How do you keep pipes from freezing?

3/8/2023 (Permalink)

Give SERVPRO a call for your broken pipes.

There's nothing worse than taking a shower and then realizing that there's no hot water. Or worse, you may find yourself trying to take a shower in freezing cold conditions and discovering that the water from your faucet has turned into ice. While this isn't an everyday occurrence for most people, it does happen occasionally. In this article, we'll talk about how to keep your pipes from freezing so that your home stays warm during those cold winter months.

Insulate pipes and keep the heat turned up.

The best way to keep pipes from freezing is to insulate them and keep the heat turned up. Make sure you have enough insulation around your pipes, which means wrapping them in foam or fiberglass wool. You should also make sure that any air leaks are sealed up before winter hits so that heat doesn't escape through these cracks.

When it comes to keeping your home warm enough for your plumbing system, that means keeping an eye on things like drafts coming in from windows or doors; if you can feel cool air blowing against parts of your house, then it's time for some weatherstripping or caulking. If possible, try not leaving any gaps between window frames where cold air could get into the house. This will help prevent freezing temperatures from affecting those exposed pipes under the house.

Adequate insulation on the pipes in the crawl space.

If you have a crawlspace, make sure there's adequate insulation on the pipes in that space. If not, add some! Insulation should be at least 6 inches thick and cover all sides of the pipes.

exterior pipe insulation

If you have an exterior pipe, cover it with insulation. The best way to do this is with foam insulation. You'll want to make sure the foam isn't too thick or else it won't be able to keep the water flowing through your pipes warm enough. If this is an option for you, consider using a heat tape along with your new layer of protection so that no matter how cold outside gets (or how much snow piles up), there will be no need for concern about frozen pipes.

No Small Openings

To keep your pipes from freezing, you should make sure that there are no small openings for air to get in around your pipes, especially if you have underground pipes and pipes in unheated spaces like crawlspaces or attics.

You can insulate the entire length of any exposed pipe with insulation that's made for outdoor use. If possible, insulate the crawlspace under your house so that heat doesn't escape through those areas. This will help keep both hot water tanks and furnaces warm enough to avoid freezing temperatures inside them as well!

Don't Turn the Water On

If you have frozen pipes, don't turn on any water until SERVPRO has arrived. Turning on the faucet can cause a pipe to burst or crack and begin leaking immediately. If this happens, shut off the water and call us right away so that we can fix it before more damage occurs

Frozen pipes can be very dangerous to your home so take care to protect your home when it's cold out. If you have any questions about how to keep your pipes from freezing or if you have any other plumbing issues, contact SERVPRO today. We are here 24/7 and ready to help!

What Are the 3 Categories of Water Damage?

12/5/2022 (Permalink)

Water categories

What Are the Three Types of Water Damage?

Water damage can be serious, especially if it is not dealt with quickly. It is important to know the difference between the three categories of water damage so that you can get the right help. Classifying the kind of water damage that has occurred is important because it helps you determine what you should do next. The more information you have, the better equipped you are to make an informed decision about what to do with your property.

Category 1 Water – “Clean Water”

Category 1 Water is water that has been used for drinking, washing or other household purposes. This type of water is not harmful to your health or the environment and does not require any cleanup. 

Category 1 water includes:

• Water from the kitchen sink faucet when you are washing dishes
• Water from your bathtub after showering
• Water from a toilet flushed without any waste matter in it

Category 2 Water – “Gray Water”

This type of water is mainly comprised of toilet waste, but it's not as dangerous as black water because it contains less harmful bacteria. However, gray water can still contain harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

Category 3 Water – “Black Water”

Category 3 water is the worst kind of water damage. It’s usually caused by sewage or flood waters. If you see any signs of black water, get out of your house immediately and call us! We can help you identify what needs to be done to fix your home so that it will be safe again after dealing with this type of disaster.

Call SERVPRO of Mid-City San Diego

If you have a water damage emergency, call us as soon as possible. We are available 24/7, and we will be happy to send one of our highly trained technicians out to your home or business in San Diego, CA to provide a free estimate. With over 1,700 Franchises in the United States and Canada, we can be there quickly in times of need, no matter the time or day.

