Black Mold- Health Risks

There are several kinds and types of mold that can be divided into several categories and sub-categories. Black mold, also known as Stachybotrys chartarum, is one of the most common species. It is not only toxic, but also causes several problems related to skin and the respiratory system. However, not all mold that is black by appearance is Stachybotrys chartarum. Here are some of the symptoms you may experience if your home has black mold.

Respiratory Problems

The respiratory system is usually one of the first things that will be effected due to breathing in the area of the black mold. The toxic fumes are breathed in and then enter the respiratory system, which immediately leads to difficulty breathing. Major symptoms may include breathlessness, wheezing, coughing, swelling of the lungs, sore throat, bleeding in the lungs, runny nose, itchy nose and nose bleeds.
These symptoms may vary based on the age, and the immune system of the person.

Circulatory Problems

The irritation doesn’t stop at the respiratory system, encountering black mold can also effect the circulatory system if it’s absorbed through breathing or the skin. The toxins in the black mold can find their way into the bloodstream and cause complications such as, heart damage, blood clotting and external or internal hemorrhaging.
If you or someone you know has been in direct contact with black mold, see a doctor if they have any of the following symptoms: irregular heartbeat, heart inflammation, low blood pressure, vomiting of blood, bone marrow disruption and bleeding tendency.
The severity of the symptoms may vary from one person to another, but immediate care should be taken in order to eradicate the chances of further damage to other organs. To ensure safety contact a doctor immediately following the presence of any of the above symptoms in order to minimize damage. The person having these symptoms should be moved to a mold free area, in order for them to be safe from any more damage or difficulties.

Skin Problems

One of the several ways through which mold makes it into the human body is by getting absorbed into the skin. Skin can be highly damaged due to mold. Areas that can get sweaty, like armpits or creases in the skin, have a higher tendency to be effected by black mold.
Symptoms may include, crawling of the skin, dermatitis and jaundice.

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

How Does Steam Cause Mold in Your Bathroom?

Mold often begins in the bathroom because of a buildup of moisture. This moisture usually comes from steam that accumulates on tiles and grout over time when you use the shower. If you notice mold in your bathroom you are probably wondering how it got there. Let’s go over how steam causes mold to quickly grow in the bathroom.

Wetness

The bathroom is usually the room in the house that contains the most fixtures that use water. All of these water fixtures allow the bathroom to accumulate large amounts of moisture if not properly maintained. Don’t depend on vents in the bathroom to keep it dry, eventually the dampness in the room will lead the way to mold if not properly cared for. By taking the time to clean the bathroom thoroughly with detergent and a scrub brush, you can prevent mold from spreading quickly. In addition to this, keep your floors dry with towels and mats so that water can’t sit on them for long periods of time.

Ventilation in the Bathroom

Bathrooms need to be properly ventilated in order to stay as dry as possible. By closing bathroom doors while you are using the shower, you trap moisture inside of the room instead of letting it escape. While this moisture is sitting on the floor and walls, it allows mold to slowly start growing. By simply leaving the bathroom door open while you shower, you can prevent moisture from accumulating. Also, putting a fan on to blow air out of the bathroom can help get rid of excess steam as well. If you don’t have a vent fan in the ceiling, you may want to try putting one in a window or by the doorway to blow the steam out.

Damaged Grout

Grout needs to be replaced twice a year in the bathroom in order to prevent it from deteriorating. It’s time to replace your grout if it has begun to chip. Once grout is damaged, all it takes is for moisture to find its way into cracks and crevices so that hidden mold can start growing. This mold is hard to remove because it’s difficult to get into a tight space like a crack in a tile. Besides preventing mold, replacing the grout in your tiles will keep your bathroom looking clean and fresh.

 

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

Humidifiers are a Breeding Ground for Mold

If you regularly use a humidifier you should know that if it’s not properly cared for it can be a breeding ground for mold. By following a few steps on a regular basis you can keep your humidifier clean and remove any existing mold spores from it. Even if you do not suffer from severe mold or dust mite allergies, you may want to know that anybody can develop a lung condition from dirty humidifiers. This condition is known as humidifier lung or hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Keep your humidifier clean at all times to avoid developing health problems.

Empty and Clean

Every day you should empty out the water reservoir of your humidifier in the sink. Then, you should rinse it out with hot, soapy water. Don’t allow any water to get into the motor of the humidifier. Also, ensure that you’re not overfilling the reservoir when filling it up for use. Humidifiers can be a great tool for those who are suffering from breathing problems, but if they’re not cleaned routinely they become dirty and bacteria filled.

Clean with Vinegar

Every week you can follow the cleaning routine above but, instead of stopping there you will clean with some vinegar. Add 2 cups of white vinegar and water to fill the reservoir to a normal level. Run the humidifier with the vinegar mixture for 30 minutes in an open area. This will help the humidifier to remain clean and mold-free for longer.

Properly Maintain

Keep the area around your humidifier dry. Remember that it will raise the humidity in your home, which allows mold to grow quickly and aggressively. If you start to notice mold developing in areas of your home, cease use of the humidifier and clean the mold. If you find that the mold has spread to a large area or may be hidden, call professionals like Water Damage Zone to inspect and treat the area.

