Reasons for a toilet leaking.

3/8/2023 (Permalink)

A cracked toilet can cause water damage.

You wake up in the morning to find a puddle of water on your bedroom floor. This isn't just an inconvenience, it's a sign that you have a leaking toilet. Leaking toilets are one of the most common household plumbing problems, and they're also one of the easiest to fix.

The toilet tank

The tank is the most common culprit for leaks. If it's cracked or has a leaky seal, water will drip down into the bowl when it fills up with water. You can hear this dripping sound when you fill up your toilet tank with water and then listen closely as it drains out.

If you've determined that your toilet tank is leaking because of cracks or other damage, we recommend replacing your entire unit rather than trying to repair it yourself (or hiring someone who isn't qualified).

The overflow tube

The overflow tube is the part of the toilet that drains excess water from the tank. It's usually connected to the wall behind your toilet, and if it's clogged or kinked, it can cause water to back up into your tank.

To check whether or not this is what's happening in your case:

• Turn off all taps in your home (if you have a sink near by). This will prevent any new leaks from forming while you investigate other possible causes.
• Look at where your overflow tube connects with its pipe leading outside of the house; if there are signs that something has been blocking this connection--like leaves or dirt--remove them immediately!

Water supply line

Wet spots on the floor. If you have wet spots on the floor, it is likely that there is a leak in your water supply line. This can happen when the water is turned off or if you are experiencing low water pressure in your home. Slow or no water supply to toilets and faucets. If there is a leak in your plumbing system, this can cause slow drainage in toilets and faucets as well as other problems with water flow throughout your house's plumbing system. Water supply lines damaged by freezing temperatures during winter months when they're not insulated properly before being buried underground where they're more susceptible to damage from frost.

Flapper and seal

Toilet flappers, also known as flush valves, are the piece that seals and opens to allow water into your toilet tank. The seal is attached to this part of your plumbing system and acts as a water barrier between your toilet bowl and tank. When you close off this opening by shutting off your valve or flapper with your finger, air pressure builds up behind it (similarly to how blowing up a balloon creates pressure). When you open up that area again by lifting up on your handle or pushing down on an automatic sensor button, this releases that built-up air into its normal position so that water can flow into your bowl once again.

Serious Damage to your home

Leaking toilets are not only annoying, but they can cause serious damage to your home if you don't take care of them. If you have a leaking toilet, it's important to know what the problem is and how to fix it. If your home suffers from water damage from a leaking toilet, give SERVPRO of Whittier a call today!

Questions to consider when hiring a Restoration Company

2/9/2023 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes, Give SERVPRO a call today!

If you've experienced a flood, fire or other water-related disaster, hiring a professional water damage restoration company is one of the most important steps in the recovery process. Whether you are dealing with a home or business property, it's vital that you find an experienced and reputable company that can quickly restore your property to its preloss condition. Here are a few questions to ask when selecting a water damage restoration company:

Do you have experience with Water Damage Restoration?

You are probably anxious about the damage and its effects on your property. You may be wondering if you can afford to have it repaired. The best way to make sure you get good service is to hire a water damage restoration company that has experience with this type of work. This includes experience in your specific area, as well as experience dealing with the kind of damage that you are experiencing. It's important for them to have this knowledge, because it helps ensure that they will be able to do the job properly and efficiently, which means less hassle for both you and them.

Are you insured and licensed?

Having insurance and a license is important for a number of reasons. It shows that the company is trustworthy, has been in business for many years, and has a good reputation.

Another reason it's important to know if your water damage restoration company is insured and licensed is because it shows they are serious about their business. They care about their customers, as well as their employees.

How do you determine whether your services are necessary?

If you think your home has water damage, it’s important to get a professional opinion. The problem could be as small as a leaky faucet or as big as damaged drywall from a pipe burst. When assessing the damage, consider asking these questions:

• How do you determine whether your services are necessary?
• How long will it take to fix my home?
• Will someone clean up after they leave?

What kind of equipment do you use for Water Damage Restoration?

You want to know what kind of equipment a water damage restoration company uses. Specifically, you want to know that they're using the right equipment for the job at hand.

