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ABOUT
- Our Story
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Flood Restoration Services
Cleaning Services
Blog
Testimonials
Contact
FAQs
Our Library

“Over 30 Years Providing the Reaction of Satisfaction”

Same Day Macomb County Flood Restoration Services Fast Urgent Flooded Carpet Flooring Residential Emergency Removal Sewer Repair

“Over 30 Years Providing the Reaction of Satisfaction”

Same Day Macomb County Flood Restoration Services Fast Urgent Flooded Carpet Flooring Residential Emergency Removal Sewer Repair

HOME
ABOUT
- Our Story
- Cities We Service
Flood Restoration Services
Cleaning Services
Blog
Testimonials
Contact
FAQs
Our Library

“Over 30 Years Providing the Reaction of Satisfaction”

Same Day Macomb County Flood Restoration Services Fast Urgent Flooded Carpet Flooring Residential Emergency Removal Sewer Repair

HOME
ABOUT
- Our Story
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Flood Restoration Services
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Basement Drying | Essential Tips for a Dry and Healthy Space
DON'T LET A WET BASEMENT RUIN YOUR HOME
Basement Drying | Avoid Mold at all Cost
Basement drying is a critical step to keep a basement free from mold growth and materials deterioration after flood damage. Sewer’s backup, sump pumps fail, plumbing leaks and even a laundry tub overflow can overwhelm a basement with unwanted water. All such scenarios will lead to numerous destructive outcomes if basement drying does not occur.
Is your basement suffering from moisture, or have you been battling elevated dampness? If so, have you experienced a recent sump pump failure that has introduced some ground water on carpets and hard surface flooring? Often in Michigan this is the #1 reason basement drying is needed. Even once basement water extraction is initiated, there may need to be basement drying service to prevent musty odors and the advancement of mold.
The experts at Action Extraction flood restoration of Macomb would like to delve into some essential steps that are effective at basement drying. Whether you're dealing with recent flooding or a chronic moisture issue, basement drying may be all you need to reclaim an odor free environment once again.
How to Succeed at Basement Drying
Before investing in the energy to acquire an enviable dry basement, it is helpful to recognize why basement drying is essential. Elevated moisture in a basement will affect all cellulose materials such as drywall, wood substrates, decorative moldings and even carpets. If these materials persist for days with unusually high moisture content, mold thrives in such conditions. Basement drying is simple creating an environment that is not conducive for mold growth, by bringing humidity levels under control.
First Steps to Achieve a Dry Basement.
Locate the Source of Moisture
All basement flooding and humidity problems are directly related to a source that you need to discover. Identifying sources of water intrusion, such as leaks, cracks, compromised drainage and drain backups are essential. There are clues that will aid such as water puddling, wet carpet, water stains on walls and smells. Water stains on ceilings can indicate water from above, stains on walls suggest outside of foundation and carpets can indicate a drain issue. When wet furniture exists, it should be temporarily removed and even discarded if there are signs of contamination.
Sometimes locating the source for elevated moisture in a basement can be challenging, so here is a short checklist that may help. Be sure to inspect the following:
- Walls
- Windows
- Floor cracks
- Pipes or hoses connected to appliances
- Floor drain
- Toilets
- Sinks
- Bathtubs
- Showers
Correcting the Problem
If a drain is backing up, you may need it snaked out or even placed on an annual maintenance to keep functioning correctly. Sump pumps discovered that sometimes fail to engage when the float lifts, need to be changed out with a new one. Any wall cracks or foundation issues need to be sealed so leaks no longer continue. Basement drying is well within reach when repairs are made that initiated the problem.
Clean the Surrounding Area
Basement drying needs to be married to cleaning and sanitizing of all affected surfaces. There could be lingering microbes, and related microorganisms needing to be eliminated., Using a cleaning agent that has a label that states it kills 99.9% of germs should be preferred over other alternatives.
Water Extraction
Anytime you notice standing water on hard surface flooring or in carpets, water extraction service is recommended. In extreme cases such as a sump pump failure that floods a basement, you may benefit from a professional restoration company as they have commercial extraction systems. Assuming the amount is manageable with a shop vac and towels, be sure to remove as much as you can.
Drying Out the Basement with Drying Equipment
Pay special attention to porous materials that will need drying service such as drywall, insulation, decorative moldings, wood substrates and carpets. These materials are prone to retaining moisture and musty smells after water damage. If any such materials are discernably wet, they will need air movement placed on them at the very least. Where multiple materials are languishing with moisture it is recommended to also place a dehumidifier to accelerate drying for safe results.
Air movers along with a placed dehumidifier should be sufficient to dry out these structures thoroughly. Consider removing and replacing any damaged materials to prevent mold growth and structural compromise.
Basement Drying | The Indispensable Step for Safe Restoration
It cannot be overstated that drying out a wet basement is the most important step in assuring your property stays free of mold, mildew and other related microorganisms that can affect human health. Merely allowing it to dry out on its own by opening a window or turning on a room fan may prove dangerous. Moist and humid environments are a conducive environment for mold and basement drying is the only proven method for eliminating its proliferation.
If necessary, you may want to rent several industrial fans along with a dehumidifier from a local rental company or hardware store. Commercial grade structural drying equipment is far more effective than small room fans as rapid air movement produces the needed energy to transform water into vapor.
Protecting Basements from Future Moisture
Preventing future moisture conditions in your basement is a basic maintenance commitment that can spare you future headaches. Once your basement is dry, take practical measures to prevent future moisture problems. Seal any known cracks, holes, and gaps in the foundation, install a new sump pump every 7 years to manage groundwater, and maintain proper grading so water naturally is channeled away from property. Making sure gutters and downspouts are functioning efficiently as well will keep your basement free of water-related concerns.
Professional Assistance to Dry Wet Basements
In some cases, you may want to consider a professional flood restoration company like Action Extraction of Macomb. We provide a free inspection of flood damaged property and have the equipment to manage everything from front to finish. When there are large areas of wet flooring or multiple rooms with wet materials, reducing humidity levels at an accelerated rate is essential. Professionals can determine if water damaged carpet can be restored, if drywall is safe to dry or should be removed and can also help with insurance claims.
While a DIY approach to basement drying is feasible for minor moisture issues, the more severe flooding that comes from failed sump pumps and sewer backups, makes professional service a must. Don’t let mold assault a finished basement with moisture levels at an abnormal high. We at Action Extraction specialize in managing basement drying and provide a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee on all our services.
As Macomb, Sterling Heights and all Southeast Michigan’s leader in basement drying, we can safely restore your property with great expertise. Our recognized protocol for structural drying will ensure once again a fully restored, dry and safe basement for you and your family.
Final Thoughts
Don't let a damp, moist or wet basement assault your property with mold, mildew and related germ causing microbes. With the right approach, instruction and resources, basement drying is within your reach. By following the steps summarized in this article and addressing elevated moisture issues promptly, you can transform your basement into a dry and comfortable space. Basements can add beauty to your valued home, without the hassle of moisture and humidity levels bringing discomfort.
We hope this guide will help you say hello to a healthier, happier basement. For further detailed assistance feel free to call us today!
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Basement Water Extraction | Essential Steps for a Safe Home
DO YOU HAVE WATER IN BASEMENT?
The Importance of Basement Water Extraction
Basement water extraction is often a crucial step in the wake of flood damage in a basement. When sewers backup, drains and plumbing issue occur and water heaters fail, homeowners can find themselves contending with a myriad of challenges. The most important step to any restoration once unwanted water manifest in a basement, is the removal of the water.
Time is never on your side when basements retain water after flooding. Carpets stay wet, standing water remains on hard surface flooring and finished basements can absorb moisture in building materials. Drywall can become affected with mold, wood substrates can become damaged and musty smells can infiltrate living spaces.
More Than One Way to Skin the Cat of Water Extraction
Basement water extraction can be managed in different ways, from using absorbent towels and mops to highly affective truck-mount water extraction systems used by the professionals. Whichever method you choose to implement the most important thing is to just do it. When you take that 1^st step to eliminate water through basement extraction, you will be immeasurably better off than allowing it to languish on its own.
The removal process will play a pivotal role in the restoration process allowing for wet structures to begin drying out, which will safeguard both property and occupants from the dangerous outcomes of excess moisture.
Several Hazards Basement Water Extraction Can Eliminate.
When water is introduced on basement flooring, whether carpet or hard surface, it quickly migrates from one area to the next. Water will even travel beneath walls, making its entrance into additional rooms affecting everything it encounters. Basement water extraction is not merely about eliminating standing water; it involves a comprehensive approach to mitigating the potential dangers.
Water damage can affect the value of your home, and equally concerning, it has the ability to affect the health of your occupants. Mold, mildew, and microorganisms can easily thrive after flooding if basement water extraction is not provided before these recognized dangers become an airborne reality. To eliminate these concerns, water removal becomes an indispensable step for property recovery.
5 Benefits of Extracting Basement Water
1. Protects Structures from Permanent Damage:
When water comes into contact with drywall and paneling it quickly absorbs into these materials as well as the stud work, they are attached to. The more contaminated the water, the more harmful the damage that can result in these materials. If the water is from a sewer the materials may even need to be removed during the sewer backup restoration service.
Water forces materials to expand with water which is an unnatural phenomenon for many materials resulting in fiber compromise, which weakens the integrity of materials. If the water has microbes and they begin to reproduce, they will soon spawn mold growth that destroys materials in the same way as rotting does. This process will weaken structural integrity throughout the flood zone.
Prompt basement water extraction is your best option in preventing immediate and future structural damage that can compromise the safety, stability, and longevity of your finished basement. When materials are protected from heavy water absorption that occurs in the absence of extracting basement water, structures remain safe after flooding.
2. Water Removal Prevents Mold and Mildew
The presence of elevated moisture in a home is a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and germs. Sump pump failures cause flooded basements to experience such conditions where organic and fungal infestations can thrive and pose risks to human health, but also contribute to deterioration of important structures. Effective basement water extraction arrests the production of mold, preserving indoor air quality as well as preventing secondary moisture damage.
All a wet property needs to proliferate harmful molds into the air is elevated humidity, stagnant air, and darkness (absence of UV light). These are the identical conditions that accompany any type of basement flooding. This equation for mold growth is broken however, when basement water extraction is provided along with structural drying.
3. Removing Water Through Basement Extraction Safeguards Contents
Michigan basements often serve as an unbeatable storage space for both valuable and sentimental items. In a finished basement there will also be furniture for relaxation and electronic equipment for entertaining. These items need to stay clear from water as such contents are susceptible to water damage in the event flooding occurs.
Water damage from the main floor of a property always descends to a lower level, which is why flood damage is so prevalent in Michigan basements. Water damage from a refrigerator supply line will naturally end up in the basement as well. Swift water extraction ensures heavy water presence is limited from migrating towards furniture and sentimental items. There is no greater way to protect valuables during a basement flood than immediate basement water extraction. It also helps to keep items lifted from the ground and other items stored in plastic totes.
4. Preventing Electrical Hazards
Water and electricity do not mix and can be a hazard to you and your loved ones. Residential water damage is most dangerous when electrical outlets, appliances, and wiring become wet. Basement water extraction reduces the risk of electrical shock and fire, keeping loved ones safe. The removal of water can keep it from traveling to areas where electrical concerns exist.
When water is known to have encountered outlets and lighting, contacting an electrician for flood damage is highly recommended. Electrocution potentials can be addressed and even save lives as water is known to be a tremendous hazard when electrical becomes wet.
5. Water Extraction Reduces Bad Odors
Basements are known for musty smells which can become more offensive after a drain backup or tub overflow. When you remove the water effectively and apply a germ eliminating agent to sanitize the carpet, the conditions that make for foul odors are removed.
Effective Ways for Extracting Basement Water
The efforts to remove unwanted water vary from simple to complex. Here are several ways to handle water issues in a basement when they show up. Although there is no more affective way than having a professional restoration company use their superior extraction method, some smaller jobs can be navigated as a DIY approach.
USING ABSORBENT TOWELS, RAGS OR WET MOP. Most property owners have at their disposal a few hand me downs, rags or old towels they don’t regularly use, but are lying around somewhere. These can be highly affective in soaking up water on hard surface floors. When carpet is wet, be sure to apply pressure by standing on sections of the materials used to assist in drying.
USE A WET & DRY SHOP VACUUM If you don’t own one, consider borrowing one from a neighbor or friend. If no luck, they can be rented at a local hardware store. These vacuums are very helpful and effective at quickly sucking up water allowing you to avoid mold, musty smells, and odors. Take your time on wet carpet and be sure to apply a bit of downward pressure to get as much water as possible. Be sure to empty the vac water down the toilet when it is filled, to keep the vacuum strong so you can continue with the basement water extraction.
RUN A DEHUMIDIFIER ONCE WATER IS REMOVED. Dehumidifiers remove the elevated humidity that comes with flooding. By absorbing water out of the air, everything dries quicker and with better results. Dehumidifiers can be rented at a local hardware store if you don't already own one. When they are employed, the drying time is cut in half which increases your chances to remain mold free.
As with any electrical device, be sure to keep the plug from getting in the water and only plug it in wearing shoes with rubber soles. If the dehumidifier has several settings, chose the highest one which will give the most substantial benefit.
APPLY A GERM KILLING AGENT TO SURFACES. Water always poses a potential for mold growth, so applying a sanitizing agent that kills 99.9% of germs will assist in achieving the safest result. Especially if the nature of the water is not fresh water from a water supply line. Most other types of water are abundantly supplied with microorganisms that need to be eliminated. This includes water from any drain, failed sump or sewer system.
Contacting Professionals for Basement Water Removal
When basements flood with many gallons of water leaving standing water in multiple rooms, it may be best to contact the professionals at Action Extraction. We have the resources and experience to provide 24/7 emergency water removal to quickly get things back to normal. We have commercial pumps, truck-mount vacuums, and specialty equipment to get the job done right.
DIY attempts at basement water extraction may not yield the desired results and could intensify the damage if not executed correctly. You can avoid the threat of mold, structural damage and worry when our trusted experts are on-site managing restoration services. Our trusted professionals are IICRC certified, will assist with insurance claims and all services are with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.
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Turn Off Water While on Vacation
TURN OFF WATER! BEFORE LEAVING ON VACATION
Got Water?
Most homeowners who are going on vacation give consideration to what things to pack. Leaving town for any extended time needs equal consideration of things to do with your property to keep it safe. Lock doors, turn off the lights, adjust thermostat, and perhaps have someone collect your mail. One thing most homeowners do not consider is how important it is to turn off water while on vacation to avoid a potential plumbing catastrophe. If one occurs when your home that is bad enough, but when no one is home to stop it, the potential damage is limitless.
Toilets can overflow, a supply line could break, a washing machine can leak, water heaters can rupture and there is even the possibility of water damage from a refrigerator supply line. If you turn off water before leaving you will avoid all water related disasters that could result from your absence.
When water is left running you may return home from a vacation to find a mess of wet flooring, ceilings leaking, and cabinets destroyed. If your trip was multiple days, you may even encounter mold growth. It is always best to shut off your water before you leave for vacation, even if it's just a weekend trip. Water lines are constantly under pressure, so it's important to release the pressure if a water heater breaks or a supply line begins to leak.
This post will cover several practical suggestions that emphasize just how important it is to turn off water while on vacation. These steps will help you avoid the possibility of returning home to water damage on a property that would have otherwise remained safe.
What can Happens When Water is Left Running on Vacation?
When occupants normally are residing in the home, they are likely to hear or witness in a matter of minutes a plumbing issue. If a water supply line starts to leak in a bathroom or a kitchen appliance starts to pour water onto the floor, someone is going to notice. They can manage and minimize damage by simply turning off the water.
However, if this same situation continued for several days without anyone home, the damage could be monumental. Leaving valuable property to the mercy of fast-moving water can be avoided by simply turning water off before leaving on vacation. Left running it will quickly migrate from one room to the next with no end in sight. Soon the water will deluge to the basement or crawlspace while elevated humidity climbs to the attic, affecting insulation.
Action Extraction property restoration of Macomb has dealt with large-scale flooding for years that resulted when homeowners were on vacation. Each of these properties could have been kept safe if the residents had known the importance of turning off the water when on vacation.
How Can Leaving Water on During a Vacation Damage Property?
Let’s say shortly after you leave the home a small leak begins in your bathroom from the toilet supply line. This minor drip can over several days migrate throughout the main level and creep into the basement dripping down through multiple inlets. Even worse, the water that began as a drip can quickly become a spray as compromised materials get worse when water continues to travel through them. Worst case scenario, the spray advances to a completely detached supply line allowing water to run everywhere. With each hour till you return home, the flood damage is affecting the value of your home.
Many properties have bad fittings, and water using appliances that are on the brink of failing. When you turn off water while on vacation you at the very least make sure if disaster strikes, someone is home to catch it.
Turn off Water When on Vacation in the Winter
Protecting your home from winter water damage while on vacation is critically important. Winter vacations leave your home vulnerable to extremely cold temperatures, that can easily freeze water in pipes. When water lines freeze and burst the frozen pipe may not allow water to run initially, but as soon as the temperature rises enough to thaw the ice, forceful water spray will go everywhere. Imagine this scene in your home and the devastation you would face when returning home. This can all be avoided when you turn off water before leaving on vacation.
The Correct Way to Turn Off Water
Locating the main water shut off can be a clumsy endeavor if you don’t already know where it is. They are typically found in basements, crawlspaces, or plumbing proceeding from a concrete slab. In a finished basement they can be hidden, covered and difficult to access. Assuming you know where it resides, firmly grip the shut off valve and tighten it if it is a gate valve or turn it to the correct position if it is a ball valve.
Once you have reached the correct position that shuts down the water, check it by opening a faucet and let water run till it completely stops. If it continues to run even after an extra attempt to tighten the valve, you may need a new main water shut off valve. This is why it is best to test the valve several days before your trip so there is time to correct this before leaving.
4 Reasons to Turn off Water When Leaving Properties for Several Days
The restoration professionals at Action Extraction of Macomb believe in the habit of always turning your water off if your home will be vacant over 24 hours. You never know what might manifest when homes are left unoccupied for more than a day. Homes have plumbing that is under pressure, making it an intelligent step to turn off water before you leave the home.
1. When homes are left vacant longer than 24 hours.
Families who are going on vacation or short-term trips should turn off their water before leaving. This little time could save you from spending weeks or months in hotels while the property of your home is restored after a water damage claim. Many people would be surprised to learn how many bursts pipes, water fixtures that are broken or supply lines which have detached can happen after you leave your home.
2. When commercial buildings or businesses are left empty.
Many businesses close for weekends and holidays, which can lead to water damage. A plumbing issue or an appliance malfunction can cause water to run for a long time in unoccupied commercial buildings and businesses. Water damage can be catastrophic and expensive to repair by the time it is detected. Turning off the water when you are on vacation is a way to discourage Murphy's law and save money.
3. To stop pipes from freezing.
Michigan's winters are harsh, with temperatures below zero for long periods of time. Turn off the water if your home will not be occupied in winter for longer than one day. Open any exterior water spicket on the building or home to allow them to drip. Add an additional layer of insulation or material to exposed pipes to increase their R Value. Keep your thermostat at 55 degrees or higher to avoid frozen pipes during the winter. Temperatures should remain above freezing, even if there are cold drafts in the unfinished area near your plumbing.
4. Turn Water Off Not Utilities
Turning off your utilities is not a sound way to save money while on vacation. Electricity and gas must be left on for the mechanical systems to keep servicing your home to keep it safe. The sump pump will need electricity to operate, or you will experience sump pump failure which can flood the basement. Furnaces need both electricity and gas to maintain heat and keep plumbing from freezing. Each winter insurance companies are inundated with excessive claims for residential water damage because homeowners did not leave utilities running during colder temperatures. They may have saved a few dollars on reduced electric and gas usage, but the cost for water damage restoration and repairs can become overwhelming.
Remarkably some banking institutions that acquire properties through foreclosure regularly turn off utilities to save money. Then when they eventually show the property and discover basement flooding, broken pipes and water damage everywhere, they realize the consequences of irresponsibly shutting off the utilities to save money.
With electricity absent there are no working parts to keep properties safe. The needed sump pump to control the water table is incapable of engaging which places property at risk for catastrophic water damage. There are instances where realtors eventually opening these homes up for a showing, discover water damage in basements, broken plumbing from freezing and other needed repairs that will now keep the property from the market for months.
3 Benefits of turning off the water when on vacation
When you begin to regularly turn off water before leaving on vacation, you will be rewarded with 3 recognized benefits.
1. Minimized Risk: There are few things that can be guaranteed in life, but by shutting down the water supply to your house you will ensure no water from municipal sources will flow if anything bad occurs. If a pipe to the toilet breaks, or if an appliance fails, you won't have water running.
You can leave your house for a few days or even several weeks and not worry about water damage. You won't have to fret about returning home to find wet carpeting, water staining on drywall or other nightmares. By turning off the water, you can drastically reduce the risk of flooding, musty odors and mold growth.
2. Reduced Stress: Vacations should be about relaxation and getting away. You don't want to think about your house flooding. You should always turn off the water when you are on vacation to avoid worrying about flooding.
It can be a stressful experience to come home and find that you have a property loss due to running water. In such cases you will need to file an insurance claim, and maybe even spend some time in a hotel. All this can be avoided when you turn off water while on vacation.
3. Minimized Cost: Structurally drying out and repairing a home that has been damaged by water can cost much more than a vacation. Water damage can introduce exorbitant expenses and time to fully remediate, even if your insurer covers the cost. There is often additional cost that are not allowed for reimbursement on your homeowners policy you will incur.
Your insurance carrier may even deny coverage if you failed to regularly have someone inspect your home every week. If you fail to take this step, all costs related to repairs and restoration could fall on your shoulders. Many policies have exclusions on vacationers that don’t make arrangements for the unoccupied home to be regularly tended to. By committing yourself to turn off water before vacationing you will minimize risk, cost and stress which in turn can allow you to enjoy a wonderful vacation.
Professional Emergency Flood Damage Restoration
Is sometimes needed when you don't turn water off while on vacation
The team of water damage specialist at Action Extraction hope that you will never return home to a flooded house and your vacations are filled with happy memories. In the event you ever come home to any water damage related concern, we are here to help. With over 35 years in assisting residents in Southeast Michigan with water and mold remediation services, we are available 24/7. Call us today if you have an emergency or just have questions we can assist with.
We have the experience, committed team and resources to transform a flood disaster into a restoration triumph. When things look their worst, we can change things for the better using the most advanced scientific technology to restore your home or business.
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Remove Musty Smells After Water Damage
STRUGGLING TO REMOVE MUSTY SMELLS?
Many property owners who have experienced water damage from flooding have learned that even after the water has been removed and the property dried, numerous challenges can remain. One of the most common is a persistent musty smell that lingers and permeates their living spaces. These musty and mildewy smells may be suggestive of a hidden danger lurking in the shadows, needing to be addressed. Hidden mold growth on drywall could be discovered by an inspector and kill a sale. This is why flood damage can affect the value of your home, and why mildew smells could be telling you something. Knowing how to remove musty smells after water damage can avert the more serious issue of mold growth which is a nightmare that can be avoided.
In this article, we'll explore the reasons lingering musty odors exist after water damage and provide insights into how to effectively deal with them. In some instances, you will need a professional restoration company as your ally, because they alone will have the necessary equipment and chemicals to eliminate the problem. In other cases, a do-it-yourself approach can suffice and tackle musty smells after water damage.
WHAT MUSTY SMELLS ARE COMMUNICATING
Water damage in a home or business can produce mildew and musty odors when long term moisture exposure prevails on vulnerable materials such as cellulose and wood. If mold begins to develop due to excessive moisture the waste product it leaves behind is consumed by bacteria. This chemical interaction creates a form of ammonia, that in turn produces a conspicuous musty odor.
Understanding why Musty Smells after Water Damage Manifest
Musty odors in your home often indicate a former water damage issue may have not been fully resolved. It may mean there still exist moisture, mold growth and other dangers needing to be tended to before musty smells can be eliminated. If there are airborne mold spores that are settling on moist or wet building materials they will release into the air mycotoxins, which have that distinct musty smell no one favors. It is not recommended to ignore any lingering musty smell after water damage as it can be the needed alarm to find and remedy mold damage and respiratory issues in your home.
If you have had water damage from flooding that has affected materials in your home such as carpets, flooring, drywall, and wood trim, it may be difficult to remove musty smells after water damage. Excess water can cause problems in homes when it becomes absorbed into various materials where it can cause permanent damage and mold growth.
2 COMMON STRUCTURAL MATERIALS THAT HARBOR MUSTY SMELLS AFTER WATER DAMAGE
CARPETS ARE VULNERABLE
Water damage always begins from the bottom up and having water violate either the carpet or padding can allow for days of elevated moisture and mold growth. Musty smells after water damage from carpet is very common and often trapped moisture can remain in pad when carpets feel hand dry. The musty smell and mildew odor that off gases into the air from carpet is very offensive, leaving some to believe it is permanent. This is not always true as there are safe chemicals that professional restoration companies like Action Extraction of Macomb employ that are effective at breathing new life into musty smelling carpets.
DRYWALL IS A FAVORED FOOD SOURCE FOR MOLD
Mold and mildew tend to grow in dark, confined, and moist spaces making drywall an ideal material for the mold growth and mildew problem. When drywall becomes wet it is wet on the surface you see as well as the hidden back side that is in a dark, confined space. Add the fact that wall cavities are spaces absent of UV lighting, and you have an ideal environment for mold growth. Wet drywall needs to be addressed and dried quickly to eliminate the potential for mold growth. If you have a musty smell after water damage, drywall may be the culprit. In situations where drywall lingered wet for more than 3-5 days it is better to remove wet drywall during flood cleanup than to dry it.
PROFESSIONAL RESTORATION FOR MUSTY SMELLS
If you have experienced water damage in your home that has affected your carpet, drywall, and flooring materials and left a musty smell, you may consider contacting the professionals at Action Extraction of Macomb for a free evaluation of your home. If you feel like grappling with the issue as a noble homeowner first, here are some instructions to follow that may bring relief to musty smells after water damage.
STEPS TO ELIMINATE MUSTY SMELLS AFTER WATER DAMAGE
IDENTIFY THE SOURCE FOR MUSTY SMELLS
The best way to get rid of mildew and musty smells after water damage is to eliminate it at its source. This will take a visual and sense of smell investigation. Carefully evaluate the areas that were first affected by water damage or flooding. Look for signs of staining on building materials that were affected. If carpet is involved attempting to locate the area offending can sometimes be achieved by the sense of smell. This may require a get on your hands and knees exercise to locate, and once discovered may even require a lifting of the carpet to expose the pad for evaluation if pad exists. If obvious odors are coming from a particular area in your home, it is likely they stem from causes related to mildew, mold, dampness, or the presence of organic elements. Once the area is pinpointed your solution can be precisely directed to where the source resides.
DETERMINE IF THE AREA CAN BE CLEANED
Once you address the location you can proceed to remove musty smells with cleaning. If the musty smell is emanating from furniture, or carpets have them professionally steam cleaned and disinfected with a plant-based antimicrobial agent and dried quickly with a fan. Professionals will pretreat with specialty agents that are designed to completely remove mildew odors. The added benefit of removing soil, grime and dirt particulates will breathe new life into old fabrics. If the furniture tag indicates it is not safe for washing, then a good dry-cleaning service will accomplish the same desired result.
CHANGE ENVIROMENT CONDITIONS TO PREVENT MOLD
When mildew or mold is discovered, it is indicative of an ongoing moisture issue that is elevating humidity. Once the reason for these conditions is known it is important to create circumstances that preclude them from happening in the future. Sometimes this means basement waterproofing, adding insulation, having an exhaust fan added to a kitchen or bath and even acquiring a dehumidifier to manage high humidity areas.
USING COMMON HOME REMEDIES
The generation of the 50s were well versed in the benefits of adding baking soda for its natural tendency to absorb bad odors. Baking soda naturally assaults the molecule responsible for mildew smells. Removing musty smells by reconfiguring molecular patterns will chemically change the structure of the odor molecule into one that smells pleasant not offensive. This common household item placed in a bowl and left out will neutralize not only mildew and mold smells but also odors from foods. This is why for decades it has been a routine practice to place a bowl of baking soda in the refrigerators to absorb and neutralize bad food smell. Changing it every 2 weeks will keep almost any environment fresh and pleasant smelling.
Hiring a Professional to Remove Musty Smells After Water Damage
Water damage accounts for more property claims than any other property hazard. The resulting damage often left to linger is mildew, mold, materials compromise, and a host of other related troubles. If you want to cut to the chase so to speak and eliminate musty smells overnight, consider contacting the professionals. The contractors that are skilled and highly efficient and even certified in this unique service are not handyman and carpet cleaners. The industry that specializes in servicing everything related to water damage is a flood restoration company.
Be sure they are certified by the IICRC (Institute for Inspection, Cleaning, Restoration Certification) and you should be in the hands of a company well suited to treating and removing musty smells. Action Extraction Flood Restoration Experts of Macomb specialize in managing all things related to water damage and offer free evaluations. They have the resources, equipment and highly skilled team to remedy and forever remove musty smells after water damage.
Action Extraction Water Damage Restoration has tailored services to protect and treat your valued property. If you live in Macomb, Shelby Twp, Clinton Twp. Sterling Heights, or any community in Southeast Michigan, we can help! We can remove musty smells after water damage using all-natural plant-based solutions that are toddler safe and highly effective. Our germ elimination agents are EPA registered and kill 99.99999% of harmful bacteria, viruses, mold, spores, germs, fungi, and all associated odors.
CHECK OUT OUR ARTICLE ON: Protecting your valuables during a basement flood.
Emergency Sewage Cleanup Service
HOW TO RESPOND SAFELY TO A SEWER BACKUP
Sewage cleanup stands out as a dirty, filthy, and objectionable job. Imagine telling a teenager the sewer backed up and they are to clean up the mess. Probably wouldn’t go over well. Someone needs to act swiftly however, because the dangers that exist require emergency sewage cleanup service. This hapless situation requires immediate attention because harmful germs need to be eliminated and surfaces cleaned so bad odors wane and hopefully disappear forever.
When this unthinkable, “sewer backup” first reveals itself to a homeowner, the reaction might be to bristle in disbelief. However, after a few repeated rubbing of the eyes followed by eyes-wide-open refocus, the harsh reality sets in. Next is a sense of being overwhelmed by the certainty someone’s got to clean up the mess. Thus begins the mental pendulum swing, “should I attempt to do this myself, or is getting professional help for sewage water cleanup better?”
Professional Emergency Cleanup Service vs Professional Help
Not all sewer backups are the same. In rare instances the water is clear and does not look as menacing as when there exist unsightly solids slithering through the water like an ophidian serpent. Then there is the confusion about what type chemicals to use and should sewage damaged carpet be restored or replaced? Also, there are the do-it-yourself doubts to consider like, will dangers such as germs and air borne contaminates continue to linger?
To be candid, this article is written from the perspective of an IICRC certified professional restoration expert of over 35 years. Having seen every type of sewer backup imaginable and providing emergency sewage cleanup service countless times, they hold a unique perspective. It is the belief that emergency sewage cleanup services like surgery should be left to the professionals. For those who are dedicated to the belief their noble effort can repeat the same result as the professional, here is a guide that may help. How to clean up after a sewer backup? For the rest of you, read on.
Dangers of Do-It-Yourself Emergency Sewage Cleanup Service
Typically, when faced with a sewer backup, it has migrated to areas beyond the floor drain to be in direct contact with flooring like carpets, drywall, and wood trim. These absorbent materials are beyond the scope of safely restoring and need to be removed. The problem is the naked eye does not always detect if sewage has influenced the integrity of the material it has encountered.
Homeowners, property management companies and handyman services are prone to spray, wipe and deodorize concluding the emergency sewage cleanup service has sufficiently been done. However, evidence often suggests they have failed miserably. In countless situations, smells linger, stains in drywall and trim begin to appear, sewer flies swarm, and mold growth eventually is found.
This all indicates that the emergency sewer water service went horribly wrong because important details were overlooked. Materials believed non-affected were wet, germs lingered having been missed and mold growth developed as a result.
Professional Emergency Sewage Cleanup Service
The professionals at Action Extraction property restoration of Macomb regularly receive calls from homeowners who need an evaluation due to a failed do-it-yourself sewage restoration project. They notice suspicious stains, alarming smells and indicate chronic illnesses of some of the occupants in the home. Upon such evidence we have an environmental hygienist provide air sample testing, which often explains why these problems exist.
Toxic molds are prevalent in the air, e-coli is being harbored in the drywall and elevated levels of contaminates are heavily wafting in the air. This was the do-it-yourself approach that on day one seemed a spectacular success. The sewage was removed, disinfectants applied, and deodorizers sprayed. What could go wrong? Well, a lot!
Knowledge is Power When Providing Emergency Sewage Cleanup Service
Understanding the nuances of sewage cleanup is crucial for successful property recovery. The environment that exists is a biohazard that has placed the property in a state of emergency where every minute counts. Moving forward requires the individuals doing the cleanup to be educated, have the correct tools and chemicals as well as the specialty equipment to guarantee success.
Tools like a truck-mount cleaning system that can utilize steam and extraction to loosen and remove solids and germs. Moisture detection meters to identify materials that have become affected and knowledge in the protocol for high-risk cleanup. This education requires credentials that can only come from taking courses in the water damage restoration industry and passing an exam.
These advantages are only found in hiring IICRC certified professionals who know effective strategies and how to manage air quality control. These individuals have experience, resources, and skills to ensure the thorough and successful sewage cleanup you want, expect and deserve.
Consider Professional Sewer Backup Cleaning Service
Sewage backups occur unexpectedly and often at the worst times conceivable, birthdays, holidays, weddings, etc. When life is interrupted by a sewage intrusion nightmare, you need a team of trusted experts to take the reins as quickly as possible and make matters better. We recommend choosing a proven team of IICRC certified professionals with impressive reviews on multiple social media.
Choosing wisely means they have both great reviews and are also an IICRC certified firm. With these impressive credentials they should have the skills to restore your home to pre-flood condition. If you have a sewer backup and are overwhelmed by the damage, contact them today for a free evaluation of your damages and a free consultation of cleaning options.
Action Extraction of Macomb boasts all the credentials you might hope for in a professional restoration firm. They can be on-site in 1 hour of your call, respond 24/7 and specialize in high-risk sewage damage cleanup. Upon arrival they implement all the necessary protocols to assure cross contamination does not occur and will not affect areas of your home that are clean. They can swiftly remove all unsanitary water, steam clean effected surfaces, remove all contaminated materials, sanitize, deodorize, and manage air quality control through HEPA filtration.
Their IICRC-certified flood technicians are on call 24/7 and will take immediate action. Action Extraction has provided emergency sewage cleanup service to all Southeast Michigan since 1987, and their customer care team is ready to help you today. Their professional sewage restoration includes detailed materials evaluation using scientific technology to assure nothing falls through the crack.
If you want a property restoration firm that is dedicated to earn your trust while at the same time offering a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee, look no further. They have become recognized in the restoration industry as a premiere service company having an impeccable record for water damage restoration in Washington Twp. and all the communities of Macomb County, Oakland County and all Southeast Michigan.
If you are looking for Michigan’s #1 restoration company specializing in emergency sewage cleanup service for your home or business call Action Extraction today.
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Preventing Winter Water Damage To Your Home
WINTER WATER DAMAGE CAN DEVASTATE YOUR HOME
Michigan residents know just how unpredictable winters can be and how dropping temperatures can cause a series of damaging affects to their homes and businesses. Preventing winter water damage to your home can save you thousands in repairs cost and keep your home free from the harm that unpredictable temperature changes can bring. Action Extraction flood restoration of Michigan has seen a wide array of destructive winters over the last 35 years and hopes to share some helpful information that may spare you the grief of a winter water damage nightmare. Water damage restoration in Washington Twp. was greatly affected by the winter of 2012 costing millions in property damage from freezing.
TEMPERATURE DROPS CAN CAUSE NIGHTMARES
Michigan winters can have a day that goes from above freezing to below 32° or lower in several hours. The sudden drop can cause copper water pipes to freeze, swell and burst allowing a force of unabated water to fully inundate the main floor of your home. If not caught and managed in a few minutes the running water will deluge below to a basement or crawlspace. Flooring such as carpet and laminate do not fare well when exposed to the presence of water, often becoming permenently damaged. Wet drywall, wood trim and cabinetry will equally be in a state of ruin. Additionally these materials are made from cellulose the prefered food source for mold growth.
Every Michigan home is at risk for winter water damage from freezing temperatures, thawing snow and ice jams if measures are not taken to prevent it. Don't let your home or business suffer needlessly from winter water damage when there are things that can be done that do not require a great expenditure of time or money.
In this article, we hope to acquaint the reader with important tips that can keep your valued property safe, strong and fortified this winter. Flood damage can affect the value of your home from minor cosmetic damages to full blown structural and mold damage.
5 WAYS WINTER WATER DAMAGE CAN DAMAGE YOUR HOME
1. Frozen Pipes
When the temperature falls to 32ºF or below, any of your plumbing that is not fortified with insulation or warmer air will freeze. Insurance claims skyrocket during the winter months because pipes are not kept safe from freezing temperatures. When water in a pipe drops to a temperature allowing for phase shift (going from liquid to solid) that solid known as ice immediattely swells the interior of the pipe making it crack and burst open. Innitially you may not notice this because ice is preventing the water from spraying everywhere. As soon as temperatures increase and water phase shifts to liquid, flooding begins.
Unabated running water introduces the property to extreme damage that will require professional restoration in most instances, due to the gravity of damage. The good news is homeowners insurance typically covers this type of damage assuming you were paying for utilities to keep your property heated during the winter.
WINTERIZING PIPES can prevent winter water damage to your home when temperatures drop suddenly. If you have a basement where water pipes are near exterior walls or basement windows, make sure there is heat that allows for temperatures above 55° all winter long. Even then your not safe if cold drafts are dirrectly coming into contact with water pipes. These need additional sources of help such as water pipe insulating tubing that can be purchased at your local hardware store.
SHUTTING OFF & DRAINING water lines not used during winter months is essential to keep these type lines from freezing. This would include exterior water spigots, underground sprinkler systems and swimming pool lines. The addition of a water insulating shroud over outside water recepticles can give added protection that can help prevent winter water damage to your home.
2. Added Stress To Water Heater
Water heater placement in most homes and businesses is in a utility room often located in basements. Basements will experience lower temperatures during the winter months making the window of temperature change from lower to hotter increased. Metals expand and contract with heat changes placing water heaters at levels of added stress. While most newer systems will fare better than older, each will experience an increase in output loads that may cause leaking. Older units will have measurable sediment at the bottom which will absorbe the heat placing extra work on the heating system to keep up with the demand for hot water. Flooding from a water heater is rare but chances of this happening increase during the colder months. Is there a way to prevent winter water damage to your home from a faulty water heater? Yes!
ROUTINE INSPECTION by checking the area the water heater is placed in for signs of leaking. Water drops on the top or by plumbing fittings or water stains on the floor can be evidence of an issue about to become worse. Regularly inspecting the water heater during the winter may discover a potential for water damage allowing you to replace it before it's too late.
UNFAMILIAR SOUNDS coming from the water heater can also be a sign it is under stress and about to burst. The continual expanding and contracting of materials during use eventually take its toll, making the average life expectancy of a water heater 8-12 years.
PLACING A WATER SENSOR on the floor near the unit will alert you if the system begins to leak so you can either repair or replace the unit. This will spare you the horror of days later stumbling into a fully flooded basement.
3. Melting and Thawing Snow
Michigan winters are known for those unexpected but welcomed days when temperatures dramatically rise making the promise of spring that much closer. These days however, can quickly melt large snow piles making the resulting water pose a major threat to your property.
If the melted snow produces water accumulation by your foundation, water can quickly inundate the basement. Additionally if the ground water raises swiftly a basement floor drain may backup with water. If your home has a sump pump that fails, this too can cause your basement to experience water damage.
Basements are naturally at added risk for mold growth due to the natural dampness they hold being beneath the ground. So it is important to keep melted snow and thawing snow from getting in through compromises in the foundation and/or floor drains. As a matter of fact, melting and thawing snow during the winter is one of the most common causes of basement flooding. To prevent this type of winter water damage from assualting your home, you need to do several things.
DON'T ALLOW SNOW BANKS NEAR THE HOME. Instead make sure shoveled snow is directed away from the home and not near it.
MAKE SURE GUTTERS ARE CLEANED OUT. When snow from the roof melts it needs to be swiftly carried away by the gutters and channeled away from the home. Obstructions and blockages from leaves, twigs and debris can allow for water to creep in and bring water damage into the attic, ceilings and even walls and flooring.
INVEST IN A SNOW REMOVAL RAKE. Heavy snow on the roof that quickly thaws will allow for an abundance of water that needs to go somewhere fast. Because it follows the path of least resistance, it may come in through damaged shingles or other compromised roofing materials. Using a snow removal rake can manually and safely remove the snow off your roof so there is less to melt.
4. Poorly Insulated Home.
Cold air is a highly successful invader of a home or business. It will come in as easily as a theif who discovers your doors are not locked. One of the best ways of preventing winter water damage to your home, is to add insulation where compromises exist.
WATER LINES NEAR DRAFTS need added pipe insulation of foam or fiberglass which will sheild materials vulnerable to freezing. If a water line is exposed to outside temperatures through drafts, it needs the extra reinforcement of pipe insulation. Michigan winters are predictably treacherous with sudden drops in t. Added insulation can spare your home a monumental water damage catastrophy from a frozen pipe.
ROOMS WITH DIFFICULTY MAINTAINING TEMPERATURES need extra heat. Placing a safe space heater is these rooms will give added protection from outside temperatures. These simple and proven heat systems tend to be designed with an elegantly appeal to add not only heat but attractiveness. We recommend only an electric space heater as they are safest and have automatic shutoffs. Placing additional heat where needed is an affordable way of preventing winter water damage to your home.
5. Condensation Issues
Cold surfaces naturally act as a magnet where humidity condenses as water. This is something most homeowners have seen before on their window panes on cold wintery days. A deeper investigation will also find this same phenomena on other cold surfaces, including water pipes, metal panels and exterior walls of a basement.
The colder the weather conditions the more likely water condensation happens. In the absence of newer vinyl or fiberglass windows that amount of water buildup around the windows can be abundant. This saturation on older non-efficient window panes can drip down to even the sils themselves. in extreme situations walls, carpet and hard surface flooring can be found with puddles. These same areas are often found to become black with mold growth during the winter months.
How can you help mitigate water from condensating on surfaces? REDUCING EXCESSIVE HUMIDITY can be a good step in managing condensation. If your furnace has a humidifier, be sure to turn it down or off before the cold weather sets in. REGULARLY WIPE WATER FROM SURFACES. Keep watch daily on your windows, plumbing and toilet tanks throughout the winter. If you notice condensation, wipe up the water and you will increase the chances for a dry safe environment.
If your home has any of the issues mentioned in this article, following our guidelines are proven for preventing winter water damage to your home. If you find a water damage issue in your home or business and need the help of a professional restoration company, give the professionals at Action Extraction a call today.
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Flood Damage Can Affect The Value Of Your Home
FLOOD DAMAGE CAN AFFECT PROPERTY VALUE
Have you put your home on the market?
Even in a seller's market, selling your house can be difficult if there is unresolved flood damage. In the US, prospective buyers are often disappointed by their inspections because experienced inspectors discover many reasons to reconsider the purchase. Water damage is one of the most common problems that can hinder the sale of a house. All it takes is standing water, mold in an attic or rotted boards to make a buyer lose interest. The fear of unanticipated and potentially expensive repairs can instantly devalue your house. Here's how flood damage affects the value of a home. If you find evidence of flooding, whether it is subtle or obvious, this can make negotiations difficult and even impossible. The buyers can now use this as a bargaining tool if they don't break an ankle while running away. Who wants to pay full-price only to discover that thousands of dollars in repairs are waiting for them? A dream home can quickly become a house of horrors. You should consider how flood damage could affect the value your home if you have had moisture problems or a sump pump failure that caused a flooded basement. You could get a rude shock during the initial property inspection that prospective buyers may have hired.
Do You Need to Disclose Flood Damage?
Most sellers, when deciding whether to disclose property damage, will focus on catastrophic issues such as basement flooding or roof leaks which have affected walls and ceilings. They don't consider subtle problems because they haven't experienced them. Flood damage can be a major problem, but there are also other types of damage that could affect the value of your home and ability to sell it.
What Minor Water Damage Can Do To Your Home's Value
The little issues you ignore in your home that are related to flood damage could become the "big" things one day. Damage from water is often overlooked, but it can have a big impact on the value of your home. Here's how water damage affects the value of your house. It is hard to detect the evidence of a slow leak in your bathroom faucet that went on for months before you called a plumber. The property inspector will likely discover evidences of that problem, even if you don't. The evidence of a defaced backsplash in the kitchen leads to a deeper inspection that identifies surface mold. A sump pump failure that only affected one wall left behind a warped base molding that gives the impression the entire basement flooded. Water damaged paneling along a section of basement wall, and suddenly an interested buyer is eager to move on to the next home. Buyers who were once so excited are now confronted with a problem that could make them walk, if not run. Questions like a raging wind howl. How much mold is there? Are there any dangerous toxic molds? Are elevated mold spore levels in the air? Will my family be safe? If any flood damage is noticed in the basement, immediately questions such as, did the water come from a water heater, or was it a backed up sewer? It is important to know the source of water, as this will affect the value of your house. Particularly if another attractive house in an equally desirable neighborhood has no suspicious damage.
Here are Some Subtle Flood Damage Scenarios that may Affect the Value of Your Property.
WATER STAINS ON WALLS & CEILINGS: If you had a roof leak, ceilings can have visible water stains. Walls will equally appear unappealing with unsightly water stains. Buyers may be scared and think that expensive repairs are required to remedy the stains. They may even wonder if mold is behind the staining. Carpets with visible stains or carpets that smell bad are evidences of previous flood damage that can affect the value of your home. The wood sub-flooring beneath may be structurally compromised, or mold may be present. Water damage can be manifest in subtle ways. If they estimate that new carpets will cost $5,000, they may be tempted to reduce their initial bid by that amount. This way they won't spend more than the home is worth. ROTTED BATHROOM FLOORING: If you have had multiple overflows of the sink, toilet or tub, then there is likely signs of flood damage present. Water stains, or even mold, may be visible on the vanity cabinet's face or side panels. These things can make buyers wonder how often flood damage has occurred, and if it was toilet waste water and smells are present, you will learn quickly how flood damage can impact the value of your house. KITCHEN HARDWOOD FLOORS WITH BUCKLING: Buckled wood flooring can decrease the value of your home. All it takes is a dish washer malfunction, water damage from a refrigerator supply line, or a sink overflow. Often it is difficult to know if you have a wet kitchen floor till it's too late. It is recommended to repair any flood-damaged wood floors before selling your home. VANITIES THAT HAVE WATER STAINS AND ROTTED WOOD: It is not uncommon for a bathroom sink to develop a leak from time to time, either due a leaky P-trap or supply line. The bottom of the wooden shelf may be damaged and moldy if it happens repeatedly. Look to see if there may be damage. Sometimes a fresh coat of paint can do wonders and cover slight defects. VISABLE MOLD DAMAGE: The biggest concern a buyer has is mold. When it is identified it could be a sign of a large mold remediation project, which could cost thousands. Air samples are the only way to determine if the property has toxic or black mold. This is because mold can release harmful mold spores in the air. The cost of this test will be $400 plus and should be discussed between the buyer/seller. Air sample testing is the only way to determine if mold growth is minor or significant. An environmental hygienist will recommend mold mitigation if the test results indicate elevated mold spore levels. This type of cleaning involves containment, hepa-vacuuming and washing surfaces with anti-microbial agents.
Flood Damage Can Affect the Value of your Home
If your home has flood damage and needs service, consider getting professional help for water damage. The professionals know if flood damaged carpets should be restored or replaced. They can help with making an insurance claim and get you your money fast. Professional flood restoration service is better than doing it yourself. They can make sure restoration is done correctly so no flood damages affect the value of your home. If you need help call Action Extraction Professionals for a free inspection of your property.
Sump Pump Failures: Cause Flooded Basements
DO YOU HAVE A SUMP PUMP FAILURE?
Sump Pump Failure: Causes and How to Prevent Flooded Basements
Sometimes one may encounter a moment of envy when a neighbor parks a new expensive sports car in their driveway or puts in an underground pool. No one, however, envies the neighbor that has a flooded basement from a sump pump failure. But one may ask themselves, “is my basement safe from a failed sump pump?” The fact is sump pump failures occur regularly, leaving basements at the mercy of rising ground water. If it’s caught in time great, the impending flood damage can be avoided, if not, surprise!
A working sump pump is vital to the safe management of ground water around the base of a home or business. This is especially true for those living in areas prone to heavy rainfall, flooding and/or have a creek nearby. The sump pump is necessary in the role of preventing water damage, basement flooding, and maintaining a controlled ground water level. These pumps, however, like anything mechanical, are prone to failure from wear, malfunctions, and power outages. If sump pump failure occurs during heavy rains, your home’s basement will be left vulnerable to flooding.
In this post, we will explore several common causes of sump pump failures and provide valuable insights to prevent an emergency water damage disaster. While there are several common causes for basement flooding, the #1 reason is a failed sump pump.
Understanding a Sump Pumps Role in Preventing Basement Flooding
What is a Sump Pump?
Many Michigan basements rely on a functioning sump pump located at the lowest part in a basement or crawlspace. They are placed in a pit (called a sump pump pit) that will show how high the exterior ground water level is. Around any properties exterior foundation there is the presence of ground water, often at different heights. As this water table reaches higher levels through rain it needs to be controlled so it does not come in the home and causes water damage. The pit will fill up higher with water in direct proportion to the exterior ground water. Once it reaches a certain point the float of the sump pump will engage allowing for the water to be pumped away from the home’s foundation.
In some older communities of Macomb Township and Oakland Township there is no need for a sump pump, as the groundwater is directly into the sanitary. Cities like the Grosse Points, Huntington Woods, Warren, and others, were developed without the need for a sump pump so basement flooding for them is generally related to sewer drain issues.
Importance of Sump Pumps
Sump pumps are to a home what gutters are to a roof. Their absence will allow water free access to any vulnerable point in the home. Water from roofs if not controlled by gutters can come in through windows, door walls, and cracks in brick joints. Nonfunctioning sump pumps will allow water in through the sump pit, floor drains as well as the floor joint between the basements concrete slab and exterior concrete wall.
Sump pump failures are responsible for almost all basement flooding in Southeast Michigan and have caused more water damage to property than any other one cause. Plumbing issues, sink and toilet overflows, frozen pipes and even appliance malfunctions cannot compete for the top position, held by sump pump failure.
To be clear, sump pumps are great at preventing basement flooding, have a skilled design and a proven track record for success. They work behind the scenes, are seldom heard and they provide peace of mind to homeowners, knowing that excess water is promptly removed during heavy rain or snowmelt.
However, not all are created the same and all will age and fail at some point. When they do, it will wreak havoc in a finished basement and lead to devastating water damage. If not mitigated quickly and correctly the damages can include mold growth and structural damage.
Common Causes of Sump Pump Failures
Power Loss from Outages & Electrical Issues
One of the most common reasons for sump pump failures is a power outage, from down powerlines. These outages increase greatly in times of storm related damage from bad weather. Each year in Metro Detroit there are a string of outages that take place each year and some for multiple days. During these stressful hours many homeowners are sweeting it out as basements can flood quickly without a sump pump to control the ground water.
In 2022 many Shelby Township and Macomb Township homes experienced basement flooding until the power outages were resolved several days later. By then the damage was done. Carpets were ruined drywall saturated, valued contents water damaged and property left in dire need of restoration and cleanup.
We at Action Extraction Restoration were inundated with calls from frantic property owners needing help to restore their flooded basements and remediate mold issue that resulted from their failed sump pumps during the power outage.
Faulty & Incorrect Installation
Just because someone holds the title of “plumber” does not mean they have the experience and expertise to correctly install a sump pump. Each year Action Extraction receives calls from homeowners requesting restoration for their flooded basement because of a faulty or incorrect installation of a sump pump. We recommend using plumbers with experience, insurance, and one that has favorable reviews on social media platforms. Using a friend of a friend or a handyman with little to no skills can be a big mistake.
Careless installation can lead to various issues with your sump pump's performance. If the pump is not correctly positioned in the sump pit, it may not be able to effectively remove water. For example, we have seen pumps run incessantly because the float was positioned wrong and burned the pump up, because it could not turn off. We have seen the absence of a check valve as well as one being installed backward. In either case, you will end up with a flooded basement and needless drama.
Recently a customer in Shelby Township called us at Action Extraction restoration professionals about a basement flood of monumental damage. Like many Michiganders, she too is a snowbird and upon coming home after 2 months away, she got the shock of a lifetime. She walked into her basement and found it completely underwater, mold everywhere and a restoration project requiring funds she was not prepared to shell out. All because the plumber she used to winterize her home unplugged the sump pump and forgot to plug it back in.
She thought he was a professional who would have insurance to cover the mistake, but to her utter dismay, found out he had none.
Cheaply Made Sump Pumps can Cost you a Flooded Basement
Using a cheap grade pump or the wrong pump size or type is another way to fall victim to faulty installation that may lead to sump pump failure and basement flood damage. A functioning sump pump when called upon is going to save your home from an inevitable flood, so pinching pennies is not an option. Don’t purchase lightweight, plastic no-name brands that are not proven and trusted. Most hardware stores will have an educated employee to educate you on the best option.
This will be a heavier pump made of stainless steel, cast iron or other heavy-duty material. It needs to be a minimum of 1/3^rd horsepower and for deeper basements half or 1 horse to lift the water higher. The float system needs to be stationary type on a mechanism that keeps it in place allowing for smooth up and down motion. Tether type floats are known for their inability to be trusted and can easily maneuver themselves in a pinched or stuck position.
Overwhelmed Sump Pump
Sometimes it rains too heavily for some pumps to handle all the excess water. Extreme amounts of water from intense rainfall or even rapid snowmelt can overwhelm a sump pump to where more water comes in than goes out. There are some homes with even 2 sump pumps, where rare storms produced a faster influx of water than the pumps could handle. Either way, in each case ground water wins and comes in through floor drains and sump pits. Some older pumps lose efficiency and struggle to remove half the amount as when first purchased. In this case they will just fail to keep up with the rise of the water table allowing for an inevitable flooding issue.
Mechanical Issues
Sump pumps like any other appliance in your home will someday need replacing. The question is often asked, “how long does a sump pump last?” The answer seems to range from 7 – 10 years depending on the source. Over time, the repeated wear and tear on the pump to remove water from the pit, will eventually wear it out. Bearings wear out, the motors burn up, floats fail, the impeller can clog or break, etc. These issues can hinder the pump’s ability to operate efficiently and result in a flooded basement. Mechanical issues are inevitable, even if your neighbor boasts he’s had the same pump for 25 years.
Signs of a Failing Sump Pump
Unusual or Suspicious Noises
When a sump pump is working correctly there should be a quiet and almost indistinguishable sound that doesn’t cause attention. If you begin to hear disrupting sounds, grinding, and rattling noises coming from the sump pump, there is an issue needing to be addressed. It may be something simple or it could mean it needs replacing.
New and loud sounds are best dealt with by replacement with a new pump. Sounds that are suddenly out of the ordinary and suspicious need to be attended to quickly to prevent sump pump failure and ultimately a flooded basement.
Frequent On/Off Cycling
Depending on where you live, how much it has rained and the season of the year, sump pumps should not be turning on and off frequently. This behavior may be an indication of any number of concerns needing to be addressed. The float could be pinched or broken, the pit may have had an object fall into it, hindering the complete emptying of the pit, etc. Always check on the proper functioning of the sump pump when it makes noises previously not heard.
Foul Odors
When the area of the basement where the sump pump pit resides is noticeably smelling bad, this could be an indication of an impending sump pump failure. Pungent odors originating from the sump pit could be a sign of accumulated debris such as mineral deposits or stagnant water. If the pump is failing to fully remove the amount of water needed to keep moisture content down, mold may be developing. Mold smells from the sump pit could also mean the sump pump is engaging only sometimes leaving excessive water which is producing mold with its offensive odor.
Visible Rust, Corrosion or Mineral Deposit Growth
Over time rust and corrosion will begin to affect the appearance of the pump, which could also be an indication of an impending sump pump failure. Rust and corrosion buildup can cause mechanisms that need to be lose and functionable to freeze up. Rust or corrosion on the sump pump can indicate water damage or a compromised pump housing, which can lead to failure if not addressed.
In some communities the ground water is so replete with mineral deposits they will begin to grow on the sump pump. In one such case we at Action Extraction were called out to a home with a flooded basement due to the mineral deposits having gradually swallowed whole the sump pump making it look as though it were encased in what might be considered liquid rock.
Preventive Maintenance Tips for Sump Pumps
Periodic Inspections of Sump Pumps can yield invaluable information to keep you free of a failed sump pump and a flooded basement. Regularly check the tightness of the check valve clamps as the regular vibration when the pump is engaged, over time can loosen the clamp screws.
Also inspect for any fallen objects that can interfere with the smooth operation of the sump pump. Even a small item of fabric is enough to clog and destroy a pump and leave you vulnerable for basement flooding when the water table rises.
Look for any suspicious signs of damage, a detached float, a part hanging oddly off, debris that could clog the pump or interfere with its components. If you have a battery backup, inspect all electrical cables for secure attachment and see if the battery acid levels are where they need to be.
If you have a water alarm test it to see if it goes off and change the battery once each year. Make sure it is properly located just above the water at its highest point in the sump well before the float engages.
Regular Cleaning and Debris Removal from Sump Pit
Clean the sump pump and sump pit several times a year to prevent buildup of minerals and solids that can clog and burn up the pump. Remove any solid debris, dirt, or sediment that may hinder the pump's performance. This can be done with either a shop vac or tool able to reach down to remove objects and solids.
Testing the Pump
Most homeowners have never tested their sump pumps efficiency, but periodic inspections can prevent a sump pump failure and spare you from a flood damaged basement. To make sure it activates correctly, pour water into the sump pit to check if the pump starts pumping the water out. One way is to use a 5-gallon bucket of water or a hose, and slowly pour the water into the well till the float lifts. The pump should easily engage, and the water should be quickly removed. If it initially struggles once turned on, the bearings could be worn out indicating it may be time for a replacement. If it turns on and quickly removes the water and shuts down once water is pumped out, the inspection passed.
Backup Power Solutions
Many property owners invest in either a battery backup or water powered backup sump pump in case the primary pump fails. While these systems can be useful, the unfortunate reality is they often fail to produce the results homeowners are hoping for. The expectation is the backup pump will take over once the primary pump fails keeping the basement from flooding.
Action Extraction restoration of Macomb has provided basement flood cleanup in Metro Detroit communities for over 3 decades. One thing we have learned is that 70% of all flooded basements we have serviced have an existing backup system that failed to work. The reasons are many, and we will cover them later when we discuss tips on prevention.
Another option is having access to a backup power source, such as a generator. This ensures that your sump pump will continue to receive electrical power, even when your home is enduring a power outage.
Addressing Sump Pump Failures – Proven Tips on Prevention
Troubleshooting Why the Pump Does not Work
If you discover water rising in the sump pit above the pump, it is not working, and you need to act quickly. Here is a checklist of troubleshooting steps to figure out why you have a sump pump failure.
- CHECK POWER SUPPLY. Try plugging in a night light into the sump pump electrical outlet to assure power exists. Check to see if you have a blown GFI or a blown circuit by inspecting your circuit breakers.
- SEE IF THE FLOAT IS POSITIONED CORRECTLY. Sometimes the float can be pinched or stuck leaving it incapable of rising with the water. Give the pipe that is attached to the submersible pump a little shake to see if the float rises and engages the pump. Tethered float are known for problems, so be sure to lift it as high as you can with some tool in hopes it engages.
- SEE IF THERE IN A BLOCKAGE IN DISCHARGE PIPE: Many homes have a discharge pipe that immediately goes underground and directly into a hidden storm drain. These pipes cannot easily be accessed for obstructions, but if you have one that is visual in your yard, inspect it for blockages. Sometimes the minerals will slowly build up and clog the discharge pipe.
- SHAKE THE PUMP TO ENGAGE PUMP. Over time some sump pumps will freeze up and need to be shaken to assist in engaging pump to function. If it starts up, allow it to drain the sump pit and replace it, as this freeze-up is sure to happen again.
- SPRAY WD-40 OR PENETRATING OILD ON INTERACTIVE PARTS. Sump wells are humid environments that can corrode interactive components that are required to freely move. Sometimes by spraying penetrating oil on the metal arm of the float and other obvious interactive parts can free them up and engage the sump pump.
When to Contact a Professional Plumber
While some sump pump maintenance tasks can be DIY, certain issues may require professional assistance. If you're unsure or uncomfortable with any maintenance or repairs, it's best to consult a professional. Plumbers can replace the sump pump with a plumber’s grade system and guarantee their installation.
- In the worst-case scenario of already having a flooded basement consider giving Action Extraction Restoration Professionals a call. Professional flood restoration service is better than doing it yourself, as we can safely restore your property keeping it safe from mold concerns and help with any insurance claim.
Avoiding Water Damage and Basement Flooding
To avoid water damage and basement flooding, it's essential to have a reliable sump pump in good working condition. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to any issues can save you from costly repairs and extensive water damage. Sump pump failures can lead to disastrous consequences if they go on undetected.
If you have either small of significant water damage from a failed sump pump acting swiftly can minimize damage and assure you don’t get mold. Understanding the common causes of failures and implementing preventive measures will reduce the likelihood of experiencing a sump pump failure and a flooded basement. Remember to perform regular inspections, keep the pump and pit clean, and consider backup power options for added security.
FAQs
Q: How often should I test my sump pump?
A: It's recommended to test your sump pump intermittently over the course of the year, at least every three months.
Q: Can I install a sump pump by myself?
A: Resourceful individuals with the proper training and tools can absolutely replace the sump pump on their own. Whether DIY or professional, proper installation is crucial to ensure proper functioning of the pump system and avoiding issues.
Q: What should I do if my sump pump fails during a storm?
A: If your sump pump fails during a storm, go through our checklist to see if you can get it working. If not, look for optional power sources such as a generator or vehicle that has a 110 electrical outlet. In desperate situations attempting to remove water with buckets and/or a siphoning hose to a sink or toilet may help.
Q: My sump pump failed and now my carpet is wet. Can it be saved?
A: This depends on how long it has been wet and whether there is padding under the carpet. The padding must be removed and replaced, but the carpet may still be salvageable. Check out our post on: Should flood damaged carpet be restored?
Why Professional Flood Restoration Service is Better than Doing it Yourself
DO YOU HAVE FLOOD DAMAGE?
Consider Professional Flood Restoration Service
After flood damage, homeowners are often left with the daunting task of cleaning up the mess, often in dangerous surroundings. Filthy water, fallen wet drywall, slippery floors and potential electrical hazards do not make for a walk in the park. While most will understand things are dire and a matter for the professionals, some industrious types rise to the challenge. This article will discuss why professional flood restoration service is better than doing it yourself.
There is only one logical reason one would elect to engage in a battle that requires time, exhaustive effort, and several days of recuperation. MONEY! The DIU approach seems cost effective at first glance and the laborious nature of the job required is easier to recover from than the cost for professional flood damage restoration. Makes sense until you project this same logic to other fields.
Save on an electrician by wiring new switches and electrical outlets yourself. Avoid the cost for a doctor’s visit by googling symptoms to generate a diagnosis. The list could go on, but I think the point is valid, that some things are best left to the professionals. When flooding manifests in a property it often leaves it in a state of emergency, where every moment matters. Every hour things are increasingly becoming more severe. Structures become more compromised, materials continue to lose integrity and mold growth becomes more likely. Professional flood restoration service is better than doing it yourself because experience makes a difference.
9 Reasons to Consider Professional Flood Cleanup
1. Emergency Response to Reduce Damages
When sewers backup or water pipes break the resulting damage can make unbearable living conditions in your home. Water like fire is a destructive energy that is slowly doing continued damage to your property till it is removed. One of the reasons to consider professional flood restoration service over the DIY consideration is time. They have the resources to start the cleanup process as emergencies happen.
Most professional flood restoration services are provided as a 24/7 service and need to be. Flooding and water damage are known to occur at the worst of times needing quick attention to resolve. Emergency water removal, contents management, demolition and structural drying is best begun sooner than later. Sooner means the destructive energy of water is being stopped, later means it continues, till it is stopped.
The professionals at Action Extraction of Macomb Michigan have a team of dedicated experts that move quickly when contacted for emergency service. Such calls can come in on holidays, weekends and after hours, and all responded to with swiftness and care.
Time is of the essence. Hiring a professional flood restoration company will help kickstart the needed remediation process. Skilled technicians that respond immediately will be able to extract water, clean, sanitize and dry your property in minutes of your call for help. This alone makes professional flood restoration service better than doing It yourself
2. Experience: Professional Flood Restorers Have Seen it all.
Professionals have knowledge in the field of flood cleanup which will uncover hidden hazards that only they can identify and eliminate. The average property owner will make decisions that rely solely on the naked eye. If they see standing water and other conspicuous intrusions, they will address only that. Moisture in drywall, base moldings and even cabinetry may go unnoticed. These building materials are at risk for mold damage and structural compromise.
Professionals who specialize in flood restoration have the expertise to uncover trapped moisture that leads to the larger problems. They will determine with great efficiency the best protocol for rapid and safe property recovery. They will know if water damaged paneling can be restored or replaced, and what to expect from their water damage cleanup.
The flood restoration process is time sensitive, as each hour the presence of water languishes the more damage is being done. Moisture and water always lead to some form of secondary damage, such as mold, and will also cause structural compromise to property. Professional flood restoration service is better than doing it yourself, because the experience the professionals bring can assure that secondary damages are eliminated.
3. Equipment: Professionals Have Resources & Equipment to do the Job Correct
When flooding occurs whether in a basement or main floor of a property much needs to be done. Flood damage restoration is a complex process that requires expert skills and specialty equipment to facilitate correctly. Professionals roll up in the driveway fully stocked with the machinery to succeed. Truck-mount water extraction systems to remove all standing water. Water pumps when basement flooding is extreme and deep. Moisture detection instruments to guide the prosses and commercial drying equipment to fully dry wet structures.
This is what professional flood restoration service accomplishes, all required gear is present on-site. This allows for immediate moisture reduction in the property which combats the potential of mold damage. In a matter of a few hours the experts trained in water mitigation will have advanced matters in the right direction. Something a DIY approach may have taken days or not at all. In some instances inexperience at water mitigation can lead to permanent property damage and even future horrors yet to be determined.
Mold growth is common after flood damage that is not correctly mitigated. The professionals allow for no sleepless nights as nothing instills confidence more than having hired a trusted company that manages service with expert care. The right restoration company with the latest in technology, equipment and chemicals makes all the difference in the world, where mold is concerned.
4. Professionals Have Equipment do it Yourselfers Don’t Possess
- Non-penetrating moisture meter
- Thermal imaging cameras
- Pin type moisture detectors
- Hard surface detection meters
- Hard wood flooring specialty drying mats
- Injected air systems
- Plant based anti-microbial agents
These are just a few things the professional flood restoration experts will be armed with that make for the difference between success and failure. This is one of the reasons why professional flood restoration service is better than do it yourself. If water from a refrigerator supply line leaked, how do you know if you have a wet kitchen floor? You wouldn’t unless you had the moisture detection equipment the professionals use.
5. Flood Restoration is not as Easy as it May Appear
It is important to understand that residential flood damage is usually more complex than it first appears. Professionals can accurately assess damage using the tools mentioned above and know where to focus their attention. These advanced tools can help them determine the location as well as the exact extent of the damage. A thorough assessment will allow any hidden damage to be detected so future complications are avoided.
Professionals invest large sums of money in advanced equipment to provide what the average homeowner could only dream of. They are dedicated to being the very best on-site as possible and with their specialty equipment can guide the process to achieve great results.
Homeowners do not own these industry specific tools and are unable to produce the same results. They also have a good understanding of how to apply specific techniques to different materials and surfaces. The expertise they possess and the equipment that is used will guarantee the best possible outcome. This equipment assures no hidden dangers are left to linger in the shadows.
For instance: an unfinished basement experiences, laundry tub overflow flood damage. It appears like an easy DIY undertaking not requiring professional flood restoration service. That is until after mopping up stan ding water and placing a fan you notice, unusual white films on wood surfaces.
This is a common occurrence after basement water damage. The visible water is managed, however, elevated moisture in the air often called secondary water damage, produces mold that shows on surfaces. Professional restoration tackles the elevated humidity concerns and avoids secondary water damage, keeping your home safe.
6. Fast Structural Drying
Attempting to blow dry wet hair with a hair dryer 10 feet away produces little to no result. When water is trapped in layers of a kitchen floor, wall or ceiling, air needs to be close and focused. This is why professional flood restoration service is better than do it yourself. How would you ever know if something was wet or dry with the naked eye? The answer is you can’t without the moisture detection instruments of the experts. Placing a fan in a wet room that is not close and focused will do little to no good at all.
How many times has someone gone to their local hardware store after a basement flood to rent equipment to still end up with mold all over the drywall and wood substrates? It happens more than you might think. The placement of air energy needs to be with vortex principles not static outcomes. In other words, there is a difference in the Queens guards marching than children running around on a playground. One is effectual having purpose the other random with changing moving parts.
Professional flood damage restoration is the only way to change a wet room or environment into a controlled energy powerhouse or drying energy. They will skillfully place commercial grade dehumidifiers and air movers where they each need to be with each piece compliment the other to make a synergistic chamber to dry your home quickly. These focused and detailed restoration services can cut restoration times up to half. Mold relies on things remaining wet for a measure of time conducive to its growth. Reducing this time frustrates the process and keeps things safe and indoor air clean.
7. IICRC Certified Professionals
When you need an electrician or plumber you want them to have some sort of credentials to feel comfortable with their service. The flood restoration industry has an organization called the IICRC (Institute for Inspection, Cleaning, Restoration, Certification) that credentials those individuals that have taken educational courses in their field. Professional flood restoration service from an IICRC technician means they have received proper training on the remediation processes needed to dry wet properties.
These professional contractors can find quick solutions to get your home or business back to normal quickly, where you may remain lost on what to do next. They operate at a higher level of efficiency and will guide the process to its required completion.
Do it yourself attempts can be messy and fail to achieve a safe environment to prevent mold and structural damage. Isn’t it nice to be guided by someone more competent than yourself at an unfamiliar field? Sur it is and that’s why there are doctors, accountants and lawyers that are available to help people in their profession.
8. Safe Mold Remediation
Mold growth is the most significant danger to result when a DIY attempt goes wrong. Elevated moisture follows water damage, and it needs to be managed and corrected or it will contribute to mold in the home. If your sump pump failed and ground water inundated your home and given you a flooded basement, mold is already present. Ground water has millions of colonies of mold and once indoor will find food sources to grow quickly.
By having professional flood restoration in your home, you increase the likelihood of maintaining a safe home for you and your family. Experts know how to dry wet structures, apply anti-microbial agents, and set up drying chambers to break the equation for mold amplifying. When you have wet surfaces, stagnant air and no UV light, you have the recipe for mold damage in the home.
The DIY choice over professional flood damage service can allow for the unthinkable. Mold spores wafting through the air, making their way to fabrics, floors, walls, and everything in between. The potential to produce health issues for occupants is well documented. The symptoms for mold exposure range from runny nose and sneezing to full blown respiratory conditions needing medical treatment.
Water restoration experts will be able to address harmful indoor air conditions with training and resources most do not have. They can place an air filtration device to capture mold in the air while drying out the home. The health hazard that mold is to a home is reason enough to consider professional flood damage restoration over do-it-yourself ambitions.
9. Professional Restoration Companies Guide the Insurance Claims Process
Making an insurance claim and knowing how to manage the steps can be like figuring out a Rubik’s cube in the dark. You may have your hands on it, but progress seems difficult to achieve. Long wait times on the phone, confusing instructions and unfamiliarity of the process can make for a stressful experience.
Professional restorers have great experience in water loss claim and are aware of the documentation insurance carriers require. They can guide each step in the process and make sure all the bases are covered. With their assistance your insurance claim will be filed and documented for quick payment.
Concluding Thoughts on Professional Flood Restoration Service
If you are considering a do-it-yourself water damage restoration project because of cost, give the experts at Action Extraction of Macomb a call today. We offer free inspections and use scientific technology to locate any hidden moisture that needs to be addressed. We will provide you with a free estimate for service that you may find more affordable than you thought. If you make an insurance claim, we will help make it a stress-free experience and assure you your money fast.
