How to Clean up after a Pipe Bursts

For many homeowners there is no more disheartening realization than when you find a pipe bursts in your home.  It can happen for a variety of reasons, and a pipe burst is the last thing that we want to deal with, particularly after a long day at work.  It is dirty.  It is stressful.  It is simply no fun.  However, with the help of a professional and certified restoration crew, a pipe burst can be managed easily.

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Keep Calm And Clean

What should I do when I find a pipe burst in my home?  First, take a deep breath.  You already have a mess on your hands, so be calm about it.  Things will only get better from here.  After the plumbers have repaired the pipes, then it is time to get started on cleanup.  You want to begin as soon as you can after the event.  Don’t let it sit.

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DIY or Call Professional

If the water damage has occurred in one room, then you have the option to do it yourself.  However, if the water has moved from upper floors to the lower floors and basement or left for eight hours then you want to explore the services of professional water mitigation and specialized drying equipment.  You do not want mold to get a foothold in your home.

Effects of water damage

 

Safety First

In all cleanup take care of your safety first.  If you have standing water, then you want to know where all the electrical outlets/appliances are.  Also, if you have sewage water, then make sure that you are wearing appropriate gear.  Don’t put yourself in jeopardy.  Be careful, smart and thorough.  Wear rubber boots and gloves, protective eyewear.

Mold removal protective equipment

 

Remove Soaked Items

In the course of cleanup, remove soaked carpets, furniture and other items from the flooded area.  Depending on the damage, you may not be able to save them.  It is important to get them out of the way.

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Remove The Water

If there is still water present, use towels and a mop to dry the floor.  A wet-dry shop vac is also possible, and these can be rented from hardware stores.  Do your best to remove the water.  Be careful where you dispose of the water.  You do not want to send the water down the drain with the pipe burst, or else you risk doing the work twice with twice the damage.  Your next step is to procure a dehumidifier as it will get moisture out of the area affected better than fans.  Be sure to empty as it fills.  Silica gel is a desiccant that will be necessary to use nears walls or floors that have taken in moisture.

Water Damage Equipment

Water Damage Equipment

Call For Help

Remember, drying an area by yourself can be done, but it is a very intensive and large project.  If it feels like it is more than you can handle or extends to multiple rooms and floors, then save yourself a major headache and call a professional restoration company.  In this regard, certified companies are well supplied and trained to handle this kind of water damage.  A restoration service is able to assess the damage quickly and give you a plan to get your property back in shape as soon as possible.

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Call Water Damage Zone today (877) 520-1923  your future bills may be a lot smaller, if you follow these simple tips. You can also visit our sister company for further information on restoration services at Best American Builders.

We specialize in the following services:

  • 24/7 Emergency Response, Water Extraction, Water Damage
  • Direct Billing to Insurance, Locally Owned and Operated
  • Water Cleanup, Water Dry outs, Visual Mold Inspections, Sewage Damage Cleanup
  • Sterilizing & Odor Removal, Licensed & Bonded #963976, Reputable Los Angeles based company
  • Image from depositphotos, ID 15892692
  • Shutterstock Sequence Number: US-041C159DA-1

 

 

Water Damage Zone, Inc.
Corporate Office
15115 Califa St. Ste. C
Van Nuys, CA 91411

Speed Up The Process…

Speed up the process of water removal with the help of professionals
Speed up the water damage process

In the event of water damage, you want to be sure and enlist the help of a professional water damage specialist. A restoration technician has the knowledge and the equipment to detect moisture in walls and locate the source of a leak. This way you can find and fix the problem before it creates a larger scale damage to your property. If there is moisture in the walls it will become a perfect breeding ground for mold, keep in mind it only takes between 2-5 days for mold to begin growing depending on the area you live in and the climate.

Mold damages usually occur more frequently in the rainy season, however you may not even realize there is a leak or mold until spring when it begins to dry out and you begin to notice a musty odor or visibly see the mold growth.

