What is Water Mitigation?

8/14/2023 (Permalink)

What Is Water Mitigation? Water mitigation is the process of stopping the immediate flow of water, assessing the type of mitigation efforts needed, extracting the water, and drying out the property. Whenever there is a water leak of any kind, we only see what is happening on the surface. What is so important is what we don't see. Water is able “wick” up walls because of capillary action in porous materials. So, when you think your floor is the only thing affected, most likely your walls are too. Without state of the are equipment here at SERVPRO we can detect the slightest elevation in moisture and be able to moisture map the areas of the walls that have been affected. By being able detect leaks quickly and find the source of the leak this helps eliminate the amount of damage that can incur if not found quickly and can cause further damage. As a remediation and full restoration company we can mitigate the damage and make it like it never even happened.

What is Water Mitigation?

8/14/2023 (Permalink)

What Is Water Mitigation? Water mitigation is the process of stopping the immediate flow of water, assessing the type of mitigation efforts needed, extracting the water, and drying out the property. Whenever there is a water leak of any kind, we only see what is happening on the surface. What is so important is what we don't see. Water is able “wick” up walls because of capillary action in porous materials. So, when you think your floor is the only thing affected, most likely your walls are too. Without state of the are equipment here at SERVPRO we can detect the slightest elevation in moisture and be able to moisture map the areas of the walls that have been affected. By being able detect leaks quickly and find the source of the leak this helps eliminate the amount of damage that can incur if not found quickly and can cause further damage. As a remediation and full restoration company we can mitigate the damage and make it like it never even happened.

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.

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.

2 Things You Should Know About Water Damage

3/16/2021 (Permalink)

Begin to dry your home before mold starts growing.

2 Things You Should Know About Water Damage

Water damage in Pomona, CA, is never the same. In fact, water restoration professionals have different categories of water damage. A simple pipe burst can give you clean, category one water. Add anything contaminants, and suddenly you have category two pollution. Highly contaminated water, such as category three, is the next step, which can be dangerous and leave a prominent water line in your home. While there are different pollution categories, there are a couple of things that apply in any water damage situation.

1. Time Is of the Essence
Whether you have a pipe burst or a sewer backup, you only have one to two days to dry out your home before mold starts growing. As soon as the flooding starts, you need to call a cleanup crew and your insurance company. Ensure you know the source of the water damage before you call your insurance company because your policy will cover not all sources. Additionally, be open to their recommendations as far as a cleanup crew. They can provide you with a list of qualified professionals in the area that are willing to act immediately.

2. Drying Out Your Home Is Your Priority
You may assume that moping up the water is the only thing you need to do to remove the water. However, porous materials, such as carpeting, will need to be removed and dried out properly. A company that offers content cleaning will tell you what is salvageable and what needs to be discarded. Then, the professionals will begin drying out your home. They will do things like make a flood cut and take the necessary precautions to dry out every crevice of your house.
If you experience a pipe burst or other water disaster, you need to act fast. Make the necessary phone calls immediately so the drying process can begin as soon as possible.

How to Handle Electronics After Water Damage

2/16/2021 (Permalink)

If your electronics have been damaged by water you need to take care of them as soon as possible.

Taking The Following Steps Can Help Salvage Them

Whether it is the result of a storm in Diamond Bar, CA, faulty plumbing or broken appliances, water damage in your commercial building can come with a few additional problems. One of these is flooded electronics. These items likely play an important role in your business and can be pricey to replace. Taking the following steps can help salvage them.

1. Turn Off and Unplug Your Electronics
The first thing that you should do when dealing with flooded electronics is to make sure they are off and unplugged. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination, so before attempting this, turn off the power to your building. Be careful of any items that are powered with batteries as these may pose additional risks.

2. Drain and Dry Affected Devices
The longer the water is present in these devices, the more likely there will be damage like rust and corrosion. Remove any electronics from the area and drain as much water from them as you can. You may need to take some items apart, if you are able, to ensure the water has been completely removed. Do not attempt to turn on any items until they are thoroughly dry. This can be unsafe and can also result in permanent electronic damage.