We offer complete services for any type of water damage—from leaks in the kitchen or bathroom to flooding from heavy rain and storms—and our technicians are ready with the right equipment to do the job.

Water damage can be devastating to your home or business. The first step to getting your property back to normal is to properly classify the type of water damage that has occurred. If you have just had water damage, it is important to know how to classify it so that you can get the right help. If you find yourself in this situation, call us at SERVPRO of Mid-City San Diego and we will help you out.

How Do I Install a New Toilet?

11/1/2022 (Permalink)

Attach the water supply line to the toilet.

What Is the Best Way to Install a New Toilet?

Replacing a toilet at home in San Diego is fairly simple. Before you do this, however, make sure that you have all the parts on hand for installation—and double-check that you're using the correct parts! Once your new toilet is in place, you'll need to run some water through it to flush out any debris from manufacturing or shipping (which could affect how well everything flushes). Here is how you install a new toilet.

Install the new wax ring

Use a wax ring kit, which includes a wax ring and the necessary bolts to install it. Put the wax ring on the flange, making sure that it is centered and sitting flat against the bottom of your toilet bowl. You can use a small amount of plumber’s putty if needed to help keep it in place as you set your toilet bowl onto it later on in this process of installing a new toilet (this is also known as “setting”).

Slide your new toilet into place over top of your old one and gently lower it down until all four legs are resting firmly on top of their corresponding base bolts or screws—you should hear three distinct clicks when they hit home! 

Tighten the bolts

Once the bolts are in place, you can tighten them using a wrench or pliers. If you’re using a torque wrench (which is highly recommended), be sure to use it to tighten the bolts.

If there were any minor leaks around the base of your toilet before installation, this should have fixed those problems and stopped them from happening again.

You may notice that there are two types of bolts: one type has a flat edge while the other has an indented edge on one side and an indented groove on its opposite side. These different bolt types ensure that your toilet will drain properly into either hooked-up drains or into P-traps with vents attached to them respectively.

Connect the water supply line

Attach the water supply line to the toilet. Tighten the nut on the bottom of your water supply line, making sure it's not kinked or pinched. Then, look for any leaks that may indicate a problem with your toilet installation.

Test Your Work

After you've completed the installation and tested your work, it's time to verify that everything is working properly. Check for leaks first by placing a bowl under the toilet base. If there are any drips, tighten any loose nuts on the underside of the tank or connect some leak-stopping putty if needed.

Next, flush your toilet and make sure that it performs as expected every time. It should fill completely with water before draining completely as well as drain completely in less than four seconds. If these steps don't seem right to you or if there are any other issues with performance, call a plumber immediately!

Replacing a toilet at home is simple

For the most part, replacing a toilet is a very simple process. However, before you start loosening bolts and unscrewing nuts, it's important to make sure not to over tighten them. Over tightening can cause cracks in the porcelain and lead to leaks over time.

To avoid this problem, use either a wrench or pliers to tighten your bolts after everything else has been put together. Once the seat is installed and all other parts are in place, re-tighten all of them so they're snug but not too tight.

Replacing a toilet is not a difficult project and can be accomplished by anyone with a few simple tools. This guide is designed to help make the process as easy as possible by walking you through each step of the way. By following these instructions and being mindful of what you are doing, you will be able to install a new toilet in no time at all!

4 Steps To Restoring Your Home After a Leaky Water Heater

5/10/2022 (Permalink)

A leaking water heater can cause damage to your home.

After a Leaky Water Heater, Follow These 4 Steps to Restore Your Home

A leaking water heater in City Heights, CA, can quickly become an emergency. Not only is the leak likely to become worse over time, but a continuous stream of warm water can easily become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. Luckily, you can minimize damage to your home by addressing your failed water heater as soon as you notice a problem. By following these steps and knowing what to expect throughout the restoration process, your home will be back to new in no time.

1. Shut Off the Water
It is important to stop the source of the water. First, go to the circuit box and cut the electrical power to the area. Next, turn the water supply valve on the water heater to the off position. If there are any electrical hazards, such as sockets or wires underwater, do not enter the area. Instead, turn off the water to the house and call an electrician for assistance.