It is not advised to try and clean up the mold by yourself, doing so can or may cause the mold spores to spread. This, in turn will create an even greater loss and more extensive damages and repairs to your property or health.

Therefore it is important that mold testing and mold remediation process is conducted by professionals as soon as mold is detected. If there is still standing water, you need to have it extracted immediately by a professional restoration company that has the proper drying equipment.

 

Call Water Damage Zone today (877) 520-1923  your future bills may be a lot smaller, if you follow these simple tips. You can also visit our sister company for further information on restoration services at Best American Builders.

We specialize in the following services:

  • 24/7 Emergency Response, Water Extraction, Water Damage
  • Direct Billing to Insurance, Locally Owned and Operated
  • Water Cleanup, Water Dry outs, Visual Mold Inspections, Sewage Damage Cleanup
  • Sterilizing & Odor Removal, Licensed & Bonded #963976, Reputable Los Angeles based company
  • Image from depositphotos, ID 15892692
  • Shutterstock Sequence Number: US-041C159DA-1

Proper use and cleaning of a Humidifier

There are many benefits to using a humidifier in your home.  They can help relieve sinus infections, helps to recover from colds and flus faster.  Humidifiers can help keep the air from being too dry resulting in nose bleeds.  It can help alleviate snoring and it keeps your skin looking great.

With all the benefits of using a humidifier, would you know how to keep your humidifier running and clean?  It is very important to make sure that your humidifier is running at its best in order to prevent it from actually harming your home.

With the water inside a humidifier, it can grow bacteria and mold like any water source.  If this water is allowed to sit in the humidifier for extended periods, then next time you use your humidifier, you might not only be spreading beneficial moisture around the home, but harmful bacteria and mold as well.  These bacterium and molds can result in allergies and sickness.  Just what the humidifier is trying to help you overcome.

In order to prevent this from happening to your humidifier, there are some simple steps to follow.  The first step is to clean the filter of the humidifier.  Unplug the humidifier and remove the filter.  Hold under a faucet and rinse to wash away any grime that might be present.  Leave the filter to dry.  Now you can clean the rest of the unit.  It is important to remember, don’t use cleaning solutions on the filter as these can damage the filter.  Most humidifiers require you to change the filter.  Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the frequency for change.

The next step to clean the unit is to clean the water tank.  Remove the tank from the unit, and pour out all the old water.  Next, fill the tank with 2 cups of vinegar, and swish this around.  Make sure that it covers all points of the inside of the tank.  Vinegar acts as a solvent, and it loosens the grime in the water tank.  Rinse the tank thoroughly when you are done.  You may want to use a scrub brush to get the tough points of grime.  Stick with the vinegar as any other cleaning agent can stick to the tank, and it can be pumped into the air when the unit is in use.

Finally, use a damp sponge with a vinegar and water mixture to wipe out the rest of the humidifier.  This simple step will prohibit dust from entering the tank.  If you keep the dust out of the humidifier, then mold and bacteria have nothing to ‘feed’ upon to help grow.

There are many ways to clean out a humidifier, but this step is simple, and it is good for the environment.  If you take care of your humidifier, then your humidifier will take care of you.  Clean it regularly, and it will become one of your most trusted appliances.

 

Call Water Damage Zone today (877) 520-1923  your future bills may be a lot smaller, if you follow these simple tips. You can also visit our sister company for further information on restoration services at Best American Builders.

We specialize in the following services:

  • 24/7 Emergency Response, Water Extraction, Water Damage
  • Direct Billing to Insurance, Locally Owned and Operated
  • Water Cleanup, Water Dry outs, Visual Mold Inspections, Sewage Damage Cleanup
  • Sterilizing & Odor Removal, Licensed & Bonded #963976, Reputable Los Angeles based company
  • Image from depositphotos, ID 15892692
  • Shutterstock Sequence Number: US-041C159DA-1

 

Water Damage Zone, Inc.
Corporate Office
15115 Califa St. Ste. C
Van Nuys, CA 91411

 

Mold in the Attic

Finding mold in your attic is a fairly common occurrence. They are often damp and if you have leaks or attic window leaks, water can easily collect and draw mold. If you do find mold in your attic, it is important to take the proper steps to eliminate it as soon as possible.

