Tag: water damage

Water damage is a strange thing because it can be the cause of insignificant, tiny messes, but it can also be the reason behind financially disastrous events that alter your life in various ways. A spilled glass of water can ruin a perfectly good book, while a flood can permanently damage carpeting, wooden foundations, and every sort of belonging (including books). When flooding occurs, a property owner is going to be helpless for the most part, especially if the water level is severe enough to fill a basement or lower-level home. How do you proceed after a disaster like this?

The Need for a Professional

One way is to enlist an efficient flood damage restoration service, because unless your situation is only a spilled glass on the kitchen table, you need a professional that knows the rules when it comes to safety and clean-up. Water damage not only hurts your property and belongings, but it also makes for a dangerous location. Mold can quickly settle into areas with trapped oxygen and moisture. Untreated organic surfaces can harbor toxins, which can affect people and objects that come into contact with them.

The Dangers of Water Damage

Water damage is fairly obvious at first, but eventually it turns silent and deadly. Trapped water is not easy to find without the proper equipment, which Soil-Away brings to every job site. Water hidden inside walls and under floors can easily go undetected as mold spores continue to spread. In many cases, a property is at risk of having multiple health code violations following flooding, making proper restoration services vital for full recovery. 

Keep in mind that if this is your home that is affected, then you will need a thorough solution to restore things to normal. Soil-Away can provide inspections once the water is removed. This way, you will have scientific proof that a house can become a livable space once again. We can facilitate a post-remediation verification (PRV) test before anyone occupies the premises, to be certain that mold spore counts have been properly lowered. 

Water Damage Doesn’t Stop Until We Make It Stop

In severe cases, water damage continues as it sits unopposed. Storm and flood damage restoration is necessary to remove the toxicity from hardwood floors, under furniture, and anywhere else water invades. For efficient biohazard remediation, call Soil-Away Cleaning and Restoration. Our professional team can safely remove all the items that are beyond repair. We can also salvage many items as well. 

Our end goal is to restore your location to pre-flooding conditions so you and your family can reinhabit your home. Reach us at (603) 641-6555 to learn which service plan is the solution you need. In the event of traumatic water damages, we can provide professional and personable services. Water damage will continue to hurt your property the longer it sits. Do not hesitate to call Soil-Away.

Disaster comes in a variety of packages; it could be a burst pipe, a recent storm, or a sewer backup. In any case, basement flooding is no joke. Standing water can bring bacteria and other toxins like mold and mildew into your home, putting your family’s health at risk. Furthermore, the effects of water damage can stay in your home for a long time, ruining carpets and furniture beyond repair. At Soil-Away, we’re no strangers to basement flooding, and we’ve honed a quick and thorough process that will make your home clean and dry again.

Your Basement Flooding Plan

We’ll get to work right away. First, we find the source of the flooding so that we can put a stop to the water damage. Different types of flooding bring different types of damage, which means that the type of flooding will dictate our restoration plan. Once we’ve made a plan, we’ll keep you updated and get your approval before moving forward.

Water Damage Restoration

Next, we’ll put that plan into action. Using the latest water removal technology, we’ll extract the water, getting rid of the basement flooding. Although this part of the process is important, you’re not in the clear just yet. The risk of toxic mold remains in your basement. We respond to this risk by drying and salvaging everything that we can save. For instance, anything we can restore we dry-out and move into a storage facility. After the dry-down, we’ll carefully check for hidden pockets of moisture that can lead to mold and other biohazards and make sure to address them immediately. Basement flooding and water damage removal services are also accompanied by cleaning and sanitization of the affected areas. If we find anything contaminated or affected by the flooding, our premium cleaning methods are able to salvage the majority of items.

Final Steps

Once we’ve sanitized and dehumidified your basement, we’ll perform a final inspection. We believe in double-checking because we know that if we leave any issues behind, it can affect your home for a long time. Once we’ve performed our own inspection, we’ll make sure our job lives up to your standards. We’ll walk you through the basement, go over the restoration process, and answer any final questions you may have. Finally, we’ll also help you process your insurance claim. Our photos from the drying and cleanup process will help you make your claim quickly so that you and your family can move on.

Don’t Delay

The longer you allow basement flooding to stand, the greater your risk of health hazards and permanent damage. Time is of the essence, so act quickly and let us help you get your home back to its pre-flood state as soon as possible. Call now at (603)-641-6555.

Fires and fire damage are never things that you plan for. Fires happen unexpectedly and can wreak havoc on your home and belongings. But did you know that once the flames have been put out and the smoke has cleared, you could be facing more than fire damage? Water damage is a very real concern in the wake of a fire. Whether it was put out by you or the fire department had to be called, your home and belongings can be affected by water damage. Here is how water damage can affect your home after a fire.

Standing Water

In the wake of a fire, there can also be a good amount of standing water. This is water that was used to extinguish the fire and then had nowhere to go. If that water is allowed to continue to sit without being removed it will damage what it came in contact with. It can ruin flooring, personal items, and even walls. Water has the power to weaken your home’s structural integrity. That is not something you want. The best way to protect your home and belongings from water is to ensure that water is removed right away.