2. Extract the Water
Regardless of how many gallons of water have found their way onto your floor, water damage remediation experts can quickly remove the water and dry the area. Many professionals in City Heights, CA, use specialized machines to extract the water caused by a leaking water heater. Specialists may also use industrialized blowers to thoroughly dry any remaining moisture.

3. Inspect the Broken Water Heater
Once the immediate problems have been addressed, experts will inspect your water heater to determine if it can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced. The team will explain your options and may even work with your insurance company to help streamline the repair or replacement process.

4. Work With Restoration Services
Your home must be restored to its previous condition. If your floors, walls, or other building components are not salvageable, the team may install new materials. Experts may apply new paint or make other repairs before the job is complete.
A leaking water heater can cause damage to your home. Fortunately, with a team of experts, your home can be restored to its original condition in the least amount of time.

4 Typical Areas Where Mold Is Found in Commercial Buildings

3/23/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO doesn't just remove materials affected by water damage and mold, but we get to source of the problem to prevent ongoing damage!

Even when regular cleaning and caretaking is a part of your everyday lifestyle as a building owner in San Diego, CA keeping mold away forever is near to impossible. It’s bound to show up in areas where water is commonly used and the mildew smell alone can alert you to its whereabouts. However, if no visible mold is apparent and you need to find its location before resorting to mold testing, here are four typical areas where mold can be found in commercial properties.

• Look for mold near water heaters and air-conditioning units. When coolers are used all day, specifically in large buildings where they’re often in constant use, heavy condensation and water leaks can frequently occur. Since this water lingers and seeps into the surrounding walls or floors, mold can begin to grow in unforeseen places like under the carpet or behind drywall.
• Search below bathroom and kitchen sinks. Bathrooms and kitchens see their fair share of consistent water usage, leaving a mildew smell without necessarily displaying visible mold to the naked eye. This is often the case because it’s hiding below the sink where any leaks can spring up, plumbing can become loose or caulking can go bad, needing replacement.
• Check the walls beneath leaky windows. If your building in San Diego, CA sees ample rainfall every year, you’re more likely to find mold growing below your windows. Poor insulation or leaky window frames are high areas for trapped moisture.
• Investigate basement floors or cellars that have been previously flooded. Any low-level rooms like basements that have endured flood damage leave a lot of damp walls and floor space if they’re not dried or replaced properly by professionals. Given that these areas are generally dark, receiving little sunlight or fresh air, there’s a high probability mold is present.

If no visible mold can be found and you’re intending to have mold testing done in your building, try looking in any of these typical areas where mold grows frequently. When the mildew smell can’t give away its location, any of these areas may reveal the mold you’re looking for.

The Importance of Containment During Mold Removal

3/9/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO takes every measure to ensure that excess moisture is removed from water-damaged areas!

When mold starts to spread in your San Diego, CA business after a flood or other types of water disaster, you may not be sure how to treat or remove it. Mold cleanup can be a complicated affair, and the mold may even reappear if it is not handled properly the first time. Having mold-damaged areas professionally inspected and contained is one way to ensure the problem is eradicated quickly.

Mold Can Grow Rapidly

If mold is not contained during the cleanup process, mold spores can travel through the air and into other areas, where they might find new breeding grounds. Some of the most common, unseen spaces usually include:

• Storage space in the basement
• Interior walls damaged by water
• Inside of your building’s heating and cooling system

Because these spores can travel so easily, bringing in a company that specializes in mold remediation can help prevent further growth. Since mold can begin to grow in its new environment as soon as 48 hours after attaching, calling in professional services right away can be an important step in cleanup.

Mold Can Break Free From Damaged Drywall and Carpeting

As mold-damaged substances like drywall and carpeting are removed from your business during mold cleanup, the spores can become airborne. Once this happens, the fungus can attack other porous materials, such as acoustic ceilings and tile flooring. Keeping mold-infested substances contained can prevent spores from finding a new foothold in other areas of your business.