6 Things we Learn About Water Damage From the Flood of Noah
LEARN ABOUT WATER DAMAGE FROM NOAH'S FLOOD. Point #4 will blow your mind!
What can we Learn about Water Damage from the Flood of Noah?
Almost everyone is familiar with the biblical story of Noah's flood. It has stood the test of time and remained as one of the most enduring stories in human history. It is a Sunday school favorite for teaching children lessons on living morally in a secular world. Not only are there character lessons parents find valuable in the story, but there are also some strikingly interesting things we learn about water damage from the flood of Noah.
That’s correct! Skeptics beware; as this article will identify facts about water damage, flooding, and its needed mitigation for humans to achieve order and get back to life as usual once again. All found in the Bible, and several facts long before modern science fully understood how such details related to water damage and its needed mitigation.
While the flood of Noah is often regarded as a religious narrative, I hope to uncover some valuable insights into the destructive effects of water damage found in its story. We will explore preparedness, prevention, methods for mitigation, and all with the hope that bringing out new insights may breathe new interest into an ancient story.
4 Things we Learn about Water Damage from the Flood of Noah
1. The Power of Water Damage:
The scriptures make it clear that the flood of Noah was an inimitable onetime event, never seen before on earth. Water from torrential rains, deep springs rising from earthquakes and active volcanoes spuing their fury, the earth experienced a cataclysmic event that covered the entire face of the earth with water.
This emphasizes the immense power of water and its capacity to cause widespread destruction. It reminds us of the need to understand the potential consequences of water damage in the home, commercial structure, or business. Unexpected water can come furiously and rush into a property and inundate multiple rooms at any time. No property is immune to a sewage backup from a floor drain, a broken plumbing fixture, water pipe or even a malfunctioning appliance like a washing machine or dish washer.
Anyone who has come home to a flooded basement after a few days away on vacation or even after a day of work, knows of the power of water damage. Residential water damage is one of the most common insurance claims made each year in the US. Understanding the immense power of water damage can inspire property owners to take preventative actions that can greatly reduce damage to their home or business. We will explore some preventative tips in this article that are proven to help limit the power of water damage.
1. Following Good Advice Can Mitigate the Destruction of Water Damage
The scripture says, “Noah did everything just as God commanded.” Just as he followed good instructions from one that had superior knowledge, it is a reasonable proposition that property owners can benefit by listening to a professional water restoration company’s, tips on prevention. There are tips that if adhered to can mitigate the effects of water damage and limit its impact on your home. Here are several tips from the professionals at Action Extraction restoration that can prevent a water damage emergency in your home. These tips can save you time, money, headache and most importantly, reduce damage to your home.
- Annually tighten water hoses and fittings to prevent leaks
- Make sure your insurance policy covers backups of sewers and sump pump failures
- Clean gutters and make sure downspouts point away from the home
- Watch your water bill for unusual increases in usage.
- Know where the water main is located & how to shut it off
- Install a water alarm by floor drains and sump pump area
Careful adherence to trusted guidance is just one of the lessons we learn about water damage from the flood of Noah. Just as he and his family followed sound directions given them, so too should you consider the proven council from the professionals in the water restoration business.
1. Build a Resilient ARK (Home)
Noah's ark is an example of a vessel built for endurance having a resilient infrastructure. It was designed to withstand the greatest flood on earth, and other potential hazards related to floating and navigating fierce waves. If it had structural compromise of any type, it may have fractured and scuttled to the depths, but it did not!
Your home cost you a lot no doubt, even if you got it for the deal of the century. The present housing atmosphere is a sellers’ market where over bidding by 10 and even 20K is common. When you invest in a home, you need to make sure its infrastructure is hefty, not flimsy. All it takes is a ruptured supply line, toilet overflow or washing machine malfunction to create a water damage nightmare of monumental proportion. When this happens and you afterward learn the damages were preventable for pocket change, you will kick yourself. Well, no need for self-affliction yet, unless you don’t follow this short list for a robust home infrastructure.
- CHANGE OUT WATER SUPPLY LINES FOR TEFLON COATED – STEEL BRAIDED. Many builders cut corners on plumbing materials placing plastic/vinyl water supply lines in kitchens and baths. Replacing them with updated materials will make them more durable and limit the chance for flooding.
- BUY A TOILET DESIGNED TO NOT CLOG. Discounted toilets are not always the best choice, especially if they clog regularly. Non-clogging toilets are usually single-piece designs with a larger flush valve than a traditional one. Avoid systems with a tight turn radius that can be seen conspicuously when viewing the toilet from the side.
- GET A STRONG & DURABLE LAUNDRY TUB. Some cheaper models are subject to collapse when a leg is hit with blunt force. Some tubs themselves can be so thin, they crack over time.
- PURCHASE NAME BRAND PLUMBING FIXTURES. While it is tempting to purchase products on sale, name brands have a proven history for durability. Even sales personnel in hardware stores will recommend not skimping on quality and suggest a name brand over a non-proven discounted brand.
- INSTALL A QUALITY SUMP PUMP & REPLACE IT EVERY 7 YEARS. Many hardware stores have an inventory of various sump pumps to choose from. Because they make the difference between flooding and staying dry, it is best to spend the extra for a cast iron or plumbers grade sump pump. Basement flood damage is a common Michigan occurrence, often the result of poor product manufacturing. Sump pumps with stationary float systems are recommended over the free-floating tether type.
- CLEAN GUTTERS & DOWNSPOUTS ANNUALLY. During heavy rains water needs to be correctly channeled off the roof and sent through the down spout system, away from the home. When blockages from leaves hinder this process, water damage can take place, allowing water to seep into attics and ultimately through ceilings into the home.
- BUY FROST PROOF SPIGOTS & WINTERIZE THEM. The best way to minimize water damage from cold weather on household plumbing is to purchase frost free spigots only. We recommend also to winterize them pre-winter season. Freezing water always expands affecting the materials that house them whether copper, galvanized or pex plumbing materials. Burst water pipes are common during winter months and can cause thousands of dollars of damage. Using durable materials can reduce the potential of freezing that causing winter water damage.
- KEEP THERMASTST AT A TEMPERATURE NO LOWER THAN 55°. Never allow the indoor temperature of your home to dip so low, water pipes can freeze and burst. Many Michigan residents are called snowbirds because they leave during the winter months to stay in Florida. Because no one is living in the home, they figure on saving money for heating by lowering the thermostat temperature setting. While this is an excepted and usually safe practice, allowing indoor air temperatures to drop below 55° can be dangerous. Any compromised plumbing may become subject to cold air drafts and allow for pipes to freeze and eventually rupture.
- INSULATE YOUR HOME ADEQUATELY. In newer construction homes, be sure to have all exterior walls adequately insulated. This would include insulation around all plumbing and in ceilings. In older construction there are options to fortify the existing insulation with either “blown-in” or “spray foam”.
- BIENNIAL PLUMBING INSPECTIONS. Have a plumber inspect your plumbing system, fittings, and fixtures as well as the sanitary sewer system every 2 years. This can identify potential problems before they ever manifest in the form of water damage.
Having a well-fortified dwelling is one of the things we learn about water damage from the flood of Noah. Each thing mentioned above is reasonable and affordable. None will cost a lot in comparison to a water damage scenario, as even a small amount of water can cause structural compromise and mold growth.
A Fortified Home will Resist Water Damage Like a Strong Body Does Injury
Exercising the body regularly builds muscle that keeps you strong for life’s physical challenges. A stronger back, better stamina and more capable physical frame can more easily parry the unexpected stresses placed upon the body. Taking this same approach to your home has the identical benefits. When you follow through with our checklist for a robust infrastructure, your home is less susceptible to the effects of water damage.
Water pressure surges, heavy rains, appliance malfunctions and potential plumbing disasters, will have to be on the grand scale before your fortified home is affected. Your neighbors may be struggling during such a crisis, but you fortified, you acted, and will remain safe and free from destruction and remain afloat, just like Noah.
1. Air Movement Creates the Evaporation that Leads to Drying.
The Bible tells us in Genesis 8:1 “God made a wind over the earth and the waters subsided.” Wind always exists on earth, but here God involves Himself suggesting a wind not found in nature. The wind here was a supermundane (transcending the earthly) wind for the strict purpose of evaporating water to dry the land.
This is an interesting lesson we learn about water damage from the flood of Noah. We learn that air movement plays a distinct role in drying, that air removes water through evaporation, something not known to man till the 18^th century. Plato and other philosophers believed water in streams, rivers and other bodies were maintained from underground.
It was the experiments from the Swedish physicist and theologian Nils Wallerius in 1739 that first documented the phenomena of the evaporation of water. Prior to his research no one knew of the hydrologic principle our world relies on for the sharing of water through evaporation, condensation, and precipitation. That is except the writer of Genesis as he speaks of water disappearing from land with the use of wind, or air movement.
This is what those in the water damage restoration industry know as psychrometry, “the art and science of drying.” We use commercial air movers to generate rapid air movement because that’s how things get dry. Water becomes vapor with the help of air and this is an essential step in the drying process. If you have experienced flood damage of any type, what we learn about water damage from the flood of Noah, is you need air movement.
Professional Air Movers vs the Wind of God.
Unless your prayers can assure the move of a supernatural wind to help with structural drying, you will need to depend on an air mover, or several. These devices are fans specifically designed to transport air forcefully upon wet structures to facilitate drying. Of all the processes involved in water damage restoration to remove excess moisture, none are more important than air flow. Water damage restoration professionals know how to fully leverage air flow to force water to become vapor.
The experts at Action Extraction water damage restoration in Macomb, use air flow to produce dry and safe environments on each flood project we manage. We know how to use air flow effectively to reach hidden and trapped moisture in materials that would otherwise succumb to mold growth.
We use specialty drying equipment to structurally dry wet wood flooring, wood cabinetry, wet insulation drywall and carpeting. We also have a US patent on the world’s fastest wall cavity drying system, that uses controlled energy to dry faster and at less expense. Our commitment to structural drying has allowed us to have an impeccable record at preventing mold growth on all our restoration projects for 35 years.
This experience lets us confidently confirm the things we have learned about water damage from the flood of Noah are true. Which leads us to the 5^th thing we learn from Noah’s flood.
1. The Restoration Process after Water Damage can be a Long-Term Process
After the flood, Noah and his family were faced with what had to be an insurmountable task, rebuilding their world and their lives. Everything would be new as the old was now forever gone. This teaches us that complete recovery from water damage can be a process that takes time.
Small water damage losses such as wet carpet from a drain backup may be resolved swiftly, but grand scale water damage that affects the whole house as Noah’s flood affected the whole world, can be overwhelming and take time to fully recover from.
Finding the right water damage restoration firm matters, especially if one can get you back on your feet quicker. Our specialists at Action Extraction have proven to be quicker than general contractors and when new flooring is needed, we get materials weeks ahead of even wholesale flooring companies. Although patience is required after grand scale water damage, don’t let a company’s apathy towards your conditions allow them to be slothful.
They should be on-site from the first day of service till structural drying is complete. Typically, the initial day of service involves water removal, demolition of damaged materials, sanitizing and set-up of all drying equipment. Each day they should be present to monitor their drying chamber for efficiency and detail the progress.
1. New Materials are Often Required to Rebuild after Flooding
Noah’s world would be completely new as the old he had known was destroyed by water. He and his family would have to begin from scratch and the world they were to inhabit required new everything. This teaches that after devastating flood damage materials are destroyed and beyond the scope of restoration.
There is no need to inquire, should flood damaged carpet be restored? There is no reason to question should water damaged paneling be restored, as both are beyond the scope of recovery. Trying to restore water damaged materials that require removal invites mold growth and structural compromise.
If flooding in a property has languished for days, removing wet drywall during flood cleanup is also required to keep air quality safe and free from mold. During an insurance claim for a water loss, it is important to have an experienced contractor involved in the insurance claim. The experienced professionals at Action Extraction will always opt for new materials to replace damaged and compromised materials. We have a fine eye for detail and know how to communicate with your insurance carrier in a compelling way to get you what you deserve.
Final Thoughts on What we Learn about Water Damage from the Flood of Noah
While the story of Noah’s flood is instrumental as a history lesson about humankind, it also carries profound insights into the impact of water damage. From the scrolls of the ancient scriptures, we discover fascinating truths about water damage that still hold true today. Each of these 6 points in this article are indisputably recognized by experts in the water restoration industry.
They know the power of water; they follow the expert recommendations of the IICRC which has published the guidelines for water damage restoration. They are aware of the prevention of water damage that comes from fortifying a properties infrastructure and they know how to use air movement to dry materials. All these features are found in Noah’s story and still hold true today as it did then. Perhaps that makes the story of Noah even more remarkable, that ancient truth can survive the test of time, when it is true.
Should Flood Damaged Carpet Be Restored
DO YOU HAVE FLOOD DAMAGED CARPET?
Understanding the Risk of Keeping Flood Damaged Carpet
Has your carpet recently become damaged from flooding? More than 51% of homes in the US have carpet and if they get wet they can often become highly unsanitary. If you recently had water from a floor drain, sink overflow or plumbing issue reach your carpet, you might contemplate on what steps to take to restore it. That is the purpose of this article, to give industry advice to help answer the question, should flood damaged carpet be restored or replaced?
Understanding the 3 different Types of Water
Before you consider restoring flood damaged carpet it is critical to first learn, what type of water has reached it. There are times when carpet can be restored, saving you money on replacement. There are other times when carpet must be replaced because of permanent damage and potential health risks. Lets turn our attention to the prospect of restoring flood damaged carpet, by understanding the 3 types of water that gain access to floor coverings.
1. Type 1. Fresh water that comes from plumbing lines. This is water we drink, bath and clean with. We pay for it and is considered a part of our home. It gains access to carpets when water pipes break, sinks and tubs overflow and appliances malfunction.
2. Type 2. Ground water from around our homes. This water has molds and microorganisms that can bring an eco-system into the home and rapidly fuel the growth of mold. This water infiltrates properties when sump pumps fail and foundations acquire cracks allowing water to seep in.
3. Type 3. Water that originates from grossly unsanitary sources with potentially pathogenic (causing illness) organisms. Sewage backups, water from lakes and streams and toilet overflows all are considered type 3 water. This type of water destroys carpet and requires sewer backup restoration of all affected surfaces and materials.
Understanding these 3 types of water and their potential for destruction, allows us to intelligently move forward. Any time carpet is affected by type 3 water, it must be completely discarded along with the pad and tack-less strip. This flooring is replete with germs, bacteria, e-coli and potentially 81 viruses. When questioning, should water damaged carpet be restored or replaced? The answer is always replace, when type 3 water is present.
“No you can’t disinfect, seal or cover the dangers, removal is the only safe option”.
How Long Carpet Remains Wet Matters
Carpet that has just become wet is different than carpet that has languished in water for 2 days. Time carpet remains wet becomes a factor when determining if flood damaged carpet can be restored or not. Each hour a carpet remains wet increases the amount of contamination, making bad go to worse quickly.
THE FORMULA TO DETERMINE CARPET RESTORATION POTENTIAL
Once type 1 water reaches carpet, it becomes type 2 in 72 hours. That is the standard to apply to any type of wet carpet condition, 72 hours. In 72 hours or 3 days the water type automatically transitions to the next type. For instance: water damaged carpet from type 1 water is in a state of potential restoration for 144 hours or 6 days. Anything beyond this times makes flood damaged carpet, type 3 and must be replaced.
Carpet wet from type 2 water will become a type 3 water condition in 3 days. All wet carpet from a water source considered type 3, is contaminated beyond the scope of saving. This state of damage makes the flooring materials dangerous to the indoor environment. The carpet will always off gas mycotoxins and potentially other hazards such as mold spores. Removal and replacement is the only option. Along with the removal of damaged carpet, you must also remove any pad and tack-less strip.
SIGNS FLOOD DAMAGED CARPET IS BEYOND RESTORATION
When you need to Replace Flood Damaged Carpet
If you were gone several days and came home to a flooded basement or wet main floor, you will not know how long carpet has been wet. There are several sings that identify carpets are beyond restoration and need to be removed as soon as possible. If you notice any one of these, replacement is the only safe option.
♣ WHEN WATER FOOTPRINT IS LARGE: Obviously, the more water that has saturated the carpet, carpet pad, flooring and subflooring, makes a difference. Finding a small area of flood damaged carpet by a slow sink leak is not nearly as troubling as finding entire rooms under water. In cases where entire rooms are wet and water is everywhere, you have grand scale flood damage. In these situations saving the carpet is difficult, and if you are not sure how long the mess has been there, replacement is the safest option. If the conditions are bad such as a completely flooded basement, you may consider getting professional help for water damage, so you don’t get mold.
♣ STRONG PUNGENT SMELL: If the first thing you noticed when you walked into your home is an offensive odor, the carpet is shot. The question is not, can it be steam cleaned and deodorized? The smell is letting you know the contamination level is high and microbes have amplified. Elevated organisms are fuel for mold growth which is invisible to the naked eye. Fetid smells are informing you of a health risk that posses a danger to occupants in the home.
♣ SEAMS HAVE BEGUN TO SPLIT OPEN: Once a carpet gets wet, there is a limited window of opportunity for restoring wet carpet. When seams begin to split open the wet carpet is in a state of loss that makes replacement the best option. Only days of languishing in moisture can cause seems to split and there is likely more damage beneath the surface.
♣ IF TACK-LESS STRIP SHOWS SUSPICIOUS SIGNS: Many carpet installations secure the carpet using tack-less strip. These are 1″ strips of wood with angled sharp pins that are needed to hold the carpet in place. They are laid against the walls around the room and need to be inspected after flood damage.
Using a pair of pliers, pinch the carpet tuffs in a corner and lift the carpet from off the tack-less strip. Once you expose the tack-less strip, look for suspicious stains, mold growth as well as rust on the sharp pins. If anything unusual is noticed, the flood damaged carpet is needing to be removed. These signs all indicate the materials are beyond the scope of restoration.
♣ WHEN SINGS OF DELAMINATION ARE PRESENT: While you have the carpet lifted from the tack-less strip examine the carpet for damage. Carpet that has languished soaking wet for multiple days begins to delaminate from its backing. This is easy to detect by simply attempting to peel the secondary backing of the carpet from the carpet itself. If the backing easily peels from the carpet, the glues have become permanently compromised by water. Additional hidden damage is more than likely present as well, making replacement the best option.
♣ NOTICABLE WATER STAINING ON CARPET: Water staining can be permanent making restoration very difficult. This is especially true when carpets are damaged by water from a burst water heater. The belief is the water is clear, as it is used for cleaning and bathing, so no staining will occur. The problem is that water heaters have rust at the bottom that will migrate with the water as it reaches carpet. While faint staining may be unnoticed to the naked eye, in time the rust color will become more obvious. Water damage restoration professionals will always recommend replacement when insurance coverage exist.
♣ WHEN CARPET IS OLD: The age of a carpet should be considered when it becomes wet. Over time gradual aging begins to compromise integrity and appearance. Older carpets no matter what you do to restore them can still look old and worn out. It is better and more cost efficient to invest the money needed to restore an old carpet, into purchasing a new one.
In each one of these conditions listed above there is ample evidence deeming replacement as the best option. If for any reason you may be wondering, can wet carpet pad be restored after flood damage, the answer is NO! The fragility of pad makes it a material always best to remove and replace whenever you have flood damaged carpet. This secondary layer remains wet typically longer than carpet, due to the inability of air movement access. Germs, smell and even insects will amplify quickly, making replacement a must.
What are the Risks of Flood Damaged Carpets?
When water migrates from one place in a home to another it collects many contaminates. Dirt’s, chemicals, insects and organisms can create a breeding grounds for mold growth, mildew and offensive odors. Occupants living in these conditions are often exposed to harmful indoor air issues, that can case a wide range of health related issues. According to the CDC (centers for disease control) being exposed to air that has elevated molds and bacteria can be harmful to humans.
As discussed earlier in this post, the amount of time carpet remains wet matters. Extended duration means the greater chance for potential health risk, related to mold growth. Short term exposure to low levels of mold and indoor contaminates are typically runny nose, itchy eyes and sore throat. Long-term exposure only increases health irritations, making the consideration of restoring wet carpet less appealing.
Should water damaged carpet be restored when occupants have asthma? In a perfect world where finances didn’t matter, NO WAY! Why settle for a compromised floor covering that may pose health risks? However, most have limited resources, so in some instances restoring a wet carpet can be an acceptable option.
Removing Badly Water Damaged Carpet Prevents Mold Growth
The top priority for any professional property recovery company is to eliminate all possibilities for mold growth. For this reason they follow the IICRC S-500 publication that gives instructions on how to mitigate wet carpet. If the carpet qualifies as having any of the damages listed above, removal is required.
Additionally removing wet damaged carpet rules out any possibility of future mold growth. Mold can exist in wet carpet, even if it is not visible to the naked eye. The term, “incipient mold” means mold just beginning to exist, yet unseen. By knowing what signs to look for as described earlier, you can identify the condition of “just beginning to exist”, molds.
Is Wet Carpet Susceptible to Mold Growth?
Carpets are typically made from synthetic polymers which makes them less likely a food source for mold than drywall. Wet drywall being a cellulose material anticipates mold growth rather quickly. All cellulose materials like drywall, paper and boxes act as a favored food source for mold growth. Removing wet drywall during flood cleanup is essential to keep property safe.
What about flood damaged carpet, is it too, a threat for mold in the home? Under the right conditions it is, so proper remediation is essential. Here are several characteristics to look for.
Water Damaged Carpet Conditions that Invite Quick Mold Growth
- DIRTY CARPETS: Although the synthetic composition of carpet allows it to be resistant to mold growth, the dirt in carpet makes it a source for mold growth. Dirt in carpet, lodged deep in it’s pad and lying on top of sub-floors means dirty carpets can cause quick mold growth in the home.
- SEWAGE DAMAGED CARPET: The incalculable amounts of germs, molds, harsh chemicals and organic compounds in sewer water, makes it a mold making machine. Everything it touches becomes susceptible to instant contamination and mold growth loves this environment. Once a carpet becomes exposed to sewage it begins to invite mold growth. Trying to steam clean a sewer affected carpet will not succeed in making it safe for indoor use. Once cleaned it can start a mold flare up that introduces elevated toxic molds into the air.
- CARPETS WET FOR SEVERAL DAYS: When a carpet is wet so is the sub-floor beneath. If it’s concrete there exist dirt’s that will allow for mold growth on carpet. If the carpet has padding beneath, it will be affected and so will any tack-less strip. These are all food sources for mold damage and the longer materials stay wet, the more mold you can get.
- CARPETS WITH PET STAINS: Urine, feces and other pet accidents leave organic compounds in carpet that water activates. Alkaline salts present in urine inflate these compounds with moisture as soon as water reaches carpet, activating stronger smells.
- CARPETS PREVIOUSLY WATER DAMAGED: Although cats may have 9 lives, a carpet has but 1. If there was a previous flood condition that affected the carpet, its time to go shopping for a new carpet.
Restoring Flood Damaged Carpet
In order to repair a wet carpet you need to make sure it qualifies for restoration. This means you know the type of water involved and how long it has been there. If it meets the criteria for restoration, here are 5 steps to follow.
1. REMOVE WATER FROM CAREPET: Using towels, squeegee or shop vac, remove as much water as possible.
2. REMOVE ALL WET PADDING: Wet padding should never be saved as it is like a sponge and very difficult to dry in a timely fashion.
3. APPLY SANITIZING AGENT: Eliminating the presence of germs is important to preserve indoor air quality. Consider using an anti-microbial solution which can be purchased at any hardware stores.
4. PLACE A FAN ON WET AREA: Depending on the size of the area, you may need more than 1 fan to fully dry the wet carpet. Allow 3 days for drying as carpets are multi-layered and each layer needs to be dried.
5. ASSIST DRYING WITH OPENING WINDOWS OR SMALL DEHUMIDIFIER: As water evaporates into the air it becomes water vapor, increasing relative humidity in the home. This will stagnate the drying at some point unless the humidity is controlled. If the outside weather allows, open a window to allow fresh air. If this is not an option, place a small dehumidifier in the area.
If you are not confident that a DIY approach will restore your flood damaged carpet, give us a call. Our professionals at Action Extraction provide free damage assessments of wet carpet using scientific moisture detection instruments. We can let you know if restoration is an option or replacement. When it comes to the health and safety of your family, it’s best not to take any chances. Our professionals know what to look for and can help you make the right decision.
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7 Reasons To Consider Flood Damage Services For Your Home
WEATHERING THE STORM OF FLOOD DAMAGE
The Chaos of Hearing your Home is Flooded
Experiencing flood damage in your home is about as unsettling as a coworker telling you your newly leased car was just hit in the parking lot. As you walk out to inspect the damage your mind is reeling with questions like, how bad is it? and what will it cost to repair? This same scenario occurs when a family member calls and says, “I just walked downstairs, and the basement is flooded.” Questions as to severity and method of recovery begin to occupy one’s mind. You know flood damage services are needed, but until you see it, you may be undecided as to who will do the work.
If the water damage is not so bad, you may consider the do-it-yourself approach using a shop vac and fan. But if you walk in on a full-blown flooded basement, there are good reasons to consider services for flood damage from a professional restoration company.
If you are collecting your thoughts as to what actions are best for your flood damaged property, we have some tips. Here are 7 reasons to consider flood damage services for your home, from the professionals. There is no substitute for peace of mind and a mold-free home, especially when children or the elderly are involved.
7 Reasons to Consider Flood Damage Services for Your Home
1. FLOOD DAMAGE COMPANIES HAVE SPECIALTY EQUIPMENT
Many industrious individuals’ own tools for household and auto repairs, but owning the correct equipment for flood damage services; probably not. Professional restoration firms have truck-mount extraction systems for rapid water removal from carpets and hard surfaces. These surfaces also requires safe products to kill germs and microbes that amplify quickly in a flooded home.
Professional restoration companies have commercial air movers designed to dry structures rapidly. They possess different types of air movers for the different challenges, flood damaged properties can bring. There are some designed for channeling air underneath a carpet to dry wet pad, and others for drying wet materials such as wet drywall and flooring.
There are even power differences between air movers due to the unique challenges of drying stubborn and more saturated materials. Concrete and ceramic tile will require 1 horsepower system to create static air force for dense and less-porous materials. Still others can be less powerful to manufacture just enough air to restore wet paneling that was affected during a basement flood. This vast inventory of various air movers makes all the difference in the world. The difference between restoration and replacement, the difference between safe drying and mold growth, from faulty drying.
Then there is the considerably important process of dehumidification to remove humidity from the air. All flood damage services require management of elevated levels of humidity which is actually airborne water vapor. When the correct amount of dehumidification is addressed, quick and efficient drying can take place. Mold growth thrives in a moisture rich environment where carpets, padding and even walls may be wet. The professionals will make sure all these affected surfaces are fully dried, sanitized and restored.
1. FLOOD RESTORATION COMPANIES SPECIALIZE IN INSURANCE CLAIMS
When homes and businesses experience damage from flooding there is an insurance claim placed for the restoration and repairs. Navigating a flood damage claim can be like someone color-blind attempting to solve a rubio cube. The professional damage flood companies deal with insurance carriers every week and are familiar with the claims process. It is second nature to them as they have traversed this familiar terrain many times. Often, they will even personally know individual adjusters having worked closely with them in the past. This degree of earned respect and trust can help with a smooth and headache-free claims experience.
They will also know the necessary documentation to provide to your insurance carrier that will help speed the process. Correct picture taking, moisture mapping and a well-crafted scope of damage explanation can make the process move swiftly. This benefit alone makes getting professional help for water damage restoration worth it.
The billing for flood damage restoration services must be billed correctly before your carrier approves payment. Here again, when flood damage services are provided by professionals, you benefit because they have the same software as your insurance company. This eliminates any confusion about services rendered and because both parties are using the same billing software, there is an agreed pricing guarantee.
1. RESTORATION COMPANIES HAVE EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE
There are dangers if you do not know trapped moisture needing attention is lurking in a wall. Left unattended can lead to mold growth that ultimately could affect the health of loved ones. Hiring a professional service provider means you are inviting individuals to help that have experience. Like hiking a trail with a guide, you will get to the correct destination as quickly as possible.
Their use of specialty moisture evaluation equipment will correctly identify dangers and get to the damage assessment needed to begin. They will avoid the pitfalls of inexperience and smoothly direct each essential step in the flood damage services process. Property remediation is not a blind leap in the dark, it is an enlightened step into the glimmering light of previous experience. This is priceless, and will allow you to sleep sound, knowing things were done correctly.
Case in point: After a dishwasher or sink gets water on the floor it is difficult to know if you have a wet kitchen floor with the naked eye. Having experts evaluate the scope of water infiltration with scientific technology will uncover hidden dangers that can lead to mold and structural compromise.
1. PROFESSIONALS PROVIDE FREE INSPECTIONS
In a world where the word free is often a ploy to seal the deal, not so in the flood damage services industry. Most will provide a free inspection of a water damaged property. Such is the case with Action Extraction Restoration in Macomb County Michigan. Our IICRC certified experts will arrive at no cost in a professionally lettered vehicle, fully equipped with all necessary tools. We will evaluate the scope of damage guided by scientific moisture detection instruments that can find moisture in walls, flooring, and cabinetry. This will allow for a correct damage assessment of your property, informing you as to what needs to be done to restore your home.
This consultation is without obligation, and we operate our business with a “no pressure policy.” This means we are fully aware you may choose to hire us for the flood damage services, or not. We are glad to support Michigan residents facing flood damage in their homes and have done so willingly for over 35 years and counting.
1. PROFESSIONAL ARE IICRC CERTIFIED IN FLOOD CLEANUP
The art and science of restoration and structural drying is a skilled trade. While not all professional restoration firms are recognized for their expertise, many are. The one that is important are the credentials from the IICRC (Institute for Inspection, Cleaning, Restoration, Certification). These firms are recognized for their education, experience and for having proper insurance so customers are always protected.
When hiring a company for flood damage services for your home, it will be encouraging to know they have passed rigorous training and educational programs to acquire their credentials. Also, this certification means you are hiring a team of experts that are guided by the latest in scientific research related to property restoration. Be sure to request the restoration company you choose to produce their IICRC certification upon arriving to your home. If they don’t have it, move to the next. If they don’t have credentials asserting their education and may not have insurance if they mess things up, “run Forrest run!”
1. FLOOD RESTORATION EXPERTS MOVE QUICKLY
Because water emergencies can manifest at any time, you need a team of restoration professionals that are on call 24/7 day or night. Water damage doesn’t happen with predictive results in most instances. Often it happens when you least expect it; during family functions, vacations and late at night. When flooding assaults your property you must be prepared to act in kind with an efficient plan of retaliation. That’s why hiring a company that offers 24/7 emergency services is important. They will bring immediate help and get you back to normal quicker than waiting on someone else.
Emergency service means your call is answered LIVE by a human trained to engage your circumstances with expert care. True emergency service means they can send an emergency response team to your location and be there in 1 hour or less. Emergency service is important as each hour water is left to absorb into materials the greater the damage and more difficult the drying.
1. PROFESSION FLOOD DAMAGE SERVICES ARE GUARANTEED
When service providers are hired to work in your home, it is best to know they offer a guarantee on their work. The one in the flood damage services industry to watch for is the 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. This means that they are obligated to make sure you are completely happy with the services they provided from the first phone call to the last handshake.
This means if you notice something being less than favorable, you can bring it to their attention knowing they are eager to attend to your concerns. If there is a mess they leave behind, a door they forgot to re- attach or even if you need some after service guidance, they are willing to earn that 100% customer satisfaction award.
Knowing that a service provider is willing to come back and make things right, is a great benefit for hiring a professional. If for any reason you are not satisfied, the 100% guarantee means they come back at no additional charge.
If you need any of the above benefits for flood damage services, then consider contacting us at Action Extraction. We have the equipment, resources, and IICRC certification to instill confidence in our work. We also provide the “all important” 100% customer satisfaction guarantee, we highly recommend. Ours is uniquely explained in our proudly held motto: “THE ACTION EXTRACTION REACTION IS SATISFACTION OR THERE’S NO FINANCIAL TRANSACTION”
Call us today and see if we can instill the confidence needed to provide you with the correct reasons to consider damage flood services for your home, from us. Our water damage restoration professionals are here 24/7 when you need help.
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Can Wet Carpet Pad be Restored after Flood Damage
CAN WET PAD BE REUSED AFTER WATER GETS TO IT?
Guidelines on wet carpet Pad Restoration & Removal
Often in finished basements water from a floor drain, sump well or foundation crack will get to a section of carpet and pad. The obvious concerns is can wet carpet pad be restored after flood damage? This article seeks to answer this question by providing objective guidance that comes from the IICRC Standard & Reference guide S-500 publication for water damage restoration. These instructions will allow you to implement the same practices, a certified restoration company would.
The property restoration industry appeals to authoritative literature crafted by these industry specialist, that help keep homes safe from health related concerns. Wet carpet pad is one of those materials known to lead to a wide range of problems, if not managed correctly. There are issues with permanent pungent smells, water staining that wicks into the carpet itself and the dreaded development of mold growth.
2 Types of Water Requiring Padding Removal
Everyone knows when carpet pad gets wet after a flooding issue there is an unnatural environment needing a remedy. There are 2 types of water that always require removal of wet pad, because the level of contamination is great. Water from a ground water source and water from a sanitary system.
1. WATER FROM A GROUND WATER SOURCE
Ground water is teaming with microorganisms, germs, microbes and a host of other harmful chemicals and organic compounds. This water is alive with an eco system that is eager to take residency beneath your carpet where once wet padding resided. After ground water is absorbed into padding, it is beyond the scope of restoration as it will always be a potential health risk to humans. The answer must be an emphatic YES! when questioning, "Is carpet padding ruined if it gets wet? when it is from ground water.
2. WATER FROM A SEWAGE SOURCE
This type of water comes into homes from sewer floor drains, sewers, toilet bowl overflows, broken sewer lines and backups. The high degree of contamination makes the condition of the home uninhabitable, until remediation efforts have been made to assure safety. Sewage is the worse-case-scenario a home can experience when it comes to flood damage. In such conditions it is wise to examine the benefits of professional sewer backup restoration
Not only does the wet carpet pad need to be removed after this type flood damage, but the carpet as well. These materials have become unsanitary beyond the scope of restoring safety and must be completely removed from the property. The sub-floor in many cases will need to be replaced if it is plywood and even concrete will require disinfecting and drying service.
FACTORS THAT DETERMINE IF RESTORATION IS AN OPTION
Carpet Pad Usefulness after Flooding
Typically it is best to remove wet pad once it gets wet, but there is an exception to the rule. Only if all these these relevant circumstances exist at once should wet carpet pad be considered for restoration.
- MINIMAL SIZE AREA IS WET. This is an area of wet pad less than maybe 50 sq. ft. This area is capable of being safety restored with ample air movement, aided by a small dehumidifier. In situations such as complete rooms being saturated it is recommended to consult a professional restoration firm so you don't end up with a mold damaged environment.
- WATER SOURCE IF FRESH MUNICIPLE WATER. This means the water came from a pure source such as a plumbing supply line, sink over flow and the like. Water from floor drains, foundation leaks and other sources can look clear but are recognized as sources for mold, germs and microorganisms. All these will lead to complications easily avoided with removal and replacement.
- WET PAD CAN BE DIRECTLY EXPOSED TO AIR MOVEMENT. This can often eliminate wet pad that is in the middle of a large room or buried under many pieces of heavy furniture. Wet pad requires an air mover placed under the carpet, but on top of the pad itself to run for several days. Unless you are willing to move all the furniture and cut some carpet to allow for the placement of an air mover, it will remain wet, leading to the difficulties previously described.
- IF THE PAD DOESN'T HAVE A PLASTIC SHEATH ON ONE SIDE. Some manufacturers of carpet pad place a thick plastic sheath on one side often calling their product, "spill guard" or "child-proof". This type pad is ideal on a main floor where spills and pet accidents can force liquids to get to pads from the top down. The plastic sheath allows for the liquid to remain suspended on the plastic for easy cleanup. However, if the water came from the bottom up as is the case in most basement flooding, water will remain trapped. In this case removal is required as water will languish for multiple days eventually introducing offensive and permanent odors. If the pad is heavily saturated and has a plastic sheath you should consider contacting the professionals for water removal emergency service.
- IF PAD HAS ONLY BEEN WET FOR 24 HOURS. Because water goes from one state of being or (level of contamination) to a worse state each 24 hours, 1 day is the limit on pad remaining wet. If you are to consider restoring the wet carpet pad, the water damage must have recently occurred from a fresh water source. The (EPA) Environmental Protection Agency advises immediate action when carpet with pad gets wet. Ideally, you want to fully dry and restore the pad in 48 hours or less. Mold growth and stubborn odors can become a real concern when attempting to dry a carpet that needs replacing instead of drying.
Restoring Wet Carpet Pad after Flood Damage
If your unique set of circumstances allow for all 5 key factors described above to be valid, only then should restoring wet pad be a consideration.
Here are several tools you will need:
- GLOVES to keep hands safe from being cut from the sharp tackles strip that was used to secure carpet, during original installation.
- PLIERS to lift the carpet from the tackles strip, without tearing carpet.
- UTILITY KNIFE to cut any tape interfering with lifting the wet pad for drying.
- AIR MOVER to force air movement on all wet padding, to facilitate drying.
- DISENFECTANT to spray on face of wet carpet pad.
9 Steps to Restore Wet Carpet Pad after Flood Damage
1. Lift Carpet From Tack-less Strip. Wearing protective gloves, pull the carpet up from the tack strip using pliers. This is best done by starting in the nearby corner located nearest the wet pad to be restored. Pinch the carpet tuffs of the corner and lift to begin the detachment of carpet. Once the corner lifts, continue the process along the walls edge till you have exposed all wet pad. Place the lifted carpet temporarily over a section of carpet that is dry.
2. Inspect Pad. Remember one of the needed feature listed above that is essential for restoring wet carpet, is the absence of any plastic barrier. This step has been overlooked. It was to first make sure the wet pad to be restored does not have a plastic barrier to keep air from drying it. If your pad is free of this film, than go to the next step. drying. our is like a sponge and will absorb a lot of water, but it will not dry out. So, if you were to reuse the padding, it will be damp and begin to mildew, grow mold and smell under the carpeting.
3. Extract the Wet Pad. In some cases the pad will be mildly moist not requiring this step. In wet pad scenarios, use towels to absorb the excessive water or a shop-vac. Removing the water is essential and will allow for a more rapid drying of the wet pad. Slow drying will lead to mildew and strong offensive odors that will be permanent.
4. Disinfect padding. Using an approved disinfectant apply to the pad liberally allowing coverage of the wet area. The type recommended is an anti-microbial agent which will eliminate germs and microbes capable of causing mold growth. Your local hardware store should have a product suitable for recovering the pad, allowing for a sanitary dry out.
5. Replace the Carpet. Place the lifted carpet back to its original location keeping all furniture and miscellaneous objects off the area that is wet.
6. Place air mover between the carpet and pad. Place an air mover in a corner allowing air to be directed towards the area affected. The air mover needs to be under the carpet, but on top of the wet pad to allow for a top down drying affect. The air mover should run for 2 days before re-inspection of the pad. The wet pad acts as a sponge and will require at least 48 hours of air movement to fully achieve drying. A regular floor fan will not allow channeled air under the carpet as good as an air mover. These can be rented at a hardware store or toll rental facility.
7. Assist in moisture control. As the pad begins to dry, the trapped water is forced to become vapor. This needed process will increase humidity in the air. If the home remains with stagnant moisture in the air, this can slow down the drying process. If the weather outside is a nice day, than consider opening a window to help with the drying. If outdoor air is humid from rain or inclement conditions, consider using a small dehumidifier to remove elevated moisture levels. Many homes have a small dehumidifier in the basement to help with humidity. If you don't have one and the area is of a larger size, consider renting one.
8. Have the carpet re-stretched. If all went well as planned during the wet pad restoration process, than there should be no lingering smells. Be sure to feel the pad for hidden moisture and even place a paper towel on the pad and stand on it for 1 minute. If the paper towel remains completely dry, you have succeeded. Now you can proceed with re-installation from a professional carpet installer.
9. Have carpets professionally cleaned. After the drying process the carpets need to be steam cleaned to assure you are maintaining a safe and healthy environment. Be sure to inform the carpet cleaners of the previous condition of your carpet, so they can add a disinfectant and deodorizer to their service. Wet carpet pad can be restored after flood damage, when all these steps are followed.
What if Wet Carpet Pad has Mold Growth?
When pad is discovered with mold growth it is recommended to get professional help for water damage. Mold on carpet pad is indicative of a former water damage issue, that dried over a protracted period of time and/or repeatedly has received moisture from an unknown source. The typical carpet pad is comprised of synthetic materials which do not serve as a food source for mold damage or growth. Finding it thriving on padding means there are organic properties that have migrated to the pad from a water source that needs to be discovered and remedied.
The water damage restoration professionals at Action Extraction property restoration provide free assessments of wet carpet, and pad. Using scientific moisture detection instruments our experts can troubleshot the affected area and uncover the reason the damage exist. Call today for an appointment to assess damages and create a safe and affective protocol for wet carpet pad restoration or replacement.
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Removing Wet Drywall During Flood Cleanup
WET DRYWALL AFTER A FLOOD?
Professional Guidelines on Drywall Care after Flood Damage
Knowing how to access property damages after a flood requires special knowledge that often homeowners are not well versed in. For instance, should you be removing wet drywall after a flood? Ask this of a handyman, electrician or close friend and you will get 3 different answers. There is however, an objective standard that has been created by the IICRC (Institute for Inspection, Cleaning, Restoration Certification) that has produced the S-500 publication answering this very question. Created by experts in various fields such as property restoration, microbiology and construction, there is no reason to guess what to do with wet drywall any longer.
Once water has reached walls and ceilings comprised of drywall there are several questions one needs to get a clear answer on, as this will guide the necessary steps going forward. Under some conditions, drywall must unequivocally be removed to eliminate the possibility of mold growth and mold spore spread throughout the home. In other scenarios the wet drywall can be safety restored leaving no evidences it was ever wet to begin with. Knowledge is key and willingness to follow the same standards that professional restoration companies must follow, will allow you to breath easier.
3 Types of Water That Make Drywall Wet
Before removing wet drywall or considering the proposition of restoring drywall, we need to turn our attention on the 3 types of water that gain access to drywall, either in a flooded basement or main floor.
1. Type 1. Fresh water that comes from municipal plumbing lines. This is water from a broken pipe, burst water heater or malfunctioning appliance.
2. Type 2. Water that has living organisms capable of amplifying and fueling the rapid growth of mold. This water originates from sump pump wells, also known as ground water and from foundation leaks.
3. Type 3. Water that originates from highly unsanitary environments with potentially pathogenic (causing illness) germs. Sewage backups, water from lakes and streams and toilet overflows all are considered type 3 water. This type of water destroys everything it comes in contact with and requires sewer backup restoration of the entire area affected.
Knowing the 3 types of water and their identity, allows us to cut to the chase on removing wet drywall after flood cleanup. If type 3 water is known to have come into access with drywall the answer is always removal, and sooner the better. The materials are contaminated beyond the possibility of safety drying and will always off gas mycotoxins. These along with up to 81 harmful viruses seems to make removing wet drywall during flood cleanup a no-brainer.
"No you can't disinfect, seal or cover the dangers, removal is the only safe option".
How Long Drywall is Wet Matters
OK! so now we know all wet drywall from type 3 water requires removal. So lets identify another factor that will guide whether wet drywall from type 1 and 2 water can be restored or removed, TIME! Time makes the contamination level of the drywall moving towards a worse condition each hour finally producing the same dangers as type 3 water. Once type 1 water absorbs into drywall, it becomes type 2 in 72 hours. That is the standard to apply to any type of wet drywall state. Every 72 hours or 3 days the water type automatically transitions to the next type. This being said, if fresh water is in drywall for 72 hours it is in a state of potential restoration. If wet for 144 hours or 6 days, removal is recommended.
How to Remove Wet Drywall
Fortunately this step does not require the instincts of a Neanderthal and large blunt instruments being directed aimlessly at materials. While it might be enticing to participate in theatrical demolition as seen in one of those home improvement shows, your trying out for a Hollywood production. Removing wet drywall during a flood is a bit more civilized.
How Much Drywall to Remove?
It is important to know how high the water has absorbed into the drywall as this will determine at what height materials are to be removed. This can be done with a moisture detection device available from most local hardware stores. Typically drywall is removed 24" up making it easier for repairs. No dry wall repair specialist wants to work any lower as it is difficult on the body. If it is determined drywall is wet over 24" up, measure to the next foot or 3' up.
TOOLS YOU WILL NEED
- Eye googles
- Construction mask
- Gloves
- Utility Knife
- Tape measure
- Chalk line
- Crowbar
- Permanent marker
Step 1. Use the utility knife to carefully score the caulk line between base molding and dry wall. This should be rather easy due to the drywall being wet. Step 2. Use crowbar to remove the base molding from wall. Don't worry about beating up the drywall as it is being discarded anyway. Be careful to watch for sharp nails when pulling the base as they are regularly used during base installation. Step 3. Using the tape measure place a mark at the designated height drywall is to be cut up to. Placing the mark on the furthest left and right of the damaged wall is best. Step 4. Using the chalk line hook at the end, drive it into the height of the first mark. Stretch line to the mark at the other end and pulling it somewhat taunt, snap the line to introduce a clean line on the drywall for cutting. Step 5. Using the utility knife follow the line by cutting into the drywall at a minimal depth as this is the scoring cut. Once completed follow the score cut with several deeper cuts till drywall backing has been reached. Step 6. Using the crowbar, drive it through the cut line and manipulate back and forth and begin to remove drywall. Often drywall will come out easily in big sections, other times it will break into many sections and make a mess. Step 7. This step is only for walls with insulation. Once all wet drywall is removed the inner cavity will either be hollow or filled with insulation. It is easy to recognize wet insulation if it has a paper backing on one side. If there is no paper backing and yet your not certain the insulation is wet, remove it. Determining moisture in insulation can be difficult to identify without expensive moisture detection meters. It is better to error on the side of precaution and remove it, than to leave behind a moisture source for mold to find. Step 8. If drywall was wet requiring removal the wood substrates are definitely wet too, needing to be dried. The bottom plate along with any wet 2x4 studs will require additional air movement to remove moisture from the wood. Place a fan or several (depending on area size) in a way where forced air is passing across the wet structure and leave running 3 days.
Wet Drywall Removal Prevents Mold Growth
The chief responsibility in flood damage cleanup is to eliminate the potential for mold to grow and develop. This is why wet drywall that falls into any of the previously mentioned categories is removed, to preserve the purity of indoor air in a property. Additionally removing wet drywall eliminates the chance for future mold growth, if there was any incipient (just beginning to grow) mold that was naked to the eye. Drywall is a cellulose material which is recognized as a favored food source for mold growth and its spread. The type of mold found after flooding on drywall is often the feared black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum) and avoiding this is of critical importance. Black mold on drywall is difficult to remediate without spreading mold spores everywhere and is highly expensive to fully eliminate. By removing wet drywall during flood cleanup you are sparing yourself the potentially devastating repercussions of a mold flare-up, that can threaten both human health and your bankroll.
How to Dry and Restore Wet Drywall
Wet drywall that falls into the salvageable criteria described above is wet no longer than 3 days of type 2 water and no longer than 144 hours of type 1. Restoring walls and ceilings comprised of drywall is recognized as safe and is also an industry standard the IICRC approves of. While there may exist a bit of interpretational minutiae, such minor details are not the purpose of this article. Air movement and dehumidification are always necessary when attempting to dry wet drywall after flood damage. Here are 4 recommended steps to follow for the best results. 1. REMOVE ANY BASE MOLDING: This will expose the wet drywall at its lowest level and remove the envelope like seal between the back of the base molding and front paper skin of the drywall. Trapped moisture in this hidden environment will always produce mold growth first. The ideal conditions of stagnant air, rich moisture content and absence of UV light, make for the perfect storm opportunity for mold. 2. PLACE 1" HOLES AT THE BASE OF WET DRYWALL: This will allow for a scientific principle known as equilibrium or homeostasis. Simply put the holes act as open vents to allow for the release of trapped moisture in the wall cavity. Place each hole high enough to get over the top of the 2x4 bottom plate, but not higher than the top of the removed base moldings highest point. This way after drying is complete, the re-installation of base will easily cover the holes. In walls that are known to not have in interior hidden cavity, no holes are required. For instance, walls that allow you to have access from behind because they are not finished on both sides. 3. INSPECT FOR WET INSULATION: Place your finger in one of the drilled holes at the base of the wall and feel for insulation. If insulation is present and wet, this project has taken a turn for the worse and you may want to consider getting professional help for water damage. A careful damage assessment of the drywall is required, a non-penetrating moisture meter is needed and removal of the drywall to access and remove insulation may be necessary. If you are a committed do-it-yourselfer, follow steps 3-8 above. 4. SET UP AIR MOVERS: Aim air movers or fans on the wall at a 45° angle every 10 feet for 3 days, which is the industry standard for drying wet drywall. Ideally you want the placement of a dehumidifier as well if the area attempting to be dried is over 15' in length. That's all there is to restoring wet drywall after flood damage. If the base moldings were pine and have dried having no suspicious blemishes and they have not warped, they can be re-installed. If there is a question as to their usefulness, install new base moldings, which are often sold as a discounted contractor bundle at most supply warehouses.
Should you Contact Professionals for Flood Cleanup
If any of this seems to be a heavy lift and like reversing the flow of the Niagara, call the water damage restoration professionals at Action Extraction. We offer free property damage assessments using scientific instruments that will identify any problems and allow for the correct protocol for wet drywall. If it is deemed, removing wet drywall during flood cleanup is necessary, you will know from the experts. If the drywall can be restored safety, this too will be from skilled tradesman with over 30 years of experience. If for any reason you choose to hire us for water restoration services, we will document all work and assist in an insurance claim. We offer a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee on all work and stand by each completed project with pride in our work. ♦ CHECK OUT OUR ARTICLE ON: Should water damaged paneling be restored or replaced?
How to Know if you Have a Wet Kitchen Floor
IS YOUR KITCHEN FLOOR WET?
Understanding Wet Kitchen Floor Issues
Kitchen floors of varying materials are a common surface to acquire water damage. Issues resulting from water spills, refrigerator leaks, broken water supply lines and dish washers are fairly common over time. Most kitchen flooring will quickly reveal an issue as water will pool around the source of water intrusion. But are there times when you may have a wet kitchen floor and not see standing water?
The answer is yes! Water that is seen will initiate quick actions to remedy the issue and minimize damage. However, stealthy water can slowly be absorbed into plywood, subfloors and result in permanent damage and mold growth.
Signs you May Have Water Under Kitchen Floor
Finding a wet area on your floor that doesn’t dry out after you soak up the water with a towel, is a cause for concern. If the water issue is left unattended, excessive moisture will do permanent damage as well as introduce harmful mold growth. Here are some common signs water may be trapped beneath your kitchen floor and things are getting worse.
- STICK DOWN VINYL TILES will begin to lift, shift and loosen. In time the wet kitchen floor will become so bad the seams will become noticeably separated and lifted becoming a tripping hazard.
- PLYWOOD SUBFLOORS will swell with moisture making the floor uneven, unlevel and often produce a foul wafting odor that becomes worse with time.
- CERAMIC TILES are the most difficult to identify, but knowing the signs to look for may reveal a problem. When multiple tiles become loose, lifted and cracked with grout pieces breaking, there could be trapped moisture. If the sound of stepping across the floor becomes hollow and dull along with visible water stains showing up, this is even more of an indication you have a wet kitchen floor.
- VINYL PLANK FLOORING will begin to look uneven with seams separating and large gaps appearing. In time the wood plywood subfloor becomes so wet the floor can feel spongy and prominent odors can make the room musty and smell offensive.
- HARD WOOD FLOORING is one of the easiest to recognize as having water damage. Hard wood floors quickly swell with water revealing signs of buckling, cupping with seams lifting making the shape of an Indian teepee. These floors are conspicuous and difficult to walk on without tripping.
- LINOLEUM FLOORS will bubble, lift in the seams and begin to peal away from the corners and edges of the walls.
- CARPETED KITCHEN FLOORS will be wet to the touch, leave footprints when walked on and produce strong musty odors.
2 Ways to Know you Have a Wet Kitchen Floor When you Don’t See Water
These are ways to know you have a wet kitchen floor by observing the signs listed above. Other times water will not be noticeable to the naked eye. These situations require advanced technology to discover. By performing a moisture test you will know for sure if you have a wet kitchen floor requiring drying service.
1. Employ the Use of a Non-Penetrating Moisture Meter
These instruments send an electromagnetic signal through flooring materials that will easily detect a wet kitchen floor. The higher the signal the closer you are to the source of the water intrusion. These moisture detection meters are affordable and can be found at a local hardware store.
Another option is getting professional help for water damage from a local property restoration firm. Most provide free inspections and use highly advanced moisture detection instruments that homeowners would not be interested in investing in. Their expertise in wet kitchen flooring detection will be valuable in helping locate the source of the water as well as providing a strategy to restore or replace the flooring.
1. Use a Penetrating Moisture Meter
This moisture meter has two sharp pins that once placed into a material will identify if the materials are wet or dry. These meters only give the moisture content of the materials the pins are directly placed in.
What are the Reasons for a Wet Kitchen Floor?
Once you know you have a wet kitchen floor the next thing to learn is how did it get there. Going through this checklist should reveal the reasons behind kitchen flooring water damage. However, if nothing becomes evident, you may consider contacting the professionals at Action Extraction. We provide free property inspections using scientific technology to help locate difficult to diagnose situations.
- Dish washer malfunction: Check the flooring around the dish washer and check the water supply lines for leaks. Also check the discharge line that connects to the garbage disposal. If these fittings are lose check for water leaks.
- Kitchen sink Issues: A kitchen sink has a hot and cold water supply line that need to be inspected for leaks. Additionally the drain deposits water in the p-trap assembly which needs to be inspected for leaks. Tighten any loose fittings.
- Refrigerator Supply line: Many refrigerators have a supply line for on demand water and ice cubes. If the line becomes kinked, damaged or torn, water will be found on flooring surface around the appliance leaving suspicious water puddles. Water damage from a refrigerator supply line is common as the materials often used by builders is cheap vinyl. If the water line is damaged replace it with a new steel braided supply line and tighten all fittings.
- Water pipe beneath concrete slab: This is a rare cause for a wet kitchen floor, but must be eliminated as a cause with a moisture meter. Kitchens on concrete slabs have the plumbing buried in the concrete. over time through shifting and settling the water pipe can get a small pinhole leak capable of kitchen floor damage.
- Faulty door wall: Door walls require the application of caulk on all seams to keep rain water from infiltrating into the kitchen. Check all the seams around the perimeter of the door wall for missing or compromised sections. Also check into the doors sliding track for water that may be getting in because of a bad door seal itself.
- Roof leak: If you have missing shingles or gutters are not properly managing rain water then water could be dripping into your kitchen walls and being deposited on flooring materials.
- Water from an adjacent room: If your kitchen has a shared wall with a bathroom or laundry room investigate for water related issues. The wet kitchen floor may be receiving water from a loose fitting, supply line leak or faulty sink or toilet.
5 Steps to Dry a Wet Kitchen Floor
Once you have confirmed you have a wet kitchen floor and the source for the damage has been identified, its time to restore or replace flooring. Each flooring requires its own particular technique, but the basic steps we will touch upon. By no means is this an exhaustive delineation for proper flooring restoration. For more detailed information contact the water damage restoration professionals at Action Extraction today and we can provide a detailed analysis for your unique circumstances.
1. Remove top layer of flooring
This is not applicable to hard wood flooring that has not yet buckled and cupped. There are techniques to dry a hardwood floor after a flood that combine vacuum floor mats and thermal energy that professionals use. We are not covering this approach in this article, but instead addressing the hardwood flooring with permanent damage. In that case the first step approach covers all floor types.
Water trapped beneath kitchen flooring requires removal of the top decorative layer to expose the water damaged subfloor. Vinyl tiles and vinyl plank flooring need to be removed and disposed of. Floating wood laminate floors and real hard wood flooring need to be removed as well.
2. Inspect subfloor for mold damage
Once the flooring has been removed, inspect the plywood subfloor for mold growth. Wet plywood will show moisture content by appearing darker than the non-affected areas. Look for suspicious color spots and growths that may be mold. If you uncover mold an alarming amount of mold growth you should consider getting professional help for water damage. Mold remediation is a service requiring stringent guidelines and knowledge to safety mitigate. A do it yourself approach can be like taking a tennis racquet to a hornets nest sending mold spores everywhere making matters worse. If the area of suspected mold growth is small such as under 2 sq. ft. step 3 would apply.
3. Scrub wood subflooring with a cleanser
Wearing a N-95 mask, spray the area with a non-sudsing detergent and scrub vigorously till the natural wood begins to return. Rince with fresh water and a towel or sponge and wipe dry the wet kitchen floor. Apply a germ killing agent liberally and follow step 4.
4. Test the floor for moisture content
Using a wood moisture meter get the reading of the wettest area and compare it to the driest area of flooring. For example if the wet area is 20% and the dry area is 7%, the target goal for drying the wet kitchen floor will be as close to 7% as you can get.
5. Apply air movement with dehumidification
Once you know the difference between the wet and dry subfloor you need to apply air movement. Moving air is an energy that will force moisture out of the wood. The principle for drying is forcing water to become vapor through air movement and dehumidification. Place a fan or several directly on the wet subfloor and setup a dehumidifier in the same room. Monitor the drying progress each day with the moisture meter till drying is complete.
Steps to Prevent Wet Kitchen Floor Damage
Promptly clean floors after a spill
Water routinely gets splashed on kitchen floors when washing hands and loading the dishwasher. Keeping your kitchen floor dry by wiping up any spills keeps water from seeping through micro-cracks and porous surfaces that could affect the subfloor. Even small amounts of water such as from a melted ice cube will over time damage hard wood floors.
Place a rubber back rug in front of kitchen sink
Water from sink use often gets on floors causing damage. Placing a rug or mat in front of the sink can protect the floor from getting wet. This will also reduce the risk of a slip and fall accident. Placing mats and rugs at each door and entryway will keep unwanted water out from wet shoes. Instructing family members to wipe off water when coming in from the wet outdoors will help keep floors clean and dry.
Place towels in walking path when pool with activities
Many homes have swimming pools the family enjoys regularly during the summer months. Kids and friends coming in to use the bathroom or dry off can slip or leave traces of water in walking paths. Placing towels down and removing and replacing with new ones each time swimmers take to the pool will reduce slipping accidents while keeping the kitchen floor dry.
Place a floor fan to dry wet kitchen floor
In the event a large spill from a dishwasher, sink overflow or related water incident occurs, place a floor fan to help with drying. After water is removed with towels or shop vac, there could be moisture still trapped in porous flooring materials. Placing a floor fan for several hours can force water to become vapor and dry the kitchen floor.
Contacting the Professionals may be the right step for managing your wet kitchen floor. Contact the experts at Action Extraction for a free damage assessments of water damaged kitchen floors will help you decide if flooring should be restored or replaced. If your damages merit an insurance claim the good news is homeowners insurance covers kitchen floor water damage restoration and replacement.
Laundry Tub Overflow Flood Damage
DO YOU HAVE A LAUNDRY TUB OVERFLOW?
Laundry Tub Overflow and Flood Damage Prevention
It was in 1782 when the first recognized washing machine was first introduced using a crank to assist in cleaning. Since then incremental improvements and electricity have gotten us where we are presently. The amount of water used by washing machines is actually more than any appliance in a home. Enough to cause laundry tub overflow flood damage.
The Multiple Uses of a Laundry Room Tub
Today there are options to a laundry tub such as a system that allows all water hookups and drain assembly to be installed in a wall. These options are usually in homes where there is a first floor laundry and the placement of a laundry tub was deemed redundant. Laundry tubs are used for much more than just draining the water from a washer, as they can be used for many purposes. These purposes while adding benefits are the very reasons that laundry tub overflow flood damage occurs more often.
Tips on Preventing Laundry Tub Overflow Flood Damage
Always Have Someone Present When Doing Laundry
Even the fire departments recommendation on doing laundry is to make sure someone is home to prevent fires. Bearings can overheat from friction and other components can malfunction. The same is true for preventing water damage that can come from a laundry tub overflow. If someone is home, the sound of water splashing over the tub and hitting the ground can bring the emanate catastrophe to a halt. If the sound doesn't catch the attention of an occupant the water migrating from the laundry room may show up in a hall and alert someone to act accordingly.
Annually Inspect the Washer Drain Line
Inspecting the drain hose for defects, tears, small holes and blisters can identify a potential problem before it manifest itself in the form of laundry tub overflow flood damage. These drain can be purchased affordably and should be replaced if any suspicious looking compromises exist.
Make Sure the Drain is Fastened Securely to the Tub
Washing machines create a lot of violent vibration that only increase during the drain cycle. This energy along with water flow pressure can over time compromise the security of the drains attachment to the tub. There are multiple options to firmly attaching the washing machines drain hose to the laundry tub. Below are just a few options, easily purchased at a local hardware store.
- Radiator clamp
- Zip-tie
- Plastic assembly hanger
- Wire
- Duct tape
- Screws and anchors
By making sure the drain is securely fastened to the laundry tub you are eliminating the potential for laundry tub overflow flood damage. The old adage that, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," applies here.
Routinely Check the Attachment of the Laundry Tubs Legs
The laundry tub legs are not secured with screws or any hardware, only a small slot that they are press-fitted into. If one or more legs becomes compromised from a blunt force you may have the entire tub capsize and spill water throughout your basement or main floor. There are multiple reasons a leg may become jolted out of place and make a water damage disaster likely. If you have children playing near the laundry tub any energetic direct contact can be all it takes. If the tub looks crooked or something no longer looks level, grab each leg one at a time and with upward pressure lift the leg into place if it has become jostled out.
Make Sure the Tub is Empty
Believe it or not there are insurance claims made each year from preventable laundry tub overflow flood damage. All it takes is a quick glance in the tub making sure nothing is crowding the drain. Anytime a drains function is threatened by an obstruction, there is a likelihood of reduced water flow or complete blockage. Common items that are known to be responsible for laundry tub overflow flood damage are listed below.
- Wet clothing, socks etc.
- Empty laundry bottles
- Lint and other debris
- Dust pans
- Paper products
- Acoustic ceiling tiles
- Insulation
This short list identifies items that are easily discovered with the naked eye if one makes it a habit to observe for tub crowding.
Install a Water Alarm Beneath Laundry Tub
When water from a laundry tub splashes to the floor beneath, having a water alarm will identify the problem immediately with a loud alarm sound. Even if the tub doesn't have a catastrophic spill, any small leak is sufficient to set off the alarm. Inform all in the home that should the alarm go off to immediately shut off the washing machine and make the necessary repair before turning it back on. The reason should be self evident, but going through this check-list should identify the problem.
Keep a Sufficient Space Between the Washer and Laundry Tub
The drain hose from a washing machine comes out from the back and is secured over the tubs top edge. Making sure there is enough space between the two will keep the drain from being kicked or pinched, allowing the discharge water to freely flow at the optimal flow. Making sure the legs of the washing machine are utilized to correctly level the appliance will keep it from violently vibrating from a secured position. Also making sure you place the clothes in spaced out correctly will also help reduce vibration.
Place a Tub Drain Filter over the Tubs Drain
These useful filters will keep larger obstructions, dirt, lint, wet debris and more from collecting in the tubs p-trap assembly beneath the drain. Over time these become clogged with unmitigated obstructions that will reduce the flow of discharged water or completely clog the drain. Either way a laundry tub overflow will occur because water will fill the tub quicker than can be drained.
Place a Nylon Filter Over the Discharge Drain
No need to acquire a specialty nylon filter if you have a pair of woman's nylons available. By placing one over the end of the discharge line, debris, lint, small collectables will be removed before coming into contact with the laundry tub drain. This do-it-yourself technique takes little time but the return of investment can be incalculable, especially if it prevents laundry tub overflow flood damage.
Purchase an Electronic Laundry Tub Overflow Protector
This is a newer device that has a sensor that once detects water will turn off power to the washing machine. The product is designed to prevent your laundry tub from overflowing due to a plugged or slow drain. The installation is simple requiring a strap and the same electrical outlet presently used for the washing machine. If for any reason the water rises in the tub from slow or no drain assistance the water will eventually get to the device which immediately shuts the power off to the washing machine. The system also has a loud alarm that will notify you of the problem to figure out. Typically the issues that cause laundry tub overflow flood damage are conspicuous to the naked eye. If however, you don't readily discern the cause for an overflow, our list could help you uncover the cause.
What to do if you Have a Laundry Tub Overflow?
This is when the worst case scenario happens. Water is all around your washing machine, the floor has pooling water and the environment is wet everywhere. Or worse! You have a first floor laundry and the laundry tub overflow has affected multiple rooms. Water has migrated into drywall, cabinets, flooring and ultimately deluged down to the basement beneath. Not only do you have flood water damage on one level of the home but the basement has flooded too.
Here is what we suggest in the order specified.
TURN THE POWER OFF TO THE LAUNDRY ROOM: This is done by going directly to the power circuit box and shutting the breaker off. Water and electricity do not mix well and electrocution is possible in a wet environment. REMOVE THE WATER WITH SHOP-VAC, MOP OR TOWELS: Water is a slipping hazard and no corrections to what ails the laundry room should be addressed before making sure water is off the floor. REMOVE WET RUGS, TOWELS AND MISCELANEOUS: After water splashes down in a laundry tub overflow many items can become affected. Absorbent items will continue to reintroduce water making the floor wet oince again. Removing and/or disposing of these small items helps secure the environment for the necessary repairs and flood cleanup. GO THROUGH OUR PREVENTION TIPS ABOVE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE: Often the cause is obvious with a cursory look at the laundry tub. If that doesn't reveal the cause our list can be instrumental in enlightening you of the causes. If the reason for the laundry tub overflow flood damage is a DIY fix then once you've completed the repair, go over our list to make sure nothing is overlooked. If for any reason you have laundry room water damage and need professional help to evaluate the damages, than give Action Extraction a call. We offer free damage inspections and have earned the highest ratings available for customer satisfaction in all Southeast Michigan on multiple social media platforms. We are available for water removal, sanitizing, restoration and structural drying. All our technicians are IICRC certified and all services come with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. Laundry tub overflow flood damage can be serious effecting structures as well as electrical switches and components. Be careful not to get in over your head when we offer free inspections and affordable property restoration. Call today and speak LIVE with the owner, who can answer questions or dispatch a team of experts to your home or business.
Should Water Damaged Paneling be Restored or Replaced
WARPED PANELING AFTER A FLOOD?
Causes for Warped Paneling
When considering to finish a basement homeowners have multiple options for wall coverings. Drywall, Knotty pine, paneling and even basement kits with fabric walls are available. The choice is usually whatever they feel would compliment their décor and be easy to maintain. Interestingly wood paneling is making a comeback whether through nostalgia or the fact that there are many types to consider. Because basements are prone to flood damage it is wise to consider the durability of water damaged paneling, should the unthinkable occur.
Is Wood Paneling a Wise Choice for a Finished Basement?
Wood paneling is no less durable than other wall coverings and in many situations will fare better if water comes into contact with it. Water damaged paneling has just as much a chance to be fully restored as dry wall. In some cases paneling will tolerate moisture better than drywall.
The Benefits of Using Paneling in a Finished Basement
IT BRINGS THE OUTDOORS INSIDE. Covid trapped people in their homes keeping them from the outdoors. Many work in gloomy offices with few windows and children are at school for most of the year. Paneling is a way to bring the beauty of the outdoors inside. Wood has a universal esthetic appeal and the many designs available can match even the most persnickety taste.
PANELING HAS MULTIPLE COLORS, DESIGNS AND HANGING OPTIONS. There is bead board, wainscoting, multi-color choices and even diversity in hanging options such as installing panels horizontally.
MORE DURABLE THAN DRYWALL. Drywall can easily scratch and dent as anyone careless with a pool que can attest as it can easily penetrate and leave a hole. Paneling being a natural product will preclude mold growth better is high humidity than drywall. Although water damaged paneling can acquire mold in some instances, it is not known to produce black mold as easily as drywall.
Regardless the product you choose to finish your basement, flooding can damage any wall covering, requiring either restoration or replacement of materials. If the source of the water damaged paneling or drywall comes from is sewage, replacement is essential due to irreversible contamination.
That being said, paneling is a good product to consider for a finished basement even though basements are at higher risk for flooding. If water damage occurs the question will become, "should water damaged paneling be restored or replaced?" The answer to this is, depending on whether the paneling has warped or not and if the water contamination level can be mitigated.
What are the Causes of Warped Paneling
Excessive High Humidity
Basements are known to have higher levels of relative humidity than the main floor. Regular humidity higher than 60% will increase moisture related complications such as mold growth and swelling in wood materials. Paneling has the potential of expanding and warping in these conditions almost looking like water damaged paneling.
Wood will naturally breath and mitigate excessive humidity , however in an environment of excessive water vapor will over time expand, warp and buckle. This condition can lead to a more serious effect like mold growth, as paneling will trap too much moisture in its fibers. This same environment will cause mold in drywall which places the basement at even greater risk. Drywall is known to be the favorite food source of black mold being found on drywall much more than on wood paneling.
Low Density Wood Paneling
The relative sparsity of mass in a thin sheet of paneling such as .25" thickness will be more susceptible to warping than a thicker panel. Just as it is easier to bend a thin piece of wood than a thick piece, so .25" paneling will warp easier than a sheet of '50" thickness. Try to use a thicker paneling as they will withstand humidity better. In extreme situations even denser materials will take on the look of water damaged paneling.
Size Matters with Warping in Paneling
Modern paneling comes in all different shapes, grades and sizes. The smaller sections can come in pieces like 4"x6", where other sections can be the traditional size of 4'x8' sheets. In a high humidity environment the small pieces are almost indomitable to the potential of warping, making them a great choice. The larger sections must share the force of the swelling making them easier to distort and buckle. In answering the question, "should water damaged paneling be restored or replaced?" the answer may be, depending on the size. Smaller pieces almost never need to be replaced unless there is mold growth on wood.
Is Warped Water Damaged Paneling a Permanent Condition?
By the time you notice water damaged paneling having warped it is too late to remedy in most cases. When it is warped from flooding or so conspicuous that it captures your attention upon entering the room, it may be better to replace. However, if you are not shy from hard work, there are several techniques that could restore water damaged paneling.
How to Fix Water Damaged Paneling?
Detach & Reset the Water Damaged Paneling
Wood paneling can be removed from the studs if your careful and patient using the correct tools. If the paneling also had been glued, the removal can be more complicated, but patience is the virtue to navigate you to success. Once removed the water damaged paneling can be reinstalled using glue and a brad nailer.
Once you place glue on all the studs, top and bottom plate, you can start nailing to the wood substrates. Be vigilant to notice the areas requiring more attention to get the flush look you are wanting to achieve. You may have to add studs if the spacing is over 16" as some studs may be spaced every 24". In this case place a new stud between each existing stud which will allow an attachment point every 12".
Repairing damaged paneling is more affordable than replacement and following this water damage restoration protocol, you may be pleasantly surprised with the finished product. Should the water damaged paneling be restored through this technique, you will have earned a measure of satisfaction for saving a measure of currency.
Cover the Noticeable Damage of Paneling
Often the warping in paneling has resulted from a basement flood. Water has come into contact with the base of the wood paneling and all noticeable damage is at the base. If you have warping and buckling paneling, but it is only at the base than covering it with a new base molding is ideal and easy.
Measure the highest point of conspicuous damage and place the same size base molding over it. If the damage is 4" up, they make a 4.25" molding that will work efficiently. Even if the damage is as high as 8" they make wood base in all sizes, making this solution ideal and affordable. Decorative base molding will add beauty to any wall covering while being a great material for covering the blemishes of water damaged paneling.
Cut Out and Remove Water Damaged Wood Paneling
The professionals at Action Extraction restoration have learned how to fix water damaged paneling by building a half wall. Our expert team of restorers, routinely cut the water damaged paneling at a height of 3' or 3'6". This allows the warped and noticeably damaged paneling to be removed while saving the top section.
This has proven to be a cost affective and ideal option, instead of complete removal and replacement. When repairing damaged paneling is not an option, partial removal is a strategy that can add beauty and a new look to an old finished basement. Once damaged paneling is removed there are multiple wall covering that can take its place to complement and accent the existing paneling being saved. Once the new paneling has been securely attached to the wood substrates, add a decorative chair rail molding to hide the seal and you are finished.
It is great to have options to complete replacement of damaged paneling, especially when new paneling can be quite expensive. These alternatives allow the answer to, "should water damaged paneling be restored or replaced?' to be a resounding, "restore!"
How to Prevent Warped Paneling?
If you have paneling as a wall covering in your finished basement you want to keep it looking good and structurally sound. What are some preventative steps to keep wood paneling from warping or defacing over time?
Keep Paneling at Least 3" off the Ground
Keeping paneling lifted off the ground will keep it free of basement water damage unless the depth of water exceeds 3". Because most basement water damage is less than 1" this means you are potentially making the paneling waterproof.
Although initially the wood paneling will look a bit odd lifted 3" from the ground, once you place a 3.25" base molding at the base of the wall, you have a finished look.
Have Sewer Drains Snaked Every 2 Years
Most all basement flooding is the result of a floor drain backup because a sewer system has a blockage. Having the system snaked out every 2 years will allow any build-ups of grease, paper products and tree roots to be removed, preventing blockages that lead to basement water damage.
Basement Waterproofing if there are Known Issues
If you are aware of any rod holes, foundation cracks or window seal compromises have them repaired. The cost is minimal but the benefits can keep you from water damaged paneling and from having to determine, should water damaged paneling be restored or replaced?
Reduce Humidity with a Dehumidifier
Remember high humidity is one of the most common ways wood paneling warps and buckles. Water vapor in the air is not something you see with the naked eye, but it can still be excessive. By the time you notice warping or buckling in the paneling, its too late. Placing a dehumidifier in your finished basement will reduce humidity and not only keep the paneling from warping, but reduce the chance for mold growth in the basement.
Dehumidifiers are relatively affordable and can control the conditions that allow for excessive moisture. Reducing humidity in the basement can improve the air quality of the entire home and decrease air born molds. Keeping temperature and humidity in your home at ideal levels with minimal fluctuation, will allow you to enjoy the beauty of your wood paneling for years to come.
If you have had a basement flood that has badly damaged your wood paneling consider calling the water damage restoration professionals at Action Extraction. We provide a free property inspection that will allow for the correct damage assessment of your paneling. Call today and learn if your damaged wood paneling can be restored or needs replacement.
CHECK OUT OUR ARTICLE ON: Should water damaged carpet be restored?
Should Water Damaged Carpet Be Restored?
DO YOU HAVE WET CARPETS?
Do You Need to Replace Water Damaged Carpets?