Mold usually appears greenish black and is streaky. However, there are many different types of mold that can appear in your attic, so if yours is somewhat different, you should still be concerned about its appearance.

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Address The Issue

The bad thing about mold is that most types can cause health problems if it is present and inhaled for an extended period of time. For this reason, it is important to get rid of it as quickly as possible.

Since this mold has been found in an area that is not often visited by guests and is not usually seen by anyone, it may be tempting to leave it alone. Some may also avoid addressing mold in the attic because removal of it is rather expensive and can take some time. However, it is never a good idea to leave mold in your home, even in an area that you do not frequently enter.

Health Risks

There are many health problems associated with mold. One of the most common is difficulty breathing, asthma attacks and the development of asthma in those who have previously not been affected by this disease. Others find that constant upper respiratory infections, allergy symptoms, sinus infections, fatigue, headaches and sore throats are also signs of being affected by mold.

Even if you find mold in your attic, away from your family, spores of the mold can easily move throughout the home and reach you and your family. So, even if you are never in the attic, it is possible to be affected by it.

 

Call A Specialist

While some people prefer to clean up the mold on their own, others prefer to call in a specialist. One of the benefits of a specialist is that you will be able to receive an inspection as well as advice on the best way to clean up the mold. Most home owner’s insurance policies will also cover the cost of a specialist as well.

When cleaning up the mold issue, you will need to wear protective gear so that you are not affected by the mold as you are disturbing it through the cleaning process. You should also make sure to clean all the clothing that you wore immediately following the cleanup process.

Mold remediation protective equipment

Use An Air Machine

A negative air machine is also a wise investment to use while you are cleaning up a mold issue. With this machine, you will be able to remove any spores of mold that become airborne. Instead of the spores floating through the house, they will be pulled out of the home.

If you choose to hire a specialist, they will bring in all the supplies and tools that they need to get the job done right. However, if you decide to complete the job yourself, you will be able to find everything that you need at your local hardware store.

 

 

 

Call Water Damage Zone today (877) 520-1923  your future bills may be a lot smaller, if you follow these simple tips. You can also visit our sister company for further information on restoration services at Best American Builders.

We specialize in the following services:

  • 24/7 Emergency Response, Water Extraction, Water Damage
  • Direct Billing to Insurance, Locally Owned and Operated
  • Water Cleanup, Water Dry outs, Visual Mold Inspections, Sewage Damage Cleanup
  • Sterilizing & Odor Removal, Licensed & Bonded #963976, Reputable Los Angeles based company
  • Image from depositphotos, ID 15892692
  • Shutterstock Sequence Number: US-041C159DA-1

 

Water Damage Zone, Inc.
Corporate Office
15115 Califa St. Ste. C
Van Nuys, CA 91411

Don’t DELAY Water Damage Cleanup! why?

 

scale of a House fully flooded during the flooding of the river

Water damage can be caused due to several reasons and can occur at any instance. A blockage in the gutter, a pipe burst, a ceiling leakage and in worst scenario a flood, are few of the several issues that one can be a victim of. There is not much one can do in order to prevent this from happening, but you can certainly make sure that the damages caused by this are kept to the minimal amount.

Besides, the amplification of costs, it can also cause health problems including headaches, asthma, lung and respiratory problems. Mold is a kind of fungi and can easily spread in damp situations once they grow within the walls. Water damages spread towards a larger scale if proper care is not taken against it immediately. Mold can spread around the whole property if proper measures are not taken against them.

The most ideal situation is to avail the services of a mold remediation company, the trained professionals can help in cleaning the home effectively and efficiently which can keep the mold from causing damage to the air ducts and carpets.
It is not favorable for you to directly get exposed to mold because that can cause health problems. The best option is to contact a company which provides Emergency Water Damage Restoration for the speedy restoration of mold from your home. These companies make sure that the leakage is stopped and the area that is affected by the spread of the water is cleaned up, which helps in keeping the mold and water damage to spread any further.

