Peeling Paint: Why and What to Do

11/5/2022 (Permalink)

Humidity can peel the paint off your ceiling and walls

Peeling Paint: Why and What to Do

Peeling paint is a common problem in Scarsdale homes and businesses. It’s unsightly and can be difficult to fix. So why does peeling paint happen? If you’re wondering why your paint is pooling, here are some reasons that this might be happening:

Places You May Notice Peeling Paint

You may notice your paint peeling in various spots, including the following:

• Walls and ceilings
• Trim
• Molding (corners)
• Doors
• Windows

Fix the Problem Quickly 

Not fixing the peeling paint might cost you more in the long run. Peeling paint, as you may have guessed, is not a good look. But it's also more than just an aesthetic issue—a peeling paint job is also prone to rust and mildew growth, which can lead to structural damage in the long term. That's the last thing you want for your home!

Once you've determined that there are no structural issues holding your paint back from sticking properly, it's time to address the problem head-on. Fix the source of the problem first, and then fix the paint issue.

Possible Sources of Peeling Paint

A water leak might be your source. If you have a water leak in your home (or if there was a plumbing problem before you purchased it), the moisture could be causing peeling paint. You should call a plumber to repair any leaks and check the foundation of your home to make sure it’s not damaged.

If you're noticing paint peeling off your walls and ceiling, it's possible that the problem is caused by a water leak. Invisible leaks can lead to visible problems if they're not taken care of quickly and effectively. For example, invisible leaks can lead to mold and mildew growth, as well as particleboard disintegration, and peeling paint. 

Humidity could be another problem. The humidity level in your house may also have an effect on whether or not paint will peel off, especially if it's very low in temperature for an extended period of time (as this can cause condensation). In order for paint to adhere properly, humidity levels need to be above 50 percent. Otherwise, moisture can get trapped between the wall and its surface coating which causes peeling over time due. 

It's important for homeowners to act quickly when they notice paint peeling off their walls and ceilings—especially if there are any other signs of moisture damage in the home (for example discolored carpeting or floors).

It’s easy for us humans to tell ourselves that we don’t have enough money for home repairs like these, but when something goes wrong with our homes it becomes an emergency situation that requires immediate action! Often these emergency situations are more costly than fixing the problem at the first, small sign of a problem.

Hopefully, we’ve given you a few ideas on why your paint is peeling and how to fix it. If you have any water damage in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Scarsdale/Mount Vernon. We will be glad to assist in mitigating and restoring your home back to its original condition. 

4 Possible Sources of Sewage in Your Home

8/22/2022 (Permalink)

A clogged pipe can result in sewage backup in your home.

4 Possible Sources of Sewage in Your Home

Your home's plumbing system brings in clean water and discreetly clears away the used and dirty water. Occasionally, pipes break, and sometimes those pipes are in the process of taking away contaminated water. When this happens, professional sewage cleaning is a necessity. A number of situations in your home in Secor Gardens, NY, could result in a black water spill.

1. Toilet Overflow. While this might seem minor, any time water from a toilet that contains urine or feces overflows it is a serious situation. The water potentially contains harmful bacteria and microbes that are detrimental to human health. Plus, the water can contaminate flooring and other materials.

2. Clogged Pipe. A discharge line that is obstructed could result in a sewage backup, spilling out contaminated water into an area of the home. As with all other types of spills requiring professional sewage cleaning, a water damage mitigation team should be called. Trained technicians will work safely and quickly to remove the dirty water and clean and sanitize the home.

3. Pipe Burst. Older pipes tend to weaken with age. After forty or fifty years of use, many piping materials are at or near the end of their lifespan. This is especially true of galvanized steel piping. If the pipe that breaks is carrying used water, the spill should be considered potentially harmful to human health.

 Though this situation has nothing to do with the plumbing system, it is still an issue important to homeowners. Outside water coming into a home from overflowing streams or lakes or heavy rains is often contaminated with germs, chemicals, and other substances. As such, it should be treated with the highest level of concern.