If you are like many homeowners who have experienced a flood in their home, you may be dealing with some wet carpet. Seeing once valued carpet, wet, smelling and in dire condition has many ask the obvious, "should water damaged carpet be restored or replaced?" More than half of all residential water damage affects carpet as it is highly popular US floor covering.
In this article we will explore the options and hopefully disseminate additional information that may help you make the right choice when you have carpet water damage. When you understand the risks vs benefits of trying to restore wet carpet, your final decision will be based upon knowledge and not presumption.
In a perfect world where limitless financial resources are at ones disposal, it is always best to replace wet carpets. If you have made an insurance claim for water damage, you should communicate the importance of getting new carpet with the professionals restoring your property.
8 Times When Water Damaged Carpet Must be Replaced
There are times when the answer to, should water damaged carpets be restored? is an unequivocal NO! There are conditions that exist where the carpet becomes so infinitely beyond the scope of restoration that it must be replaced. Things to consider is the amount of time carpet has been wet, the source of the water, the magnitude of the odor and the overall appearance. Below we will explore each of these considerations as they are instrumental in making the right decision.
1. When the Type of Water Comes From a Contaminated Source
There is a deference in taking a shower in fresh water as apposed to ground water. This same logic exist when it comes to wet carpeting in your home. If the carpet has fresh water damage and it has not been wet for over 2 days, there remains a chance it can be restored. If however, the sewer backed up, the toilet overflowed, the sump pump failed or flood waters from steams and rivers has soaked the carpet, you are dealing with "living water".
There exist microorganisms, germs, bacterial, harsh chemicals, fertilizers and in the case of sewage; viruses! This water has made the carpet pathogenic (causing illness to humans) and any attempt to restore wet carpet, a dangerous and futile exercise.
2. When the Water Saturation in Carpet Covers a Large Area
If a slow leak from a water supply line created a small area of wet carpet, there is hope. When the amount is abundant affecting the entire room or several rooms than each layer of carpet is water-logged and so is your pad, subfloor and tack-less strip. Drying this mess is going to be more difficult and in most cases the technique required to dry carpet involves cutting, detachment and pad removal.
In this case the required service to restore the wet carpet is pad replacement, re-stretching the carpet, additional cutting and new seam tape which never looks as good as the original installation. You are better off replacing the carpet and pad even though it is more expensive. By the time you go through the complete restoration service, you almost spend as much and the results drastically compromise the original install integrity and appearance.
3. If the Carpets Have Languished in Water For Days
Sometimes by the time wet carpets are discovered they have been saturated several days. Basement flooding can go unnoticed for days if occupants don't regularly frequent the basement. Often water damage can occur when people are away for several days and come home to the unthinkable.
Professional restoration companies follow the guidelines of the IICRC (Institute for Inspection, Cleaning, Restoration Certification) which recommends replacement when carpets have been wet for 48 - 72 hours. Dwell time causes irreversible conditions to manifest from appearance compromise to unsanitary considerations. If germs, mildew and mold growth begin to develop, you have an unnatural eco system thriving in your carpet. In this case the sensible choice is replacement when wondering, "should water damaged carpet be restored?"
4. If the Carpet Smells Pungent
Lingering Odors from a water damaged carpet can be impossible to fully remove and are a compelling reason to consider replacement. Even if you can dry wet carpets in a timely manner, the cleaning and sanitization process fails to remedy the permanent odor of padding. The pad will often retain an unpleasant smell that never fully dissipates. Permanent odors always make it best to replace water damaged carpet over restoration.
5. When Wet Carpets are to Difficult to Dry
Carpets that have been wet for days, have had several inches of standing water on them and are a part of a large area, are too difficult to dry affordably. After wet carpets are professionally extracted there still remains trapped moisture that requires air movement and dehumidification to fully restore wet carpet. This can be an expensive service that can take days and still requires steam cleaning and sanitizing and maybe even stretching. Ching, ching, ching!!! The better option is carpet replacement.
Professional restoration companies are skilled in removing the wet materials, sanitizing all remaining surfaces and structurally drying the property. This is the ideal environment for new carpet and certainly the best case scenario. Even when the insurance company recommends restoring carpet, the professional restorers can explain it is more cost efficient to remove and replace in the long-run.
6. If your Carpet is Old and Worn
Should water damaged carpet be restored when it is unsightly and old? Never if an insurance claim has been made. You should never settle for compromised and embarrassing looking carpet when the services are covered as an insurance loss. Most insurance carriers will concur that the expense of restoring old carpet is almost as much as replacement. They additionally understand that you may not be pleased with the results and demand new flooring.
7. Extensive Damages are Present
Often water saturated carpets undergo extreme damage from tremendous pressure water places of flooring during flooding. An example is when a finished basement with carpet has a drain backup. The water is coming up from beneath the carpet and this creates pressure that lifts the carpet, stretches' it and often tears seams open. In this case the carpet is completely destroyed and requires replacement.
If water has stained the carpet from wet furniture legs, or metal objects have made rust stains and colors have bleed into carpet from other wet fabrics, the carpet is destroyed and needs replacement not restoration.
These type water damage scenarios produce extensive damage where carpet, padding and appearance are all compromised and restoration is no longer feasible. If for any reason the insurance claims adjuster suggest under these conditions, water damaged carpet should be restored, don't comply. You may have a new adjuster attempting to make a name for themselves, so hold your ground and demand to speak to a supervisor.
If you have chosen the use a professional restoration firm, they will have no problem advocating for new carpet as they are well versed in industry standards. They should be well capable of helping you answer, should water damaged carpet be restored or replaced.
8. Potential Future Damage May Manifest
When a hot water heater burst or ruptures the water that migrates throughout a carpeted room may not immediately show rust water staining. The water however, always carries a slight rust color that may not be noticed for weeks. If the insurance carrier demands you should restore the water damaged carpet, they need to be informed about the unique damage water from a water heater brings.
Action Extraction property restoration in Michigan removes carpet in every situation when the source of water came from a water heater. They understand the water damage on carpet is not always immediately seen. This is why they will on day 1 make a compelling case for new carpet knowing rust staining can take weeks to show up. There are rust deposits in all water heaters and those do not stay contained when water heaters rupture. They get carried wherever the water travels, and will stain the carpet in due time.
Common Sources for Water Damaged Carpet
Water damage in a home or business is a common insurance loss and can do extensive damage to building materials. When faced with water-damaged carpet, the question arises: should water damaged carpet be restored or is replacement the best option. We sincerely hope this article is helping to answer that question, but lets look at some of the ways carpet gets wet.
- Broken, frozen or burst water pipes.
- Floor drain backups of sewage or ground water.
- Toilet, sink and tub overflows.
- Roof leaks from bad or missing shingles and faulty gutters.
- Septic tank backups.
- Malfunctioning appliances such as dish washers and washing machines.
- Storm damage and community flooding.
- Sprinkler systems that have a broken water supply line.
- Foundation leaks in basement walls and floors.
Should You Consider Restoration over Replacement
As previously stated it is best to replace in most situations, but there are times restoration works affectively.
- When it is a glue-down carpet without pad. If the water is not suspicious having come from a floor drain, sewer system or sump well, water extraction with sanitizing and drying can be a consideration. Professional water extraction is recommended as shop-vacs and conventional extractors only remove little of the overall presence of water. Applying a safe and effective disinfectant followed by a fan to dry wet carpet and you may be all set.
- If the water is in a small contained area. If you caught the intrusion quickly enough than you may only have a small footprint to manage. This makes for an ideal situation for restoring wet carpet. If you have wet padding, you may need to detach the carpet from the walls and place a low profile air mover underneath the carpet but on the top surface of the pad. If the pad has a plastic sheath that is commonly called spill guard, you will have to physically remove all wet pad and then dry the carpet.
These are the only conditions for a yes answer to the question, should water damaged carpet be restored? Carpet can be a haven for all types of germs and you may even get mold in carpet from water damage along with organic compounds that make restoration the wrong option.
Should you Restore Water Damaged Carpet On Your Own?
If the conditions above are met and you are willing to give a noble effort as a do-it-yourselfer, than success can be achieved. It is important to remember though that although a water damaged carpet may look like a simple task to fully dry, there are variables to consider first.
Did water come into direct contact with drywall, wood base or wood cabinetry? If so you have much more to navigate through than just wet carpet. Cellulose materials such as those just mentioned are a food source for mold and must be restored quickly if mold is to be averted. If you have multiple materials that are wet the DIY approach may cost more in the long-run especially if mold growth and structural compromise occurs.
Do you Need Professional Service for Water Damaged Carpet?
Sometimes it is just better to get professional help for water damage when faced with a big mess of water damaged carpet. The decision to restore or replace carpet when an entire room is wet requires careful consideration. Although restoration can be a viable option in less severe cases, more extreme situations will create irreversible damage and compromised aesthetics. In such cases the idea of replacement is the smarted thought.
Extensively damaged carpets can have mold growth, lingering odors and present health risk if left remaining in the home. Replacing water damaged carpet may be the best course of action to preserve air quality control. Maintaining healthy living conditions includes properly managing indoor air, which keeping a germ infected carpet will not promote.
It is always advisable to consult with water damage restoration professionals who can assess the damage and provide expert advice tailored to your specific situation.
The professionals at Action Extraction have serviced the Metro-Detroit are for over 30 years. Our experience and skilled technicians have restored and replaced water damaged carpets for thousands of home and business owners. We can help you and offer a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. Call today for a free inspection of your property and we will help you answer the question, should water damaged carpet be restored or replaced?
The Common Causes of Basement Floods
Macomb County Basement Flood Restoration - Action Extraction

If you are in need of top rated Macomb County Basement Flood Restoration, please call Action Extraction at (586) 949-4448 for 24/7 emergency service. Click here to learn more about our Basement Flood Restoration services or Follow Us on Facebook!

Basement floods can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
1. Heavy rain or snowmelt: During heavy rain or snowmelt, water can accumulate quickly and overwhelm basement drainage systems.
2. Poor drainage: Poorly designed or clogged drainage systems can cause water to accumulate around the foundation of your home, leading to basement flooding.
3. Foundation cracks: Cracks in the foundation of your home can allow water to seep into the basement.
4. Sump pump failure: Sump pumps are designed to remove excess water from the basement, but if they fail, water can accumulate and flood the basement.
5. Plumbing issues: Leaking or burst pipes, a backed-up sewer line, or other plumbing issues can cause water to flood the basement.
6. Improper grading: If the ground around your home is not properly sloped away from the foundation, water can accumulate and seep into the basement.
7. Basement window wells: Poorly installed or maintained window wells can allow water to accumulate and seep into the basement.
To prevent basement floods, it's important to keep your basement drainage systems, sump pump, and plumbing in good condition, and ensure proper grading and window well maintenance.

For experienced and trusted Macomb County Basement Flood Restoration, call Action Extraction at (586) 949-4448 now!
Only Hire Professionals for Basement Flood Cleanup
Sterling Heights Basement Flood Cleanup - Action Extraction

If you are in need of a top rated Sterling Heights Basement Flood Cleanup service, please call Action Extraction at (586) 949-4448 for 24/7 emergency assistance. Click here to learn more about our basement flood cleanup services or Follow Us on Facebook!

A restoration company can be a valuable asset in the event of a basement flood for several reasons:
1. Expertise and Equipment: A professional restoration company has the expertise and specialized equipment to properly assess the extent of the damage and effectively remove excess water, dry out the affected area, and mitigate any mold or mildew growth.
2. Quick Response Time: Water damage can cause significant harm to your property in a short amount of time. A restoration company can respond quickly to mitigate further damage and help prevent any long-term problems.
3. Safety Concerns: Basement flooding can pose serious safety risks, such as electrical hazards or exposure to hazardous substances. A professional restoration company can ensure that the area is safe before beginning any restoration work.
4. Insurance Claims: A reputable restoration company can help navigate the insurance claims process, ensuring that you receive the maximum coverage for the damage done to your property.
In summary, hiring a restoration company can save you time, money, and stress in the event of a basement flood. They can provide expert assistance, rapid response, ensure safety, and help with insurance claims.

For an experienced and trusted Sterling Heights Basement Flood Cleanup service, contact Action Extraction at (586) 949-4448 now!
Why You Should Hire Professionals for Flood Damage Restoration
Macomb County Flood Damage Restoration - Action Extraction
If you are in need of top rated Macomb County Flood Damage Restoration, please contact Action Extraction at (586) 949-4448 for 24/7 emergency services. Click here to learn more about our flood damage restoration services or Follow Us on Facebook! There are several reasons why you should hire a professional for flood damage restoration:
1. Safety: Floodwaters can be contaminated with bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances. A professional flood damage restoration company has the equipment and expertise to safely remove any contaminated materials from your home and protect you and your family from illness. -
2. Experience: Flood damage restoration is a complex process that requires specialized knowledge and experience. A professional flood damage restoration company has trained technicians who know how to properly assess the damage, develop a plan of action, and restore your home to its pre-flood condition. -
3. Speed: The longer you wait to address flood damage, the more extensive and costly the repairs become. A professional flood damage restoration company has the equipment and resources to quickly and efficiently remove water, dry out your home, and prevent further damage. -
4. Insurance: If you have flood insurance, hiring a professional flood damage restoration company can help ensure that your claim is processed smoothly and efficiently. Restoration companies have experience working with insurance companies and can provide the documentation and proof of damage necessary to support your claim.
Overall, hiring a professional flood damage restoration company can help ensure that your home is restored to its pre-flood condition safely, quickly, and effectively. For experienced and trusted Macomb County Flood Damage Restoration, call Action Extraction at (586) 949-4448 for 24/7 service!
6 Steps To Remove Water From Carpet And Prevent Mold Growth
6 Steps To Remove Water From Carpet And Prevent Mold Growth

Wet carpet is almost always immediately noticed as wet, whether you are wearing socks, shoes or barefoot. The source of the water will vary from a leak to an overflow or even an appliance that has malfunctioned.

Have you discovered wet carpet after descending your steps to a wet basement? Has a drain backed up damaging your valued floor covering? Anyone who has experienced this will attest to the inescapable conclusion that, “this is a bad thing”.

If wet carpets are discovered moments after the intrusion than chances are your situation is not as grim as those who stumble upon the same event after being away for a weeks’ vacation.

Do You Have A Water Issue That Has Affected Your Carpet?

You are not alone as most insurance claims are related to in home water emergencies. However, in many cases a professional restoration firm may not be required if the water is isolated. The situation is manageable in many cases with a little knowhow and commitment to remedying the problem the right way.

Wet carpet left to itself can create a menacing situation where subfloors become permanently damaged, smells manifest and even mold growth can begin. Following the steps below will assure that these unpleasant developments don’t occur in your home.

Finding The Source Of The Water

While it may appear obvious like a leaky pipe or appliance that has malfunctioned, sometimes why carpet is wet can be a conundrum. Be sure to look at all nearby plumbing from kitchens and bathrooms. If the area is in a basement locate where floor drain may be located. Investigate the surrounding areas by your water heater and humidifier too if your home has one.

Sometimes the source of moisture can be overhead so look for signs of water stains or water coming down through the ceilings. Plumbing in the walls and/or ceilings that may be the source often leak in stealth making it difficult to locate.

Lastly check by walls and corners that are not frequently walked on as in some cases water is slowly infiltrating from outside the home making its way to your carpet. Sometimes a pungent smell that has pervaded the home will be worse near the source and indicate the reason why carpet is wet.

Sometimes Carpet Is Wet And You Don’t Know

While this may seem counterintuitive to believe carpet is wet when it doesn’t feel wet, it is more common than you might think. How? You may ask. Many carpets have a pad that has a plastic top cover to keep spills and pet accident from getting to the actual pad. These pads are sometimes called spill guard and water proof. In cases where water comes down from the top these plastic liners may help prevent water from getting to the pad. Conversely any water (from a drain, floor crack or slow leak) coming from the bottom up will be trapped in pad as the plastic liner will keep it from getting to the top.

Several signs this is occurring will be pungent smells, vacuuming the area feels noticeably different than other areas vacuumed, discoloration slowly appears and gets bigger each week. The worse signs are when health issues occur such as itchy eyes and throat, coughing, allergy like symptoms and a mysterious malaise that doesn’t seem to go away.

In such circumstances it is advisable to contact a professional water restoration firm to assist. There exist the potential of a high risk environment requiring stringent guidelines to keep the possible presence of mold from spreading.

6 Steps To Remove Water From Carpet And Prevent Mold Growth

If your carpet is wet, smells and you have taken care of the source, there’s no time to lose. Follow these 6 steps for water removal and drying your carpet. Proper and careful adherence to these guidelines can prevent the growth and spread of mold and mildew.

1. Remove The Water And Moisture

Most homes have a shop vac somewhere that can be operated as a wet vac and are ideal for removing water from carpets. Vacuum is the best way to extract surface water and minimize the moisture content allowing for the drying process to begin.

If you don’t have a wet vac than chances are your neighbor does and the two of you are on speaking terms and friendly. If they are nice enough to loan you the use of their vacuum I would suggest buying them a new filter as a way of saying thank you.

If the neighbor suggestion doesn’t work out than any hardware store sells affordable shop/wet vacs and there uses in the home or garage are many. In some cases they may even rent them if you’re not convinced you would need one in the future.

2. Check Your Walls And Furniture For Moisture

For the same reason the carpets are wet you may also have wet walls or furniture. When carpet gets wet it can absorb and spread to a walls base molding and dry wall. These materials are cellulose and serve as a food source for mold. Once they become wet they can produce mold if not dried quickly.

Evaluating these materials for moisture is essential if you want to ward off all possibilities for mold. If moisture is discovered in the base or dry wall, place a fan for 2-3 days to dry the wet materials.

The same should be done for furniture in the area as well. Check to see if they are noticeably wet or signs of moisture are present. In some cases you may find mold has already begun to grow on wood legs or on fabrics. If this is discovered it is important to remove these items from your home as mold spores will continue to increasingly spread.

3. Create Air Flow With Fans

Once you remove water there will still remain moisture you must contend with. Just like wet clothing left in the washing machine after the spin cycle (water removal process) will smell and potentially mildew, so will your carpet.

Placing a fan or two for at least 2 days will create the necessary air movement energy to dry. Rapid air flow forces moisture to become a vapor forcing the wet materials to become dry and safe from molds potential. Mold can only begin and spread in a moist conducive environment. Air movement from fans and opening windows will serve as a hostile environment for mold, keeping you and your family safe.

In some instances if the amount of water was great and the area large you may need the energy of multiple air movers. In such conditions it is recommended to utilize high-powered fans that you may not actually possess. Consider renting them from a hardware store or tool rental place for at least 2 days and monitor the drying progress.

If you had a lot of water that means after the water extraction process you will still have a lot of moisture to remove. The multiple high-powered fans will be sufficient to force the moisture to evaporate into a vapor, which is exactly what you want. If the weather is seasonably warm that open a few windows to allow the excessive humidity to evacuate from your property. If this is not an option you may want to place a dehumidifier in the room to help remove the excessive humidity.

4. Evaluate and Consider Replacing the Carpet Padding

In some cases the amount of water is minimal and the above steps will be sufficient to fully restore the water damaged area. In some instances though, the wet pad could still be an issue and needs to be dealt with accordingly. Here are 2 scenarios to consider.
- 1) The carpet pad has the plastic liner mentioned earlier and is still trapping moisture and needs to be physically removed and replaced.
- 2) The water found in the carpet had actually languished wet maybe days or weeks before its discovery. In this case there is likelihood that the pad is contaminated with germs, mold or mildew and would best be removed and replaced. If not the pad will continue to smell and even affect the surface of the carpet.
5. Steam Clean And Disinfect The Carpet

Just as taking a bath restores your hygiene your carpets will be refreshed with a good steam cleaning. The fresh water with mild detergents can remove staining and smells leaving that clean appearance you had when it was originally installed.

Calling out a professional carpet cleaner may be the best choice as they have truck-mount systems that use high temperatures. The high temperatures clean deeper to remove toxins, germs and residues better than warm water can.

6. Sanitize All Surfaces That May Have Been Wet

Once carpet and other affected surfaces are dry all related surfaces should be sanitized. The baseboards and walls should be cleaned with a mild cleaner or diluted dish detergent and wiped clean. The carpets should have a sanitizer applied during the steam cleaning process. If there were any organic living organisms in the carpet from the water, these will be eliminated.

Congratulations are in order if you have followed these 6 steps to remove water from carpet and prevent mold growth. They are effective strategies that can remove health risk from your home and preclude dangerous microorganisms from spreading.

Contact Local Professionals

If however, you are not inclined to a DIY effort and prefer professional restoration after discovering wet carpet and other related materials, you need to contact the professionals. Call Action Extraction today as we offer a free inspection of your property and will not only be able to locate the source of water but restore all affected areas.

We are IICRC certified and have a variety of highly effective services to dry wet carpet and restore and preserve a sanitary home.
Residential Water Damage
WATER DAMAGE CAN QUICKLY RUIN YOUR HOME

Understanding Residential Water Damage

Residential Water damage is an emergency related service homeowner’s need when they discover unwanted water has intruding into the living space of their homes. Such water can result from a leaky or broken water pipe, toilet overflow, drain backup or appliance malfunction. Identifying the source of the intrusion is essential so you can quickly stop further damage by turning the water main off, in most cases.
HOW BAD IS RESIDENTIAL WATER DAMAGE? It is about as destructive an energy as fire and can do permanent harm to a homes structural integrity and in severe cases cause black mold and other toxic conditions. Within the first 24 hours of a flood condition hard wood flooring can be completely destroyed, electrical switches and receptacles can be shorted out, drywall and wood base can swell and become defaced, supportive wood substrates can become compromised and a perfect environment for mold growth exist.
This is why it’s always best to act quickly and get professional help for water damage in the home. Each hour water languishes as a destructive energy the more your home will suffer in the long run. Water will continue to absorb into materials and water will become more contaminated which is when microorganisms begin to thrive.

2 IMPORTANT FACTS TO CONSIDER: According to the Insurance Research Industry 98% of all basements in the US will at some point experience some sort of residential water damage. Homeowners are not alone when indoor flood damage lifts its ugly head unexpected.
The second startling fact is many homeowners are unaware that their homeowner’s policy may not cover residential flood damage, if the source of the water is from a sewer or drain. The needed coverage in these situations requires an additional policy addendum requiring a yearly premium and has a monetary limit usually at $5,000 - $20,000.
How Quickly Does Residential Water Damage Progress?
Even what seems insignificant like a water leak or wet carpeted area can be more complicated than at first glance. A more detailed evaluation can often show water has migrated to other rooms and even deluged down to a lower level of the home. Now suddenly what seemed harmless has demonstrated itself to be more problematic. Professional water restorers use sensitive moisture detection meters that will often discover even more concerns than what the naked eye can uncover.
Time Lapse Progression of Residential Water Damage
THE FIRST 24 HOURS: As water from a leak or drain spreads in the home it saturates everything it come into contact with. Your valued furnishings, clothing, paper products, pictures, books and wood furniture all will gladly absorb as much water as possible. That's what cellulose and absorbent materials do and this is a natural phenomena that works against you. Additionally the construction materials your home is comprised of will do the same. Drywall, carpets, wood flooring, doors and trim and cabinetry are also in a state of emergency, requiring restoration and drying. If your property is left to languish without proper treatment the time lapse progress of destruction advances to another level.
If the water source is from a roof leak than ceilings, insulation, electrical components and fixtures are at risk and the needed property restoration will be more involved to fully remedy this hapless condition.
THE FIRST WEEK CONDITION: Doors and windows are now so swollen they may be completely frozen in place, window frames are noticeably warped and swollen, wood flooring has buckled and lifted making it dangerous to walk on without tripping. Making matters worse, behind all wood trim and in each wet wall cavity mold has begun to develop and spread. It is not unusual for mild to not only be physically present, but at one week it can be seen as discolored and blotchy spots on multiple surfaces.
All it takes for mold to manifest and thrive in a home is moisture, stagnant air and an absence of UV lighting. This "perfect storm" will heighten the level of concern for occupants and in some instances the home could be inhabitable till restoration steps are implemented. Human safety is a critical concern when residential water damage has been left to itself for a week or more.
MORE THAN ONE WEEK: The homes condition is dire and human health is at risk by merely breathing the indoor air. Mold will be seen almost everywhere especially seen on cellulose materials like boxes, paper, drywall and wood doors and trim. Before any of these materials that are replete with mold can be removed from the home, indoor air quality must be managed. An air filtration system forcing air directly out of the home must be placed and a plant-based anti-microbial agent needs to be applied to all wet materials, prior to stirring up air.
Here are Some Sources Of Residential Water Damage
There are an assortment of issues that cause residential water damage, some sudden, others occurring slowly over time. Lets consider several of these nuisances that have created grand scale head-aches for some homeowners.

APPLIANCE MALFUNCTIONS: There are no limits to the damage a faulty water using appliance like a dish washer or washing machine can produce. Expensive kitchen floors and cabinets can be permanently damaged, electrical systems can be affected and if there is a basement below, it is sure to get substantial water damage.
PLUMBING LINES THAT LEAK OR BREAK: Fresh water issue resulting from plumbing fixtures or broken water pipes are a common household problem. It can even result from running water to sinks and tubs that someone forgets to shut off. Believe it or not distractions from crying children and ringing phones are responsible for highly intelligent people suddenly forgetting they have water running. Once the child is addressed or the phone hung up, embarrassment and shock is looming in their near future.

BACKUPS FROM SEWERS OR DRAINS: This is probably the most common type of residential water damage that homeowners experience. Although basement flood damage can come from above such as from the main floor, it is most often a result of a sewage backup or sump pump failure. Be sure to have a conversation with your insurance agent to inquire if you have coverage for backup sewers or drains. This requires a special policy and many homeowners are in need of it, believing falsely they already have it.
If you do not have the backup of sewer or drain addendum then it is almost certain your claim for basement flood cleanup will be denied. Policies can be remarkably affordable and limits for coverage can be as high as $20,000.00.

FOUNDATION ISSUES, CRACKS & HOLES: This scenario of water entering into the basement usually happens during inclement weather of heavy rains. If your foundation has acquired small cracks, rod hole leaks or a wall crack your basement will become wet. Sometimes its just a small intrusion noticed at an exterior wall, but in rare instances can enter with a fierce vengeance and flood the entire basement.
Be sure to inspect your basements foundation yearly for new compromises as residential water damage from a foundation is not covered by homeowners insurance.

COMMUNITY FLOODING: This source of flooding is catastrophic and will cost the most to remedy. Your homeowners policy will not cover flood damage that happens when entire communities are effected from a river that overflows, dams that break or streams that crest over their banks. Water that originates from outside the home from such examples requires insurance through FEMA or some other governmental agency or national carrier. This kind of residential water damage affects many in the US and is the most destructive and financially devastating.

What to do First When Residential Flood Damage Happens?

As soon as residential water damage is discovered it is important to act as soon as possible to reduce cost and minimize structural damage to the home. The longer the wait the more time is given for the manifestation of mold and germs, as they will grow rapidly in moisture rich environments. Your best choice is to contact a professional water damage company. They will access the damage and create a sensible approach to restoring your home.

The professionals at Action Extraction of Macomb Michigan offer free inspections and will evaluate residential water damage without charge. Our evaluation includes an in depth inspection of property damage using sensitive moisture meters. Our skilled appraisal of the affects of the water damage will be vital to your insurance company as well as determining the protocol for restoration.
The naked eye is a poor gauge to determine the severity of a water loss and is never capable of seeing hidden moisture presence in building materials that are a food source for mold.

Correctly Classifying Residential Water Damage

Whatever the source of your water intrusion, the most important step is the correct classification of the water damage contamination level. Correctly assigning the appropriate cleanup procedure must happen for the restoration to be effective at killing germs and successfully drying all wet materials, so there remains no possibility for mold growth.

DON'T ALLOW PROFESSIONALS OF OTHER TRADES TO GUIDE RESIDENTIAL WATER RESTORATION: Plumbers, heating and cooling contractors and handyman are skilled at their profession, but not at property restoration. Beware of presumptuous advice from other trades, as it is abundantly rare to find one who is insured, trained or certified in residential water damage restoration.
In the remote possibility you discover one that has experience and credentials it is crucial they understand the ever changing dynamics of the water damage industry. If they do not document correctly or do things contrary to the latest industry standards you may have your claim denied or paused for months, waiting for an answer. Using a local certified water damage restoration firm will provide you with a headache free restoration experience while adding trust to the insurance claim process, which is important.

Steps Of Water Damage Restoration

Once the scope of damage has been assessed and the source of water taken into account, then cleanup and drying should begin. Whether the source of the water damage is contaminated like a sewer backup or fresh from a water pipe, care must be taken to manage the air quality. In all drying processes water is becoming vapor and will be easily breathed in by occupants.
Action Extraction will place an air filtration device on each project that requires such management as well as disinfecting all surfaces with plant based disinfectants. Residential water damage cleanup must always take into account that occupants will be living in the home during the mitigation process and the conditions must be safe and manageable.

3 Types Of Water Damage Contamination

Not all water is created equal when it comes to residential water damage. Just as one would take a drink out of a drinking fountain but not a lake, so is noticing the different levels of contaminates in water damage important. According to the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification), which is the organization recognized for creating the standards for water damage cleanup, there are 3 types of water damage.

Category 1 Water Damage

Fresh water from a water pipe, toilet tank overflow, drinking fountain and hot water heater. The amount of contamination is relatively small and is the least dangerous to human health. Rapid restoration service must still be introduced as allowing moisture in building materials will become naturally contaminated in as little as 72 hours.

Category 2
Water with measurable contamination of living organisms and particulates also referred to as grey water. The amount of impurity is rather high and the potential for mold is very probable. Several types of this residential water damage is water from a discharge line of a dish washer or washing machine, aquarium water, sink and tub over flows, water from roof leaks and the most common being from a sump pump well.

Category 3
Water that is very infectious and dangerous when it comes into contact with the indoor air environment of a residential home. Contamination levels are at their highest and this category of water is regularly referred to in the residential water damage industry as black water. Human health risk are present and the water so unsanitary that any material that comes into contact with it like dry wall, carpet, paneling, flooring and cabinetry must be completely removed. Bacteria, pathogens and infection will result if property is not cleaned and restored correctly.

Sources of category 3 water come from sewers, drain backups, sewer pipe breaks, toilet clogs that make an in home back up, flooding from rivers, streams and water from a roof that has bird droppings. Careful cleaning must be enacted in this type of residential water damage cleanup or germs will be sure to remain.

Why Action Extraction For Residential Water Damage

Action Extraction in located in Macomb MI and has provider of residential water damage restoration since the firm began in 1988. We have been a Michigan leader for over 30 years and show our credentials to potential customers immediately upon our arrival.

While one may consider a local plumber, handymen or carpet cleaner that assert themselves to be a qualified provider of emergency property restoration, it is important to be certified, insured and familiar with the insurance industry.

Action Extraction technicians are highly trained, certified and register in continuing education classes each year. Just as you wouldn’t utilize a dermatologist to implement a hernia surgery, you shouldn’t just use individuals in related fields that are not expert.
Steps to Take While Waiting on the Professionals
All flooding whether from a small spill or major water catastrophe will move quickly placing importance on first steps. While waiting for the professionals there are several practical things you can consider doing.
- Remove pets, children and the elderly if possible when the condition of the home has mold or is a sewage backup.
- Protecting valuables during flood restoration is important. If possible, gather up any accessible valuables such as guns, money, jewelry and other items both breakable and easy to remove from the room.
- Turn off the circuit breaker box if water has come into contact with electrical components. This should only be done if the environment is safe to touch circuit breakers. This means no water is present and the box is located in a dry area of the home. Do not access the breaker box if it is anywhere near water damage to avoid electric shock or worse. If water is discovered, by no means attempt to touch anything electrical related. The professionals will take care of this dangerous matter.
- Get your insurance company policy out, however, do not call them till the inspection is done. Giving faulty or misguided information can be a red flag to the insurance carrier, and contradicting statements later will cause needless problems. Giving them accurate information that comes with an inspection will avoid unnecessary confusion or questions.
- If the water damage comes from a backed-up sewer, or if the water is grey or black, wait for professionals before touching or dealing with the water in any way, as it is a serious biohazard risk.
- Removing all parked vehicles from the driveway allows room for service vehicles that are best parked near the entry door.
- If none of these tips are possible, just relax and wait for the professionals as they will gladly manage everything for you.
Checklist after Residential Restoration has Been Completed / Staying Safe After Remediation
CLEAN OUT GUTTERS: Homes are kept safe by gutters that divert water from resting on the house when it rains. Water goes from the water tight roof directly into gutters are directed away from the foundation.
Clogged gutters stop the process of moving water and overflow and splash water in all directions, placing the home at higher risk for residential water damage. Yearly cleaning your gutters from the build up of leaf's and other debris will keep them functioning correctly and keep your home's exterior dry as possible.
INSPECK BRICKS & CHIMINEYS FOR LOOSE OR MISSING MORTAR: A chimney can be a source of water entering the home when the mortar becomes loose or is missing between bricks. Any cracks, or missing mortar should be replaced to keep the integrity of the exterior of your home. It is shocking how much water can intrude into the home when troublesome leaks are allowed to remain without correction. The process of replacing missing mortar is called brick-tucking and is a service a chimney sweep, brick layer or handyman can provide.
REPLACE SUMP PUMP EVERY 7 YEARS: Many basements and crawl spaces rely on the placement of a sump pump to control the water table around a home, that can rise quickly during rain falls. Many homeowners are unaware that these pumps are recommended to be replaced after 7 years, due to the wear on bearings and electrical components. While these sump pumps are a great defense against basement flooding, when they fail from wear or electrical outages, basements can fill up fast.
WATERPROOF BASEMENT OR CRAWLSPACE: For added peace of mind, consider waterproofing your basement or crawl space. The benefits can outweigh the cost, but definitely get 3 estimates from reputable companies before you move forward. This process can be as simple as adding insulation to exposed water lines and patching cracks and holes. The return on investment can be appealing when one considers the devastation that a basement flood can bring and the dangers mold can place in the home, occupants should stay clear of.
YEARLY ROOF INSPECTION: Often during the year a home is exposed to high winds and heavy rains that can cause some shingles to blow away. If your roof is exposed to the elements especially rain, such direct exposure to water can cause residential water damage. Yearly inspections of the roof will alert you to potential problems that can be easily repaired, before expensive water damage occurs.
CAULK & SEAL ALL CRACKS: All cracks whether on the outside or inside, are compromises that will guaranteed an entry point for unwelcome water. Directing attention to looking over your homes interior and exterior yearly can be of great benefit. Any new crack or compromise should be sealed with an appropriate caulk. Properly caulking all potential access points will repel water and keep your valued home free from intruding water. The sage advice of Benjamin Franklin in 1736 is of great value when it comes to these recommended tips. His words, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". Clearly preventing residential water damage is better than discovering it in your home.
Getting Professional Help For Water Damage
DO YOU HAVE WATER DAMAGE AND NEED HELP?
Consider Professional Restoration
All it takes is a storm, flood or plumbing issue to turn an otherwise ordinary day into a "day of infamy", to borrow from FDR. That's what finding water in your property does and it is important to know what to do and who to call. Action Extraction restoration professionals have specialized in removing unwanted water, cleaning up the mess and structurally drying homes for over 30 years. In this time we have learned that getting professional help for water damage isn't as easy for some as others.
THERE IS THE DO-IT-YOURSELFER: These individuals are resourceful and consider attempting the cleanup themselves. The wet area requiring attention may not be large and they don't mind working hard for that wholesome sense of accomplishment. They have some extra time on their hands and they have a history of being rewarded in the past, having tackled other projects solo.
THERE IS THE "I'LL JUST WAIT TILL TOMORROW" INDIVIDUAL: These people are not ready to except the severity of the moment and are willing to let matters lie till the next day. The hope is tomorrow will avail them with a greater measure of clarity, but until then, the mess remains.
There are other attitudes we could consider as well such as, "It's not that bad, I'll just turn on a fan to dry the carpet", "I don't have the funds for professional restoration", and the one that is like a theme you might see in a a sitcom. "I just rent, and this is a great way to negotiate several months of free rent". This is a real thing believe it or not.
All these exist because getting professional help for water damage can be daunting. There is the fear of choosing the wrong company, strangers in the home and the ultimate fear that mold growth has already started and concerns that homeowners insurance will deny the claim.
Free Inspections Remove all Hesitation for Getting Professional Help
Many things claim to be "the best thing since sliced bread", but fail to impress. However, when you are facing property damage from flooding, you get to try on the shoes before you buy, so-to-speak. Any reluctance to getting professional help for water damage is eradicated with the offer of a free inspection. That's right! Most professional restoration companies near you offer a completely free inspection of your property.
This means you get to meet the potential service team your considering to hire, with no strings attached. You get to see them in action, evaluate your damages, and get a free estimate before anything is done or contracts signed. This allows them the opportunity to instill trust in their experts, or not.
Here's an Example of a Free Inspection by Our Professionals at Action Extraction
Our team of exceptionally trained experts arrive to your home in 1 hour or less. We arrive on-site in a professionally lettered service vehicle that is fully stocked with the latest in property restoration gear and equipment. When we are greeted by you we will be wearing professional uniforms and carrying specialty moisture detection instruments to guide the inspection.
We do not rely on the naked eye alone for accessing damages. We use scientific technology that will discover hidden and trapped moisture so the correct protocol for property restoration can be crafted. Once we are fully convinced we have determined the full scope of damage we present to you our findings along with a detailed line item of services required to fully restore your property.
Our evaluation is exhaustive and will help you understand the severity of the property damage so you’re able to make the best decisions for the restoration of your home. Our service team will answer all your questions in a courteous manner and will explain our commitment to using the most advanced equipment in the restoration industry to mitigate and restore your home.
Benefits of the Free Inspection of Water Damages
You will learn from the professionals the complete scope of damage and the correct procedure moving forward to restore your property. If it is residential property damage you can now speak to your insurance company with the correct information. The free inspection also allowed the team of professionals an opportunity to either win you over with their intelligent and compelling knowledge in the industry or convince you to look elsewhere for help.
Either way, getting professional help for water damage really makes you the master of your own destiny. The professionals don't get to choose you, you choose them or another, all without obligation or cost.
Getting Water Damage & Restoration Help for Businesses
Finding a qualified property restoration firm for a business is no different than finding professional help for a home. If your business or commercial building is experiencing any type of water damage, you don't have time to be down losing revenue or sending employees home. You need an emergency response crew that can arrive quickly, remove all standing water, prevail over any mess with an organized plan to keep you operational during restoration service.
DON'T CALL A LOCAL PROFESSIONAL THAT DOESN'T SPECIALIZE IN COMMERCIAL RESTORATION: It is important when getting professional help for water damage that you choose a firm that specializes in commercial water damage. This means they know the unique concerns business owners have and that their priority is to keep the company running smoothly without down-time.
Action Extraction specialist know whatever size the water damage is to your business, our experience and equipment to deal with it, must keep you up and running. Our professionals will work closely with you and the other occupants of your building during the restoration process to have as little disruption as possible to your daily business activities.
Professional Help for Water Restoration vs Do-it-Yourself

Once water damage is discovered it is important to know your abilities and your limitations. Only a few inches of water can create a serious water damage threat to your home or business. Many have the ability to take on the duty of a small water cleanup, when a minor area of wet carpet may need extraction. However, getting professional help is critical when your property has a major flood.

If a sink is left running and overflows for several hours the degree of water damage may be so large scale as to be beyond the scope of a do-it-yourself-cleanup. There are limitations that even the most resourceful individual will concede when they come home to a completely flooded basement or water pouring out of an overhead ceiling. In these situations even the most industrious and enterprising, recognize the need for professional help for water damage.
4 Things to Look for When Getting Professional Help
1) Do they Provide 24/7 Emergency Service?

