Taking Control of Water Leaks at Home | SERVPRO of Cheviot Hills/Palms

2/28/2024 (Permalink)

When water damage invades your home, SERVPRO of Cheviot Hills/Palms is Here to Help®. Contact us now!

Water has a mind of its own and can cause some serious issues for your home and property. Once a leak starts, the water can quickly seep down your walls, get under your floors and spread everywhere in your home.

The longer the leak is unaddressed, the worse the problem can become! Addressing leaks quickly can help you avoid the more serious damage, and you can avoid serious issues like structural troubles or even mold infestations.

How Leaks Happen
We don’t get a lot of rain here, but when it does rain, it can cause serious issues. If the ground is really dry, it can cause flooding to occur and water can quickly get into our basements. 

Water leaks are also common inside the home through various issues. Burst pipes, faulty appliances and even a slow drip from your sink can all cause serious damage over time.

If you notice a new puddle on your floor or come home to an obvious water problem, try to stay calm and avoid walking through the water. Locate where the water is coming from and find the appropriate water valve to stop the flow of water. 

If the leak came from an appliance, consider shutting off power to the appliance as well so it can’t start back up again and leak the rest of the water in the pipes onto your floor. After that, give us a call! 

What to Do Next

We will get started on your restoration from the moment you call us. Our team is highly trained and ready to respond to whatever sort of situation you have discovered. We will ask a lot of questions about the damage to make sure we have the right crew and right equipment, and then we will get going on our way to your home. 

While you wait for us to arrive, you can certainly start the drying process on your own! Open some windows to ventilate the area or turn on a fan to get the air circulating. Our industrial-strength equipment will be able to take care of the entire drying process, but every little bit helps. 

How SERVPRO® Can Help 

Once we arrive at your home, we will get to work on locating the source of the leak and setting up our equipment to dry out your space. We will get out our air movers and blowers to remove the standing water, and we will use thermal cameras to detect hidden moisture behind your walls. 

After your space is dry, we will get started on any necessary repairs. Water is known to swell or warp floors, create soggy drywall and soak through carpet, so we will focus our attention on addressing any sort of repairs that are needed. 

We will work hard to make sure your home is returned to its preloss condition as quickly and as efficiently as possible. Call us day or night for immediate assistance with your water damage situation!

A fast recovery is always crucial after suffering from a water disaster. Contact SERVPRO of Cheviot Hills/Palms today. 

What to Do During a Flash Flood | SERVPRO of Cheviot Hills/Palms

11/29/2023 (Permalink)

The aftermath of flash floods can be disastrous. That’s why SERVPRO of Cheviot Hills/Palms is Here to Help®. Contact us now!

Our community is not known for heavy and frequent rainstorms, which is actually why we are more likely to suffer from flash flooding situations from time to time. If we are going through a drought, the ground gets really hard and dry and cannot keep up with any heavy rain that falls. 

If the ground can’t absorb the water, it will back up onto streets and flow through our community and into basements with ease. 

While flash flooding situations certainly can be scary, you can prepare for them to avoid serious damage! Incorporate these tips into your preparations the next time a flash flood warning is issued. 

Preparing for the Water

Stay connected to the local authorities and listen to the daily forecasts so you are always in the know. If a flash flood warning is issued or we are predicted to get a lot of rain in a short amount of time, that should be your signal to start preparing your property and home. 

Clean up your yard to remove anything that could easily be swept away by the water. Outdoor lawn equipment, yard tools and even children’s toys should be taken inside or stored in the garage, and consider pulling your car into the garage as well. Even just a few inches of fast-moving water can sweep away objects and damage your car.

Tie down the things that can’t be brought inside like trampolines, grills and patio furniture, and then head inside to get your house ready. Remove anything fragile or sentimental from the lowest level of your home and pull things away from the wall in case water starts leaking from your ceiling. Locate your emergency kit, and find a safe location on a higher level to ride out the storm. 

Dealing With Floodwater

If your home does start to flood when the storm comes to town, stay calm and avoid the area while the water is rushing in. Eventually the storm will move on and you will be able to assess the damage. 

Avoid walking through the water, since floodwater can contain toxic chemicals, storm runoff and even sewage. Get us on the phone right away, and take photos of any damage you see. These images will become a great starting point for your insurance company. If you must walk through the damage, wear appropriate clothing that will protect your skin. 

Once we arrive, we will get right to work extracting the standing water and addressing any structural damage that you suffered as a result of the water. Water can easily warp floors, ruin walls and soak through ceilings and can make your home dangerous to live in. We can tear down compromised sections of your home and rebuild it completely. We will make sure every inch of lingering moisture is removed and your home is returned to its pre-flood state as quickly as possible.

