Archived Water Damage Blog Posts
Staying Dry During Flood Conditions | SERVPRO of Seattle Central & South Mercer Island
9/22/2024 (Permalink)
Flooding can be hazardous. Trust SERVPRO of Seattle Central & South Mercer Island for comprehensive recovery and peace of mind!
We are grateful to experience all kinds of weather here in the Seattle area, and we are often protected from strong storm systems like tornadoes and hurricanes. However, we do see our fair share of rain, which can sometimes pose issues for our community when it comes to water damage and flooding.
Experiencing a flood in your home is often an overwhelming experience, but knowing what to do before, during and after a flood can help you stay in control and avoid a serious or potentially dangerous situation.
Prioritizing Safety
Did you know that flash flood warnings can be issued even if it is not actively raining? You should heed all flood warnings no matter what the current conditions are and start preparing your home.
Start working on tidying up your yard, and remove any possessions that you don’t want to be carried away by the water. Tie down important things like grills and propane tanks and get your car into the garage.
Make sure your downspouts are on and pointed away from your house and then head indoors to get your lowest level ready for the possibility of moisture. Remove important possessions from the lowest level and the walls and consider turning off electricity to that area if your home is prone to flooding. Locate your emergency kit and then head to a higher location to wait out the weather.
What to Do During the Flooding
If your home does start to flood, do your best to stay calm and stay out of the water. There isn’t much you can do at the moment, and you want to avoid walking through the water, as floodwater can carry all kinds of dangerous chemicals, hazards and debris. Stay above the water line and wait until the water has stopped rushing in.
When the flash flood warning expires, you can move about your house and assess the damage. Take photos of each room that has been compromised and then get us on the phone to start discussing your recovery plan. Our team will start putting together a restoration plan that is tailored to your needs and then we will get going on our way to you.
How Our Flood Restoration Process Works
Our top priority whenever we are tackling water damage is to remove the standing water and residual moisture as quickly and as safely as possible. The longer the water sits on your floors, the worse the damage can become.
You could be looking at serious structural problems or mold infestations even after only a single day of inaction. We will work quickly to remove visible water as well as the hidden moisture behind your walls and under your floors.
Now that your space is dry, we can turn our attention to the repairs that need to take place. Floods are notorious for warping floorboards, soaking drywall and destroying carpet, but we can handle all of those repairs and more. Let us take care of your recovery the next time a flood infiltrates your Seattle-area home.
Flooding situations can be dangerous. Let SERVPRO of Seattle Central & South Mercer Island take care of your entire recovery!
The Realities of a Leaky Dishwasher | SERVPRO of Central Seattle and South & Mercer Island
3/22/2024 (Permalink)
Has your home recently been hit by disastrous water damage? SERVPRO of Central Seattle and South & Mercer Island can help. Call now!
Picture this—you finally get the kids out the door and on the bus, then you fill up your dishwasher, hit the start button and run out the door to work. While you are safely settled into work and are going about your day, your dishwasher slowly begins to leak due to a faulty seal.
Since no one is home to stop it from running, that leak could turn into a gush that continuously pumps water onto your floor throughout the entire cycle.
By the time you come home and discover the issue, your situation could have developed into a serious water disaster. If this ever happens to you, call SERVPRO of Central Seattle right away.
The Reality of Water Damage
Even though we rely on water to help us get through our days, it can cause some pretty widespread damage if it leaks to a place it shouldn’t. Water has the sneaky ability to leak through every crack and crevice in your home and can get into different levels of your house in just a few minutes.
Once it gets behind walls or under floors, it can be really difficult to dry out on your own without professional assistance. Even if you set out fans and open windows, that lingering moisture behind the protection of your walls can become stagnant and lead to mold, mildew and even rot. The best thing to do is to address the damage head-on by getting us on the phone.
Reacting to the Situation
The second you come home and walk right into your flooded kitchen will probably elicit some feelings of frustration and disgust. Do your best to stay out of the water while you navigate your way to the water valve under your sink. Shut off the valve to stop the problem from getting worse.