When your home or business needs emergency service to remove water and restore property you need a contractor that is available when you need help. If they say tomorrow, look for one that is available today. Acting within the first 24 hours is critical to save your possessions and avoid further damage from wood rot, mold, and bacteria.
Studies show wet drywall left untreated for 48 hours manifested evidence of mold growth. Delaying an emergency response when materials are wet is never a good idea. This can lead to mold growth, germ amplification and many health risks when left untreated. Don't let your flood issue become a respiratory problem for you and your occupants when quick service can maintain a safe and sanitary environment.
2) Are They an IICRC Certified Firm?
In order to become certified, the service technician must undergo the successful completion of stringent education in the property restoration industry. To be a certified firm means each employee is individually certified and your company has been recognized for a standard of excellence, having been vetted and found compliant in multiple disciplines.
When you choose to get professional help for water damage from a certified firm you are assured a company that has been proven to be educated, insured and is continuing in on going education. An IICRC-certified firm subscribes to the industry’s best practices, so by hiring one, the homeowner has taken some of the risk and guesswork out of the situation. This should instill confidence!
3) Are They a Highly Rated Restoration Contractor?
Today with multiple social media platforms such as Google, Yelp and Yellow Pages people can easily see what others are saying about a particular company they may be considering for home service. Choosing one that is 4.5 or 5-star rated means on several media outlets individuals have found them to be courteous and professional. Well written and detailed stories of a companies committement to excellence and doing their job right can only add to the decision to hire them.
Conversely if a company has bad reviews you know to stay away even if their price is good. It's probably cheaper because they don't invest in being the type of company others would recognize as a cut above.
4) Do They Specialize in Insurance Repair?
Navigating the insurance claims process can be a challenging experience especially if it is uncharted territory and you are not familiar with insurance claims. First you will need to answer the question, "does my homeowners insurance cover water damage?" You will need an expert to know how to read the policies documents to get the correct answer. Asking your insurance carrier if you are covered may not get you the truth and could even get a firm, NO!
Even when coverage exist, studies have shown, insurance companies initially will lie in hopes you will just move on. According to the American Center for Justice through court depositions and former employees some of the biggest insurance firms instruct their employees to lie, forge documents and place the shareholders over the policy holders.
Flood damage claims are different than auto claims and having the attributes of experience and success are invaluable. Making sure the professional restoration firm is an insurance repairs expert means they will know how to document the claim, take the correct pictures and has purchased the same software for billing the insurance carrier requires.
Getting Professional Help from Action Extraction Offers Unique Advantages
We Provide a Quick Response
The harmful effects of water damage can be reduced greatly by the prompt and reliable water damage restoration services of Action Extraction. Our water damage experts are available 24/7, day or night. Certified and experienced, our experts can extract the water in minutes with our superior truck-mount extraction systems.
We are a IICRC Certified Firm
Since 1988 we have been a certified firm in good standing with the IICRC. We are vetted, fully insured and educated in multiple disciplines related to the water damage restoration industry. Each one of our certified employees has managed the completion of over 1,000 projects. Getting professional help for water damage from Action Extraction means not one technician on the scene is not fully educated and experienced in their trade, having been with us for an average of 12 years.
We Work Directly with you Insurance Company
Before contacting your insurance company which seems a rational thing, let us first evaluate the damages. In some cases coverage is denied over the phone making speaking to a water damage professional very important as they can assist in getting the answer from the insurance carrier you want to hear. Most first time calls to the claims department are recorded and they know what questions to ask. Your answers can be useful to them in denying or limiting coverage. We will help you share the truth in a compelling way to make sure coverage is authorized and you experience a stress free insurance claim.
100% Customer Satisfaction Guarantee
All our service come with our unique guarantee which has become our trademark.
"THE ACTION EXTRACTION REACTION IS SATISFACTION OR THERE'S NO FINANCIAL TRANSACTION"
This has been our sincere pledge for over 35 years. In that time we have earned an impeccable record for water damage cleanup, restoration, recovery and drying.
We are the Inventers of the World's Fastest Wall Cavity Drying system
Presently holding a US patent on a wall drying system, we have saved expense and property where others have failed. In some circumstances when property is at risk and others demo large sections of a property, we can restore and save materials with our proven controlled energy drying system.
We are 5-Star Rated on Multiple Social Media Platforms
When you contact us for professional help for water damage you are making a decision thousands have made before you. We have been privileged to have served Macomb County, Oakland County and Surrounding Metro Detroit communities for over 3 decades.
In that time we have successfully managed countless flood damage projects with care and consideration for our customers. In response we have been fortunate to have earned the recognition as one of the most highly rated flood restoration companies in all Southeast Michigan.
WE MAKE GETTING PROFESSIONAL HELP FOR WATER DAMAGE AS EASY AS 1,2,3
1. Call and speak LIVE to the owner
2. Free inspection & estimate are given
3. Restoration is done with IICRC certified tech's
Our team is standing ready to assist and help you get a head start on the water restoration process. We can remove water with truck-mount commercial extraction systems, sanitize all materials with plant-based germ elimination agents and fully structurally dry your property. We can turn your nightmare into a triumpth of restoration using scientific technology each step of the way.
Contact us today if you are considering getting professional help for water damage and you’ll be impressed with what we can do for you.
Water Damage From A Refrigerator Supply Line
DOES YOUR REFRIGERATOR SUPPLY LINE LEAK?
Refrigerator Leaks Can Cause Extensive Water Damage
Egyptian Pharaohs had slaves fan their wine continuously to keep it cool. Our ancestors could have never imagined the marvel of the present day refrigerator. Theses modern marvels have changed the way we live and unless they stop working or someone gets water damage from a refrigerator supply line, they have few down sides.
NORMAL WATER LEAKS FROM REFRIGERATORS: You may notice an occasional puddle under the fridge, water splashed on floor during filling a glass of water or a stray fallen ice cube melts. We have all experienced these incidents that get the floor wet, while still having a perfectly running appliance. But when you see it occurring regularly and there may even be evidence of water damage from a refrigerator supply line such as damage on the flooring or walls, you have a problem. The issue may be the refrigerator itself or it could be a loose or broken water supply line.
The refrigerator is one of the most important inventions of all time. Prior to 1748 there were few successful methods of preserving food for over several days. In biblical times salt was used to keep meats from putrefying and it wasn't until 1748 that the first refrigeration system was invented that changed everything. By 1963 over 99% of all US homes had one and thus began the possibility of water damage from a refrigerator supply line.
Refrigerators Upgrade to Automatically Supplying Ice
Today they come with automatic ice makers, on demand filtered water and some even with cable TV. With convenience comes the potential for malfunction and that is just such a case today in Shelby MI. Action Extraction restoration professionals are providing service in a home due to water damage from a refrigerator supply line.
This property just acquired a beautifully remodeled kitchen, but this morning the property owners awoke to standing water throughout their kitchen, great room and basement. The timing couldn't have been worse because this unexpected water damage seems so incompatible with the fact that the remodel was completed yesterday. One day into enjoying the beauty of this 'better homes and garden' kitchen and all is now in disarray.
The culprit of the water damage is a loose water supply line from the ice maker. The hardware that secures the supply line was inadvertently loosened as the refrigerator was moved around during the installation of the new wood flooring. Once it was placed in its regular space the supply line began to leak and in several hours they got water damage from a refrigerator supply line.
Common Causes of a leaky refrigerator supply line
- The water line is torn when the refrigerator is pulled out to clean behind it.
- Clogged water line from debris, often inadvertently caused during installation.
- Plastic materials such as lines develop tiny cracks or openings over time.
- Copper materials kink and quickly develop an opening.
- Shut off hardware or related components become loose.
- Excessive ice blocks normal function of refilling the collection ice bin.
- The freezer defrost drain line is blocked by stored food items.
- Refrigerators vibrate and this increases with age eventually loosening or cracking connections or water line.
How Bad can the Water Damage be From a Refrigerator Supply Line?
In a matter of hours the water damage can cause hard wood flooring to buckle, lift and cup, making restoration difficult. Dry wall can be affected which immediately places the home in a state of emergency because mold can develop in cellulose materials in a matter of 3 - 4 days. Multiple rooms can become affected by migrating water and water can deluge to a lower level of the home, often flooding a basement. Acting promptly to remove water will assure you don't also have to remove mold from the home latter.
When water from a kitchen fridge leaks badly enough to drip down to a basement ceiling materials and even electrical fixtures and switches can be damaged where significant dangers could arise, including electrical shock. There is also the upheaval that takes place when furniture, documents, sentimental items and cherished antiques get water damaged. Knowing how to protect your valuables during a basement flood can be of value.
In such a scenario an insurance claim should be made to help pay for the restoration and repairs. A professional property restoration company will be able to navigate the claim and supply all pictures and needed documentation. This service will also included a comprehensive strategy for drying all wet structures as quickly and efficiently as possible. The professionals at Action Extraction of Macomb have manages such water disasters for over 3 decades and can help make what appears to be a monumental catastrophe into a remarkable feat of restoration in very little time at affordable rates.
Do you Have Water Damage From A Refrigerator Supply Line?
While water damage can slowly arrive in stealth there are several things to look for that may indicate a problem before it reaches critical mass.
- Water from the dispenser has noticeably become slower
- Ice production has reduced significantly and odd shaped ice is produced
- Water is noticed pooling on floor by fridge
- Ceiling tiles in basement beneath have water spots
- In non-finished basements water stains exist on wood subfloors
- Dripping noises or foreign noises are heard coming from refrigerator
- Water is found pooling in refrigerators drawers and shelves
- Moldy smells inside the fridge even after cleaning
- Carpet on the other side of adjacent wall is wet
- Cabinets on either side of appliance show water damage
These are just a few not so obvious clues that could identify a potential problem before major damage occurs. In some cases when things finally fully manifest the water flow is sudden from a break or detached supply line which will flood the kitchen rapidly. The hope is when this unfortunate situation does come on the scene the water damage from a refrigerator supply line is noticed sooner than later. There are stories of homeowners being away for days and arriving home to the unimaginable.
Modern Technology can Help Determine Water Damage From A Refrigerator Supply Line.
When water supply lines leak it is often a slow, protracted event that happens undetected for several hours or days. Typically a small hole in a water line or a leak from a loose connection will produce minimal amounts of water that gradually make a foot print. The flooring , wall and other substrates may not show the damages that exist to the naked eye. It is important to have scientific technology to monitor and determine the extent of the damages.
The experts at Action Extraction of Macomb MI have seen many of these water damage scenarios and use specialty moisture detection meters that will quickly identify all wet materials requiring restoration service. These materials will be fully evaluated and a determination made as to the service required, whether it be restoration of replacement.
What Can Be Done To Prevent Kitchen Water Damage?
Homes with modern day conveniences such as refrigerators with water lines are at risk because the water supply line is continually under pressure. When they are installed correctly with the right amount of torque they seldom will become loose and leak.
CHECK THE TIGHTNESS of all water lines and fittings each time the refrigerator is pulled out as this could spare you of a water damage emergency.
REPLACE ANY PLASTIC SUPPLY LINE WITH STEAL BRADED which can be purchased at any hardware store. Plastic/vinyl supply lines are frail and weak with a poor track record for lasting. Builders who want to save a few bucks will use them, but for a few extra dollars you can get the steal braded type that is proven to be indestructible.
KEEP A BIT OF CLEARENCE BETWEEN FRIDGE AND WALL as this will allow for the necessary air circulation to keep fridge running cooler and more efficient. Additionally having more space will make sure you are not pinching or on top of the water supply line.
DON'T STACK FOOD IN FREEZER OVER DRAIN as this can cause blockage issues with defrosting which will result in excessive water in fridge and potentially outside of fridge.
FOLLOW ALL MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDATIONS. Each manufacturer has a brochure regarding the correct installation and recommendations of their product. Following the correct instructions on operating the appliance can avoid issues.
BE SURE THERE IS AN MANUAL SHUT OFF to the supply line. This can allow you to immediately turn off the water if a leak is caught which will reduce potential damage.
PLACE A LEAK DETECTOR BENEATH THE FRIDGE to notify of any water presence. These devices will immediately go off if water comes in contact with the sensor, allowing you to move quickly to shut off the water. These small leak detectors are a great investment and can be found at most hardware stores.
How To Clean the Mess of a Leaky Refrigerator Supply Line?
If the water that has infiltrated your kitchen is minimal and has not been going on long, a do-it-yourself approach with a little effort should manage the task.
- Blot up any water with towels, wet mop or shop vac.
- Carefully move out refrigerator to access standing water behind it.
- Evaluate the base of all cabinetry for signs of water damage
- Be sure to investigate adjacent rooms and basement for water presence
- Place a fan on the area for several days to fully dry
THINGS TO CONSIDER IF YOU NEED A PROFESSIONAL WATER RESTORATION COMPANY
Choosing the Best Restoration Company for Kitchen Water Damage Cleanup
In the unfortunate event the water damage from the refrigerator supply line is greater than you can manage, here are some tips on choosing the best water cleanup company for your needs. Because kitchens and baths are furnished with higher cost materials you don't want a restoration firm that is just conveniently located near you, you want the best!
Here are several ways to find the right professionals to manage the restoration of your water damaged kitchen.
MAKE SURE THEY ARE IICRC CERTIFIED. Being a certified firm indicates they are committed to excellence, have been vetted, and have insurance. Be sure to ask to see proof of certification and if it is year to date.
MAKE SURE THEY SHOW YOU PROOF OF INSURANCE WHEN THEY ARRIVE. Using a professional firm does not necessarily mean they are fully insured. If they are not, negligent work that leads to additional property damage could end up being paid for by you.
CHECK THEIR ON-LINE REVIEWS. Today it is easy to see what previous customers felt about the customer service they received from a particular service company. 5-star reviews are encouraging and when found on multiple social media platforms can instill a sense of confidence.
INQUIRE IF THEY ARE INSURANCE CLAIMS SPECIALIST. Insurance claims can be a labyrinth some can get lost in unless they have experience. This can be especially true when your facing water damage from a refrigerator supply line. There are requirements on documenting the water loss that the insurance carrier will require. Knowing how to make a compelling argument that makes the claims process smooth and head-ache free takes experience.
YEARS IN OPERATION MATTER. Hiring a professional can be a tremendous way to relieve the stress of navigating the unfamiliar. When a company has years of experience it means they have seen a lot and are resourceful and creative. This can be essential to make good on all their work and having them honor any guarantee.
DO THEY GUARANTEE THEIR SERVICE? Having years of experience, reputation and a proven track record for impeccable service will assure any customer satisfaction guarantees will be honored.
Consider Michigan's #1 Rated Restoration Firm
The experts at Action Extraction property restoration are recognized as having all the essential characteristics sited above. We provide restoration when water damage from a refrigerator supply line happens. We have an emergency response team that can be on-site in as little as 1 hour with all the resources to fully mitigate the damages and fully restore and dry your property. Call today for a free inspection of your home or business. All our services come with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.
Protect Your Valuables During A Basement Flood
ARE YOUR VALUABLES PROTECTED AGAINST FLOODING?
Tips on Flood Proofing Cherished Valuables

Few things bring Fathers and sons together more than sharing common interest. Fishing together, interest in cars and collecting sports memorabilia can make lasting memories and unbreakable bonds that will be cherished a life time. If you have valued collector's items in your home it is important to make sure you include such articles on your homeowners insurance to protect valuables from a flooded basement.

What about collectors of stamps, dolls, board games, pictures, action figures and others cherished items? Most insurance carriers require specific policies to cover loss to many of the items homeowners believe are covered, but are not.
Many times collectibles are stored in a basement but not out of reach of rising water that can enter a basement from a failed sump pump, sewer backup or broken pipe. It just takes a bit of creativity and easily purchased items to protect valuables from a flooded basement.

Protecting Valued Objects From A Flooded Basement
When property owners descend their flight of stairs to discover water in the basement it is natural to be in disbelief and have your stomach stricken with anxiety. However, if you have taken steps to protect valuables from flood damage you may be much more capable of managing the unwanted stress of the moment.
Knowing your wedding photos are safe from a sewer backup or that your fathers stamp collection is still unscathed is a feeling that is beyond description. Finding these same items completely destroyed by water damage is equally a feeling beyond description. So whether you live in a flood zone or perhaps your home is older with a drain system susceptible to backing up, here are a few tips that might be very helpful in protecting your valuables from a basement flood.
5 Tips on Protecting Valuable from Basement Flooding
1. Seal all Electronics in Plastic
Water can permanently destroy electrical components, but there is a way of protecting your sensitive electronic equipment from flooding, that makes them almost impervious to water.
- WRAP THEM IN PLASTIC AND TAPE SEAMS. We recommend 3ml plastic and packaging tape which can be purchased at your local hardware store. Before wrapping each component, remove the battery to store in its own protective plastic parcel. This will insure to eliminate any overheating of systems as well as preserve the life of the battery. It shouldn't require a great expenditure of your time to wrap each item in plastic and secure all seams with ample packaging tape, but the rewards are endless if you are wanting to protect your valuable from a basement flood.
- RELOCATE ELECTRONICS TO AN ELEVATED PLACE. In the event of a flooded basement having your electronics lifted from off the floor will keep them safe in most instances. In rare flood damage scenarios where water rises several feet or water deluges down from above, having electronics carefully sealed in plastic will keep them safe from water.
- PLASTIC TOTES FOR LARGER ELECTRONICS. Computers, cameras, game consoles, small televisions and any other electronic device should be placed in plastic 20 gallon totes and sealed airtight with plastic wrap. These totes can be lifted off the ground with blocks, bricks, or placed on shelving or table tops. Even if water damage is unavoidable, the effort you take can have a positive return on your investment of time.
2. Secure all Documents
Wedding photos, receipts, deeds, wills, birth certificates and other important documents are quickly destroyed in water. If the source of the water is sewage from a floor drain than such cellulose materials are almost impossible to safely restore. There is a way to protect these irreplaceable valuables allowing you to avoid countless hours trying to restore or replace them.
- SCAN ALL DOCUMENTS AND STORE ON CLOUD OR HARD DRIVE. There are products called receipt scanners that allow you to scan and permanently store on multiple drives important documents. Even in the event of a fire these important documents can be replaced with a printer. Water damage to documents can often be permanent, so scanning them electronically protects them in perpetuity so even the next generation has access to them.
- WATERPROOF DOCUMENTS WITH A LAMINATING MACHINE. Another way to protect valuable documents during a basement flood or any type water damage scenario is using a laminating machine. Office supply stores are a great place to purchase one and permanently seal and store documents. Individuals who have lost items from a basement flood will almost always agree the greatest loss is important and irreplaceable documents. Furniture, appliances and even clothes can be replaced, but that impromptu photo of a child's first steps are priceless.
- INVEST IN A WATERPROOF SAFE. These devices are invaluable should one day you step into a flooded basement after a heavy rain or drain backup. Anything placed in a waterproof safe will survive any type of water damage and be perhaps the only silver lining to discovering water in your basement. It is recommended to purchase a safe that is both waterproof and fireproof in the event that documents are at risk. These safes are capable of precluding destruction of priceless documents that may not otherwise be saved.
3. Relocate, Remove or Cover Furniture
In some instances you may be able to remove furniture from a flooded basement to have cleaned, restored or preserved from more damage. A garage during the warmer months may prove an ideal area if their is room. If not an upstairs room may serve as well to temporarily storage furniture, until the flood cleanup and drying is complete. Be sure to take pictures of all damages before relocating to a safe space, as insurance adjusters will require documentation that such items were directly affected from water damage.
If the flooding is a result of a broken water pipe or burst water heater, act swiftly to shut the water off and move furniture from the footprint affected by flooding. This single act can protect the legs and wood bases of your furniture keeping them preserved from any damage. If the furniture is soaked and beyond salvaging such as water from above, it is still good to move it out of the way and/or the basement completely. Leaving it saturated in the drying chamber to structurally dry the basement will only add additional moisture to the air, resulting in stalling a prompt dry down.
If you end up getting professional help for water damage, they should be documenting the damages and advocating for new furniture. Most insurance policies that cover the water damage often allow for furniture replacement when it is badly damaged and documented correctly.
4. Move Smaller Items Out of the Damage Zone
Before a restoration company even steps foot into your home, determine what smaller items of value are non-affected and can be removed to the upstairs. This means if you have firearms, jewelry, money, stamp collection and other valuables, they should be removed and taken upstairs to a safe place.
This protects you as well as the restoration firm providing service. Imaging two weeks after the flood cleanup, you may have innocently misplaced an expensive piece of jewelry. The first thought in your head may be, "I recently had strangers in the home." They may have been as honest as Abe and virtuous as the good Samaritan, but if you left them in the basement where they worked, you may be tempted to accuse. It protects all involved for you to secure such items if they do not need to be documented in the water loss. Protecting your valuable during a basement flood by removing them altogether may also protect the innocent from accusation. That is a definite win-win for both parties involved.
5. Elevate Furniture and other Items
Finished basements are often fully equipped with a pool table, gaming machines, and decorative furniture. These often expensive luxury items can easily be permanently damaged in a basement flood. Elevating these items can be the only way to keep them safe from becoming a casualty of flood damage.
LIGHTER PIECES OF FURNITURE should be lifted with bricks, blocks, Styrofoam or other suitable materials for elevating. Sofas and chairs should be rather easy to lift from the flooding footprint and all professional restoration firms will have gear to do just that.
HEAVY PIECES REQUIRE SUITABLE PERSONNEL. Don't attempt to lift heavier objects than you can without injury. Often other occupants or even an able bodied neighbor may be able to assist. There is a good technique for 2 capable individuals to protect heavier valuables and elevate them as a team.
One person carefully using their bodyweight tilts the item enough for the other to place the selected blocking material underneath the base so it will remain elevated. Carefully do this with each leg or base side till you have it firmly secure on the blocks. This is only a temporary fix so be sure to keep children away in the unlikely event the item decides to fall over.
MAKING AN INSURANCE CLAIM
Does Insurance Protect Valuable During a Basement Flood?
Are your valuables covered in the event of a water damage emergency? Is your basement covered if it floods from a sewer backup or failed sump pump? These are questions that only your homeowners policy can answer. However, the policies are purposely vague making it difficult to understand and requires an adjuster to interpret.

BEWARE TRUSTING THE INSURANCE COMPANY IF YOU HERE THERE IS NO COVERAGE. While it is noble to assume people are generally honest you don't want to be lied to. If there is coverage that will protect your valuables from a basement flood, you need to know the truth. The American Association for Justice (AAJ) has concluded the top 3 insurance companies are not honest at all. Through court depositions, former employees and whistle blowers it was determined that from the top down. they were dishonest. Employees were told to lie, forge signatures, hide documents and deny claims they knew were legitimately covered losses.
If your insurance adjuster is honest you should get the correct answer right away. If for any reason you are denied coverage there are 3 things you must do, that can identify dishonesty, placing pressure on them to change their tactic. Using these 3 recommendations may turn a NO! into a YES!
1. Demand in writing why they are denying the claim.
2. Let them know you are having all documents reviewed by an attorney that specializes in insurance claims.
3. Demand in writing the type of policy they should have had to protect your valuable during a flooded basement.
These 3 steps place legal pressure on them to give you the truthful answer. It is unfortunate that ones has to resort to being suspicious of their insurance carrier. That is until you read the concluding thoughts from the AAJ. They concluded that these giant corporations were obligated first to the shareholders, not policy holders.
Valuables Being Damaged in a Basement Flood Can Be Unavoidable
When water damage happens it is often when occupants are away and ultimately come home to the unthinkable. Water ran or has backed up for hours and there are several inches of deep, germ infested water everywhere. Depending on the source of the water intrusion determines if the water loss is covered or not.
If your home or business is has water damage from a sewage backup, broken water pipe or any other water related issue, call the professionals at Action Extraction restoration in Macomb Michigan. We have the skills to help determine if you valuables are protected by insurance coverage and have all the resources to quickly restore your property.
We routinely arrive in homes where a basement flood has done the unthinkable and correct answers are needed. We have seen it all from water dripping as rain from ceilings, sofas completely submerged in water and electrical systems sparking and shorting out.
This is the environment where Action Extraction shines brightly. We know how to protect valuable during a basement flood and have managed thousands of restoration projects for over 30 years.
Call today and we can help you get back to life as usual. That's why we are addressing this topic of protecting your valuables during a basement flood. The above tips can help you prevent damage in the future. But if you need help now, call us today.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Damage
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Damage

Will Insurance Cover Your Water Damage?

The scenario for discovering water damage is usually the same but with varying differences. Someone stumbles upon the water damage scene unexpectedly when they open a door, go down a staircase, step in a puddle, see it on the floor or hear it dripping. With the discovery there are immediate questions that arise, the most common is, “does homeowners insurance cover water damage?”

]Water damage is one of the most common claims insurance companies are contacted about for property. The answer to the question, does homeowners insurance cover water damage, is based upon the type of water, the source of water and the type of homeowners insurance you have.

The Sudden Or Accidental Clause

The typical homeowners policy specifies the type of water damage they are willing to cover. The clause that identifies the type of water damage they cover is classified as “sudden or accidental” and the source must be from inside the home.

Several Examples Of In The Home Water Damage.
- Burst or broken water pipe
- Malfunctioning appliance
- Sink or tub overflow
- Toilet backup or overflow
- Dish washer or washing machine issue
Water that comes from outside the home through wall cracks, foundation issues or community flooding is excluded in most cases. To have home protection from water that intrudes from outside the home many will look for special protection policies that cover water damage from outside the property.

Water Damage Or Flood Damage – The Important Distinction

As we just covered, water sources from within the property that are responsible for damage are considered water damage. Water damage and flood damage are two different things, even if you may have a degree of flooding, its not considered flood damage.

Flood damage comes from outside the property and is not the municipal water you are paying for each month. It is flooding from a natural source like storms, overflowing rivers and lakes, hurricanes and tornadoes. Often such flooding involves whole communities where multiple properties become flooded. If you live in a neighborhood that may be prone to such conditions it would be wise to look into specialty homeowners coverage.

It is important to carefully read the policy you have to be equipped to stand your ground when talking with your insurance company. The difference between these two can be obscured in a homeowners insurance policy making it confusing to understand or differentiate.

Dwelling Coverage Does Covers Most Water Damage

If your residential water damage claim is a covered peril as in sudden or accidental the provision for coverage will be under “dwelling coverage” on your policy. This coverage will cover water removal, cleanup, drying and all the related repairs.

If your damage is classified as a catastrophic claim and makes your home unlivable, than they will provide for your temporary housing as well. If you live in an upscale home the temporary housing they offer should be commensurate with the lifestyle you are accustomed to. Likewise if your home is a typical middle class home you will be housed but it may not be the Ritz-Carlton.

In cases where you have no access to your kitchen they will grant a designated amount of money each day to cover you and your families food needs. Same goes with the loss of a laundry room, there may be monetary assistance to cover the laundromat.

A good rule of thumb to remember is: Any water damage resulting from municipal water that is paid for each month is generally a covered loss. So, if a pipe suddenly bursts and damages a wall or a toilet overflows and damages laminate flooring then dwelling coverage may help pay for cleanup and repairs.

Cost Of Water Damage

Experiencing water damage to your property is no small ordeal and often the damages are greater than initially thought. For instance water is capable of dissolving a variety of different substances that can violate the integrity of a homes structure. Water has commonly been referred to as the “universal solvent” because it dissolves more materials than any other liquid. The more water inevitably means the cost for water damage will be more, so it is important to find out does homeowners insurance cover water damage.

If your insurance company covers the expenses of repairing your home it is because you have purchased an adequate policy that covers certain types of water damage. This will be the silver lining to your water damage nightmare and with someone else footing the bill for getting your life back on track, you will not be in debt beyond your deductible.

Whether your home has been flooded by hammering rain or a plumbing issue like a sewer backup or broken water pipe, contacting your insurance company sooner than later is advisable. This should be your second call as we stated earlier a reputable water restoration company should be contacted first to inspect the damages and help you with explaining your damages to your insurance company.

Making The 1st Call To Insurance Company For Water Damage ClaimOften when you make that first phone call to your insurance carrier to open a claim, a trained individual on the other end will ask specified questions. Your answers will determine if you are covered for water damage or not. This is why it is important to talk first to a flood restoration company that can help you make a compelling case for entitled coverage.

When you call have your policy number ready along with the answer to these questions. When did you discover the water damage? Knowing the date of loss is important, however if you have been away for several days you may only need to give the day of departure. Where did the water come from that created the water damage? Knowing the source of where the water came from is going to be essential to determine coverage.

Most homeowner’s insurance policies will completely cover water damage if the cause is sudden or accidental and having originated from inside the home. So if the discovered water on your flooring came from a broken pipe, burst hot water heater or appliance such as a washing machine or dish washer the insurance company will almost immediately inform you of coverage.

When it gets a little complicated is when the water damage that is suppose to be sudden or accidental has evidences of being gradual or caused by neglect. When the presence of mold, dry rot and structural compromise is present than a red flag goes up and moving forward can be a challenge.

Less Is More When Speaking With Insurance Carrier

Remember that although the types of water damage sources mentioned above are covered by insurance they have to be sudden or accidental. If you disclose to the insurance carrier that the problem has been occurring for weeks or that you allowed water to sit unabated for several weeks you will be denied.

Homeowner’s insurance need to know you are responsible homeowner and you did not allow a water issue to languish for weeks and months creating expensive damages, mold and hefty repairs cost that could have been avoided if you responded promptly.

Responding immediately is the attitude the insurance company will maintain. If you allowed water issues to go on making more significant destruction to your home, they feel this is on you and why should they pay for your irresponsibility.

Of course there is a logic that exist which most individuals will recognize. If you have a leaky faucet that can be fixed for pennies but ignore it for months and later you have expensive water damage, the insurance carrier will hold you responsible and deny coverage.

How Not To Be Denied For Water Damage Coverage?

If your water damage is sudden or accidental than make sure you do not mention anything about water issues in the past. Bringing up a leaking faucet from a year ago or a puddle of water found by a toilet a month ago will only confuse the sudden or accidental requirement and give the insurance company an excuse to deny coverage.

Your answers to all questions should be short, to the point and there is nothing wrong with yes, no and I don’t know. Once you have answered the question to, does homeowners insurance cover water damage, work should begin as soon as possible.

Conditional Coverage For Certain Types Of Water Damage.

The most common type of water damage in Southeast Michigan is basement flooding from a sewer or drain. Heavy rains, roots clogging drains and thawing snow are responsible for most flooded basements and ironically this is the one type of water damage many will be horrified to discover they are not covered for. Basements that flood from a failed sump pump, sewer backup or drain overflow are not covered under a normal insurance policy. This type of water is considered as waste water and requires a special insurance policy. The policies can be purchased by homeowners from their insurance carriers for an additional amount usually not very costly at all. The amounts of coverage vary from $5,000.00 to $10,000.00.

The policy is called, “backup of sewer or drain”, and must be purchased in order for coverage to be afforded to property owners when basements flood. If you have purchased “backup of sewer or drain” coverage, than find out what limits you have as most policies are for either $5,000.00 or $10,000.00. Some companies offer limits as high as $20,000.00 which is still less than could be necessary if you have a large and ornately finished basement.

Personal Property Coverage Helps Replace Water Damaged ContentsPersonal property coverage helps pay for damage to your personnel belongings if they are damaged by water. An example of this would be if you have a burst pipe that results in water getting to your computer, bookcase and clothing there should be coverage to help pay to repair or replace the damaged items.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Damage From Leaking Plumbing?

Your homeowner’s policy should be capable of covering damages caused by leaky faucets, hot water heater leaks and refrigerator leaks. Water damage in a kitchen, laundry room or bathroom can cause extensive damage and require very costly repairs. Water damage from a toilet leak or broken or frozen water pipe is a covered loss as well under the dwelling coverage of a policy.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Damage From Appliance Malfunctions?

If a water using appliance fails and suddenly and accidentally floods property than the resulting water damage is covered. If your washing machine fails during the discharge cycle and floods your property there should be no denial of coverage. If your refrigerator supply line breaks and floods the kitchen there should be coverage for cleanup and repairs.

What Types Of Water Damage Are Not Covered?

No one wants to hear they are not covered after asking, does homeowners insurance cover water damage? So what are some of the types of water damage that will not be covered by insurance? If your kitchens sink base cabinet has become rotted by continual water presence that is considered a pre-existing water damage issue that was neglected. If you have had water buildup or dripping around a rooms ceiling each time it rains for several years and finally get mold, there would be no coverage.

Water damage coverage for damages from a leaking dish washer would be covered, but the repairs or replacement of the broken dish washer would not be. If your washing machine breaks and floods the basement then the damages would be covered, but the repair or replacement of the washing machine would not.

Call Action Extraction today if you have any questions on water damage or want to learn tips on preventing water damage. We are a premiere water damage restoration company serving all Southeast Michigan.
Water Damage From A Lawn Sprinkler System
Water Damage From A Lawn Sprinkler System

Water Damage From A Sprinkler System

Many adults can remember in their youth children running through the sprinklers in the summer to get refreshed from the blistering heat. Some enviable homes actually had a swimming pool, but many had a garden hose with a store bought sprinkler of some sort. Today it is a marvel of technology that sprinklers are under ground and watering your grass is as easy as flipping a switch or turning a dial. The only downside is if your home experiences water damage from a lawn sprinkler system.

Action Extraction flood restoration of Macomb MI regularly gets called out to manage broken sprinkler systems that have leaked and saturated the outside soil of a home. When the water comes into contact with the foundation it will often intrude into the home and flood the basement. This type of water damage from a lawn sprinkler system can affect the entire basement if it runs for only several hours.

Reasons A Lawn Sprinkler System May Cause Water Damage

Freezing can cause water damage. One way water damage from a lawn sprinkler system happens is when the water freezes in the lines and breaks the underground plumbing or the actual system attached to the home freezes and breaks. It only takes a rise in temperature above freezing before the sprinkler system starts to have a powerful stream of running water. With each hour of unabated streaming water there is an increased chance of experiencing residential water damage from a lawn sprinkler system.

Before long the soil becomes overly saturated with water allowing it to come into direct contact with the foundation of the home. Water presence and pressure is all it takes to allow a continued inundation of ground water into a basement through windows, cracks in the wall or a floor joint of the basement floor.

It is important to make sure your lawn sprinkler system is winterized before the first freezing temperatures begin. This yearly maintenance is the first step to avoid water damage from a lawn sprinkler system. Although this is an essential yearly maintenance, faithful adherence to doing this each year is no guarantee you will not experience water damage from a lawn sprinkler system, because water under pressure can inevitably malfunction.

Accidents can cause water damage. Landscapers and lawn maintenance companies are rushed to get from one job to the other and as carefully as they attempt to manage their service can have accidents happen. One common cause of water damage from a lawn sprinkler system is when a lawn technician accidentally hits the water sprinkler system with their lawn mower. If the water immediately makes its presence known by spraying all over, the technician can fix it before you have water damage from a lawn sprinkler system. However if it doesn't manifest its compromised plumbing until an hour after they have gone, water can begin to pour out violently from a system break.

Vandalism can cause water damage. Remember the loved Christmas story, 'Home alone'? Two nefarious robbers attempting to steal from Macaulay Culkin's home while he is home alone. After first burglarizing a property, they made it a habit to turn on the water to flood the home as their signature insult. The one thief aspired the duo to be known as the 'wet bandits.'

While it is rare, vandalizing a water meter, water outlet or even lawn sprinkler system has been known to happen. One way to keep the plumbing from the hands of what is typically bored adolescence is to hide it from view. One way to keep the plumbing from view of a potential vandal and prevent water damage from a lawn sprinkler system is to cover it with plants, shrubs or bushes. Hiding potential temptation from a troublemaker is an easy way to keep your home from being seen as an easy target for water damage. Some suggest the best way to keep your home from potential destruction is to make sure you use only plants with thorns and sharp jagged leaves and branches. Click here for more tips on how to stop a vandal.

How to know if you have water running from a sprinkler systemIf you hear water running from your plumbing system but cannot find out where it is coming from you may be getting water damage from a lawn sprinkler system. Many have experienced hearing running water before and curiously walked through the house to discover where it was coming from. Sometimes it is a dish washer, washing machine or even a sprinkler system running at night. But what happens when you hear running water but cannot find it and no water is coming out of your sprinkler system?

You may have a broken sprinkler water line that is under the soil and slowly flooding your property. Immediately turn off your water main and contact a sprinkler repair company to make sure stop the potential of water damage from a lawn sprinkler system. A trained lawn sprinkler technician will be able to locate and easily repair the broken pipe and get your water turned back on.

What To Do If You Have Water Damage From A Lawn Sprinkler System

If you have discovered water in your basement as a result of a faulty sprinkler system than immediately turn the water off and call a local water damage restoration company. They will be able to remove any standing water, determine how bad the water damage is and quickly dry any wet dry wall, carpet or other water damaged materials.

The water that enters a basement from saturated soil typically enters the home through cracks in the wall, rod holes or the floor joint. It may become important to remove some dry wall to uncover where the water damage has come from so a repair can be made in the basement that can prevent future flooding. If the water damage is extensive and covers a large area in the basement it may require costly water damage repair. At this point it would be advisable to contact your insurance company for coverage.

Does Insurance Cover Water Damage From A Lawn Sprinkler System

If your lawn sprinkler system breaks or malfunctions and floods your basement with water, insurance coverage may be available for the water damage cleanup and repairs. It is determined by where the break is and how it got into the home.

For instance, if the break in your system is outside the home in the soil or the plumbing attached to the home and makes its way into the basement, you are not going to be covered under the typical homeowner's insurance policy. If however the break is in the inside plumbing of the home and comes directly from the break into the basement than this is always a covered water loss.

If you have water damage from a lawn sprinkler system, call Action Extraction for a free inspection or for tips on how to clean up after water damage.
Rental Property With Water Damage
Rental Property With Water Damage

Water Damage Rental Property

Many people are convinced that owning real estate is an enviable way to earn extra income. More people today are renting than at any other time in the last 50 years, so there are plenty of tenants looking to rent ones investment property. Landlords enjoy supplemental income for their investment, but there are no guarantees that emergencies do not happen like a rental property with water damage.

The typical downsides of being a landlord are tenants that pay late or not at all, tenants that neglect the property refusing to cut the lawn or shovel the snow and the regular maintenance of the property. If the rental property has a basement than there is an increased risk you will someday have a rental property with water damage.

Water Damage From A Plumbing Malfunction.

Rental properties are subject to the same maintenance issues as any home. There are plumbing systems that can leak, sewers that can backup and water using appliances like washing machines and dish washers that can cause rental property water damage. But often the water damage you have to ultimately manage on a rental property could have been avoided. But renters are not as responsible for the protection of your income property when water issues manifest, as you would be as an owner.

If you discover a water leak in your home from a leaky faucet or burst water heater, you will more than likely fix the problem before it becomes severe. However, this is not the case with renters. They can allow rental property water damage to go on for months without making you aware of it. A slow leaking faucet can become a fast dripping sink that destroys kitchen cabinets with water damage before they notify you of any problem. A leaky hot water heater which could be addressed and replaced can go on for months until it abruptly burst and completely floods the basement.

Small Amounts Of Water Will Make A Rental Property With Water Damage.

It does not require a large amount of water to damage flooring, walls or cabinets. A small amount will do great damage and if left for months without being remediated will result in mold and even health issues for the tenants. If for instance each time it rains and the floor drain backs up a little and soaks up into the dry wall, there is sure to be water damage that needs service to keep them from becoming moldy.

If each time the dish washer is used a little bit of water leaks onto the floor, before long the floor could be greatly compromised from the water damage and even require complete replacement. The same goes for a washing machine that each time during the discharge cycle leaks and makes it way to a small carpeted area. Eventually the carpet will show signs of water damage and could even require replacement. There are even extreme stories of roof leaks that go on for years before the landlord is informed there is even an issue. Such extreme cases have made for rental property with water damage that was very costly to fix.

Intentional Water Damage Vandalism

You don’t have to be a landlord for long before you learn not all renters are created equal. Most renters that fall behind in the rent are responsible individuals that will try to work things out with the landlord, while others may connive of a way to reduce or get out of a month’cs rent. Such is the case of a southeast Michigan landlord that learned of this the hard way. After trying to negotiate the late rent with a tenant the tenant got belligerent and thought of a way to hurt the landlord and maybe knock off a month or two of rent. They opened the windows in the home during below freezing temperatures after they first removed the insulation wrap around the water lines in an exterior wall. Before long the water pipe froze, broke and made a tremendous water damage nightmare. The tenants called to inform the landlord of his rental property with water damage. Of course they informed him the water damaged their personnel contents and they should not have to pay for that months rent.

Who Is Responsible For A Rental Property With Water Damage?

The law makes it clear that the landlord is responsible to provide a safe, sanitary and habitable property for tenants to live in. If the roof leaks, if there are plumbing issues or the sewer backs up and floods the basement, it is up to the landlord to provide cleanup and repairs as soon as possible. Often lessees will make the initial call to a water damage restoration company after the basement floods from a sewer backup, but the cost ultimately belongs to the landlord, it is their property.

There are of course several caveats that would make the tenant responsible like a waterbed that burst and floods a bedroom carpet or an aquarium that breaks and gets water on the hard wood flooring. However, if they do not willingly pay for the cleanup, it is the landlord that will suffer for the rental property with water damage. If tenants do not act responsibly and pay for the cleanup and repairs then it behooves the landlord to manage and pay for the cleanup to prevent permanent water damage to the property.

Water leaks that produce standing water will eventually make the rental property with water damage uninhabitable. The presence of water in dry wall, carpet, cabinets or flooring will in a short period of time produce noticeable water damage and even mold. When this occurs the landlord needs to be notified so they can act as quickly as possible by having the water damaged property inspected by a local water damage company.

Rental Property With Water Damage

Action Extraction water damage of Macomb MI provides emergency service for flooded basements that backup from sewer drains. They have seen many water damaged properties over the last 30 years. The most costly water damage is when drains backup with abundantly contaminated sewer water. This water will completely destroyed carpet, dry wall, paneling and kitchen cabinetry with pathogenic germs.

The cost for the cleanup and repairs can devastate a landlord if they do not have the necessary funds at their immediate disposal or the correct type of homeowners insurance. Because basement flooding from a sewer drain is not an automatically covered loss under one’s homeowner’s insurance policy, it is important that landlords make sure their property is covered for sewer backups.

Insurance Companies May Cover Cleanup Of A Rental Property With Water Damage

If the landlord has purchased a homeowners insurance policy that includes backup of sewer or drain than the cost for repairs after a sewer backup or sump pump failure should be covered. This coverage is limited to a basic coverage amount of $5,000.00 or $10,000.00.

When a rental property with water damage is cleaned up by a professional restoration company, they need to meet the necessary criteria, in order for insurance to cover the cleanup and repairs. This will include the date of loss, pictures of the initial water damage and graphs showing the details of the drying procedure.

Renters Insurance For Tenant’s Personal Property

Landlords should strongly encourage their lessees to obtain their own renters insurance for their personal belongings should they become damaged by fire or flood. It is not the responsibility of a landlord to reimburse tenants should any of their personal property becomes destroyed by an emergency like a rental property with water damage.

This coverage is typically not required by landlords, but is very good to have. Personal property can be irreparably destroyed by water damage and it makes the disaster a bit more manageable when you know your belongings will be restored by an insurance company.

Water damage is an unfortunate situation for anyone to be in. It can cause a lot of stress, especially if you’re a renter in a home or an apartment. The lease will lay out all the information you need, but itâ€™s a good idea to go over a few real estate laws. A lease is a contract, after all. If the contract isnâ€™t followed, a tenant can use this against the landlord if they ever try to avoid charges for things.

Conclusion On Rental Property With Water Damage

It is the landlord that will be responsible for water damage cleanup of the rented property and the tenants that will be responsible for their own water damaged personal belongings. Both should do their due diligence in obtaining an insurance policy that will provide coverage in the event there is rental property with water damage.

Tenants need to be willing to alert the landlord immediately in the event of water damage to limit the affects and restore the property. The longer water remains without the appropriate cleanup and repairs the more likely things are to become worse. Mold is a real possibility and can be completely avoided when responsible actions are taken.
What To Expect From Water Damage Cleanup
What To Expect From Water Damage Cleanup

If you come home to discover a water damage emergency in your home from a broken pipe, you probably know you have to shut off the water main. The first critical step when you have a flood or water damage emergency is to always stop any active leak. Once the water is shut off and the plumber repairs the broken pipe, a professional restoration company should be called out to evaluate the damages. Once the inspection has been completed the technicians should be able to inform you on what to expect from water damage cleanup.

It is highly recommended to contact a local water restoration company as soon as possible to remove any standing water and begin the cleanup and drying process. Each hour water is allowed to remain in the home allows the destructive energy of water to do more damage and increase the cost of repairs. Let us not forget the possibility of mold being introduced into the home if water is left to itself in as little as 48 hours.

How To Restore A Home After Water Damage

Not all water damage is the same and often the unique circumstances that cause the water damage to begin with will determine the process. Some of the factors that determine how bad the water damage is will be based upon the source of the water. For instance water from a backed up sewer drain is going to be more involved than water from a sink overflow due to the contamination level of the water. Water damage from a refrigerator leak can go on unnoticed for days and weeks causing hidden damage that will require expert evaluation.

The professional restoration company you contact will be able to inspect your property in minutes of their arrival and instruct you in detail as to the cleanup process as well as a timeline when you can expect the completion of your service. Here are several steps that will allow you to know what to expect from water damage cleanup.

Inspection Of The Water Damaged Property

Professionals will be capable of determining what materials have become affected by the water with an inspection. Utilizing specialty moisture detection meters they will be capable of discovering trapped and hidden water that is invisible to the naked eye. Wet building materials like carpet, pad, dry wall, paneling and flooring will be easily accessed for the presence of water. If the materials tested are of a moisture content that is high or dangerous, the restorer will recommend service. If the materials are not affected by water then something as simple as an application of a germ killing agent may be all that is necessary. Often when the amount of water that has inundated an environment is several inches, the damages the restorer finds is great. It is essential for drying equipment to be introduced when humidity is high and salvageable materials are wet.

Classifying The Category Of Water

The degree of contamination in the water will determine the cleanup standards and allow you to know what to expect from water damage cleanup. There are 3 types of water damage categories ranging from category 1 to category 3. If the water was from a fresh water source like a broken water pipe, sink overflow or a leaky hot water heater the classification of the water is category 1. This type of water damage is not supplied with contaminates heavy enough to require materials to be removed. In most cases, water removal and drying is all that will need to be required.

If however the water damage is from a backed up sewer drain that the classification will be category 3. This type of water is highly contaminated and any material that has absorbed this water will have to be removed and germ killing agents utilized to sanitize the property. The professional water damage restorer will be equip to make the appropriate classification of your water damage.

Remove All Standing Water

Immediately after the inspection of the water damaged property, water removal needs to take place. The water removal process is managed with highly powerful extraction units that are capable of removing water from surfaces and even wet carpet pad. If the flooring the water is standing on is carpet the amount of time will be more than if it is tile flooring. When basements flood often the amount of water can be hundreds of gallons. Furniture may need to be manipulated to allow all wet carpet to be extracted and serviced. Personnel contents may need to be temporarily stored in a garage or unaffected room to allow complete restoration and repairs.

Cleanup And Disinfecting Of Materials

Once the water is removed any wet building materials will need to be treated based upon the type of water and amount of moisture present. Dry wall that is wet from water with minimal contamination will be capable of being dried without removal. Dry wall that is wet from raw sewage from a drain will need to be removed and the surrounding areas sanitized with appropriate agents. Where ever the water has gone there needs to be the application of a disinfectant to help restore the environment.

Drying Equipment Placed To Remove Humidity.

Once the water has been removed the materials that came into direct contact with the water will need to be dried with professional drying equipment. Air movers are placed in specific locations to create air movement forcing wet material to release moisture into the air. Dehumidifiers will quickly reduce the humidity allowing complete structural drying in as little as 2 days.

Monitoring Drying Equipment

After water damage restoration companies place their drying equipment, they will monitor the drying progress with daily monitoring of the materials and the environment. This allows the restorer to carefully observe the speed and success of the drying, allowing for changes if necessary to achieve their drying goals. The readings in temperature and humidity should be greatly reduced each day until the property can be certified dry.

When these steps are followed then what to expect from water damage cleanup is a safe and completely restored home.

Read our recent article on “what to do if your basement floods” and “how to prevent water damage“.
Flood Damage Restoration | Action Extraction
FLOOD RESTORATION ESSENTIALS

Do You Need Flood Damage Restoration Service?

Almost every drink imaginable has water in it, soda’s, fruit drinks, energy drinks and even wine is about 86% water. Water is responsible for allowing life on earth and its availability is the greatest factor in determining one’s quality of life. That is of course until its presence is discovered in our homes in the form of flooding. When water is discovered in carpets, ceilings and basements in heavy amounts will require some degree of flood damage restoration, whether DIY or professional.

Professional flood restoration companies have the knowledge, experience and efficient skills to act prudently to preserve property and avoid mold damage. The average person knows the basics of removing the water through vacuuming with a shop vac and maybe spraying a disinfectant. Is this enough? Probably not since the #1 insurance claim made by property owners is water damage repair. Many of which began as a DIY project initially giving the semblance of success, but ended up in with mold.

Neglecting Water Restoration Service

When it comes to flood damage, it’s important to understand the potential health hazards that exist. Water damage related to flooding, leaves things wet and the environmental conditions only worsen with time. Each hour water languishes without remediation, the more increasingly harmful the environment becomes.
Mold growth, bacteria, and air borne organisms will soon make for what is known as category 3 conditions. This worse case scenario will always require the skills of a professional flood damage team of experts as contamination will be replete and often hidden. Addressing unwanted water from flooding ASAP will minimize the overall damages it can cause and keep you and loved ones, safe.
Water like fire is a destructive energy that can result in costly repairs. Wood can rot, metals can rust, foundations may become compromised, and wet flooring can delaminate. That is not to mention the mold that often grows in post flooded basements due to elevated moisture.
Hidden Dangers From Flood Damage

When flood cleanup is not fully achieved there can be a slow and imperceptible issue that goes under the radar for months. Mold can be thriving in hidden places making for poor air quality for months before it makes it's ugly presence known.
Professional Restoration After Flooding
Managing the aftermath of flood damage requires more than just mops, towels and a buckets. While initially creating the semblance of success, without the use of moisture detection instruments to reveal hidden moisture, damage can soon result. This is why professional flood restoration service is better than doing it yourself. The experts such as ours at Action Extraction of Macomb, bring many years of experience to table which makes a difference. We have the resources, experience and skilled technicians to bring the most advanced flood damage restoration available to your home or business.
What the DIY Approach to Flood Damage Restoration Requires.
- EXTRACTION OF ALL STANDING WATER: This means if your basement has flooded you will need to eliminate all standing water on hard surface flooring or carpets with basement water extraction. This may mean renting a powerful pump from a local hardware store if water is several inches deep. If the water source was a sewage backup, check out our post on emergency sewage cleanup service.
- DISPOSE OF ALL WET MATERIALS THAT COULD ENCOURAGE MOLD: Cardboard boxes, stuffed animals, picture frames, paper products should always be discarded to avoid mold growth. These items are cellulose materials and known to be a preferred food source for mold to feed on. If the water is from a sewage backup, the guidelines on what can and can't be saved are stringent and making mistakes can introduce human health concerns. Call us at 800-949-4448 for further guidelines.
- ACCESS THE ENVIRONMENT TO DETERMINE SCOPE OF LOSS: Look over the area to evaluate what may be wet such as base moldings, trim, walls and furniture. Knowing what items require attention will increase the potential for safety restoring property. This is one of the most important steps in flood damage restoration service.
- CLEAN ALL WET SURFACES & STRUCTURES: When flooding introduces water into your property it can rapidly spread from one room to the next. In its migration it can come into contact with surfaces from furnishings to structures. Using an all purpose cleaning agent wipe theses surfaces and agitate thoroughly to loosen dirt, grime and films.
- SANITIZE ALL CLEANED SURFACES: No flood damage restoration service is complete without killing germs and microorganisms. Using an agent that has on its label, "kills 99.9% of germs", apply liberally and wipe dry.
- STRUCTURALLY DRY ALL WET STRUCTURES: This will include wet drywall, flooring, cabinets and wood substrates. Wood substrates behind drywall will often be inaccessible in enclosed exterior walls. If you know water has reached these areas, it requires specialty moisture meters and techniques beyond the do it yourselfer. It is highly recommended to contact the professionals in such cases.
- MAKE A FLOOD DAMAGE RESTORATION CLAIM: In the event you are reluctant to navigate the unknown waters of flood damage cleanup, you are not alone. Homeowners insurance covers many types of flood damage related to plumbing, malfunctioning appliances and even drain backups. Check your insurance declarations to learn what may or not be covered. The professionals at Action Extraction of Macomb, make insurance claims smooth and guide each step to make sure everything is hassle free.
- CONSIDER CONTACTING AN ELECTRICIAN: In some flooding scenarios water comes in direct contact to appliances, wall outlets, wiring and lighting. DON'T BE CARELESS and risk electrocution. Contacting an electrician after flood damage is the safest way to move forward. In such situations where water has reached mechanical fetchers of your home, such as electrical, your going to be making an insurance claim anyhow. Don't worry about the cost for an electrician to make sure things are safe, it'll be covered.
- CONSIDER CONTACTING A PLUMBER: Floods have the potential to cause severe disruption to the mechanical fetchers of your home or business. When water reaches water heaters and furnaces it is common to lose heating for both home and water. Contacting a plumber can get the water heater evaluated and restored in many cases affordably. The same with the absence of heat from your furnace, calling a heating & cooling contractor will help restore heat to the home. This will be especially needed to prevent winter water damage related to freezing temperatures during the cold season.
Water Damage vs Mold Damage
Flood damage in all of its forms immediately places your property at threat of mold. All that is required to produce mold is moisture, materials that act as a food source for mold and stagnate air. Add to this the absence of UV light and mold is as sure to enter your home as ants would be if you placed sugar around your walls. Flooded basements are common and knowing how to cleanup a basement flood is important.

After flooding of any source, flood damage restoration is necessary to eliminate the possibility of mold. Even small areas of water damage from a small refrigerator supply line leak must be addressed as soon as possible.
By the time mold appears it is either because restoration service was denied or improperly done. For this reason insurance companies do not cover mold damage restoration when they are suspicious of neglect or inept restoration. Because mold is a costly service, most carriers do not cover it and what policies may allow for it cap it out typically at $5,000.00.

3 Categories Of Flood Damage Restoration

Category 1 This type category is refers to water that enters property from water supply lines which is considered fresh and free of contaminates. Sources for such water damage are broken water supply lines, tub or sink overflows, laundry tub overflows, appliance malfunctions and burst or frozen water pipes.

Category 2 This water damage refers to water that enters property from a source that has a significant degree of chemical, biological or physical contaminants. Also known as “grey water” can cause discomfort or sickness when consumed or even exposed to. Symptoms can be irritated eyes, allergies or worse. Sources for such water would be ground water that enters from foundation leaks, a sump well or a storm drain.

Category 3 This water damage refers to water that is abundantly unsanitary and carries harmful bacteria and fungi, causing severe discomfort or sickness. This category includes water sources from sewage, toilet overflows with human feces, seawater, rising water from rivers or streams, ground surface water or standing water.

This type of water damage is common in the older Southeast MI communities of Grosse Pointe, Grosse Pointe Farms, Royal Oak, Berkeley and Birmingham. These older communities have out dated plumbing drain systems that often fail allowing for sewer backups.

Category 2 water that is allowed to remain will increasingly contaminate and be re classified as Category 3 water in 72.

Contacting A Professional Flood Damage Company

Action Extraction is a certified flood damage restoration company in Macomb MI. We provide emergency property remediation service throughout all Southeast Michigan and manage every category of water restoration and repair. We are Michigan's highest rated flood damage restoration firm with IICRC certified technicians. Call today for tips on preventing flooding, how to dry wet carpet and pad or for a free inspection of your property.
CHECK OUR: cities we service page to learn more about our services in your city.
Preventing and Repairing Basement Water Damage

TIPS FOR DEFENDING YOUR HOME FROM BASEMENT WATER DAMAGE

Combatting Basement Water Damage

Homes with basements allow for more storage and provide shelter during bad weather, but they also can be a creepy space. Prior to being finished and livable they can have cob webs, stealthy spiders, mystery debris piles, dampness and odd smells. Hollywood often highlights this in many of its horror movies, making them especially suited for dead bodies and zombies. Fantasy aside, some wet basement problems can cost so much to fix, homeowners would rather tangle with a zombie before dealing with repairing basement water damage.

WATER ALWAYS WINS: Anytime unwanted water enters a home it will typically affect the basement of the house, as that is the lowest space. If an upstairs bath room has a toilet that leaks it goes into the basement. Water damage from a refrigerator supply line will as well deluge down to the basement. Repairing basement water damage can be necessary from even a minimal amount of water if it gets to drywall, flooring and wood trim. Basement water damage from sewage backups and sump pump failures can damage basement walls, flooring, permanently damage carpets and pad, ruin furniture and lead to mold growth.

Silent Sources For Basement Water Damage

Moisture Condensation in clammy basements produce air with high moisture content ideal for mold growth. Over time the moisture heavy air begins to condensate on surfaces that become wet such as wood structures and stored boxes and paper products. Many times this will go undetected for protracted periods of time, finally being discovered in the form of mold and smells. At that stage repairing basement water damage can be more costly to remedy.

Regularly investigating the basement can keep you informed on newly developing issues that can be corrected before becoming alarming. If you notice moisture in the basement it is advisable to purchase a small dehumidifier and run it continually to keep humidity down.

In some extreme instances a ventilation fan can be useful as it will eliminate the stagnate air that is often responsible for basement water damage. Moving air is amazing at altering the conditions that produce mold and will correct many moisture issues.

Some basements are where the laundry room is located and faulty dryer vents can be responsible for unwanted humidity. If your dryer vent becomes disconnected or loses its seal, it will not channel the humid air from the home but directly in the basement. Over time the moisture can begin to affect wood substrates or even the concrete walls compromising structural integrity.

Sometimes basement water pipes will condensate with moisture rich air and drip water to the area below. If this area is absorbent and a food source for mold, than this too can be a condition to produce unwanted mold and bad smells.

Basements have what are known as rod holes and during time of rain will often allow water into the basement. As water infiltrates the soil during rain or running water from a hose, the soil outside the basement wall can come in through these holes. Basement water proofing companies can fix these rather affordably and correct the leak.

Basement walls with cracks often are harmless and many years can go by with no water intrusion in the basement. However, eventually these compromises in the foundation can allow large amounts of water during a rain storm and should be fixed.

Make sure all gutters and down spouts are connected and channeling water away from the home when it rains. If there is a compromise and water is building up in the surrounding soil, water may get into the basement. Additionally make sure your gutters are clean and working properly so they don’t overflow and contribute to the saturation of soil adjacent the basement walls.

Grade the landscape around your home so water naturally is channeled away allowing for the soil directly around the home to not over saturate with water. In rare situations some homes may need to have a drain tile system installed in the ground to carry unwanted water away from the home.

Catastrophic Basement Water Damage

Sewer backups in a basement are often sudden and catastrophic placing the basement in a state of extreme emergency. Buried under your yard is the homes sewer line, which may be made of outdated clay material. These older systems leak over time inviting nearby tree roots to be attracted to the moist soil. In time they will actually grow right into the system and block the water flow. Tree root intrusion, cracked or broken sections of sewer pipe and city sewer malfunctions can trigger a backup of highly contaminated raw sewage. This toxic environment is a bio hazard that needs the attention of a certified restoration company to produce a safe and sanitary environment.

Contacting a reputable plumbing contractor to do a video inspection of the sewer line will reveal the cause of a sewer backup. The remedy can be as easy as snaking out the sewer lines to remove tree roots, freeing up the system. In unfortunate situations however, the entire system will need to be completely replaced, costing several thousands. Scheduling a bi-annual inspection with a qualified plumber can be a cost effective way to limit the chances of a sewer backup.

Sump pump backups often occur when the water table under the home rises after a heavy rain. If the sump pump fails the hydro-static pressure of the water will come up through floor drains, floor joints and wall cracks. If the water backup is caught just as water begins to make its way into the basement, the damages will be limited. Other times water can violently infiltrate the basement completely flooding it in a short time. Contact your insurance agent to find out, is basement water damage is covered by insurance.

Although sump pumps are very effective at controlling the water table and keep the basement dry they can be subject to failing. If the AC power goes out or the pump burns up the property is at risk of having a flood and basement water damage.

3 Suggestions To Ensure Your Sump Pump Safeguards Against Basement Water Damage

Because AC power can fail during severe weather, it is advisable to get a water backup or battery backup system. Battery backup systems use a DC battery feature to ensure the unit activates should the primary pump not engage. There is some routine maintenance that is required to ensure the system actually engages when the float lifts, so be sure to read and follow the owner’s manual.

Making sure the sump basin is free of foreign objects annually, will make sure no obstructions will block the pump from working. Pouring about 5 gallons of water into the basin to observe the pump in action is a technique to verify the water backup is working. Make sure it fully empties the basin and turns off on its own.

Twice a year tighten all the screws on the rubber boot that connects the PVC pipe to the check valve to make sure that the regular vibration of the system hasn’t loosened the connection. If the screws become loose there is the potential for the discharge pipe to disconnect during a pumping cycle.
Causes Of Basement Flooding

IS YOUR BASEMENT FLOODED?

Why Basements Flood

Basements are known for several negative complaints. They are dark, filled with insects mostly spiders, have musty smells and can flood. A basement can flood at any time and during any season and the causes of basement flooding vary. Spring has its rainy season, fall has thawing snow, but summer and fall are not immune to basement flooding. Sometimes basement flooding manifest for other reasons not related to the outdoor environment such as an indoor plumbing leak, toilet overflow, broken hot water heater of appliance malfunction.
FLOODING CAN RESULT FROM seepage that continues when it is rainy outdoors or flow through the walls or foundation floor, from surface water sources, or by a sanitary or storm sewer backup.
What all Basement Flooding Has in Common

All basement flooding has one thing in common; they are unpredictable and happen at the worst time. Once basement flooding is discovered, time is of the essence because water can destroy a basements dry wall, wood base and expensive building materials like wood cabinetry and hard wood flooring. Also at risk are articles of clothing, furniture, stored items like pictures, family heirlooms, antiques and sentimental personnel belongings.

When considering the causes for basement flooding the resulting damages may very greatly. Flooding can be a minor issue that ensues by a slow seepage from a crack in the wall or basement flooding can be from a drain backup affecting the entire space.

Because basements occupy the lowest space in the home they are inherently prone to flooding. Unwanted running water from a leaking water pipe or toilet overflow will always deluge quickly to the lowest surface of a home.

Groundwater outside of the home is lower than the concrete slab of a basement. During heavy raining this water can begin to rise above the slab and infiltrate the home through a floor drain or floor crack. Homes are designed mechanically to keep this from occurring by use of the force of gravity. Gravity will naturally channel water from the property keeping basement flooding from occurring. However basement flooding will result when this system fails.

Basement Flooding From Failed Drain Systems

Although the basement system for keeping water from backing up through a drain or sump well is mechanically sound, there are times these proven systems fail and knowing why can help you be preventative for this cause of basement flooding. Here are several reasons systems may fail and flood your home.

TREE ROOT BLOCKAGE
When sewer drains become blocked by tree roots basement flooding is very probable when heavy raining occurs. Older sewer drain systems are comprised of materials that over time begin to degrade much like a shingled roof. Many of these out dated drain systems are made from clay and after 20 or 30 years will acquire small holes and cracks where water will seep into the soil. Nearby trees with roots deep in the soil will migrate in the direction of moisture and eventually grow into the clay pipes. What starts out small over the years will inevitably become a full blown blockage as deterioration only gets worse.

The scenario that may result when the system becomes totally clogged is an abundance of back pressure bringing in sewer water or ground water into the basement, often with great intensity.
SUMP PUMP FAILURE

Sump pump failures are one of the most common causes of basement flooding. When power outages happen or systems fail from wear, ground water can easily infiltrate property. When ground water surrounding the property rises it brings with it incredible hydro static pressure that will be released through the floor drain or any crack or seam in the concrete slab. What keeps this from happening in homes with a sump pit is an installed discharge pump that engages each time the float detects rising water.
Some homes are situated on property with a high water table or nearby stream and run almost continually. Other homes may be situated in a dryer soil condition and seldom engage. When these pumps run they pump rising water away from property by discharging it to the lawn, city storm drain system or pond. Some homes are illegally plumbed into the sewer drain system making the plumbing against code.

When power outages occur these pumps will cease to operate so it is recommended to have either a water backup or battery backup system that will keep the property from basement flooding. In addition to power failure there is the possibility of a pump just simply wearing out and completely stopping when you need it most. Sump pumps have longevity of about 7 years so it is highly recommended to replace the pump before they fail.

BLOCKED SANITARY LATERAL
Most properties have a sanitary sewer lateral that channels waste to either a city sewer system or septic tank. Older homes with systems made from deteriorating materials like clay pipe will slowly degrade over time. As this process occurs multiple issues can result that can jeopardize the ability of the home to manage waste water.
One is a blockage from tree roots that are attracted to the water seeping from the deteriorating sanitary lateral. Over time they will penetrate small cracks and openings allowing roots to flourish as a large growth that will stop all flow to city system in time.
These scenarios are one of the worst causes of basement flooding and can result in waste water rushing into a basement or drain at a shocking rate, especially when it is raining heavily. Once blocked all water stops to flow and flushing toilets and running washing machines result in the waste water being directed into the basement creating a mess of monumental proportion.
PHYSICAL OBSTRUCTION IN DRAIN SYSTEM
A child's toy, a large mass of toilet paper, feminine products and other items that end up in a toilet can easily become trapped somewhere in the drain system and block the main. These culprits are responsible for basement flooding when drains become gradually blocked. Informing all occupants to be sure to flush once before to large a paper buildup occurs and to be careful to nothing falls into the toilet can help reduce the chance for a backup.

Most Common Types of Basement Flooding

Sewer Backups

The most feared type of basement flooding is a sewer backup because of the contamination level of the water and the health risk it brings. Just the mention of toilet water on a bathroom floor can make someone bristle in disgust let alone thousands of gallons in the basement coming into contact with carpet, walls and valuables.

Sewage in your basement means a major cleanup project and a lot of anxiety over germs and infection. Professional water damage restoration is always recommended for high risk mitigation to assure the successful restoration of the property and the thorough removal of germs and moisture.

Water Supply Leaks

Fresh water sources from broken water supply lines and malfunctioning appliances are another cause of basement flooding. When plumbing leaks occur they can allow unabated water to continue to run for hours before being discovered. Some have actually been gone for weeks and longer to come home to a literal water damage nightmare from continuous water running.

When supply lines to toilets, sinks and appliances rupture, the water will quickly make its way to the basement from the higher floor. Such scenarios will not only affect flooring but ceilings, walls and all structures between floors. Water from plumbing is fresh having no contamination, making it the safest type of water to actually produce basement flooding. However, when this water migrates through the property it picks up dirt’s from floors, walls and wood substrates. As it migrates throughout the property it will become increasingly more soiled. Although the water began as fresh it has quickly become dirty from the traveling water that comes into contact with contaminates that exist in the home.

Broken / frozen water pipe

Michigan winters often dip down to subzero temperatures. Cold temperatures make for cold air that can easily force its way into cracks and openings that are in proximity to plumbing. When copper or plastic plumbing is introduced to temperatures below 32° water will expand destroying whatever material it is in. Copper pipes will rupture and break whereas plastic will freeze solid and often rupture during thawing out. If your heat happens to go out, it is important to get heat back into the property as soon as possible to avoid frozen water pipes.

Malfunctioning appliances

Washing machines dish washer’s hot tubs and Jacuzzis use water in order to function properly. If for any reason they fail or break due to an electrical, plumbing or mechanical issue, the malfunctioning device may leak with water. While these causes of basement flooding are less common they can result in greater cost for damages. Water pipes that comprise household plumbing are under regular pressure that will quickly release and cause basement flooding in several minutes. If no one is home the amount of water can become devastating by the time it is discovered.

Other Causes For Basement Flooding

Clogged gutters

During the fall season when tree leaves begin to fall it is important to keep your gutters clean of debris and leaves. Keeping up with a regular maintenance program can help keep water flowing away from the home. When gutters are blocked the water can spill over onto the soil around the base of the property. If the soil should become overly wet foundation walls can become compromised allowing basement flooding. Even if the water is not getting into the basement, it could however, be eroding soil from under the house footings, which can lead to cracking of walls and ceilings. This slow process can eventually manifest in basement flooding.

