Causes of a flooded basement

3/9/2023 (Permalink)

When your basement suffers from a flood, let us help.

A flooded basement can be a nightmare. In addition to being messy and smelly, it can cause serious damage to your home. If you suspect that you have a flooded basement, call a professional at SERVPRO of North Naples who can help assess the problem and repair it.

Low water pressure

One of the most common causes of a flooded basement is low water pressure. Your home's plumbing system has to be able to supply enough water at the right pressure for all of your plumbing fixtures and appliances to function properly. If you have low water pressure, you may notice that:

• Toilets back up more often than usual because there isn't enough pressure in the pipes to push waste through them easily
• Showerheads spray water in all directions instead of just shooting straight out (this can be especially annoying when it happens while you're trying to get ready for work in the morning!)
• Your dishwasher leaks onto your kitchen floor because it doesn't have enough power behind its sprayer arm

Leaking water pipes

Leaking water pipes are the most common cause of flooded basements. Water damage can be expensive to repair, so it's important to check for leaks regularly and fix them as soon as you find them. If you notice that your basement is constantly wet or feels damp, it may be time to call in an expert.

Check all of your faucets and plumbing fixtures (such as toilets) for drips that could lead to a leaky pipe somewhere else in your home. You should also look at any exposed pipes near windows or doors where there might be temperature fluctuations that could cause condensation on the outside of these pipes over time

Overflowing toilet or dishwasher

There are some things that you can do to stop a flooded basement, but they're not necessarily easy and they're not always effective.

If your toilet or dishwasher is overflowing, then there's nothing you can do except call a professional plumber. These appliances don't have valves like sink faucets do; if the water fills up past its limit, it just keeps coming until it's drained out again by gravity or someone turns off the spigot supplying water from above ground level. You'll probably see signs of an overflowing toilet or dishwasher before this happens. A rising level in your basement floor near where those appliances are located is one sign but if they haven't been fixed yet and start leaking all at once (or worse yet start flooding), then you need emergency help right away!

Frozen pipe

If you live in an area that experiences cold weather, you may be familiar with the risk of frozen pipes. When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands and can cause the pipe to burst. This can result in a flooded basement or even worse--a flood throughout your home!

To prevent this from happening keep all faucets open when temperatures dip below freezing outside (this should be done regardless). If any pipes freeze anyway, immediately turn off your main water supply valve at the top of each faucet; then use an ice pick or screwdriver to chip away at any ice buildup until it's gone.

Broken sump pump

A sump pump is an important part of your basement drainage system. It should be checked regularly to make sure it's working properly and efficiently.

If you notice a problem with your sump pump, contact a professional immediately. Clogs around the pump or other issues can cause it to fail, leaving you with a flooded basement. If you do need to replace your sump pump, remember that they are available at hardware stores.

If you suspect that your basement is flooded, it's important to call a professional. A skilled technician will be able to assess the situation and determine whether or not there is any damage to your basement. They can also help you prevent future flooding and make sure that your home is safe from mold growth. If necessary, they'll help with insurance claims and other legal matters related to the flood.

Preventing a Water Damage Disaster from Your Washing Machine

2/9/2023 (Permalink)

Prevent a water damage by checking your washer frequently.

There are a number of events that can occur leaving water damage from a washing machine. A busted washing machine hose, overloading your laundry, seals and other damages can potentially leave you with water damage. Preventative measures keep this from happening by reducing the risk of a water damage disaster caused by washer machines.

Washing Machine Water Damage Prevention

Make sure you don't overload your washing machine. The maximum load size is marked on the washer's door or inside of the drum and should not exceed 2/3 full at any time. Overloading can cause excessive vibrations which may cause damage to your washing machine, or even worse, could make it tip over while it's running!

Regularly check for faulty hoses that lead into drains and replace them as soon as possible if they are cracked or damaged in any way (however small).

Check for Faulty Drain Hoses

To prevent a flood and other water damage, it's important to check your washing machine for faulty drain hoses. There are many ways that a drain hose can become damaged—cracks, corrosion, holes and even rusting. You should also look for any signs of wear or damage such as cracks or leaks.

If you notice any of these issues with your washing machine's drain hose, it may need to be replaced. This can save you money down the road because it would otherwise be necessary to replace only individual parts instead of everything at once!

Don’t Overload Your Washer

Don’t overload your washing machine. As a general rule, you should not wash more than 5-6 pounds of clothing in a full load and 2-3 pounds in a half load. Don’t wash too many clothes at once. The more clothes you load into the washer, the longer it takes to fill up with water and start washing them. Washing too many pieces at once can also put undue stress on your machine by causing excessive vibrations or adding excess weight and pressure to its components such as bearings and springs.

Check the Seal of Your Washer

Check the seal of your washer. If you haven't already, open the door and check the rubber seal around its opening. If it's torn or missing, a lot of water will leak from your washing machine when running. This can lead to mold or mildew problems that get into your walls and floors, which is definitely something you want to avoid.