Commercial Cleansers May Not Kill Mold Completely

Calling for professional mold containment can be an important step in preventing future issues. Mold contamination may not always respond to commercial cleansers, and the mold presence in your building may require more drastic treatment. Negative air pressure and specialized chambers can isolate areas that have been affected by mold and prevent it from reforming and spreading.

Mold cleanup can be a complicated process, especially when it comes to keeping affected areas contained. Leaving these areas closed off and calling in professional mold remediation services can help prevent the spread of mold and restore your San Diego, CA business to its former glory.

The First Steps To Take When Your Kitchen Floods

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

A leak in your kitchen can lead to flooding.

Steps To Take If Your Kitchen Floods

There are a few clear signs that you have a leak under your kitchen sink. You may hear drips of water even after you turn off the faucet. The bottom of your cabinet may be wet. If the leak is big, you may even see some flooding. Once you notice these signs in your home in Clay Park, CA, there are three steps you need to take immediately in order to prevent as much damage to your kitchen as possible.

1. Shut Off Water

The less water you have bursting out of the leaky pipe, the less damage it can cause. To halt the progression of the problem, turn off the water at its source. Cut off the supply on the wall, or, if that’s not possible, turn it off at the main. By preventing the flow of water in the home, you can minimize damage.

2. Call Insurance Agent

After the water feeding the flooding has ceased, it is time to call your insurance company to report the problem. You can file a claim for any damage caused by a sudden pipe leak. As long as you can prove it is not a long-term problem and it is not a result of your negligence, your homeowner’s policy is likely to cover the costs of repairing the damage.

3. Call Repair Personnel

In the interest of preventing further damage to your home, place a call to water restoration specialists. These experts assess the damage, propose possible solutions and take your kitchen repair from water extraction to structure restoration. If they start the repairs quickly, you may be able to avoid secondary damage such as mold growth in your home.

A leak in your kitchen can lead to flooding and significant water damage. When you notice a leak has occurred under your kitchen sink, shut off the water source and call your insurance company and repair specialists to get your home back to normal as soon as possible.

How Sewer Damage is Cleaned Up

12/30/2021 (Permalink)

A sewer backup can wreak havoc in your home.

Sewer Damage Clean Up Process

A sewer backup can wreak havoc in your home. A flooded toilet can unleash dangerous bacteria and viruses and cause irreparable damage to your home’s contents. While you may be tempted to begin cleaning right away or try to salvage personal items that have been contaminated, it’s important that you let a professional water damage mitigation specialist in Colina Del Sol Park, CA, handle a sewer cleanup.

If the contaminated water is in danger of coming into contact with electrical appliances, turn off your electricity to prevent hazardous conditions. After that, avoid all contact with the sewage and contact a professional. A backed up sewer flooding your home is considered an emergency situation, so they should respond quickly. When they arrive they’ll assess the situation and make a plan for cleanup. Once they begin, here are the steps you can expect.

1. Identifying the Source

Before sewer cleanup can begin, it’s important to identify the source of the backup. A professional should be able to cap a ruptured sewer line or seal a cracked septic tank to prevent further backup into your home.

2. Water Extraction

A water damage mitigation specialist will have specialized equipment to remove the water from your home, such as submersible pumps and wet vacs. They’ll also make sure contaminants are not spread to other parts of your property by sealing off the affected areas.

3. Removal of Contaminated Materials

Any porous materials that come in contact with sewage will have to be thrown out. This includes carpeting, drywall and upholstery cloth. If the contaminated object is very valuable, it may be worth the expense to have it specially cleaned by an expert.

4. Disinfecting Your Home

Any remaining hard materials, such as glass, metal and hardwoods will need to be disinfected. This requires specialized cleansers used to wipe down every remaining surface.

A sewer cleanup requires safety gear and expert know-how to avoid spreading contaminants and putting you and your family at risk. If you’re dealing with a backed-up sewer, avoid all contact with the sewage and call a water mitigation specialist in Colina Del Sol Park, CA, right away.

Electricity and Water: Figuring Out How Your Light Fixtures Became Fountains

11/25/2021 (Permalink)

Water in a light fixture can be an odd and troubling sight.