No matter what the source of the spill, sewage cleaning is best handled by a professional company. It will have the appropriate equipment and training to deal with the situation safely and efficiently.

Coping With Water Damage

8/17/2022 (Permalink)

Drying up the area that was damaged by water in a Mount Vernon, NY home

How Do You Deal With Water Damage

Water damage in Mount Vernon, NY, can happen suddenly and unexpectedly. Whether the result of a storm, broken pipes, or a washing machine malfunction, you’re suddenly facing a big water cleanup task. When you’re preparing to address the mess, consider the following:

• Safety
• Assessment
• Cleanup and Repairs

Keep It Safe

One of the first steps you should take is shutting off power in the affected areas since water and electricity are a dangerous, potentially deadly, mix.

If you need to go into the damaged space, consider the source of the water; if there’s any chance of contamination, such as from stormwater or an overflowing toilet, wear protective clothing and wash hands thoroughly after handling anything that has been in the water.

Assess the Damage

If the damage is significant, you may want to contact your insurance company to find out whether or not you have coverage. Keep in mind that water damage is different from flood damage, and insurance companies adjust differently for the two. If you are covered, an adjuster will likely want to take pictures of the damage to help evaluate your claim. You may want to take your own pictures as well in order to have a record of what has happened.

Cleaning Up and Making Repairs

It is important to act fast when you have standing water, as mold and bacteria can begin to grow in as little as 24 to 48 hours. Even if the damage was caused by clean water, the longer it stands, the better the chance of contamination.

In most cases, you should contact a restoration professional to come out and evaluate the situation. These people have the knowledge, experience and equipment to deal with the problem safely and efficiently. They can advise you about the extent of your damages and the need for any repairs, whether fixing broken pipes or replacing damaged wallboard.

Water damage can be frustrating and overwhelming, but following these steps can help you manage the problem as efficiently as possible so that you can get your home and your life back to normal.

How to Safely Clean and Disinfect After Sewer Damage

7/28/2022 (Permalink)

Sewer damage in Scarsdale, NY

Types Of Contaminated Water

A flooded toilet is always inconvenient, but it can also be dangerous. A toilet flood is usually caused by a clog or a block in the drain that isn't allowing things to flow out correctly. There are three types of contaminated water that you may encounter when you have a toilet backup, and the category of contamination will help you to know how dangerous it is for people in your home.

1. Clean Water
Clean water is water that floods into your home from a broken water line. This is not true sewer cleanup, because the water is not contaminated with any type of sewage. As long as it hasn't mixed with other contaminants, you can clean up this water with towels, a mop, or a shop vacuum.

2. Gray Water
Gray water has urine in it. A sewer backup can cause your toilet to overflow into your bathroom, and the bacteria present make this a more dangerous cleanup process. Make sure that pets and small children can't get to the overflow by closing doors. Open windows to ventilate the area, if possible, and wear personal protective equipment if you attempt to do any cleaning yourself. You should dispose of anything you use for cleaning afterwards.

3. Black Water
Black water is the most dangerous level of sewer cleanup that you're likely to encounter because of a toilet backup. This contains water with feces and anything that comes from beyond the toilet trap. If you must clean, wear gloves, a mask, goggles, and boots. Shovel debris into heavy plastic bags and dispose of them immediately. Use bleach to prevent the spread of infection. However, this type of sewer backup is especially toxic, and it is best to leave the cleanup to a professional.

While it is possible to do some of the cleanup yourself with some of the less severe categories, it's always best to contact a local sewage cleanup and restoration expert in Scarsdale, NY. You want to be very sure that your home is properly disinfected and that there won't be any future complications from sewer cleanup that wasn't thorough enough.

Concepts To Understand When Dealing With Business Interruption Insurance

3/3/2022 (Permalink)

Businesses can be disrupted by a variety of disasters, including severe flooding.