Contaminants

Water used to put out a fire can spread contaminants. Think about what the water may pass through as it is extinguishing the fire. Water coming through the roof for example may go through attic insulation. Lead paint may be present in homes built prior to 1978. Walls that have been opened by the fire department or the fire damage itself may contain harmful contaminants such as dead rodents and their fecal matter, construction dust, and microbial growth – i.e. mold. Water can be used as a conduit to cross-contaminate a property. Proper extraction, demolition, sanitization and drying is 100% necessary.

Mold

When water or moisture go undetected in the aftermath of a fire, mold can grow freely. Mold is a risk for two main reasons. The first reason is it can destroy the structural integrity of whatever it is growing into. It can affect all types of material, weakening them as it grows. The second reason mold is dangerous is because of the health risks. Mold can cause any number of respiratory problems as well as more serious problems. Breathing mold in for an extended period of time is highly inadvisable.

It seems counter-intuitive that after a fire you should be worried about water damage, but it is a concern. Luckily that is where companies like Soil-Away come in. We are here to help restore your home from fire and water damage. If you have recently experienced a fire, give us a call at 603-641-6555. We’re here to help you.

There are many questions that come up when you own a home. One that you may have worried about is whether you have a sewer line problem. Sewer problems can be difficult to discover because the system is hidden. However, there are ways you can track the health of your sewer system and catch a problem before it gets too big. Septic system failures can result in sewage line backups into your home. This can be an extensive and costly cleanup process that you want to avoid. Here are three signs that there is a problem with your sewer line and/or septic system.

Smell Sewer Gas

Smelling sewer in and around your house is not a nice experience, and it is also a strong sign that there is a problem. Sewer systems are supposed to be airtight and to move downhill. This means that if you’re smelling sewage, there is a problem. The most likely scenario is that there is a crack somewhere in your sewer system. The smell is inconvenient enough, but you could end up with even bigger problems if the crack enlarges. Thus, if you’re smelling sewer gas in your home, be sure to hire a professional to take a look at it before the issue develops.

Sewage Backups, Blockages, and Slow Drainage

If your toilets, sinks, and other drains regularly backup or drain slowly, the system is not working correctly. This is especially true if the problem continues even after multiple attempts to clean the line. Water and debris should be able to move through the sewer line easily. However, a buildup in the system will result in backups and blockages. These are the easiest to spot symptoms of sewer line issues, and they shouldn’t be ignored.

Extra Green Grass Patches

Have you been wondering why certain patches of your grass are suddenly greener and lusher this spring? Did you know sewage is a top-notch fertilizer? If sewage is leaking under your yard, more lush and green grass can start growing. The fertilization might be making your lawn look better, but once the sewage starts building up or pooling, it will be a different story. So, if you haven’t been fertilizing or watering your lawn but it’s looking greener and lusher, get your sewer system looked at to be sure there isn’t a problem.

Because sewage lines and septic are hidden away, it can be difficult to spot an issue before it grows into a big problem. That is why it is so important to watch for the warning signs from your sewer line. If you notice warning signs, take action before the problem gets worse. And if you weren’t able to catch the signs before you had a full-blown sewer line or septic system problem on your hands, Soil-Away is here to help you. We are an IICRC certified team ready to help clean and restore your home after a sewage backup. Give us a call at 603-641-6555, or contact us on our website.

The year has started out cold, and it’s going to stay cold for a while. If you haven’t prepared your pipes yet, it’s time. Nothing can ruin your cozy home like frozen pipes, and it’s important to know that water expands as it freezes. We’ve put together some tips to help you get through this vicious cold stretch with as little home damage as possible.

Protect Pipes

Frozen pipes prevent water flow, but even worse, they can eventually burst, causing damage and flooding. Luckily, there are numerous ways to prevent your pipes from freezing in sub-zero temperature. Here are the three most common ways to keep your home safe from frozen pipes.

Insulation

Insulate pipes that are exposed to cold drafts, especially in crawl spaces and attics. Keeping the water warmer means you are reducing the amount of energy needed to heat the water in the winter months. Heat tape or thermostatically-controlled heat cables can be used to wrap pipes. However, if you are not able to safely and properly install these on your own, consider hiring a professional tradesperson.

Coverage

Place an insulated dome or covering on outdoor faucets to reduce the likelihood of frozen pipes expanding. Using an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from the pipes leading to outside faucets will also help reduce the chance of freezing. You should seal leaks that allow cold air inside where pipes are located. With the cold weather, the tiniest of openings can let in enough cold air to cause a pipe to freeze. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents, and all pipes.

Drip Drop

A slow flow of water might be all it takes to reduce the buildup of pressure in your pipes. Even if you do end up with frozen pipes, the pressure will release in the water system. This will reduce the likelihood of a rupture.