Electricity and Water

Water in a light fixture can be an odd and troubling sight. Many homeowners may be confused and distraught over what they should do. Thankfully, the few steps below will help you navigate this somewhat frightening ordeal.

1. Turn Off the Electricity

Electricity and water typically don’t mix, so if you notice water in your light fixtures, you should immediately cut the power to the affected area. Leaving the power on risk shock, electrocution or even fire. Honestly, the best idea is likely to turn off power to the entire house before inspecting things further.

2. Inspect All Other Areas

When there is water in a light, then it stands to reason that other fixtures may be affected as well. Walk your house with a flashlight and inspect all other fixtures for water buildup. This inspection will help you narrow down the problem area and potentially lead you to the source of the leak.

3. Look for Ceiling Damage

If the fixtures do not help you narrow down the cause of the flooded lights, look for ceiling damage. Bubbling paint, soft drywall or sweat spots are all signs of a leak in your ceiling. If you come across an area that has any of these signs, take note of it and then shut off the water supply to minimize further damage.

4. Call a Specialist

After you have shut off the power, the water and possibly located the leak, you can call in a specialist from the Chollas Lake, CA, area to assess and repair the damage. These professionals will have the expertise and equipment to resolve your issue quickly and efficiently, working with you and your insurer the entire time.

When you come home and find water in a light fixture, you should act quickly to avoid exposure to shock and further home damage. You can follow the steps above to ensure your safety and to help you locate the source of the leak before help arrives.

Signs it's Time to Replace your Water Heater

10/18/2021 (Permalink)

Having a water heater break is devastating; it may feel like the end of the world. Fortunately, it’s not. Water heaters warm the water within a home or property. It is the process of heat transfer that uses an energy source to heat water above temperature. If the water heater is broken you are left only with cold water.

Here are ways you can tell you may need to replace your water heater:

• You only have cold water.
• Your water gets warm but never hot.
• Your water heater is making a lot of noise.
• Your hot water is discolored.
• Your water has a metallic smell or taste.
• Water is leaking around your water heater.
• Your water heater is getting old.
• Soil or residue at the base of your water heater.

We are hoping that your water heater never leaks or explodes and is able to replace it instead of having a flood or other water damage-related issues. Know that if there is ever an issue SERVPRO of Mid-City San Diego is here to help!

SERVPRO of Mid-City San Diego is a company with expertise in water damage and fire damage. If you are looking for an emergency restoration company in San Diego make sure to call (619) 280-2398 we are open 24 hours 7 days a week. We handle all types of emergencies such as flood damage and restoration, water extraction, rainstorms, groundwater, and fire damage repairs.

What to Expect when Water Damage has occurred in your Property

1/16/2020 (Permalink)

Production technician monitoring the walls for moisture.

Lets say your home got water damage and you have to call an emergency service like SERVPRO of Mid-City San Diego. Here are a couple things you should expect before help arrives. First we will talk about steps you can take on your own, and then the steps that SERVPRO of Mid-City San Diego will handle.

Steps you Can Take on your Own

1. First you want to make sure you find the source of water, and shut of the main line.
2. You want to make sure that everyone is safe and are in the driest part of the house.
3. Place towels on the outside of the puddle, so that the water stops from spreading.
4. Make sure to immediately call your local SERVPRO. Water causes mold to spread like rapid fire. It also weakens the structure of your home if left wet for extended hours.

*If you do not feel comfortable doing these things skip to step 4 and call SERVPRO immediately.

SERVPRO Technicians Steps

1. SERVPRO will begin by first drying the area and then finding the loss.
2. Once the loss is found they will figure out the category of the water. Here is an article previously written on our blog about the categories of water.
3. Once the category of water has been found SERVPRO will then begin the restoration and drying process. 
1. The drying process includes having fans in your home. This does require the fans to be on at all times. It is a bit noisy, but is important that the fans remain on at all times if not this will delay the process.
2. The restoration process can sometimes be tedious for residents. Technicians are sometimes tearing drywall down and containing areas that you may not have access to.
3. SERVPRO technicians make an effort to go to the damaged property everyday once the job has started. They do this to ensure the property is truly drying.
4. Sometimes when mold has spread this needs to be restored as well.