Pavement slope towards property

Sometimes concrete paving settles over time and water flow can change direction toward the house. If this is the case, the paving should be removed and replaced so it slopes away from the home. Some companies offer hydraulic lifting of sinking concrete slabs. The same can happen with soil around the property. It may divert the water from the home for years, but over times the constant effect of rain may result is loss of soil which in time will allow water to pool at the base of the home instead of channeling it away.

Lawn sprinkler systems

Avoid placing lawn irrigation near the house. If this cannot be avoided, instruct the installer to limit the amount of water dispersed next to the house. Make sure the irrigation system includes a working rain gauge so the system does not turn on when there has already been plenty of rain for the plants and lawn.

Frozen / burst outside water spicket

Failure to either cover with an insulated cap the outside water spicket or failure to turn off the water and drain the valve may result in bursting from the cold weather. It is not uncommon when the frozen water pipes break that the water makes its way into the basement requiring water removal service.
CONSIDERING PROFESSIONAL HELP FOR BASEMENT FLOODING
In many cases it is best to contact the professionals for emergency sewage cleanup service. Finished basements especially are at risk for mold damage after flooding that can affect the health of your occupants as well as the value of your home.
Action Extraction Restoration Professionals specialize in all forms of flood damage cleanup and offer free estimates on water damaged properties. We have the resources, reputation and dedicated staff to turn your worst nightmare into a triumpth of restoration. We provide basement flood cleanup in Washington twp. as well as all cities in Macomb county and many other Southeast Michigan communities. Call today and speak live to the owner who can answer your questions and set up a cost free inspection of your property.
CHECK OUT OUR: cities we service page for more information about our restoration services in your city. Like us on Facebook and learn more about home restoration services.
3 Main Reasons Basements Flood
3 Main Reasons Basements Flood

Most things occur for multiple reasons not just one. This is especially true of things related to property insurance claims made regarding home disasters. Fires can occur from electrical issues, irresponsibility and even arson. Residential water damage manifest when pipes break, appliances malfunctions and toilets overflow as examples of just a few. Because basement flooding is the most common and has several overarching reasons why, this article will focus on the 3 main reasons basements flood.

The Impact Of A Flooded Basement

A Flooded basement is an occurrence on par with a break-in or a small kitchen fire. It can disrupt life on a grand scale while bringing about unwanted stress and anxiety. Sometimes basement flooding is so severe it affects the necessary operations of the home such as heating, forcing families to be put up at a hotel for weeks. Water in the basement although below the space where most do their living will effect everything related to the home.

Basements are where most properties have their furnace, hot water heater and laundry room. Should the basement acquire several inches of water these essential items for normal living can shut down the use of the home. When homes are not able to produce heated air or hot water, people no longer can occupy the premises safety.

There are other dangers related to a flooded basement that are even more dramatic than suspending several required services. Mold after a basement flood can move you out of your home and cost thousands in mold mitigation before it is safe to move back in. Basements are dark, dank spaces devoid of UV light making them a playground of microorganisms that amplify quickly when flooding happens.

How Basement Design Contributes To Flooding.

Imagine an area in your yard where no digging has ever taken place. Attempting to shovel a 3 foot hole would be an endeavor requiring a full commitment of muscle expenditure. Why? Because you’re attempting to dislodge soil that has been settling for hundreds of years. During this time the process of soil becoming wet and dry has gradually removed the air pockets from it making the ground very dense and hard.

Apply this concept now to the process of digging a basement. The builders must excavate a hole larger than the basement itself to allow for the concrete walls of the basement to be poured. Once these walls for the construction of the basement have cured the soil is returned. This soil is now very loose and is referred to as”back fill”, having large air pockets in it that will easily allow water accumulation. Compare that to the virgin soil around the property that is still tightly compacted. You actually have a bowl shaped area around your basement that is capable of retaining heavy water each time it rains. This understanding will allow us to clarify latter in this article the 3 main reasons basements flood.

Water Naturally Gravitates To Basements

Basements occupy the lowest point in a home and just as water poured in a glass will fill from the bottom up, so will water in a home. Whether the water is from an inside source like a broken water pipe on a main floor or water from without that backs up through a floor drain. Both will naturally gravitate to the lowest point causing basement flooding and place the home in jeopardy of mold related issues. Nonetheless when flooded property is quickly attended to with flood restoration service, mold is unlikely.

Basement Flooding Can Go Undetected For Days.

Often basements that are unfinished are not visited on a regular basis. This is especially true of seniors that often avoid such trips due to safety reasons. Some people only descend the steps to their basement at holidays to bring up decorations. In some cases individuals only are directed to a basement to check on flooding because of a new pungent smell that is foreign to the home. For these reasons basements can remain wet for days and weeks before flooding is discovered.

Now that we understand the way water works and the back story to how basements are built, let’s look at the first of the 3 main reasons basements flood.

1) Basements Flood When Water Using Appliances Malfunction.

The second law of thermodynamics can be summed up in layman terms as “things break over time”. Your new refrigerator with its water supply line for making ice can break. The new designer washing machine with its enviable high efficiency cycle could leak. The dish washer that guarantees no water spots on dishes has a discharge line that can become loose. These are just several convenience devises that exist in the home that use water capable of flooding property when they fail.

Water cleanup from an appliance malfunctionAnother common basement appliance is the water heater that allows for comfortable water temperatures for bathing and successful cleaning. Should a water heater bursts or even slowly leak, hundreds of gallons of water can migrate throughout the entire basement.

Water restoration companies are contacted each year by families that have discovered their appliances gushing water because of a malfunction. To add insult to injury the cost for restoration are almost never covered by the manufacturers, who carefully insulate themselves from responsibility. There have been situations where inept appliance installations have allowed major basement flooding from a poorly made connection to a water supply line.

One such incident resulted when an installer forgot to tighten the connection made between the refrigerator and water supply line. He placed the fridge back in its desired spot and turned the water on. No water showed up from beneath the appliance so he went on his way. The homeowners confident the installation was not a concern went to dinner and probably about the same time as they left the connection broke. When they returned home they were horrified to discover the entire kitchen was flooded. Immediately heading to the basement, they found matters were much worse than originally thought. Their newly finished basement was also completely flooded with several inches of water.

A good tip to anyone allowing a service tech into your home is to always request the insurance paperwork of anyone who enters to do service. Equally important is to make sure the coverage is up to date and the name of the company is clearly identified as the insured. In the case just sited, there was no such insurance and the homeowner was completely responsible for the flooded basement cleanup. Even after contacting the major retailer and scolding them for contracting their installations with a non-insured company, they said they were not responsible.

Let’s Consider The Second In The 3 Main Reasons Basements Flood.

2) When Drains Backup From Outside Water Of A Property

In Michigan drain backups are the most common reason for a basement to flood. This type of flooding usually is accompanied by a heavy rain or a thawing snow when temperatures increase in the winter. Remember earlier as we described how basements are dug and the back fill is loose soil that will attract water? Well when water accumulates around the home the dense soil will repel the water and the loose soil will gladly receive it. Homes with basement are stationed in a bowl shaped environment of loosely placed soil making it easy for water to come in through a drain if the mechanics of your home fail.

What are the man-made characteristics that must function to keep your basement dry? Either a gravity fed drain system that naturally channels the water from the house or a pump drain system that must routinely engage to direct the water away.

Gravity Drain Systems To Prevent Basement Flooding

Older homes in particular have benefited for many years with the gravity drain system. Basements have drain tiles that allow any ground water accumulation to be sent to the storm drain. If this drain is working efficiently as it should it will discharge into the city sanitary line keeping the basement from flooding. These systems have very successfully maintained the well being of homes with basements for over 100 years, which brings us to a problem.

These systems where originally made from materials such as clay that have over time deteriorated and cracked. The problem then arises when there are trees on the property, as their roots naturally search for moisture in the surrounding environment. If they detect water leaking from your clay drain system, tree roots will be drawn into them as a water supply source. In time the roots will invade the drain system through the tiny cracks and eventually clog the system. When this happens the water that once flowed quickly is slowed down and apt to backing up during heavy rain when water accumulates rapidly.

Pump Systems To Prevent Basement Flooding

Sump pumps are the way many newer homes with basements stay dry and safe from flooding. As the water table around the home rises during rain or thawing snow the sump well rises too. When the float of the sump pump reaches a set height the pump engages and pumps the water away through its drain system.

Homes in rural areas will often have the water pumped away from the home to a location on the property further away. These can be ponds or natural drain systems that can handle the water. Homes in the city will direct the storm water through several foot of PVC pipe to a city storm drain. In both systems the basement will stay dry unless the sump pump fails to engage.

Sump pumps are at risk of failure because they need power to work and pump the water away from the property. If electricity is compromised from a power outage or bad electrical line the system fails and basement flooding is sure to occur. Another condition that will contribute to failure is the pump itself, as after several sometimes short years parts can fail keeping the pump dead when it is needed most.

Because of this there are several sump pump backup options readily available to help ensure basement flooding does not occur. Whatever type of sump pump backup system you have however; will be prone to fail as well because they are mechanical. Even systems with alarms have been known to disappoint homeowners who thought they were immune to basement flooding.

Let us consider the last of the 3 main reasons basements flood.

3) When Water Supply Lines Break

If you were to wake up one morning and place your feet in a puddle of water getting out of bed, you would think you were still dreaming. This unsettling narrative happens all the time, just ask an insurance adjuster. Municipal water each of us pays for every month that supplies water for drinking, washing and bathing, is under pressure and the only thing keeping it from flooding our home is a plumbing system. Should this systems fail because it is not well maintained or compromised plumbing materials break, flooding will follow.

When such unimaginable water damage happens the resulting harm can be astounding, costing thousands in cleanup and repairs. If someone is home who hears running water and discover it quickly the damages from flooding will be minimized. All too often however, people come home once the water has been violently running for hours.

In some instances, individuals have walked through the front door to discover water deluging from a ceiling that ultimately finds it’s way into a basement. In such cases water will always seek the lowest point on the property which will result in either a flooded basement or flooded crawlspace.

Of the 3 main reasons basements flood, broken water lines have the potential for the greatest amount of damage. The reason is because of the amount of unlimited water supply that continues to run till someone physically stops it. If a drain backs up the amount that can potentially flood the basement is limited. If an appliance malfunctions there usually will be limited water flow. The flood damage that will ensue from a broken water supply line has no limit and can create a voluminous water cleanup project. It can damage your electrical, mechanical and all levels of your home and take months of repair to get you back in your home.

Several Causes Why Water Supply Lines Break

Corrosion

Water pipes are made from several different materials and some corrode over time. An example would be galvanized water pipe. They are very strong but with time they become compromised and corrosion can create a fracture leading to a break under water pressure. Then there are water pipes that are actually placed underground as with a home built on a slab. With the settling of the home over time soil pressure can create a small fracture that may ultimately develop into a source for flood damage. Water pipes underground are also subject to a variety of soil conditions and can corrode metal pipe. Over time the water pipe becomes increasingly weakened and compromised. At a certain point water pressure will just force the line to break and introduce property to flood damage.

Freezing

Each year in the winter months as temperatures drop past 32° water will freeze and expand pipe materials to the point of breaking. Just the fluctuating temperatures from cold to warm are enough to cause weak points in metals that over time can rupture.

As a homeowner there are several things you can put into practice to minimize these possibilities. Turning exterior water fixtures off and releasing their pressure before the freezing temperatures arrive. Placing additional insulation around water pipes near exterior walls and drafts, can keep them from freezing. Lastly, keeping your home heated to at least 60° when you are gone will allow indoor temperatures to prohibit the likelihood of a water pipe freeze.
Emergency Water Cleanup Company – 6 Steps To Find The Best
LOOKING FOR THE BEST EMERGENCY WATER CLEANUP COMPANY?

Has your home or business been assualted by unexpected water damage? Acting swiftly can minimize damage and eliminate worries about lingering moisture, and associated mold damage. Don't let a water inundation from a floor drain or broken pipe wreak havoc on your valued property – don't allow flood damage to effect the value of your home. Acting fast to contact an emergency water cleanup company is in your best interest. Each hour water is allowed to languish on flooring, walls and related materials the more damage is produced.

CHOOSING TO DO THE CLEANUP OF WATER YOURSELF may seem like an exceptable option when only a small area of carpet may have become wet, however, a completely flooded basement is going to need a professional water cleanup company. Some earnest individuals will even attempt to remedy a sewer backup when it is much safer to contact a professional water rcleanup company. The professional restorer knows safety protocols and has the most efficiaet resources and products to navigate the restoration process to completion. Often carpet needs removal and other items such as furniture will require restoration services that only the experts are suited to provide.

Action Extraction of Macomb County once was called out to evaluate a flooded basement that had its water source come directly from a sewer drain. The potential customer actually remarked on how they were considering doing the waste water cleanup themselves, but were too busy. What was actually present in the aftermath of this horrific water inundation was much more than just carpet needing water removal service. The basement was an actual infestation of germs and solids that can only be described as a water damage apocalypse the likes of which would make most mortals bristle with fear.

The waste water with its horrid smells had migrated from a floor drain to reach all basement flooring throughout. Most grimace at the sight of human feces and used toilet paper remnants, but this customer almost seemed dissaponted they were too busy to do the water cleanup themselves. What a trooper. One has to give credit to those in life eager and willing to give a noble effort to press on, when most would flee in haste.

Do You Need An Emergency Water Cleanup Company?

If your home is in a flood damaged condition with water presently on flooring where drywall and other building materials are wet? Homes and businesses with water on flooring, drywall, and personal belongings need to be managed quickly and if this is your situation, you are encouraged to contact an emergency water cleanup firm ASAP. Professional restoration companies provide emergency restoration services 24/7 and are always the best option when making an insurance claim for the water loss. They know how to prepare the appropriate documents to smoothly navigate the claims process and get you your money fast.

The Professional Water Cleanup Perspective Matters

The perspective of the average property owner stumbling into a flooded basement or a room where the ceiling is dripping with heavy water is vastly different than that of a professional water cleanup contractor. They too would easily notice with the naked eye the same damage, but their experience will look for additional signs that suggest the true scope of damage.

They may see the wood base moldings are badly stained, detaching from walls and showing mold growth. The cellulose materials that are replete throughout the water damaged environment such as paper and boxes may as well be showing mold growth. They will evaluate the exterior walls for moisture retention that often leads to mold growth and water staining. Lastly the smell of the environment is able to indicate the length of time materials have remained wet. In many cases the indoor air requires immediate air filtration to keep the occupants safe. Skills such as these can only come from years of experience and continuing education. Both of these are important in finding the best restoration firm in your area. Lets go through several steps to finding the best emergency water cleanup company with the best skills.

Step 1. Locate a Highly Rated Flood Cleanup Company

Usually the search for a water restoration company begins with the use of a computer or mobile device. The frenzied property owner might type into a google search bar the words, “flood cleanup company near me” and wait to see what comes up. After sifting through the crop of water restoration company options, they hope to find one that instills a measure of confidence.

Finding the companies with the highest rating for customer service on multiple social media platforms is a great way to sift throught he options. You are best to consider the highest rated companies that have a proven record for customer service. Reputable water cleanup companies and for that matter any good service company is not difficult to find today when so many reviews are plentiful online from previous customers. People share their experience to alert you of the bad companies to avoid and encourage you of the good ones to consider. Action Extraction of Macomb is abundantly thankful for each of our satisfied clients that found time to graciously recommend our services.

Step 2. Take Advantage of a Free Evaluation

Most reputable restoration companies offer a free inspection of your property allowing you to see if they are professional and worthy of being hired. The wise adage; “you never get a second chance to make a first impression," really applies here. If their first impression is one of a clumsy technician pulling up in a rusted out vehical who seems confused as to how to earn your trust, you probaly just saved yourself a nightmare. If they are courteous, well groomed and uniformed, that speaks of a degree of professionalism that may be suited to you. If they additionally have an impressive vocabulary identifying them as a specialist, that too can instill confidence. This is why the free evaluation is so critical, it allows customers to vet companies before hiring them. This is an important step in finding the best emergency water cleanup company.

The vehicle they pull up in is another way to determine professionalism on the part of the prospective restoration company. Their restoration vehicle should be lettered with the company name, look presentable and be filled with the necessary tools to restore any water damage scenario imaginable. If they satisfy this beginning check list, then this is a great start.

Step 3. Moisture Detection Equipment Must Be Present During The Evaluation.

The naked eye cannot peer into building materials and actually identify the presence of water. Some affected drywall may have elevated moisture content as high as 20% and the naked eye would never know. Any free inspection of property will be deficient if a moisture detection meter is not a part of the initial evaluation. Trapped moisture in building materials is the #1 reason mold growth occurs in homes. Left unmanaged moisture will produce mold growth and other harmful microorganisms, that can only be eliminated, if moisture is first discovered.

The emergency water restoration industry has a technical name for what they do. It is called psychrometry. Psychrometrics is a field of engineering concerned with the physical and thermodynamic properties of gas-vapor mixtures. Definitely a bit confusing and deeper than most restorers even grasp, but putting it in layman’s terms means: the art and science of drying wet materials.

This begins with advanced moisture detection meters and scientific instruments that can detect the presence of water in materials that need drying service. The inspection is incomplete without these essential tools. How will the restorer know which materials are affectred by moisture and which are not? The technician that arrives for the free evaluation must have moisture detection meters with him or don't hire them. How will they know if you have a wet kitchen floor if they don't have a tool that peers beneath the surface. The same with drywall, if they don't know sewer water absorbed in it, then they will neglect removing wet drywall during flood cleanup.

What To Expect During the Free Inspection

Once they are brought to the damage site, they should be as natural as an English Springer Spaniel going after a bird. They need no instruction and they will not be influenced by false information they may have heard about your emergency project. If they were falsely told the water source was a broken water pipe but find evidence more plausibly suggesting a sewer backup, they should be able to clarify and convince with the evidence found.

There evaluation should be on bended knee as a penitent churchgoer, checking all dry wall, base molding and cabinetry in the area related to the water damage size footprint. The moisture detection instruments will give an empirical measurement of the moisture’s presence along with its percentage in each material tested. The results of each material will determine the protocol for cleanup and steps required to mitigate the property.

There should be two different moisture meters that are employed by the professional restorer to ascertain a comprehensive understanding of your water damage. Each has its own unique advantages and will give an accurate report of each material appraised. There are basic differences and each meter is designed for a different application. What are these 2 moisture detection meters?

1. Penetrating Moisture Meter

This meter has two sharp pins that when pressed into a materials will give a moisture reading of only the area it touches. If for example you touch it to a wood surface and it reads 15% moisture presence that accounts for only the superficial area you pressed into. The moisture content a bit deeper may show a much higher level of moisture requiring a meter that shoots a signal deeper into materials.

Penetrating meter for water cleanupThese particular meters are great for determining the water presence in base molding, wood flooring and carpet pad. They are useless for determining the moisture on the backside of drywall or level of moisture trapped in oak wood flooring or ceramic tile.

Unfortunately insurance adjusters will purposely use a penetrating moisture meter often to prove to you that your drywall, ceramic tile and sub floors are dry when in reality they are very wet. This meter is not designed for those materials and will give a false moisture measurement. This is exactly what an unscrupulous adjuster wants because if they can convince you there is no reason to perform additional drying service, they save the insurance company money.

Regrettably the intentional misuse of moisture detection devices is not just a scheme insurance adjusters can use to manipulate to their advantage, there exist those in the professional restoration industry as well.

If an unscrupulous restorer has attempted to dry wet materials in an allotted time that was quoted and still everything is just as wet as day one, they may purposely deceive you so they can pull out their drying equipment and get to the next job. Often this can be done by doing a switch-a-roo, to quote the urban dictionary.

Here’s how it is done. If when evaluating the progress of a drying protocol it is discovered to have failed, a crooked tech can use an incorrect meter to cajole you into thinking all is dry. They may place the pins of a penetrating moisture probe onto the surface of the oak wood flooring and show a reading of 7% explaining the target drying goal has been achieved. This may be true of the surface but will require a different moisture detection meter to actually reveal the moisture content in the core of a material. It could very well be higher than 20% which would leave you with an incomplete dry down and hidden dangers.

In these situations the professionals will be required to use an electronic device called a non-penetrating moisture meter. This meter is designed for giving accurate moisture content readings on hard wood flooring, ceramic tile, dry wall and wood sub floors.

2. Non-Penetrating Moisture Meter

This device does not have sharp pins that puncture the surface of a material to determine moisture percentages, hence the name, “non-penetrating.” These scientific gadgets are a tremendous tool for getting results without injury to the material. They work by shooting electromagnetic signals through the use of sensor pads that are placed on the surface of a material. The readings are accurate up to 1.5” into the material and will give true core values on water presence. No emergency water cleanup company worth their salt would neglect to have one of these on their person during the evaluation process.

These meters are an indispensable tool for knowing where hidden water may be trapped and how much of it is present. Without this information a drying protocol could never be devised and enacted, leaving property to the subjectivity of human error.

Can a dishonest insurance adjuster or a professional without conscience misuse this meter for means of deception and money making and/or savings? Unfortunately the answer is in the affirmative and is a resounding, absolutely!

Let take for instance an area of carpet in the basement that has saturated pad but the carpet feels dry to the touch. If the wet pad has a plastic sheath over it, a non-penetrating moisture meter will not give a reading of wetness. The meter electromagnetic signals will not detect the water often beneath the pad because there is too much air space from the dry carpet tuff to its dry base. In such a scenario one could be deceived into believing there is no water in the pad. Indeed if the penetrating moisture meter were to be firmly placed to puncture the plastic top layer of the pad it would sink into the watery cushion and clearly identify drying or removal is necessary.

Step 4. The Water Cleanup Procedure Is Explained

At this point the experienced professional has done their meticulous evaluation using impressive cutting edge tools for identifying the damages. Now it’s time to hear their assessment and what they have discovered as this will determine the water cleanup method and cost for restoration. Merely saying “it’s wet and needs to be dried up” does not cut the mustard so to speak. Up till this point they have been spot on and professional if they have covered all the bases as I have highlighted. Let’s hope they are equally thorough on giving the detailed explanation of their findings and their approach to the water cleanup process you have been patiently waiting for.

They should start out with what items are wet and give detailed instructions as to how they will go about mitigating your property, bringing it back to safe pre-flood condition. This will vary greatly because there are different types of water damage and based upon the nature of the one you are facing will determine the steps for recovery.

It would be impressive if they sited regularly from the IICRC S-500 publication for water restoration as this is the Bible in the restoration industry. When you know the restorers are well versed in the standards of the industry this can really give you the sense of confidence in their capabilities. With such assurance may come as well the peace of mind most property owners hope to feel when hiring a professional emergency water cleanup company.

Step 5. Before Signing The Work Authorization

At this stage things couldn’t go better, they arrived demonstrating professionalism, respected your property covering their shoes, have employed the tools of the trade to guide the assessment and you are ready to sign the necessary paperwork to hire them and get things started.

One last detail that can be the difference in seeing a licensed doctor and one that is not, credentials. You must ask to see several important documents to confirm your intuition that these are the ones.

Proof Of Insurance

You should not entertain any service company doing business in your home unless they have seen an up-to-date proof of insurance policy with a limit of at least 1 million dollars. If they do not produce one tangibly or show one in a Dropbox folder or the like, ask them to contact their office and send one via email. Without proof of insurance you are placing you, your family and property at risk.

As owner myself of an emergency water cleanup company of over 35 years, all our tech's have proof of insurance with them at all times. I can tell you confidently, you are at great risk as I have personally witnessed unspeakable damage that professional restoration companies have done. Sometimes it is accidental, other times it is inexperience or worse, gross negligence. Don't let this happen to you, because when and if Murphy’s Law shows up, it is you more than likely who will foot the bill for their mistakes.
Mistakes like removing structural drying equipment before all moisture is eliminated and you end up getting mold damage. Mistakes like neglecting to discover trapped water in a floor that eventually warps and creeks with each step. These potential hazards will haunt you when there is no proof of insurance and we have seen these type nightmares manifest more than we can count.

IICRC Certification In Water Cleanup

OK you are almost about to sign the work authorization and begin the water restoration service, but there’s one last requisite to cover if you want to place a check mark in each box on the "due diligence checklist".
Sure they made an impressive entrance, said all the right things and up till now have passed each litmus test. But are they an IICRC certified emergency water cleanup company? This is important as it assures they have earned credentials that make them knowledgeable in the field and in the critical aspects of property recovery. Unless you physically see it, don’t presume as presumption is the Mother of all collapses. In business it is a healthy thing to make certain what otherwise might be taken for granted.

As with the request to see proof of insurance don’t be shy asking for IICRC certified firm credentials. The presence of this document will be all you need to have vetted the prospective restoration company thoroughly. While these important steps are necessasry to select a reputable service company, there is no guarantee nothing will go wrong. However, you have made every intelligent effort to minimize the grief of having incompetent workers in your home and that is priceless.

Consider Action Extraction for your Emergency Water Cleanup Company

If water damage has been discovered in your home, consider calling Action Extraction. We follow the guidelines in this article and have all the credentials to instill confidence in our process. Basement flood cleanup after a sewer drain backup or failed sump pump needs immediate attention and we have a tream of professionals on call 24/7 to provide emergency water cleanup services.

WHY CHOOSE US?
1. Rapid Response: The faster to the disaster the better! As an emergency water cleanup company we understand the urgency of 24/7 service. Our team of local restoration professionals are standing ready to act when you call.
2. State-of-the-Art Equipment / Scientific technology: Our advanced moisture detection meters, water extraction systems, and structural drying equipment ensure a safe and complete propeorty restoration. We are an IICRC certified restoration firm and give strict detail to doing things right the first time.
3. Experience & Education Matters: Water damage restoration is a specialized field where only highly committed companies are going to have 5-star ratings for their commitment to customer satisfaction. Each of our career technicians is thoroughly educated having unique skills and knowledge to serve our customers.
4. Insurance Assistance: Homeowners claims for water losses are our specialty. We can document and make the entire process smooth and head-ache free. Our team will help navigate each step forward till you recieve the compensation you deserve.
📞 Call Us Now for Immediate Assistance! 800-713-4333
3 Types Of Water Damage
3 Types Of Water Damage

Often, when I’m working in homes, I’m asked about different types of water damage. It’s normal for homeowners to ask if their situation could have been worse. While every flood is a catastrophe in its own right, and for its own reasons, there are 3 types of water damage. Fresh water, storm or ground water, and sewer or contaminated water. Each of the 3 types of water damage holds its own power of destruction and mayhem, but let’s get into each type and how they differ when it comes to you and your home.

1) Fresh Water – Municipal Water

Fresh water, also known as category 1 water is the cleanest of the 3 types of water damage you can have. Typically resulting from a burst pipe or overflow, fresh water is the easiest in terms of general health to clean up. While most items can be dried in place, such as furniture or drywall, fresh water can still be very destructive to your home. Most freshwater damage is the result of a failure in one or more parts of your homes plumbing infrastructure. Most commonly, we often find burst copper lines and vinyl supply lines to be the majority of our freshwater losses, though the occasional leaky dishwasher may also make an appearance.

Due to the fact that freshwater damage is most often the result of failed or compromised plumbing, that water is under pressure from the main water line. This means that if no one is home or if the home is vacant, that fresh water will continue to pour in and saturate any building material is comes into contact with. Most often in our fresh water damage jobs, we find pipes in ceilings and walls that have proceeded to saturate whole entire levels of the home before falling into the basement to find more building material to damage.

Fresh Water Damage – Worst Case Scenario

Frozen DoorsAll water restoration professionals have that one project in the back of their mind that created damage so far reaching that they will never forget it, as it will always stand out as unique.

Such is the case with a property we serviced during a very cold Michigan winter. We came upon a home that had not been visited in a few weeks due to the homeowners being out of the country while their home was up for sale.

While they were gone the temperatures had dropped well below zero and their furnace had had enough and quit when they needed it most. The temperature drop resulted in 14 separate breaks in their copper water lines, saturating the entire first floor and basement and leaving an ice wall on their front door 4 inches thick!

After chipping away and getting into the home we found fallen drywall and icicles hanging from the ceiling. While the water damage done was all fresh water, the scope of destruction and saturation forced us to completely gut the first floor and basement down to the very studs they were built on.

While fresh water may be clean, it is often times the most destructive of the 3 types of water damage due to its tendency to be wide spread and pressure fed.

2) Storm Water – Ground Water

Picture this, you’ve come home from a long day of work. You take off your coat, throw your keys on the table and go to let the dog out the back door. As you turn to walk back into the kitchen to grab yourself a meal you see your reflection in the basement floor, or maybe notice that the carpet seems to be a darker shade of gray than normal. As you descend the basement stairs it slowly hits you, your basement is flooding. As you run to grab your mob and bucket and get the plumber on the line you might stop to wonder what’s happening and why.

Basement floods can happen for a plethora of reasons, but the most common is definitely storm water. Of the 3 types of water damage, storm water is typically the easiest to handle, if not the cleanest. Storm water damage typically happens when a sump pump has failed, when a cities storm system is overwhelmed or when a homes foundation is damaged allowing ground water to seep into the home.

The most common that professional flood restorers tend to see are those related to sump pump failure. Sump pumps are submersible pumps that are installed in basements and help move storm water out of and away from a home’s foundations. The reason these pumps fail is innumerable.

Some due to age and wear, others do to mineral or clay build up and still others may have a faulty float mechanism. When these pumps fail, the water building up around the home has no where to go and, using pressure from the water building up above it, is forced into the home through the sump well, cracks in the basements floor and foundation, or through the footer and the base of the basement walls. Another reason for a pump malfunction could be power loss, either from a blown circuit or a full power loss.

Sump Pump Failure Prevention

Regardless of how the malfunction happened it’s important to have your sump pump looked at by a plumbing professional every other year during a normal plumbing maintenance checkup. Because these pumps are mechanical and subject to wear and compromise over time it is recommended to have them replaced after 7 years.

Equally important is manually engaging any type of backup system you may have each season to assure it will function when called upon. If your backup system is a water powered backup, then unplug the primary and pour water into the well allowing the water to rise high enough to engage the water backup system. Once it comes on and removes the water you can be at ease and plug back in the primary. Spray all interactive components with some penetrating oil to keep them free of corrosion.

If you have a battery powered backup system then make sure the acid levels are optimal as required and test the alarm making sure it goes off. Again make sure to spray all components with penetrating oil. Because these systems may sit unused for years they will easily corrode and seize up failing to engage when called upon should the primary someday fail.

Protocol For Cleaning After A Sump Pump Failure

When it comes to storm water damage, most building material can still be saved. Carpets can be dried in place and steam cleaned using hot water extraction methods, though carpet padding must always be removed and discarded. Base moldings and drywall can be properly dried in place and repainted.

Personal items must be wiped down and set into a previously cleaned area to avoid cross contamination. While, of the 3 types of water damage, storm water damage is not the worst, it’s also not the cleanest. We consider storm water to be living water as it is replete with millions of colonies of molds and microorganisms.

While fresh water is delivered to our homes after passing through a water treatment plant, storm or ground water has passed through the ground around your home, picking up contaminants, bacterium and microbes along the way. Any item that has come into contact with storm water needs to be thoroughly cleaned and inspected for additional water damage.

Storm water damage should always be treated seriously and handled, when possibly, by professional water technicians certified in water damage restoration by the IICRC. While storm water damage is a nightmare on its own, lets get to the worst of the 3 types of water damage.

3) Sewer Water – Black Water

Category 3 Sewer Water CleanupYou walk in the door and it hits you. If you’ve had the unfortunate opportunity to smell it, you’ll never forget it. I’m talking about sewer water.

Of the 3 types of water damage, this one is definitely the worst. Also known as category 3 or “black water” this type of water damage loss is an unstoppable force. Almost anything it touches it destroys.

So why does it happen? Many reasons. Those with kids will understand that once their child realizes that things can be flushed it means that everything can be flushed. Toys, whole entire rolls of toilet paper, magazines, G.I. Joe, you name it, they’ll try to flush it. Often times the source of sewer water damage is a blockage of the sewer line. When one of the kid’s toys ends up laying sideways in a sewer stack it end up collecting whatever it can that passes it by, typically toilet paper.

After weeks and month of grabbing paper and closing more and more of the pipe the water ends up with no where to go. So when you decide to take a shower at the end of the night, all of that water ends up in your basement or, what we found in the course of one of our jobs a few years back, out of the toilet of your first floor.

The Destructive Nature Of Migrating Water

Water will always find the path of least resistance. Whether that means through a crack in the wall like we discussed in ground water, or through the lowest sewer line opening. Sometimes, however, sewer water damage can happen through no fault of our own. If you live around an older city, maybe in the city itself or one of the suburbs, your sewer and storm systems are tied together.

What that means is that if you have what appears to be a storm back up in your basement, it’s likely to also contain sewer water. So, what does that mean for you? In our line of work, we don’t make assumptions. We treat every storm backup with a tied sewer system as if it were 100% sewer. There would be no way to determine where the sewer water started and ended. Let me walk you through my own experience with this.

Professional Restorers Experience & Perspective

My city went through the process of replacing all of the water main lines for our street in the summer. That meant heavy machinery up and down our street, front yards dug up, noisy workers starting at 6 am every morning. You may ask how this has anything to do with water damage? Well, the city planners identified my home as the perfect spot for a fire hydrant. While not ideal aesthetically, protecting our homes and our neighbor’s homes from fire was important so the next day they were busy tearing up the boulevard in front of my home for the hydrant.

Fast forward to winter. Remember the visual I gave you earlier? Letting the dog out and seeing your reflection in the basement floor? That was me. As I ran down the stairs to confront the water that was accosting my basement, I hadn’t put a second thought to that hydrant, now nestled into the fresh grown grass in my front lawn.

As my wife relayed to me while the plumber tried unsuccessfully to clear what I was sure was a blockage in our storm line, it turned out to be that the construction company hit my sewer line as they were installing our new hydrant.

When the rain fell that night and the water table rose, it flooded my basement, mixing ground water and sewer water alike. At that point, it was all sewer water and we went to task pulling all affected building material. Wood paneling, a bathroom vanity, a cedar bar I had built with my own two hands were piled up and thrown away. It had to be done.

Sewer water damage is the most unhealthy of the 3 types of water damage you can find. Sewer water can be home to millions of viruses and bacteria. When it comes to storm water damage we can at least clean most of the items the water comes into contact with but that is not the case when it comes to sewer water damage.

In my basement, the wood paneling could have been saved if it were only storm water but, because it was sewer, it all had to be cut out to avoid getting anyone in the home sick. The only way to save porous items such as wood or some papers is to encapsulate them in an oil or plastic. Oil based primers are often used to encapsulate wood substrates after a sewer flood has been mitigated. I personally used one to encapsulate the cement walls of my basement after the paneling had been removed.

Time Changes Everything When It Comes To Water Damage

All 3 types of water damage can progress to the next, more severe type. Fresh water, if left to its own devices can promote bacterial and mold growth. The same is true with storm water, also known as category 2 water. There isn’t a category worse, however; than category 3 or sewer water damage.

Time is always the enemy when It comes to water damage of any kind. Water is a boundless energy source. All water needs to be destructive is a cellulose source of energy and time. Once those two meet it begins a symphony of destruction only stopped with quick and direct mitigation methods. So, what are those methods, and what should you do when you’re confronted with any of the 3 types of water damage we discussed here.

The Proven but often Overlooked Method for Drying Water Damaged PropertyThe most effective and efficient method of mitigation is through airflow and exposure principles. Exposing wet material to rapid air flow effectively accelerates evaporation and encourages drying. Adding a dehumidifier or two to the mix will help manage the relative humidity in the air and let the fans continue their work.

What Do I Do Now?

First things first it’s important to access the type of water damage you’re experiencing and no, I don’t mean which of the 3 types of water damage. You need to first ask yourself, is this water ground water from a drain backup or can I hear a main water lining feeding my flood. Sometimes this answer will be easier to find than others. Most importantly if your basement is finished and the water is everywhere, call the professionals.

Read our article on the 6 steps to choose the best water cleanup company.

The Illusive Nature Of Water Damage – Why A Professional Is Best

We’ve sometimes come across a water damage claim that seemed to be ground water but turned out to be a failure in a water back up attached to the sump pump. Sometimes we’ve found water we felt at first glance was potentially storm water that turned out to be sewer water on closer inspection. Often times we can access the type of water loss you are experiencing just by asking a few questions over the phone, which bring us to the next step. Call a local water damage restoration company.

A certified water damage restoration company will be able to send out an IICRC certified technician, typically within the hour. That technician will be able to guide you through the next steps in how to attack your water damage problem and give you a detailed plan on how they should proceed. They’ll be able to inform you on which of the 3 types of water damage you may be experiencing, and how to deal with any problem that may arise.

Will Insurance Cover Your Water Damage Cleanup?

You will also want to begin talking with your insurance company, depending on the type of flood you are experiencing and the particulars of your insurance policy. Most freshwater damage claims are covered through your normal homeowners’ policy.

That means any water that runs through your plumbing system is almost always covered. Your flood technician should be able to walk you through the steps in dealing with your insurance company and, while not an expert in insurance policy, should be able to inform you on types of coverage and whether or not you qualify.

When it comes to storm and sewer water all policies were not created equal. Most insurance companies will require a rider when it comes to storm and sewer water damage typically labeled “back up of sewer or storm” coverage. This coverage is capped at a certain coverage limit with 5, 10, and 15 thousand being the most common coverage caps.

The Protocols For Water Damage Cleanup Depend On Its Type – 1,2 Or 3

Fresh Water Cleanup

Once you’ve determined the source of the water, which of the 3 types of water damage you are dealing with and decided on a water restoration company, it’s time to let your team get to work. If you’re dealing with a freshwater restoration job, your crew is likely wearing typical work-related clothing.

Depending on the extent of damage the fresh water did; you may have certain items removed from your home. Just recently we completed a freshwater job relating to a malfunctioning dishwasher that required us to remove multiple granite counter tops and a few cabinets along with an engineered floor covering.

Some building material, like that floor covering, needs to be removed regardless of which of the 3 types of damage you’re experiencing. That’s because certain types of floor coverings are not breathable and tend to trap water beneath them. The only way to remove water from below a floor like this is to, unfortunately, remove the floor.

Ground Water Cleanup

When dealing with storm water damage your crew may be wearing gloves and waterproof boots to protect themselves. Often times the storm water will have affected some of the fiberglass insulation found behind the drywall and will have to remove up to 2 feet of drywall to treat that area.

They may wear protective respirators while cutting through the gypsum board and handling the fiber glass insulation. All padding under carpeting must be removed but many personal items and contents can be saved by simply washing them in an anti-microbial solution.

Sewer Water Cleanup

Finally, if you’re dealing with the worst of the 3 types of water damage, sewer, your crew may be dressed in head to toe protective covering. Haz-med suits and respirators are common, along with elbow length gloves and boot coverings.

Most crews, regardless of your flood situation will lay out floor covers to prevent cross contamination into your home, but it is especially important that they do so in the event of a sewer flood. Our entire goal in regard to cleaning a sewer flood is to contain the environment and get it clean.

That means any material that is absorbent must be removed from the home and discarded. Any floor coverings that may be trapping water must be removed and we must use a product known as an air scrubber or negative air machine. This machine will run the air in your home through a 3-stage filter. A large particulate filter, able to grab dust and debris, a small particulate filter, and a HEPA filter.

The industry’s drying system pushes air all over the place and an air scrubber will help protect you and your family. Everything in a sewer water flood must be cleaned with an antimicrobial solution and floors should be high pressure steam cleaned to remove even the most stubborn particulate from the floor surfaces.

How Can We Help?

Action Extraction has been in this game for over 30 years. We have the tools, knowledge and expertise to handle any of the 3 types of water damage you may find yourself confronted with. All of the examples above were pulled from real world jobs we have completed. Whether dealing with storm water from a faulty sump pump, fresh waster from a burst copper pipe, or sewer water from a back up or blockage, we’ve seen it all and cleaned it all.

Our crew of professional water technicians will be able to access your flood disaster quickly and professionally leaving you with a sense of control in an often hectic situation. Now that you know what the 3 types of water damage are and how to handle them, we hope that you’ll consider Action Extraction for any of your water damage repair needs.
Protecting Your Home From Water Damage While On Vacation
How To Protect Your Home From Water Damage While On Vacation

Vacation Without Fear Of Water Damage

Many of the calls from frantic homeowners we get are from people returning home from vacation to find their homes in varying states of disarray due to unexpected water damage. You may be wondering how to protect your home from water damage while on vacation. The easiest solution to this problem is to employ a home sitter. Having someone in the home while you’re gone is the quickest way to avoid massive water losses while you are away.

What happens when even this isn’t enough? What can you do as a homeowner to insure your property is safe while out of town from the 3 different types of water damage? Let us review a few different tips and tricks you can employ to ensure your return home is quiet and relaxing and, most importantly, dry.

Check Your Supply Lines

Any appliance you own that is water fed, like sinks, toilets and refrigerators will often times come with cheap plastic supply lines. An inexpensive switch to steel braided stainless-steel supply lines will lower the risk of line failure and leave you with a sense of security when out of the house. The vinyl supply lines are much less substantial in materials which makes them easily break, crack and develop small leaks.

Often when refrigerators leak from faulty water lines the leak goes undetected till damages begin. Ceramic tile and hard wood flooring can become permanently damaged and result in a new floor being necessary.

Home Sitters

As we covered in the opening segment, having someone check on or stay in your home while you’re away is the easiest and best was to ensure that any water loss is caught quickly and treated immediately. While someone being in your home may not prevent water losses, time in a water loss is your worst enemy and getting to water damage issues quickly is incredibly important when it comes to the health and safety of your home.

Although regular checking on the home is the best way how to protect your home from water damage while on vacation, it is important the chosen individual be instructed correctly. If they just open the door, stick their head in and conclude all is well because the place hasn’t been ransacked, multiple potential dangers could still exist.

They should be instructed to make sure the electricity is working, the indoor temperature is the same as the setting on the thermostat and the basement needs to be checked for flooding. This is important as flooding can occur just as someone is vacating the home and unless the property is inspected daily, water damage can devastate if left for over 24 hours.

Test Your Sump Pump

Basement backups are never fun and often times incredibly expensive without insurance. It is important that your sump pump is working properly at all times but especially when you are away from your home. To test your sump pump, simply fill a 5 gallon bucket with water a pour that water into the sump well. This should engage your sump pump and your sump pump should pump all of that water out.

It is also important to check the surroundings of your pump, as well as your float mechanics. A stuck float mechanic can cause the sump pump to run constantly, eventually burning out the pump and causing a failure. Alternatively, sump pump float can sometimes become stuck and never engage the pump at all, regardless of water level. Either of these scenarios can be devastating and allow a basement to flood in a vacant home.

If you have a water backup system attached to your sump pump it will be important to also check the float system and ensure the water back up is operating properly by engaging the float and confirming the pump is working. Battery backup systems should also be tested to make sure the battery is charged and ready for service in the event of a power outage while you’re away.

Making sure that your sump pump is in tip top condition can help to prevent a costly sump pump backup in your basement. Some home surveillance companies may also offer water damage sensors and alerts that can be helpful. If you have someone staying in your home while you are away, the most effective tool in preventing sump pump backups in our experience has been water alarms.

These tools will act like smoke detectors for your sump pump, alerting you quickly to any sump pump failures and giving you ample time to call a plumbing professional or fix the pump yourself saving you thousands. Of course, this system will only be effective if someone is watching your home for you.

Turning Off The Water – Best Tip How To Protect Your Home From Water Damage While On Vacation

The best way to protect your home from freshwater flood losses while you are on vacation is to turn off the main water line to your home. By turning off the water main, you have taking a great step toward protecting your home from unexpected water damage especially during the winter months.

In the event of a furnace failure and your home temperatures dropping below freezing, by turning off your water main and draining any water in the system you have made sure that any water in left in the lines will not be enough to freeze the line and burst the pipe.

Pipes burst when water inside the line is frozen and expands beyond the limits of what your copper lines can stretch. This creates a blister in the line allowing for water to pour into your home wreaking havoc and mayhem. Your water main will almost always be located in your basement or in your crawl space. There should be two valves with which you can shut down the water supply to your home.

Check to see if the water is off by turning on both the hot and cold handles on any sink in your home. To drain the lines, open sinks at the lowest point in your home and remember to flush all toilets. If you’re not able to turn off the water main, going faucet to faucet in your home and turning off all supply lines is another way to prevent water damage from a supply line failure, though it will not prevent burst pipes elsewhere in your home.

Do An Outside Evaluation

Downspouts and gutters can cause their own issues inside your home as well as outside. Make sure all gutters and downspouts are clear of debris and leaks before you depart. Downspouts that feed into uneven landscaping can cause puddling around the foundation of your home, inviting water to chip away at the concrete foundation of your basement.

Loose shingles are havens for pooling water waiting to freeze and lift the plywood sheets that make up your roof leaving gaps large enough to cause leaks from above. Gutters full of leaves will also become a pool for water to collect and work it’s way under your shingles. Make sure that all of your downspouts are diverting water far enough away from your home (roughly 10 feet.)

Keep Your HVAC Running

It may be tempting to turn off your furnace or central air in the event that you won’t be home for a few weeks. No sense in keeping a home comfortable when no one is there, right? While the getting a small utility bill for the time you are gone may seem like an ideal situation, often times extreme weather can cause major damage in your home without ever seeing a flood. Your home central air system will act as a dehumidifier in the summer months and keep your home above freezing in the winter.

Keeping your air conditioning on and running may help to prevent the relative humidity inside your home from rising to dangerous levels causing condensation and minor water damage, as well as nail pops and warped wood floor coverings. Turning the air up to keep bills down is a great idea while you’re gone but resist the temptation to turn your central air off completely. As well as your air conditioning, you should also resist the temptation of running any appliances right as you are leaving your home.

It may seem an innocent task to allow a cycle of dishes to run in the dishwasher, or even to run your wash just before your leave to run errands, but these appliances rarely create problems while they are not in use. Failures in dishwashers and clothes washing machines can be catastrophic and would only be exaggerated in intensity if the home is vacant when the malfunction occurs.

Because all water deluges to the basement below the damages could be devastating and you may come home to have to cleanup a flooded basement.

Check Your Home Before You Go

The last and possibly most important thing you can do to prevent water damage in your home when you are gone on vacation is to check your home to potential problems. It is important to check all water connections for potential issues. Make sure your cabinets and vanities have to sign of water damage and your metal lines are free from rust. Check all waste lines by laying a clean, dry paper towel below the P-trap and running warm water through the system for at least 30 seconds. Check refrigerator lines for pin hole leaks.

Do an overall home wellness check to be sure that there are no water issues in your home beginning to show themselves before you leave you home. Check the base of your furnace and hot water tanks so make sure there are no leaks or water stains around the base of both appliances. If you’re leaving in the winter be sure to check any doors and windows for drafts water staining as these may lead to larger problems while you’re away.

If your property has the luxury of a sprinkler system and your vacation is just after winter, you may want to test the system before you leave for leaks and pooling water. If the cold months caused any freezing, your outside sprinklers could be leaking close to the basement walls and tending to any issue before you go, could save you from water damage from a sprinkler system.

Protect Your Home From Water Damage While Vacationing

When it comes to how to protect your home from water damage while you’re on vacation, I hope these tips and tricks will give you the tools to make sure your next vacation is stress free and your home is thoroughly protected from unexpected water damage. In the unfortunate event of a water damage incident while you are away I hope you’ll consider Action Extraction for any of your water damage needs!
Sewer Backup Cleanup | Essential Steps for Success
WHAT TO DO AFTER A SEWER BACKUP

Navigating Through Sewer Backup Cleanup

Those who have experienced a sewer backup in their home may wondered to themselves, what next? Between worrying about lost personal items and the overwhelming smell of raw sewage, they may become unsure how to manage the needed sewer backup cleanup. If you are experience a sewage backup in your home or business, it is essential to act quickly to minimize damage and protect your occupants from illness. Most sewage disasters come from a basement drain and can fill your basement with hundreds of gallons of foul smelling water.

Sewer backup cleaning is direly necessary to prevent you and your family from airborne germs that are pathogenic (causing sicknesses). Children as well as the elderly should be removed from the property till all sewage has been removed and sanitizing has taken place. Because sewer water is grossly contaminated, professional flood restoration service is better than doing it yourself. They will have the experience, resources and training to assure the air and all affected surfaces have been fully sanitized.
If you however, are convinced giving a noble effort can achieve success, continue reading this article for essential steps for success.

Things That Cause Sewer Backups

Blockages

Blockages happen in plumbing systems when something becomes lodged in the sewer line, preventing water from escaping the home. These blockages happen for many reasons. Grease being poured down the sink may coagulate into a waxy ball, collecting toilet paper and additional grease. Wipes, yes even the flush-able kind, can get stuck in your plumbing’s rough interior also collecting debris, blocking waste lines and causing a need for sewer backup cleanup.

Tree Roots

Tree roots seem to be the most common cause of sewer line blockages. Tree root systems stretch out 360 degrees around a tree as far reaching as the branches themselves. Any compromise or crack in the sewer line is enough for a tree root to be attracted to the moisture that finds its way from the pipe. In a matter of years these roots find their way into the sewage main itself, slowly blocking the flow of waste.

Once any blockage begins, whether by root, wipes or grease the waste that once flowed freely begins to be obstructed. This is why sewers backup, waste no longer can be channeled from the property due to a blockage and comes up through a floor drain, toilet or sink.

Sewer Backup From A Basement Floor Drain

Sewage backups in basements are the most common type sewer backup scenario insurance companies receive calls for. A blockage has occurred somewhere in the system and back pressure results in forcing unwanted waste into the home.

Sewer Backup Cleanup | Essential Steps for Success

Protect Against Cross Contamination

The first thing that needs to occur immediately after sewage enters the home is safeguarding against cross contamination. Lay down floor coverings or runners leading to your basement door so each time someone comes up they do not allow their feet to come into contact with carpet or hard surface flooring.
Germs spread easily from shoes, touching contaminated surfaces with hands and even from clothes that come in direct contact with waste water. Carpets should be covered in plastic, including stairways that will be in used to assure the spread of germs is reduced. Heavy cloth runners are also great at reducing germ spread and can be purchased at a local hardware store.

Assessing Damages

After the floors have been properly protected, you will need to assess the damages by evaluating the size and scope of the backup. Sewer backup cleaning is only as good as the assessment of the actual area affected. Missing adjoining rooms, contents affected or building materials like drywall, base and flooring will compromise the success.
Eyesight and touch are the only things needed to determine whether or not an item has been affected. Cardboard boxes and wood paneling typically give away any indication of moisture. Sewer damaged paneling must be replaced not restored.
Drywall and cabinets, however, tend to hide their moisture content beyond what the eye can perceive. Professional restoration companies use non-penetrating moisture meters to determine exposure. You too may need the help of a moisture meter to correctly evaluate certain materials. If you don't own one, a local hardware stores should have one that is affordable.
If sewage water has come into contact with drywall, removing wet drywall during flood cleanup will be necessary. Walls should be cut up 1' from the base if the water is lower than 12" and cut up to 2' if the water is over 12".
Protective Wear
Depending on the severity of the sewer back up in basement, you may consider covering your clothes with a disposable haz-mat suit or cover yourself in overalls. In even a less severe sewer backup cleanup context, you will need gloves up to the elbows, a face mask and googles so you are protected from waste and splattering.

Sewage water is abounding with up to 81 harmful viruses, e-coli bacteria, harsh chemicals and germs that can cause illness and disease. The health risks associated with sewage need to be regarded during the sewer backup cleanup process so you are not exposed to the water.

Turn off Furnace and Air Conditioner
Turning off your furnace and/or air conditioner will keep air borne contaminates from being introduced throughout the home. This goes for any fans that are turned on as well. Make sure air circulation is minimized so harmful germs don't spread rapidly. Proper sewer water cleanup must give careful consideration of the dangers of germs being spread through air movement.

Addressing Humidity

A quality dehumidifier placed to control elevated moisture in the air is important during sewage cleanup. A healthy humidity in a home is typically below 50%. When sewer systems backup elevated humidity can soar to well above this level, which can aid in mold growth. A dehumidifier will keep levels safe and prevent secondary moisture damage that is often associated with flooding.
Cleaning Tips for Sewer Water Cleanup
- Remove all sewage water with a wet mop, shop vac or towels. Safely poor the water down the toilet and dispose of all absorbent materials used.
- Clean all wet surfaces with a cleaning agent that says "kills 99.9% of all germs" on the label. Wipe aggressively on all non-absorbent wet surfaces to remove dirt, soil and scum films that came in contact with flood waters.
- Wash down any wall, all floors and surfaces where sewage presence is known to be. Absorbent wall materials such as drywall and paneling may need removal.
- Rinse after cleaning with 1 part vinegar and 5 parts water. This will help to remove films and naturally deodorize materials.
- After these steps you can open windows, door wall and even introduce additional air movement by placing fans to help carry the outside air
What to do With Wet Fabrics and Clothes?
Clothing, bedding, garments, carpets, furniture, stuffed animals, boxes and saturated toys should be discarded as sewage destroys things beyond the scope of being safely restored. There can be exceptions where some items can be cleaned and disinfected, however, the cleaning protocols are stringent and require a trained and experienced individual. Discarding these items may cost you a bit, but a doctors visit or multiple ones can add up to often being more in cost than replacement.
When discarding contaminated items be sure to use a 3ml garbage bag to assure it is strong enough to carry safely through the home without leaking. Take completely out of the home and place outside till garbage pickup, do not leave in garage.
Be sure to remove all clothing after sewer water cleanup is completed, and place in the washing machine. Do not place them in a laundry basket or hamper as they will contaminate everything they touch and may off-gas germs in the air.
Washing the hands is the very least you may want, as a complete shower is recommended and you will certainly feel better after a hot shower.
Everyone involved in the cleaning operation should be particularly mindful of their hygiene. Fingers should be kept away from eyes, nose and mouth. Fingernails should be cleaned, and smokers should make sure before lighting up and inhaling that they didn't contaminate their cigarettes from touch.

Professional Management During Sewer Backup Cleaning
When professionals are contracted to do sewer backup restoration they are required to follow the IICRC S-500 publication for materials restoration. They should not cut corners but give strict adherence to the guidelines, which means expensive building materials may need to go. Because often the service is covered under a homeowners insurance claim, such materials will be replaced with funds the insurance carrier will cover.

Flooring Materials

There are only a few types of floor covering that can survive a sewer back up. Any absorbent floor coverings will always have to be discarded. That includes carpet, padding, laminate wood and hardwood. Any floating style laminates or vinyl style flooring’s will also always need to be removed.

There is no way to pull and clean sewer water from underneath these floors that would provide a clean enough end result. Ceramic tile, installed over a cement foundation, is typically OK, as well as glue down vinyl tile, as long as the installation is secure and there are no gaps in the tile for water to find.
Any loose vinyl or ceramic tile will allow water to become trapped underneath it and will always have to be removed. Once your flooring has been removed, or inspected and deemed salvageable, it is time for cleanup.

High Pressure Steam Cleaning – Necessary After A Sewer Backup

Starting from the base of the stairs, professionals will steam clean salvageable flooring using high pressure steam cleaning. Sewer backup cleanup involves the removal of dirt's, debris and bio-films that only steam cleaning can manage.
High pressure steam cleaning has multiple advantages to regular mop cleaning. By pressure blasting your flooring with high pressure, hot steam will break loose any stubborn contaminants and push water out of the extremely small pockets in your concrete floors, tile and grout.

Treating All Surfaces – Applying Agents For Germ Elimination

Once your basement has been thoroughly steam cleaned the professionals should apply an antimicrobial agent to all surfaces. At this point the smell of sewer water in your basement should be a thing of the past! You will also be free to move about your basement without worry of cross contaminating the rest of your home.

Placing Drying Equipment – After The Sewer Backup Service

After the floor has been cleaned completely and an antimicrobial agent has been sprayed, it is time to place our equipment. Depending on the type and scope of your water loss, your tech will place certain equipment around your basement to force air over your wet building materials. Fans are used primarily for this purpose, set against walls and over flooring to push dry air along wet materials in an attempt to soak that excess water up and pass it to our next piece of equipment, the dehumidifier.

Any sewer backup cleanup service that neglects to also provide structural drying is leaving the property at the mercy for mold growth. Mold thrives in environments where elevated humidity, stagnant air and the absence of UV lighting exist. Structurally drying the property will make sure to leave an environment no longer conducive to mold, mildew and odors.

Air Quality Control – After The Sewer Backup

Lastly, the professionals should place an air scrubber or negative air machine to manage air quality control. These machines contain a 3 stage filtration system with netting tight enough to capture molds. The first stage is a large particulate filter, able to grab dust and dirt floating in the air. The second is a small particulate filter, grabbing what the first filter was unable to grab. Last is a HEPA filter. This High-efficiency particulate air filter has the ability to trap particulates as small as .03 microns! As this filtered air is begins to pass quickly around your basement, soon elevated and toxic molds are removed to safe levels.
Macomb's Best Sewage Cleanup Experts are Standing By!
If you are considering professional restoration for a sewage backup in basement or property look no further than the experts at Action Extraction of Macomb. We specialize in sewer backup cleanup, offering swift and thorough solutions to restore property and work with all insurance companies. We have the resources, experience and dedicated staff to restore your property to its former condition and in many cases, better condition. All our services come with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.
Call today 586-949-4448 to speak LIVE with the owner who can answer any of your questions or dispatch our emergency restoration team who can be on-site in 1 hour.
CLICK OUR: Cities we serve to see more information of our services in your city.
10 Water Damage Restoration Tips
10 Water Damage Restoration Tips

10 Water Damage Safety Tips

Water damage can happen at any time to any home. While homeowners may take many different precautions to prevent water damage or intrusion, water damage is always at the back of you mind. While we cannot promise to prevent water damage from happening, we at Action Extraction have 10 water damage restoration tips you can use in the event of a water damage problem in your home.

1. Conduct A Safety Assessment

When experiencing water damage, it is always important to decide whether or not your flood situation is safe for you and your family. Let us review some ways in which we can assure a safe environment.

Decide if the environment is safe to enter. Check your surroundings for mold or contaminate growth. Those environments may not be safe for those with respiratory ailments or the elderly and infirm. If you notice growth of any kind, always wear the appropriate mask and filter.

Check ceilings for sagging if the flood is happening from overhead. Water weighs 8 pounds per gallon and can easily compromise drywall to the point of collapse causing massive to anything underneath.

Flooded basements over 8 inches are at risk of touching electrical connections and your flooded basement could be a tragedy waiting to happen. All flooded basements should be tested to electrical conduction when they are at or above this depth. Many water restoration technicians are hurt every year due to electrical problems that are easily avoidable.

Even basements with as little as an inch of water are a safety hazard if electrical cords are under water. It is recommended to never enter a flooded basement prior to having it checked for electrical current. This can easily be done by any handyman or electrician who will utilize an instrument that will indicate precise measurements allowing you to know it is safe or not.

If it is not safe and your electrical box is located in the basement the electricity can be disabled from outside the home allowing for restoration to begin.

All wet electronics should be tested by an electrician for safety. You should never repair electrical that has been exposed to water and should always replace those items. Insurance companies will almost always cover an electrical evaluation by a licensed electrician.

2. Be Skeptical Of Advice From Self-Appointed Experts

You wouldn’t ask a butcher for a second opinion on a medical procedure, so why ask a handyman for water damage advice when a certified water restoration company is available and happy to help. While a handy man may know enough of the lingo and general idea of water restoration, it takes a crew of highly trained and experienced water technicians to take care of your water problem the right way.

While the old adage, “if it’s on the internet it must be true,” may be a silly phrase baked in sarcasm, many frantic homeowners often turn to the internet to find answers to their water damage questions to discover not all experts are created equal. The most common problem when it comes to DIY water damage restoration tips is that they will often lead to mold growth.

Mold must always be removed. Full stop. No, there is not a fool proof product that removes mold and keeps it gone. Mixing baking soda and vinegar with a dash of tea tree oil will not resolved the mold issue under your sink. Bleach will not remove mold either, often times doing the exact opposite of the intended result and encouraging further mold growth.

Many DIY web blogs will also skip important steps and make claims about what can and cannot be dried while ignoring not only psychometric science but bacterial science and mycology. When appropriate you should always use a certified water damage restoration company which brings me to my next point.

3. Water Volume Should Decide If You Can DIY

Some water damage projects can be done from home without the assistance of a water restoration team, but how do we know when it’s appropriate to handle these jobs on our own? The amount of water should be your guide on most, but not all, water damage projects.

Water damage that is contained, small and may only need water removal from carpet, can be often managed with a shop vac and small commitment of time. When there is solid flooring such as cement or ceramic over cement, can typically be extracted and left to dry with a fan under most circumstances. Any water that has reached or rests against a wall made of panel or drywall will require assistance from a water damage restoration team as well as any sewer water damage of any severity.

Significant flooding will not go away on its own no matter how hard you work. Many of our customers only call us after spending entire nights with a shop vacuum trying to remove water from their homes. Despite their valiant efforts, water trapped in building material and flooring will not dry for weeks without direct and strategic intervention by qualified water damage experts.

Its easier to read some of the on line water damage restoration tips then it is to perform their advice. Removing the water with a shop vac for hours without making progress will discourage most into considering a professional. They soon realize that more damage is being done by the stagnate water.

It only takes a matter of a few short hours of waters presence to create irreversible and catastrophic damage to your homes building materials as well as the air quality of the property that can threaten the health of its occupants.

All water damage jobs are entitled to a free in-home estimate by a qualified water damage expert. We will be able to quickly inform you of whether or not you would be better off handling your water damage loss yourself or if hiring water damage experts is the best course of action.

4. Be Cautious Of Any Restoration Firm Referred By Your Insurance Company

So, your home has flooded, and you’ve decided it is just too much for you to handle. Several water damage restoration steps you read about on line, just don’t sit well with you and you realize this is why people have homeowners insurance.

You call up your agent and they differ you to the claims department. After explaining to the nice insurance representative, the situation in which you find yourself they tell you not to worry and that a team is headed your way to take all your blues away. Stop. Stop right now. You should know before calling that you are entitled to use any company you choose in regard to your insurance loss. At no point may the insurance company dictate to you who you may or may not use.

If you do decide to go with the company that the insurance company has provided for you, make sure that company is willing to be an advocate for you. While most companies may fight for your business and intend to do the best job, they can possibly do to win your endorsement, a company sent to you by your insurance company may have other motives in mind. Considering you did not find them or even call them in most cases, they will be more focused on the will and whims of the insurance company that created this opportunity of work for them.

The easiest way to asses whether or not your water restoration team is going to be on your side or not is to research the company online. Which brings us to our next point.

5. Never Hire A Company Without Checking Their Online Reviews

Hiring now has never been easier. While waiting for an updated yellow pages and asking your neighbor who they used for their new roof may have been the way things where done in the past, these days we can go online and see who all of our neighbors used for any project and what they thought of their work. While any company can do a great job once, it’s important to find out if that company is doing a great job consistently.

How many times has it happened to you? You hire the painter that your dad promised was “the best in the business” only to come home to lines across the ceilings and globs of paint ground into the carpet. While your friends and family may rain praise and adoration over a particular contractor, it’s important to know before you sign on the dotted line whether your families experience is the exception or the rule.

This is especially true when the company in question is making promises that seem too good to be true. Are they promising a 3-day dry out no matter what? Have they told you they will cover your high deductible 100 percent? Has your adjuster given you the name of a “great” contractor they have known “forever?” These promises are often made by contractors who just are not up to snuff when it comes to actual flood work.

The best companies will always rise to the top of the review list. It is much more difficult to maintain a 5-star rating than it is to do anything else in business. You have to consistently perform at the top of your industry which is why it is important to only use highly rated, 5-star companies for your water damage needs. Your health and the health of your family and home should never be left to any company not able to meet that standard of care and expertise.