You should also turn off power to the appliance or shut off the breaker for your kitchen temporarily. This ensures that the dishwasher can’t start back up and dump the remaining water onto the floor, and it also protects you from the risks of electricity running near standing water.
The Benefits of a Professional Restoration
While it definitely won’t hurt to get a fan out yourself to start drying out the area, you most likely will not be able to get all of the moisture dried out yourself. Since water can quickly make its way behind your walls and under your floors, a simple household fan isn’t powerful enough to reach these areas.
However, our powerful drying equipment can! Our crew will be able to quickly assess the situation and get right to work on your repairs.
Our air movers and blowers will dry out the area, and we can use thermal imaging cameras to be sure that all of the hidden moisture is removed. From there, we can repair warped floors, replace trim and hang fresh drywall. Our crew will help you recover faster so you can get back to your regular life (and probably researching a new dishwasher) right away.
Tackle water damage fast! Contact SERVPRO of Central Seattle and South & Mercer Island for a quick recovery.
Dealing with Water Damage: Protecting Your Central Seattle Home
4/19/2023 (Permalink)
Only engage in activities that are safe for you to perform, bearing in mind that wet materials can be exceptionally heavy.
Water damage is an unwelcome and often overwhelming experience for homeowners. Whether it stems from a burst pipe, a leaking roof, or a natural disaster, water damage can wreak havoc on your home and belongings. In such moments of crisis, it's essential to know how to take immediate action to minimize the damage and ensure your safety while awaiting professional assistance.
Prioritize Safety
Above all else, safety must be your primary concern when dealing with water damage. Homes with water damage often pose electrical and slip hazards. Before attempting any cleanup or restoration, assess the safety of your environment. If there are any doubts or concerns about safety, it's best to evacuate the premises and await the arrival of professional help.
Exercise Caution in Your Actions
When dealing with water damage, selective action is key. Only engage in activities that are safe for you to perform, bearing in mind that wet materials can be exceptionally heavy. Start by removing excess water through methods like mopping and blotting. This will help prevent further water spread and damage. If you have wooden furniture in the affected area, remove excess water and wipe it dry after taking out lamps and tabletop items.
Upholstery and Cushions
Wet upholstery and cushions should be carefully removed and propped up in a safe location to dry. Additionally, gather loose items from the floors and transfer art objects to a secure, dry area.
What to Avoid
Equally important is knowing what actions to avoid when addressing water damage in your home. Do not leave wet fabrics in place; instead, hang up furs and leather goods. Avoid placing books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpet or floors to prevent color bleeding and further damage. Do not attempt to use your household vacuum for water removal, as it can be hazardous and cause damage to the vacuum itself.
Television and Appliances
Until a professional has inspected them, refrain from using televisions or other household appliances that may have been affected by water damage. Also, avoid turning on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet, and steer clear of rooms with sagging ceilings.
In times of water damage crisis, it's vital to prioritize safety and carefully select the actions you take while awaiting professional assistance. By following these guidelines, homeowners in Central Seattle can minimize damage and protect their homes and belongings until expert help arrives.
24/7 Water Damage Cleanup by SERVPRO®: Your Trusted Partner in Central Seattle
9/12/2022 (Permalink)
When water damage occurs despite preventive measures, you can rely on SERVPRO.
Water damage is a common issue that SERVPRO handles regularly. While it can result from various causes like floods, pipe bursts, sewer backups, or appliance failures, many of these problems are preventable. At SERVPRO, we not only provide top-notch restoration services but also offer recommendations to help Central Seattle property owners prevent water damage in their homes.
Preventing Water Damage
Tips from SERVPRO Both inside and outside your home, there are proactive steps you can take to minimize the risk of water damage:
Clogged Gutters: When gutters become clogged with dirt, debris, and leaves, water cannot flow as intended, causing backups that can lead to structural damage. Overflowing water can seep into cracks, deteriorate wood, and even result in hydrostatic water damage. Regular gutter cleaning or investing in a gutter cover system can prevent such issues.