When It Comes To Business Interruption Insurance, There Are A Few Things To Keep In Mind.

Many different disasters, such as severe flooding, can result in business interruption. Whether the water comes from a broken pipe or a hurricane, your company will probably need to shut down while a water remediation company fixes the damage. If you find yourself in this situation, it is important to know the various terms you will find on your business interruption insurance policy.

Business Income

Your policy will cover reduced business income that is a direct result of the flooding. Business income is calculated using:

• Typical net income
• Normal operating expenses

Actual Sustained Loss

This type of insurance covers your Scarsdale, NY, business from any actual loss sustained due to flooding. This means you will only receive funds if you experience a disaster that directly contributes to your inability to run your business for enough time that you experience a loss of income. However, the amount of funds you receive is subject to the specifics of your situation.

Period of Restoration

Insurers are only responsible for your income that was lost during the period of restoration. This is the time from when the damage occurs to when the building should reasonably be operational again.

Extra Expense

Sometimes, business interruption insurance can be used to cover any extra expense. These are expenses incurred during the period of restoration that you would not have experienced if your business had been operational.

Service Interruption

Certain policies will allow their clients a service interruption extension for their period of restoration if they do not have the necessary utilities to operate their business. This extension does not require that clients name the utility providers as an added insured on their policy.

Understanding these crucial terms is critical to knowing whether your interruption insurance will cover the time you were shut down due to large water damage or another disaster. Make sure you read about these terms and your policy before trying to file a claim.

What To Do If A Pipe Breaks

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

Our team is quick to respond to this flooded home. After a pipe malfunction, our team showed up with extractors and began to mitigate the damage.

What Should You Do If A Pipe Bursts?

A pipe with weak points or a pipe under pressure often goes unnoticed until it breaks. Bursting pipes require the assistance of a water restoration specialist. Professional technicians not only fix the broken pipe but also clean up the flood waters to help you avoid mold. When a pipe breaks in your home in Scarsdale, NY, the following steps can help you get your home on the road to recovery as quickly as possible.

1. Stop the flow of water. The sooner you can arrest the flood at its source, the smaller the flood will be. Every minute counts when it comes to preventing extensive water damage. Shutting off the main water valve won’t repair the damaged pipe, but it can help to minimize the amount of cleanup that is required.

2. Call the professionals. Enlisting the services of experienced technicians to deal with bursting pipes and their aftermath is crucial to preventing further damage. Flood restoration specialists can remove excess water and dry out the flooded area. It is important to start this process as soon as possible to prevent the growth of mold. If your home in Scarsdale, NY, is left untreated after a flood, you are welcoming spores to settle and multiply on damp surfaces.

3. Document the damage. While you are waiting for the repair technicians to arrive, take pictures and make a list of everything that needs to be repaired or replaced. Fight the urge to clean up the mess before you do this. Your rushed efforts could leave you with insufficient evidence of the problem when you file an insurance claim, and if the water is contaminated, it could spread harmful bacteria or make you ill. It’s best to leave the cleanup to the experienced professionals.

Bursting pipes require immediate action. If a pipe breaks in your home, enlisting repair services quickly to fix it and clean up the mess can significantly minimize the damage and further complications.

3 Tips for Water Damage Claims

1/26/2022 (Permalink)

Most homeowners policies cover sudden or accidental water damage, but not all repairs associated with it are necessarily covered.

3 Water Damage Claims Tips

Bursting pipes are not the only issue that could prompt the need for water remediation services in your home. So many different factors can play into filing your insurance claim that you may not know where to begin or how to decide if the damage to your home in Bronxville, NY, is covered. Here are three ways to improve your confidence that your claim will be accepted.

1. Review Your Policy

Most homeowners' policies cover sudden or accidental water damage, but not every repair associated with it is necessarily covered. For example, your insurance will likely pay for the damage caused by a busted pipe but not to fix the broken pipe itself. Depending on the exemptions in your coverage, you may be able to pay for the remediation of any secondary damage that happens as a result of the original issue if it was covered by your policy. Your insurance agent can help you understand exactly what your policy covers.

