No matter how careful you are, there’s a chance your home is hiding a fire hazard, possibly even in plain sight. For the safety of yourself and everyone else that resides in your home, we hope that this list will prompt you to take a closer look at some of these potentially dangerous situations that can become more serious when left untreated.
Making sure that your family knows what to do in an emergency potentially means the difference between life and death when a disaster occurs. Here are some tips for disaster recovery plans for families.
Many of us have suffered through the frustration from a water leak and water damage at one point or another. These problems can include an overflowing toilet, a problem water heater, too much rain coming too fast, a burst pipe, or water used to extinguish a fire. There are many things that can cause staining, water-logged carpets, and other problems in a home from a water leak.
Usually, a toilet bowl leak will be obvious – you’ll see water running out over the top of the bowl. However, in some cases, water will leak slowly from the bottom of the toilet, and the only way to find out is that you’ll towel or mop the water in the morning, and that evening the floor is wet again.
If you don’t get the problem fixed, you can damage the floor. If the toilet is on an upper floor, it can also damage the ceiling below it. Turn the water off where the water valve is connected to the wall, and call for help before an inconvenience becomes something worse.
Finding water around a water heater is not always the sign of something bad; it can be a sign of condensation from the unit. It could also be a sign of bigger problems that will come. Sometimes the tank will corrode through and create major leaks, or worse yet, a pipe will burst and scalding hot water will spray over anything.
Check your water heater regularly, and if you suspect a leak, call a professional to check it out. Turn the valve off, usually a red handle near the ground, and mop the water up. If water continues to collect near the base of the water heater, it is an indication of a leak, probably somewhere other than where the pipe runs into the tank. Leaving the tank broken can create problems with the floor, and if leaking water cannot escape and the water gets too high and reaches the pilot light, the water tank will likely be ruined.
Some people may believe that the way to tell if heavy rain is damaging their home is to whether or not the roof leaks. If only it was that simple.
Burst pipes can do major damage, especially if the homeowner is not aware it is happening. If the homeowner is gone when a pipe bursts, or if the pipe bursts while the homeowner is in one part of the house while the burst pipe is in another, a log of damage can be done. Sheetrock, carpets, and practically anything else that comes in contact with the water can be damaged or ruined.
When you have a burst pipe, shut your water off and call for help right away.
When there is a fire, water damage isn’t your primary concern. Once the fire is extinguished, the water that was used can cause numerous problems of its own, in some cases, related to the fire itself. Weakened structural integrity caused by fire damage can be amplified due to the water saturation, and an increased potential for mold growth. While this water is necessary to save the property, it can also ruin floors, walls, and other things it contacts.
When there is a fire, yours and your family’s safety should be your number one concern. Call 9-1-1 and let the professionals handle it.
If you face any of these problems at your home, contact Utah Flood Cleanup today for a free consultation. We are available 24/7 to serve the greater Wasatch Front when it comes to a number of disasters, including water, fire, mold, and more.
One of the biggest issues plaguing homeowners who reside in colder climates, such as Utah, is having your pipes freeze in your home can be a very difficult disaster to manage. A problem that can spawn a laundry list of other issues, learning how to prevent and manage freezing pipes is essential knowledge for every homeowner.
Although it may not be immediately obvious, you can tell if your pipes are frozen in the following ways:
The first thing you'll want to do is turn off the main water valve. Most shut-off valves are somewhere in the basement, be sure to find out this information early on as when disaster strikes, you have very little time to shut off the valve.
Next, you'll need to check to see if any of the pipes are leaking. This can be done by listening for dripping, examining the basement, garage, and other crawl spaces to see if there is either ice or water dripping from any of the pipes. You can also check outdoor fixtures by holding a paper towel under them to check for moisture. This step is imperative, as trying to thaw frozen pipes that have sprung a leak, will cause insurmountable damage to your home.