Check Inside for Concerns: Inside your home, several areas can be prone to water damage. Slow leaks, if left unattended, can result in costly repairs, including damaged walls, ceilings, and flooring. Regularly inspect each room, including closets and utility spaces, for signs of water damage, such as water stains, warped floorboards, sagging ceilings, and corrosive build-ups on pipes.
Water Use Outside: Proper landscaping practices can help divert rainwater away from your property instead of pooling around it. After a rainstorm, examine your property for areas of standing water near the foundation, as these areas may require grading adjustments to direct rainwater away from your home. Also, consider using downspout extensions. Inspect sprinkler systems annually during the winterizing blow-out to prevent pipe breaks from freezing temperatures.
Appliances: Many household appliances, such as refrigerators with ice makers, dishwashers, and washing machines, use water and can be sources of potential water damage. Regularly check for issues like splits in drain hoses and leaks in pressurized water lines. Be aware that water heater tanks can hold a substantial amount of water, and a failure can lead to significant damage. Installing monitoring systems and performing regular maintenance can help prevent these issues.
SERVPRO: Your Water Damage Restoration Experts
When water damage occurs despite preventive measures, you can rely on SERVPRO. Our highly trained, IICRC-certified technicians are equipped with the latest restoration technology and are available 24/7 to assist Central Seattle property owners. We take pride in delivering exceptional service and restoring your property to its pre-damage condition.
Contact SERVPRO at (206) 282-9500 for prompt and professional water damage cleanup and restoration services.
Prepare for the Unexpected: Why Choose SERVPRO® for Water Damage Restoration in Your Seattle Home
8/11/2022 (Permalink)
The water and ice dispenser on a refrigerator is a great convenience, but can spill a lot of water in a malfunction.
In life, it's always wise to have a plan for the unexpected. Take, for instance, the water and ice dispenser on your refrigerator – a modern convenience that we often take for granted. What most people don't realize is the potential for a significant water spill in the event of a malfunction.
Recently, a Seattle homeowner faced a challenging situation when the supply line to their refrigerator's ice maker developed a split. The result? An alarming amount of water inundated their home's floor in a remarkably short time.
Assessing the Extent of Damage in the Kitchen At SERVPRO®, our experienced technicians understand that visible water is just the tip of the iceberg. Moisture can swiftly infiltrate sheetrock, seep under tile, and penetrate subfloors. This is why our technicians conduct a thorough visual assessment and employ advanced moisture detection equipment to ensure no hidden pockets of water are overlooked. In this case, our technicians confirmed the presence of water beneath the laminate floorboards and within the plywood subfloor, both of which required thorough drying.
State-of-the-Art Water Extraction Equipment Our water removal equipment far surpasses consumer-grade wet/dry vacuums in terms of power and efficiency. Equipped with centrifugal pumps, our machines can effectively draw out embedded moisture from various surfaces. The ability to use multiple extractors concurrently expedites the cleanup process, often resulting in reduced overall water damage to the property.
Removing Water-Damaged Materials In this instance, the flooring planks directly in front of the refrigerator were beyond salvaging due to water absorption and had to be replaced. This step facilitated access to the subfloor, which was then dried using specialized drying mats to force air into the plywood subfloor and floor joists within the crawlspace. The drying process was closely monitored to ensure that moisture content levels reached predetermined goals.
Preparation for New Floor Installation Prior to installing the replacement flooring, SERVPRO technicians treated the affected areas with an antimicrobial sealant, effectively preventing the potential growth of mold in the home.
Choose SERVPRO of Central Seattle at (206) 282-9500 for Comprehensive Water Removal When it comes to comprehensive water removal, SERVPRO of Central Seattle is your trusted partner. Equipped with cutting-edge equipment and utilizing advanced restoration techniques, we make water damage disappear as if it never even happened. Be prepared for the unexpected – choose SERVPRO for all your water damage restoration needs.
Efficient Water Removal Solutions for Your Seattle Kitchen
7/17/2022 (Permalink)
Experiencing a burst pipe in your kitchen can be a major inconvenience, considering that the kitchen is the heart of your home.
Experiencing a burst pipe in your kitchen can be a major inconvenience, considering that the kitchen is the heart of your home. Swiftly addressing excess water in your kitchen is essential to minimize disruptions to your family's daily routine. Not only does prompt action prevent secondary damage like mold growth and saturated wall materials, but it also ensures a quicker return to normalcy.