If Frozen Pipes Occur

• If you turn on your faucets and nothing comes out, leave the faucets turned on. Then call a licensed plumber to assist with fixing the blockage.
• If your house or basement is flooding, turn off the water valve and immediately call your insurance provider and our disaster restoration team. We will meet with you at your home to evaluate the problem. Our people will work with you as you decide what services are needed: emergency restoration or just an estimate for the repairs.
• Do not touch or use electrical appliances in areas of standing water.
• Never try to thaw a pipe with a torch or other open flame because it could cause a fire hazard.

The people at Soil-Away Restoration Services are passionate about getting the job done right. So you can trust us to remove the excess moisture from your home or place of business, dry out the affected areas, and restore any water damages to your drywall, flooring, or wood components.

All our employees are certified by the IICRC, and we are the only firm in the region with an Esporta Certification. Contact us to take care of your frozen pipes or flood damage at (603) 641-6555 or visit us online at www.soilawayrestoration.com.

Groundwater, falling water, or home water system malfunctions can cause flooding in your home. No matter the cause of a flood, it is crucial to take action within the first 24 hours. Immediately employing a water damage restoration plan helps to ensure the safety of your home and family, and provides the best outcome with your insurance. Here are some of the first things to do after your home floods.

Avoid Unnecessary Risks

If the flood that caused damage to your home was severe, make sure that you stay safe upon your return. When returning to your home after a flood, check for any visible structural damage, such as warping, loosening, or cracked foundational elements. You should also contact your utility company if you suspect any damage has occurred to your water, gas, electric, or sewage lines. Ensuring that your home is structurally sound and all the utilities are functioning properly before re-entering will help prevent any unnecessary injuries or damages. Once everything is stable, water damage restoration can begin.

Take Pictures

Before you move anything or make any repairs, take pictures. Thoroughly documenting the flood damage done to your house is critical to begin water damage restoration. If you start to repair damages without recording them, you could risk a decrease in your coverage. This means potentially not being able to fully restore your house to its pre-flooding state.

Keep Your Health in Mind

Flood waters aren’t usually clean. This means that even after the water is gone, there still could be sewage or household chemicals left. When you re-enter your home after a flood, make sure to keep your health in mind. The waters that flooded your home may be carrying some nasty diseases that could seriously harm you and your family’s health. Make sure that proper safety gear such as waders, waterproof boots, and gloves are worn while water damage restoration is proceeding.

A flooding, even a major one, doesn’t mean that your home is a lost cause. One of the key elements of a successful water damage restoration is acting quickly. Don’t let flood water sit in your home, causing further damage and health problems. When water damage hits your home, contact Soil-Away Cleaning and Restoration. We are available 24/7 and are equipped with the right tools to respond to water loss immediately. For skilled, water damage restoration services contact Soil-Away Cleaning and Restoration at (603) 641-6555.

Nothing can prepare you for the kind of havoc that water damage can cause to your property. Whether it is damage to property from a flood or due to internal issues such as faulty plumbing or frozen pipe burst or due to backed up sewage, the ensuing water damage can be extensive. In most instances, property owners are at a loss on how to deal with water damaged properties. Knowing the risks involved and options available to you can however, help you to become better prepared for such an eventuality.

Do you know the Risks Involved?

If your first instinct is to do nothing, the situation is only going to get worse by the minute. Here’s why – in any kind of water damage situation, you are looking at water seeping in deeper into the property and impacting everything from your foundation, the walls, furniture, and your carpeting. From then on, things will move even more quickly down south.

In addition to the obvious ways in which water can wreck your property, the bigger danger comes from mold infestation which can happen within a couple of days from the day of flooding. Mold spores can move quickly through the property to contaminate not only the structure, surfaces, carpeting, furniture and clothing, but more importantly, mold contaminates the air quality. Mold however, is just the beginning. If you leave a water damaged property as is, there is a bigger risk from germination of other dangerous organic growth such as water borne pathogens which present a major health risk to both humans and pets.

Water Damage Situation on Hand? Here’s what you should do.

Doing nothing is not an option if you are facing a water damage situation. As mentioned earlier, the more you delay to act, greater will the damage. Here are 4 things you can do right away;

• Shut off the water supply immediately. If you are unsure of the mains, then call your water company.
• If possible, assess the damage. Documenting is crucial when dealing with your insurance company.
• Call a water damage restoration company if the damage is extensive and beyond a DIY situation. Even if you don’t want to seek professional restoration services, it is always best that you get some kind of professional assessment done.
• Call your insurance company.

Why Seek Professional Help?

Professional water damage restoration service experts are trained in dealing with water damage of all kinds. In addition to helping you understand the magnitude of damage, water damage restoration experts will create a customized strategy to deal with water damage restoration of the property.

Deciding which items are salvageable and which items need to be discarded is a big enough challenge on its own. You are also looking at moving items and restoring structure and furniture which is a mammothian task. And this is where a professional water damage restoration services company can prove to be the best option.

You also need to keep in mind that water restoration work is dangerous. Damage to property aside, there are a number of health risks involved. A professional water damage restoration team has the necessary safety equipment and gear as well as the resources and know how to deal with any kind of organic danger.

If you have any questions or queries about water damage to your residential or commercial property or if you need help with restoring your property post water damage, give us a call today at 603-641-6555!