If you have had a problem with your washing machine over time (ejecting clothes, leaking), be sure to check this area closely for any tears or holes that may have been caused by an unfortunate run-in between a heavy object and some part of the interior compartment of your washing machine during operation.

Regularly Checking and Replacing Hoses

How often should you check your washing machine hoses? The recommendation is to do so every six months, but it’s better to be safe and check them more frequently. If you have hard water or live in an older house, you may want to check them monthly.

How long should a washing machine hose last? Hoses can start to crack after three years of use, so it’s important that you replace them before this happens. If any part of the hose appears cracked or damaged, it needs replacing immediately for safety purposes.

There are simple things you can do to prevent water damage from your washing machine. It’s important to keep in mind that this is a serious issue and it could potentially cause thousands of dollars in damage if something goes wrong. If you take the proper steps, then you will not only be saving yourself money but also time since there will be no need for costly repairs or restoration services.

What Should I Do If I have Water Dripping From My Light Fixtures?

11/2/2022 (Permalink)

A light fixture can leak for a variety of reasons.

What to Do if Water Leaks from Your Light Fixture

Water leaks in your ceiling light fixtures can be alarming. You might think you have a plumbing problem, but it could also be caused by simple wear and tear. We'll walk you through the steps of diagnosing and repairing water damage caused by leaking light fixtures so that everything is back to normal, stat!

What Could Cause Water To Leak From a Ceiling Light Fixture?

A light fixture can leak for a variety of reasons. It could be the fixture itself, or it could be the wiring that connects to it. It could also be caused by problems with your home's plumbing system, or even issues with your roof.

If your light fixture is leaking, you need to pinpoint the cause of the leak as quickly as possible.

If the fixture itself is leaking, you may need to replace it. If the leak is caused by faulty wiring or plumbing issues, then you'll need to call a professional.

?The Dangers of Light Fixture Leaks

If you have water leaks from your ceiling light fixture, you’re not alone. These leaks are very common and can cause a lot of damage if they’re not taken care of quickly.

Light fixtures can leak for many different reasons, but there is one thing they all have in common: They need to be replaced by an expert as soon as possible. If you don't take care of these types of leaks right away, you could end up with some serious problems on your hands—including electrical hazards and other risks!

If your light fixture has started leaking recently, call your local electrician immediately for help with repairs. The sooner they get here, the better chance they have at preventing any further damage from occurring before it gets out of hand!

What to Do Before the Electrician Arrives

If you can, turn off the power to the fixture, this can help prevent any electrical risks. Find a bucket or container to catch the water and place it under your ceiling light to catch any water that is dripping and prevent any further damage from occurring. Next, locate an area where you can shut off your main water supply. This will completely stop any more water from leaking into your home.

Who to Call Next

Once you have called the electrician, the next step is to call a restoration company, like SERVPRO. The restoration company can ensure that the structural damage done by the leak is properly mitigated and restored. They will also ensure that you don't have any other hidden leaks present that might cause damage further down the road.

It's Best to Get it Fixed Right Away Before the Issue Gets Worse

If you have a water leak, it's best to get it fixed right away before the issue gets worse.

Water leaks can cause mold and mildew, which can lead to extensive damage to your property. If there is water in your ceiling lights, the moisture may seep down behind the drywall, causing damage to wires and wiring insulation. The water could also cause rot on wood walls or floors underneath; this can result in structural damage.

What To Do After Your Basement Floods

8/20/2022 (Permalink)

A flooded basement can cause lots of damage to your home.

Steps to Take If Your Basement Floods

1. Avoid the Basement Until the Water Is Gone
Even a small amount of water can create an electrocution hazard. Ideally, you should keep everyone out of the basement until the water has been drained. You should also turn off any circuits within the basement. You can put some dry wood on the ground or stand on a ladder to access the circuits without getting wet.
If the water damage is minimal, you may be able to remove the water yourself with a vacuum. Plug the vacuum into an upstairs circuit, and keep all cords away from the fluid as you work. Be sure to wear rubber boots, as well.
A severe basement flood may cover the electrical outlets with water. This further increases the risk of electrocution. Ideally, these floods should only be handled by trained emergency restoration professionals. As long as you have proper insurance coverage, the cost of the cleanup should be relatively low.

2. Replace Equipment
The restoration experts may be able to salvage some parts of your basement, such as the carpet and drywall. However, you should discard and replace damaged mechanical and electrical equipment, including motors and appliances.

3. Prevent Future Floods
Once the cleanup is complete, you should take steps to limit future flooding. Consider installing a foundation drain or purchasing a backup sump pump. Sealing any cracks or flaws in the foundation can also prevent a basement flood.
A flooded basement can cause lots of damage to your treasured items. While you may be tempted to dry your belongings on your own, entering the lower level of your home after a flood can be dangerous. You should thus focus primarily on preventative measures and let the experts handle the repairs.