Why Choose SERVPRO® in Central Seattle
Rapid Response: SERVPRO understands the urgency of water damage situations. We respond quickly to mitigate further damage, providing efficient water removal services.
Expertise and Training: Our trained technicians have the knowledge and experience to handle various materials and situations, ensuring effective water removal.
Advanced Equipment: SERVPRO utilizes powerful portable extraction equipment, high-velocity air movers, and dehumidifiers to efficiently remove water and restore normal humidity levels.
Considerations for Water Removal
When removing water from materials in your home, our SERVPRO technicians take into account the characteristics of different materials:
Vapor Barriers: Materials with vapor barriers, such as vinyl wallpaper, Kraft paper-faced insulation, masonry brick, and plastic sheeting, can be challenging to dry once water penetrates. These barriers are designed to keep water out, making extraction more critical.
Hygroscopic Materials: Materials like carpet, upholstery, unfaced insulation, and particleboard readily absorb water and moisture from the air. While they are easier to dry, they are also more susceptible to damage.
Effective Water Removal Process
SERVPRO professionals utilize a comprehensive water removal process to restore your kitchen:
Excess Water Extraction: We employ powerful portable extraction equipment to remove excess water from various materials.
Drying with Air Movers: High-velocity air movers are used to accelerate the drying process by promoting evaporation.
Dehumidification: Dehumidifiers work in tandem with air movers to remove excess moisture from the air, restoring relative humidity levels to preloss conditions.
Trust SERVPRO
For efficient water removal in your Seattle kitchen, trust SERVPRO of Central Seattle. Our rapid response, trained technicians, and advanced equipment ensure a swift and thorough restoration process.
Contact us 24/7 at (206) 282-9500 for prompt assistance and peace of mind."
Efficient Water Removal Solutions for Your Seattle Kitchen
Experiencing a burst pipe in your kitchen can be a major inconvenience, considering that the kitchen is the heart of your home. Swiftly addressing excess water in your kitchen is essential to minimize disruptions to your family's daily routine. Not only does prompt action prevent secondary damage like mold growth and saturated wall materials, but it also ensures a quicker return to normalcy.
Why Choose SERVPRO in Central Seattle
Rapid Response: SERVPRO understands the urgency of water damage situations. We respond quickly to mitigate further damage, providing efficient water removal services.
Expertise and Training: Our trained technicians have the knowledge and experience to handle various materials and situations, ensuring effective water removal.
Advanced Equipment: SERVPRO utilizes powerful portable extraction equipment, high-velocity air movers, and dehumidifiers to efficiently remove water and restore normal humidity levels.
Considerations for Water Removal
When removing water from materials in your home, our SERVPRO technicians take into account the characteristics of different materials:
Vapor Barriers: Materials with vapor barriers, such as vinyl wallpaper, Kraft paper-faced insulation, masonry brick, and plastic sheeting, can be challenging to dry once water penetrates. These barriers are designed to keep water out, making extraction more critical.
Hygroscopic Materials: Materials like carpet, upholstery, unfaced insulation, and particleboard readily absorb water and moisture from the air. While they are easier to dry, they are also more susceptible to damage.
Effective Water Removal Process
SERVPRO professionals utilize a comprehensive water removal process to restore your kitchen:
Excess Water Extraction: We employ powerful portable extraction equipment to remove excess water from various materials.
Drying with Air Movers: High-velocity air movers are used to accelerate the drying process by promoting evaporation.
Dehumidification: Dehumidifiers work in tandem with air movers to remove excess moisture from the air, restoring relative humidity levels to preloss conditions.
Trust SERVPRO in Central Seattle
For efficient water removal in your Seattle kitchen, trust SERVPRO of Central Seattle. Our rapid response, trained technicians, and advanced equipment ensure a swift and thorough restoration process.
Contact us 24/7 at (206) 282-9500 for prompt assistance and peace of mind.
