call the utility provider and let them know about the leak
  
• Call 911 to notify fire officials
  
• Help others evacuate and stay clear of the area until it is proven safe
  
• Call a fire remediation company to help remove the smell and any potential damage from your home in Cal Poly University-Pomona, CA.
  
  

Other Ways To Identify Gas
Most people identify natural gas by its smell. While the gas itself is odorless, a sulfur-based odorant is added to give it the associated rotten egg smell so it can easily be identified. However, this is not the only way to identify this substance. If you are outdoors, you can often see it. Any gas escaping from an underground pipeline will be recognizable by the discolored soil and dead vegetation around the line. You can also identify a potential gas fire threat in your home by listening. If you hear a high-pitched whistle or hissing noise, there is a chance that this is caused by escaping gas from your pipes.
If you want to avoid a gas explosion or fire, you must react appropriately. Knowing the signs of a leak and what to do in this event can help you avoid devastation.

How To Remove Mold From Paintings

6/17/2021 (Permalink)

With some well-informed mold cleaning techniques, your most precious artwork can be saved.

How To Remove Mold From Art Work

Mold cleaning is typically reserved for large projects such as building infrastructure and furniture rehab, complicated endeavors which are best handled by residential mold remediation services. When it comes to personal items such as paintings, the task can often be handled independently. Here's how to remove mold from your favorite works of art hanging in Cal Poly University-Pomona, CA.

1. Know Your Painting
The materials that constitute your painting determine how it should be treated. Oils are highly durable, although they sometimes react badly to chemicals. Acrylics can be damaged when they get wet. Watercolors are among the trickiest to clean because of their water-soluble nature.

2. Clean Your Frame
Remove the frame to reduce moisture and slow further mold damage. Create a mold cleaning solution by mixing bleach with water or use another appropriate household option. Before scrubbing away, apply your cleaner conservatively to see if it removes the finish.

3. Clean Your Painting
Learn as much as you can about mold remediation, as mistakes can ruin works of art forever. Lightly mist the back of the painting with rubbing alcohol or Lysol to stop further fungal growth. Treating the front is more painstaking. Small groupings of mold can be gotten rid of by applying a cotton swab dampened with alcohol and water. Work slowly and stop if you notice your efforts harming the image. A light bristled brush is ideal for getting rid of dried mold. Have a HEPA-filtered vacuum by your side to immediately eliminate floating mold particles.

4. Dry Your Painting
Place your artwork in sunlight until it's completely dried. Set paintings outside if possible, where breezes can contribute to moisture removal. Exercise caution if there is the potential for rain. Whether inside or outside, place your art on a flat surface such as a towel or board.
After completing the de-molding process, your painting is ready to be rehung. With some well-informed mold cleaning techniques, your most precious artwork can be saved.

How To Minimize Your Business's Water Consumption

6/17/2021 (Permalink)

Another simple water upgrade is insulating the pipes.

How To Minimize Your Business's Water Consumption

Overconsumption is one of the most common water issues facing businesses today. In addition to being better for the environment, minimizing water usage can also benefit your company’s bottom line. If your Pomona, CA, business has been using a lot of water, it may be time to consider making adjustments to decrease water consumption.

Upgrades
If you have an older building or one that hasn’t been updated in a while, upgrading the equipment that uses water can greatly decrease the amount of water used by your facility. Efficiency generally increases with advancements in technology, so make sure the following equipment in your building is up to date:

• Irrigation systems
• Dishwashers
• Faucets
• Toilets and urinals
  

Another simple water upgrade is insulating the pipes. Pipes that are fully insulated can deliver hot water more quickly than uninsulated pipes, so you won’t have to run as much water waiting for it to heat up.

Routine Maintenance
Keeping your equipment properly maintained can decrease consumption and prevent other water issues. If your business has an irrigation system, it is important to regularly check that sprinkler heads are facing the right direction so that they are watering the lawn and plants rather than the parking lot. Adjust the sprinkler schedule as needed to account for changing weather patterns.
In addition to maintaining the sprinkler system, address leaks as soon as you notice them. Compared to large leaks that cause immediate water damage and may even require professional water restoration, small leaks may seem like no big deal. However, they can waste large amounts of water over time.
Some businesses, such as laundromats and restaurants, use a lot of water, and others use comparatively little. All businesses, however, can work to minimize water consumption by keeping their facilities up to date and well-maintained. As an added bonus, doing so decreases the risk of other water issues, such as an overwatered lawn.