Here are some things to keep in mind when looking at different water damage restoration companies:

• Water extraction is key when it comes to drying out your home or business as quickly and safely as possible. The right tools will help a team clear out flooded areas so that they can get started on removing damaged materials and restoring your property back to pre loss conditions.
• Dehumidifiers are used by many restoration companies because they're great at reducing moisture levels in the air. This helps prevent mold growth by keeping moisture away from walls and furniture.

How long is the Restoration process?

The length of time it takes to restore your home or business after a water damage event depends on the scope of the damage. In general, larger jobs take longer. The process is more involved and requires more time. Restoration companies come in and thoroughly assess any damage you may have incurred, then formulate a plan for restoration that works for you and your budget.

Once we get started, our professionals will work quickly and efficiently to complete the job as soon as possible. Every job is different, there’s no way to say with certainty how long it will take us to finish up—that all depends on what kind of damage has occurred in your home or business premises and how quickly we can get started on repairs right away.

There are a lot of things you can do to try and prevent water damage. However, if your home or business has experienced a flood or other type of water damage, it’s important to find the right company to take care of the situation. When hiring a professional water damage restoration company, make sure they have experience with both residential and commercial properties so they can help with any size job.

Equipment & Safety Precautions Used During Water Removal

1/17/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage can happen at any time, even when you least expect it. That’s why it’s important that you work with a professional water removal company.

Water removal is a hard job that requires careful planning and precautions. The risks of water removal can be minimized by using the best equipment and following proper safety procedures.

Equipment Used in Water Removal

Water removal equipment is another important safety precaution used in water removal. When using this type of equipment, you should always wear appropriate personal protective gear such as gloves and goggles to protect yourself from injury due to contact with hazardous materials such as chemicals or sharp objects.

Safety Precautions Used 

Safety precautions are used to protect workers and those in the immediate area from the hazards associated with water removal. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn by everyone on the job site, and it includes a hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, and other protective gear.

These items are worn to ensure that people are kept safe while they are working or performing their duties at a water damage restoration job site. Safety glasses can protect eyes from flying debris or chemicals used during the cleanup of carpets or upholstery after flooding. Gloves prevent cuts from sharp objects such as glass shards that may be present in your home following severe storms like hurricanes when windows break due to high winds or tornadoes touching down nearby causing structural damage like tree limbs falling onto houses where no one was hurt but will need repairs done because there were leaks caused by branches hitting roofs which let rain into living spaces causing mold growth within walls behind drywall panels before you knew what hit them - so now there's mold growing underneath walls where insulation has been soaked with moisture from outside which could potentially cause structural problems later down the road if not properly taken care of now!

Why a Professional is Necessary

You should hire a professional water removal company because they have highly trained technicians that are experienced in the use of sophisticated equipment, so you know the job will be done correctly. The technicians know how to remove water from your home or business without damaging your property. They also have access to advanced technologies such as dehumidifiers and blowers that can help dry out wet areas faster than could be achieved on your own. These machines enable them to dry out areas quickly, which can prevent mold growth and other damage caused by moisture.

The technicians will also use fans and dehumidifiers to remove moisture from the air. This is extremely important because if they don’t do this step, mold and mildew can grow in your home or business.

The primary objective in water removal is to restore the property to its preloss condition. Water damage can happen at any time, even when you least expect it. That’s why it’s important that you work with a professional water removal company that can respond quickly and efficiently.

Causes of Fire Damage

12/24/2022 (Permalink)

If you have Fire Damage in your home call SERVPRO of Whittier

Causes of Fire Damage

A fire is a traumatic experience. It can be hard to imagine, but the damage from a fire goes far beyond what's visible on the surface. The smoke and soot left behind by a faulty fire cleanup job can cause structural issues and permanent damage to your home or business. That's why it's important to be aware of some of the common signs that indicate poor fire cleanup techniques — and what you need to do if you suspect they're happening in your home after an emergency like this.

Fire Damage

If you have experienced a fire, it is very important to recognize how the smoke has settled into your home. Fire damage can be hidden beneath surfaces and may not be apparent on first inspection. Be sure to carefully inspect the entire house for possible signs of poor fire cleanup techniques or other lingering effects from the blaze. Smoke residue can cause permanent stains, lingering odors, and mold growth if not properly addressed.