Seattle Home Units Benefit from Rapid SERVPRO® Response to Mitigate Water Damage
5/9/2022 (Permalink)
In the vibrant city of Seattle, where apartment living is a way of life, water damage can be a common occurrence.
Efficient Water Damage Restoration for Seattle Apartments
In the vibrant city of Seattle, where apartment living is a way of life, water damage can be a common occurrence. Apartment complexes often have shared plumbing systems, which means that a breach in one unit's plumbing network can affect neighboring apartments. Responding swiftly is crucial, but containment and isolation protocols are equally vital to minimize damages and streamline the restoration process.
Why Choose SERVPRO® in Central Seattle
Experience Matters: With years of experience in the Seattle area, SERVPRO understands the unique challenges posed by water damage in apartments. Our local expertise allows us to tailor our approach for maximum efficiency.
Swift Response: We're committed to being Faster To Any Size Disaster. Our rapid response team can be on-site quickly to assess the situation and implement containment measures.
Advanced Techniques: We employ advanced techniques like containment and isolation to isolate damaged areas, prevent further spread of moisture, and expedite the drying and cleaning process.
Coordinated Efforts: We work closely with both affected residents and property management to ensure a coordinated effort to remove moisture and address plumbing-related issues efficiently.
Preventive Measures: Our team takes preventive measures by applying antimicrobial solutions and mold inhibitors to exposed frameworks and supports, reducing the risk of microbial growth.
Containment and Isolation Protocols for Seattle Apartments
Apartment layouts in Seattle often feature open floor plans, making it easy for water damage to affect multiple areas. Our containment protocol involves setting up barriers using thick 6mil plastic sheeting and tension poles to reduce the size of the affected area. This not only helps contain the damage but also accelerates the treatment process.
By isolating the saturated damage area, we optimize the use of axial air movers and desiccant dehumidifiers after the extraction process. This focused approach ensures that moisture is efficiently removed from structural cavities.
Plumbing breaches can result in a significant volume of water in a short period, but SERVPRO of Central Seattle can show you that a fast and effective response is possible. We're here to help you restore your apartment to its preloss condition.
For professional water damage restoration services, contact us today at (206) 282-9500. Trust SERVPRO for efficient and reliable solutions to your water damage challenges.
Expert Water Removal Services for Seattle Residents
4/13/2022 (Permalink)
Unexpected water damage to your home? SERVPRO to the rescue! We can handle all of your water damage restoration needs.
Seattle, with its stunning natural beauty and vibrant community life, is undoubtedly a wonderful place to call home. However, the unexpected can happen, leaving you with a home flooded by excess water. In such critical situations, swift action is essential. That's where the professionals come in.
Water removal in Seattle often requires specialized knowledge and expertise to handle effectively. Neglecting proper removal and thorough cleanup can lead to worsening damage and its spread throughout your property. When facing such emergencies, turning to certified professionals like SERVPRO® is your best course of action.
Why Choose SERVPRO in Central Seattle
Prompt Response: Time is of the essence in water removal. Our certified technicians are on standby, ready to spring into action, ensuring your emergency is addressed promptly.
Specialized Expertise: We possess the necessary skills and experience to handle various water removal scenarios with precision, safeguarding your property from further harm.
Preventing Secondary Damage: Water damage can worsen if left unattended. We act swiftly to mitigate the situation, preventing secondary damage to your property.
Blackwater Expertise: When dealing with blackwater emergencies like toilet overflows or backups, our SERVPRO professionals are well-versed in the necessary precautions. We swiftly remove water, damaged flooring, or drywall, followed by meticulous decontamination and sanitation of the affected area. Our goal is to eliminate harmful bacteria or microbes, ensuring your home is safe and habitable for all occupants.
Advanced Sanitation Techniques: We employ industrial-strength cleaning products and specialized sanitation techniques to restore your home to a safe and healthy living environment.
When to Call SERVPRO
Several scenarios can lead to water emergencies in your home. These include overflowing tubs or sinks, leaking or bursting water lines connected to fixtures or appliances, toilet overflows, or backups. In any of these situations, quick action is crucial to prevent further damage and potential hazards. Water can quickly penetrate flooring and materials, making prompt cleanup essential.