 

Call Water Damage Zone today (877) 520-1923  your future bills may be a lot smaller, if you follow these simple tips. You can also visit our sister company for further information on restoration services at Best American Builders.

We specialize in the following services:

  • 24/7 Emergency Response, Water Extraction, Water Damage
  • Direct Billing to Insurance, Locally Owned and Operated
  • Water Cleanup, Water Dry outs, Visual Mold Inspections, Sewage Damage Cleanup
  • Sterilizing & Odor Removal, Licensed & Bonded #963976, Reputable Los Angeles based company
  • Image from depositphotos, ID 15892692
  • Shutterstock Sequence Number: US-041C159DA-1

 

Water Damage Zone, Inc.
Corporate Office
15115 Califa St. Ste. C
Van Nuys, CA 91411

HVAC System Mold

If you have a strong mildew odor when you use the air conditioning in your home, then you may have an issue with mold.  You want to check in the ducts, intake vents, cooling coils and the drip pans for any sign.  One of the major issues that can occur is that many people do not see mold, but they can still smell it when the AC is on.  This is when you want to contact a professional to inspect the system as soon as possible.  Immediate action will prevent the mold from spreading throughout your home once the AC is used.

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Condensation And Mold

Condensation is the chief culprit of mold in an HVAC system.  When your air conditioner gets cold, condensation occurs.  This occurs more frequently in areas of the home are warm and humid like in the basement.  Here you may see little pools of water form on the basement floor if conditions are right.  If the levels of humidity are low, then this is not a problem as any water will evaporate quickly.  If the humidity in the basement is high and constant, then you risk a serious mold issue.

 

 

Mold Spreads

HVAC mold removal can be very difficult.  Your HVAC system can be a labyrinth of vents where mold has a chance to gain a foothold and grow.  In addition to this, the ability of the mold spores to move throughout the house quickly becomes a real issue.  This difficulty presents homeowners with the situation where a trained, certified mold removal and restoration company are a good way to proceed.

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Check The Filters

Proactive steps are present that you can take to eliminate a mold problem before it becomes a problem.  Make sure that you change your air filter regularly.  Air filters should be changed every 2-3 months as they catch particles such as dust, pet hair and other sources of food for mold.  Second, make sure that you run a dehumidifier in damp areas of the home, such as the basement.  Dehumidifying a room takes the moisture out of the air that is necessary for condensation.  Insulation of the air ducts and cooling coils can also reduce the amount of condensation leading to the development of mold.

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Contact A Specialist

If you think that the mold issue is contained to a single area, there are detailed steps that you should take to insure proper cleanup and your health and safety.  To help you and reduce the stress involved, you may wish to contact a certified and trained mold removal and restoration specialist company to complete the work for you.  These companies know the difficulties in working with HVAC systems and mold removal, and they will be perfectly suited to assist you in cleaning your home.

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Call Water Damage Zone today (877) 520-1923  your future bills may be a lot smaller, if you follow these simple tips. You can also visit our sister company for further information on restoration services at Best American Builders.

We specialize in the following services:

  • 24/7 Emergency Response, Water Extraction, Water Damage
  • Direct Billing to Insurance, Locally Owned and Operated
  • Water Cleanup, Water Dry outs, Visual Mold Inspections, Sewage Damage Cleanup
  • Sterilizing & Odor Removal, Licensed & Bonded #963976, Reputable Los Angeles based company
  • Image from depositphotos, ID 15892692
  • Shutterstock Sequence Number: US-041C159DA-1

Water Damage Zone, Inc.
Corporate Office
15115 Califa St. Ste. C
Van Nuys, CA 91411

Winter Energy Saving Tips For Los Angeles, CA Residents

Properly preparing your home for cold weather can save energy, help keep your winter energy bills under control, and keep you and your family warm when temperatures drop.