2. Perform Regular Maintenance

The key to an accepted claim is often your own vigilance. Have bursting pipes repaired as soon as you notice the problem. Perform regular inspections and maintenance on all your plumbing. Make sure that your roof is intact, and have any weak points fixed immediately. If damage happens because you neglected to take care of your home, your claim may be denied.

3. Keep Accurate Records

Keeping a file with records of the repairs that plumbers and other maintenance professionals have done can help you back up your insurance claim. If your action on an issue is called into question, you have proof that you stayed on top of the problem. Accurate records also help keep you on track so that you remember when your last inspection or update was performed.

Whether water damage was caused by bursting pipes or some other type of leak, responding quickly and keeping an account of how you responded is important. Your fast action and knowledge of your policy can help you file a successful claim.

Small Drain Auger 101: How to Properly Snake a Clogged Pipe

11/18/2021 (Permalink)

If you have water damage in your house you can call SERVPRO, we are always ready to help you.

How to Snake a Clogged Pipe with a Small Drain Auger 101.

A clogged drain can be a nuisance. If left unresolved, clogs can lead to a buildup of pressure which may lead to a pipe break, costing hundreds or thousands in repairs. A tool called an auger, commonly referred to as a snake, can help you resolve many common blockages and is simple to use. Follow the steps below for guidance.

1. Insert Auger Head into Drain.

Grab the head of the auger, slowly pulling a length of the cable from the housing. With smooth and even pressure, insert the head of the auger into the stopped-up drain. Continue feeding the auger into the pipe, gently navigating curves with back and forth motion until you reach the clog.

2. Crank Auger Handle and Apply Even Pressure.

You will know when you have reached the cause of the clogged pipe when the auger cannot move forward. Once the auger reaches the blockage, you engage the auger’s action by cranking the housing handle clockwise, which will rotate the auger head, digging the head into the obstruction.

3. Move Through the Clog.

While applying pressure and moving the auger forward, continue rotating the auger handle. Continue this process until you feel the auger push through the clog and move freely through the pipe. The free movement of the auger means that the clog has either been broken up or tangled in the auger head.

4. Retract the Auger and Flush the Drain.

With slow and even pressure, remove the auger from the drain. Do not rush because rushing may cause the clog to break free, reclogging the pipe. Once the auger is free of the drain, run hot water for several minutes to ensure the entire clog has been cleared. If there is still an issue with the drain, it may be time to call a professional from the Scarsdale, NY , area for assistance.

A clogged pipe does not have to be a significant issue. If you take your time and use the right tools, you may be able to resolve most common drain blockages without going to any substantial expense. An auger can be a real drain superhero and should be in everyone’s toolbox.

What Does Sewage Cleanup Involve?

9/21/2021 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO experts can quickly appear on the scene to perform water damage cleanup and restoration services!

What Is Involved In Sewage Cleanup?

No matter what causes a sewage leak, it is important to address this problem as soon as you find out it has occurred. Start by limiting the extent of the leak and addressing the plumbing issue. While you may be able to clean up a flooded toilet or another small spill in your bathroom or kitchen yourself, you should call sewer cleanup professionals in Bronxville, NY, if the leak has spread to multiple rooms or was caused by a septic tank or sewer backup.

Professional cleanup specialists perform tasks that go beyond the abilities of most householders. They also work quickly to prevent sewage damage from becoming more severe. There are several stages in the sewer cleanup process:

1. Dry and clean interior, including carpet and upholstery. Place wet items outside but protect them from the sun. Bring items back inside to finish drying as soon as they have been cleaned and the area has been decontaminated. Sunlight and heat can adversely affect items with water damage.

2. Decontaminate areas that came in contact with contaminated water. Decontamination is a process involving water extraction, cleaning, and disinfection to prevent areas affected by a sewage leak from becoming a health risk.