6. Make Sure The Water Restoration Company Is Certified And Insured.

All water restoration companies should be certified through a 3rd party certification company. All Action Extraction water technicians are certified through the IICRC also known as The Clean Trust. These companies require strict testing and continuing education guidelines to ensure all water restoration technicians are up to date with the latest technologies and where the world of water damage restoration is headed.

All water restoration companies, and any company doing work in your home for any reason for that matter, should be insured against property and physical damage. Making sure the company you hire is properly insured and certified in the work they are performing will give you piece of mind that not only is the work you are having performed being done correctly, but also that the safety of the workers in your home will not burden you financially in the case of an accident.

If you suspect that the company you have hired to help you handle your water damage restoration project may not have those requirements, you should always ask to see documentation of insurance and certification before the start of any work in your home. Any certified and insured company will be able to produce these documents for your review quickly. This may be the easiest way to identify fraudulent companies and those that will not be able to handle your water damage project with the expertise and experience needed.

7. Remove All Standing Water

We have conducted our safety assessment and shown the basement to be safe to enter. We have ignored the online DIY section and decided that professional help is necessary. The insurance company tried to send over a restoration company but after reading their awful reviews you’ve informed your insurance company that you’ll be using the highly rate, 5-star restoration company Action Extraction to handle your water loss. We already sent over proof of our insurance and all of our certification and have assessed the damage to your home. After signing a work authorization and all the proper documentation we are ready to start work. Now what?

After protecting the flooring with drop clothes and plastic, if necessary, we would begin to bring hoses into your home that are connected to a truck mounted extraction system. This system would pull all the standing water through a cleaning wand, much in the same way a carpet cleaner removes excess water from a carpet during a steam clean.

Some flooding projects have too much water to begin with just a standard extraction wand. In these scenarios we would typically use a submersible pump to begin to rapidly remove water from your home. While getting water out of your home quickly is the name of the game, removing water too quickly can cause structural damage to your foundation which is why it is very important that you use a knowledgeable and certified water restoration company for any significant water damage problem.

While most companies will have either their own extraction equipment or hire out a separate extraction company, all significant water projects should start with this step. Removing standing water is the first and most important step to make sure that your building materials and personal items experience the least amount of water damage possible.

Most water restoration companies will use a truck mounted machine with either a wand extractor or what is called a claw extractor. While both tools will get the job done efficiently, claw extraction tools will ultimately remove more water than their wand counterpart. On the other hand, wand extractors make quick work of flooded homes and saturated carpets and allow flood technicians to focus on other building materials quicker. While one tool may not be better than the other, any reputable water damage restoration company should use at least one, or both, of these tools to remove standing water in your home.

The importance of removing standing water is not just in making progress from one restoration step to another. Think of is this way. Which would evaporate faster, a lake or a puddle? A puddle or a spill? A spill or a mist? The process of turning your water loss into a dry and healthy environment often begins as a lake of uninvited water. The act of extraction can remove a great portion of that water and turn your water loss from a lake, to a spill in a matter of hours instead of weeks.

Standing water can also create secondary damage within your home by increasing the relative humidity. When relative humidity increases the dew points, or the temperature are which building materials condensate, will lower. That means copper plumbing lines and drywall can all start to become saturated just by the moisture content in the air. Removing standing water and regulating humidity levels can prevent this from ever happening in your home.

8. Remove All Damaged Items

Once all of the standing water has been removed from your home, it is now time to do an assessment on all of your personal items and building materials. What may stay and what must go is always dependent on the category of water you are currently dealing with and the consistency of the material at hand. Cardboard for example must always be discarded regardless of the category of water. Let us review the categories of water and what may or may not be saved in each one.

Category 1 floods are called freshwater floods. These water losses are typically result of burst plumbing or water heating tanks. When it comes to damage items, most items can be restored to their old selves through proper water mitigation processes. Items like press board and cardboard are unfortunately likely to be damaged beyond repair but almost all breathable items will be perfectly fine once completely dried.

Category 2 flood water consists of Storm or ground water. This water is considered living water due to a robust nature of the bacteria, mold and fungi spores and water borne life forms. Like freshwater water losses, most breathable items will be able to be saved, however; materials damaged by ground water must be able to be cleaned with an anti-microbial to be deemed mitigated and safe. Items like carpet padding, for example, must be removed from the home and discarded as there is not a proper way to dry and clean padding. Carpeting, on the other hand, can often be dried in place and cleaned using hot water extraction and an anti-microbial agent.

Category 3 flood water consists of sewage water or highly contaminated water that has advanced beyond mitigation hopes. All absorbent materials, in this case, must be removed from the home and discarded regardless of outside appearance. Items like glass, plastic and some metals may be saved and cleaned with and anti-microbial agent so long as they are solid and are free from pockets that could trap moisture.

9. Sanitize All Surfaces

Once all the standing water has been removed, all building materials have been assessed and all damaged building materials have been removed from the home, it’s time to begin cleaning your home. Using an anti-microbial agent, all surfaces in your home should be cleaned from top to bottom to make sure no transfer of contaminated material can happen. The strictness of this protocol is dependent on the category of water loss as well as the health of the home and your family.

In the event of a category 3 water damage project, all solid surfaces should be steam cleaned using a high-pressure hot water extraction system in coordination with an anti-microbial agent. This will make sure that any bacterium hiding in the pores of your cement foundation are lifted and removed from your home. If your category 3 loss has occurred in an area where wood is present, encapsulating primers should be used to trap contaminated water and prevent it from off gassing harmful toxins into your home.

Any personal items that have come into contact with invasive water should be thoroughly wiped down with an anti-microbial cleaning agent to make sure that any future contact with that item will not endanger your family.

10. Dry All Wet Materials

With all of the water removed and your personal items attended to, it’s now time to dry your home as quickly and safely as possible to get you ready to put it all back together. Let us talk about how we do that and what to expect when experiencing a flood loss.

By now, most if not all your base moldings have been removed from your walls. In some areas you may have 1 inch in diameter holes punched 3 inches up along the base of the wall to encourage air flow and drying within the cavities of the wall. In each corner of your home there is likely a fan places against the wall. These fans will be pointed towards one another creating a cyclone effect within your home.

Interrupting this cyclone at varying intervals you will find a dehumidifier or two. Dehumidifiers are like the heart of your flood loss, while the fans become the veins. As air passes over your dehumidifier, that air is sucked in, dried and recycled back into the cyclone as thirsty dry air ready to grab up as much moisture from the building material it is racing past as possible. As it returns to the dehumidifier, bloated with moisture from its trip around your saturated home, the process is repeated until finally no access moisture is to be found.

When this happens, your home will be dry. Action Extraction will confirm this using high powered meters and tools and will remove all that noisy equipment from your home. Congratulations. Your home is finally dry and you are ready for repairs.
How To Stay Safe After A Basement Flood
How To Stay Safe After A Basement Flood

Staying Safe During A Flood

It’s every homeowner’s worst nightmare. Flooded homes are the second most common insurance claims made by homeowners every year. Over a 20-year period the chance that you will experience water damage to your home in some shape or form is almost 100 percent guaranteed. So, what do you need to know about how to stay safe after a basement flood? Let us review what you should do immediately after discovering a flooded basement, and the different ways flooded homes can be dangerous to you and your family.

First Things First

The first thing you should always do when you discover a flood in your basement or anywhere in your home is to call a local reputable highly rated water restoration company. A good restoration company will be able to walk you through all of these steps quickly and coherently in the event you do not have this blog handy when you need it. The flood technician on the line will be able to inform you of the potential dangers of the flood you are dealing with and what to expect in the days to come.

Never Enter A Flooded Basement

Electrical Dangers In Flooded Environments

Flooded basement can be danger zones in more ways than just one. While some flood jobs can be hazardous to your health, a newly flooded basement can be infused with electricity from wet appliances or shredded power lines. If your homes electrical box is located on the first floor of your home, you may shut down power to your home if you absolutely have to enter your basement but it is always safer to allow the professionals at Action Extraction make sure your basement is safe to enter.

There is never a good plan for restoration if electrical concerns are not fully addressed. Homeowners insurance will always pay for the cost of an electrician to make sure all is safe. There is no way to stay safe after a basement flood if you get electrocuted because you didn’t make sure it was safe.

Chemical And Organic Dangers In Flood Water

When it comes to basement floods you may also be dealing with highly toxic and contaminated water. By walking into a sewage water backup environment, you are exposing yourself to millions of potential viruses and bacteria, as well as likely transferring that contamination throughout your home when you exit your basement. To be able to stay safe after a basement flood yo need to be aware of the dangers you do not see. Germs, molds and other potentially harmful microorganisms abound in sewer water and ground water, so even though you cannot see them, they are a real and present danger.

It is highly recommended to call a professional restoration company and ask what to do after a sewer backup.

The professional restorer will use haz-mat suits and boot coverings, as well as respirators and gloves for their own protection and disposable floor coverings to protect the inside of your home as well.

Remove The Water – The Sooner The Better

Once the water has been deemed safe to venture into, it is important to go around the basement and evaluate the damage to contents and building material. Your flood team should be actively removing water from your basement using extraction machines or, if the water level is high enough, submersible sump pumps. We have personally worked on flooded basement projects with water up to 6 feet high requiring the use of submersible pumps over hours and hours. When the standing water is finally removed from your home, all electronics should be either disposed of or evaluated by a certified electronic restoration crew to determine whether or not that electrical item will become a hazard. Often times water damage done to electronics only reveal themselves months and years later.

Many homeowners place personnel contents in plastic totes to protect valuables from a flooded basement in the event that floor drains backup. While this is a great way to prevent water from coming into contact with water, it is important to still evaluate the items in the tote. Because they are plastic they may acquire a crack allowing water to intrude and affect the contents. If they are wet remove them from the storage tote and clean as necessary.

Create A Drying Protocol

Behind every great victory there is a great strategy. To stay safe after a basement flood you must have a great strategy. Adopting structural drying techniques and exposure principles will be the most important step you need to take to keep you and your family safe. In the event of a flooded basement it is best to work with a certified water restoration company to make sure your home is dried quickly and safely. Fungi of all types require water, food and oxygen to grow and thrive. Your home is the equivalent of a Vegas buffet when it comes to food sources for mold to feast and multiply on.

Any cellulose item can support tens of thousands of mold spores when introduced to water and time. This can be drywall, certain types of clothing, cardboard boxes and any other paper product or organic materials like food stuffs. It is imperative that you have a structural drying protocol in place and in motion within 48 to 72 hours of water introduction into your home.

By exposing any saturated building material to rapid air flow using fans and regulating the relative humidity using dehumidifiers, most flooded homes can be dried safely and quickly, typically 3 to 5 days. If saturated building materials are left to their own devices, after 72 hours mold colonies will begin to form and spread across any food sources they can find, eating and reproducing unabated until their water source is dried up.

What To When You Encounter Mold

Mold growth in a home is always an unwelcome sight. Whether due to untreated water damage, or secondary growth due to high humidity, it’s important that you know how to stay safe after a basement flood. When possible, the safest remedy to mold growth is removal. The area in which mold is found should immediately be sealed off from the rest of the home and put under negative air.

To do this, flood technicians will use a negative air machine to force air out of a home using plastic venting, while closing the rest of the home off using thick plastic and taping off any air return vents that reside in the room. This creates an environment in which mold spores are unable to shed from the surface of whatever building material they are found on to continue growing and protects your home from future mold issues.

All contaminated material should be contained, removed, and double bagged. In areas in which removal is impossible or unreasonable, a cleaning agent and an oil-based sealant may be used to entrap mold spores and prevent their ability to spread. The most important tool flood technicians have in regard to mold is to dry building material before it has the ability to grow in the first place.

During The Restoration Process

A flood job can sometimes be an extremely messy ordeal. Even the most professional crews may leave items stacked in the middle of rooms to allow for focused air flow on the walls. Hardwood floors that have been removed leave nails and tacks that are numerous and difficult to remove for even the most seasoned flood technicians. It is important while walking through these areas of your home while it is under repair that you make sure to wear shoes and be mindful of the various extension cords and obstructions you may come across.

While all of our equipment is safe and reliable for use, little fingers can find their way into fans, so it’s important to make sure children are always supervised when it comes to homes under repair. Carpeting on stairwells is typically left to be removed before new carpet is installed to prevent a slippery hazard when travelling the stairwell. If the carpet is deemed safe and capable of being salvageable once everything is completely dried, a thorough carpet cleaning will be necessary.

All flood work we do at Action Extraction is done with the mind set of your continued safety well after we leave you home, but these are some things to be cautious of while your home is being tended to.

The Safest Flood

The safest flood is no flood at all. Keeping your home dry by preventing water damage in the first place is the best thing you can do to keep your family healthy. By using a vigilant eye on your water using appliances, you can head off potential disasters before they ever develop. Maintaining your sewer lines through biannual plumber visits will help to alert you to potential backup problems and keep your sewer lines clean and clear. Turning off your outside water spigots during the winter and maintaining insulation in your basement will help to prevent frozen copper lines leading to freshwater water damage. Additionally this will assure you avoid water damage from a sprinkler system that could freeze burst and intrude into your basement.

Making sure your sump pump is working and well maintained will help to ensure your pump is in prime working order for when its service is needed most. The most common type of basement flooding in Macomb County is from a failed sump pump. If you intermittently apply a penetrating oil to all the interactive metal components, this will keep them from corroding and freezing up when called upon to work.

Checking outside downspouts for pooling against your home is another easy way to prevent water damage in your home. While all of these tips and tricks won’t absolutely prevent water from finding it’s way into your home in any scenario, they will at least give you a firm foundation on which to secure the long term health of your property.

What To Do Now?

Floods are dangerous to not just your homes structural health but also to your health and the health of your family. While water is necessary for all life forms, it is one of the most destructive forces found in nature. Remember, if you find intrusive water in your home, in any form, your most important step to stay safe after a basement flood is to call a certified and highly rated emergency water restoration company like Action Extraction. Our professionals are highly trained in restoration and will be glad to help guide you through what can often be a stressful and overwhelming situation.

Check out our article on the 6 steps to choose the best water cleanup company.

While flooding in your home is never ideal, it is important that water damage be treated seriously and by well trained professionals with intelligent, safe and efficient methods of structural drying in their repertoire. The professionals at Action Extraction have the knowledge and technical ability to turn any flood disaster into a safe and dry environment ready to be repaired. We hope that you’ll consider Action Extraction for all of your flooded basement needs, now and in the future!
How To Dry A Hardwood Floor After A Flood
Drying A Hardwood Floor After A Flood

Drying A Hardwood Floor After A Flood

When your hardwood floor gets soaked due to flooding, it is urgent that you dry it as quickly as possible. If the water is left standing on the floor or if moisture remains trapped in the floor, extensive damage can occur that may result in the entire floor needing to be replaced. Residents of Southeast Michigan have contacted Action Extract to help them with their flood problems for over 30 years. Drying a hardwood floor after a flood requires knowledge, labor and the best commercial equipment available to do the job correctly.

The following steps will help you assess whether you prefer to call a professional or do it yourself.

Remove The Standing Water From The Hardwood Flooring.

The first step in drying your hardwood floor is to remove the standing water. A wet/dry shop vacuum and several towels will work well for that purpose. Based upon the type of the water and how long the hardwood flooring has been wet will determine if additional service is required. A pitcher of spilled fresh water quickly cleaned up should not be considered the same as a leaky water supply line that may have been leaking for days.

In situations where many gallons of water have migrated throughout the area of hardwood flooring to equally deluge to a level below, a professional restoration firm should be called out to evaluate the damages. Wet hardwood flooring is such cases can permanently become damaged if specialty drying chambers are not immediately set up and left running for several days.

Clean The Floor With Safe Chemicals

This is especially true if the water has languished for several days as stagnant water will collect contaminates that should be eliminated so they do not spread or amplify. Remember preventing health threatening growths, such as bacteria and mold, from spreading is as important as drying the hardwood floor.

This is especially true if the water has languished for several days as stagnant water will collect contaminates that should be eliminated so they do not spread or amplify. Remember preventing health threatening growths, such as bacteria and mold, from spreading is as important as drying the hardwood floor.

If the seams are needing special attention than using a toothbrush with soft bristles can really get in those small places and effectively clean away dirt and grime between the boards and in corners.

Drying The Hardwood Flooring

The next step in drying a hardwood floor after a flood is to dry the hardwood and the sub-floor beneath it. This step is next to impossible if the water is actually deeply trapped in the hardwood flooring and entombed beneath the flooring and sub-floor. If the flooring is buckling or cupping this is a warning sign you only have a limited window of opportunity to save the flooring. These evidences are an indicative of a worst case scenario and professional specialty drying equipment needs to be employed immediately if restoration is the goal.

The following instructions on drying a hardwood floor we are providing would only be effective if the water did not deeply penetrate the hardwood and did not get to the sub-floor. If the damages are only superficial then the following step could be effective at restoring the hardwood floor.

You can place a fan under the sub-floor and another on top of the floor, and open doors and windows to help circulate air. A dehumidifier can also be used to help the wood dry faster. It may take several days for the floor and sub-floor to dry completely using these methods.

Signs The Hardwood Flooring Needs Professional Drying

Water causes hardwood floors to swell. If the floor is not dried quickly enough, it can result in cracks, buckling or cupping. Buckling occurs when the hardwood planks pull away from the sub-floor. Cupping occurs when the center of the board dips down and the edges curl up. If the flooring does buckle, it may be necessary to remove some of the hardwood planks to relieve the stress that can cause more extensive damage. This is not for the faint of heart and consulting a professional water restoration company such as Action Extraction may be the better option.

If the hardwood planks do not buckle, and they go back to their original flat shape after drying, all that may be necessary is to resurface and re-stain the floor. If only a few planks have buckled, it may be possible to replace those planks and then refinish the entire floor. In the best case scenario the aesthetics have not been compromised and the original beauty of the floor has been restored.

Take Pictures Of The Hardwood Floor Before And After

It should be noted that, before you begin the process of drying your hardwood floor, you should take pictures of the flooded areas should you decide to make a homeowners insurance claim. If you are inclined to go forward with insurance at the onset, it is highly recommended to allow the professionals to dry the hardwood flooring and discard the DIY option.

Insurance companies will require pictures, a measurement of the amount of moisture in the hardwood flooring using moisture detection equipment and daily graphs showing the drying process. In some cases the insurance carrier will allow for specialty drying equipment that is expressly made for drying hard wood flooring. These systems are very effective but require heat systems to run in concert with their placement and can be costly.

Professionals Can Dry Hardwood Floor Better

Action Extraction experts have a proven track record of managing insurance claims for homeowners when flood damage restoration is needed. They will take pictures, measure the moisture content daily and transmit that documentation to your insurance agent for you. Action Extraction will also deal directly with your insurance provider for billing purposes so that you have one less worry and can move forward with recovering from your flood situation.

Real Life Story – Taken From The Files Of Action Extraction

In January of 2020 Action Extraction was called out to a home in West Bloomfield after an elderly woman discovered her toilet supply line had leaked and deposited standing water in several rooms of hardwood flooring. Although there was a small area of water damaged carpet, the hardwood flooring would be the only challenge.

We arrived to a worst case scenario as the buckling and cupping had begun to manifest, making perfect restoration a hit or miss proposition with even the best cutting edge drying technology.

To complicate matters the homeowner informed us she did not want to replace any planks as that would require sanding and refinishing throughout her entire first floor.

The target set before us seemed a bit challenging as her goal was a perfectly restored floor that once dried would look no different than the rest of the hardwood and require no sanding and finishing. This is typically not within the realm of certain probability but we were willing to give it our best as we do on all restoration projects.

In several hours we had all standing water removed, a hardwood floor drying mat system placed, and a heat system forcing heater air beneath the hardwood floor. The heat would radiate up from a chambered area of the basement forcing any trapped moisture in the hard flooring to become a vapor while at the same time the drying mats would be under continual suction, lifting water from wet materials.

Each day we evaluated and tracked the drying process and in 5 days the hardwood flooring was completely dried and the homeowner was elated and relieved knowing no more contractors were necessary to work in her home.

Success Breeds Success – In Hardwood Floor Drying

If you experience a flood in your home, your best option is to contact us at Action Extraction immediately. We are IICRC certified and licensed, bonded and insured. Our state of the art equipment includes truck-mount extraction units, turbo dryers, heat systems and dehumidifiers that quickly remove moisture from the environment.

The equipment that will be required depends on the extent of the flooding damage. We are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you reclaim your home. Our experts at hardwood floor drying after a flood are waiting to serve you.
Should I Buy Flood Insurance
Do I Need Flood Insurance

Do I Need Flood Insurance?

Homeowners flood insurance is often nuanced and difficult to understand. For many the insurance they thought they had should flooding occur actually didn’t exist. If you believe you need flood insurance to provide the protection against flooding than continue reading as we will describe the reasons that possibly may indicate you do not. You may discover you need flood insurance in the event that community flooding occurs as this is different than water damage that happens in the home.

The aftermath of hurricane Katrina brought this subject of flood insurance to the forefront as many hundreds of homeowners attempted to file claims and were subsequently denied. They were convinced their worries over cost of repairs would be offset through insurance, but they were disappointed to learn they did not have insurance for this type of flooding.

Hurricane Katrina is just one of the many natural disasters that have occurred, causing thousands of homeowners to lose their homes due to flooding. Knowing, for certain, whether or not your home is insured against flooding should be a priority for all homeowners. If it is not you will need flood insurance to help cover the cost for rebuilding should your home become victim to community flooding.

Things To Know About Homeowners Insurance

There is a difference between water damage in the home and flooding that is caused by nature. Water damages, such as happens when a water pipe breaks, hot water heater burst or toilets overflow are sudden events that happen in the home and are usually covered in a homeowner’s policy. This type of damage is often listed in the policy and is under the dwelling protection. From the standpoint of the insurance carrier, municipal water that is part of the function of the home and when it creates flooding in the property would be part of the home.

Water Damage And Flooding Are Considered Different

When water damage exist properties will need a water damage restoration company to remove the standing water, cleanup and set up equipment for drying such as air movers and dehumidifiers. Once complete structural drying has happened then the repairs can begin to rebuild the damaged home. This type of flooding is typically covered in a homeowner’s insurance policy and will allow funds for the water mitigation process and the repairs. This is not what the insurance companies recognize as flooding.

Flooding is when a property is suddenly assaulted from water without the home itself and makes it unlivable. That is drastically different than water damage from within the home from municipal water you pay for each month.

Flooding that destroys property with water from outside the home is caused from high water from external forces and are not spelled out in a policy. If it is not specifically stated in the policy that you are protected against such events, chances are you are not protected. Many homeowners simply assume that they are covered for flooding events when, in fact, they are not.

Reading Your Insurance Policy For Coverage

There is only one way to know for certain if your home is covered for flooding and that is to read your insurance contract. Your homeowner’s policy should state what you are protected against and if you do not find community flooding you will need flood insurance to sleep soundly at night. If you read through your policy and do not see any reference to flooding, it is not covered. As mentioned earlier these documents are difficult to understand and a conversation with your agent could be helpful. Prepare several questions to address to make sure you are satisfied you have had all your questions answered.

Are You Covered For Basement Flooding?

Flooded basement cleanup is very common in the Southeast Michigan communities. Drains backup after heavy rains, water heaters can leak and any water damage from a level above will ultimately deluge down to affect the basement.

Do You Need Insurance For Community Flooding?

So do you need flood insurance if you do not have it already? That is a question that only you can answer. There are many areas in the country that are “prone to flooding” and are designated as flood zones. If your property is in one of these locations known to flood you would be much better off having the insurance to help rebuild your home after flooding, should it happen.

Those who live near any body of water (lakes, rivers, dams, oceans) should consider having insurance in the event a natural disaster happens. Heavy rains can force water out of their areas and cause flooding at any time. You need to be protected against financial ruin if your home is decimated and becomes uninhabitable.

Those Who Need Flood Insurance

If you want to add flood insurance to your property but cannot find it available in your area or for your home, you can go online and research the federal programs that are set up for this. You may find that in some areas that are prone to flooding, many insurance carriers do not want to add new policies. This is where the federal program FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) can be very helpful.

FEMA provides flood insurance to those in flood zones and locations that are prone to disasters related to flooding. According to FEMA, floods are the most common natural disaster in the U.S. and flooding can manifest anywhere in the country. The small added cost of flood insurance is an investment well worth taking on as this can be the difference between losing your home and keeping it should flooding occur in your area.FEMA offers a very useful, interactive website that can help you decide if you need this insurance or not and can help you decide on how much insurance you need. This is a very good place to begin your research.
Water In Basement After Rain
Water In Basement After Rain

Water In Basement After Rain

Finding water in a basement after a heavy rainfall is every homeowner’s worst nightmare. Whether you have a finished basement, full of carpet or laminate, drywall and many other styles of building material, or just a plain cement Michigan basement, knowing what to do and who to call in the event of a water loss due to rain is essential.

Getting professionals like the ones at Action Extraction located in Macomb MI out to your home in a timely fashion is the first and most import ant step you can take to combat water in your finished basement. Let’s talk about the ways in which rainwater can have a negative effect on your home and basement, and how to tackle this frustrating problem, quickly and safely.

Water In Basement From A Failed Sump Pump

When properties get water in basement after rain, the water has many varying modes of entry into your home that you should be aware of. The most common entry point of rainwater is through your sump pump. Action Extraction handles hundreds of sump pump calls every year. How does a sump pump fail?

Sump pumps work to remove water from your basement and out of your home. The pump is typically placed into a pit dug into the foundation of your home, also known as a basin. The pump comes equipped with a float which, when elevated to a predetermined level of your choosing, activates the pump sending water through a discharge line to a designated water drainage area. It is important that your pump be inspected every few years by a professional to maintain integrity and performance of your pump. Now that we know what a sump pump is, let us talk about why they fail, resulting in a sump pump back up.

Sump Failure Due To Electrical Failure

One of the most common reasons for sump pump failures actually has nothing to do with the pump itself. Often times we experience sump pump backups when there is a loss of power combined with heavy rainfall over a significant amount of time. Without a proper battery back up system, sump pumps are useless without the electricity required to power them. Battery backup systems for a sump pump are something to consider when analyzing your homes inherent risk of sump pump backup. They can be instrumental in preventing water in basement after rain.

Sump Pump Failure From A Faulty Float

When the float that is attached to the sump pump becomes stuck, it can render the pump useless in two ways. The firsts way this can affect the pump is through not allowing to the pump to engage in the first place. Sump pumps are made with metal and plastics. Metals can rust and plastics can carry mineral deposits left behind by evaporated water.

When the pump itself has not been properly maintained, these deposits can collect on the metal line that engineers the float into action. When the float is unable to reach the required height needed to trigger the pump mechanics, the pump will never engage, and water will begin to invade your basement dwelling.

Conversely, when the pump is allowed to engage but the float is not able to descend back into the basin it can result in a sump pump being left to run indefinitely. While this may not seem like a big deal, a sump pump left to run on its own without water can quickly burn its motor out and render it ultimately useless.

Sump Pump Failure From Wear

Sometimes, however, the answer is just time. Sump pumps are like any other appliance in our homes, and eventually they will cease to work as they used to. Our ovens and dryers however do not cause catastrophic damage when they retire fortunately, which is why consistent wellness checks on your sump pump and all home plumbing is important for the health of any home.

Check Valve Issues

Some basement water backups involving sump pumps are not the fault of the pump itself. Every sump pump should come equipped with a check valve attached to its discharge line. A check valve allows water to pass through it in one direction but not the other. Often times sump pumps are pushing water from depths of up to 14 ft up and out of your home. To avoid redundant water pumping, check valves make sure that the water being pushed from a sump pump basin stays out of the basin and does not just return back into the well.

The only thing keeping water from coming back into the well inside the check valve is a small plastic piece acting as a gate. When this gate fails, the sump pump will struggle to push enough water from the basin and out of your home. If there is enough water invading your home while the check valve is non-functional it will result in a flooded basement and the potential for a burnt-out pump motor.

Improper Installation

Finally, incorrectly installed check valves are also problematic for homeowners. In this scenario, some poor handyman or rushed plumber will have installed the check valve in reverse. What this means is that water will not be allowed to leave through the discharge line, leading to either a burst in the plumbing or another burned out sump pump. Thankfully, these situations are rare as check valves are clearly marked as to which direction they need to be run.

When To Replace Your Sump Pump

If your sump pump is older than 10 years, making strange noises or cycling at odd times or longer than normal, it may be time to replace your sump pump. If your sump pump is running longer than it normally does, it could be a sign that your float mechanic is getting stuck as we spoke about earlier or that your pump is working harder to move the same amount of water as before. If you notice your pump taking longer than normal, call a plumber to have your pump inspected and potentially replaced.

All sump pumps make some bit of noise, though some models may be quieter than others. When your sump pump starts to become noticeably louder than it was in the past, it may be time to cal the plumber. As sump pumps age they become louder and louder, using more mechanical effort to push water from your home. This may be a warning to you that your sump pump is at the end of it’s life cycle and ready to be replaced. Many water restoration projects in Southeast Michigan are a result of a failed sump pump.

Rainwater In Basement

Not all basements have sump pumps. Sometimes water in basements after rain is not a result of faulty mechanics, but a faulty foundation. Cracks in your basement’s foundation can give water an easy access point to intrude into your dwelling space. These types of water intrusions are typically smaller in nature, but where they lack in magnitude they make up for in expense. Foundation issues are almost never covered under homeowner’s insurance policies, and foundation repair work can start in the thousands of dollars. These types of floods are identified typically by location of the water loss. Foundation issues are typically singular and will only effect one area of your basement.

Treating foundation issues quickly and at the first sign of a problem is the easiest and most cost-effective way of handling this type of home issue.

Read our article on 10 water damage restoration tips.

Water In Basement After Rain

Finding water in basement after it rains is never an ideal situation. I have been there myself in my own home and even with years of experience in handling thousands of water losses, my own basement holding hundreds of gallons of sewer water was overwhelming and stressful. It is important to know exactly how to proceed when water has invaded your home.

The first thing every single homeowner should do when finding water of any kind in their basement is to call a qualified and certified water restoration company like Action Extraction. A good water restoration team is the key to getting through your water damage project quickly and safely with truly little damage to your home and less risk to you and your family. To mitigate is the make something less severe, serious or painful by definition and that is something every water restoration team should strive for.

After calling Action Extraction to handle your water loss it will be important to inspect your insurance policy to find your coverage limits. Water losses in basements almost always have what are called coverage caps. These caps will dictate how you will want to proceed with your water damage project. If you need assistance in understanding the vague language in your insurance policy, call the professionals at Action Extraction. We are insurance repairs specialist and make insurance claims hassle free.

Not all coverage caps are created equal. If your basement is just a cement Michigan basement with storage for household personal items like totes and clothing, a 5,000 dollar limit may be all that is needed. For finished basements over 500 square foot 10,000 dollars may be required in the event of a fully flooded basement. For finished basements over 2,000 square foot coverage of 15,000 and more may be more appropriate. Speak with your insurance agent to make sure your home is covered in the event of a sump pump backup and that your coverage is appropriate for the basement you have. This way should you get water in basement after rain you will be covered for the flooded basement cleanup.

2 Types Of Water In Basement After Rain

There are two types of water we experience in flood restoration. You can classify these two groups into smart and dumb water. Dumb water is the water we can see with our eyes. It is clearly there and unashamed of its presence, even if we wished it were. This water is typically standing water on our floors or soaked into our personal items and cardboard boxes. It is easy to find and, in turn, easy to take care of.

Smart water hides from our eyes. It hides in the walls, in the insulation protecting our homes from the cold, or in our cabinets. This water is not easy to find but thankfully, we have tools to help.

Moisture Meters Help Find Water in Basement Walls After Rain All certified restoration teams will have multiple meters and gadgets intended to find even the hardest to find moisture contents. The most commonly used meter is the non-penetrating meter. This meter allows us to find water in your basement walls without causing any aesthetic damage to your paint or drywall.

Non-penetrating moisture meters send an electric signal into any building material it is placed against. If that signal is returned back into the meter through a conductor, we can reasonably assume there is water contained in that material.

Some building materials are naturally conductive, like metal corner beads used to finish drywall. Due to this, it is important for water technicians to find a dry standard they can use as a reference point for what the building material they are drying should be reading. This dry point is typically around 4 ft up the wall in a bottom up style water loss. Once the dry standard has been established, any point above this standard can be considered to contain moisture. In the instance of drywall, it should almost always read at zero percent with few exceptions.

As your water technician uses the meter at their disposal to discover where all of the water in your basement is hiding, they will be putting together a dry out plan molded specifically for your basement’s unique needs. No two basements are the same and that means that every water loss entails new and unique challenges.

Water Damage Restoration Service

Once we determined the source of the water in basement after rain, it will be important to remove that water as quickly as possible. One of the ways we do this is through professional water extraction. Much like when you have your carpets steam cleaned, the same style of extraction van is required to remove standing and saturated water from your basement’s hard surfaces and also remove water from carpet. Action Extraction has pulled hundreds of thousands of gallons of water from basements quickly and efficiently.

Preparing The Water Damaged Area For Restoration

Action Extraction of Macomb MI will start by protecting any floor coverings leading to the basement door with thick burlap floor coverings. This makes sure we do not harm any other floor coverings during our work and keeps a nice and clean work environment. Once all the floors needed covering are covered, we bring in our water extraction hoses and wand. Starting in the deepest section of water in your basement, we begin to pump water from your home into our van. Whether the amount of water in basement after rain is minimal or a lot our extraction system will rapidly eliminate all water in minutes.

Once the standing water in your basement has all been removed, the next step of our plan will be put into motion. Most water restoration companies rely on the same set of standards. Exposure principles are the most important of those standards. Exposure principles rely on exposing any waterlogged material to be exposed to air flow. This means any surface closed off from the rest of the basement, like the drywall at the floor level covered by base moldings, or the soaked insulation in the wall need to be exposed to the rest of the drying basement.

In most situations this means removing a section, or sections, of drywall. Base moldings in freshwater or sump water losses can be saved and put aside to be reused so long as they are not MDF style trim. MDF has a tendency to absorb and hold onto water, creating unsightly bubbles in the trims finish look. On interior dry walled walls with no insulation, simply removing the base molding and drilling an inch in diameter sized hole may be all that is needed to help encourage both sides of the drywall to be dried. These holes will help pull moisture from within the enclosed cavity of the wall.

Removing Wet Carpet Padding

In sump pump backups, wet carpet padding must always be removed while carpet can typically be saved so long as there are no furniture stains or delamination of the primary and secondary carpet backings, common in less expensive styles of carpet. Action Extraction specializes in removing padding from wet basements while doing extraordinarily little damage to the carpet around it. Unfortunately, damage to carpets is not always avoidable. Support beams often create problematic encumbrance to padding removal strategies.

Once the padding is removed, if necessary, and the standing water is removed by extraction, it is time to access damage to household items. Cardboard boxes are the most common of casualties when it comes to water damage in basements. It is always preferable to use plastic totes when storing items in your basement. Plastic totes create an impervious barrier between the uninvited water in your basement after rain and your beloved personal items. Keeping important items like photo albums and paper products up and off the ground is another important step to consider when attempting flood proof your home.

Some items like cabinets and clothing will need to be accessed on whether or not they are salvageable. Press board cabinets will often bubble and swell to the point that they must be removed and replaced. Clothing will need to be thoroughly washed before used.

Structural Drying Necessity

Once all building materials and personal items have been evaluated, it is time to begin the structural drying phase. In a sump pump backup, it is essential to have a coherent and strategic drying plan in place. Using high powered fans and dehumidifiers, Action Extraction has perfected the art psychrometry, or the science behind drying building material. Any time you get water in your basement after rain you must remove all moisture by implementing structural drying.

Rapid Air Movement For Drying

Fans are one of the most important tools in any water technician’s tool belt. Whether the job calls for centrifugal fans or axial based fans, knowing how to place and direct these fans is vital for a proper dry-out. When setting up a vortex system in a saturated basement there are many factors to consider. Knowing where your dead pockets of air flow might be beforehand will help guide your placement process.

Intersecting rooms must be cycled against each other. Picture this. If you have two watches placed side by side, one watch would need to turn clockwise, while the other would need to turn counterclockwise. This prevents one room from interrupting the other room’s cycle and helps encourage rapid airflow across all surfaces.

Moisture Removal Through Dehumidifiers

At varying points in the cyclone, dehumidifiers will be used to dry out saturated air. As the air in your home is being pushed around your basement, it is gathering as much moisture as it can from your building materials. When saturated air reaches the dehumidifier, it is sucked into the machine and ran through a maze of frozen copper coils.

These frozen coils will collect as much water from the air due to condensation. Think about what happens when you pull a can of pop from the fridge on a muggy summer day. When the can leaves the dry environment of the refrigerator and enters the saturated summer day, beads of moisture form quickly on its surface. This is the same process happening inside every dehumidifier.

Once the dehumidifier has gathered as much water as it can from the saturated air passing through it, it goes through a defrost stage. Ice that has formed on the copper coils melts into a reservoir ready to be pumped from the machine. Once the machine has been purged of water, it begins its task of removing water from the air around it. This process will play out hundreds of times, cycling wet saturated air out for warm dry air ready to soak up what it can before re-entering the next dehumidifier.

How Long To Restore Flooded Basement

The complete restoration process for drying out the water in a basement after rain should be a target goal of no more than 3 days. With few exceptions when the proper drying chamber has been set up the constant air movement and dehumidification should have the property restored in 72 hours.

On the first day we at Action Extraction will place equipment to begin the drying phase. The same day moisture readings of the water damaged building materials will be mapped out as well air temperature and humidity will be logged to monitor the decrease in moisture each day following.

The professional’s restorer will daily check on your basement to see about its drying progress. Once your water technicians confirms, through the use of a moisture meter and hygrometer, that your basement is completely dry, they will pull all of the equipment and get you prepped for re installation of any building material that needed to be removed. Depending on the severity of your water loss, this could be as simple as new base moldings and as complicated as new drywall and paint.

There is nothing better than the final step of repairs after seeing water in basement after rain. We at Action Extraction are always gratified beyond measure at the final result of completely restoring a property after flood damage.

Basement Backups From Water In Basement After Rain

Now that you know what to do if you discover water in your basement after rain, I hope you will consider Action Extraction when looking for help for any water restoration project. Action Extraction has been in the business for over 30 years and brings quality and professionalism to every water damage loss no matter the size and scope. Basement sump pump backups can be a headache for even the handiest of homeowners and a sewer drain backup even worse. Let Action Extraction guide you through your water damage project today!
What To Do If Your Basement Floods
What To Do When Basement Floods

What To Do When Basement Floods

Flooded basements are the last thing on a homeowner’s mind. Between making sure the kids are off to school and all the bills are paid, worrying about your basement is not a top priority. That means that when a flood issue does occur, many homeowners are put into a critical position. What to do when your basement floods? In this blog we will talk about the steps and calls you need to make as soon as you find a flooded basement that will make sure your home is protected from water damage no matter the cause.

Call The Right Team

The very first thing you should do when your basement floods is call the team at Action Extraction. The water technicians at Action Extraction have each handled over 1,000 floods individually, and your water loss problem will be no problem at all. When you call Action Extraction, you are calling a business with over 40 years combined experience in water damage restoration, certified in all structural drying and mold remediation.

Why is calling Action Extraction important? Water is a destructive force regardless of its form. Raging rivers carve out canyons through landscapers. It is suggested that a glacier moved through what is now desert, carving out the Grand Canyon. While we do not expect raging rivers and gigantic glaciers to be found within your home, standing water can be just as devastating.

Water in your home, if left untreated, is a breeding ground for nefarious microbes and bacteria to thrive in. Saturated building materials push moisture into the air, raising the relative humidity and the dew point, the point at which material will condensate. When critical mass is reached, around 65 percent, walls and ceilings will begin to soak with moisture pulled directly from the air.

Incipient (just beginning to exist) mold will form around 48 hours of the introduction of water to a food source. While some factors, such as sunlight and air flow, may extend the time before mold is present, after 48 hours any certified water restoration company must assume the presence of incipient mold. To avoid having a costly mold mitigation project on your hands, it is important to have a qualified and knowledgeable team working with you to monitor the health of your home.

Call Your Insurance

So, you have called Action Extraction and our van is backing into your driveway, now what? Now is the time to call your insurance company and make an insurance claim for water damage. Not all basement water backups will be covered under your homeowner’s insurance so it is important to have your insurance papers ready for our team to review with you when we arrive. We are specialist at getting the cost of cleaning up a flooded basement when insurance coverage exist. Let us go through some of the potential insurance loss coverage plans.

Almost all water that passes through a municipal line and into your home will be covered automatically under your home’s insurance policy. That means that water spewing from a hot water tank, clothes washer, copper supply line or any other freshwater leak will be covered, 100 percent. Even a toilet or tub overflow related to human error, as in forgetting the water was running, is covered.

Water that enters your home through a storm drain, sump well, or sewer line is considered a water backup. These claims almost always require a special addendum to your policy, in the form of back up of sewer and storm coverage. This style of coverage is typically capped, and policy caps can range from as little as 2,500 dollars to as much as 25,000 dollars. Unfortunately for many of the homeowner’s we speak to every day, they do not realize that they are under covered until it is far too late. Call your agent today to make sure your home is covered adequately in the event that you experience a water back up.

Never Enter A Flooded Basement.

Now that you have called Action Extraction and the flood team has arrived, and we have taken the time to confirm coverage, it is now time to access your flooded basement. You should never enter a flooded basement unless you know a few things for sure.

First, you need to be sure that your flooded basement has not reached a high enough level to make a connection with any power sources. Water levels above 12 inches must be tested for an electrical current before being waded into. Every year, dozens of emergency service workers are harmed walking into waters that were not properly accessed as safe to enter.

After making sure your flooded basement is not electrically charged, it is important to access which category of water you are dealing with. There are 3 categories of water loss, one, two and three. Category 1 water losses are freshwater losses, clean water coming from municipal lines are common sources for category 1 water losses. Category 2 water losses are caused by ground water and lightly dirtied fresh water. Category 2 water is safe to enter though not safe to ingest. Category 3 water is essentially sewage water. If your basement experiences flooding from a sewage backup there will be specialized protective equipment you and your water crew will need to wear before entering your basement.

Making sure your upstairs flooring is covered and protected is another reason you should never enter a flooded basement until you are prepared. Covering carpet or wood floor coverings with a burlap runner or plastic will help to make sure you do not endure additional hardships unrelated to your flooded basement.

Access Damaged Personal Items

Once your team has deemed your basement to be safe to enter, it is now time to access the damage. We will talk about what your flood team will be doing in a moment but let us talk about what you can do to help your team and move the process along in regards to your in home items.

Any cardboard or paper items that are inundated with water must be thrown away. Cardboard and paper often lose their integrity when water is introduced to them, as well as being mold’s favorite food source. Clothing can typically be washed depending on the water’s category. Category 3 water will almost always result in any absorbent items being discarded. Pictures can be dried and either reprinted or laminated.

While you are accessing your personal items, your flood team will be accessing your basement. Any saturated building materials must be addressed and exposed to rapid air movement which is important for structural drying.

This means removing base moldings from wet drywall or wood paneling, removing wainscoting from walls and, at times, casing from doors. All drywall will need to be checked for insulation, and if that insulation is saturated, the walls may need to be removed about 1 foot off the ground.

Floor coverings such as wet carpets may be safely dried and salvageable however their under-lament padding is typically not. Category 1 water losses are the only category in which carpet padding may be saved and many times even then it will be removed to accelerate the homes overall dry out.

Wooden floors like hardwood and laminate floating flooring will need to be individually accessed to evaluate the scope of damage. Hardwood flooring saturated with category 1 and 2 water may be dried in place using heat and specialty equipment.

Engineered flooring will not be salvageable unless there are no noticeable marks or swelling in the floor face. Laminate wood flooring must always be removed regardless of category. Laminate floor creates an impervious barrier, trapping moisture and often times swelling at its connecting joints.

How To Dry A Wet Basement

Once floor coverings have been accessed, walls have been treated, and personal items have been evaluated it is time to begin the drying process. Standing water will have already been removed through water extraction at this point in time. Any additional puddling must be removed before setting equipment up in your home.

High powered air movers are the first to be placed. Each fan will be placed in a strategic spot in your home with the goal of rapidly pushing air around your basement. While it may seem easy to place fans around your basement to dry things out, Action Extraction uses tried and true methods of drying sure to dry your home fast. As air passes over your wet building materials it gathers up as much moisture as it can until it is fully saturated. Once that happens, it will arrive at one of our strategically placed dehumidifiers.

Each dehumidifier in your home will be placed in a way as to gather up saturated air and return it to the mini tornado in your basement as dry air. Through the use of frozen coils, these dehumidifiers act as a kidney to your home, removing unwanted moisture and getting it ready to be discharged. After 3 days of this process playing out hundreds of times an hour, your basement is sure to be dry and ready for repair.

Action Extraction – The Answer to What to do When Basement FloodsNow you know what to do when your basement floods. Remember, your first call should always be to Action Extraction. Flooded basements should never be entered until they are shown to be safe, and your actions thereafter will be influenced primarily by the category of water present. Regardless of the cause or category of your water loss, Action Extraction is here to help!
Contacting An Electrician After Flood Damage
THE VITAL ROLE OF AN ELECTRICIAN AFTER FLOOD DAMAGE

If your property has experienced flooding and water may have come into contact with the electrical, you might need to employ the services of an electrical contractor. When you contact an electrician after flood damage you are optimizing the restoration results and managing an important detail some completely forget about. Water and electricity do not mix!

Having flood damage in your home or business should alert us to the potential dangers that could be lurking under the radar. Security after a water damage emergency is a significant variable. Water and electricity do not blend well and are a volatile and potentially life threatening combination. Most are concerned about germs after an emergency sewage cleanup and damaged personal items thathat get wet. However, wet electrical systems are dangerous and can effect the value of your home if not addressed promptly.

It can be an abundantly unsafe scenario if your properties electrical wiring as well as electric system has been splashed by water or had come into contact with moisture. When this occurs during an emergency water inundation, the mitigation company should always contact an electrician after flood damage for an inspection.

Importance of Professional Electrical Inspection During Flood Damage

At the time of the initial flood restoration evaluation it needs to be determined if water has come into contact with electrical outlets and wiring. While it may be a tempting consideration to assess the damage yourself and attempt the DIY approach, evaluating wet electrical components requires specialty equipment and skills. The naked eye is incapable of seeing moisture in wires and outlets making the expertise of an electrician after flood damage, the best option.
Wet electrical systems need to be evaluated by a certified electrical contractor. Contacting an electrician after flood damage should not be neglected because hidden damages could be a lurking problem waiting to manifest. The licensed electrician possesses the knowledge and skills to conduct a thorough inspection, identify hidden dangers and can provide the necessasry repairs. Their experience allows them to identify dangers that may not be immediately apparent to the novice.

When an electrician arrives after flood damage they will be equipped with scientific instruments that allow them to see if there exist compromises in the efficiency of the service. They should not only evaluate the direct area where the flood damage manifested but also the circuitry as well as the main curcuit board. Contacting an electrician after a flood may discover a potential catastrophic issue to be serviced. This could spare your home from an electrical fire. Here are several compelling reasons to hire a professional electrician after flood damage.
- Risk Assessment: Electricians are experienced and highly trained in their profession. They will evaluate the risk and assess the extent of water damage to electrical systems and components. Their inspection will determine any related risks and properly write them up for your insurance company for financial compensastion. Skilled electricians will recognize any compromised wiring, outlets, and electrical panels as being directly damaged from the flood water so repairs are covered by insurance.
- Code Compliance: Electricians are well-versed in local electrical codes and regulations that may vary from city to city. They will even be able to write up for code upgrades so your home is in compliance with new standards.
- Preventive Measures: An electrician after flood damage can recommend preventive measures to mitigate future risks and incorporate such details in the insurance claim. One of the most common of these is raising all electrical outlets to a height above potential flood levels.
- Thorough Inspections: Electricians use specialized tools along with moisture detection equipment to conduct their inspections so they are more comprehensive. They can uncover and even pinpoint issues that may not be immediately visible, and prevcnt long-term future damage to your electrical system.
Additional Reasons To Contact An Electrician When Water Exist

When the electrician is on site they understand it is imperative that some troubles with the electrical energy of your property will need to be removed and replaced completely. This is an obstackle to an insurance carrier unless the electrician in detail explains the reason. The experienced electrician after flood damage will make their case strong and irrefutable.

ONLY A LICENSED ELECTRICIAN should do the evaluation of your electrical service, not just a handyman. If the proper evaluation is not performed potential hazards may go undetected and lurking future dangers could still exist. Not to mention the fact that anything conducted by a licensed electrician is of greater influence than a handyman service. This matters if your insurance adjuster assigned is not particularly willing to allow all you need to get back to pre-flood condition.

WHEN TO CONTACT AN ELECTRICIAN FOR INSPECTION? In most instances immediately after known water exposure to electrical components has occured. Especially if water has migrated through a main floor and deluged to a floor beneath, and water has intruded into electrical systems.
Ensuring Electrical Safety After Flood Damage - 7 Steps

In catastrophic flooding situations where everything in sight is dripping and it is known to be a hazardous environment, Stay Away at all Cost! These steps are to be followed only if the environment permits such activities without compromising human safety.
1. Shut off the Power: If it is safe to enter the room of your property to turn off power trhan do so cautiously. This will make sure if water in electrical systems is present, there will be no electrical shock or fire. If this step cannot be managed safely, wait on the electrician or water damage restoration company as they will need to do so before any inspection or repair work begins. Turning off the power is a crucial step when lights are flickering and electrical sparks are noticed. Eliminating power will make sure no electrical shock or further damage will occur.
2. Wait for Clearance: As mentioned earlier, water and electricity do not mix well. Do not attempt to enter a known flooded areas or room unless you can do so safely. Do not return to any known space that had wet electrical components until the professionals have declared things are safe. Until then, stay away to protect yourself and others. Only an electrician after flood damage should give the OK as they will know much better than a neighbor or handyman.
3. Document the Damage with Pictures: Before any service tech's arrive and commence with any repairs, document the extent of the damage for insurance purposes. If it is safe to get a clear photo trhan take one and have it available for the insurance carrier. Also when an electrician after flood damage arrives, be sure to get their complete assessment of all related damages so your insurance loss is well documented.
4. Hire a Licensed Electrician with Good Reviews: Anytime you enlist the services of a licensed electrician it is helpful to get recommendations from others who have used their services and who considered them professional and courteous. This is where social media platforms such as google reviews and the like can be helpful in your decision making process. If you have contacted an emergency water cleanup company before calling an electrician, they will be a good resource as they should already be closely working with one that specializes in electrical flood damage.
5. Replace Damaged Components: When an electrician's assessment uncovers important electrical features that need immediate replacing, they should do so. Even if you are not certain your insurance carrier will cover such needed repairs, you cannot allow your home to be at risk. Most electricians are capable of making a compelling case for their services deemed necessasry to keep your home safe and insurance carriers want to avoid a future fire loss at all cost. Just be sure any wiring, outlets or other damaged electrical systems are clearly documented for your records as well as your insurance carriers.
6. Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs): Most cities have codes for what are called GFCIs, (Ground fault interupters) which can quickly shut off power in the event of a ground fault from water, reducing the risk of electrical shock. The electrical inspection will guarantee if any of these have become compromised by water that they are replaced.
7. Elevate Electrical Components: Some homes have badly designed and poorly placed electrical wiring running through the home. Outlets are not installed correctly, wiring not fastened up to code and even bare wiring that is an active fire hazard. An electrician after flood damage can be an indispensable assett to your home as their skills during the evaluation process may uncover important things needing attention that may be covered under the water loss claim. This would included faulty wiring, code violations, compromised circuit breakers and otgher related issues.
Additional Actions Homeowners Can Take Prior to Professionals Arriving

If water is collected safely in one area only, but is slowly migrating further into property, find the main water shut off and turn water off. Once this happens try to eliminate all standing water from your residence before it makes its way to electrical appliances.

Also attempt to dry your water damaged residential or commercial property by opening doors and windows if the outside weather is cooperative. If the season of your flood damage incident in not permitting favorable conditions for drying you may need a few fans to circulate air forcing drying.

Don't Forget Contacting a Flood Damage Restoration Company
When water damage exist that effects the electrical systems of your property it leaves behind in the wake of its passing, multiple other damages too. Don't forget to contact a water damage restoration firm for their very important service as well. They will keep your home from mold growth, structural damage and ultimately keep it safe as it was suppose to be. An electrician after flood damage will not have the resources, equipment or skills to navigate the special field of propeorty restoration.
Typically it is the potentially affected electrical systems of a property that go neglected after flood damage. As critical as repairing electrical systems is, one cannot overlook the cleanup of water, sanitizing of the environment and structural drying as well that lies necessary.
STRUCTURAL DRYING OF PROPERTY is extremely crucial as is investigating for electrical issues. Action Extraction of Macomb is your one stop contractor for all flood damage related support. They have emergency restoration technicians that respond 24/7 day or night as well as mechanical engineers, electricians, plumbers and more. Call today at 800-713-4333.

Appliances Should Not be Overlooked

Professionals who specialize in water damage restoration services are well versed in finding water damaged appliances and creating a detailed description of any of the damages found. This will be especially helpful if you have made a water loss claim from an appliance malfunction such as a refrigerator or dish washer.

MECHANICAL SYSTEMS as well need to be investigated for damage. Professionals need to evaluate the hot water heater, heat pump, furnace, and all other electrical related devices including water conditioners. Your electrical expert ought to likewise look for electric shorts in your house as well as the grounding of all circuits. An electrician after flood damage should examine all circuits as well as change them if required. They must ensure all electrical systems are operating properly in order for your home to remain safe.

In the aftermath of flood damage, prioritizing an inspection for any needed repairs is paramount for the safety of your home and its occupants. Soliciting the services of a licensed electrician is a wise investment that can prove to prevent future damage and safeguard against electrical hazards. By following the outlined steps and seeking professional assistance, property owners can rest assured that their electrical systems are safe and functional once again.
Things To Know When You Have A Water Damage Emergency
Water Damage Emergency

5 Steps In Managing A Water Damage Emergency

A Post By Action Extraction Restoration Of Michigan
- Emergency water removal
- Professional sewage disaster cleanup
- Sump pump failure restoration
- Broken water pipe damage
- Structural drying
Water Damage EmergencyWater damage emergencies are one of the most common insurance homeowners claim made each year in the US. Flooding from rivers and streams, broken water pipes, storm damage, sewer backups and sump pump failures can occur at any time. Water damage is one of the most serious home emergencies a property owner can face.

Other sources that threaten properties with flood damage come from our appliances of modern convenience. Dish washers can overflow, leak and flood a kitchen. Refrigerators can have a broken supply line, ice maker or water dispenser that malfunctions allowing unabated water to travel throughout a home.

Quick Remediation When A Water Damage Emergency Is Discovered Is Critical

Just as with a fire it is important to distinguish it quickly to save property, so does quick water removal after flooding reduce damages and prevent further property damage. All water damage emergencies have one thing in common. Acting fast to remove water reduces damages and added repair cost.

The fact that water damage is considered an emergency means it is recognized as a serious, unexpected, and often dangerous situation requiring immediate action. Allowing water damage to remain without action compounds damages and ultimately will cost more in repairs. If a water damage emergency strikes a home, business or commercial property a clear plan for mitigation needs to be introduced immediately.

Flood mitigation contractors specialize in responding as soon as possible when a water damage emergency manifest. Hesitating a day or two before property restoration begins will result in wet carpet delaminating, wet dry wall to perhaps produce mold and structural integrity to be compromised. Most property owners are not prepared for a water damage emergency except for calling the professionals. This is all one needs to do when damage water is found.

Professional Emergency Water Damage Restoration

Action Extraction of Macomb Michigan is a 24 hour emergency water damage restoration and repairs company that knows the value of immediately responding to water damage. Each year we are called by property owners, renters and property management companies to remove water, cleanup, restore and repair after flooding.

When distressed clients call they are connected live to the owner who will go over cost for water damage emergency cleanup and/or immediately dispatch one of our restoration teams. Once on-site one of our IICRC certified professionals will begin water removal using a truck-mount extraction system that quickly eliminates standing water.

4 Essential Steps When Water Disasters, Sewer Backups And Water Damage Emergencies Happen

1) Human Safety First – Keep Safe When Water Is Present

Often when water damage emergencies assault property, people are unaware of the dangers that are present. Even a small amount of water can make hard surface floor slick and a slipping hazard. Even if the hard surface flooring is dry, when you walk on wet carpet, your shoes are wet and likely to slip on ceramic tile or smooth flooring.

The contamination level of the water can be threatening to human health if it is from a floor drain. Sewer backups, sump pump failures and stagnant water will be heavily contaminated and human health can be at risk. For instance sewer water has potentially up to 81 viruses that may bring illness to occupants and should be taken seriously.

However, if the amount of water is minimal and a DIY attempt is to be considered, wear rubber gloves, waterproof boots and protective clothing. After the water has been removed and the environment is ready for cleaning, use a disinfectant on all affected surfaces.

2) Electrical Hazards From Water

Water damage emergencies inundate property with water and as it migrates throughout a room it picks up dirt and debris. Water itself doesn’t conduct electricity, but the impurities that are suspended in the water make it highly conductive to electricity. When sewage water comes into contact with electricity or even ground water the dangers of electricity are present. Water and electricity dangers are a real hazard when they come into contact with each other. If the water is only an inch deep with an extension cord end lying in the water, electrocution is possible.

When severe water disasters such as a flooded basement happen and there is 1’ of standing water, you must take precaution. You should not walk in the water as the potential for electrocution is high. In such cases a professional water restoration contractor should be called out. In some cases the electricity will need to be disconnected from the property before emergency property mitigation can begin.

If the water damage emergency is a small amount of wet carpet but electrical concerns exist, shut off the electricity by switching off the circuit breakers and unplugging devices.

3) Mold Growth Dangers In Long Term Water Damage Scenarios

When homeowners are away for several days or weeks and come home to flooded property the long term consequences of waters presence can be staggering. Building materials such as dry wall and wood can be affected by mold growth and germs. Building materials can be saturated and badly water damaged and multiple wet materials will need to be discarded. Mold damage removal is a process that will not be necessary when prompt restoration is inacted quickly.

If you look in the room that is wet the signs of mold can be easily seen on the base moldings. Discoloration, black growth or a foreign coloring is indicative of molds presence. The room may have a foul odor as well that was not present before.

In severe cases the water damage emergency should be managed by a professional disaster restoration company that will be able to professionally mitigate the damages. In such instances homeowners insurance should be contacted and an insurance claim made.

4) Stop The Water Damage Emergency From Spreading

In any emergency water damage event it is important to locate the source of the water. If water is heard running it is safe to assume it is a plumbing issue and turn off the water main. Often a toilet supply line, a broken pipe, a malfunctioning appliance or a broken hot water heater could be the culprit. Shutting of the water is the first step in the mitigation process and will immediately stop further water damage.

If you find your home or business with a leaky ceiling, it could be from the level above or the roof. If it is the roof it is recommended to have a roofing professional evaluate the roof for leaks or missing shingles.

5) Contact Your Insurance Company Making A Water Damage Emergency Claim

Homeowners insurance is a vital resource in helping you navigate a water damage emergency. They will give you a claim number that the professional water restorer will use throughout the cleanup and repairs process. The expense for restoration cleanup and repairs will be covered in most cases if you contact them immediately. Waiting can risk having your claim for restoration denied as they would see this as irresponsible.

Calling as soon as the water damage emergency is found will indicate to your insurance company that you are a responsible homeowner. Once they are contacted they will direct you as to what steps to take next. Ask for a claim number as well as the claims adjusters contact information. Requesting they send out the adjuster as soon as possible to document the damage and write a repairs estimate is recommended. Additionally take pictures of all the seen damages as this is required from all insurance companies.

6) Keep Detailed Records And Receipts During The Water Damage Emergency Process.

Often in the frenzy of a water related emergency you will need to buy items to assist in the mitigation. If the items are directly related to the recovery of your home these receipts should allow for reimbursement from your insurance carrier. This would also include food and even temporary housing if you were not able to eat of live in your home.

7) Begin Structural Drying As Soon As You Can

Once water has been removed there are always wet materials still needing to be dried out, Wet carpet will quickly begin to smell if drying is put off. Dry wall and wood base can easily produce mold so beginning drying can keep your home or business free of mold and mildew.

Air movers and a dehumidifier are essential when drying property after a water damage emergency. Air movers are placed to move air which contributes to evaporation. Dehumidifiers are important to remove excessive moisture from the air. Once these devices are set up and placed strategically, drying should take about 3 days. Once the moisture is removed and all wet materials completely dried the chances for mold to develop are eliminated.

During the drying process make sure temperatures are no lower than 72 and no higher than 80. In some situations turning the air conditioning on will be of great assistance in the drying process you’re your furnace has a humidifier make sure bit is turned to off to keep unwanted additional humidity from the air.

When the size of your water damage emergency is large affecting several rooms it may be best to allow a flood mitigation company do the structural drying. They will have moisture detection instruments and professional grade equipment to rid the environment from humidity and expedite quick drying.

8) Professional Restoration Services

The repercussions of a water damage emergency can take time and skill to remedy that only the professionals are equipped to navigate. Consider Action Extraction of Macomb for the best flood damage cleanup, restoration and repairs in Michigan. DIY remedies are not free of unexpected complications that will require experience to resolve.

Moisture from flooding can get into places the naked eye can’t see or find easily. The professionals have all the necessary scientific moisture meters to locate trapped moisture in materials that can produce mold and mildew.

Contacting a professional like Action Extraction restoration may prove to be the best decision you make after finding a water damage emergency. They serve all Macomb, Oakland and St, Clare Michigan area and have local certified technicians standing ready to be dispatched. Providing water recovery service for over 30 years they are available for water removal, contents management, restoration, structural drying, mold mitigation and structural drying 24/7.

They will be able to assist in determining what is salvageable and what things should be discarded. Damaged property such as electronics, documents, personnel belongings and sentimental items need to be documented and evaluated. The professionals can handle these important required steps efficiently and effectively. Equally helpful is their experience at managing homeowner insurance claims. They specialize in managing each step in the claims process and getting property owners their money fast.

Contact us today for your water damage restoration needs if you are experiencing a water damage emergency. Action Extraction restoration is Michigan’s most trusted firm for all your residential restoration and commercial mitigation needs.

Call us today (586) 949-4448 to learn how we can assist you in the restoration and repairs your home or business and bring back the peace of mind you deserve.
5 Ways To Prevent Mold In A Bathroom
5 Ways To Prevent Mold In Bathroom

5 Ways To Prevent Mold In Bathroom

Mold is a fungus that grows when conditions are acceptable for its existence. Bathrooms are the most common area where it is found because of the moisture potential. Mold is always unwanted so learning how to prevent mold in a bathroom is the best way to learn how to prevent mold anywhere in your home.

Mold growth in a bathroom or anywhere in your home is often visible to the naked eye, but other times it is hidden in areas out of site. In the inside of a drywall wall, on the surface of a subfloor that regularly gets wet or even on window sills covered by a blind.

Bathroom mold and mildew are concerns that many homeowners have had to confront at some point. Often seen on a shower wall that gradually becomes darker with each use and other bathroom surfaces mold can be easily remedied.

Preventing mold in the bathroom is fortunately an easily achieved outcome when certain things are done to eliminate the environment that causes it.

Here are 5 easy ways to prevent mold in the bathroom. Following these suggestions will help achieve a bathroom free from the fungus that grows in so many.

1) Adequate Ventilation Will Prevent Mold In A Bathroom.

Each time someone uses the shower or takes a hot bath the humidity dramatically increases. This increase allows for a moisture rich environment where water vapor clings to surfaces. Over time these wet surfaces will allow for fungus to grow.

Many enjoy the relaxing benefits of a long hot shower, but lack of appropriate ventilation creates the perfect storm for mildew and mold. Having ventilation allows water vapor to be managed allowing for a mold free bath room. The way to successfully have ventilation is by having a fan or vent placed in the bathroom ceiling. If you have and use a bathroom ceiling fan already, it may need to be cleaned allowing for more air flow. If it is already clean, than consider having a more powerful one put in its place.