Water Damage

When water damage occurs, mold can develop. Mold is often hidden in walls, floors, and ceilings. Water damage is caused by leaks, floods, and storms. It can also be caused by broken pipes, burst water tanks, and burst water lines.

Smoke and Soot Damage

It's easy to think of smoke and soot damage as something that only happens after a fire, but it can also occur without any flames or smoke. If your home was damaged by a flood, or if you live in an area with high levels of air pollution, then you may be at risk for this type of mold contamination.

Smoke and soot damage can come from a variety of sources:

• Fires
• Chemicals that were used to put out fires
• Chemical spills (such as oil spills)

The Importance of Fast Response by Emergency Services

If you have been the victim of a fire, it is crucial that you work with a professional fire cleanup company. It is important to use the right equipment and chemicals for removing water and smoke damage from your home. This article will outline what these items are, but first.

The Importance of Working with a Professional Fire Cleanup Company

A great tip for success in both restoring your property and keeping your family safe is to hire an expert mold remediation company. A professional team will bring experience, knowledge, and expertise to the job at hand - ensuring that they take care of all aspects involved in this process efficiently so that you can get back into living in your home as soon as possible!

Warnings of a Poorly Handled Fire Clean-Up Job

One of the most common causes of mold growth is fire damage. If you suspect that you have experienced a fire, it is advisable to check for signs of a poorly handled fire cleanup job. These include:

• Mold growth in areas where there should not be any
• Water damage or other visible signs of smoke and soot damage

If you have any reason to suspect that something has gone wrong with the restoration process at all, then it would be best to seek professional help before proceeding with any further cleaning efforts yourself.

Damaged Structures and Furnishings

Mold can also grow on any damaged wood and other materials. Mold tends to grow in the walls, ceilings, floors, and furniture of your home if there are leaks or water problems. It can even grow on clothing and other fabrics that have been exposed to a lot of moisture. 

Mold grows on books and papers as well because they contain cellulose which is what most molds feed off when they look for food sources in order to survive.

Lingering Odors

You may be wondering if this can happen to you. If you smell an odor that’s a little funky, it could be a sign of mold growing in your home. Mold often grows in hidden places like behind walls or under floors. It can also grow on the surfaces of walls and ceilings, as well as inside plumbing fixtures and other areas where water accumulates.

If you have mold growing in your home and it is left untreated, the spores will spread through the air and cause various problems to your property. Getting rid of the mold quickly is important so that everyone who lives in your house stays safe.

Apparent fire damage can be hidden beneath surfaces. 

Be sure to carefully inspect the entire house for possible signs of poor fire cleanup techniques. Mold can grow on many surfaces, including wood, drywall, carpet, and insulation. Mold may also grow in the air if moisture is present because of water leaks or improper ventilation (excess humidity). The spores of some species are released into the air when disturbed by activities such as sweeping or washing with water that has not yet dried.

While we may not be able to stop fires, water damage, and other disasters from happening, we can be sure that our homes are properly cleaned up when they do occur. When choosing a fire cleanup company, remember that time is of the essence. There’s no room for slip-ups when it comes to your home or office; every second counts when it comes to preventing further damage.

When Should I Change The Supply Lines In My Bathroom?

11/5/2022 (Permalink)

Copper pipes are commonly used in the construction industry for residential water supply lines and sometimes for drain and vent lines.

When Should I Change The Supply Lines In My Bathroom?

It's not uncommon to have a leak in your Friendly Hills, CA home or business. A leaky pipe can be a huge problem and may require the help of a plumber, but if you catch it early enough you might be able to fix it yourself.

Copper supply lines are the most common. Stainless steel, or braided stainless steel, supply lines are also popular and are often used in bathtubs, water heaters, and outside faucets.

A leaking supply line could be due to a faulty seal at either end of the line, which allows water to escape slowly and drip down the pipe; a hole in the supply line; or corrosion inside the pipe.

• A leaking supply line could be due to a faulty seal at either end of the line, which allows water to escape slowly and drip down the pipe;
• A hole in the supply line; or
• Corrosion inside the pipe.