3. Air out the interior or use air scrubbers and a dehumidifier. Be sure to keep air moving and make sure this area stays dry to prevent mold from forming due to water damage.

In addition to a specialized cleanup service, you may need to contact either a plumber or a septic specialist in Bronxville, NY, to provide sewer cleanup and ensure that the same sewer backup issue does not cause another leak. You should address sewage spills as soon as they occur, ideally within 24 hours. If a leak is more severe than just a flooded toilet, you may need to evacuate vulnerable members of your household, including young children and elderly people.

3 Steps To Take After Water Damages Your Home

8/18/2021 (Permalink)

Water cleanup to a home in Bronxville, NY.

3 Things to Do If Your Home Has Water Damage

Whether broken pipes, faulty water lines or flooding causes water to invade your Bronxville, NY, home, the results can be devastating. Electrical systems, furniture and expensive appliances may become waterlogged, and unreplaceable items like photo albums and documents may be ruined. While water damage can be difficult to overcome, there are a few actions you can take until a professional storm cleanup and restoration company arrives to lend a hand.

1. Make Safety a Priority

If the flood was caused by a faulty appliance or broken pipes, enter the area carefully. Wear rubber boots and gloves, turn off the water lines and, if you are certain it is safe, cut the power to affected rooms. Hold off on removing items unless they are in imminent danger of being ruined, and then seal off the room to prevent the water from spreading into other rooms.

2. Call Your Insurance Agent

If you have flood insurance that is separate from your homeowners' policy, call your agent right away and let him or her know what has happened. Starting a claim as soon as possible can help your agent be more efficient in filing and may get coverage funds to you more quickly. Ask your agent what else is required of you at the outset, and take the information down in detail so you do not forget any important points.

3. Call for Water Removal

If you are dealing with flood waters, calling in flood mitigation and water cleanup services can be a safe and efficient way to deal with water damage. The professionals who work for these companies can advise you on what parts of your home need to be repaired, how to clean and sanitize items damaged in the flood and remove contaminated water for proper disposal.

When water damage impacts your Bronxville, NY, home, it is hard to know where to begin when it comes to cleanup efforts. However, taking a few simple steps can get the process started and help you assess which areas of your home need the most attention.

Does Your Commercial Building Have These 4 Common Problems?

2/16/2021 (Permalink)

Leaking toilets can actually be a lot worse.

Common Problems That Occur In Commercial Buildings

Think about the last time you had your business plumbing inspected. For most buildings, the answer can be years. Considering you should have your plumbing inspected every 6 months, this is not a good thing. Regular inspections can help catch common issues like a blocked sewer line before they become serious problems.

1. Leaking Toilets
While a blocked sewer line may seem like the worst possible option, leaking toilets can actually be a lot worse. One leak can waste thousands of gallons of water per year. Whether the leak is due to a problem with the handle or the flapper, it can go undetected for a long time because any extra water will be flushed down the drain. Therefore, it is important to have your toilets checked by a plumber regularly.

2. Low Water Pressure
Another thing that is worse than blocked sewer lines is low water pressure. The most common reason you experience pressure problems is a lot of small leaks in your water line. Each leak in your system lets out a little bit of water and reduces the pressure that comes out of your faucets. This is inconvenient, and it can do tons of damage and require a water restoration company.

3. Clogged Toilets
Clogs happen when improper objects are flushed down your toilets. For large buildings, it is important to inform your employees what can't be flushed. Forbidden items include wet wipes and tissues. In fact, pretty much anything that isn't waste or toilet paper will get stuck inside your pipes. If this happens, you will experience a toilet overflow.

4. Clogged Parking Lot Drains
Sometimes, the parking lots in Mount Vernon, NY, back up after heavy rains. This usually happens because the parking lot drains are clogged with leaves, trash, and branches. Make sure to clear these away from drains so water can flow out of your lot and into the sewer system.
It is important to have your building regularly inspected to check for these common issues. If left untreated, pipe breaks and other problems will only become worse.

