Archived Water Damage Blog Posts

Water Damage Tips

2/19/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bowie wants to help you prepare your property to prevent any water damage. Here are some simple tips to keep water flowing the way it should through the winter months.

Know the location of the water shut off valve.

If you were to have a major incident with your home’s plumbing this is the number one thing to know. Typically, shut off valves are outside about 4 feet from your home and can be hidden beneath landscape. Occasionally, it can be beside the water meter. It is crucial to know where the shut off valve is in case you have a pipe burst and need to cut off the water supply to your home to prevent further damage.

Turn off outside spigots to prevent them from freezing.

Did you know the average homeowner spends $10,000 for a pipe rupture? Having an emergency plumber fix the plumbing, and then, SERVPRO of Bowie your home and replace flooring, walls etc. is a huge expense. Take a few minutes and disconnect garden hoses from the spigot and purchase a cover from your local hardware store to protect the outdoor spigots. Plumbing pipes, like all materials, deteriorate overtime. Along comes old man winter, and the water in that thin pipe freezes and burst. As it begins to thaw you are left with a plumbing emergency.

Look for pipes in uninsulated areas of your home.

Pipes running on the outside edge of your home’s exterior are most susceptible to freezing. They should be covered with towels or foam to protect them from cold temperatures. Allowing your faucets to drip water slowly to encourage water flow is another good winter weather tip.

Preparation is the key to make it through any type of disaster, whether it is a small water leak or a ruptured pipe. Review these tips with everyone in your home to ensure safe water flow throughout your property.

Is your AC in the heat of battle?

7/1/2019 (Permalink)

All of us here at SERVPRO of Bowie hope you are enjoying the summer break, whether it’s hitting the pool or the ocean for a family vacation. As we are reaching record highs this season, your AC maybe taking a toll and packing heat from the outside air.AC leaks are very common and can actually freeze the refrigerant coils due to extreme heat. This may not seem like a big deal at first, but it will lead to leaks around your HVAC Unit and furnace. With that being said, here a few tips and suggestions to help you avoid a hot mess of an AC unit:

Turn the AC unit immediately if you spot frozen evaporator coil until the problem is successfully corrected.
Replace your Air filter every 30 to 90 days
Do not Cover any air vents or registers
For systems that drain by gravity, be sure the condensate is flowing freely to the outside; the drain line (especially the elbow) may be plugged with mold and slime.
For systems that use a condensate pump, if the pump has failed, that could lead to water backing up in the system and overflowing the pan.
That the large pan below the cold coil (called the condensate pan) is not rotted and full of holes, and leaking water into the house. Note, that in most cases, replacing the pan below the coil is usually not something a homeowner can tackle. A leaking pan is almost always better repaired by a licensed air conditioning heating ventilation contractor (HVAC).
Clean the elbowed plug that leads to the condensate pan. You may need to cut and replace the plastic elbow, depending on whether it has slime/mold or not.
Use a shop vacuum to the end of the condensate drain, if any, and run the vacuum for a few seconds to pull any dried or wet contents out of the line. You need to remove the shop vacuum’s paper air filter to do this.
For metal Condensate pans, use bleach and water solution to routinely clear you drain line and prevent it from creating mildew.
- Plastic/copper drains can be corroded and damaged. It may easier to use chlorine tablets instead.

For more information, go to https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to/a7782/quick-fixes-for-leaky-ac-systems-8925561/

And if all else fails, we’re always here to help remediate any water, fire or mold damages that wreak havoc on your home. Please call us at (301)-459-0444 or 1-800 SERVPRO for SERVPRO of Bowie.

SERVPRO of Bowie's Drying Equipment

5/24/2019 (Permalink)

Small water damages have the potential to cause serious structural and indoor air quality issues over time. The key to avoiding costly future restoration is to handle every water problem as a real threat to your property. SERVPRO of Bowie has the equipment, training, and experience to find and dry unseen water before secondary damages occur. The proper equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing the damage expense during a fire or water loss. When time matters, technology, and equipment must be counted on to perform properly. Our team will answer your call with fast action and a full arsenal of drying equipment. Here are a few of the tools used by our SERVPRO of Bowie technicians.