A leak in a plastic pipe is usually due to a faulty seal or corrosion on the inside of it.

Plastic pipes typically have a longer lifespan than metal pipes, but they have been known to break under extreme pressure. Metal pipes are often more reliable but will rust over time causing them to burst.

When deciding which type of pipe to use, consider the durability of your bathroom. If it is a relatively small area, chances are you will be able to get away with plastic pipes. However, if you need a lot of piping for your bathroom and plan on expanding later, metal pipes may be better suited for this situation as they are more durable and less likely to break.

It's also important to consider what kind of pressure is going through your pipes: metal pipes have been known to burst when put under extreme pressure; however plastic ones tend not to do so as easily.

If a leak occurs during standard business hours, it can usually be fixed within 24 hours. Otherwise, you may need to wait until the next business day before you're able to repair it with a plumber.

When you experience a leak in your bathroom, it's important to call out a professional plumber as soon as possible. A leak can quickly become a major problem if left unrepaired for too long. If a leak occurs during standard business hours, it can usually be fixed within 24 hours. Otherwise, you may need to wait until the next business day before you're able to repair it with a plumber.

24-hour plumbing repair is available in most areas and allows you to get immediate service when there is an emergency that requires attention right away. Plumbers can be called out at any time of day or night so that your home isn't left without water for too long while waiting for help from someone who is not available due to scheduling issues or other reasons (such as holidays).

While plastic pipes are generally less expensive than metal pipes, they can also be more easily cracked if they're exposed to corrosive substances like bleach or ammonia.

While plastic pipes are generally less expensive than metal pipes, they can also be more easily cracked if they're exposed to corrosive substances like bleach or ammonia. If you have any doubts about whether your plastic pipes will hold up, it's worth considering the cost of repairing a broken pipe before choosing plastic over metal.

While many people assume that metal supply lines are more durable than their plastic counterparts, this isn't always true. Metal supply lines can be damaged by extreme pressure or heat—in other words, if something gets stuck in the drainpipe and causes a build-up of water pressure behind it (kind of like when you try to flush too much toilet paper), then the metal pipe might burst apart under the force of all that water pressure. 

We hope you’ve found this article informative and helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below!

Do you have a clog? Here’s how to troubleshoot a slow drain.

10/6/2022 (Permalink)

If your drain is clogged call SERVPRO from your local area.

Do you have a clog? Here’s how to troubleshoot a slow drain.

Clogs can be annoying, but they're not unsolvable. Some of us are lucky and never experience a clogged drain at home, but others are plagued by drains that won't drain properly. How do you know if your drain is clogged? And if it is, what can you do about it? Here's a quick guide to troubleshooting slow drains in the home:

• Clogs can be a hassle. Look at these troubleshooting techniques for clogged drains.
• Clogs are a common problem and can be caused by a variety of things. Luckily, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot the slow drain on your sink or tub.

The simplest way to fix clogged drains is by using a sink plunger; however, this usually does not work for tubs because there is less suction power than for sinks due to their larger size. Another option is buying snake tools from your local hardware store so that you can easily clear out any blockages in your pipes yourself!

Test it out.

When you think about it, this is a logical step. After all, if the drain is clogged and you can’t see it, how will you know that it’s clogged? The answer is simple: plug up your toilet or sink with some wet paper towels and start testing for drainage by pouring water into the drain. If there are no suction sounds when the water goes down and no overflow from the pipes (in other words, if there is still something obstructing your drains), then chances are good that there is an issue with the plumbing.

If this test shows that your drains are clear, but they are still slow to drain away after flushing them multiple times (or if there was never any suction sound at all), then chances are good that there isn't anything wrong with your pipes but rather something stuck in them (like hair). At this point, consider calling a plumber as soon as possible before trying any other DIY methods to remove whatever may be obstructing these drains once and for all!

Does your drain have poor drainage? 