3 Types of Water Damage Not Covered by Insurance

1/19/2021 (Permalink)

Basement flood in Tuckahoe, NY

3 Types of Water Damage Not Covered by Insurance

If your home in Tuckahoe, NY, suffers from a basement flood, you would usually expect your home insurance to cover the damages. However, this is not actually the case. Homeowners' insurance has certain limits on what it can cover. Not every disaster is included in this program, so it is useful to know some of these situations to prepare accordingly.

1. Flood Damage
Sometimes the water damage can be too much for a homeowners' plan to cover. The emergency damage repair team can lead an operation that can cost plenty of time and money. Your insurance company may find this too expensive, so it may not be on the plan, regardless of the flood's origin. If you want to cover a flooded area's repair, you will need to purchase a separate flood plan.

2. Unresolved Issue Damage
Many water issues, from puddles to a basement flood, are caused by plumbing system issues such as damaged pipes or leaking faucets. The sooner you discover these problems and resolve them as they appear, the quicker you can prevent extensive damage. If your insurance agency discovers you made no attempt to solve the damage or hired someone who could, you will be denied the coverage. Have plumbers inspect your plumbing regularly and fix any minor issue before it escalates.

3. Outside Water Incidents
Excess water does not always come from inside your property. There are times where the backup from a nearby drain or sewer can spill onto your house, damaging the building and your belongings. Because the event's origin is not related to your house, the standard insurance coverage does not include it. The best solution for this situation is to obtain an additional plan that specifically covers water backups.
Even though homeowners' insurance can cover a variety of water scenarios, there are always going to be some exceptions. Research these events so you are ready in case of a basement flood, a month-old leak, or water from a nearby sewer.

Preventing Secondary Damage

10/14/2020 (Permalink)

Ventilate wet areas by opening windows

It's important to act quickly if your home in Secor Gardens, NY, has been affected by water damage. Failing to properly remediate water damage in a timely manner can result in various different kinds of subsequent issues, such as black mold, warped flooring, and other types of structural problems.

What is Secondary Damage?

It's not uncommon for small floods or leaks to go unnoticed for long periods of time, and subsequent damage can occur days, weeks or even months following the initial incident. Some common examples of the damage that can follow include:

• Black mold growth
  
• Cracking plaster and sheetrock
  
• Warped walls, floors and ceilings
  
• Water stains
  
  

Standing water eventually evaporates on its own if the damage isn't properly addressed in a timely manner. Eventually, the air becomes saturated with moisture from the standing water, resulting in dangerously high humidity levels. Once the air becomes oversaturated, the moisture is driven into the drywall, ceiling tiles, furniture and other places in your home.

How Can You Prevent Secondary Damage?
The key to preventing subsequent moisture damage is catching and reacting to the initial flood as quickly as possible. The following strategies can also help you reduce your chances of experiencing moisture damage:

• Mop up any standing puddles.
  
• Ventilate wet areas by opening windows, using floor fans, or the AC unit.
  
• Open furniture drawers to allow them to air out.
  
• Move electronic devices and sentimental possessions to dry, elevated areas.
  
• Hang blankets, furniture skirts and curtains up to dry.
  
• Elevate furniture on aluminum foil to prevent stains.
  
  

Because water damage can go unnoticed for long periods of time, it's important that you also perform regular home inspections to check for signs of leaks or flooding.
Reacting to accidents in a timely manner is the best way to prevent secondary damage, such as black mold, cracked plaster, warped flooring and much more. If your residential property has recently experienced any type of water damage, it's vital that you contact flood remediation experts as soon as you can.