Moisture Sensors - Used to detect moisture in carpets, baseboards, and walls.

Moisture Meters - Used to determine the actual moisture content of various materials. The moisture tester provides accurate readings, allowing SERVPRO of Bowie to monitor the drying process.

Thermohygrometers - Measure temperature and relative humidity. When armed with this information, we can calculate and create an environment most conducive to drying. When facing a contaminated water loss, it is not only important to dry the structure, but the structure must also be disinfected and often deodorized.

Ultra-Low-Volume (ULV) Foggers - Atomize liquid deodorizing agents, producing a fine mist that can easily penetrate the site where odor-causing residues may accumulate. This device can also be used to inject fungicides and disinfectants into wall cavities and other hard-to-reach areas.

Thermal Foggers - Dispense solvent-based products by creating a dense fog. The fog consists of tiny particles of deodorant solution that attach to and neutralize odor-causing particles to deodorize structures, garments, automobiles and other places where cleaning cannot reach. Call us Birmingham, we have the training and equipment to make it “Like it never even happened.” Remember, we’re always here to help! Call us at (301)-459-0444.

Common Mistakes You're Making with Your "Small" Water Damage

7/31/2018 (Permalink)

When finding themselves in the midst of a water damage event, many people immediately react by jumping in and cleaning up the mess. Beginning the restoration process as soon as possible is important but starting before you have taken the necessary steps or know exactly what you are doing could actually make things worse in the end. To help avoid these mishaps, a few of the most common mistakes in water damage clean-up are listed below. The most critical mistake to not make is failing to hire a professional restoration company to do the dirty work for you. SERVPRO of Bowie is your local expert to help you navigate the “waters”.

Mistake #1- Not Having the Job Done RIGHT the First Time

Adopting the “do it yourself” approach when it comes to water damage clean-up is often the go-to mindset. However, this is usually a more difficult process than people think. It can be a long process and following the proper procedures is very important. For example, if you neglect to begin airing out your home by opening up windows and doors for ventilation and using fans to dry things out as soon as possible, the damage will eventually be worse.

Mistake #2- Not Being Completely Thorough

As mentioned above, the water damage restoration process done right requires that you be very thorough. Cutting corners and major shortcuts will not make a big difference and can actually cause more damage. It is better to have the job done right up front, but it will not happen overnight. To ensure all the water is removed and mold will not begin to grow on and in your walls, ceilings, and carpet, you will want to make sure your contractor is certified to do the work needed in an appropriate time frame.

Mistake #3- Waiting Too Long

It can be tempting to put off dealing with flooding or water damage when it’s just a small incident, especially when life is hectic. Even minor flooding can lead to major damage in the long run. The water seeps into walls and flooring over time when not dried properly and can cause structural damage and mold growth. It’s not worth the risk to procrastinate. It could save you a lot of time, heartache, and money in the long run.

Mistake #4- Not Involving a Certified Restoration Company

Trying to tackle the water damage restoration process on your own is great undertaking. Having it done right the first time requires the proper expertise, the right equipment, and enough time to be as thorough as required. Though it may seem like you have the time and resources to clean it up, you will soon realize the process is more involved than originally thought. Should you ever find yourself in a situation where your home or business has been compromised by flooding or water damage, don’t hesitate to contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Bowie.

Water Damage Timeline

7/17/2018 (Permalink)

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 contaminants can pose serious risks to occupants.

Understanding WATER Types

6/19/2018 (Permalink)

When your home or business suffers a water damage, understanding what type of water you are dealing with is critical to ensuring proper cleanup. There are three types of water. Clean water is water from a broken pipe, or other water source; rainwater is also considered clean. The term gray water is used to classify slightly contaminated water. Clean water becomes gray water when it is left untreated allowing bacteria and other contaminants to begin growing, making the water hazardous. Black water is highly contaminated and filled with fungi, bacteria, chemicals and more. Black water is typically caused by sewage damage, flooding or any type of natural disaster. Black water should always be handled by trained professionals. Consider taking the following precautions to help minimize damage or prevent further damage while waiting for help to arrive.