• Make sure your drain is not clogged. If your sink or tub won't drain, it's possible that a clog is preventing water from flowing. To test this theory, place a plunger over the drain and plunge up and down several times. If you don't unclog the drain with this method, try pouring hot water down it (and keeping in mind that you shouldn't do so if you have a septic tank system).
• Check for leaks elsewhere in your home. Leaks can cause drains to fill up with water and prevent them from draining properly. To test for leaks, start by checking all your faucets and showerheads for signs of dripping; then move on to checking around toilets and other fixtures—if they're wet where they're supposed to be dry or vice versa, these could indicate an indoor plumbing leak somewhere nearby that needs attention right away before further damage occurs!
• Look out for cracks in tubing leading outside—these could mean there's been earthquake activity near enough by so much as caused a crack inside one particular section but nothing else yet? Maybe worth checking into before doing anything else?

Clean out the pipes.

If you're certain that your clog isn't in the main room of your house, it's possible you have a problem with pipes inside the walls. If so, invest in a snake or auger—a long metal tool that can be used to clear out any blockages within your pipes.

If this doesn't work or if you've tried everything else (and still don't want to call a plumber), there are two more things left: using a plunger and trying to unclog the drain manually with boiling water or ice cubes. Plungers are not as effective on toilets as they are on sinks because toilets tend to have different types of traps than sinks do.

To manually unclog a drain from outside the home, start by pouring hot water down it until it begins draining again normally before finishing off with some cold water for good measure.

If your drain is still slow, you may need to call a plumber. If you have troubleshot the problem yourself and still can't find the source of the clog, contact us at (562) 698-5368 for 24/7 emergency service from our experienced team of experts.

How Restoration Experts Will Address Smoke and Fire Damage to Your Home

8/26/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot damage in Friendly Hills, CA

Smoke and Fire Restoration Process

A home fire does not just burn parts of your house. It can also cause smoke damage to your property. Smoke cleaning is thus an important part of the fire repair process.
Ideally, the emergency restoration experts you contact after the fire will remove soot and smoke as they clean up your home. Below are the typical steps that these professionals will follow:

1. Assessment

Once the experts arrive at the scene, they will survey the property for fire, smoke, and soot damage. This will help them determine the proper course of action.

2. Board-Up

Fires often damage roofs, walls, and windows. This could leave your Friendly Hills, CA, home susceptible to water damage from an impending storm. Looters could target your house, as well. By boarding up the walls and windows and by placing tarps on roofs, experts can prevent further harm to your property.

3. Water Removal

Firefighter hoses can leave behind lots of excess water in your home. The professionals should eliminate this water and use air movers and dehumidifiers to dry off everything.

4. Smoke and Soot Removal

The experts will then address the smoke damage to your home. Choose a restoration company that relies on specialized techniques to clean the soot from walls and ceilings.

5. Sanitization

You do not have to throw away everything that was damaged by the fire. Many items can be cleaned and restored to how they were prior to the blaze. Professionals can also utilize fogging equipment and air scrubbers to eliminate odors from those belongings.

6. Restoration

Restoration is the final phase of the fire repair process. This step can include repainting the walls and installing new flooring. If the fire was severe, restoration may also involve rebuilding entire rooms of your house.

Fire cleanup does not just involve the removal of burnt items. To ensure your home is truly restored following a blaze, you should hire specialists who also eliminate soot, water, and smoke damage.

The Correct Response to a Flooded Furnace

8/21/2022 (Permalink)

Flood furnace damage in Whittier, CA.

Broken pipes can lead to extensive losses, putting your Whittier, CA business out of action for a while and causing costly damage to your property. One of the most serious types of damage resulting from a broken pipe is a furnace flood.

What Steps Should You Take If You've Got A Flooded Furnace?

1. Ensure employee safety. Water-damaged electronics pose significant hazards. If your furnace is powered by electricity or gas, don't attempt to turn it on. Remove yourself and employees until a professional determines that the area is safe.

2. Seek professional cleanup. After the floodwater has been removed and the area is completely dry, your furnace must be cleaned and professionally maintained. This is especially true when the furnace flood-affected an electric or gas appliance. Cleaning a furnace is a complicated process that is best left to professionals.

3. Assess the need for replacement. Some furnaces may have to be replaced due to irreversible repairs and an unsafe situation. If a professional has assessed your furnace and recommended replacement, take steps to complete this action as quickly as possible.