Another way to assist the air flow is to open a bathroom window during a hot shower or bath. This will allow an additional amount of less humid air to neutralize the heavy effects of a high moisture rich environment.

2) Regular Mold Inspections Can Inform You Of Potential Problems.

How can you know if you have a mold or mildew issue if you don’t know what to look for? Knowing what to look for will help you identify a problem. Performing regular home inspections can help you locate a mold issue while they’re still small and easy to remedy. With regular inspections you can prevent mold in a bathroom from becoming a large mold issue later on.

3) Regularly Move Shampoo And Other Shower Bottles To Keep Them From Trapping Moisture

Most store their shampoo and conditioner in the shower. During the shower however, water gets on the surfaces where the bottles are placed. Or unused bottles get wet and water migrates down becoming trapped under the bottle. This trapped moisture will be a haven for mold and mildew allowing for its growth to thrive. This mold growth will be small and unnoticed at first but over time will become conspicuous.

Practicing regular movement of your bottles or placing them on a wire breathable rack can help prevent mold in bathroom. When air is allowed to get to moisture it can easily evaporate and disappear.

4) Don’t Leave Wet Towels Or Rugs On Bathroom Floor.

Most have a bathmat on the floor outside of their shower to prevent slipping or acquiring water puddles. Over time water can migrate beneath these rugs and towels and mold growth will easily set in. After each shower move the mats and towels to see if water has gotten underneath. If so, wipe up the water and place the mat back. Wet towels should be placed in a laundry hamper for future washing.

5) Allow Natural Light In Bathroom.

Mold needs several essential things in order to grow and develop. The ingredients that allow mold to grown and manifest ate high moisture content, stagnant air and the absence of UV light. Allowing natural lighting in your home is an incredible way to keep your home sterilized naturally. UV lighting is responsible for cleaning many invisible and harmful intruders from the air. Keeping regular natural lighting will aid in reducing and even preventing mold in bathroom.

Mold growth might be a regular bathroom incidence, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take the recommended steps to help prevent mold in bathroom. As always, make sure to contact mold remediation experts if you do discover bathroom mildew growing in your home. Action Extraction of Macomb is a mold mitigation contractor serving all southeast Michigan. They provide mold damage removal, cleanup, mitigation and sanitizing service.
10 Tips To Prevent Water Damage In Your Home
10 Tips To Prevent Water Damage In Your Home

10 Tips To Prevent Water Damage In Your Home

Common Sence Tactics To Keep You Home Dry

Many are shocked to discover that water damage in your home is one of the most common insurance claims made by homeowners next to wind and hail damage. Water damage cost for repairs are such that if pays to learn how to avoid it all together.

Webster’s dictionary defines the word prevent as: to keep from happening or existing. Considering how devastating water damage in your home can be, it would pay to learn tips to keep it from happening. Following through with these suggestions can allow your Macomb home to stay dry and free from water damage.

1. Service Toilets That Keep Running.

After flushing a toilet you will hear water running for a few short minutes. This is normal as water needs to once again fill the water tank to allow for additional flushes. However, if you intermittingly hear the water comes on and off repeatedly, that could indicate a potential for water damage in your home.

What is happening is your toilets water tank is not keeping the full amount of water needed as it is leaking through the seal in the tank. As water level diminishes the float slowly moves down and engages to allow the lost water back in. This issue can in some cases lead to water damage in your home and should not be left as is.

The fix is easy. Look at what brand your toilet is and get a repair seal kit at your local hardware store and replace the seal. This will allow for the water to stay in the tank and work as manufacturers intended.

2. Fix All Plumbing Leaks As Soon As You Find Them

All homes have plumbing that eventually needs servicing due to leaks. A sink faucet, a drain, a valve that slowly drips or a hot water heater that leaks occasionally. No matter what the size of the pipe or problem even the smallest plumbing leak can cause massive amounts of water damage in a home.

Eventually these small leaks turn into fast moving water that can easily flood several rooms of carpet in your home. Like a small crack in a dam, pressure over time can make a violent flow of unabated water.

This is not even mentioning the humidity and moisture that water brings with it. High humidity can allow for mold growth, mildew growth, bad smells, dry rot, floor buckling and other damaging effects on property. Invisible and unwanted microorganisms can even cause germs to fill the air you breathe.

Keeping in mind that homeowner’s insurance carriers only cover damages that are sudden and accidental, they may not cover a water loss you could have prevented. Damage that results from lack of maintenance is not covered on a standard homeowner’s insurance policy.

The fix is easy. When leaks of any sort are encountered, quickly have them repaired. Many of these small repairs can be DIY while others may require a plumber or handyman to fix.

3. Set Water Heater Level No Higher Than Hot.

Water heaters have a dial that allows you to set how high you want the water temperature to be. The “very hot” setting places undo wear on the hot water heater and can shortens its lifespan. When water temperatures are very high the heat forces metals to expand more than it should and water leaks can occur.

The fix is easy. Keep the setting no higher than the “hot” setting which is almost always more heat than is necessary for washing clothes/dishes or bathing.

4. Regularly Inspect Your Appliances.

Water using appliances are a marvel of the modern age and a convenience few would want to do without. These appliances however, can be responsible for water damage in the home. Each year insurance providers are inundated with water loss claims from washing machines, dish washers, refrigerators and hot water heaters. Many times the water damages could have been avoided with routine inspections of the appliances.

The fix is easy. Each month do a walk-through of your property and evaluate your appliances. Make sure you don’t see any standing water on the floor, dripping parts, or a cycle malfunctioning. Equally important is the seals that allow appliances to not drip during use. Check the dish washer seal to make sure no water is lost during cycles. Follow the instructions manufacturer’s put on each device while doing so.

5. Regularly Clean Your Gutters.

Storm damage, heavy rains and tree leaves falling in the fall can damage or compromise your gutters. These mechanical systems are great when they work at diverting rain water away from your homes property. When they are clogged or malfunction the water can stay on the roof or backup under your shingles causing water damage in your ceiling or attic. Severely obstructed gutters can even cause deep pooling where heavy water can run down the side of your brick or siding and get in through walls. Water damage from ceilings and water damage from a wall are types that can be difficult to find.

In some cases the water can even make its way to a basement area resulting in basement flooding or even crawlspace flooding. Basement flood cleanup may not be covered by insurance, so this tip could save thousands.

The fix is easy. Remove leaves, dirt and debris from the gutters each fall season to allow for them to work efficiently. Hardware stores sell special attachments that can be used to spray the obstructions away. Gutter cleaning service companies offer special rates for cleaning gutters when you use them each year.

6. Keep A Close Eye On Your Water Bill.

At Action Extraction of Macomb Michigan we have encountered water damage in homes where the resulting damages were from an unknown plumbing leak. For instance on one project a broken water pipe in a crawlspace leaked for weeks before the water manifested in the living space of the home. Because no one goes into their crawlspace on a regular basis by the time the water leak was discovered a monumental amount of damage had occurred.

The fix is easy. Each water bill that arrives in the mail should be immediately reviewed to make certain it is not unusual. A few dollars different from the last bill is to be expected, but double, triple or even more is an indication of a water leak. It could be a constantly running toilet, broken pipe under the home or a pipe break in the ground of the property.

The only way to catch this water damage in the home is to look at the water bill or wait till it shows up. However, by the time it does the devastation could be overwhelming.

Avoiding this type of water damage in the home can be significantly easier than finding it weeks later and having to clean it up. The steps outlined above can help prevent unnecessary damage, but they cannot promise complete protection. Contact a water remediation contractor if your Macomb Michigan home has suffered such water damages. We are highly skilled and certified to manage these types of devastating water losses.

7. Brush Snow Off Perimeter Of Roof.

After a heavy snow there will likely be a thawing in several days. As the snow melts it needs to be able to flow directly into the gutters. If the snow due to freezing temperatures creates what is called an ice dam on your roof, it can lead to water damage in your home. Water will back up under the flashing and come directly into you home. Walls can become wet water damage in a ceiling can manifest and much worse.

The fix is easy. When at all possible take a broom and brush as much snow off the roof perimeter as possible. This can help immensely and prevent an ice dam. Ice dam water damage can affect multiple rooms of a home, making it one of the more destructive water claims.

8. Winterize Outside Water Spickets Before Winter.

Before the freezing temperatures of winter freeze your outside water faucet, winterize it first. If pressurized water is to remain in your faucet the water will freeze and expand. With the expansion of the water the metal faucet can easily break. The water damage generally does not occur when freezing happens, but when the ice thaws. During the thawing process water damage in your home can occur.

The fix is easy. Before freezing temperatures, turn the water off to the spicket, open the spickets valve and cover with an outdoor faucet cover which can be found at any hardware store.

9. Maintain Trees And Vegetation

What property doesn’t look beautiful with shrubs and landscaping? Thriving shrubs can bring tremendous curb appeal. Keeping an eye on roots can help prevent water damage in your home. Roots that wrap around utility pipes can weaken and break them over time. It is important to minimize landscaping near outdoor plumbing and irrigation systems.

The fix is easy. Keep landscaping trimmed, orderly and away from plumbing and irrigation. When it encroaches in areas it doesn’t belong, cut it back.

10. Know Where Your Water Main Shutoff Is.

Plumbing service contractors and experts say that the water main shutoff is the most important plumbing feature in a home. The reason is simple! In the event that water damage is found in the home with one turn of a valve all the water stops. The water main controls the water of the entire property and when turned off, all water stops to all other plumbing.

Should you experience a plumbing emergency inside your home, you need to know where the main shutoff is located to save your home from further damage. Such was the case of a recent project Action Extraction was called upon to mitigate in Chesterfield Township Michigan. The homeowners were away in another country for a week and when they came home water was everywhere. The homeowner had no idea where the water was coming from, but knew where the water main shutoff was. He immediately turned off the valve and all the running water stopped.

The fix is easy. Discover where your main shutoff is and let all occupants in the home know where it is located. Inform them should water damage manifest to immediately turn the valve in the off position till a plumber arrive.

We at Action Extraction of Macomb county Michigan also recommend shutting off the water main any time you leave your home for an extended amount of time. Preventing water damage while on vacation is easy when the water pressure is incapable of entering plumbing.

If you need professional help for water damage in the home, call Action Extraction today 586-949-4448. We are IICRC certified in water damage restoration.
Emergency Water Removal
Emergency Water Removal

Water Damage Requires A Rapid Water Removal Response

When a water damage emergency occurs it is often a dangerous situation requiring immediate action. Every minute counts as waters energy is destructive and can also be hazardous when electricity is involved. Matters grow exponentially worse every 24 hours that water remains on materials. Emergency water removal is required if you intend to keep carpets from delaminating, hard wood flooring from warping and dry wall from potential mold.

Emergency water removal is the first necessary step to correct the impending destructive consequences that could occur. If mold and mildew growth are already present then the likelihood of mold spread to even dry areas of the property are likely because mold spores traveling from room to room and ventilation systems.

If your home or business is in need of emergency water removal then act quickly to avoid the affects that could soon manifest. If the amount of water has flooded a basement completely or several rooms are covered with standing water, than you need the professionals at Action Extraction. We have water removal pumps and commercial truck-mount extraction systems capable of completely eliminating all water in a short time. Emergency water removal is as close as a phone call to Action Extraction. Our IICRC certified technicians can be on-site in 1 hour or less to begin the extraction process to remove water.

When emergency water removal is addresses immediately the damages from water are greatly reduced and the restoration of wet building materials can begin. Our highly trained professionals can begin the water removal process immediately upon arrival. Depending on the amount of water, they may use a powerful vacuum system that removes water with an extraction wand. In some instances a powerful submersible pump is the better option to begin the emergency water removal process.

When a thorough water extraction is achieved with one of our superior extraction systems, Action Extraction can greatly reduce the drying time and help to prevent mold and secondary water damage. We give strict compliance to the highest standards in the industry for professional water damage restoration. Each of our commercial trucks is equipped with state-of-the art water extraction systems, drying fans and dehumidifiers as well as moisture testing equipment. Whether the flood damage emergency is a few square foot of wet carpet or a fully flooded floor of your home, we will handle every water damage scenario conceivable.

Water Extraction Process – Rapid Action Required

Like any field of applied science, the emergency water removal process involves several essential steps.

Step 1) Emergency Contact

Once flood damage is determined to be on a scale requiring professional assistance, individuals may type in a google search, “Emergency water removal near me”. It is important that the prospective restoration company have experience and good reviews from previous customers.

This is where the professionals at Action Extraction stand out like mountain peaks from the competition. We have provided disaster restoration services for over 30 years and have the highest ratings on google, yelp and yellow pages in all Southeast Michigan. When we receive a call for emergency water removal it is answered live by the owner who can answer your questions or dispatch a local team of certified experts. Your emergency contact is always answered live and once our restoration team is dispatched, they will arrive in 1 hour or less.

Step 2) Assessment Of Your Property Damage.

We give a free inspection of your property which will determine the cause of the water damage, its source and the type of water damage. Knowing these facts is essential in creating the unique plan of action to bring about complete restoration.

Water damage can be immediate and extreme, as it is in the case of a natural disaster or a broken water pipe. Water emergencies can also be slow having been ongoing for an extended period of time. Each water removal emergency will have its own set of unique circumstances. Our experienced experts will determine all this with the use of cutting edge scientific moisture detection meters.

The evaluation will also determine the category of water damage which varies from project to project. We have sophisticated techniques to manage each type of water disasters a property can experienced. There are 3 categories of water damage which are defined as clear, grey, or black water.

Our crew will immediately diagnose what category of flood damage you have allowing you to know the severity of contaminants that may be in the water. Clear is usually from a fresh water source like a plumbing system with minimal contamination. Grey and black water are usually from ground water and sewer backups and are hazardous to human health. On these projects germ elimination must be part of the mitigation process.

The commonality in all these categories of water is that they all require emergency water removal as soon as possible to minimize the potential damages that can soon manifest.

Step 3) Mitigation.

This is the process of reducing the loss of property due to the impact of a disaster. Water mitigation refers to the proper method of cleaning, sanitizing, drying, repairing, and restoring residential and commercial properties to the condition they were in before water damage. Our experts can manage every property water damage situation with skill and expertise. We can create a protocol to restore your property with a unique and individualized plan of action.

Step 4) Cleanup And Sanitization.

After emergency water removal the sanitizing process will begin. We apply plant based anti-microbial agents on all surfaces to eliminate all molds, bacteria and harmful germs. These botanical all natural products are safe and preferable over man made disinfectants that can cause reactions to human health.

Step 5) Restoration. This Step Is Easily Achieved When Systematic

restoration is introduced. After emergency water removal and sanitizing of surfaces and environments the structural drying can begin. It is through the drying process that we achieve restoration. The dry environment will no longer be conducive to mold growth or mildew.

We accomplish this by commercial air moving fans and commercial dehumidifiers to rapidly remove high levels of humidity allowing materials to once again be safe and dry.

If your property has experienced any type water intrusion from a backed up sewer, floor drain, broken water pipe or any other water related problem, we can help. Call now and let us provide the emergency water removal your property needs to reach the goal of restoration. We are here 24/7 day or night to help.
Water Damage Restoration Service
When Is Water Damage Restoration Necessary & What Should You Do?

Some days are more challenging than others, but most will not be as grim as dealing with water damage in your home. Water from a broken pipe, drain backup or roof leak can mess with you like few other obstacles can. It will definitely be a day when “clouds hung oppressively low in the heavens” to quote Edgar Allen Poe.

First you need to answer the question, “where did the water come from”? Once you locate the source, you’ve just begun, as there are a multitude of other things you will be addressing before the day is over. The amount, scope and type of water will naturally answer the inquiry to, “when is water damage restoration service necessary? In most instances water damage restoration service should be entertained as an option because it requires little water to bring to fruition dangerous molds and mildew in the home.

Several Questions That Follow Finding Water Damage In The Home
- Where did it come from?
- Is this disaster covered by my homeowners insurance?
- Who’s going to cleanup all this mess?
- How long is this going to take?
- Will my house ever be the same?
These few are just a sampling of questions that cross the mind as a frenzied whirlwind leaving one confused and frustrated over what to do first. That is the reason behind the post you are reading. I want to help you navigate the high seas of water damage and get you safely to the shores of soundness and sanity. I am going to let you have access to my frontal lobe and perhaps other areas of my brain (scary) that have acquired adept skills at dealing with flooding of all types.

My 32 years of experience will help you determine if you need water damage restoration service and how to go about making it happen. Additionally there are really only 3 things you need to do to achieve peace of mind and restoration success. Boarding this train of 3 stops will be enough to manufacture peace of mind and naturally answer almost all your questions, most without even being asked.

Step 1) Find The Source Of Water And Stop It If You Can.

This is perhaps the most intuitive step like bracing for a fall if you slip on ice. It will be natural to embark on a frantic exploration of all things plumbing in your home. This will lead you to check each bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, utility room, hot water heater etc. Don’t forget to investigate floor drains and refrigerators as well which are sometimes overlooked. In a few minutes you should have discovered the culprit for the unwanted presence of water on the floor, walls or ceilings. Shutting your water off at the main in most cases stops the flow of running water.

However, please be sure water has not come into contact with your electrical because some classifications of flood damage are best left to the professionals. For instance if you have water pouring down from a ceiling affecting light fixtures, electrical outlets and switches the potential for electric shock exist. In this case the benefits of DIY are outweighed by dangers of electrocution and you need to immediately back off. You definitely need water damage restoration service from a professional in these cases. Upon their arrival they will implement all safety guidelines dealing with electricity keeping occupants and pets safe from harm.

Step 2) Call For Water Damage Restoration Service.

This is not as intimidating as it may first appear. The internet is not just a morass of evils where the dark side lures the unsuspecting. It is also a fountain of helpful information ideal to locating a reputable water damage company for the assistance you desperately need. In a google search type in the words, “water damage contractor near me” or a related search including the name of your city. The results will show several companies which are at least legitimate businesses that provide water damage restoration service.

Once you have a tally of candidates the next step will be to weed out the incompetent allowing you to discover the best company for your needs. Companies that have no reviews eliminate from consideration, it’s a blind date and your flooding issue is enough to deal with. Look for companies that have 5 star reviews. Read what others have to say about their competence and attention to customer service.

Lastly check out the best candidate on other ranking platforms: google, yelp, yellow pages, Facebook etc. If they have multiple sources that vouch for their competence than you can at least contact them to discuss your flood damage issue. If they represent themselves as professional and trustworthy you may want to consider going down the same proven road others have for their water damage restoration service.

Example Of Search Results Looking For Water Restoration Contractors.

As an example when you type into a google search, “Water damage restoration Service in Macomb”, my company Action Extraction Inc comes up in the maps and shows our 5-star rating.

This allows potential clients to see that we provide restoration services for flood emergencies, but also that we have earned the highest rating google allows and this increases consumer confidence and greatly eliminates the chances of a bad experience.

Step 3) Contact Your Insurance Company And Make The Claim For Water Damage Restoration Service.

Some may have placed this as the first step but I would not. Remember I am inviting you into the cerebrum of my many years of experience and you DO NOT want to contact your insurance carrier first. When called they have a list of questions they will be going through. Answer anyone of them incorrectly, uninformed or completely opposite from what the professionals may discover with their experience and cutting edge detection equipment, and you will be sorry.

I could write a plethora of post on real case experiences where homeowners first called their carrier without the right information and how it handicapped a smooth and worry free restoration process. The homeowner says, “The sewer backed up” later it is revealed the toilet overflowed. The insurance company hears, “the water is just in the bathroom” but after evaluation it is rightfully determined to have damaged several rooms. All this can be avoided when they insurance company is contacted after you have correct information. You don’t want this information changing as it will be the North Star that guides the water damage restoration service. Changing one’s story in a courtroom is a solid indication they are lying, something you want to avoid at all cost when dealing with the insurance company.

If You Have Followed These Steps Rest Assured

If you boarded this train of three stops then you can rest easy where it has taken you. This is not to say tomorrow when the sun rises you won’t have several issues that may need tending to, but you have started the process correctly. You are like the gentleman that bought the snow blower before the blizzard, the unemployed woman that remembered to bring her application to the interview. The metaphors abound but I digress. You have managed to do what will inevitably prove to have been smart actions to bring about reliable water damage restoration service.

Tonight before you go to bed take a deep breath and allow the reward of a good night’s sleep to greet you when your head meets the pillow. Because of your actions, water has been removed, germs have been eliminated and the drying process has begun. Each day now will bring you inexorably closer to a fully restored property.
What Does Water Damage Look Like
What Water Damage Looks Like

Identifying The Common Signs Of Water Damage

Water can produce tremendous damage to your property in very little time. Knowing the early warning signs of what water damage looks like like can prevent a disaster of monumental proportion. Noticing an open window in your home after hearing of an approaching storm will naturally have you close it to protect your home from water damage. What if there were conspicuous early warning signs that you could be aware of that could be like closing a window on water damage. The purpose of this post is to introduce several things to regularly look for that can spare you the nightmare of unexpected water damage.

Sometimes Water Damage Has No Detectable Warning Sign.

Plumbing issues like a broken water supply line may have no early sign of compromise until it breaks. If water runs unrestrained for just an hour, your property will be devastated. Water will quickly migrate from the point of intrusion to multiple rooms in just minutes damaging everything in its path. Those who have returned home from vacation to be greeted by a pond of water in their living room know of the power and fury of water. It destroys flooring, dissolves dry wall, condensates on surfaces, can decimate a finished basement and produces harmful molds.

While the description above is what most would assume water damage looks like, it also can exist in stealth, revealing only small traces of its impending destructive intention. In these rare instances it remains undetected with no common signs to tattle on its unruly presence. No puddle on the floor, water stains in the ceiling and no mold found on surfaces.

Water damage from a broken pipe or drain backup usually has no early warning sign to herald its approach. They just immediately and unexpectedly show up like Cousin Eddie in Christmas Vacation. However, that does not identify all water damage scenarios that exist.

Hidden Water Damage Is Hard To Identify

Home property inspectors are notorious for being inept and fumbling the ball when it comes to inspecting homes for water damage. Either they don’t know what to look for, miss the early warning signs or both. Not being equipped to know what water damage looks like is another folly that makes many inspectors useless. Arriving for a home inspection without possessing scientific moisture detection meters is a reason to ask them to leave.

Our professionals at Action Extraction are called upon regularly to evaluate properties homeowners just purchased. The reason is fear and suspicion about water damage, mold and is it causing a dangerous living environment for them and their family. They detect bad smells, see suspicious water stains and wonder if this is what water damage looks like.

What Water Damage Looks Like – Hidden Signs Of Its Presence

Don’t expect the evidences to be conspicuous, but knowing what to look for can be a flashlight to aluminate hidden dangers. Being proactive to immediately notice the early warning signs can keep your home safe and free from a catastrophic water damage nightmare. Additionally, treating each issue as it manifest will keep the cost of restoration and repairs down because you are taking preventative measures to stave off the damages incurred from water damage.

3 Signs You Could Have Water Damage & What To Do If You See Them

1. Visible Changes In Flooring, Walls, Or Ceilings

The presence of water in a material will change how it looks over time. If you notice a change in the appearance of your flooring, walls, or ceiling area this could be a sign of moisture or water.

Noticing early warning signs can save you from a disaster. Wet plaster will change in color but not necessarily show a water spot. Wet walls may only show a faint stain in the walls base molding. But these signs can be noticed when looked for. Any moisture found on carpet or any new staining on dry wall can be a sign of hidden water damage.

We at Action Extraction were called out to a unique incident in Shelby Michigan once. As we walked into the living room we observed ruin on a scale seldom seen in our industry. An entire plaster coved ceiling had completely detached from its perimeter, falling violently as one large slab onto the room below. The descent was substantial crushing all furnishings below. Tables were destroyed, windows were broken, glass was everywhere and a baby grand piano was crushed.

The inimitable sight required an explanation as the rest of the home was immaculate and there was no water to be found anywhere. The gentleman told me he installed a bathroom mirror in the 2nd floor bathroom about 2 weeks earlier. He mentioned as he struck a nail in the wall to secure the mirror he heard and felt the nail hit something hard he feared could have been a copper water pipe. He explained because he didn’t hear water running or see water stains below it must have been something else harmless.

Unfortunately that last strike of the hammer on the nail just penetrated an infinitesimal hole in a copper pipe that leaked so slowly the plaster ceiling gradually absorbed it. Over the next 2 weeks the spot increased in size till it eventually made the ceiling so heavy it fell. Fortunately no one occupied the room below when the incident occurred as a tragedy of monumental proportion could have ensued.

During the course of the restoration the homeowner did elaborate that he noticed a shadowing of the ceiling and it just wasn’t looking right but assumed the lighting was the reason. Water damage however was the reason and the early warning signs as faint as they were did manifest. It pays to know what to look for.

2. Visible Stains Or Mold

Most potential signs of water damage will begin as a new stain or conspicuous mold growth. The stains are generally conspicuous and result from slow and/or intermittent leaks. These water stains are typically yellowish-brown and gradually expand over time. When noticed the use of a moisture meter will confirm if what you have found is water’s presence and the source of water should be determined with a bit of common sense. In some cases it may take a professional restoration company to locate the reason for the damage and where it is coming from.

Water stains could be what water damage looks likeMold appears on surfaces that are exposed regularly to moisture. These commonly are damp areas that receive no regular UV lighting and minimal air circulation. Frequently found in basements, bathrooms, laundry areas and near plumbing, will grow frighteningly fast in most cases.

When mold is found in a bathroom the sources are usually plumbing related to the sink, tub or toilet. Inspecting these fixtures while the water is running often clearly identifies the culprit. In some scenarios the offender exists in secrecy as in a leaky toilet flange or leaky p-trap. A careful evaluation will almost always uncover the mystery.

Because mold is an invisible spore with a variety recognized as harmful it is best to get an evaluation from a mold mitigation contractor. Some in haste have removed dry wall and opened up enclosed cavities allowing swarms of invisible mold to migrate throughout their property. It is best to allow the experts to facilitate the next orderly steps forward to secure the safety of all occupants.

The professionals at Action Extraction regularly provide free inspections when mold is found. We can locate and diagnose the reason why it is present as well as create the appropriate solution. In some cases it will be necessary to have several test of air sampling to identify the type and amount of mold present.

If the results indicate high concentrations of airborne fungi any subsequent mitigation must be done under controlled conditions to keep molds from spreading. The protocol for cleanup will be predicated on the results of the testing and will include attention to carpeting, drywall, ceilings, and many other surfaces. Due to airborne molds migrating freely all surfaces have likely become a safe haven for mold to bond to, making them necessary to clean.

Professional mold mitigation will drastically change the environment of the home allowing for almost instant cessation of symptoms related to allergies. Once mitigation services are complete a final air sample test will confirm if the cleaning was successful.

3. Musty Odors

The sense of smell is an interesting ability and can alert us to hidden dangers of what water damage looks like. The smell of natural gas and smoke has identified to many a hidden danger, prompting necessary actions to avoid an inevitable disaster. Mold too will off gas a traces of offensive odors that can alert us to the presence of mold in the home. Musty smells can equally be an indication of mold growing in an inconspicuous area needing attention.

New foreign smells that are not commonly noticed should motivate a search for the possibility of mold. Look in the basement after a heavy downpour, around all plumbing fixtures and all water using appliances. Take a flashlight to reveal the darker areas of the home as mold like a home invader is fond of the dark.

If you find plumbing issues or notice other signs of water damage you may have tracked down the issue and can take preemptive actions to keep mold at bay. It may be as simple as treating and area with an anti-microbial agent to eliminate germs and smells. Or it may be an issue requiring a bit more attention that removes the foul odors from your property. In either case the sense of smell plays a role in combating water damage and mold in the home.

If you need help from an expert water restoration firm than learn the 6 steps to find the best water cleanup company. Calling the professionals at Action Extraction will prove to be the best choice as we will provide a free inspection of your property allowing for hidden water damage to be found. Call today (586) 949-4448
Proven Flood Damage Methods To Restore Property
Flood Damage Restoration Methods That Work

Flood Damage Restoration – Macomb County

There is only one thing that remedies the shock of encountering water damage in your home. Complete restoration with new building materials, carpet, paint and whatever else required repair. Until then something just doesn’t feel right because complete recovery is left pending. Specialists in the recovery industry employ flood damage restoration methods that work quickly and efficiently. Witnessing the joy on a customer’s face upon project completion makes the satisfaction of a jobs conclusion, just that much greater.

Flood damage restoration will restore a home’s once cherished condition when tried and true principles are used. Contamination, mold, mildew and other microorganisms are easily eliminated and order restored when the right flood damage restoration methods are used. The range of service will deeply depend on the class and category of the resulting water damage. Service may be slight with a simple water extraction from carpet or a complex structural drying process with reconstruction.

What Is Flood Damage Restoration?

Flood restoration is an applied science that relies on producing rapid air movement for water evaporation and humidity removal through dehumidification. It is this cycle that removes water from your home and restores it to a livable, pre-damaged condition. The process needs to begin as soon as possible to keep the property free of mold growth and bacteria. Standing water, wet materials and high humidity is the ideal environment for such dangerous microorganisms to thrive.

Building materials like dry wall, carpet and flooring when exposed to water are capable of producing an environment at risk result in allergic reactions, illness and other adverse health effects.

Flood Damage Restoration Methods Can Be Complex

Water cleanup is not always a routine endeavor, but sometimes will be a complex and challenging task. It is usually more involved than mere water extraction and applying a germ killing agent. Water often gets trapped in walls, insulation and other porous materials. Especially difficult is attempting to dry wet ceramic tile, which is the most difficult thing to dry. Water gets trapped between the cement and wood subfloor making specialty drying techniques necessary but with no guarantee of success.

Some Flood Damage Restoration Methods Will Not Succeed.

In some cases, materials may be destroyed beyond the scope of restoring making replacement the better option. This is often true of carpet, dry wall and insulation as they can harbor mold and other dangerous germs which will create more significant problems.

The professionals at Action Extraction follow the IICRC Standards for restoration and recovery which weighs the benefits of drying a material against the need for replacement. In many cases it is better to remove and replace a wet material than to dry it out. If contamination is suspected in any wet material than drying should not be considered, replacement is always the better option.

IICRC Certified Flood Damage Restoration Methods

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, Restoration and Certification (IICRC) is the governing body that has formulated the standards for adequately restoring a water-damaged property to its previous orderly state.

Only certified firms that have undergone specialized training are equipped to manage all stages of flood damage cleanup. Action Extraction serves Macomb County and all southeast Michigan as a certified firm following industry standards to ensure your home is dry, clean and safe.

IICRC Qualified Firms Can Manage
- Flood water removal
- Sewage cleanup
- Mold removal and mitigation
- Storm damage repair
- Complete structural drying
- Basement flood restoration
- Mold mitigation & cleanup
- Sump pump failure restoration
- 24 Hour emergency flood recovery
- Evaluation & Insurance estimates
The Flood Damage Restoration Method

When a water damage incident such as a broken, frozen or burst pipe floods property, a rapid response is critical and should be demanded of a restoration company. We at Action Extraction are on call 24/7 day or night to manage any and all flood emergencies when they happen. We answer your call LIVE and can answer any question or dispatch our emergency restoration team of experts. From the moment we receive a call for help we are committed to an arrival time of less than 1 hour.

Our 5 Water Damage Restoration Steps

Free Inspection and evaluationWater RemovalCleaning and SanitizingStructural Drying with DehumidificationRestoration and Repair

Each advancing step in our restoration process is designed to maximize the results ensuring that all water and contaminants are eliminated completely.

Here Are Our Detailed Flood Damage Restoration Steps

Step 1: Free Inspection And Evaluation

We provide a thorough damage assessment of all water damaged properties prior to being contracted for service by a client. It is our way of helping property owners during some frustrating moments; know the scope of related damage and the process for restoration. During this inspection, a flood restoration specialist will make recommendations based upon the results of the inspection. They will utilize the latest in cutting edge technology to find all hidden moisture.

Our water restoration experts will give attention to any and all wet building materials requiring drying service. The porosity of the impacted building materials will help determine how much water absorption occurred, how much vapor exists and how to remove it.

The scientific moisture detection instruments we use will measure the amount of moisture in a material and what protocol of mitigation is needed. The restoration will be predicated on the results of our inspection. The category and class of the water damage will be equally determined allowing for a unique drying strategy for your particular needs.

Our water damage experts will identify the source of water if it is not already determined prior to our arrival. It is important that the source be stopped to assure no additional damages may incur. Lastly your water damage category will be identified as 1, 2 or 3.

We will inform you of the approximate costs for restoration and assist in the insurance claims process should you decide to make a property claim.

Step 2: Water Removal

The second step in the restoration process should you authorize service is to remove any standing water on your flooring. We use commercial truck-mount extraction systems to eliminate all unwanted water rapidly. As long as standing water is languishing on flooring surfaces, they will continue to absorb water that will soon deteriorate, delaminate and destroy your floors. Rapid water removal will reduce damages to your property and immediately stop further absorption in materials.

Basement flooding from floor drains is common after heavy rains making water extraction particularly important as basements are known to incur mold growth when they become wet. In some cases the basement flooding is so extreme with water depth so deep a submersible water removal pump may be required.

Once all standing water is completely removed a second inspections will follow to determine the remaining moisture levels and ascertain if flooring whether carpet or hardwood floors can be restored. In many cases replacement is the better option.

Step 3: Drying And Dehumidifying

After all water is eliminated and surfaces disinfected with plant based anti-microbial agents the flood damage restoration methods for structural drying must begin. We place commercial air movers to induce evaporation and dehumidifiers to eliminate humidity.

At this phase, your property may appear dry, but moisture is invisible to the naked eye and progress must be gauged using moisture meters capable of detecting moisture in materials. If materials are allowed to remain with high moisture content they will suffer more damages and mold growth. Action Extraction water restoration prevents this by fully drying all traces of moisture.

Step 4: Cleaning And Sanitizing

Detailed professional cleanup of all affected surfaces is necessary on all property restoration projects. Water contains particulates and various contaminates that must be removed with disinfectants. We use only safe “GREEN” all natural plant based germ killing agents to restore properties after flooding. Our cleaning is performed by certified technicians with many years of advanced training and experience.

Cleaning Surfaces In The Flood Damage Restoration Methods May Take The Form Of
- Spray application and hand wiping
- The dip method where contents are placed in a cleaning solution
- Dry cleaning
- Wet cleaning
- Fogging
Action Extraction Restoration professionals capitalize on detailed cleaning and may additionally choose a foam technique, abrasive scrubbing and an immersion cleaning process also known as a dip method to ensure every item is thoroughly sanitized and deeply cleaned as good as possible. When this step uncovers mold we practice safe strategies to assure it does not spread to other areas.

If the cleanup is sewage related there is a heavy presence of bacteria and potentially 81 various types of harmful viruses. Because high risk management is dangerous to our professionals we will be covered completely in professional PPE outfits specially used in hazardous cleanup. Dual cartridge respirators, safety eyewear and gloves are all important safety requirement during the flood damage restoration methods.

During this stage our restoration experts will be removing from your property all garbage bags filled with debris, waste, and other damaged materials that we had to remove during the cleaning and sanitizing phase for mitigation.

Step 5: Complete Structural Drying

Our final step in the flood damage restoration method is complete structural drying. During this stage of restoration our mitigation professionals remove all moisture assuring a dry environment that is not conducive for mold growth. Once all humidity is removed the property is returned to pre-flood condition and a state that is safe.

Any materials that experienced permanently damage or were removed are now ready for the repairs stage in the flood damage restoration method. New carpeting can be placed, dry wall repairs made, fresh painting can begin and contents can be brought back in their original place.
Cleaning Up A Raw Sewage Mess
Raw Sewage Cleanup

Sewer Water Contamination Recently Found Worse Than Expected

When floor drains backup in homes from sewage systems there immediately arise multiple concerns. What kind of germs have entered the home, are they dangerous to human health, who’s going to do the raw sewage cleanup and ultimately will insurance cover the cost for cleanup.

Until recently biologists have identified several thousand different viruses in sewage. The latest research on sewer water however, from the American Society for Microbiology has revealed new troubling information. Apparently the thousands of viruses biologist have determined were in raw sewage systems, was off by a staggering amount. A recent article exploring the contamination in sewage has found it to be replete with thousands of new undiscovered viruses. This makes raw sewage home to the most diverse array of viruses ever found. The potential for illness in humans is greater from sewage water than anything else known.

Raw Sewage Has New Dangers Previously Hidden

This new information is especially troubling to flood restoration companies that facilitate the removal, cleanup, sanitizing and restoration of sewage damaged properties. They often are placed in the awkward position of explaining to homeowners that the sewer backup they considered a DIY remedy is actually much worse than they thought. We have to do this without sounding like a pushy salesman trying to scare and scam them into a costly professional raw sewage cleanup.

Those of us in the property restoration industry know what a challenge it is to tell people the truth without sounding like a feigned alarmist motivated by greed. Now this new report reveals our presentations have actually watered down and the raw truth (pun intended) as things are worse than we thought. Science has spoken and the truth needs to be told as to how harmful a sewer backup actually is.

The Truth About Viruses And Raw Sewage Cleanup

Viruses are everywhere like molds and we humans come into contact with them on surfaces, foods, water and often the very air we breathe each day. Many are said to be “benign” because they cause little or no threat of disease. The ones that are harmful are described as virulent because they do cause illness.

When properties have a sewer backup the viruses are considered pathogenic because they can cause illness to humans. Human waste, chemicals, gases and bacteria are no friend to human health and knowing the dangers is not a reason for fear but a call to action.

Quick Restoration After A Sewer Backup Is Critical

Any sewer drain backup should be addressed immediately as the home or business is in a state of emergency. Each hour sewer gases and other potentially hazardous germs are left to languish they gain potency to affect the air itself. Once this occurs it is a matter of time before even un-affected safe spaces in the home will equally be affected by the fetid influence of the sewage water. This is why raw sewage cleanup must begin as soon as possible.

Action Extraction Specializes In Sewer Water Cleanup And Sanitizing

The professionals at Action Extraction respond to emergency water damage 24/7 day or night. Our IICRC certified professionals are dispatched immediately when you call and arrive in 1 hour or less of your call. Upon arrival we implement all necessary steps to assure human health and effective raw sewage cleanup. We extract all standing sewer water with commercial truck-mount extraction systems, apply plant based anti-microbial agents and high pressure steam clean all affected surfaces. Indoor air is managed with an air with filtration system that will remove bacteria, molds, germs and viruses.

New Information Makes Raw Sewage Cleanup Even More Necessary

The new information about viruses the study cited above has revealed, makes it clear we had a limited understanding of the germ universe we lived in. To date only about 3,000 viruses have been identified but over 320,000 different viruses are believed to exist that infect mammals.

New information reveals the answer to, “how many viruses are found in sewer water” is now believed to be undetermined. Our understanding of the tiny fraction of viruses known makes it clear we need to be cautious about the others unknown. There is no better way to do that than to make sure raw sewage cleanup is managed under the most stringent guidelines for safety.

Raw Sewage Cleanup Under IICRC Standards

The governing body of raw sewage cleanup is the IICRC (Institute for Inspection, Cleaning, Restoration and Certification). They provide the training for high risk cleanup and offer certification to the restoration companies that meet their requirements.

We at Action Extraction have been an IICRC certified firm since 1988 and have undergone extensive training in the field of microbiology and microbe elimination. Each year we manage the complete restoration of sewer contaminated homes and businesses throughout Macomb County and all Southeast Michigan. We proudly offer plant based, “GREEN” environmentally responsible germ eliminating chemicals formulated from botanicals. These safe agents are safe for indoor use and kill 99.9% of all germs and viruses known. This recognized maximum is the highest rating in the industry any disinfectant can earn.

Confidence Gained After Sewer Water Cleanup

When raw sewage cleanup is facilitated by educated practitioners of high risk cleanup, you can sleep well at night. They have been trained, educated and have vast amounts of experience over the course of many years servicing properties that have had sewer backups.

This is not to say all Macomb County water restoration firms can boast this, but Action Extraction can and does. All our IICRC certified technician have managed over 1,000 flood restoration projects each, making them uniquely qualified in raw sewage cleanup. Our courteous customer service personnel, each year attend continued educational courses which are required to maintain our accreditation. We have been a trusted restoration contractor providing raw sewage cleanup since 1988.

What Germs Are Found In Sewer Water

Viruses Need Raw Sewage CleanupSome of the more popularly known viruses found in sewer water include human pathogens like HPV (Human papillomavirus) and norovirus, which causes stomach flu. Because sewers are occupied by rodents, cockroaches, fruit flies, centipedes and sewer flies to name a few, they carry viral diseases as well.

We all have heard of e-coli bacteria but that is just one of many others that are present in sewer water. There are also other types that can cause disease present as well like:
- Salmonella
- Streptococcus
- Pseudomonas
- Mycobacterium
- Giardia Lamblia.
When contaminated sewer water backs up from a floor drain, its appearance can be deceptive. Such grossly affected water is imagined to be black and horrifying to the sight, yet often when drains backup the water is mildly cloudy in contrast. This seemingly less alarming presentation hides its innate dangers because it does not look dangerous.

Because of this, industrious homeowners with good intentions believe they can mitigate the water damage from sewage themselves. If they knew what actually was present and the potential for germ spread and health risk, they would probably think twice. To quote Michael Imperiale of the University of Michigan, “Unknown viruses like those found in sewage probably play many roles in human health and environmental processes that we simply do not appreciate yet”.

Let Professionally Trained Restoration Technicians Manage The Risk Of Raw Sewage Cleanup.

If your Macomb county home or any other property in Southeast Michigan has a sewer backup let us give you a free inspection and estimate for the cleanup, restoration and repairs. If you have homeowners to provide the cost for cleanup, we will help navigate the entire process headache free. Call today to experience the “Action Extraction Reaction of Satisfaction”.
Water Damage Services Near Me
Water Damage Services Near Me

Distressed Property Owners Look For “Water Damage Services Near Me” On The Web

Water damage and flooding account for the majority of calls insurance carriers receive for property claims each year. After a heavy rain, google search engines are inundated with the search term, “water damage services near me”. Quick action is intuitive and searching the net for “the best water damage services near me” or a call to an insurance provider, are both a common call to action when water emergencies strike.

Here are a few other sound starting points that are equally recognized as a call to action you might consider:Call a friend or family member for assistanceExplore Facebook and other social mediums for guidanceSearch the internet for DIY tips and resourcesContact employer to inform they will not be in todayAll the above

The Call To Action Is The First Step To Property Recovery

Finding water where it shouldn’t be such as 6″ in a basement will provide all the motivation needed to act, even if the action is less than suitable. The point is there are no perfect calls to action other than taking action itself. When a water damage emergency arises it proves what our grade teachers taught regarding the words of Newton. “For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.”

The action of water damage manifesting can take many routes, setting the stage for a corresponding reaction.

THE ACTION

A toilet overflows and soaks several rooms.A hot water heater ruptures flooding a basement.A frozen pipe burst and runs for hours before it is shut off.A sump pump fails and floor drains backup.The drain system clogs, backing up with raw sewage.An appliance malfunction spills water everywhere.A roof leak introduces water through the ceilings.

The list could go on ad nauseam as water taking the path of least resistance has yet to exhaust its many ways to exhibit water damage in the home. Now let’s look at the human response or the resulting reaction. While the first may be, being brought to tears due to the unneeded toil and stress, the curative and logical actions soon follow.

THE REACTION

Water Damage Services of Remediation Must OccurSoon after flooding and water damage assaults a home or business things get so disruptive measures must be taken to avoid mold, smells and further damage. Naturally water like fire is understood to be a destructive energy that left to itself will create more damage and a higher price tag for restoration.

When water damage services are not implemented quickly secondary damage will naturally occur as high moisture levels will add to the risk for mold and germ spread. High humidity will easily wick into drywall, plaster, hardwood floors, carpets, wood structures, wood substrates and even furniture.

Water Removal Must Begin As Soon As Possible

Standing water or wet carpet and pad must be removed and then any wet building materials must be completely dried quickly. In as little as 48 hours water can begin to produce mold spores. Typically the mold remains invisible for several days but will become noticeable in several days.

Here Is An Article On Mold Removal And Mitigation

The professionals at Action Extraction located in Macomb Michigan are available to provide emergency cleanup and fast water extraction. We are a 24/7 emergency service provider with over 3 decades in the property restoration industry and manage every type of water damage category in the industry. Fresh water restoration or raw sewage cleanup we have the tools, experience and education to quickly restore flooded homes and businesses.

We can restore any residential, commercial or industrial water damaged property quickly, efficiently and by the IICRC standards for Mitigation and remediation. Many Macomb County property owners have discovered us when they typed into a search bar, “water damage services near me.” Our 5-star rating on multiple media platforms has earned us recognition as a highly trusted property restoration company in Macomb County and all Southeast Michigan.

Water Damage Services Cost For Restoration Repairs

In many cases water damage restoration repairs are covered by your typical homeowner’s insurance policy. Action Extraction works with all major and discount insurance companies and because we use the same software, estimates are always in line with company policies for billing.

Once a claim number is established we immediately send over all necessary photos and documentation to expedite the payment process and get you your money FAST! Our water damage restoration technicians have been extensively trained in all matters insurance and are ahead of the curve when it comes to managing each step forward to keep the process moving.

In some instances flooding may have limited coverage or no coverage as all. Basement flooding from a drain backup for instance may or may not be a covered loss. Insurance policies are often purposely unclear and use language that is vague, causing more questions than answers. Our experience at flood damage claims for restoration and repairs will remove all confusion when we evaluate your policy.

We have a record of actually getting flood damage projects completely covered when agents informed homeowners there was no coverage. How? Simply knowing the difference between a backup and a blockage and knowing the various plumbing variables that differ from one job to the next. In many situations our involvement granted coverage once the scenario was properly described. In some cases we have gone against on-site adjusters, having to take matters to upper management, but we are tenacious and will always be an advocate for our clients when we know there is legitimate coverage.

When Water Damage Services Near Me Are Highly Involved

There are times when the emergency restoration water repairs are simple such as removing a bit of water from a small area of carpet and pad. Other water damage claims require a staggering amount of mitigation to bring the property back to a pre-flood state. Action Extraction is your one stop source – full service water damage Restoration Company. We regularly manage all aspects of cleanup and remediation from A –Z.

Here Are Some Of The Water Damage Services We Frequently Provide, That Go By These Multiple Names.
- Emergency water extraction
- Water damage clean up and repair
- Water damage restoration
- Flood damage repair
- Sump pump failure cleanup
- Storm damage repair
- Raw sewage cleanup
- Sewer backup restoration
- Broken pipes / frozen Pipes / burst pipes
- Appliance malfunctions and leaks
- Toilet, sink, and bathtub overflow
- Dishwasher malfunction
- Leaky roof water damage
- Flooded basement cleanup
- Carpet cleaning
- Wet hardwood floor drying
- Structural drying of property
- Drywall repair and painting
- Upholstery cleaning
- Contents management
- Full pack out of home or business
- Mold removal and mitigation
Water Damage Services – Immediate Response Team

If your valued home, business or commercial property needs the best water cleanup company look no further than Action Extraction. The devastation that a disaster related to water damage can introduce needs a capable response and detailed plan of action.

We have the experience, equipment and resources to navigate you through the troubled waters of property restoration and bring you safe to the shores of project completion FAST! Most of our water damage services are done completely in-house by highly skilled professionals that are courteous and eager to help.

Why Typing “Water Damage Services Near Me” Shows Action Extraction In The Results

When you serve the Macomb County area and all Southeast Michigan for over 30 years you get recognized. We have become Michigan’s premiere provider of water damage services and our recognized success has allowed us a big foot print of exposure on the web.

We come up for all related searches for flood damage cleanup, restoration and repairs. If your searching for basement flood cleanup, sewage removal or sanitizing, the search results will routinely display Action Extraction.

Equally impressive are all the 5-star ratings we have on google, yelp, yellow pages and various social platforms. Former customers give us the highest ratings for customer satisfaction allowed and all our services are with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.

Contact us for the Water Damage Services Near Me you were Looking forContacting us for emergency restoration, cleanup and repairs is as easy as a phone call. Call (586) 949-4448 and speak LIVE with the owner who will answer any question on our water damage services. If you require emergency service we will dispatch a local team of restoration specialist that will be on-site in 1 hour or less.

If you would rather contact us by computer we have on-Line scheduling you can access at the top right column of our website where it clearly states, “GET HELP NOW!” Either way we will be standing ready to act quickly and provide the help you need to restore the damages brought about by flooding and water damage.
Who To Call For Damage Water Repairs
Restoration Contractor, Plumber Or Water Proofer – Who To Call

Who Should You Call – Restoration Contractor Or Plumber?

Years ago a song by Credence Clearwater Revival asked the question, “Who’ll stop the rain? The question many ask when rain or other water sources damage their home is, “Who to call to repair the damages?’’ Should you call a restoration contractor or plumber.

Who should you call when various water issues arise in your home?

3 Primary Sources That Can Cause Water Damage In The Home

Plumbing Issues

Broken / frozen / pipeRupture in a water supply lineLeaky pipe or P-trapDrain clog with backupSewage Backup

Mechanical Issues

Burst hot water heaterSump pump failureSeptic tank failureSewage BackupRadiator heat system leakToilet overflow or malfunction

Appliance Malfunction

Dish washer leakWashing machine overflow or leakRefrigerator supply line or system leakDeteriorated appliance seals

Who Do You Call When Any Of These Water Issues Manifest – Restoration Contractor Or Plumber?

If you discover water in your basement or crawl space you have a problem requiring attention. Knowing who to call will help avoid unnecessary confusion and potentially save you money. Calling the wrong person could add confusion and begin a downward spiraling affect that could cost you dearly. Do you call a Restoration Contractor or Plumber? Here is a real life example.

Calling the Wrong Contractor Can Cheat you Out of the Best SolutionYears ago Action Extraction was called out to evaluate a home for water damage. The homeowners discovered a leaking supply line to the refrigerator that has affected the carpet in their living room adjacent the kitchen. Previously looked at by a carpet cleaner, his recommendation was to place a fan on the carpet and once it was dry he would come and steam clean it making it once again fresh and worry free.

This could be nothing from the truth as my evaluation would demonstrate. First I used a non-penetrating moisture meter and learned the water had wicked into the dry wall 12” up from the base and that small area of wet carpet was actually 30 sq. ft. When the carpet was pulled back we discovered mold growth on the tackles strip.

Equally shocking was the amount of moisture found in the ceramic tile of the kitchen that could only be discovered with moisture detection instruments. Lastly we learned that the water had deluged into the basement below affecting ceiling tiles, dry wall and carpet.

These materials had been languishing wet and stagnating for over a week and what the carpet cleaner said would be fine with a steam cleaning ended up being an insurance claim that included dry out and new materials; new kitchen, multiple rooms of carpet, dry wall replacement and half of the house painted.

Calling The Right Contractor Matters.

Our real world example is not an irregular scenario as it occurs often when property owners are undecided as to what professional to call when water issues arise. Knowing the specialty of each contractor can help you know who to reach out to in a time of crisis such as a basement flood or leaky dehumidifier. A restoration contractor or plumber, who to call first? Making the right call can save you time and will potentially save you money on repairs.

Here is a list of several contractors homeowners typically call when specific water related symptoms manifest on their property. This brief general description of what they do will help clarify their specialty.

1. Water Restoration Contractor

A restoration contractor is trained in water damage and drying techniques that allow for fast and efficient drying of wet building materials. They can determine the source of water as well as the category and class of the water damage. They are specialist at mitigating the damages created in property from water and getting the property dry.

They use specialty equipment for finding moisture in building materials and will place various pieces of commercial grade equipment to achieve drying. They specialize in the art and science of drying called “Psychrometry” and if certified can be relied upon to safely manage the oversight of any wet property. They will be capable of achieving the specific goal of complete structural drying, assuring there will be no mold or harmful germs that exist during or after service.

A water restoration contractor will also be familiar with the insurance claims process. They will take the necessary photos to document the damages as well as manage moisture mapping and all other related documentation insurance carrier require.

You should always call a water restoration contractor if you have standing water in your home but also if you discover mold. Mold is a dangerous spore that travels and migrates from one location to another. Contractors not familiar with the nature of mold and its spread may make things much worse.

Often when mold is discovered a plumber or water proofer will presume they are an authority and attempt to do one of the following. Cut the dry wall out, apply bleach on the mold or place a fan to dry a wet material. Each one of these actions will do the opposite of the intended outcome and will exacerbate the hazardous condition of the home.

2. Plumber

A plumber specializes in installing, maintaining, and repairing pipes and fittings in a property that carry water or gas. They regularly service the drain system of properties allowing waste water to drain into a sanitary or septic system.

Their specialties included installing toilets, sinks, faucets and fixtures as well as repairing or replacing them when they fail. They also snake out drain systems when they become clogged with tree roots or other materials. There work can include sometimes cut holes in floors, ceilings and walls to run pipe or hang supports.

Calling a plumber when you notice a plumbing leak in a pipe, faucet, toilet or hot water heater will get the plumbing issue fixed, but you may need more. If the water has migrated to a wall, carpeted area or could be languishing in a ceramic tile floor, this will not be known without a moisture evaluation. Water restoration contractors are the individuals to contact when you are not certain water may be trapped or lying in stealth in a material.

3. Water Proofing Company

A water proofing contractor provides guidance and service to keep water out of a basement, crawl space and away from the foundation. They can fill cracks, fix foundations, add drainage systems and dig outside foundation walls to fix leaky cracks from the outside.

They are specialist at finding out how water may be introduced into the home and can help prevent water damage by installing downspout extensions and raising the grade around a property.

They should be called when water is seen coming into a basement through a crack in the wall or concrete floor of the basement. If each time it rains you find water in the basement they should be able to diagnose why and help create a solution to keep it from happening in the future.

Who Do You Call For A Flooded Basement Or Wet Crawl Space – Restoration Contractor Or Plumber?

Determining the contractor to consider when you have water in your basement or crawl space will be predicated on the known symptoms your home is experiencing. The source of the water in your basement or crawl space can sometimes be conspicuous like a burst pipe. But sometimes, it’s not evident and some detailed evaluations must be made.

Once the cause is determined and a viable solution implemented by a plumber or water proofer, a restoration company will be necessary for the drying. This needs to begin as soon as possible in order to prevent mold growth and germ spread.

Here is a graph that can help determine the contractor to call when water is discovered in the home.

Summary On Who To Call For A Flooded Basement Or Crawl Space

Plumbers are the contractor to repair leaks in plumbing, fix broken faucets and fixtures but not the damages created by the water. Wet carpet, wet dry wall and wet base moldings can easily produce mold and other injurious conditions in the home. The water restoration contractor will be able to quickly locate and dry these materials keeping the property safe and mold free.

A basement waterproofing contractor will manage the repairs required to keep the foundation from leaking water into the basement. They can provide answers to keep the basement dry, such as a sump pump placement or a dehumidifier.

If water however, has been introduced into the property it will be necessary to contact a disaster restoration contractor. They will be able to remove any standing water, remove damaged materials, sanitize all surfaces and dry all wet structures.

Water always places a property at risk for mold and mildew when water comes into contact with building materials. Plumbers can fix the leak and water proofers can provide solution to keep it out but, only a water restoration contractor is able to locate, sanitize and structurally dry property keeping it free of mold and other harmful microorganisms.

Call The Professionals At Action Extraction When Suspicious Water Damage Is Discovered.

In the unfortunate event of discovering water damage in your basement or crawl space call the professionals at Action Extraction. We are a 5-star rated flood restoration contractor located in Macomb Michigan with over 3 decades of experience. We provide emergency water removal and cleanup 24/7 day or night.

We have a local team of IICRC certified experts that will provide a free inspection allowing you to know if your damages are minor or require more extensive service. Call today for a free evaluation (586) 949-4448
Frozen Pipes Water Damage
Frozen Water Pipes Can Cause Grand Scale Water Damage

Michigan is known for it's extremely low winter temperatures often in the teens and below. During such cold conditions, your properties plumbing may run the risk of frozen water pipes. When temperatures drop unusually low water supply lines are vulnerable and at risk for freezing. Water lines that are in areas of a home that are susceptible to cold drafts are especially at risk. If temperatures fall below 32 the water will begin to freeze expanding the pipe by over 9% increasing the pressure on water pipes. If it cracks or burst water will soon violently spray unabated till it is found out. By then the damages can be tremendous and devastating.

The professionals at Action Extraction are familiar with frozen pipes and water damage flooding. Each winter season we receive calls from property owners that have discovered water damage that resulted from a frozen water pipe. Often they are away in other States keeping warm and the damage is discovered by a family member that checks in on the home every few days.

Does Homeowners Insurance cover frozen pipe damage? Homeowner’s insurance policies typically cover frozen pipe damage when it is related to “sudden and accidental” discharges of water from a plumbing source. Some people wonder, "can water pipes freeze underground and is this covered as well?" Although this is rare, your policy would also include underground pipe damage as well. Water damage from frozen pipes usually qualifies as “sudden and accidental.” However, if your insurance carrier’s investigation reveals utilities were off at the time of incident, than coverage may be withheld. That would be seen as an irresponsible act which could preclude coverage.

No water damage scenario is good; however there is a silver lining when insurance companies confirm coverage for the restoration and repairs. The type of destruction properties can incur related to frozen pipe water damage can be tremendous costing thousands in restoration and repairs. Knowing what do you do when your pipes are frozen is essential if reducing damages and cost are a concern.

When Coverage Exist Your Homeowner’s Policy Should Provide Funds For:

The cost to access the burst pipe, such as tearing out a wall. In some cases it is important for the plumber to bill with line items making a distinction between parts and labor, as some insurance policies will not cover parts. The insurance provider will fully cover the water damage restoration and repairs to your damaged property in most situations when the water loss is well documented.

ADDITIONAL COVERAGES ASSUMED BY INSURANCE CARRIERS: Structural drying of any wet building materials, electrical repairs if water came into contact with wiring or electrical fixtures & switches, plumbing repairs related to freeze damage, new furnace if damaged by water, new hot water heater if water damaged, additional living expenses if you are unable to occupy property due to the extent of the damages, cost related to how to unfreeze water pipes.

Tips On Preventing Frozen Water Pipes And Water Damage

If you have cold areas of your property that could cause water pipes to freeze you need to follow through with several tips that will prevent freezing. While there are techniques on how to repair a frozen pipe, it is best to avoid such service with prevention.
- Place additional insulation over exposed water pipes in cold areas of home.
- Place a fan to direct warmer temperatures to cold areas during extreme low temperatures.
- Pipes located in crawl space, basement, attic, or garage may need a space heater.
- Pipes in cabinets under a sink close to an exterior wall may need to have doors left open.
- Set furnace thermostat to continuously maintain indoor temperatures of 65 degrees.
- Open faucets to allow slight dripping that releases internal pressure if ice forms.
- Leave cabinet doors beneath kitchen and bathroom sinks open to allow household heat to reach pipes.
- Repair any known leaks such as pipes with leaks or that have cracks. This exposed water during the winter cold will be sure to freeze and expand causing more substantial damage and potentially flooding.
Signs You May Have Frozen Water Pipes And What To Do

Loss of water pressure at one or more fixtures can indicate a frozen pipe. Turn the hot water valve of the faucet on to see if it thaws the pipe establishing full pressure. If there is no pressure at all chances are there is a freeze that has potentially swelled and broken or ruptured the pipe. If this has occurred it is best to turn the water off to the home and contact a plumber. They should know how to unfreeze water pipes before extensive damage can occur.

If the pipes thaw out under pressure than water from any broken pipe will quickly inundate your home and cause water damage. If there was a break, slowly reestablishing water pressure after thawing out the water pipes will have water squirting from it somewhere in the home slowly. Catching it early this way will keep you from a large water loss event.

What Should I Do If A Frozen Pipe Bursts Flooding My House?

If this occurs than it is the worst-case scenario and you need professional help. Read our article on "who to call for damage water repair" as you will definitely need the best property restoration company available. If you are wondering how much water can come out of a frozen pipe consider this. Water that runs out of a half inch pipe can produce hundreds of gallons of water in an hour. The type of flooding that accompanies a frozen water pipe is often on the grand scale affecting multiple room and all levels of the home. If the pipe was frozen for 2 days or so, it did not begin to inundate the property till it thawed out.

A fractured water pipe that runs for even one hour can make its way to multiple building materials, electrical systems and even cause permanent damage to mechanical systems such as the furnace and hot water heater. When water deluges down from flooded floors it is highly recommended to contact an electrician when electrical is wet.

If you have found flood damage in your home from a frozen water pipe than call the professionals at Action Extraction immediately. We can fix the break or multiple breaks, remove water, restore, structurally dry and repair all damages. We specialize in insurance repair and offer a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.

We have the experience resources and skill to quickly get your property back to the condition it was in before the damage. Our over 30 years in business has earned us the reputation as Michigan’s premiere water restoration company. Call today to speak with one of our IICRC certified team members. (586) 949-4448
3 Things About Water Damage Repair
3 Things About Water Damage Repair

3 Things About Water Damage Repair When Looking To Purchase A Home.

The story goes like this: “I just purchased this house and within a week of moving in began to notice water puddles on the kitchen floor, water stains coming through the paint and bad smells are now lingering everywhere”. Congratulations you have just purchased a property in desperate need of water damage repair. But it’s not your fault! The surreptitious sellers conveniently showed the property when no rain had fallen for days, hid the water stains with a fresh coat of paint and placed air fresheners throughout the main floor.

Weeks later after several days of rain the once hidden evidences show up like a softball through a picture window. Hidden water damage is like a nest of hibernating snakes that eventually awaken after lying dormant. Once discovered the unpleasant surprise will require attention and funds you don’t have. Water damage repair can range from affordable to needing a line of credit from your bank to afford. If there is pervasive mold discovered, you definitely will need the line of credit.

Failure To Notice The Need For Water Damage Cleanup Is Common

This catastrophic case sited above is repeated time and time again as would be purchasers of “the home of their dreams” are scammed into buying the “home of another’s nightmare.” Without going into the legality of going after the sellers and involving the courts to bring about an equitable settlement, I want to focus on water damage repair itself. There are ways to recognize what water damage looks like, what water damage is and what to do about it.

3 Tips About Water Damage Repair

Consider the following tips about water damage repair and you will become more adept and prepared to navigate the options when it is recognized. These tips can save you thousands and unnecessary headaches as an added benefit.

1) Before Making An Offer On A House Inspect It On A Rainy Day

A house may have great curb appeal, all the square footage you were hoping for and be priced right, but you need to be cautious. We all have heard the wise idiom, “You can’t judge a book by its cover”, which is a saying to caution one of the folly of judging solely on appearance.

You can be wise without being a sceptic of a good deal. The evaluation for signs of water damage, mold or other potential water related hazards is just a way to confirm a good deal. In some cases your finding will be like letting the wind out of your sails, as the deal was an illusion only. But there will be plenty of other homes without the headache of water restoration and repairs.

Why On A Rainy Day?

Remember the inspection is to be done after it rains as this will show if any water issues result from water falling on the roof or collecting at its foundation. Upon entering the property after rain has fallen, look for spots, shadows and discoloration in the paint of all the rooms. Take a non-penetrating moisture meter with you that you either bought at a hardware store (usually under 50.00) or rented from a water restoration supply company. Place it on any spot that looks suspicious and if it reads moisture, you may have uncovered a problem.

Inspecting Overhead

Look up at the ceiling of each room looking from water stains, spots or discoloration. Ceilings exposed to water damage are especially at risk because gravity. The integrity of the ceiling could compromise and ceilings can begin to sag with the potential of modest or complete collapse. The water source could be a bathroom or kitchen above or from the roof itself allowing water to trespass each time it rains.

The water damage repair required in a ceiling leak can be expensive encompassing beam replacement, insulation replacement as well as mold removal and cleanup. Moisture in a ceiling will almost always be accompanied by mold due to wet dry wall being food source for mold. Add to this the wet materials lingering in a dark space without UV lighting and you have the recipe for mold growth and mold spread.