Make sure to call SERVPRO of Mid-City San Diego at (619) 280-2398 for any home emergencies.

What do you do when water strikes?

1/8/2020 (Permalink)

Standing water in kitchen area in San Diego, CA.

Water damage happens in many forms. It comes in through floods, tremendous amounts of rain, and even the unfortunate circumstance - through toilets or sinks. Regardless of how the waterflow comes in the situations are similar in our human reaction. There's lots of water left on the floor, you are heightened with stress, you can’t think straight, you have millions of thoughts crossing your mind. You’ve heard about these situations before. It’s happened to your neighbors, family and friends. But you never thought it would actually happen to you. So what do you do when the water strikes? You strike back. Here are some steps to take to when water damage has entered your property.

• Wear the proper equipment, (have rubber boots and gloves)
• Shut off the water supply to your home
• Water and electricity don’t mix, don’t forget to shut off the electric supply as well
• Unplug all of your electronics and move them away from the effected area
• Lay down towels to soak up water from spreading
• Call SERVPRO of San Diego East to restore the damage and dry up the area completely and thoroughly 

Remember to call your insurance agent. DIY is in right now, but it’s important not to practice this when water damage has happened. SERVPRO of San Diego East uses specific drying equipment that will dry water completely. This is to avoid water from spreading into walls and creating mold.

What is SERVPRO of Mid-City San Diego’s drying process?

12/11/2019 (Permalink)

Extreme water loss in Indianapolis.

SERVPRO of Mid-City San Diego uses state-of-the-art water removal equipment along with a drying process catered to best fit your home. So what exactly does the drying process look like? Here are a couple things to expect when water damage has struck your home.

The drying process begins with inspection of loss and source of water entry. Our goal is to stop water flow immediately to prevent additional water damage. Once the source of water has been established we begin moisture mapping. Moisture mapping is how SERVPRO keeps track of damp areas within your home. We keep track of this throughout the whole process. Then we bring in equipment to dry the moisture after a few days the damaged areas should be all dried up.

Call SERVPRO of Mid-City San Diego at (619) 280-2377 for any of your water damage losses.

Possible Losses During Rain

12/4/2019 (Permalink)

Standing water in living room.

San Diego, CA has been experiencing a lot of rain lately. Rain is a great indicator of quality of construction to buildings and homes. Rain comes with a flood of emotions as well as water damage. 

Some possible losses consist of:

• Flood in your home.
• Ground water entering your home or property through the ground.
• Roof leaks.
• Sewage backup.
• Pipes bursting.

When such losses occur it is important to take action immediately. Water damage may not seem hazardous, but it can cause mold and make the infrastructure of your property or home fragile. It can lead to drywall softening and collapsing that could either damage your valuables or put yourself and those around you at risk. 

If you are experiencing any losses make sure to call SERVPRO of Mid-City San Diego at (619) 280-2377.

What is Water Damage?

12/2/2019 (Permalink)

Category 1 flood in a home.

Water damage can come from various events. Water may enter a structure from broken water pipes, leaking water heaters, washing machine overflow, roof leaks, fire-fighting efforts during a fire, sump pump failure, flooding, sewer backups, and many other sources. If the water is from a clean source, such as a broken water pipe, restoration of materials is much more likely. Water damage is also handled in different ways depending on the category.

Categories are terms SERVPRO of Mid-City San Diego uses to appropriately mark what processes need to occur during remediation. The categories are classified in three groups. Category 1, 2, and 3. 

Category 1: is water damage that is not contaminated. Some examples of category 1 is a pipe bursting, overflowing sinks, or defective appliances, and natural disasters. Toilet water can be considered category 1 if no chemicals are in the water and does not contain human waste.

Category 2: is water damage that carries waste products such as chemical, but does not contain human waste. Some examples are overflowing washing machine, dishwasher leaks from dish waste. Other examples would be water from aquariums or waterbeds.

Category 3: is water damage that is unsanitary it is also known as black water. This water most likely contains human waste. Some examples are sewage back-ups. 

Please make sure you call SERVPRO of Mid-City San Diego if you have any water damage.