Luckily, with a bit of patience, you can thaw your own pipes, free of charge, in one of the following ways:
Once the pipe has been thawed, you may turn the water back on. Although this is a simple process, be sure to do so with the help of someone else as it helps to have someone around to alert you of dripping or bursting pipes.
If you discover that a pipe has burst, immediately turn off the main valve and open only the lowest hot/ cold faucets in your home. This will help drain the water and keep flooding at bay while you call a professional.
Now that you've fixed your frozen pipe issue, use the following tips to avoid this problem in the future.
Call us now at (801) 416-2666 and receive a FREE phone consultation and FREE inspection for insurance-covered water damage incidents.
As the time comes to say goodbye to summer and usher in autumn, it’s important to be aware of how the weather can directly impact your home. One important fact you should know is that during the fall and winter months, your home can be at risk for water-related damage. Usually, this damage is caused by a leaking pipe or one that bursts due to the temperature changes. Not only is an incident like this not very fun, but it can result in thousands of dollars’ worth of damage to your home. Thankfully, you still have some time to prevent water damage before the cooler weather ushers in.
Here are five tips you might find helpful to prevent water damage:
The purpose of your gutter system is to channel water from rainstorms away from your home, so it doesn’t back up and cause water damage to the foundation of the house. To prevent clogged gutters, make sure you’re keeping your curb and storm drains free of leaves and other debris. It's important that water can flow easily away from your home.
Quick Tip: You can easily clean your gutters with a Wet/Dry Vacuum to streamline the process.
Utah is known for its chilly fall season and even colder winters, so it’s important you keep your water pipes insulated to avoid cracking or even worse—a burst pipe. One way to insulate your water pipes is using foam rubber insulation to avoid them freezing up during the winter. These are easy to install and just involve you cutting the foam rubber to fit the pipes and peeling away the adhesive to make it stick.
We also recommend locating your "stop tap" just in case your pipe bursts and you need to shut off the water quickly in order to eliminate additional water damage to the home.
Since you most likely will not be gardening during the winter months, it's important to disconnect your hose to avoid any water freezing within it. This will also prevent any water backup freezing into the pipes that lead into the house from the garden faucet. We suggest wrapping it up and storing it in the shed until spring to avoid any damage.
Whatever you do, don't turn off your furnace during the winter; you will be putting your pipes at risk for freezing. We recommend keeping your furnace set to at least 55 degrees at all times. If you aren't going to be home for an extended period, turn off your water and drain your lines.
While it's important to check your pipes, we also suggest checking out the caulking in your showers and sinks, as well as the intake valves for your washer and dryer to ensure there is no damage. You rather be safe than sorry.
If you're looking to be 100% sure that your pipes are properly insulated for fall, please don't hesitate to contact us. Our experts at Utah Flood Cleanup are simply a phone call away!
If you're one of the lucky ones and have never experienced a burst pipe, then count your blessings! Pipe bursting can cause a lot of water damage, so it's important to know what to do if it happens. Here are some tips on how to deal with a burst pipe.
Pipe bursting is a common occurrence, as roughly fifty million homeowners experience a burst pipe every year. One of the significant issues that burst pipes bring is that a 1/8 inch crack can easily lead to over 250 gallons of water flooding your home daily if left untreated. However, with each flood situation being different, each requires a unique solution.
Considering the collateral water damage that a burst pipe has to offer, it's crucial to take action once a piping problem occurs. Here's a step-by-step guide for halting damage from a burst pipe:
This is the first and most crucial step in avoiding further water damage to your home. Shutting down your main water supply stops all water throughout the home and makes it easier to repair the burst pipe. In some cases, you may have to turn off your main power switch if the leak is happening near an electrical source.
If the burst pipe routes from a hot water tank, close off the hot water valve to avoid water loss and possible injury.
If the pipe happens to be frozen, don't let it thaw.
Call a professional immediately once you shut off the water. This avoids further damage to your piping and property.
Take inventory of the damaged property from the burst pipe. Once this is accumulated, contact your insurance provider.