Inspecting The Basement

A basement is a haven for water damage repair and can often be easy to find with the naked eye. If the basement has a sump pump evaluate the surrounding area for water staining. Look at the base of all the exterior foundation walls to see if water stains are crying out for attention, as this will definitely be evidence of a water issue. If the basement has a fresh coat of paint at the base of all the walls this could be a way of hiding the water stains. Sump pump water backups are notorious for leaving water stains at the base of the walls.

If the basement is finished look at the base of all the walls for water stains. If the walls have base moldings, inspect the base to see if the caulk line is cracked in multiple areas that would indicate they were once wet, swelled and finally contracted. If all the moldings are cracked and detached there could have been a basement flood in the past. There also could be black mold behind those moldings.

Place the moisture meter you brought on any questionable spot or area that may confirm any suspicions. If it indicates the area is dry that does not mean that it was always dry. Water staining is a strong undeniable evidence of a past event.

What The Professionals Find

Action Extraction of Macomb regularly provides water damage repair service in homes that have previously flooded and if wet materials were not professionally dried out in a quick manner mold is almost always discovered. Mold is commonly found under carpets in the wood sub-floor, behind base moldings and often in wood cabinetry.

The professional inspections we provide are based on the principles of the 3 tips about water damage repair written about in this post. If you adhere to our recommendations you too will be equipped to detect things that may have you think twice about your offer on the property in question.

2) Look For Mold, Mold Damage And Suspicious Spots.

Mold Water Damage RepairBecause mold is an invisible spore a property could possess high concentrations of various molds that could only be detected by expensive air testing. It is not recommended to have such a test unless you work it out with the seller as a requisite of passing before a purchase.

Mold however, must come from somewhere and it usually grows and spreads from moist areas of a property. If there is mold in the attic there will require an inspection so have a flashlight with you. Looking at all wood beams, substrates and under insulation, look for suspicious spots and water staining.

Kitchen And Bath Cabinets Are A Haven For Mold

Look under each kitchen and bathroom sink vanity to see if any water staining or mold is in the cabinet. Often water leaks from a supply line or P-trap. Look at the base of any toilet and feel the floor around it for weaknesses and look for spots or discoloration. Toilet flanges can leak water on a floor each time it is flushed and cause mold.

Visually evaluate the walls and ceilings of each room looking for cracks, spots and potential recent paint touch-ups. If you see fresh paint that is interspersed on one or two areas inquire what they were trying to cover up; hopefully not mold.

Mold is not a DIY Solution and Requires Professional MitigationIf you discover mold it is important to know it cannot be managed fully by inexperienced homeowners, as it is advised to be professionally mitigated. Mold removal and mitigation can be costly and you’ll definitely want to work out something fair and equitable between you and the seller.

Typically if there is mold to clean and remove there will be needed water damage repair, to make sure mold doesn’t continue to exist. Mold can be dangerous for occupants especially the very young and elderly. It can compromise one’s immune system, cause respiratory issues and allergy related symptoms. Mold is easily transmitted through the air often affecting multiple areas of the home, if not the entire home.

3) Feel Materials For Potential Water Damage

This last test requires only the neurons in your skin as you are going to rely on one of your 5 senses, the sense of touch. Your trained hand will provide you with all the evidence necessary to make a conclusive determination of past and present water damage and the potential need for water damage repair.

When any building material like dry wall, wood base or wood cabinetry gets wet, it will absorb water causing the fibers of the material to expand and swell. In the drying process as water escapes, the materials contract leaving air pockets in place of the water. This causes the properties of that material to distort, warp and become rough to the touch.

The Sense Of Touch Can Expose The Presence Of Water Damage

By placing your hand on the side of a wood cabinet in the kitchen or vanity in the bath room, rub the side of the cabinet at the highest point and notice the smoothness of the panel. Then place your hand at the very bottom of that cabinet and once again pass your hand over the wood. If it is equally smooth to the tough it has never been exposed to a measurable amount of moisture. If however, there is a noticeable difference and it feels swollen, rough or like rubbing your hand over graded cheese or splintering wood, than that material has gotten plenty wet in the past.

Why Mold Can Thrive In Cabinetry

This is important as wood cabinetry is typically made of particle board with a decorative veneer finish. When water gets to the particle board is soaks up water quickly as it is not a dense material but filled with pockets of space eager to be filled with water. The decorative veneer over the particle board is impervious to air not allowing the wet material to dry from that side. This will force the wood cabinet to remain wet for a protracted amount of time heightening the chances for mold.

The cabinets that are found to have these evidences discovered with the passing of your hand will need to be removed and replaced as the probability of mold on the backside of the particle board is high. Additionally the subfloor beneath may require water damage repair and even mold removal mitigation.

Professional Water Damage Repair Service

While no evaluation is a guarantee of a trouble free property, these 3 things to know about water damage repair can save you from perhaps one of the biggest mistakes of your life.

If your property has some of the indication of needing water damage repair, call the professionals at Action Extraction of Macomb and we can provide you with a free inspection of your property.
4 Ways To Find Mold In Your Basement
4 Ways Of Finding Mold In A Finished Basement

Mold In Basement A Common Problem

One great advantage of purchasing a home with a basement is the benefit of having extra space for holiday decorations, seasonal items and maybe an area for some weights to create a small home gym. However, some people frown on the idea of a basement at all because they can be damp environments that occasionally smell and they fear finding mold in finished basement. Or worse they could have mold but not know how to find mold in the basement. Some will even wonder, “Can mold in basement affect the upstairs?”

Why Most Are Willing To Risk Finding Mold In The Basement – For Extra Space

Most individuals however, are willing to risk potential smells, dampness and even finding mold in the basement for more space. Life has a way of bringing extras into the home you don’t necessarily want to place in a furnished room or next to a refrigerator. These items are better stored in a basement and easily brought upstairs when and if needed. Boxes of important documents, old pictures, sentimental items like completed school projects and babies first shoes and jammies.

Having extra usable space from a basement brings increased homeowner satisfaction due to the greater organization one achieves over contents. Less clutter and more room for decorations and fine furnishings on the main floor can be a tremendous plus, especially as a family grows in the number of children or pets.

The Benefits Of Having A Finished Basement

The greatest advantage to having a basement occurs when it becomes a finished basement. Any property search that finds the added accoutrement of a finished basement will make that property more market valuable; sell quicker and for more money.

Finding or owning a home with a finished basement allows for additional living space for recreation, relaxation and play. Who doesn’t want a nice area for the children to play or an attractive decorated room with seating space equipped with a large screen TV and surround sound? Add a pool table with a well-stocked bar and your home may be nominated by family members for hosting the annual Christmas party. Go one step further and add a home gym with mirrors and exercise equipment and you may become the envy of your neighbors.

Challenges Of Having A Finished Basement

The upside of owning a home with extra space for most will outweigh the fear of finding mold in a finished basement. That is not to say getting mold in a finished basement is not a challenging concern.

Finished basements with all their benefits do present a greater challenge if mold develops because it has multiple areas to hide. Unfinished basements with bad smells will generally be easier to detect mold in because the walls and flooring are not hidden by dry wall and flooring.

Mold can hide behind dry wall, base moldings, paneling and other surfaces like flooring and even cabinets. This can make finding mold difficult and many homeowners have asked for advice on, “how to detect mold inside walls” and “how to get rid of mold in the basement”.

Here are 4 ways of finding mold in a finished basement – without destroying your home.

1. Visual Inspection Of Surfaces.

If you have had basement flooding in the past or noticeable seepage from rod holes or foundation walls you may find mold in your finished basement with an inspection. Mold usually starts with some type of water intrusion that allows moisture to absorb in building materials. Many such materials in a finished basement like dry wall, paneling, wood base moldings and studs are organic and will act as a food source for mold growth. Add several days of these materials being wet and the absence of UV lighting and mold will easily manifest its ugly head.

Look at the base of all dry wall for suspicious spots and on wood base moldings for water stains. If you see alarming black growth or spots of varying colors it is almost certain you have mold. Open doors and look at the door jams to see if there exist water staining. Check all your base moldings to see if they are detached from the walls and a noticeable space is between the base and dry wall. These are additional clues you may have had a water issue that has caused mold.

While evaluating surfaces in the basement don’t overlook flooring that may have water damage. Look for warped planks if you have laminate flooring, or water staining if you have carpet. Your inspection should include taking your hand to the base of any cabinets and slide your hand to see if the cabinet is smooth or feels grated and swollen.

It only takes mold 2-3 days of continued high moisture content before it begins to germinate and reproduce. Eventually the mold source will begin to produce offspring known as mold spores that can travel throughout the basement. Many question, “Can mold in basement affect upstairs” and the unfortunate answer is a resounding yes!

2. Removal Of Damaged Materials.

If you have concerning stains on base of walls and wood base moldings look bad, you need to dig a little deeper. With a utility knife score the top of the base molding that is attached and caulked to the dry wall so it will allow for its removal. Score it from its beginning to its seam where it attaches to another molding. Once one have done this use a pry bar and remove the base from the wall and check the backside for more suspicious spots or black growth. Investigate the dry wall the molding was covering as well for signs of colored growth. If this reveals more suspicious stains, streaks or even films than you have found mold in your finished basement.

For warped laminate flooring it is wise to lift a small section to evaluate the concrete subfloor for moisture or slimy films. The same goes with carpet and/or pad which should be disengaged from a corner and pulled back several feet. If the pine tackles strip is black and the tacks are all rusted than you are finding mold in a finished basement.

3. The Smell Test.

Molds are very efficient at producing, “microbial volatile organic compounds” (mVOCs). These compounds are easier for some to detect than others. As they are released into the air they will manufacture very pungent and unpleasant odors. These are usually the culprits behind that musty and moldy odor some people complain about when they’re in the basement. This smell is a warning just as smoke is when it comes from an ongoing fire. The smell is a result of mold growth in the basement and needs to be found.

The smell test can be an effective tool capable of locating the source of the mold, but will take a little time. Begin by placing your nose as close as you can to any water stained surfaces or suspicious areas of flooring. If you detect a whiff of strong odors often associated with damp clothing you may be finding mold in a finished basement.

Take caution however, on smelling anything that is clearly deemed mold such as colonies of growth on building materials that were not there before. Such staining can be varying colors of black to yellow. It is common sense to assume this to be mold and the last thing you want to do is allow for a breath of mold spores to be introduced into your lungs.

You probably already have been breathing in these spores but in limited amounts. If you have allergies that are becoming aggravated and you were wondering why, asthma. Mold is a very common allergen. If you are suffering from allergies while at home or specifically in your basement, then there is likely hidden mold.

4. Indoor Air Testing

This fourth method is the most important if you want to know how to detect mold inside walls. Air sample testing for mold will also find the dangers of black mold in basement. This method of finding mold in a finished basement will be essential if the first 3 test showed positive for mold in the basement.

Once you find a reputable mold testing firm to test the air in your home it is essential to have not only the basement tested for mold but also the upstairs. Mold in a basement will often affect the upstairs environment by spreading through the furnace system each time the furnace or air conditioning turn on. Such testing will determine what types of mold exist as well as their spore number count.

Based upon the results of the air sample testing a protocol for mold cleanup can be determined by a professional. If your finished basement has mold and you want to know how to get rid of mold in the basement contact the professionals at Action Extraction Inc. We provide free estimates and have affordable strategies to remediate properties after finding mold in a finished basement. Call 800-713-4333 today for a free estimate.

What Next After Mold Is Discovered In A Finished Basement

Finding Mold in a Finished Basement (2)Finding mold in a finished basement is nothing to disregard and left untreated can wreak havoc in a home. If no action is taken than the mold growth will continue, spores will amplify and human health continues to be at risk.

Professional mold removal will tremendously enhance health in those who suffer with allergies if harmful molds are detected such as black mold in a basement. Common symptoms related to finding mold in a finished basement are often completely removed after professional remediation.

Professional Mold Removal

Do-it-yourself mold removal can be affected with non-toxic molds that are in a small area, however it is highly recommended to consult a professional mold removal and remediation firm.

After the mold cleaning process it is important to keep the basement dry and free from unwanted water. Sometimes this will mean water proofing the basement. Any rod holes should be repaired and any wall cracks should be professionally repaired.

If the mold resulted from a sump pump backup be sure to exchange the system every 7 years. If a sewer backup have annual service from a plumber to snake the drain.
How To Remove Mold In A Basement
How To Remove Mold In Basement

Step By Step Guide

Mold in basement is typically a problem, but learning how to identify trouble areas, prevent and control mold development, you can avoid the costly and dangerous spread of basement mold.

If you have a mold infestation in your basement, it is important to clean it up and remove the source of the moisture. This blog post will discuss how to clean and remove Mold from your basement.

If you have a mold infestation in your basement, it is important to clean it up and remove the source of the moisture. This blog post will discuss how to clean and remove Mold from your basement.

What Is Mold?

Mold is a type of fungi that grows in moist and damp conditions. There are many kinds of mold – all of them need water or moisture to grow. Some are not considered hazardous while others like black mold are toxic. Molds are often found in places like basements, showers, refrigerators, and grows quickly and easily when it locates a food source. When it is not dealt with properly, mold could cause health problems such as sore throats, headaches, lung infections and compromised immune systems.

Molds are routinely discovered in property after flooding, drain backups and other water intrusions. Heavy raining will often cause flooding and place properties at risk for mold in as little as 48 hours. When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth will begin to manifest, particularly if the moisture presence remains undiscovered or unaddressed.

Mold growth can develop and occur on:
- Wood base and casings
- Paper products and boxes
- Carpet and tack-less strip
- Foods and wet linens
- Insulation and studs
- Dry wall and cabinetry
Why Does Mold Grow?

Mold develops when mold spores come into contact with another moist surface. In a basement the humidity is usually higher in the warmer months and may cause mold to grow to begin in walls, floors or insulation.

Mold can spread from one spot to other spots quickly if not treated properly, so it is important that you use the right cleaning products and tools when removing the Mold . When finished it is important to ensure that the mold does not come back, but most importantly you must prevent future Mold growth.

Signs Of Mold In Basement

The presence of mold is typically identified through visible signs. Signs can be a musty smell, a coating of dark colored dust or a patch on the wall. Keep in mind that Mold often looks like spots and it can vary from black to blue-green or orange/yellow depending on its age and what it is growing on.

Most Common Signs Of Mold In Basement Includes:
- Dark or discolored spots on the walls, ceiling, and floor
- Spots that are sticky to the touch
- Musty smell in your basement
4 Common Causes Of Mold In Basement

There are many causes of Mold in basement. If you notice an increase in musty smells or visible Mold, there may be a water leak nearby. A burst pipe or even condensation on cold surfaces like concrete can also lead to increased humidity and moisture levels and lead to Mold growth. The following are the most common ways mold is discovered in a basement.

1. Excess Moisture

Excessively moist surfaces are an optimal environment for Mold growth. Most molds need at least some moisture to grow, and they will find their way to whatever surface has the most water content.

Environments like outdoors, basements, or even bathrooms can be especially susceptible to excess humidity. It is important to control moisture levels in areas with high humidity to prevent Mold growth.

2. Leakage

Leakage can cause Mold to grow in your basement. If you see Mold, there is also bound to be excess moisture. Other signs of leakage include warped walls, discolored paint, and moisture stains.

3. Flooding

Flooding is also a common cause of basements full of water and Mold. Since Mold will always find excess moisture, flooding can lead to an ideal environment for Mold growth.

4. Cigarette Smoke

Smokers may unknowingly contribute to the growth of basement Mold by flicking ashes in general waste bins or outside. Still, these filters also cause another issue by emitting mold spores into the air.

Even if you are not a smoker, the residue of cigarettes in your home can contribute to Mold growth. Cigarette smoke can linger in carpets, sofas, and other fabric surfaces for months after being smoked in a room. This is yet another example of how smoking can cause Mold in basements.

Other household items like carpet, wallpaper and insulation can also be a source of Mold. If you suspect that Mold may be growing in your basement due to any of the above reasons, we will discuss some tips on how to remove mold in Basement below.

Identify Trouble Areas

Before trying to remove Mold from your basement, you must identify all of the trouble areas and possible causes that may have led to the mold infestation. That way, you will know where to look for excess moisture.

Look around your basement for any leaking water sources. Also, check the walls and ceilings around windows, doors, dryer vents, or anything else that could have caused the area to become damper than other parts of the basement. These things can lead to increased humidity levels in that area, increasing the growth of most molds.

Types Of Mold In Basement

There are many types of Mold that grow in your basement. Common types of basement mold include:

Cladosporium Mold

This is the most common type of Mold found in basements, which emits an odor and grows on damp surfaces like walls or insulation. The appearance looks purple-green and scaly, similar to the texture of a dry erase marker.

Stachybotrys Chartarum Mold

This is one of the most dangerous kinds of Mold to have in your home and grows on very wet or damp surfaces. It can cause severe respiratory illness if not taken care of quickly. The appearance looks black with long growths that resemble burnt rubber or leather.

Aspergillus Mold

This is another type of Mold that grows on walls, insulation, wood, and other material in your basement. It can cause allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and lung infections. The appearance looks greenish-black with a feathery texture.

Fusarium

This type of Mold looks like a patchy, hazy growth and will emit an unpleasant odor. It is commonly found in basements and other moist and humid environments.

Can Mold Be Harmful To Your Health And Home?

Mold is often considered an eyesore that can detract from the décor or resale value of your home. You may just want to cover it up with paint, but Mold growing in basements can cause serious health problems if left unchecked.

Although some types are not very harmful, others are highly contagious and will cause infections when touched, inhaled, or ingested.

When inhaled, mold spores will cause allergies and respiratory illnesses such as chest pains, coughing fits, wheezing, and itchy eyes. It can even cause inflammations that lead to blackouts and difficulty breathing.

If Mold is left in contact with skin for too long or consumed in food items, it could lead to infections or poisoning.

Prevention is key to protecting your health and keeping Mold growth under control in basements.

Can Mold Be Toxic?

Mold is not toxic in the sense that it could kill someone if they inhaled it. However, individuals with allergies and asthma may suffer from Mold exposure.

Molds release tiny spores into the air which can then be inhaled and cause allergic reactions and illness. Also, since Molds also thrive on damp surfaces, they are commonly found in basements.

Sick building syndrome is a condition that can develop from chronic exposure to allergens and toxins caused by Mold in the home . Other common symptoms include irritation of the eyes, nose, throat as well as coughing. The severity depends on how much exposure an individual has had to the spores.

You must remove mold in your basement immediately. Here are some steps you can try in order to remove mold in basement.

How To Remove Mold In Basement Yourself: Step By Step

There are numerous ways to get rid of Mold in your home and basement. Before you begin your mold remediation, be sure to protect yourself with the proper safety equipment. Be sure to also wear long sleeves and pants (or even a full-body suit) for extra protection.

Wear waterproof gloves, goggles, and rubber boots. Since basements are usually very damp, you must protect your skin from contact with the moisture in the air.

Open your windows to let fresh air in and bring outdoor fans inside to circulate the air and help dry the areas with Mold.

Ensure that there is enough indirect lighting, as excessive natural or artificial light can cause mold spores to grow faster. This is because Mold grows best in darkness, so increasing brightness can actually help kill Mold.

So, without further ado, let’s get started!

Step 1: Remove Anything Wet Or Moldy.

If the Mold has spread to your furniture or other belongings, remove these things immediately and place them in a safe area outside of the room.

Wipe down the affected surfaces with mold-killing detergent – never use bleach, as it can make matters worse by releasing dangerous chemicals into the air.

Flush out any soggy insulation with a garden hose. Wash any rugs or fabrics that you can remove by hand with soap and water.

Check to make sure your roof, gutters, windows, pipes, walls, and floors are all in working order. After identifying all of the trouble areas mentioned above (in “Step 1: Identify trouble areas”), you should now know where to look for leaks or other issues. Once you have these areas repaired, you must then ensure that your basement is properly ventilated at all times.

Step 2: Turn Off The Power To The Area

Since Basements are usually located below ground level, be sure to turn off your fuse box before you begin any work.

You should also test for the presence of live wires by using a voltage detector – these can be bought at your local hardware store.

Use a metal probe to pinpoint any areas where you detect a current. Be sure to turn off the power before sticking the probe anywhere! After all, you never know what lies beneath…

Step 3: Dry Out The Water-Damaged Areas.

If you have Mold on walls or furniture, you need to dry these areas as soon as possible. Use fans and dehumidifiers to help speed up the drying process. It might take a few days, but you can get rid of the Mold more quickly.

Step 4: Clean Up Any Debris Left Over After The Water Damage Has Finished.

After things have dried out, thoroughly clean all surfaces to remove any dirt or dust that might be in your way when you are cleaning up the area – since this will help kill Mold growing back.

After you’ve finished, it’s time to begin the final step: killing and removing all of the mold in basement.

Step 5: Use Chemicals To Kill And Remove Mold In Basement.

When surfaces are dry, you can use chemical cleaners mixed with water to clean the Mold. Below is the list of chemicals you can use to kill and remove Mold.

Vinegar

Vinegar is a very effective way to kill Mold. Mix equal parts vinegar and water together in a spray bottle, then gently apply it to the Moldy surface until it is fully saturated. Allow the vinegar mixture to sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing off with clean water or using a wet/dry vacuum cleaner on the surface.

Borax

Borax is another good choice for killing Mold. Mix equal parts Borax and water, then apply it to surfaces with a paintbrush. Allow the Borax mixture to sit overnight before rinsing with clean water or using a wet/dry vacuum cleaner on the surface.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is an excellent product that can help kill Mold if you combine it with vinegar. Mix one cup of baking soda, one cup of white vinegar, and two cups of water in a spray bottle, then apply it to the Moldy surface until it is fully saturated. Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing with clean water or using a wet/dry vacuum cleaner on the surface.

Enzyme Cleaners

Mold has almost irresistibly attractive to water and moisture, so these cleaners will break up the Mold and allow you to pull it away from surfaces. Enzyme cleaners work best when used with hot water, but their effectiveness is limited by the amount of available moisture in your basement.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Just like baking soda and vinegar, mixing Hydrogen peroxide with water can help kill Mold if you make sure to keep the surface wet for about 10 minutes. Be careful not to use this method near plants or in areas where pets or children might come into contact with it.

Bleach

If you mix one part bleach and two parts water together, you can kill Mold. Apply the solution to the surface of the Mold with a paintbrush, then allow it to sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing with clean water or using a wet/dry vacuum cleaner on the surface.

Clear mold growth off hard surfaces with paper towels soaked in bleach or hydrogen peroxide.

Once you’ve sprayed or wiped the area clean, leave it exposed to sunlight for several hours to make sure all of the Mold has died.

How To Prevent Future Mold Growth?

The best way to keep Mold from coming back is to clean and dry the affected area as quickly as possible. Use fans and dehumidifiers, then reduce the humidity in your basement as much as you can.

This means keeping windows closed during cold months, running a dehumidifier year-round, and reducing humidity by paying attention to the weather.

When you are cooking or showering, take care that Basement Mold doesn’t get splashed onto surfaces by accident.

It is better not to cover Basement areas where repairs have been done unless it is necessary to keep the dust out (such as when sanding).

If you need to cover areas with plastic, make sure it is tight-fitting and taped down. You can also purchase special products that claim to prevent Mold from growing on surfaces.

What Not To Do?

Don’t paint or caulk Basement areas where there is Mold, as the mold could live under the paint.

Don’t try to dry a room quickly by using a heater or furnace with poor air circulation. This will only speed up the growth of Basement Mold and can cause it to spread rapidly throughout your basement.

If Mold reoccurs, call an expert or contact us to prevent dangerous air quality conditions in your home.

When Should You Call A Professional To Remove The Mold?

Getting rid of Mold can be a tough job, but it’s one that isn’t too complicated for many people to handle. Use the tips provided in this article as a guide if you want to make sure your Basement stays safe from the dangers of mold.

If you are not able to remove the mold yourself, don’t delay in calling a professional. If left untreated, Mold can cause respiratory problems and even destroy foundations. Make sure the area is thoroughly cleaned afterwards as well to prevent future Mold issues.

You can contact our professional mold removal for help, and we’ll take care of the problem as quickly as possible.

Conclusion

Mold can grow in damp or moist conditions, making basements an ideal place for it to grow. If not dealt with properly, mold could cause problems such as sore throats, headaches, or lung infections when exposed to mold spores.

To help prevent future Mold growth after water damage has occurred in your home, follow these tips! I hope this article helped you remove, kill and prevent Mold in basement. Thanks for reading!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know if there is Mold in the basement?

A:If you smell musty odors or see black spots growing on walls and surfaces, it could signify Mold. Contact us for help!

Q: Why is the basement the perfect place for Mold to grow?

A: It’s dark and damp in Basements, meaning that it would be difficult to see Mold growing on surfaces until it gets out of hand. The humidity in the air would also help it to grow faster.

Q: What areas are most affected by mold?

A: Mold can grow anywhere, but Basements and bathrooms often have issues because they’re damp and humid year-round.

Q: What is the best product to kill Mold?

A: Hydrogen peroxide is the best solution for killing Mold, but bleach can also be used. We’d recommend testing it on an inconspicuous area first to check if it damages surfaces before using it full strength!

Q: Can I do remove Mold in the basement by myself?

A: Yes, we provide a DIY Mold removal guide, but we recommend you contact us for more detailed instructions and professional help.

Q: How long will this take?

A: Unfortunately, It would depend on how much Mold has grown, so it’d be difficult to tell without seeing the basement first-hand. The quicker we can get down there and begin working, the sooner we’ll be able to remove and prevent Mold.

Q: How much will this cost?

A: Again, it would depend on the amount of mold growth, so we’d recommend contacting us for a free inspection to find out exactly how much work is needed. We don’t want to estimate without seeing your basement first!

Q: How long does it take for the smell to go away?

A: It depends on how much Mold was removed and how long it has been growing in the basement. The basement would need a thorough cleaning first before we could remove any smells associated with Mold. We can do this quickly and easily!

Q: Will you be bringing equipment into the Basement?

A: Yes, we often bring heavy equipment like dehumidifiers and blowers to help with Mold removal. We always clean up after ourselves before leaving! If you need any help moving things around or moving things out, just let us know.

Q: What kind of clothing should I wear?

A: We advise wearing anything you’re comfortable in, but you can purcahse coveralls and gloves if needed. We provide covers for you to wear when possible.

Q: Can I stay home during the mold removal process?

A: Yes, you can stay home if you like! If there are any problems or safety concerns, we’ll let you know straight away.

Q: How do you remove mold without damaging my home?

A: We use eco-friendly products that are safe for children, pets and plants to use. We also have special equipment that helps remove mold without scrubbing surfaces harshly. This ensures that your home is protected!
Removing Water From A Flooded Crawlspace.
How To Remove Water In A Crawlspace – Step By Step Guide

Water In Your Crawlspace?

Having water in a crawlspace can be a problem. But it doesn’t have to be. This blog post will discuss how to remove water in a crawlspace and detail the process you need to follow.

What Is A Crawlspace?

A crawlspace is an area under a building that can be entered through trapdoors in the floors of closets, utility rooms, etc. Many have small entry doors from outside, often very difficult to access without crawling under decks or through tight spaces. Crawlspaces are often used as utility areas where the furnace system will be as well as plumbing and electrical. If the area is at least 3’ deep the property will have additional room for equipment and storage.

Why Do I Need To Worry About Water In My Crawlspace?

Water can cause structural damage to the home if it is not dried up. Water will also absorbs into the wood substrates, which can reduce its strength and cause mold. Many homeowners find mold growing in their crawlspaces since they are dark and moist. The absence of UV lighting is major cause of mold in the crawlspace.

Another problem with water in a crawlspace is that it can evaporate into the living areas of your home through doors or vents. This causes a highly humid environment, leading to mold, mildew, and fungi growth problems.

Why Is Water In Crawlspace Dangerous?

When water is present in a crawlspace, the ground underneath it can shift. Basements especially have been known to suffer from cracks and buckling when water is not removed prior to building a foundation over a crawlspace. Knowing how to remove water in a crawlspace can limit damages and save you many dollars in repair cost.

Wood rots when it gets wet and mold spores carry on the wind throughout your home. If you have a crawlspace, make sure it’s free and clear of water and then seal any cracks that would lead to leaking.

How Can I Tell If There Is Water In My Crawlspace?

There are several signs that there might be water in your crawlspace:
- The carpet and pad feel squishy.
- You can see puddles of water around the crawlspace and under and behind the appliances.
If you suspect that there is water in your crawlspace, then it’s time to do something about it.

Causes Of Water In Crawlspace

There are several reasons why you might have water in your crawlspace. The two primary sources that cause leaking into a crawlspace are rainwater and condensation.

Make sure to install gutters around the perimeter of your home to ensure that rainwater doesn’t wash away soil under your crawlspace. And make sure to cover your vents with screens to keep out anything that might cause condensation.

4 Common Causes Include:

1) Crawlspace Condensation

Condensation is where water starts to appear in your crawlspace, and it can be a serious problem if not dealt with quickly.

Condensation occurs when moist air comes into contact with surfaces that are normally relatively dry like concrete or wood beams. This moisture collects on surfaces and forms water.

2) Crawlspace Vents

Your vents are an important part of your crawlspace. They allow for airflow to help with the ventilation in the crawlspace. If they are not dealt with, you will have problems with mold or mildew forming in your crawlspace.

Several Vent Issues Include:
- Poorly sealed vents which cause conditioned air to escape, leading to condensation inside the crawlspace.
- Clogged vents which suffocate your crawlspace of fresh air. There are essentially two types of vents that you might have in your crawlspace: screened and solid.
Screened vents provide airflow to the crawlspace, but they also allow for insects, rodents or rain into the area. Solid vents prevent moisture and other debris from entering the crawlspace.

However, they also prevent airflow. To ensure that you get a proper flow of air into your crawlspace, install both types of vents to allow for cross ventilation.

3) Leaks In The Perimeter Around Your Home

In many cases heavy rain water from outside will find its way into your crawlspace. This can be from cracks in the foundation, from gaps around vents and pipes and even poorly sealed access doors. Such circumstances have lead many to run to their computer and frantically type in a search engine, “how to remove water in a crawlspace that is flooded.”

Sometimes it can be challenging to tell where all of the leaks are coming from as they might be hidden behind insulation or walls inside your crawlspace.

4) Improper Grading Of Soil Around Your Crawlspace

Improper grading of soil around your crawlspace also contributes to the problem. If there is a difference in height between the foundation and the grade then water will seep into your crawlspace and take any path it can find to get inside.

As you can see, you need to make sure that everything is sealed up properly so that no water can come inside.

Can Water In Crawlspace Harmful?

In short, yes. Water in a crawlspace can be dangerous for a number of reasons. The most obvious danger is that the excess water will eventually cause damage to your home’s foundation and structure.

If not immediately, certainly over time it will lead to structural issues with your foundation that could have been prevented with proper maintenance.

Can I Remove Water In Crawlspace By Myself?

If there is a small amount of water in your crawlspace, then you should be able to take care of the problem yourself. However, if there is a lot of water and you decide to go it alone: don’t.

You could cause more damage than good by trying to fix or remove the issue on your own. Hiring a professional to do the job right will save you time and money in the long run. You can contact us for a estimate cost for crawlspace clean up.

There are several steps that will allow you to take care of water removal in your crawlspace yourself. Go over each step carefully before deciding to start doing it.

How To Remove Water In A Crawlspace: Step By Step Guide

Step 1: Identify The Source Of Water In Your Crawlspace.

If you have water in a visible part of your crawlspace, chances are pretty high that it is coming from condensation and humidity outside.

A good way to check this is to inspect any windows and doors leading into the crawlspace and find any cracks where water may leak into and then evaporate in the space.

You’ll also want to inspect around plumbing pipes, light fixtures, and holes where cables enter the crawlspace. Knowing how to remove water in a crawlspace requires learning first the source of the intrusion so it does not flood again.

Step 2: Seal Up Any Cracks With Caulk Or Spray Foam (Recommended).

Caulk and spray foam are great ways to seal up any cracks you find, as well as any holes where cables enter the crawlspace.

Make sure to apply these materials about a foot beyond the visible crack or hole to make sure it forms a tight seal.

Step 3: Protect Your Crawlspace From Water With Plastic Sheeting And Tape (Recommended).

Water getting into your crawlspace is a big problem, but water evaporating from your crawlspace is also a big problem. Water vapor can cause massive structural damage as well as mildew and mold growth.

Protecting your crawlspace with plastic sheeting will protect it from evaporating moisture that could ruin the insulation and destroy the house’s structure.

Using tape, secure the edges of your plastic sheeting to the floor joists above. To ensure you completely seal in the crawlspace, make sure to tape over any penetrations (i.e., HVAC vents).

Step 4: Dry Out Your Crawlspace With Dehumidifiers Or Ventilation Fans.

It is important to dry out the crawlspace as quickly as possible. You can use ventilation fans or dehumidifiers to remove any high levels of moisture from your crawlspace.

Make sure to check the humidity with a humidity gauge before and after you turn on such devices to ensure that they effectively increase airflow and lower humidity.

In some instances a crawl space dehumidifier is recommended when there exists excessively humidity. This will reduces the chance of mold in a crawlspace. Many do not know when there is excessive moisture present but knowing how to remove high humidity is as equally important as knowing how to remove water in a crawlspace.

Step 5: Keep Humidity In Your Crawlspace Below 50%.

Humidity in a crawlspace should be between 30 and 50 percent. To keep humidity at this level permanently, you can use ventilation fans and dehumidifiers to remove excess moisture from the air when necessary. Keeping the humidity at this level will ensure that your crawlspace is protected from moisture and structural damage.

Step 6: Replace Damaged Insulation In Your Crawlspace.

All this humidity can really take a toll on the integrity of your insulation, making it less effective. Replace any damaged insulation to make sure you are getting the most out of your insulation.

Replacing insulation usually means more work than insulating in the first place, but it will be worth it when you are no longer having to deal with water in your crawlspace.

Step 7: Maintain Your Crawlspace With Regular Cleaning.

After you have taken the necessary steps to remove water from your crawlspace, it is important to maintain this by keeping moisture levels low and preventing groundwater logs.

Periodically inspect around the foundation of your home for any standing water or dampness that could indicate a new leak. Sweep out any water from the crawlspace as needed and make sure to dry up standing water quickly.

Prevention is key to maintaining a healthy, dry crawlspace that won’t damage your home. By properly maintaining the grading of soil around your foundation and making sure no leaks or cracks are leading into your crawlspace, you can save yourself time and money in the long run.

How To Prevent Water Entering Your Crawlspace In Future?

Finally, a common question is how to prevent water from entering your crawlspace in future. Below are some good tips for this.
- Make sure grading of soil around the foundation of your home does not lead water into the crawlspace
- Fix any cracks leading into the crawlspace before they start leaking
- Ensure that all window and door frames are watertight and sealed
- Never block access to any vent pipes or ducts, as these need a way out of the crawlspace
How To Ensure Water Will Not Enter Crawlspace If It Haven’t Entered Yet?

If your crawlspace hasn’t yet experienced any leaks or damage, then make sure you are maintaining it properly. Keep the grading of soil around the foundation of your home in check to ensure that no water can enter the crawlspace.

Make sure your windows and doors are sealed if they lead into the crawlspace, as well as ensuring there are no cracks leading into the crawlspace.

NEVER block any vent pipes or ducts, as they need a way out of your crawlspace. It is also important to keep an eye on humidity levels in the crawlspace and make sure ventilation is taking place with fans or dehumidifiers.

Regularly clean out any water from the crawlspace to maintain its integrity. Finally, make sure to prevent water from entering by covering your crawlspace with plastic sheeting.

What Are The Benefits Of Insulating A Crawlspace?

Insulating a crawlspace is a great way to save money on energy bills and make your house more comfortable, as insulation is proven to reduce temperature fluctuations throughout the home. It also helps if you want to sell your house in the future. Prospective buyers are likely to see insulating a crawlspace as adding value and will likely pay more for a house with insulated crawlspace.

Equally important, insulating will save you money on energy bills in the long run because crawlspace insulation works to block heat loss. Heat is lost through conduction, which means that not hot materials lose energy to surrounding objects until they reach the appropriate temperature. Insulating your crawlspace will cut down on the amount of energy lost through conduction, saving money on heating and cooling.

When Should You Call A Team For Removing Water In A Crawlspace?

If you find that you cannot take care of the water issue by yourself, whether it is because you do not have time or expertise or because the problem is too big for you, then hire a team.

There’s no shame in asking for help; it might even make your problem easier to deal with. Be aware of scams, though. Choose your team carefully and do not pay until you are fully satisfied with their work. You can contact us today and we’ll get to you as soon as possible.

Always choose a team that has experience in your type of issue. If they are not licensed or insured, then they are only out to make money and cannot be trusted. Make sure they can provide references from previous customers.

Also use common sense. Do not go for the cheapest company, instead look for one that is well-reviewed by past customers and can provide guarantees on their work. Look out for warning signs such as a company that will not give you a quote in writing, or one that refuses to talk on the phone.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and do your research!

If your problem is not an emergency (i.e., water leaking into your crawlspace) then most reputable companies will be happy to come out and give you a quote. If you have time, do some browsing online for reviews from past customers so that you can find out how they dealt with similar issues in the past.

Conclusion

In this blog post, we’ve provided a step-by-step guide for how to remove water from your crawlspace. If you have any questions about the process or want help with another aspect of home renovation, contact us today!

Our team at Action Extraction restoration services will happily talk through any project and provide top quality customer service every time. We also offer free estimates so that our clients can feel confident they are hiring an experienced company who will deliver on their promises.

Let us know if there is anything at all we can do for you–we’re here for you 24/7! Call Today 586-949-4448. Hopefully we have given comprehensive steps in how to remove water in a crawlspace.

Frequently Asked Questions
- 1. Q) What should I do if I have water in my crawlspace?
- 2. A) The first step to take is to identify the source of the water.
Once you know where the water is coming from, you can begin taking care of the problem. If it is condensation, you can seal cracks around windows and doors with caulk. If it appears to be coming from a vent pipe or swamp cooler, then the problem may lie within your ductwork–contact us for help.
- 3. Q) What should I do if the water is not draining away?
- 4. A) You need to find out where it’s coming from so that you can treat the problem. First, check for cracks in your crawlspace floor and walls where water might be entering. If there are no visible signs of cracks, then you will likely need to contact a team to help you remove water from a crawlspace.
- 5. Q) How can I stop this from happening again?
- 6. A) First, find out where the water is coming from and fix it. This will eliminate your problem for good! Next, cover your crawlspace with plastic sheeting so that no additional water gets in. Finally, install a dehumidifier or put some fans in your crawlspace to dry out the air.
- 7. Q) What should I do in case of a flood?
- 8. A) In a flood, you will need to contact a team immediately. If the water is starting to rise, then put everything you can up on shelves or countertops. If it starts to look like an emergency situation with floodwaters quickly approaching, then evacuate immediately.
- 9. Q) What if I don’t notice the water in time?
- 10. A) That is why it is important to check in with your crawlspace regularly and monitor its conditions. First, look for cracks in walls and floors where water might be getting in. If you spot any, then it’s remove the water by following our guide!
Residential Sewer Backup Cleaning Services
Residential Sewer Backup Clean Up Services

Residential Sewer Backup Clean Up Services In Michigan

If there is something worth avoiding, it’s a sewage backup. Sewer backups occurs when waste water is not flowing correctly through the drainage pipes. It can result from an obstruction and, in the process, cause a blockage. If a blockage forces a sewage backup in your home you may need residential sewer backup clean up services.

If a sewage system clogs and is not addressed, it will cause a backup potentially introducing a health hazard from the contamination. When you notice this issue, you should deal with the sewer backup as soon as possible. In extreme cases you should evacuate the property. The young and elderly are especially at risk.

What Are The Causes Of A Sewage Backup?

In most cases, problems begin when you do not maintain the sewage lines regularly. A small crack through the pipes can enlarge, contributing to bigger issues. And since most sewer lines are in walls, under concrete flooring and under your property, the damages are often unnoticed.

Here Are Some Of The Causes Of Sewage Backup;

1. Sewage Spill In Old Sewer Line

Plumbing companies and city codes use durable pipes made of newer materials such as PVC. Older systems use cast iron, or clay and these pipes will not last forever underground. However, they are durable for typically 30 years, and eventually, they start deteriorating after years of usage.

Most of these sewer lines are over 30 years old, and they connect to more houses in your neighborhood. And with the increasing number of homes each year, they will flood with extra waste. It will result in sewage spills in the basement of residential homes.

Most of the time, the sewage backup contains raw sewage with is replete with bacteria and viral matter. Once exposed to the air, it can cause air pollution, resulting in contaminated air. Gases extracted by these wastes are harmful and can cause problems to your family’s health when inhaled.

2. Sewer Main System

The problem can start from the city’s central system. In most instances, it begins as a small blockage that goes undetected, and then over time, the damage increases, causing either a sewage spill or sewage backup into residential homes.

In some cases when this happens, the sewage water backs up slowly. Thus, this can give you time to call a professional for a cleanup. It is better to call the city public works office and report the issue before it escalates.

Sometimes the backup is instant and a finished basement can be under several inches of water in a matter of minutes. Such was the case during the June 2021 flooding that occurred in Grosse Pointe Woods Michigan.

Action Extraction restoration services of Macomb received over 30 calls from Grosse Pointe Woods residents in 1 day, as multiple homeowners were devastated to find their basements were under water. Along with mitigating many properties during this time Action Extraction also guided homeowners on the best way to protect their valuables and furniture.

Some homeowners were placed on waiting list for days before they could get a professional restoration company out to cleanup the sewage in basements. By the time some homeowners got a professional for the residential sewer backup clean up services they needed, they already had black mold.

Some resorted to wading through the sludge, waste and manage some cleaning themselves. The drying stage is equally important after a basement flood and many were disappointed to learn local hardware stores were out of drying equipment to rent.

3. Tree Roots Blockage

In areas where the sewage line has existed for a long time, debris can cause cracks in the pipes. Once the roots start seeping the sewage spill, they start growing. These roots grow into cracks and, in the end, cause blockage. At the same time, they can travel along the pipe, creating a much bigger issue.

Once you identify blockage issues, determine the type of tree root and call the city for a sewage cleanup. Trees grow differently, so it is better to identify the type of tree root, and then it will be easier for cleanup from the sewage line.

4. Excess Water Routed Into The Sewer.

Some of this excess comes from gutters, downspouts, or sump pumps. While there is no issue connecting this water to your sewer, it cannot handle more volumes of water during heavy storms. More water in the sewer can cause sewage backups. As a result, backing up solid waste into the surface.

In areas with a heavy downfall, the water can sip into the ground and, when it saturates, drain back up into your finished basement. If the water is not corrected, it becomes contaminated. When cleaning the contaminated water, ensure that you have protective clothing such as rubber gloves and rubber boots.

You can prevent water from draining into your basement by ensuring water drains away from your house.

How Can You Clean A Sewer Backup?

There is nothing important like working on your own house when there is an issue, but in some cases, major spills or sewer backups may cause you to seek professional assistance. However, you need to know how to do a sewage cleanup for minor cases.

Here Are A Few Steps:

Step 1

Before you tackle any issue concerning sewage water, always wear protective gear, including a face shield. Ensure that your body doesn’t have direct contact with the sewer water. Open the windows for fresh air. Ensure that you are wearing personal protection gear, including a face mask. The sewage waste can contaminate the air in the basement. After cleaning the room, take a hot shower, then clean the clothes you wore with antibacterial soap and hot water.

Step 2

Keep the contaminated water in an enclosed space where you can track it easily. Keep the water from entering into other rooms. Use a wet-dry vacuum and drain out the water from the affected area. If there is debris or soil in the room, shove it into heavy-duty plastic bags for disposal. Residential sewer backup clean up services that fail to address the possibility of migrating water affecting other rooms can be dangerous. Mold will grow easily in materials that are left wet for several days.

Step 3

After clearing the standing water, remove all the affected items from the room and adequately wash them with hot water and an effective cleaning solution. If the water contained raw sewage, discard any porous materials such as rags and curtains that the sewage touched.

Step 4

The floors and the walls require extra care when cleaning. You can use chlorine bleach to scrub the hard surfaces. Then rinse thoroughly with clear water to ensure that the cleaning process is effective.

Step 5

After cleaning, you must get the room dry. Placing fans and running a dehumidifier if the weather has unfavorable high humidity. Remember, building materials are prone to mold damage if not dry fast and efficiently.

Step 5

If the room is slightly affected than these DIY instructions should suffice. However, if the sewer drain backup is more than 40 sq. ft. and has affected carpet or touched any wall- time to call the professional. To keep you and your family safe there must be a complete restoration process when carpet, walls and moldings become affected.

Call the professionals at Action Extraction for the very best residential sewer backup clean up services available. We service all Macomb, Oakland and St. Clair counties of Michigan.

Ways To Prevent Sewer Backup

There are ways to prevent the need for residential sewer backup clean up services. One of the keys is maintaining your sewage drain system. Let’s look at a few ways how to do just that.

Annual snaking out of the drain to remove tree roots can stave off the destructive consequences of a drain backup. Have your sewer line inspected by a professional plumbing company that can run a camera through the drain lines looking for potential problems. This is one of the best ways to prevent future flooding. Check what goes into the drainage system. Solid wastes and excessive toilet paper tend to cause more blockage. Improve natural draining of rainwater by checking gutters and downspouts. You should replace old sewage lines if they backup after 6 months of a professional snaking out of the drain. This indicates that the drain system has become chronically compromised from tree roots. If there is a backup that requires residential sewer backup clean up services, call your insurance company, and take several pictures for proof. Homeowners insurance offers certain policies that cover the damages from backup of sewer or drains. Even if you have not purchased one of these policies there could still be coverage if the backup was caused by a blockage or broken pipe.

Final Note

Whether you know how to fix this problem or not, the presence of a professional can save you time and effort. You might miss a spot that can cause more damage. It is better to seek assistance when you are new to something. You can also seek assistance from your insurance company; they may pay to cover the damages. If your property has experienced flooding and you need residential sewer backup clean up services than call the professionals at Action Extraction. We have professional certified technicians with over 30 years experience in the industry. Call today for a free inspection of your property.
How To Remove Mold From Home
How To Remove Mold In Your Home

Removing Mold In Your Home [5 Easy Steps]

Mold is a nasty thing to uncover in your home. It can grow just about anywhere, and it’s not always easy to get rid of. If you’re dealing with mold in your home, don’t worry! We’re here to help. In this post, we’ll first talk about the causes of mold in home and then walk you through five easy steps on how to remove mold in your home. Let’s get started!

Causes Of Mold In Home

Several factors cause mold, but the three main causes are water damage, humidity, and condensation. If you see mold in your home, one (or more) of these factors is likely to present.

Water Damage

If you’ve experienced water damage in your home, whether it was from a flood, a sewer backup, a leaky roof or pipe, or even just high humidity, then you’re at risk for mold growth. Mold thrives in moist environments, so if water isn’t dried up and cleaned up quickly, you’re likely to see mold start to grow.

If the growth begins on a surface that is organic such as cellulose, it is a food source mold thrives in and it may grow quickly and spread. When you physically see mold you are sure to have mold spores (which are invisible to the naked eye), floating around as well.

Humidity

If the air in your home is too humid, it can also lead to mold growth. High humidity can be caused by running your air conditioner too much, not using a dehumidifier frequently enough, or even just by having high indoor temperatures.

Mold found in bath rooms is often a result of not using an exhaust fan when showering. Sometimes the exhaust fan is heavily clogged with dust so it is inefficient at reducing humidity.

Having an exhaust fan is not the answer to the how to remove mold in your home, but it can be for how to prevent mold in the home. Air movement is a form of energy that naturally deters mold development.

Condensation

Condensation can also lead to mold growth. This typically occurs in poorly ventilated spaces, and it happens when the warm moist air meets cold surfaces like windows, walls, floors, etc. Cold surfaces especially during the cold months will act as a magnet for warm moist air, causing condensation to happen.

Enough condensation produces water which in turn can cause mold to manifest. Usually it appears around the windows, window sills and the corners of dry wall that are not well insulated. The corner bead of dry wall corners is usually aluminum which becomes very cold in the winter causing condensation.

How To Remove Mold In Your Home? [5 Easy Steps]

Now that you know what causes mold in your home let’s move on to how to remove mold in your home! Here are five easy steps for doing just that.

Step 1: Turn On Your Air Conditioner

If your home has high humidity levels, one of the best things you can do to help remove mold is to turn on your air conditioner. When your air conditioner is running, it’s actually acting as a dehumidifier taking out moisture in the air. Dryer air not only feels better in the warmer months but will greatly reduce the potential for mold in the home.

Most modern HVAC systems will manage and regulate humidity. Your HVAC system has an evaporator coil that condenses water vapor from the air, in a process similar to when condensation appears on the outside of a glass containing a cold beverage. … The liquid is then condensed out of the air, making your home less humid.

Step 2: Open Windows And Vents

If your home has high humidity levels, one of the best things you can do to help remove mold is open your windows and vents. When the warm, moist air meets the cold air outside, it will condense and cause the water vapor to evaporate. This process has also been named, “burping the home”.

This occasional process will help reduce the humidity level in your home and make it less hospitable for mold growth. Additionally fresh air being introduced into the home allows for a freshening affect that reduces odors and even remove minimize dust.

Some with allergies who may not want the natural occurring molds in the outside air can still benefit from this process. There are cost efficient air filters that competently scrub molds from the air using a HEPA filter. These filters can be found at local hardware stores and online. Once turned on will take out the extra natural molds, but still allow for the freshening effect of an air exchange with outdoor air.

Some With Allergies Who May Not Want The Natural Occurring Molds In The Outside Air Can Still Benefit From This Process. There Are Cost Efficient Air Filters That Competently Scrub Molds From The Air Using A HEPA Filter. These Filters Can Be Found At Local Hardware Stores And Online. Once Turned On Will Take Out The Extra Natural Molds, But Still Allow For The Freshening Effect Of An Air Exchange With Outdoor Air.

If you have any furniture that’s been affected by mold, you need to remove it from the room immediately. Mold can easily spread to other pieces of furniture, so it’s best to just get rid of it altogether.

Action Extraction of Macomb regularly discovers mold covered furniture when they are on job sites providing water damage service. Often a bookcase or desk will be moved with mold all over the base or back due to earlier flooding.

If you have ever had basement flood or water damage through a drain backup or even some wet carpet by any furniture, take an inspection.

These articles of furniture could have absorbed water during a previous incident and unknowingly to you have resulted in becoming affected by mold. Inspect them thoroughly at the base and if you can tip them so you can see the bottom of the wood.

This inspection has led to the horrors of being shock when mold is found, but that is great news. Finding mold on furniture is an easy way to know how to remove mold in your home. Merely remove the moldy piece or pieces of furniture from the home and this one act may be all that is required to remove mold.

Step 4: Use A Heavy-Duty Cleaner To Get Rid Of The Mold

Now that you’ve removed all moldy furniture from the room, it’s time to remove any mold on surfaces! The best way to do this is with a heavy-duty cleaner like TSP. Just add some water, mix it until you get a good consistency, and then scrub the mold.

On hard surfaces this will work tremendously well and should be following up with a rinsing of a bit of bleach and water. The mold should be gone for good as hard surfaces preclude the mold from establishing roots that could allow it to return.

Mold on surfaces such as wood and dry wall is another story and often getting a professional inspection for mold is recommended.

The mold may be due to a hidden water presence from faulty plumbing, a leak in a wall or even a roof leak. Professionals have specialty moisture detection meters that can locate hidden water damage.

Once the cause for mold on a porous material is discovered the best technique going forward is removal and replacement, unless it is small. If it is small the scrubbing with TSP and a fresh coat of paint will be an acceptable remedy.

However, dry wall and wood are both cellulose and porous materials having the mold problem within the materials itself, not just the surface. Removing the surface mold with bleach and water will just have it temporarily removed.

Mold has roots much like trees and bushes and removing the mold on the surface will not kill the roots. Often the surface cleaning will allow the mold to return more virulent and aggressive as it has become under attack.

Step 5: Dry Out The Room Thoroughly

After you’ve removed the mold through cleaning or entire material removal, it’s time to dry out the room completely. You can do this by opening your windows and running fans. Just make sure that you turn them off at night, so they don’t cause condensation. If humidity levels are really high, you might want to consider running a dehumidifier in the room for 24-48 hours.

And that’s it! Now that you know how to remove mold from your home, there’s no reason why you should have to deal with it again! Unless, of course the moisture problem is still present and requires a professional inspection. In some instances having an environment hygienist out to perform air sample testing is recommended.

So make sure you follow these five easy steps every time you see mold in your home! Knowing how to remove mold in your home will keep you free from the allergies mold causes and greatly improve your air quality.

What To Do If These Steps Don’t Work?

Now that you know how to remove mold from your home, there’s no reason why you should have to deal with it again! However, if you see mold in your home even after trying these five easy steps, it might be time to contact a professional. Mold can be dangerous to your health, so it’s best not to take any chances with it!

If you need a professional mold remediation contractor consider us at Action Extraction restoration services. We have been a fully certified preferred mold removal provider for over 30 years. We offer free inspections and free estimates when you call. We know how to remove mold in your property with certified and professional techniques. Call today 800-713-4333.

Why Should You Deal With Mold As Soon As Possible?

Mold spreads quickly and it can be a danger to the home as well as your health. Once mold starts growing in your home, there’s no going back- you have to deal with it at that point. To make this easily understood, the mold you see is like seeing the mom and dad. They are producing millions of children everyday called “mold spores”, which you cannot see with the naked eye.

Regularly taking these children into your lungs with each breath will cause health issues over time, especially if there are toxic molds.

The mold typically found in homes from water damage is the toxic mold called “Stachybotrys”. This is the feared “black mold” that gets a lot of attention in news stories. Typically greenish-black in color it grows on things with high cellulose content like dry wall and wood.

Some of the symptoms related to regularly breathing in toxic mold spores are:
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Eye irritation and watering
- Headaches
- Skin rashes
- Itchy skin
Why Should You Hire A Professional If You Could Do It Yourself?

The simple answer is that they know what they’re doing and will do it safely. There are cleaning protocols in place that only professionals know how to implement and a DIY effort is often like attempting surgery because you have several sharp instruments your good with. Not only that, but you also want to make sure that no one is exposed to mold spores or toxins because once someone has been exposed, it can lead to respiratory issues and other health problems.

What Are The Dangers Of Dealing With Mold Yourself?

If you’re not careful when removing mold in your home, you’ll expose yourself (and others) to mold spores and toxins. And since no one knows your home like you do, there’s always the risk of accidentally damaging walls, floors or other furniture in your home- which can make the problem even worse.

There’s also the danger of unintended consequences. When you go after a major mold issue with tools that disrupt the growth, it’s like taking a tennis racket to a hornets nest. You have just unintentionally wakened the sleeping giant, forcing countless mold spores to be violently released into the air.

Our professionals are trained to contain the area by placing powerful negative air systems that channel many CFMs of air out of the house. Mold removal under these conditions is like tossing a leaf into the current of the Niagara. It has no choice but to go in the direction of the energy and nowhere else.

Controls must be maintained during major mold removal processes and our professionals know how to remove mold in your home without spreading it to other areas of your property.

Professional Mold Restoration Contractor

Action Extraction has been providing water damage restoration in Anchor Bay, Michigan as well as all Southeast Michigan for over 30 years. If you see mold in your basement or your home, give us a call at 800-713-4333! We’ll be happy to help remove it and make your home feel like new again! We hope this article was useful! If you want to learn about our services, visit our website here: Action Extraction Restoration
Warren Mold Removal Company
Mold Removal Company In Warren

Professional Mold Damage Cleanup In Warren, MI

Mold can be a major nuisance in the home and finding it growing can be quite alarming. If you believe you have located a mold condition in your home it is important to act sooner than later. Action Extraction is a premiere mold removal company in Warren and offers free evaluations of properties experiencing mold growth.

We can remove the molds that release microscopic spores that produce allergic reactions, runny noses, sneezing, sore throat and offensive odors. If you see suspicious colors and growths on surfaces than you would be well advised to have us come out for a free inspection.

Our 30 years of experience will completely eliminate the harmful molds known as invisible intruders. They commonly grow behind walls and around the surfaces you first see. Our professionals will evaluate the areas of concern as well as utilize specialty moisture monitoring equipment to find any hidden water damage. Our inspection will reveal any potential cause and manifestation requiring attention.

Home mold remediation is a specialized service that requires skill and experience. And if you are looking for a highly trusted mold removal company in Warren, Michigan then you are at the right place!

What Exactly Is Mold

Molds are found in nature and are a natural part of the environment. They are common being found everywhere, especially where moisture and oxygen are present. Mold will grow in both an indoor and outdoor environment and still pose no great threat to human health.

Mold spores found in the home can still be safe unless the spore numbers are elevated and/or a toxic mold is present. The toxic molds are often found in homes where building materials stay damp, the air is humid and moisture is high. When this occurs the high humidity will affect the conditions of the home, especially walls, floors, ceilings, and in any area of water damage.

Mold will easily grow in the home and can be found in many places in the right conditions. The most common places to find mold are:
- Water damaged areas.
- Damp basements and crawl spaces.
- Closets and other damp areas.
- Areas with leaks.
- Damp walls.
- Areas moist with no access to UV light.
Finally, mold can grow anywhere in the home, so if you see or suspect it, it is not wise to ignore what could be a huge problem. If you are concerned that your home fits the description of a place where mold would thrive, give us a call today to set an appointment to evaluate your property. We are a mold removal company in Warren committed to helping people maintain safe living conditions allowing for optimal health year-round.

Mold will grow on any wet or moist surface usually showing its ugly presence in the form of a new brown spot on the ceiling, black fuss on a surface or almost anything new and suspicious looking. Mold can cause serious damage such as wood to rot, plaster to peel off, and drywall to crumble.

These sudden appearances that were not there before are most likely mold. If you don’t see an evidence for concern, but smell a pungent new odor in your home, then it too is most likely mold. It is common to first locate concerns in a bathroom or kitchen where water is used more than other rooms in the home.

Why Mold Removal Matters?

Once you understand that mold can grow anywhere in your home, even on the floor, you want to use this knowledge going forward. Before allowing a critical condition to manifest throughout your property and important structures become a hazardous, you need to act FAST!

These molds are already producing allergens, toxic gases, toxic chemicals and spores that are traveling throughout the home. These toxins will continue to be released into the air and will continue to cause issues unless something is done. Any related irritations and illnesses as well will continue to cause potential health problems and will get only worse until something is done.

Action Extraction Of Warren – Mold Elimination Specialisr

Let our experts assist you going forward and if we discover a mold condition in your home we will write a free estimate for remediation. If you are looking for the best rated mold removal company in Warren, consider our matchless credentials.

We are a 5-star rated for customer satisfaction, we offer a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee on all of our restoration services. Add to this our unique experience of over 30 years restoring mold damaged properties, you can rest assured we will work hard to earn your deepest trust.

Protect Your Most Valued Possession – Health

If you or any occupants have asthma, allergies, or other respiratory ailments, they are at risk! Furthermore, mold makes your home small bad and can ruin the appearance of your valued property.

If mold is growing in your home, then it is a problem that needs to be taken care of as soon as possible. Your health and the health of your occupant’s rely greatly on a strong and capable immune system. When it is compromised daily living in a mold affected home, it becomes soft and lazy to protect you from the germs you may encounter outside of your home.

Let our trusted professionals remove any found toxic molds in your home. Mold remediation service will breathe new life into your immune system allowing for optimal germ defense when outbreaks of illnesses, especially in the winter months arise.

Why Hire A Mold Removal Company In Warren?

Mold removal is not something that can be done effectively by a DIY attempt. Mold removal requires special training, experience and controls for safety to keep it from becoming worse. Without proper negative air systems being introduced during cleanup the spores will invade the air and quickly spread to areas that were free of a mold condition.

Hiring the professionals at Action Extraction as your mold removal company in Warren is the best choice for safe and complete removal of indoor mold. We have the experience and knowledge to completely eliminate all dangers and get clearance testing to pass.

If you try to remove the mold on your own, it may cause more damage to your home, if you don’t know how mold removal works. In some cases the spore count rises because controls are not in place to capture the spores that dramatically increase during mold removal.

Imagine taking a tennis racket to a hornets nest believing that will remove the problem. Well the DIY attempt is just as capable of making matters worse and heighte3ning the actual dangers of mold found in the home.

In brief, you need a professional mold removal company to do the job.

We are recognized as a mold removal company with a wealth of experience in the field of mold removal. We have the necessary skills and training to handle mold removal safely and effectively.

When you hire us as your mold removal company in Warren, MI, we will be able to remove the entire mold problem from your home. We will implement all the necessary things to allow for the safest and most efficient outcome possible. Our mold removal experts know what to look for, how to locate, and how to completely get rid of the mold in your home.

Action Extraction – Best Mold Removal Experts In Warren, Mi

Action Extraction is an experienced mold removal company providing mold removal and other emergency home services. We manage mold removal services for commercial and residential clients. We have been providing mold removal services for over 30 years with a 5-star rating from former customers.

We provide mold remediation services in Warren, MI and all Southeast Michigan. We will treat your mold problem professionally, submit a reasonable estimate of the cost and guarantee all work. If you have had a flooded basement in Warren and have symptoms of mold allergies we should check your property for signs of damage.

Our mold remediation process is thorough and effective. We use the industry’s most advanced tools and equipment for mold removal and remediation. Our technicians are all IICRC certified, professional and uniformed.

Final Thoughts

Mold is not just a problem that can dramatically affect the home you live in, but can also cause health problems. If you have mold in your home, you need to call a trusted mold removal company like Action Extraction. Our mold removal experts will walk you through a free evaluation of your home and if a mold condition is found, will also give you a price for the mold cleaning and restoration.

If you are in Warren and seeking the best mold removal company near you then Action Extraction is the company that you can rely on to get the job done right the first time. We offer our mold remediation services with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.

Give us a call today so we can help you get rid of your mold problem!

FAQs You Might Want To Know

Q: How do you know if you have mold?

A: You can tell if you have mold by looking at the surface of the material that has mold growth. Also, you can know whether you have mold by checking the air quality of your home. If there is a musty odor in your home, then you have mold. You can see mold as a light brown or black fuzzy substance.

Q: Why do mold grow?

A: Mold can grow in your home due to many reasons. You can get mold if you have a leaky roof, a leaky plumbing system, or a leaky attic. Also, if you are using an air conditioner, you can get mold.

Q: What is the difference between mold and mildew?

A: Mildew is a fungus that grows on fabric and other items, and mold is a fungus that grows on surfaces.

Q: What can you do if you find mold in your home?

A: If you find mold in your home, then you need to contact a mold removal expert immediately.
How To Clean Up After A Sewer Backup
Cleaning dishes after a large party or heavy mud from a vehicle may be a tedious undertaking, but most know where to begin. However, if you ever experience a sewer backup, where would you begin? The foul smells, the horrific mess and the shock of valued property being damaged, make for a daunting challenge. Most would not know how to clean up the basement after a flood.

If this unwelcomed situation has just manifested itself in your home and your mind is reeling with “Oh My Gosh” repetition, continue reading. Here are some helpful tips on how to clean up the basement after a sewer backup. The nasty mess you wouldn’t wish upon your worst enemy has a systematic solution that will allow for successful cleanup.
6 Steps To Remove Water From Carpet And Prevent Mold Growth
Wet carpet is almost always immediately noticed as wet, whether you are wearing socks, shoes or barefoot. The source of the water will vary from a leak to an overflow or even an appliance that has malfunctioned.

Have you discovered wet carpet after descending your steps to a wet basement? Has a drain backed up damaging your valued floor covering? Anyone who has experienced this will attest to the inescapable conclusion that, “this is a bad thing”.

If wet carpets are discovered moments after the intrusion than chances are your situation is not as grim as those who stumble upon the same event after being away for a weeks’ vacation.

586-949-4448
info@macombcountyfloodrestoration.com

586-949-4448
info@macombcountyfloodrestoration.com

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