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What is Water Damage?
4/24/2023 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of North Richland Hills dispatches technicians 24 hours a day to every size of water damage emergency.
Water Damage Definition
Water damage is a term used to describe any harm resulting from water flow into a structure. Water damage is a common issue caused by a variety of events, such as:
- Malfunctioning pipes or pipe bursts
- Heavy rainfall or flooding
- Faulty home appliances and plumbing fixtures
- Damaged or leaking roofs
- Restricted drainage systems
- Sewage backups
- Cracks and leaks within the foundation
- Humidity & condensation
Water damage restoration is a necessary measure that homeowners and property owners may initiate when facing water damage consequences. Water damage claims are the second highest among insurance claims filed in the United States, accounting for 20% of all claims, per the Insurance Information Institute.
Consider our top five damage prevention tips to help prevent water damage in your home.
Top 5 Water Damage Prevention Tips
- Keep a strong foundation along with sealed doors and windows.
Homeowners can prevent water damage by inspecting their foundation for vulnerabilities in windows, doors, or other areas prone to water damage. Indicators such as cracking walls or floors, sloping or uneven floors, and widening gaps signal foundation issues. Signs like water or moisture collection, drafts, or increased energy bills can detect a leak in a window or door.
Downspouts should be directed away from the house to avert water damage. During rainfall, gutters accumulate water from the roof and channel it into downspouts. If downspouts are not connected to proper drainage or oriented toward the house's foundation, water seepage into the soil may weaken the foundation. In addition, excess water may cause soil erosion, weakening the foundation's stability over time.
2. Direct downspouts away from your property.
Redirecting downspouts away from the house is a practical measure that thwarts water damage and safeguards one's valuable investment. This technique guarantees durability and precludes soil erosion in regions with abundant rainfall. Excess water may cause damage to a home's foundation, leading to costly repairs and decreased property value.
Homeowners can protect their investment by verifying downspouts are correctly installed and functionary. Even small amounts of water that seep into the foundation can cause damage.
3. Install shut-off valves.
An automatic shut-off valve fitted on a washing machine is engineered to diagnose water leaks and automatically discontinue the water supply, mitigating considerable damage. For this purpose, this valve is commonly installed at the washing machine water hose connection points, which are at risk of leaks or burst hoses due to constant use. This mechanism is also viable for dishwashers, ensuring water leakage is detected promptly, averting profound residential damages.
4. Install sump pumps.
A sump pump is an instrument designed to prevent water damage in the basement or crawlspace of a house. Typically installed in a sump basin, water flows into the pump naturally or through a drainage system. Once the water level reaches the set point, the sump pump removes it and disposes of it through a designated drainage system.
Installing a sump pump in areas with high water tables or frequent flooding is advisable. Rainfall, melting snow, or other sources may cause severe damage to the house's foundation, mold growth, and related health concerns.
With varying power sources available – electric or battery backup – sump pumps typically have alarms or sensors that alert homeowners to potential problems with the pump or flooding events. Homeowners looking to protect their properties from water damage should consider the long-term benefits of investing in a sump pump. The instrument saves extensive repair costs and ensures the durability of a building's foundation and structural elements.
5. Check appliances that use water, plus tubs, sinks, and showers, for leaks regularly.
If you believe your toilet, sink, shower, or tub might leak, it's crucial to watch for various signs. You may observe water pooling around the base or on the adjacent floor, which could signal a leakage. Additionally, if your water bill suddenly shoots up without explanation, it often indicates a leak somewhere in your home, with the tub being a possible suspect.
Multiple factors contribute to the leaking of a tub. One prevalent issue is poor caulking around the base of the tub. Caulking dries out and cracks over time, allowing water seepage and resulting in leaks. Another possible cause for leaks is the overflow gasket in the tub's overflow drain. If this gasket becomes loose or deteriorates, it can lead to leakage.
Timely resolution of leaks is critical to prevent further damage to your home. Over time, undetected water can seep into walls and flooring, leading to structural damage and mold growth. It's advisable to have a certified plumber thoroughly examine your plumbing system for leaks and conduct prompt repairs where necessary. In the meantime, wipe surfaces around your tub dry after use and stay alert to any signs of moisture or leaks.
Calling a Water Damage Restoration Company When Prevention Fails
Even the best-kept property experience water damage. When this happens, a water damage restoration company is the right first call t make. Damage restoration companies are professional entities specializing in repairing and restoring water-damaged properties.
Skilled and trained technicians assess and mitigate water damage to reinstate the property to its pre-damage condition. They employ advanced restoration techniques encompassing water extraction, drying, dehumidification, mold remediation, structural drying, sanitation, and damage repair services. Ideally, water damage restoration services are started within 24-48 hours of water damage occurrence to mitigate further damage and minimize restoration expenses.
The collaboration between water damage restoration companies and insurance providers facilitates a seamless claims process, including providing damage documentation, working with adjusters, and providing estimates for repairs and restoration.
Selecting an accredited water damage restoration company is imperative, as they hold experience, expertise, licensing, and certification from reputable industry organizations like the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC).
What is SERVPRO?
SERVPRO remains a renowned and trusted commercial water damage restoration company with over 50 years of industry experience.
SERVPRO offers extensive professional services, including water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, and related services, with a workforce of over 1800 franchised entities across the US and Canada. Certified SERVPRO technicians undergo rigorous training programs from SERVPRO University and possess certifications from reputable institutions like the IICRC, making them the preferred choice for property owners or businesses requiring water restoration services.
SERVPRO offers comprehensive water damage restoration services, encompassing every stage, from assessment and mitigation to repair and rebuilding. With their 24/7 emergency response, they minimize damage and overall costs associated with water damage. Additionally, they collaborate with major insurance companies to facilitate claims and optimize client coverage.
SERVPRO of North Richland Hills's Water Damage Team
Calling SERVPRO of North Richland Hills brings several advantages when dealing with water damage restoration.
- Nearly 40 years of experience from a family-owned and operated franchise. We are one of the longest-tenured SERVPRO franchisees in the nation.
- We offer full-service restoration. We do it all--cleaning, restoration, and construction.
- We accept all insurance claims. And we will assign a dedicated Project Coordinator to walk you through every step of your insurance claim.
SERVPRO technicians have the specialized equipment and technical expertise necessary to effectively evaluate the extent of the damage and develop a comprehensive restoration plan, leading to efficient and effective restoration, often preventing further damage such as mold growth.
Safety is crucial at SERVPRO of North Richland Hills; our technicians prioritize safety during water-related events, ensuring your property and occupants remain safe. EPA-registered disinfectant ensures that affected areas are effectively and safely cleaned and disinfected, leaving no harmful contaminants behind.
In addition to our restoration services, SERVPRO of North Richland Hills also offers construction services. Any necessary repairs to structures or systems are completed quickly and efficiently, reducing the time the property is open to vulnerabilities.
SERVPRO of North Richland Hills provides comprehensive documentation detailing all findings and takes detailed photographs of the affected items and rooms to validate the claim with your insurance adjuster; prompt and fair compensation for any losses is ensured.
Contact SERVPRO of North Richland Hills. Our team is always ready and committed to providing the best professional water damage restoration services.