Health Risks Associated with Sewage Exposure

 

Situation Degraded

Standing water and or Sewage Exposure is a huge health hazard. Water starts off by accumulating in areas such as construction sites or in potholes in neglected roadway pavement. This water attracts things such as fungi, viruses and parasites. Then the water travels into sewers and remains stagnant for long periods of time. This is how something begins completely clean until collecting in places such as sewers where viruses, bacteria and parasites start to grow. Eventually, if allowed to sit too long, these contaminants will produce health problems in the people exposed to the sewage site.

 

Health Problems

Sewage contains many hazards, ranging from a variety of gases including methane and hydrogen sulfide, both highly poisonous to human beings. These gases are a result of chemical reactions that take place within the sewage. If inhaled they begin to cause many health complications ranging from heart disease to muscular disorders.

The major diseases caused from exposure to sewage are malaria, hookworm infection, gastroenteritis, trachoma, diarrhea and hepatitis. However, by taking small steps, these deadly diseases can be avoided. The following are four precautionary measures to take against sewage exposure:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly, before and after using the washroom.

2. Wash your hands before and after eating.

3. Make sure that there is no stagnant water in places that you spend a lot of time.

4. Wear a protective mask while cleaning up garbage or around the home.
By following these four tips you can ensure that you and your family remain safe from diseases and harmful substances.

 

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

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Mold…

10 Things- You Didn’t Know About Mold

But, probably should…

1. Warmer weather may lead to potential mold growth in your home or office.
2. Water from the winter and spring weather may be evaporating, but moisture that traveled deeper into building sections where there is little air flow can be a breeding ground for mold.
3. The rate at which mold grows is also sped-up by the warmer weather.
4. The ideal temperature range for mold to grow is between 75-95 degrees.
5. If you smell a musty odor or see a mold growth surfacing in your home, a mold inspection is recommended. A much deeper issue may exist.
6. If there is visible mold in your home you should not try to open any walls or remove it yourself due to running the risk of cross-contamination.
7. There are many misconstrued ideas regarding mold, and more commonly “black mold” there is only one type of black mold Stachybotrys which may lead to serious health risks, there are many molds that are completely harmless and there are also many molds that “look” black which are pretty common and not of major concern. However if you are not sure you should definitely call a hygienist to take air samples and make sure.
8. The attic and the basement are the two most common areas of household mildew problems.
9. Though the term mildew is used to describe contaminated areas, there is no difference between mildew and mold.
10. It’s important to note that mold is not the only contaminant affecting indoor air quality and causing sick building syndrome. These are just a few of the issues caused by mold and un-healthy in door air quality (IAQ). Carbon monoxide and radon are also implicated.Whatever the issue may be, if you think you potentially have a mold issue it is recommended that you call your local mold remediation specialists and schedule an appointment for a free in-home inspection today! 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

Preventing Water Damage in the Laundry Room

The washer and drier are usually located in the laundry room and create heat and moisture. Simple maintenance is required to help avoiding water problems and mold. The following guides lines are simple to follow and will provide good tips and indications for potential water damage that can be caused by the washer, the dryer, hoses, filters, and the utility sink.Be sure to perform these inspections every few month and be thorough while performing them.

The Washer
The washer is connected to both cold and hot water lines. Check them frequently. Start with the joints and fix a leak if you find it. Be sure to check both ends of the water lines. Clean or replace the filters once in a while. A blocked filter will slow the water flow into the washing machine, and may cause some malfunctions. This problem is worse in areas with “hard water”. Inspect the shut off valve by looking for drips into the washing machine while it is not in use. If you detect a leak, replace the valve.

Hoses & Filters

Like in most appliances, problems often start in the hose. Keep at least 4
inches between the water connection and the back of the washer. This space will prevent the hose from kinking and bursting. Check the hoses and replace them if old. Consider installing steel-braided hoses.