There are various causes of pipes bursting, but there are a few very common problems that lead to that kind of plumbing emergency. Most instances of pipes bursting do not occur suddenly without warning. So, monitor your home’s plumbing lines throughout the year, and especially keep an eye out for the most frequent risk conditions. Why do pipes burst?
Water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit. When frozen water is in a pipe, it causes the pipe to contract, and the pipe can burst from the water pressure building in it. Even indoor plumbing lines may not be protected well enough from the risk of this situation.
Or, if indoor pipes run along a poorly insulated exterior wall, they are vulnerable to freezing and bursting. But, if external sections of pipes are wrapped and internal lengths run through a warm wall or basement space with effective insulation, they’re likely not at risk of freezing.
One way to detect a frozen pipe is to turn on the faucet and see if the water is running. If no water comes out of the faucet, first check other faucets. Then, inspect for a leak or burst pipe along the water lines from the faucets to the main water pipe coming into your home.
Severe summer temperatures outdoors or in high-heat utility areas with heavy use of water can cause weak pipes to burst. Routinely inspect, maintain, and reinforce water lines.
A clog blocks the flow of water and its release from the pipe. This can quickly lead to a buildup of excessive pressure. When the pressure becomes too high, the pipe can burst.
Pipes can become corroded due to rust, excessive calcium in the water, or oxidation. Over time, corrosion weakens the integrity of the pipe walls and can cause them to burst.
When temperatures around pipes change from cold to hot, the contracting and thawing lines may shift a little. Or, a pipe may become displaced a bit from being bumped during other pipe repairs, or shaken by extreme water pressure from large volumes of water running through it. If the shifting increases the pressure or jars a fitting loose, a breach can occur.
A pipe burst can cause property damage, and wastewater contamination, and leave you with a shocking water bill. So, it pays to pay attention to your plumbing system throughout the year. Even in plunging winter temperatures, you can take steps to keep your plumbing pipes from freezing and bursting. Here are some easy steps you can take to prevent pipe bursts:
Since a burst pipe isn't a rare situation for homeowners, there are a few facts for consideration regarding such issues. Such burst pipe facts are:
Provided the information above, a burst pipe brings a lot of trauma to a household. However, Utah Flood Cleanup is here to handle any water, flood, smoke, or fire situations that may have found their way to your home. Such services Utah Flood Cleanup offers are:
We’re your local experts in water damage repair and restoration. We quickly repair and restore your home to its condition prior to flooding. We provide Utah’s most efficient damage repair and restoration, so you can go back to enjoying your home again. We also provide expert mold abatement, often necessary after flooding in homes.
Josh, tell me a little bit about this job.
Okay. so what happened was a tenant was making tortillas. We are at an apartment complex. She was making them on her stove with some oil. She stepped away to tend to her kids and the pan caught on fire. She came in and grabbed the pan and threw it into the sink. She put water on it which isn't the best way to handle a grease fire.
That caused the flame to shoot up which then activated the fire suppression system in here.
I see the darkest smoke in soot areas are right here about the sink.
That would probably be from the protein and tortilla that caught on fire. It's just a different type of
fire from a structural fire.
What's lucky about as one is that she had renter's insurance. The renters insurance, because she is responsible for the day damage, is going to take care structure as well as her personal contents that were damaged. She's looking at tens of thousands of dollars in damage that was caused to this apartment complex.
We're on the third floor so the damage isn't only in this unit. It went across the hall as well as down 2 more levels.
Yes. That's correct. There are quite a few units affected from her accident. Good thing she had renters insurance.
That is a good lesson to be learned. It's not just to protect her TV and her sofa. It's to protect her liability against the damage that she could cause.
Yes. That's correct.
There are times that the plumbing or roofing in a house may fail. There are other factors that may contribute to water coming into the home which can cause damage.
If water damage can not been seen or smelled, it may be able to be heard. Homeowners should take time out to listen to what is going on in their house.