Creating a Business Continuity Plan in 4 Steps

8/17/2020 (Permalink)

Create a business continuity plan

You Can Begin Creating Your Plan By Following The 4 Steps Outlined Below

By planning ahead and developing a business continuity plan, you increase the chances that your business can remain operational even during a disaster. If your business has to close unexpectedly due to flooding or another problem, you could lose money and customers. When you have a well laid out plan, you give yourself a better chance of keeping the essential parts of your business operational. 

1. Completing a Business Impact Analysis
Begin by identifying each of your business processes and functions. Then, determine how long your business could function without each of the processes and functions you identified. You can keep an organized record of your findings by using a worksheet template that keeps track of your operational and financial impacts.

2. Determining Recovery Strategies
Use your business impact analysis to identify your most critical business processes and functions. Beginning with the most critical, determine what resource requirements would be needed to keep those processes operational or what it would take to get them back online. Resources could include items such as employees, contractors, equipment, inventory, or third party services.

3. Creating a Plan
Use everything you have learned so far to create your business continuity plan. This document should include workarounds, IT disaster recovery procedures, relocation plans, and an emergency response plan.

4. Performing a Walkthrough
The best time to try out your plan is before disaster strikes. Doing a walkthrough with the key players will help point out any defects or missing parts of the plan. If any problems are found, update your documents and then do another walkthrough of the procedures.
Once you have a business continuity plan in place, you can have confidence that you will know what to do if you experience a disaster. If you sustain damage and need help restoring your building in Eastchester, NY, call a professional remediation service for help.

The Categories of Water and How To Treat Them

5/22/2020 (Permalink)

The cleanliness of water is often divided into three broad categories

Water in your home in Bronxville, NY, has the power to create a number of serious problems. This damage depends upon a number of factors, including how long the water is allowed to work on materials and affect the home environment. Over time, water can rot wood, promote mold and bacteria growth, tarnish metal, and breakdown plywood and drywall. Another important factor concerns contaminated water. Dirty water can cause more damage and in a shorter period of time than clean water. As such, it represents an emergency situation and calls for the services of a professional water remediation company.

The Categories of Water

The cleanliness of water is often divided into three broad categories. These levels determine in part the best methods for cleanup and restoration according to accepted industry standards. The categories for contaminated water are as follows:

• Level 1 water refers to clean water that is drinkable and could include water from a supply line, a sink faucet or a bathtub faucet
  
• Level 2 water has a number of impurities in it and originates from such places as washing machines and dishwashers
  
• Level 3 water is sometimes called black water and is highly unsanitary and comes from sources such as toilet overflows, sewage backups, and floods
  
  

Contaminated sources of water require extra care during the remediation process. Technicians often wear PPE to protect their health. Though there are no mandated procedures for cleanup throughout the U.S., the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification promotes high standards for addressing water damage.

The Challenge of Contaminated Water
Some situations in your home require professional treatment. A major water spill that contains questionable water is a job for experts. They will make sure the home is safe and that all impacted areas have been cleaned and disinfected to a high level. Your family can feel confident that the situation is addressed and that your home is back to normal.

4 Water Issues Property Owners Face

5/7/2020 (Permalink)

Extracting water from a Tuckahoe, NY building

4 Water Issues Property Owners Face

No matter what a business does, water is an essential component of daily operations. Whether for drinking, flushing toilets, or keeping a Tuckahoe, NY, property at the right temperature, water plays a role. When systems aren’t functioning properly or leaking pipes start to form damage, water can feel like an enemy. While sometimes the issue is obvious, such as a pipe break that creates flooding, sometimes the problem is a little sneaker. Below are four main ways water can create a headache for property owners.

Nature
Flooding and heavy rainstorms can quickly lead to devastating issues. If it happens off-the-clock, that standing water can wreak havoc on a structure and requires extensive cleanup and repairs by a water and mold remediation expert. Although not always preventable, proper maintenance and making timely repairs of broken windows, foundation issues, and leaking roofs can minimize the damage.