3. Have Items Cleaned and Repaired by a Professional
When in doubt, have these tasks performed by a professional. A cleanup and restoration service will often make repairs to damaged belongings as well as your building. These professionals have the training and experience necessary to ensure your electronics are working properly and are safe to use again.
Because water can cause a lot of damage to your devices, it is important to have any flooded electronics taken care of as soon as possible. Drying them quickly can reduce the likelihood of permanent damage. A professional service is your best bet if you want to salvage water-damaged items.

Common Causes of Leaky Pipes

11/4/2020 (Permalink)

Pipe inspection is crucial in preventing leaks

A leaky pipe can cause many issues for your home. Not only will the wastewater increase your water utility bill, but it will also encourage mold growth. As always, preventing these types of problems is better. With that, here are the common causes of leaky pipes and how to prevent them. 

Damaged or Aging seals 

Some of your properties might have plumbing connections that are applied with a rubber sealant on pipe connections. As time goes by, the seals will eventually degrade and can’t support the connections anymore. If ever there is condensation or small water puddles near your appliances, then it’s most likely that the seals are broken.  

Corrosion of pipes 

Pipe corrosion is very prevalent in old homes since the plumbing system is rusty. If your house is old, have a plumber conduct a thorough inspection of the plumbing system. Ask if there are any upgrades that need to be done. 

Even if your house isn’t 50 years old, you may still need to have it checked since some pipe materials need maintenance. 

High water pressure 

Extreme pressure can stress and damage pipes, and this will eventually cause leaks. Have a plumber check the water pressure and conduct the necessary adjustments to prevent high water pressure. 

How to Minimize or Prevent Floods on Your Property

8/14/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Diamond Bar / South Pomona Storm Damage Cleanup and Restoration

Floods can cause a lot of damage to your property if you don’t prepare. Some of you might live in a low-risk flood area and think that floods are nothing to worry about. However, some storms can bring heavy rains that can flood low-risk locations easily. With that said, here are some tips on how to minimize or prevent floods from ruining your property. 

Acquire Flood Insurance

You may have standard insurance for your property but some of them don’t cover flood damages. This is why you should secure flood insurance that covers a good deal of the contents of your property. 

Install a Sewage Water Backstop in Your Basement 

Basements are one of the areas in a property that’s most prone to flooding. If your basement gets filled with water during light or heavy rains, you should try setting up a sewage water backstop or a backflow prevention valve. This is very useful in preventing filled sewer mains from overflowing your basement. A licensed plumber should be able to install this device with ease. 

Modify Your Landscape

Your landscape can be a contributing factor to how severe the flood will be on your property. Creating channels that stream the floodwater out of your property can make a big difference. It’s best to consult a landscaping solutions enterprise to get the best advice. 

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - (909) 860-1748

FASTER TO ANY SIZE DISASTER

Faster to your South Pomona/Diamond Bar Water Damage Event

5/25/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Pomona/Diamond Bar provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in South Pomona/Diamond Bar

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of South Pomona/Diamond Bar provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more. SERVPRO of South Pomona/Diamond Bar arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (714) 361-0572

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.

About SERVPRO of South Pomona/Diamond Bar

SERVPRO of South Pomona/Diamond Bar 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.

FASTER TO ANY SIZE DISASTER

SERVPRO of Diamond Bar South Ponoma is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We’re also part of a national network of over 1,700 Franchises, which gives us access to more resources for larger cleaning or restoration projects or major storm scenarios.

South Pomona/Diamond Bar 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

5/21/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Pomona/Diamond Bar provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in South Pomona/Diamond Bar

SERVPRO of South Pomona/Diamond Bar 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 - (714) 361-0572

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 South Pomona/Diamond Bar 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 South Pomona/Diamond Bar

SERVPRO of South Pomona/Diamond Bar 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.

FASTER TO ANY SIZE DISASTER

SERVPRO of Diamond Bar South Ponoma is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We’re also part of a national network of over 1,700 Franchises, which gives us access to more resources for larger cleaning or restoration projects or major storm scenarios.