Call us immediately if you suffer from flood damage this season. Contact SERVPRO of Cheviot Hills/Palms for quick assistance. 

 The Stealthy Destroyer: How Water Quietly Undermines Your Home's Foundation

8/30/2023 (Permalink)

Water's potential to damage a home's structure

When safeguarding your home, it's crucial to recognize threats beyond the obvious. While storms and earthquakes grab attention, an often underestimated adversary, water, can silently wreak havoc on your home's foundation. From foundation cracks to wood rot and mold growth, water can compromise your home's structural integrity in ways that often go unnoticed. In this article, we delve into the diverse ways water can damage your home, and provide insights on effective strategies to prevent its destructive potential.

The Undermining Foundation:
Excess water accumulation around or beneath your home's foundation can lead to soil saturation, causing shifting, settling, and cracking. These movements result in tilted walls, uneven floors, and stuck windows. Ensure proper drainage to avoid such issues.

Wood's Silent Nemesis:
Water's affinity for infiltrating porous materials like wood can spell trouble for your home's structural elements. Over time, water infiltration into wooden beams, joists, and framing leads to wood rot. This deterioration weakens your home's core, compromising stability and safety. Regular inspections and treatments can mitigate this risk.

The Erosion Effect:
Erosion is a concern not just for landscapes but also for your foundation. Relentless water flow erodes the soil around the foundation, creating voids that cause shifting and cracking. Effective drainage systems divert water away from your home, mitigating erosion risks.

Concrete's Vulnerability:
Despite its appearance, concrete is susceptible to water damage. Infiltrating water can freeze and expand, causing concrete to crack. These cracks compromise structural integrity, emphasizing the need for timely repairs and proper waterproofing.

Mold's Sneaky Growth:
Water's presence provides an ideal environment for mold growth. Leaks, condensation, or infiltration create a damp space that fosters mold. Beyond appearance, mold damages walls, ceilings, and floors. Prevent this with effective moisture control and ventilation.

The Corrosion Conundrum:
Metal components are prone to water-induced corrosion. Nails, screws, and structural connectors can corrode, weakening the structure. Regular inspections and the use of corrosion-resistant materials can extend their lifespan.

Roofing Roulette:
The roof is your home's first defense against water. Leaks compromise this defense, leading to insulation damage, ceiling deterioration, and electrical hazards. Regular roof maintenance and prompt leak repairs are vital.

Cracks and Compromises:
Water's expansion and contraction of materials can cause cracks in walls and ceilings, weakening structural integrity. Professional inspections and proactive maintenance help prevent this issue.

Soil's Influence:
Water's interaction with soil, especially clay-rich soil, can lead to foundation issues. Soil expansion due to moisture can pressure the foundation, causing shifting or cracking. Proper landscaping and drainage management are essential.

Deluge Dangers:
In flood-prone regions, water inundation can severely damage your home's structure. Flood prevention measures, elevated construction, and timely evacuation plans are crucial for mitigating flood risks.

Water's potential to damage a home's structure is a significant concern that demands attention. Understanding the ways water compromises your home is the first step in prevention. Regular maintenance, prompt leak fixes, proper drainage, and waterproofing measures are essential for protecting your home from water's silent but potent destructive power. By staying proactive and vigilant, your home can remain a secure haven for years to come.

Safe driving

7/22/2022 (Permalink)

Out here in California, we don’t get much rain so when we do get some heavy rain we don’t deal with it all to well. For anyone who lives in California and especially around LA, they know how dangerous driving conditions can get in the congested streets and highways that are packed with traffic nearly all day. This is a friendly reminder to drive safely in wet conditions by minding your speed, traction of your tires, and most importantly other cars (Remember to leave room to brake properly!). Here at SERVPRO we always talk about the quality of service we provide to our clients in restoration and our ties to our local community, so we would also like the members of our community to stay safe, remember, be careful out there in wet conditions!

Speed of Water

7/6/2021 (Permalink)

When it comes to water damage, time is your worst enemy. Within a matter of minutes water spreads and furniture finishes can deteriorate, while the wet carpets the furniture is on begins to stain. Within a matter of hours dyes on fabrics may begin to bleed their color, furniture directly affected by the water begins to swell, and a number of different odors will become apparent in your home. Within days and weeks Paint blisters, wallpaper peels, wood will warp and swell and fungi will begin to appear. You can always count on SERVPRO to get to the job, assess the situation, prevent the spread and fix the damage. Here at SERVPRO we are here to make sure your precious home is returned to its original form.

Discovering Sources of Water Damage

7/6/2021 (Permalink)

If you discover a water leak in your home, the first few minutes are critical.  The top priority is to avoid panic and focus on getting the source of the water stopped.  The most common water leaks in a home can be traced to the kitchen or a bathroom. 

