Recent Water Damage Posts

Water Heather Maintenance Tips for your Meeker Home

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

A water heater accounts for about 18% of the energy used in a modern home.

As a result, a water heater is one of your home's most critical and costly appliances. Proper water heater maintenance is necessary to guarantee that it continues to function properly and does not cost you too much. Checking on your water heater in the spring is an excellent idea. Water damage can occur quickly, so it's crucial to ensure sure it's in good operating order.

Here are some tips to keep your water heater running at peak performance.

  • To determine if your anode rod needs to be replaced, inspect it every two years or if the warranty has ended every year.
  • Attach a garden hose to the valve at the base of the water heater tank every six months to remove sediment. Please turn off the electricity and run the hot water until it cools down for safety.
  • A plumbing specialist should perform a yearly check of the shut-off valve and all piping. Broken valves, loose or moist joints, and rust are signs that more severe harm is on the way.
  • Turn the temperature down to 1there'sre’s no reason to keep your water heater above it. At that temperature, you can do everything you n ed. But, of course, keeping your water heater hotter can cause it to break down much faster.

If you experience water damage, SERVPRO of Grand, Routt, and Rio Blanco Counties has a team of highly trained professionals to help you 24/7. 

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https://www.SERVPROgrandrouttrioblancocounties.com/

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What to do after a Sewage Backup in your Winter Park Home

10/25/2021 (Permalink)

Sewage backup Sewage backup in the toilet

Sewer lines transport wastewater away from your home through underground plumbing that leads to local sewer mains. If a clog forms in the bar or a cable fails, it can create a raw sewage backup in your home. It may not be as destructive as a fire or a tornado, but it presents a variety of health hazards and sanitation issues. It may result in considerable property damage, and serious personal injury SERVPRO of Grand Routt & Rio Blanco counties offers tips for what to do when there's a sewage backup in your home.

Check all the toilets, sinks, and waste pipes for blockages. If there is a blockage that you can clear, clear it. If needed, call a plumber for assistance.

Avoid using the toilets or sinks until the blockage is cleared. If it's a mainline clog, the water will back up and then come up through the bathtubs or basement.

Determine if the issue is isolated to one drain or toilet or impacts all the drains and bathrooms in your home. If you are experiencing problems with only one drain, you likely have a plumbing issue. You may be able to resolve the problem yourself with a plunger or contact a plumber.

If you're having problems with more than one drain or toilet, the issue is likely a sewer line leaving your home or the city's mainline.

Wear rubber gloves or use a wooden stick to shut off the electricity.

Open some windows in the flooded area to allow fresh air into the rooms and fumes to escape.

Add a bit of bleach to any standing water to slow down the spread of sewage-borne bacteria.

Always keep children and pets away from the affected area.

Document the damage by taking photos with your cellphone or camera.

Be sure you also check with your insurance company. They often cover problems caused by sewer backups.

If you have a Sewage backup in your property that you need to clean, call SERVPRO of Grand Routt & Rio Blanco counties for Water Damage Restoration and Repairs, we can help. Call us today at 970-949-3235. We are a 24/7 emergency response.

SIGNS OF WATER DAMAGE IN YOUR CRAIG HOME

10/25/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage on the wall Water damage on the wall

Sometimes water damage will cause visible signs that point toward apparent leaks. Other times, water damage can occur for years without showing significant symptoms. You should check for the following water damage signs in your home every couple of months. If you see any of these signs, get them fixed as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

Here are just a few things to be on the lookout for signs of water damage:

  1. Dark or Wet Spots

Keep your eye out for discoloration on the ceiling, the interior and exterior walls of your home, as well as inside cabinets. Dark spots usually mean the damage is very fresh, while yellowish, brown, or white, chalky stains suggest older damage.

  1. Cracking, Bubbling, or Peeling

Cracked walls and bubbling and peeling paint or wallpaper are other causes of concern. Cracks are caused when larger areas get wet and expand. Bubbling or peeling paint and wallpaper typically mean the inside of the wall is moist.

  1. Pooling Water or Puddles

Leaks or ongoing drips can lead to pools of water. If a puddle comes back once you’ve cleaned it up, that could mean your leak.

  1. Sounds of Running Water

Sometimes you won’t see water damage, but you might be able to hear it if you hear a dripping sound, a creaking floor, or even rushing or running water. Though, these sounds can also indicate a perfectly functioning system. So, listen for changes in sound.

  1. Higher Water Bills

Have you noticed your water bill suddenly spiked? It could be a sign of a hidden leak.

  1. Damp, Musty odors

The smell is often similar to wet newspaper or cardboard and is usually the strongest around the area where the water damage occurred.

  1. Cold temperatures

 Sometimes, water damage can make it challenging to keep a home warm. If your heater seems to run a lot, it could be a sign that your walls are damp on the inside. Moisture will draw heat out of divisions as it evaporates, and water damage can negatively impact the thermal envelope.

Remember, SERVPRO of Grand, Routt, and Rio Blanco Counties is ready to assist you if your Winter Park House has Water damage, we can help you get back to normal. Getting your home or business back to preloss condition as quickly as possible is our number one priority. We are a 24/7 emergency response. Call us today at 970-949-3235.

What to do when a pipe burst in your Meeker house?