  • Prepare your home this winter
  • Tarzana Residential Restoration

DIY & Easy Cost effective ways for you to save money on your winter energy bill.

Check for leaks
Quick
and easy ways for homeowners to save time, energy and money. Instead of having to crank up their thermostats, which in turn, cranks up the amount of money that they have to pay by the end of the month. However, there is a way to avoid the high cost of energy bills during the winter, and all you have to do is call Water Damage Zone to help you improve your home’s energy efficiency.

The best way to have energy savings throughout the winter is to make sure that your home is leak free. Meaning it has as few leaks as possible. A high level of insulation means, your home is not allowing as much heat to escape.  Which is good news for you and your family if you don’t like the cold and chilly drafts associated with poor insulation. You can improve your home’s insulation with the right roofing. Other times, the best way to get a higher level of insulation is to replace your windows with energy efficient windows and seal off any openings that you may have around the window itself. Water Damage Zone can help with all of those endeavors.

Of course, reducing water damage to your home can do a lot for your energy bills. By reducing the amount of water damage in your walls, or by fixing walls that have been harmed by flooding in the past, you will give yourself a home with more stable, more insulated walls than ever before. Reducing the amount of water damage that your home experiences greatly decreases the amount of energy necessary to keep your home warm. In fact, a simple consultation from Water Damage Zone, Inc.  can give you the knowledge and insight into your home that you’ve been looking for.  Our technicians are available to assist in giving your the best plan for improving your homes energy efficiency. Also, giving you a detailed report on what you can do to improve energy savings throughout your home.

Another excellent way to increase your energy savings throughout the year is to invest in energy efficient appliances. A new refrigerator, air conditioner, or even television that is designed to help you save on energy year round can help you save several hundred dollars within a couple years. Many energy efficiency experts can point you to the biggest energy drains in your home and explain how a new version can improve the size of your electricity bills.

You can also look into energy rebates. Check with your local water and power company or, check with your local government office to see if they offer any incentives in your area.

Call Water Damage Zone today (877) 520-1923  your future bills may be a lot smaller, if you follow these simple tips. You can also visit our sister company for further information on restoration services at Best American Builders.

We specialize in the following services:

  • 24/7 Emergency Response, Water Extraction, Water Damage
  • Direct Billing to Insurance, Locally Owned and Operated
  • Water Cleanup, Water Dry outs, Visual Mold Inspections, Sewage Damage Cleanup
  • Sterilizing & Odor Removal, Licensed & Bonded #963976, Reputable Los Angeles based company
  • Image from depositphotos, ID 15892692
  • Shutterstock Sequence Number: US-041C159DA-1

 

Water Damage Zone, Inc.
Corporate Office
15115 Califa St. Ste. C
Van Nuys, CA 91411

 

Continue reading

Water Damage can Happen at Anytime

Call Water Damage Zone today (877) 520-1923  your future bills may be a lot smaller, if you follow these simple tips. You can also visit our sister company for further information on restoration services at Best American Builders.

We specialize in the following services:

  • 24/7 Emergency Response, Water Extraction, Water Damage
  • Direct Billing to Insurance, Locally Owned and Operated
  • Water Cleanup, Water Dry outs, Visual Mold Inspections, Sewage Damage Cleanup
  • Sterilizing & Odor Removal, Licensed & Bonded #963976, Reputable Los Angeles based company
  • Image from depositphotos, ID 15892692
  • Shutterstock Sequence Number: US-041C159DA-1

 

Water Damage Zone, Inc.
Corporate Office
15115 Califa St. Ste. C
Van Nuys, CA 91411

Looking for restoration technicians and reconstruction workers

We are a 24/7 Emergency Services and Restoration/Remediation company,located in Van Nuys, CA, seeking a Restoration Tech to add to our team. The technician will be primarily responsible for field work with great communication for scope of work for, water damage, mold remediation, sewage mitigation, fire/smoke damage.