Do you have any tips for cleaning your humidifier? Let us know in the comments below.

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

Removing and Preventing Carpet Mold

Moldy carpets are smelly and unsightly. Not only that but it’s extremely hard to completely remove mold from carpets. Removing moisture from carpeting is just the beginning of removing any mold that has grown on it. It has been found true that carpets with dirt in them are far more likely to have mold growth. The following are some tips and precautions for preventing and eliminating mold growth in your carpets.

Humidity and Temperature

One of the best things you can do to prevent mold growth in your carpets is to keep the humidity in your home low as well as the temperature. By doing this you are creating an environment that is unfavorable for mold growth. You can reduce your home’s humidity by installing a dehumidifier in the room that is affected. By keeping your thermostat low, you will also prevent the temperatures in your home from being too high and encouraging the growth of mold.

Clean Your Carpet

When you spill something on the carpet, clean it up. Doing this as well as vacuuming on a weekly basis will ensure that the carpets in the home remain clean. Clean carpets don’t grow mold as easily as carpets that have dirt and spills on them. By maintaining the cleanliness of your home you also prevent mold from growing in unnoticeable places.

Organic Isn’t the Answer

There is a lot of talk in the news about how much healthier organic products are for us. While this may be true of foods, it is certainly not true of carpeting. Organic carpet made out of materials such as wool, houses mold much easier than a synthetic carpet. This is because mold can actively break down organic compounds in things like wool and use them for food. In order to best protect your carpets from mold make sure they are made from synthetic materials.

Have you ever had mold in your home’s carpet? What did you do to get rid of it?

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 Common is Shower Mold?

 

Bathroom Renovations

Shower mold is common and is inevitable in showers that don’t get cleaned frequently. Showers are constantly encountering debris that provide mold with the necessary conditions for growth. All of its heat and moisture makes the shower the perfect place for mold to start growing in your home.

Important Equipment

You need to make sure that your bathroom either has a ventilation or exhaust fan to allow air to circulate in the room. This removes excess moisture and allows the bathroom to dry quickly. Air circulation is something that needs to happen if you are going to prevent mold from beginning to grow in your shower.

Mold Spreads Quickly

Small patches of mold that have been ignored for long periods of time will spread and turn into a bigger problem for home owners. It will contaminate your walls, floors and move behind and underneath them as well. When mold is hidden it can remain undetected for long periods of time, allowing it to continue to grow unnoticed.

Calling Professionals

Professional mold and water damage companies such as Water Damage Zone are valuable assets in the prevention of mold growth in your bathroom. By calling such companies you can have the proper technology installed to allow proper air circulation so mold doesn’t grow. They will inspect your home and determine the proper course of action.

Preventing Bathroom Mold

Use the ventilation fan in your bathroom whenever someone has a shower or bath and leave it on for 30 minutes afterwards. If you don’t have an exhaust fan you should look into getting one installed to properly circulate the air in your bathroom. Use a shower curtain that is resistant to mold that can be washed frequently. Don’t keep lots of products in your shower, they provide hiding places for mold to grow. Wash rugs in your bathroom routinely. By following these precautions, you can avoid the growth of mold in your bathroom.

 

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

Clogged Drain Prevention

Construction worker

The best way to deal with a clogged drain is to prevent it from happening in the first place. These are some tips that will help you make sure you don’t have to deal with a badly clogged drain. Just follow these simple steps to ensure that your drains will work like new.

Grease in the Pipe

It may seem a little odd but an easy way to get rid of grease in your pipes is by wrapping a heating pad around the pipe and leaving it until the pipe gets hot. This will liquefy the grease and allow it to slide down the drain. If you don’t have a heating pad you can also hold a hair dryer on the pipe until it becomes hot. After the pipe is hot, flush the grease out of the pipes by running hot water.

Smelly Odors

If you’ve ever dealt with a clogged drain before then you know that they typically smell of rotting food and other bad odors. An easy way to deal with this is to pour a cup of white vinegar in the drain and allow it to sit for half an hour. After the vinegar has sat in the sink, use hot water to rinse out the drain.

Preventing Clogs

Using a drain blocker such as a screen or other device will help to catch pieces of food and other objects that shouldn’t go down the drain. Never pour grease or melted fats down your drain, these will build up and harden inside of your pipes. Don’t put chemicals like paint or other liquids that will harden when they dry into the sink. Once a week pour a pot of boiling water down your drain to break up and flush out deposits that may have built up inside.

 

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

 

Dangers of Standing Water

Every single living thing needs water. However, when water is left to stand for long periods of time, it can get you into a lot of trouble. Standing water is one of the biggest threats to human life and most people are not even aware of what it does to their health. We are going to go through the main health problems that are generated from standing water and methods to eradicate this problem.