How Can Smoke and Fire Incidents Damage a Home?
Where there is a fire in a home there is going to damaging smoke. When this happens, a fair amount of smoke and soot settles on everything within the house. Just the smell of the smoke can settle inside walls of the structure.
Fabrics on furniture, rugs, carpets and curtains are all synthetic materials, which cause a chemical reaction.
Even items such as glass, china, Marble, tiles and silver are affected. If this is not cleaned up at once, all items that could be cleaned become trash.
What Are Some of the Lingering Effects of Fire and Smoke?
Unless smoke from a house fire is not cleaned , this smoke odor has a lingering effect of the item. You will always smell a nasty smoke smell in the home and on the items. Smoke from a fire in the home is very toxic to humans when they breathe the smoke into the lungs. It is impossible at the time to say for sure which toxins are released into the home's air.
It depends upon what articles in the home caught fire until after the fire. Cyanide, hydrogen chloride and carbon monoxide are some of the toxins that could be released into the home during a fire, are absorbed into the blood via the lungs.
Small microns of ash and soot can become lodged within a person's lungs. Other issues include seizures, cardiovascular collapse and hypotension, confusion, anxiety, blackouts, rapid pulse and respirations, shortness of breath and low oxygen levels.
Smoke and soot leave a film with a strong smoke or musty odor within the home and on every item in the home. This film contains an acid foundation that causes corrosion, and discoloration to the items put damage.
How Do Professionals Eliminate the Odors and Soot Caused by Fire Damage?
Professionals clean up fire and smoke damage carefully because the smoke and soot weaken materials. Each item in the home affected by smoke and fire damage uses various chemical compounds and tools as simple as cotton swabs and Q-Tips.
They sweep the debris up from floors and carpets. Surfaces are washed well with low-pressure water and any number of cleaning solutions using mineral spirits, mild soaps and Felsnaptha.
Professionals will use a cleaning solution and cotton swabs soaked in mineral spirits or mild soap solutions.
The longer these odors are allowed on house items the more difficult it becomes in removing the odors of smoke and soot.
Smoke and Fire damage is a huge issue for home owners in the Ogden area. Call Utah Flood Cleanup today at (801) 416-2666, and cleanup up that big mess with the help of the experts.
When Should you Choose Emergency Board Up Services?
When a natural disaster strikes an area or a property is damaged by water, fire or smoke it is usually the perfect time to call out our experienced and professional clean up service.
Emergency board up's are usually required when the emergency services have been called out to any property, whether it is a home or commercial building to deal with an emergency situation.
No matter what kind of emergency occurs the property owner will usually be left with the problem of broken doors and windows that are often blown out by fire, water or to allow access for the first responders.
Looking for a high quality board up service is the best option at this point, mainly because many future problems can be avoided when a professional service, such as ourselves are called out to board up broken windows, doors and any other damaged areas.
How Can you Benefit from a Professional Board Up Service?
There are a variety of options for boarding up a property, which include boarding up a building before a disaster strikes, which can be done before a natural disaster hits. In many cases the decision to board up windows and doors is taken to make sure glass and less strengthened areas of a building are not damaged by high winds or flying debris.
Our company have seen many instances of properties being damaged by falling branches and yard furniture that smashes windows and doors before allowing water and looters into a property.
By boarding up before a natural disaster strikes the homeowner can limit the damage done to the interior and in the case of sever flooding problems reduces the risk of a property being condemned.
How Does Boarding Up Protect a Home from Damage?
Boarding up a home can save on a large amount of damage, whether a natural disaster or fire has struck a property their are always people who wish to enter a property and look for valuables they can steal.
These people often cause damage and vandalize a property, which can cause as much damage as a natural disaster streaking through a property.
By boarding up a property the individual can also save their building from undergoing structural damage that could result in the property being condemned.
Are you in need of a professional board-up job in the Ogden area? Look no further, and Call Utah Flood Cleanup today at (801) 416-2666, and get the right pair of experts on the job.
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