What to Know About Secondary Damage After Water Problems

7/13/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage can lead to mold growth.

What to Know About Secondary Damage After Water Problems

After flooding at your East Naples, FL business you may have water damage. But did you know that if left unattended water damage can lead to secondary water damage problems such as black mold? Here are three additional problems you can prevent at your place of business by contacting a water damage restoration service to quickly restore the property.

1. Swollen Wood
Another aspect of water damage is that when left unattended it can lead to high humidity, which in turn can lead to warped or swollen wood. This particular problem can lead to additional structural damage when pieces no longer fit together correctly. If this becomes the case your restoration professional may have to replace some materials.

2. Mold Problems
In many cases, mold problems, including black mold, can arise from water damage that has been left unattended. The moisture can be a contributing factor to the habitat mold is most often grown in. with enough humidity, access to organic material such as wood, and some time, you may find your business property has a mold problem. Fortunately, many restoration services have the ability to deal with this problem as well as water damage.

3. Foundation Cracks
Another form of secondary damage that could occur is cracking in the property’s foundation. This can occur after standing water soaks in and begin to expand and contract with the presence of warming and cooling temperatures. Over time this can weaken the material of the foundation. If this is the case it’s best to consult with a professional.
If you’re looking to prevent long-term problems such as swollen wood, black mold, or foundation cracking at your place of business it’s best to contact a restoration service as soon as water damage is found. 

How Safe Is It to Handle Each Type of Contaminated Water?

3/15/2022 (Permalink)

It is important to quickly dry out your property after a water leak.

Types of Contaminated Water

Contaminated water can take many different forms. Some homes in Naples Park, FL will experience a flood of predominantly clean other while other abodes have to contend with black water. No matter what type of water came out of the supply line, you need to take quick action to have professionals remedy the situation right away.

1. Clean Water

While Category 1 water is called “clean” professionally, it may still contain substances that make it unsafe to drink. This type of water generally comes from a sink or tub. It may even pick up contaminants from the ground. For instance, tub water that overflows may pick up particles from the flooring outside of the tub. While you should avoid getting any Category 1 water in your mouth, it should not cause any ill side effects by simply pooling there.

2. Grey Water

Grey water, also known as Category 2 water, often comes from washing machines, dishwashers and sump pumps. It will contain physical, biological or chemical contaminants, but it will not consist of any fecal matter. Bacteria will likely be in it, so it can result in health complications if someone touches it. Sometimes even simply being exposed to this kind of contaminated water can result in health problems.

3. Black Water

Black water is the most dangerous type of water to be exposed to. Houses fill with this when water backs up from the septic tank, meaning there will often be fecal matter within the water. It can be extremely dangerous to be exposed to Category 3 water for an extended period of time.

No matter which category of water you have in your home in Naples Park, FL, you need to get it removed immediately. Standing water, regardless of the type of contaminants within it, can result in mold development. The contaminated water, as well as walls and other items exposed to the moisture, will need to be removed posthaste.

7 Steps To Take After a Pipe Breaks

1/23/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage loss in Naples Lakes, FL.

When a Pipe Breaks, Follow These 7 Steps

Whether water freezes and breaks a pipe or the pipe gets old and ruptures, bursting pipes are one of most homeowners’ worst nightmares in Naples Lakes, FL. Not only can the water quickly destroy the items inside the house, but it can also lead to other problems such as mold, mildew and pests. To slow the impact of the pooling water, take these seven steps.

1. Close the water valve.

Prevent further water from entering your home by turning off the water valve. If you can’t find a valve, turn off the water main in the street.

2. Call in the pros.

Contacting a water mitigation specialty team can speed your home’s recovery process. Not only are they knowledgeable, but they have the tools to fix a broken pipe and quickly renew your home.

3. Open a water faucet.

By opening a faucet on the same line as the leaking pipe after the water is off, any residual pressure can be alleviated.

4. Remove standing water.

Getting the water off the floor as quickly as possible can keep it from soaking down into flooring and up into walls. Stopping the water damage can save you not only money but also weeks of home repairs.

5. Sort through items.

Damaged items should be sorted as soon as possible into discard and salvageable piles. All wet items should then be removed from the area, with discarded items going to into the trash.

6. Ventilate the area.

Bursting pipes can leave the damaged area wet and muggy. To remove the humidity and help dry the area more thoroughly, ventilate the room. Open windows and set up fans to aid in the humidity transfer.

7. Call your insurance company.

Not all water problems need to be reviewed by an insurance adjuster, but if your damage is severe, call your insurance company and request they open a file.

Bursting pipes do not need to be a life-changer when you take these seven steps. You can be in control of keeping the water damage to a minimum, and that feels good.