Health Problems Caused by Standing Water

There are several dangers when it comes to stagnant water. It is the favored breeding ground of mosquitoes, dragon flies and flies in general. Standing water is a nest that mosquitoes breed and grow within. Stagnant water is normally undisturbed by people for a long enough amount of time for disease causing mosquitoes to grow in.
Bacteria and viruses from all surrounding areas are attracted towards stagnant water like a magnet and it is there that they make contact with breeding insects. Eventually they will be carried around by the mosquitoes and flies that have been hatched in the stagnant water. If you think you’re safe from standing water in the street by staying inside your home, you’re wrong. Stagnant water serves as a nest to the mosquitoes, which means that once they grow up they start spreading disease in adjacent areas.
If the insects and disease don’t bother you, realize that standing water offers additional risks. It also is one of the main causes of the growth of mold inside the home. Mold presents a separate, but even deadlier threat to your health.
How to Minimize the Risk?

There are three things you need to carefully do upon the discovery of stagnant water:
1. Cover the stagnant water with sand, so that bacteria and the viruses are unable to grow and breed in it.

2. Make sure everything inside your home is properly covered and that there is no water left standing in your kitchen sink or bathrooms, this will help keep the mold from growing and ensure your safety.

3. Contact water damage professionals to assess the situation and take any additional steps that are necessary to completely sanitize the 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

What to Do When Your Sewer Line Clogs

Clogs in sewer lines can remain undiscovered for long periods of time, while still causing a lot of damage to a home. Many homeowners already understand the purpose of sewer lines in their homes. Even with this knowledge, many sewer lines go unchecked for long periods of time. This allows the necessary time for a clog to develop.

What Happens?

When your sewer line is backed up it can lead to raw sewage coming back out of drains in your home. This can lead to lots of damage to the home and require sewer line repair or replacement to fix the problem at its root. Understanding what to look for in the case of a sewer clog is important in stopping the problem before it gets worse.

What to Look For

If any of your drains in the home or toilets are backing up or you hear a gurgling sound in your drains, it’s a sign that you have a clog in your sewage line. If any appliances are connected to the water line, you will notice weird noises coming from other connected rooms. There is one main branch that has many smaller branches coming off of it. If there is a clog in the main one, you will notice problems starting to occur in the rest of them.

Causes of Sewage Line Clogs

Many homeowners are surprised to discover that the ultimate cause of their sewage clog is a tree root. Tree roots work their way through broken drains, sometimes even crushing them completely. If you notice that your drains flow slowly it is commonly because of tree roots. Some other causes of clogged sewage lines are flushed hygiene products, paper towels, and thick toilet papers.

What to Do?

If you notice the symptoms of a sewage line clog, call Water Damage Zone (Los Angeles, CA), at (877) 520-1923 to get professionals out to your home right now. It is important to begin work immediately since a clogged sewage line can continue to cause more damage to your home.

How have you dealt with a clogged sewage line? Let us know in the comments below.

 

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

Reasons to remove Dirty Caulk from Bathroom

The appearance of dirty caulk might be enough of a reason for getting rid of it, however it doesn’t just stop there. Dirty caulk also presents health hazards and a spreading medium for mold.

Health Hazards

Rest assured that anything related to mold will have a bad impact on the health of any inhabitants living in its presence. This is one of the primary reasons why you need to get rid of dirty caulk from bathrooms. If the water in a bathtub makes contact with the caulk and your skin at the same time it can definitely create problems such as skin rashes and irritation etc.

Spreading Medium

Dirty caulk has the ability to spread mold across the whole bathroom gradually and effectively. Therefore, it is highly advised to get rid of the dirty caulk as soon as you discover its presence. The sooner the caulk is removed, the more effective the eradication process will be.

 

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 to Stop an Overflowing Toilet

 

Seeing a toilet begin to overflow is often like watching a car crash. You know it’s coming, but there’s not much you can do to stop it. Toilet overflows can be stopped if you act quickly and follow these steps:

1. Switch the water supply off to the toilet as quickly as possible. It is a metal valve that is usually located near the bottom side of the bowl. Turn it counterclockwise to shut it off. This will prevent the toilet from having the water that it needs to keep overflowing.

2. Take the top off from the tank on the back of the toilet. Lift the float ball high so that the water stops running. Now all the water should be off so that you can begin to figure out what you need to do to fix your toilet.

3. Grab a plunger and apply it to the hole inside of the toilet bowl. It should be covering the entire hole completely. Continue to pump the toilet, increasing in power as you work. This should dislodge difficult clogs and allow water to pass through your pipes.

4. Also, if the issue is with the float mechanism in the tank of the toilet, it can be adjusted to be lower in the tank. This will prevent the tank of your toilet from overflowing. Check to make sure that the chain on the float mechanism isn’t caught on anything.

5. If this problem persists or becomes unmanageable, call a plumber or water damage professionals like Water Damage Zone to fix your overflowing toilet.

By catching a toilet overflow early and fixing it, you can prevent yourself from dealing with worse problems in the future. If your pipes become heavily clogged, it can often be impossible to clear all of the debris from them. Professionals have the expertise needed to effectively and completely restore your toilet to its original condition.

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