For professional water removal services, trust SERVPRO of Central Seattle. You can reach our team at (206) 282-9500. We're ready to dispatch a dedicated team to your home, addressing your needs promptly and efficiently after any disaster."
Why Choose SERVPRO in Central Seattle
Prompt Response: Water emergencies require swift action. Our certified technicians are ready to respond promptly, minimizing damage and reducing downtime.
Specialized Expertise: We possess the knowledge and experience to tackle various water damage scenarios with precision, protecting your property from further harm.
Preventing Secondary Damage: Neglecting water damage can lead to additional issues. We act quickly to mitigate the situation, preventing secondary damage to your property.
Blackwater Expertise: For blackwater emergencies like toilet overflows or backups, our SERVPRO professionals understand the necessary precautions. We swiftly remove water, damaged materials, and implement thorough decontamination and sanitation to ensure a safe and habitable home.
Advanced Sanitation Techniques: We utilize industrial-strength cleaning products and specialized sanitation techniques to restore your home to a safe and healthy living environment.
When to Call SERVPRO
Water emergencies can stem from various scenarios, such as overflowing tubs or sinks, leaking or bursting water lines connected to fixtures or appliances, toilet overflows, or backups. In any of these situations, quick action is crucial to prevent further damage and potential hazards. Water can rapidly infiltrate flooring and materials, making prompt cleanup essential.
For professional water removal services, trust SERVPRO of Central Seattle. Contact our team at (206) 282-9500, and we'll dispatch a dedicated team to your home, addressing your needs promptly and efficiently after any disaster.
Why Central Seattle Chooses SERVPRO® for Practical Water Restoration
3/7/2022 (Permalink)
Water removal from Seattle properties can be simple or complicated to achieve desired results--SERVPRO provides solutions
Water intrusion in your Seattle home can occur through various avenues, and the aftermath can be daunting. For instance, a burst pipe on the first floor can lead to water seeping through ceilings or flooding lower rooms. When faced with such a predicament, it's essential to turn to a water restoration company that prioritizes swift and practical solutions. This is where SERVPRO® stands out as the trusted choice for Central Seattle residents.
Why Choose SERVPRO for Water Restoration?
Rapid Response: When water wreaks havoc in your home, time is of the essence. SERVPRO understands the urgency and has customer service staff available 24/7 to respond to emergencies promptly. We're dedicated to mitigating the situation swiftly and effectively.
High-Efficiency Equipment: Removing water from your property requires specialized equipment. The choice of equipment depends on various factors, including the volume of water, the affected area, access to electricity, and structural changes due to moisture intrusion. SERVPRO utilizes high-efficiency water extractors to get the job done thoroughly.
Wet Vacuum for Hard Floors: We employ wet vacuums to eliminate pools of water from hard floors in your home.
Carpet Inspection: Our team thoroughly inspects carpeted areas to assess whether padding can be salvaged through proper drying techniques.
Air Movers for Rapid Drying: We strategically place air movers to facilitate quick drying of affected areas.
Hardwood Floor Preservation: In cases of water intrusion on hardwood floors, we may remove select floorboards to create space. This allows the remaining boards to expand without buckling or cupping. Standard drying procedures are then implemented to restore the wooden floor to its preloss condition.
Thorough Wall Assessment: Identifying water damage within walls can be challenging, as the extent of damage may not be immediately visible. The longer the exposure to water, the more damage accumulates. SERVPRO utilizes moisture meters to assess the interior of walls. Depending on the moisture levels detected, we may still be able to salvage the affected walls.
Signs of water damage on drywall may include:
- Softened drywall
- Bubbling or cracked paint
- Discoloration
SERVPRO of Central Seattle: Your Trusted Water Restoration Partner
When it comes to water restoration, SERVPRO is the name Central Seattle residents trust for practical and effective solutions. We provide insights into moisture damage and guide you through the restoration process. Contact us at (206) 282-9500, and experience why we're Faster To Any Size Disaster.
SERVPRO of Central Seattle is here to bring your home back to its pre-damage condition, swiftly and efficiently.
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