10/22/2021 (Permalink)

Burst pipe Burst pipe

Homeowners have more control over pipe bursts than they think. While actual repairs must be left for professionals, there are some things you can do to minimize the water damage. These require little plumbing knowledge and are quick ways to keep water from essential items in your home. Here are some things you must know

  • Shut off your water and, if necessary, electricity. Before anything else, Go to the home’s main water valve and shut it off immediately. Electricity should also be cut off to the section of the house where the water damage has occurred. Wait to turn the water back on until the plumber says you are able.
  • Locate the Burst Pipe. Find out where the pipe burst is. If it appears to have been leaking for a while, be careful entering rooms and look for bulging ceilings and other warning signs that water damage has already occurred. If you catch the leak early enough, place a bucket underneath to see dripping water.
  • Call a plumber. Do this as soon as you can. Keep the damage as minimal as possible. The plumber diagnoses the cause, talks solutions, and fixes the problem.
  • Start removing water. Clear away any water quickly to avoid excess water damage. Some water damage is inevitable when a pipe burst, but the sooner you clean the water, the less likely you experience irreparable damage to your possessions. Fast cleanup also ensures mold and mildew don’t grow.
  • Drain faucets. Drain your faucets and flush toilets multiple times too to remove the water left in the system. Water removal takes some pressure off the pipes and ensures they’re dry, so no more water leaks through. 
  • Let in warm air. Frozen pipes must warm slowly to prevent further damage. Turn up the heat in your home, use a hairdryer to warm the lines; this heats the pipes slow enough to prevent any more breaks. Drastic temperature changes cause the pipe to burst.  
  • Keep doors open. Rooms with exposed pipes need more air circulation to dry the lines and the surrounding area. You want the pipes to dry as quickly as possible, so make sure air flows consistently.
  • If There’s Damage, Document It. If the damage from your burst pipe seems extensive, you should begin taking photos of affected areas immediately; once water damage occurs, you typically have a three-day window until microbes spread and mold begins to grow, so it’s essential to file a claim as soon as you notice the leak.

If you have any water damage that you need to be cleaned, call SERVPRO of Grand Routt & Rio Blanco counties for Water Damage Restoration and Repairs, we can help. Call us today at 970-949-3235. We are a 24/7 emergency response.

WATER DAMAGE FROM SPRINKLER

10/18/2021 (Permalink)

Sprinkler Sprinker releasing tons of water

Fire sprinkler systems offer reliable and affordable fire protection to your property. Not only do sprinkler systems prevent lives and property losses from fires, but they also leave a wet mess behind.

When a fire sprinkler head accidentally discharges, it soaks walls, floors, furniture, and anyone unlucky enough to be nearby. Regular maintenance can’t guarantee it won’t happen, but you can be ready for unexpected sprinkler breakdowns with these tips.

  1. Call the experts in Water Damage Restoration

Call SERVPRO of Grand Routt & Rio Blanco; we are the experts in water damage restoration. This is the first step to make sure all water damage is addressed and managed with the skill to eliminate future damage. This service provider will assess the existing water damage and develop a strategy to return your property back to its original, non-damaged state.

  1. Don’t try cleanup by yourself

When fire sprinkler heads accidentally discharge usually because they are broken or smoke; they release a spray of dirty water contaminated with rust, oil, and sediment. The mixture stains the surface and spreads strong, unpleasant odors throughout the entire building. Don’t try to tackle the mess on your own. Leave clean up to us.

  • We do the cleanup and the mitigation, we take care of all interior materials including sheetrock, carpets, and flooring.
  • Our certified restoration technicians can often salvage damaged furniture, equipment, and even paper records
  1. Document everything

Document water damage from a sprinkler system as soon as possible. Record immediately all the damages, that way you can demonstrate the extent of loss to your insurance company.

  • Take detailed pictures and videos of all affected interiors including broken sprinklers, wet walls, and soaked floors.
  • Leave large items like furniture and equipment in place for the adjuster’s inspection.
  • Save the receipts for damage-related expenses.

Remember, SERVPRO of Grand Routt & Rio Blanco is ready to assist you with water damage restoration and help you get back to normal. Getting your home or business back to preloss condition as quickly as possible is our number one priority. We are a 24/7 emergency response, call us today at 970-457-1449.

Water Damage in your Mountain Home

6/3/2021 (Permalink)

  •  Identifying the source

Sometimes the source of water is easy to find. However, sometimes the issue is a pipe in the wall or a slow leak under the sink. Some signs of water damage are standing water, discoloration, musty odors, and in some cases, mold. Knowing where the water is will assist you in where to shut off the water. Some homes have a water shut-off valve in the home, and most homes have a main shut-off valve commonly by the street. It is important that whatever the source of the water is repaired or replaced by a professional.

  • Minimizing the damage

While we cannot plan for when a water loss will happen, we can control what happens after. Water will take the path of least resistance. Shut off the source of water from its source or from the main to your home. Call your insurance company and a water restoration company such as us so that we can inspect the damage and come up with and execute a plan to dry your home. It is always better to have a restoration company come out as soon as possible to start the drying process.

  • Time Frame

Remember, minimizing the damage will not stop the damage. Materials such as wood and drywall will absorb damage. Additionally, avoiding secondary damages depends on the source of water and the time taken to remove said water from the affected materials. Given that we can get to your home and start work promptly, our goal is to minimize any damage and necessary demolition in your home.