The Dryer

The dryer is connected to a ventilation hose. Check it carefully. The dryer ventilation hose must be connected to the outdoors. Search for lint behind and under the dryer and make sure the vent pipe is not clogged. Make the exhaust short as possible for the dryer to vent efficiently,

Utility Sink

The utility sink is sometimes the source for water related problems. Search for leaks under the sink. A drip in the trap under the sink can be a sign for problems and should be repaired immediately. Slow draining pipes may indicate a partially blocked drain. A constantly dripping faucet must me repaired promptly. Replace sink seals if they are cracked or loose. Damped or stained walls around plumbing pipes indicate an internal leak that must be fixed before additional damage occurs.

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

Blocked Drains Cause Flooding

Your blocked drains outside of your home are one of the main reasons that you find your property flooding with water when a storm hits. These drains connect to a system of pipes that connect to the sewer system of all the homes around yours. All the water from your home is going into this sewer line. If your drains become backed up, these pipes are already full of water and it can do little to prevent flooding in and around your home.

Outside Drains are Where Flooding Starts

Leaves, dirt, bugs, and other debris clog your outside drains and cause them to become unable to do their job and carry water away from your home. Once they’ve had too much, they either break or begin overflowing. The water easily finds its way into your home and wreaks havoc on your personal belongings.

Clearing the Drain by Hand

The drain can usually be cleared by hand. All you must do is first clean any debris off the outside of the grate on the drain. Then, pull the grate off the drain and use a small tool such as a small shovel to get out all the debris from the inside. You can use your hand to get any small pieces that the shovel can’t get out. By doing these simple steps you can prevent your drain from overflowing in a storm.

Hydro-Jet

If the clog is farther down in your drain, a hydro-jet can be used to clear out debris in the pipe as well as any sediment. The way it works is by forcing a high-powered stream of water into the pipe to unclog anything that you are unable to get with your hands. Hydro-jets are powerful though and should always be used with caution because they can cause injury.

Prevent Clogging

Keep the outside of your drains clean always to prevent them from becoming clogged. Remember that if a drain is too clogged to fix on your own, you need to call professionals. It is only a matter of time until the drain overflows and begins to flood your home. By taking simple daily steps such as cleaning the outside of your drains, you can prevent yourself from having to deal with a severe flooding problem inside of your home.

 

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

What Causes Mold?

In order to understand what causes mold, first there needs to be an understanding of what mold is.  Mold is a kind of fungus and a carbon lifeform, and there are over 100,000 known types of fungi.  For the purpose of propagation, the standard fungi will reproduce by emitting millions of spores that can be carried on the wind, but also these spores can be carried on clothing, pet fur, water, and other means through which they can move from one location to another.  These are incredibly resistant to heat, cold, and dry temperatures so the usual methods of cleaning and removing molds can not work on these spores.  Finally, the variety of mold fungi lends to the difficulty in working to remove them.

Now that we have a working reference of what mold is, now it is time to understand how mold is caused.  The first thing that we have to know about mold is that the mold and the spores to create mold are pretty much everywhere.  No matter how clean you think your home is, there are mold spores inside waiting to grow.  You, your pet, children may have had them come in on your shoes and clothes.  With the weather becoming cooler, mold spores could even travel in through an open window.

What feeds mold?  Understand that mold can grow anywhere.   Like any lifeform, mold needs food to grow.  It has a very varied diet, and it can use just about anything as ‘food’.  Mold can grow from old newspapers and books, human skin, and dust.  Mold likes high humidity for optimum growth.  This means that mold needs humidity to be around 70%, and the temperatures must be a minimum of 70 degrees with darkness and non-circulating air.  Under these conditions, mold can grow very quickly and become a very serious problem if it is not managed.   Also, mold likes moisture, so we tend to see mold and mildew in places like the kitchens and bathrooms of the home.

Growing mold is very simple.  It doesn’t take much effort, and it is very hard to kill.  Mold can grow in a variety of places, but we tend to see it in basements, bathrooms, and attics.  Mold likes areas of the home with moisture in abundant quantities which is one of the main reasons why mold is dangerous after water damage has been allowed to happen in the home. Will home ever truly be rid of mold?  No, but if you understand what it takes to have mold and how it grows, you might be able to limit the ability of mold to ruin your home.