Damage from Clean Water

Shut off the water source if possible or contact a qualified professional to do so.
Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building if access to the power distribution panel is safe from potential electrical shock. Do not enter rooms with standing water, as electrical shock hazards may exist.
Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting. Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.
Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions to allow more even drying.
Move any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other valuable items that may be sensitive to moisture to a safe place.
Do not leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors as they may cause staining.
Do not use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water as there is potential for electrical shock or causing damage to the vacuum cleaner.
Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet; do not enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

Damage from Contaminated Water

Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage. Wash your hands thoroughly if you come in contact with contaminated items.
Do not walk through contaminated areas, as you could spread damage to unaffected areas.
Do not turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air.
Do not use household fans to dry the structure; air flow could spread contaminants.
Discard any food and/or products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas.

What to do and what not to do in case of water damage

6/5/2018 (Permalink)

It is important to always be prepared in case of emergency. Here are some tips on how to handle a water damage in your own home.

What To Do After Flooding

Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
Gather loose items from floors.

What NOT To Do After Flooding

Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
Don't use television or other household appliances.
Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

We are always here to help! If you are dealing with a water damaged home call our office at (301)-459-0444. We are available 24/7.

What can be saved after a building has been flooded?

5/29/2018 (Permalink)

The initial cause of the flooded building will the identified during the initial assessment. It may be Mother Nature, or it may be faulty plumbing. Whatever the problem, they can provide recommendations for repairing the initial source of the problem.

If you have water in your business , chances are the contents and property will be contaminated or ruined completely. In some cases items can be salvaged by cleaning, drying and sanitizing. Restoration Professionals using EPA-approved cleaning products may be able to return your possessions to their pre-flood condition.

A Water Damage Restoration company is also experts in helping you file insurance claims to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. They can provide documentation and photographs of the items as required by the insurance companies.

And finally, restoration can begin. This may entail small replacements, such as flooring, fixing a supply line break, pipe break or drywall. Or it may require complete demolition and rebuilding of the structure. Experts have the required knowledge to know what can be salvaged and what needs to be replaced.

Clean Water, Gray Water, Black Water - What's the difference?

5/24/2018 (Permalink)

When facing water damage, understanding what type of water you are dealing with is critical to ensure proper cleanup. There are three types of water. Clean water … is from a broken pipe, or other water source; rainwater is also considered clean. The term gray water is used to classify slightly contaminated water. Clean water becomes gray water when it is left untreated allowing bacteria and other contaminants to begin growing, making the water hazardous. Black water is highly contaminated and filled with fungi, bacteria, chemicals and more. Sewage damage, flooding or any type of natural disaster typically causes black water. Trained professionals should always handle black water. When you have water damage -- Do Not leave your property to chance. Call your SERVPRO team.

Note: If exposed to harmful waste, OSHA recommends a post-exposure medical evaluation. Consult your local health department or physician.

5 Things You Need To Know About Water Damage Statistics

5/8/2018 (Permalink)

When a pipe bursts, a drain backs up, or a flood occurs in your home, it can be hard to see past the mess. A million questions will run through your mind.

What do I do now?

What’s going to happen?

Is my stuff ruined?

And the most important question of all: Will my homeowner’s insurance cover the damage?

There’s no doubt about it. Water damage is extremely stressful, and the more you know about it, the better you’ll be able to decide how to address it. Here are five things that every homeowner needs to know about water damage.

1. There are different insurance policies for flood damage and water damage.

You might think that water is water, whether it’s from flooding or a burst pipe, but flood damage is not covered under homeowner’s insurance. If you live in an area likely to experience flooding, you will probably already have a separate policy through the National Flood Insurance Policy (NFIP). When you report the claim to the insurance company, make sure to specify whether the claim is for water damage or for flood damage, so they can begin adjusting your claim correctly.