Pipes
Hidden behind the walls, older pipes can begin to deteriorate. Depending on the type of piping, corrosion, or brittleness can lead to cracks and breaks. Too high of water pressure can also damage pipes, as well as freezing temperatures. If low pressure is causing a toilet backup or a musty odor seems to be lingering, it could be leaking pipes causing the problem.

Equipment
Any equipment that uses water, such as water purification systems, refrigerators, dishwashers, or special industrial equipment, may be prone to a leak. Calcium and hard water buildup can eventually cause them to be faulty. Older equipment may also be prone to malfunctioning, potentially leaving a pool of hidden water that spreads.

HVAC Systems
HVAC systems are a wonderful thing, but they create a considerable amount of condensation. If it is not contained in the collection pan, it can quickly begin to damage the system and eventually lead to flooding and mold growth.
Regardless if the culprit is leaking pipes or faulty equipment, any sign of water damage should be immediately addressed to avoid further damage.

What To Do About a Leaking Faucet

2/17/2020 (Permalink)

Take care of a leaky faucet in your home

What To Do About a Leaking Faucet

When you have a leaking faucet in your Bronxville, NY, home it’s important to take care of this problem as quickly as possible. Now only can a leak wastewater, but there’s a chance it could lead to water damage. If you find a faucet leaking in your home, here’s what to do.

1. Turn the Water Off
One of the first steps to take with a dripping faucet is to turn the water off. In many cases there may be a valve on the main that supplies water to that specific location. Turning the water off can help stop the leak temporarily until the source of the problem can be found and fixed.

2. Inspect for Damage
After the water is off it will be easier to inspect the area for damage around the leaking faucet, look for places where water may have pooled around the spout or knobs, as well as around the water supply line. In the case of a severe leak you may also want to check under the sink for possible damage.

3. Contact a Professional
If you have water damage it’s important to contact a local water damage restoration service to help with any cleanup and repairs. These professionals can assess the damage to see how much has occurred, as well as asses related problems such as possible mold. Before you know it you can have a fixed leak and a damage-free sink that looks “Like it never even happened.”
If you find a leaking faucet in your home it’s important to take care of this problem as quickly as possible. First, turn off the water an inspect for any water damage. Be sure to look around the spout, knobs and under the sink. If you do find damage you will want to contact a restoration service to make repairs. After these, the faucet can be fixed and the water turned back on.

What Types of Water Damage Will Commercial Property Insurance Cover?

1/30/2020 (Permalink)

Water pipe leaks in an Elmsmere, NY office

Accidents and misfortune can happen to anyone. Mishaps and disasters even occur in the workplace, which often causes extensive damage and require costly cleanup. This is why you purchase commercial property insurance. This coverage can protect you and your business if there is water damage on your property. It's important to understand your policy and exactly what it will cover and won't cover.

When You Won't Get Help

First, take note of when your insurance plan would deny your water damage claim. In some cases, you would need supplemental flood insurance to help pay for cleanup and recovery costs.

• Flooding due to sewer backups or sewer line breaks
  
• When a lack of maintenance or upkeep leads to plumbing or water system issues
  
• If you purposely cause the flooding
  
  

Problems With the Pipes

Even with routine inspections, you could still face having broken pipes in your Elmsmere, NY, office. Your insurance company should cover flooding if it occurs due to sudden, unexpected pipe damage. Bursting pipes or leaky pipes may be because of poor installation or defective parts.

Appliance Leaks

You may have a break room in your building complete with a refrigerator and even a dishwasher. These appliances could unknowingly be leaking water over many weeks, months or even years. This could lead to widespread water cleanup needs. Also, a water heater could suddenly rupture, leaving a significant amount of water on the floor. Your commercial insurance should pay for cleanup and replacement needs.

Other Issues

Commercial property insurance will also protect you when vandalism or other criminal activity causes damage to your building. This could include damage to the structure as well as any materials and items such as electronics, furniture and documents.
Water damage may require the work of a professional flood mitigation team. Your commercial insurance benefits will cover many of the problems that cause this damage.