Call Water Damage Zone today at (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, and 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 deposit photos, ID 15892692
• Shutterstock Sequence Number: US-041C159DA-1

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

24/7 Emergency Restoration Services now available Water Damage Valencia offers all-inclusive water restoration services…

The Basics of Water Damage Restoration

Basics of Water Damage Restoration…

Water damage restoration is a very involved process, and you must remember that not all water damage is readily apparent. The novice homeowner or handyman may not always know where to look forhidden problems, and the overall process may take a period of days,weeks, or in some cases even months to correct, making it important to call in a professional.

The basics of water damage restoration can be broken down into four steps:

1) Extraction
This is the process wherein the excess water is removed from the home. Depending on the depth and severity of the spill, eitherwet-dry vacuum units or gas powered submersible pumps will beutilized. Electric pumps are discouraged as electricity and water do not mix, and any attempt to remove water with a normal vacuum cleaner will only result in the purchase of a new vacuum. Most of the water can be removed from the property using water extraction.

2) Drying
Once the excess is out, surfaces may appear dry, but a cursoryinspection will reveal they will be wet to the touch. Most everysurface has the ability to retain a certain amount of moisture.The only way to remove this moisture is through air circulation.Open all windows and doors to get fresh air moving through thehome. High velocity fans, blowers, and dehumidifiers areinvaluable tools to help the process along; the more units, the better. Moving them around every few hours or so will insure complete drying coverage. The drying process should take three days to complete.

3) Repair
This step involved the cleaning, repair, and disinfecting of all items or structures that were damaged by the water. Carpets will need major treatment, and electrical appliances and systems will need to be inspected by a qualified electrician before further use.
This is probably the single most time consuming part of the process.

4) Restoration
The final step in the process, this is the process of restoring your home to its pre-loss condition. Restoration may involve the repair or replacing of drywall, flooring, or ceilings, as well as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in the home. Some water damage is beyond repair, so reconstruction is the only viable option. Re-landscaping may be required to provide proper runoff and drainage for the property. The water restoration service can also document the materials and possessions affected by water damage and use industry pricing guides to determine proper value. The final steps in the process involve taking care of the final little detail touches designed to return your home to its former beauty and make it ready for the occupants to return.

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 Remediation Los Angeles – Water Damage Zone

If mold has already developed, attempting to clean up the mold may spread the mold spores, causing greater property damage or health problems. Mold can be dangerous to your health; therefore it is important that mold testing and cleanup be conducted by professionals as soon as mold is detected.

Water Damage Zone has certified and qualified to remediate mold and mold clean up in your home. Our work is guaranteed to pass clearance.

Mold is part of the natural environment. Outdoor mold plays a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees.

Indoor, mold growth should be avoided. Mold reproduce’s by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air.
Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.

Mold is usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people. Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold. Research on mold and health effects is ongoing.

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

How Heaters can cause Mold In Winter

Young Woman Checking Air Conditioner In House

Winter is a time where it is cold and dry outside for most people. What many don’t realize is that heaters inside of homes provide the optimal conditions for mold growth during the winter season. Mold needs a source of water and a source of food, organic materials, in order to live. Mold likes to grow on any surface where water may sit for a long period of time. Homes get mold because of leaks, floods, clogged pipes, bad air circulation, and high humidity.

Prevention of Mold

Heaters in the home can be managed so that they don’t create situations where mold gets out of control. Making sure that these systems are operating correctly ensures that these scenarios don’t occur in your home. If you see water accumulating on your walls, then you should look into getting a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier will ensure that your home stays dry in areas where mold loves to grow.

Ensuring Proper Air Circulation

By opening up windows during the day and turning fans on around the house, you can make sure that all of the home receives fresh air. This will prevent mold spores from building up in certain locations and beginning to grow. Make sure that the air is dry though, rainy weather can add moisture to the air that will make it more humid.

Keep Track of Your Home’s Humidity

You can easily keep track of the humidity inside of your home by buying a moisture meter at a local hardware store. The EPA recommends that you keep the humidity in your home between 30% and 60%. You will be able to determine the likeliness of mold growth in a room by measuring the humidity. If it is above 60%, the chances of mold growing go up significantly. Also look for the accumulation of moisture in areas that have pipes or windows.

 

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

Toxic Mold in New Home

Water Damage Zone wishes to share this information with the community, we do not own any rights to this video.

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