Job Requirements:
*Some experience (at least 6 months)
*Must have a valid driver’s license
*Must have reliable transportation
*Must be flexible with scheduling
*Ability to communicate effectively
*IICRC Cert (preferred but not required)
*Bilingual in Spanish (preferred but not required)

Job duties include, but are not limited to:
*Be able to be ON-CALL when applicable
*Water Extraction, Light/Heavy Demolition, Containment mobilization and demobilization
*Setting up/Take down, monitoring, maneuver and/or decontamination prior to returning to the warehouse
*General cleaning, debris removal, cabinetry removals/demo, flooring, additional building materials etc.
*Perform labor intensive work in dirty environments, per listed scope of the job site
*Providing updates to your direct supervisor and management, DAILY
*Read and understand basic instructions, follow scope of work, safety rules, operate equipment & power tools
*Attentive to detail to meet job site deadlines
*Driving company vehicles as needed
*Heavy lifting and/or content manipulation

Please submit a current resume to kelly@wdzinc.com.

Services Provided by Reputed Companies for Water Damage in Sherman Oaks

Water damage Zone, Inc. is a reputed company providing water damage services in several parts of California. For example, it is a leading company for water damage in Sherman Oaks, providing its residents adequate support in dealing with water devastation.

Being one of the most reliable companies for water damage in Winnetka, Water damage Zone provides a wide range of services to rid their clients of any crisis situation. They are meticulous in their procedures, and follow IICRC approved methods in clearing your house of water intrusion. They have adequate knowledge and experience to know the aspects that are to be expected during emergency situations, and the best ways to fight against them.water-damage-repair62

The various services provided by this company include:

Residential Water Damage Repair: Residential water damage can be caused due to a number of reasons like water pipe bursts, leakages in home appliances like washing machine, dishwasher, dryers etc., aquarium breakage, water leaking from ceilings and attics and many more. The extent of such water damages can be minor or severe, requiring professional help in most cases. One of the trusted West Hollywood water damage companies, Water Damage Zone is quick to reach you, thereby starting their action against water devastation as immediately as possible.

They work with certified technicians, who exhibit great level of efficiency and skill. The equipments they use are of superior quality, enabling them to detect the water damage levels accurately, and identify the places and objects that have been subjected to damage. The high-tech tools are capable of pumping out high amounts of water in a very short time, thereby clearing your house of water intrusion as quickly as possible.

Flood Damage Repair: Water damage caused by flood is severely devastating, and undoubtedly needs expert help. Water Damage Zone has extensive knowledge and experience in repairing flood damage, thereby ensuring appropriate restoration of your house.

Mold Removal: Water intrusion in your house can contribute considerably to mold formation, which can not only damage your house and material objects, but can also results in serious illnesses in humans and animals. To ensure safety of your home and your health,Moldy_room it is important to contact professional services for mold removal as soon as you can sense them. Water Damage Zone provides meticulous service for accurate mold extraction, thereby making sure that they do not resurface in future.

Fire and Smoke Damage Repair: Devastation caused by fire and smoke can be extremely difficult to repair. Water Damage Zone understands the promptness required in dealing with fire damages, and uses superior chicaneries and methods for removing the disturbing and difficult stains and odors left behind by smoke penetration.

Apart from water removal and cleaning, some of the other aspects that they take care of efficiently include adequate drying, demystification and disinfection.

Call Water Damage Zone today (877) 520-1923  your future bills may be a lot smaller, if you follow these simple tips. You can also visit our sister company for further information on restoration services at Best American Builders.

We specialize in the following services:

  • 24/7 Emergency Response, Water Extraction, Water Damage
  • Direct Billing to Insurance, Locally Owned and Operated
  • Water Cleanup, Water Dry outs, Visual Mold Inspections, Sewage Damage Cleanup
  • Sterilizing & Odor Removal, Licensed & Bonded #963976, Reputable Los Angeles based company
  • Image from depositphotos, ID 15892692
  • Shutterstock Sequence Number: US-041C159DA-1

Water Damage Zone, Inc.

Corporate Office

15115 Califa St. Ste. C

Van Nuys, CA 91411