2. Not all water damage is covered by your insurance.

It is a good idea to look over your insurance policy and familiarize yourself with any exclusion to your water damage coverage. For instance, most policies cover sudden damage, like water damage from a really bad storm or from an overflowing washing machine. On the other hand, any water damage that happens because you didn’t maintain the property may be excluded, as well as gradual leaks that caused water damage over time.

3. Once water damage has happened, the clock is ticking before it gets worse.

When your property has been water damaged, you don’t have the luxury of waiting around for a convenient time to start the cleanup. Secondary damage from mold growth can present serious health risks associated with mold in the living environment.

Mold spores are everywhere, but they need moisture and a nutrient source to grow. And that is exactly what your wet carpet or drywall offers.

There is a 24 to 48 hour window from the time something gets wet until mold CAN begin to grow. After that time, mold will multiply rapidly. When mold growth is widespread, you may need the services of SERVPRO mold remediation service to safely treat and remove the mold.

To prevent mold growth, you will need to get your property completely dry again within that 48-hour window. To do this, you’ll need to contact a company that specializes in water damage restoration and emergency water extraction. They will have the professional water removal equipment and drying equipment to get the job done as quickly as possible. Many have 24-hour a day emergency hotlines, so you can start recovering your property almost immediately.

4. Your insurance company needs to know right away.

It’s a good idea to call your insurance company right away when you discover water damage. Your insurance agent can start the claims process immediately, as well as guide you through the first steps you will need to take to protect your property from more damage, like stopping the source of the water at the main water turnoff.

5. The pollution level of the water is important.

Water damage is categorized as one of three levels by how polluted the water source was that caused the damage.

Category 1: Water from a clean water source, like a fresh water line for a dishwasher. This water will not cause illness or any ill effects.

Category 2: Water that may cause illness through contact. It may have bacteria in it,

Even though water may start out as Category 1, that doesn’t mean it will stay that way. Any contamination that the water touches, such as dirty carpeting or soil from the ground, can change water damage Category to 2 or even Category 3. And since standing breeds bacteria, the longer the water is around, the worse the contamination of your property.

More contamination can mean that the restoration team will have to use more aggressive measures to clean your structure and property, and it might mean that soft furnishings, like your carpet and the carpet pad, may have to be discarded for your safety.

Water damage can be dangerous and expensive, so preventing water damage is an important part of home maintenance. But if you know the basics of what to do once it happens, you can prevent it from doing its worst.

Call SERVPRO of Bowie at (301)-459-0444 for any water damage restoration you may have.

What Causes Flooding?

5/1/2018 (Permalink)

There are many causes of flood damage in your home or business.

Anything can happen to flood your home or cause water in your business; even small accidents like a supply line break or a pipe break can cause a flooded home. Some causes are preventable, others are not. The most common causes:

Broken water heaters / Sump Pumps
Leaking pipes
Supply line break
Frozen water lines / pipe break
Storm water
Blocked Sewer Lines
Overflowing appliances (Bathtubs, dishwashers, washing machines)

Effects of Excessive Water?

Unless the water cleanup and drying is handled correctly and by a professional, the devastation can quickly spread. A Water Damage Restoration Professional is experienced in the mitigation process and can save you time, money and headaches. Without them, you are exposing yourself to all types of additional problems with water in your home or water in your business:

Mold
Contaminants in the water
Structural problems
Building materials
Carpets and carpet padding
Loss of personal property
Electrical / mechanical problems

There is more involved than just fixing a pipe break or supply line break.

Visit www.SERVPRObowie.com for more information on water damage

Faster to your Bowie, Glenn Dale, Lanham, Lake Arbor, Largo, Fairwood, Mitchellville, and Woodmore, Kettering, and Upper Marlboro Water Damage Events

4/10/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bowie provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service, no matter how big or small.

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Bowie 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 Bowie 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 – (301)-459-0444

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 Bowie

SERVPRO of Bowie 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.

SERVPRO of Bowie 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

4/3/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bowie 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 – 301-459-0444

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 Bowie 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)?