Most all common water supplies in a residence have a cut-off valve nearby and all valves can be turned off with a clockwise turn.  If the source of the leak is your washing machine, the valves to turn off the flow are located behind the machine.  Do not disconnect the hoses.  Instead, turn off the water flow where the hoses are connected in the wall. 

In the kitchen, you will find shut-off values for the faucet under the sink.  This is also where you will most likely find the shut-off valve for an ice maker, if your freezer is equipped with one.  The valve that controls your sink is usually the same valve that provides flow to your dishwasher.  In a bathroom, cutoff valves are below the sink and may be within a sink cabinet if you have one.  The supply line for the toilet is commonly located under and behind the seat. 

A water heater can also be the source of your leak.  If it is a gas tank, turn off the gas supply first then turn off the water.  The water supply valve is usually located near or above the top of the tank.

Stopping the leak at its source as quickly as possible will minimize damage to cabinets, floors, walls and contents.  Within a single minute, several gallons of water can flow into your home and saturate anything in its path, including adjacent rooms. 

Some leaks cannot be stopped with an inside valve so the water supply to your house has to be turned off.  Lines carrying water into your home come from a main line outside that can usually be found close to the street where your water meter is located. 

At SERVPRO of Cheviot Hills/Palms, we are experts at mitigating water damages. Our skilled technicians work quickly and efficiently to extract the water, assess the damage, install drying equipment and dry your property to its preloss condition.

Category of Water Damage

7/6/2021 (Permalink)

There are 3 different types of water damage designated by the IICRC (the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification). There’s clean water damage, grey water damage, and black water damage. 

• Category 1: The least severe of the three which includes water damage from broken pipes, water supply lines, sinks, bathtubs and other appliance related issues. This is less severe because the water is clean and doesn’t have sewage. Most Category 1 incidents can be dried very easily.
• Category 2: This water damage includes grey water. This can come from toilets, washing machines, and sump pump backups. This grey water may or may not be harmful to humans so it is very important to clean and disinfect the area.
• Category 3: This is the worst type of water damage and is also called black water. Black water includes sewage and sea water and requires swift action.

Leakproof your home

6/23/2021 (Permalink)

Now that fall is officially here, it is time to prepare your home and/or business for cold and rainy weather. But keeping water out of your property can be quite complicated. For example; plumbing issues can cause moisture and even light rain can cause leaks through the roof, walls, foundation etc. When this occurs the moisture eventually reaches the porous materials in your home, which may then lead to structural damage and other humidity concerns. It is important to note that if left untreated you also run the risk of mold growth. For these reasons it is highly recommended that you take proper care of any and all potential areas prone to leaks such as the following;

• Inspection of the plumbing pipe(s) system
• Inspection of the roof/chimney
• Inspection of the water heater
• Check attic insulation
• Clean the gutters
• Repair any cracks
• Seal proof doors and windows
• Check exterior faucets and irrigation system

After all, “An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure”. However, in the event that you encounter any leaks or flooding occurs, please contact SERVPRO of Cheviot Hills. We specialize in helping property owners recover from water damage and make it "Like it never even happened."

Dishwasher Water Damage

6/26/2020 (Permalink)

How long before dishwasher water damage occurs?

Dishwasher water damage can occur within just a couple of hours. You get home, turn on the dishwasher, walk away and watch TV for a while, or run a few errands, only to come home and find a pool of water on the kitchen floor. The first reaction should be to soak up as much of the water as you can, because the longer it sits there, the more likely it will cause permanent damage.

Some flooring materials are more susceptible to dishwasher water damage than others, such as wood or bamboo. Wood will absorb water quickly, causing your flooring to warp and crack. Make sure to effectively dry out the area ASAP so you can avoid as much damage as possible.

Dishwasher water damage and what to expect

If you’ve never experienced dishwasher leaks or water damage before, you might not even know what you’re in for. Here’s what to expect when you’re dealing with water damage from dishwashers, including the common causes of leaks as well as what elements of your kitchen are most vulnerable after a leak.

What would cause a dishwasher to leak?

Common causes of dishwasher leaks include:

• Worn gaskets
• Dishwasher not level
• Wrong dishwashing soap used
• Broken door
• Defective dishwasher tub

Your dishwasher leak can cause water damage in a variety of ways to a variety of different elements of your kitchen. The below are all susceptible to damage after a dishwasher leak:

• Tile flooring
• Wood flooring
• Laminate flooring
• Electrical wiring
• Drywall
• Wallpaper
• Paint

Discovering Water Damage

6/26/2020 (Permalink)

If you discover a water leak in your home, the first few minutes are critical.  The top priority is to avoid panic and focus on getting the source of the water stopped.  The most common water leaks in a home can be traced to the kitchen or a bathroom. 