4. Schedule an air duct cleaning. The CDC recommends that all contaminated insulation and filters be removed from the HVAC system. It is also necessary to disinfect all component surfaces and to follow the disinfecting process with a clean water rinse. It may be necessary to upgrade components of the filtration system to ensure the health of your clients and employees.

Identify the Source of Damage

Addressing the cause of the broken pipe is an important step toward ensuring the disaster doesn't happen again. Work closely with technicians and recovery experts to determine why the break happened and how you can protect your business from future flooding.

The disaster that led to a furnace flood can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Working with a Whittier, CA professional can reduce some of that strain and concern. These experts can lead you through the recovery process and get your business back into action.

4 Necessary Steps for a Business Fire Prevention Plan

8/17/2022 (Permalink)

Any plan is better than no plan.

Prepare A Fire Prevention Plan For Your Business

At some point, every business should spend some time preparing a fire prevention plan. With more than 100,000 commercial fires each year causing more than $2 billion in damages, a business fire is a real threat. Any plan is better than no plan, and a good plan could potentially save a company many thousands of dollars. The aspects of a sound plan should include the following elements.

1. Insurance. Every business owner should take a close look at his or her insurance needs at least once a year. In addition to a comprehensive policy that covers fire damage, the policy could include a rider for business interruption insurance. This add-on covers business income loss due to a covered catastrophe such as a major fire.

2. Remediation. After the fire trucks depart, it is important to repair the damage. A local fire mitigation company in Santa Fe Springs, CA, will arrive in a matter of hours of being called and they will get to work repairing soot and smoke damage. Trained technicians are experienced in all aspects of restoring damage caused by fires.

3. Equipment. A robust fire prevention plan addresses the proven equipment needed to deal with a fire. This includes fire alarms and smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and a fire suppression system such as sprinklers. Having these items on hand and operational can save lives and significantly reduce property damage.

4. Education. An effort should be made to educate all employees on what to do before, during, and after a fire. This could include lessons on operating fire extinguishers as well as information on who to call when a fire breaks out. It should also include where employees should gather in the case of a building fire.

A fire prevention plan can be highly detailed or fairly basic depending upon the size and the needs of a company. Its purpose is to save lives, prevent injuries and minimize property damage and business disruptions.

Storm Damage Is Far More Than Flooding

7/26/2022 (Permalink)

Roof shingles ruined in a South Whittier, CA building.

What May Seem Like Flood Damage Might Not Be

Major storm systems pose a serious flood damage threat to commercial buildings in South Whittier, CA. Rising waters can devastate the foundation, valuables and overall structure, leaving proprietors with a great deal of sogginess. Owners, though, should be aware that storms have other hazardous impacts that demand attention. To minimize concerns, know the answers to the following three questions.

1. What Other Factors Should Owners Prepare For?
Storm damage is a broader category than flood trouble. A hurricane or thunderstorm can have intense wind speeds, capable of harming the roof and turning minor objects into projectiles. Roof shingles may be ruined, exposing the roofing to moisture. This isn't considered flood but water damage. Hail can also occur, creating bumps and holes in the roof.

Furthermore, external items such as furniture, branches or trees can slam into the walls, windows and doors, breaking glass and exposing the room.

2. What Exactly Falls Into Flood Damage?
As the rain pounds down, waters rise, possibly overflowing external bodies of water. Rivers, oceans and the sewer system all dangerous, pouring category three fluid into the premises. Floodwaters such as these can ruin property. The source of the exposure must come from the rise in the water and not the storm itself. Insurance companies examine these case-by-case. Storm complications leading to saturation would not fall under this category.

3. How Should Owners Handle These Events?

When flooding happens (whether it's storm-related or not), commercial owners should turn to professionals at a water and storm restoration company. These certified experts examine the space, test the walls and air and initiate mitigation efforts immediately. This phase is essential to ensure that excess fluid doesn't spawn mold and mildew growth and prepare an appropriate sanitation plan.

What may seem like flood damage might not be. If the water comes from the roof or a structural breach, it's likely to fall into the storm zone. Either way, it's important to act quickly to reduce secondary complications.