Most all common water supplies in a residence have a cut-off valve nearby and all valves can be turned off with a clockwise turn.  If the source of the leak is your washing machine, the valves to turn off the flow are located behind the machine.  Do not disconnect the hoses.  Instead, turn off the water flow where the hoses are connected in the wall. 

In the kitchen, you will find shut-off values for the faucet under the sink.  This is also where you will most likely find the shut-off valve for an ice maker, if your freezer is equipped with one.  The valve that controls your sink is usually the same valve that provides flow to your dishwasher.  In a bathroom, cutoff valves are below the sink and may be within a sink cabinet if you have one.  The supply line for the toilet is commonly located under and behind the seat. 

A water heater can also be the source of your leak.  If it is a gas tank, turn off the gas supply first then turn off the water.  The water supply valve is usually located near or above the top of the tank.

Stopping the leak at its source as quickly as possible will minimize damage to cabinets, floors, walls and contents.  Within a single minute, several gallons of water can flow into your home and saturate anything in its path, including adjacent rooms. 

Some leaks cannot be stopped with an inside valve so the water supply to your house has to be turned off.  Lines carrying water into your home come from a main line outside that can usually be found close to the street where your water meter is located. 

At SERVPRO of Cheviot Hills/Palms, we are experts at mitigating water damages. Our skilled technicians work quickly and efficiently to extract the water, assess the damage, install drying equipment and dry your property to its preloss condition.

Water Damage Tips!!

6/25/2020 (Permalink)

Before entering the affected area:

• Turn off the power
• Attempt to locate the source of water and shut it off, if possible.
• Use caution when walking on the wet floors

Once the area has been secured:

• Remove as much water as possible by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe furnishing dry.
• Block furnishings with pieces of wood on styrofoam. Be careful not to place anything with dye or color against damp surfaces as they may bleed.
• Lift any Window treatments off carpet, loop through a non-metal coat hanger and hang on drapery rod.
• Remove wet area rugs on other floor coverings
• Move photos, paintings and art to a safe, dry area
• Open furniture drawers, closet doors and luggage to enhance drying.
• Remove damp books from shelves and spread out to dry

Call a Professional Restoration Company 

• To ensure proper drying 
• To prevent possible mold growth 
• To ensure proper clean-up 
• To restore your property back to its normal state

Don't Wait On Repairs

6/25/2020 (Permalink)

If your roof is damaged on in a storm, neglecting to do repairs can result in serious damage (such as shown in the photo). In this specific case, the property had a dilapidated and old roof that blew apart from winds, then was flooded by rains.  The fault lies with failing to keep old buildings up to modern standards with repair and renovation. Mold can also develop in the affected home due to moisture, making restoration even more difficult and causing a potential living hazard. For these reasons as a property owner you must-

1. Upkeep and renovate your property as to avoid such issues.
2. Call for help immediately as the longer you wait, the worse the issue will get.

Whenever you suspect your roof is damaged or that you may have water damage from recent rains, don't hesitate to call SERVPRO of Cheviot Hills/Palms at (310) 801-3312.

Heavy Rain and What it Brings

6/23/2020 (Permalink)

In the U.S. especially in areas of heavy rains, Flash floods pose a risk on homes and businesses. Heavy rains can cause ash floods, mud flows, or even cause debris to damage properties. Here at SERVPRO of Cheviot Hills/Palms we have some tips to help protect your home or business from suffering from extensive damage.

• Purchase flood insurance so your property is covered in case of a flood emergency.
• Install gutter systems to insure water flows off of your property, and clean them regularly.
• Fix any leaks in your property immediately.
• Possibly install extra roof protection such as a rubber liner or a waterproof barrier that goes under the shingles of your roof.

With these tips your property should be ready for any rainy season and save you possibly thousands on damages and repairs!

What To Do After Flooding

6/10/2020 (Permalink)

When you encounter flooding SERVPRO has some procedures we recommend doing. First off before even beginning this process you should assess whether its even safe to stay in the home, are their electrical poles that have fallen from the flooding that has direct contact with your home? Also note that water is very heavy, one gallon of water weighs 8.345 pounds. Don't overexert yourself trying to move furniture because wet furniture is a lot heavier then you would think. We recommend attempting to remove excess water by mopping, wiping  excess water from wood furniture, remove wet upholstery and cushions, turn on A/C for maximum drying, remove colored rugs so dyes don't bleed and remove art objects and personal possessions with sentimental value. We also encourage people to NOT leave wet fabrics in place, don't leave books or other colored items on wet carpet or floors, don't use a household vacuum to remove water and don't use household appliances or ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet.