Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: flood, flood damage, flood damage cleanup, flooding, restoration, unwanted water, water
Once water infiltrates the home, the clock is immediately set to work against you. When water comes in contact with any portion of your house that it should not, you can expect that damage is already being done. As grim as this situation may sound, it fortunately is not an declaration of doom. There are various steps that can be done to make flood damage cleanup more effective. Just remember that the most important periods in minimizing damage from water occurs in the first few moments of the flood.
The first thing that must be done is to resist the urge to panic. Flooding is rarely predictable. The most common causes of flooding are burst pipes or malfunctioning faucets. These hardly exhibit signs before they spew water in the interiors of the home. In situations such as these, it is thus important to keep a clear head. This will enable you to act fast to salvage as many items as you can. At the first sign of unwanted water, unplug any electrical appliances to prevent them from endangering the occupants of the house. Keep in mind that water and electricity are not meant to go together so it is vital that these items are secured.
Flood damage cleanup also means taking out personal mementos that are within reach of the water. Water damage can be quite unforgiving and would not allow concessions for sentimental value. Thus, irreplaceable items should be the first things that should be removed from the room when flooding occurs. If the objects become wet, allow them to dry out in the air and avoid touching them too much to prevent further deterioration. You can opt to call a professional specifically offering the services of the restoration those particular items to ensure their repair.
Finally, it is imperative to stop the cause of the flooding to prevent the damage from spreading into other portions of the house. Locate the main water valve in your home to stop the flow of water. This should halt the flooding in most cases. By stopping the water, flood damage cleanup can be done more easily and conveniently. After all, it would be quite pointless to start conducting repairs when the source of the problem is still present. If the flooding is not easily remedied, close the door of the affected area to contain the damage and call a professional for help.
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Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: restore your home, water, water damage, water damage repair
Water damage repair becomes necessary to rescue and retrieve all the objects at your home, which might have incurred damage during flood. Water can cause extensive damage to your house and leads to a messy situation. There are several agencies that offer water damage repair services to their distressed clients. They provide these services at a reasonable rate so that it does not create a burden on the pockets.
Every object at your place is special and needs attention. The professional repairers sent by the agencies know exactly what is needed to be done to repair the objects from damaged even further. The water damage repair agencies provide the latest technological tools with the help of which the repairing work is done. These latest instruments help the professionals in recovering the damaged objects at your place.
While restoring your house the first thing to be taken care of is that the contaminated water should not come in contact with the clean water used for consumption. The contaminated water carries harmful bacteria and viruses in it, which could harm the residents of the house. To avoid any such situation it is vital for you not to let the contaminated water come in contact with the pure water.
You can try to repair the damaged objects by using certain conventional methods at a small scale. However, when a large-scale damage has taken place it is always advisable to hire a professional repairer who possesses knowledge regarding the cleaning process. The professional repairers send by the water damage repair agencies use the latest technological instruments to repair the damaged products. Hence, it is always better to contact them in times of distress.
Water damage repair service offered by the agencies includes several processes like odor removal, mold removal, sewage cleanup and other such similar processes. All these come under the purview of water damage repair services. Different methods are followed to treat different problems that have been mentioned above.
Odor removal is a vital step towards water damage repair. Water after receding leaves a foul smell on the things it has come in contact with. There are several processes by which odor is removed from the objects by the experts. They are dry fogging, wet fogging, and ozone and crystal restoration. Ozone restoration is by far the best process since it completely removes the odor while the others mask it.
Fabric restoration and carpet restoration are two other processes included in the water damage repair service. The corona discharge ozone generators are the most effective deodorizing agents for restoring your favorite fabric. They not only restore your fabric but also retain its look and shine.
Carpet is one of the most precious items in your household. In the present times there are several methods to restore the damaged carpet. The most important thing while restoring a carpet is that mold or mildew should be allowed to settle on it. The HEPA filtration is the best method by which a carpet could be restored.
Professional water damage repair service is essential to restore your house to its erstwhile condition.
Filed under: Uncategorized
To apply for FEMA AID, click the link below:
http://www.fema.gov/assistance/index.shtm
or you can call them at (800) 621-FEMA
For the Village of Melrose Park:
http://www.melrosepark.org/
For the Melrose Park Police Department:
http://www.melroseparkpd.com/
For the Melrose Park Fire Department:
http://www.firedepartments.net/Illinois/MelrosePark/MelroseParkFireDepartment.html
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: flood, flooded basement, prevention tips
If you don’t want your home to end with a flooded basement, you need to invest in some flood-proofing devices. Flood proofing devices can prevent your home from having a flooded basement by collecting water runoffs during rain or by preventing sewage backup.
There are several flood proofing devices that you can have installed in your home to reduce the possibility of your home having a flooded basement. These include backwater valve, backup sump pump, and sump pit drainage system.
Backwater valve prevents your home from getting a flooded basement by automatically closing the sump when it detects a rise in the normal water level. This device prevents sewer backup from inundating your basement.
Before installing a backwater valve, make sure you have done inspection and acquired permit. Backwater valves need to be installed properly in order to prevent outflow of sewer backup into other drains in your home. Since your basement floor needs to be dug up as well, better hire a qualified plumbing contractor to install the backwater valve for you.
Backup sump pump is another guarantee against flooded basement. Sometimes, during heavy rain or storm, power blackouts occur. Without electricity, your sump pump will stop working. With no sump pump working against rising water, you’d easily end up with a flooded basement. Other reasons that can cause your sump pump to fail include broken impeller or drive shaft, mud or stone jam in the unit, broken float switch, frozen discharge pipe, or blown fuse.
Having backup sump pump will help ensure that something will continue to collect rainwater runoffs and prevent your home from having a flooded basement. When your main sump pump fails, the backup sump will automatically start working. Most backup sump pumps are built in just size that would make it fit right beside the main sump pump. Many are also equipped with alarm that rings when the main sump has failed so the owner can have it repaired or replaced right away.
There are two types of backup sump pumps that can help avoid flooded basement at home in case of main sump pump failure. One type is water-powered and can be connected to your house’s water system. The other type runs on 12-volt rechargeable battery.
Sum pit drainage system is one of the most effective and most commonly used flood-proofing devices at home. A sump pit drainage system consists of three parts: sump pit, sump pump, and discharge pipe.
A sump pit, positioned into the basement floor, is a hole intended to collect water and other fluids from the weeping tiles. A sump pit wicks water from the basement that you’re home get no flooded basement year in and year out. Sum pits are installed by drilling into the floor then lowering the sump pit.
The sump pump that goes with the sump pit is designed to collect water from the pit periodically to avoid overflow.
A discharge pipe is a long pipe designed to drain water from the sump pump and discharge to a location far away from your home. The discharge pipe is also built with a check valve designed to keep the water from backing up to your sump pump.
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: cleanup, flood, flood damage, flood damage cleanup, sump pump, sump pumps
The sump pump is the primary equipment used to remove water from a flooded basement of a flooded home during a flood damage cleanup. During a flood damage cleanup, the sump pump is used to pump the flood water out of the home and into the city sewage system or onto an area where the water will not cause any problems for others.
There are two types of sump pumps- the pedestal sump pump and the submersible pump. The difference between the two types of pumps is the location of their motors. With the pedestal sump pump, the motor is located above the sump pump tank. With submersible pumps, the motor is inside the sump pit and covered with a sump pump cover. Each type of sump pump has its own advantages and disadvantages in the context of a flood damage cleanup. The pedestal pump, with its motor being accessible can be easily services. With the submersible pumps, because the motor is placed in the sump pit and sealed with a sump pump cover, the basement becomes a much safer place for children and pets. The sump pump cover prevents short circuits.
Flotec is one the most trusted names in flood damage cleanup sump pump. Flotec sump pumps sell from $65 to $ 251 depending on the model. The sump pumps come in different horsepower capacity and with varied features.
The cheapest model currently available is the Flotec/Simer 5020B1/3 Horsepower Sump Pump. This retails for around $ 65. This pedestal pump runs on 115V and has thermal overload protection. The maximum pumping capacity of this model is close to 3500 gallons per hour, which is pretty decent for a flood damage cleanup equipment. This model is corrosion resistant because it is made of thermoplastic.
The Simer A500 Ace in The Hole Sump Pump System is one of the most expensive models of Flotec sump pumps. This model is meant to function as a back up to your primary sump pump. When the power fails on your primary sump pump, this model will take over. It runs on 12 automotive-type battery. This sump pump is fully automatic and is supposed to save you from major troubles resulting in your primary pump failing. The maximum pumping capacity of the Simer A500 Ace in the Hole is 1380 gallons per hour.
The Flotec Cast Iron Submersible Sump Pump with Float Switch is a mid-priced sump pump that has 1/2 horsepower. This pump works with an oil-cooled 115V motor. The product has a maximum pumping capacity of 3630 gallons per hour. This model is the most popular model from the submersible sump pumps for flood damage cleaup equipment from Flotec. This model comes with automatic overload protection and a discharge float switch.
The Flotec 1/4 Horsepower Sump Pump 2880 GPH is a mid-range submersible sump pump that performs magnificently for its price. Made of non-corrosive thermoplastic, this sump pump is sold for around $87. It can pump up to 2880 gallons per hour during a flood damage cleanup. This model has a tethered switch that allows both manual and automatic operation. This has a standard 8-feet power cord. This can be used in a sump basin with a diameter of 14 inches. It comes with a discharge pipe of 1 1/4 inches of 1 1/2.
Why does a sewer backup present a serious health threat? A sewer backup will always be the source of health hazards mainly because of the organic waste and wastewater that it contains. Such filthy place can be an easy nesting ground for bacteria, viruses and harmful micro organism. It is hazardous because of the many ways it carries diseases which is sometimes difficult to detect.
For you to truly understand the hazards sewer backup can bring to you and your family, one should learn what sewage first. Sewer backup is also known as septic tank waste or raw sewage.
Septic tank waste typically contains everything from wastewater to solid waste matter, human feces, industrial discharge and organic waste produced by households and industrial sources. It is unloaded by drains and sewage lines.
Harmful micro organisms such as coliform, fecal colifrom, Escherichia coliform and Enterococcus root from its main source excrement.
Being exposed to sewage or to its fecal contents may cause a number if diseases:
* Gastroenteritis – An inflammation of the stomach and intestine causing vomiting, diarrhea and cramps if irritation is too much. It is often accompanied with fever if gastroenteritis is a result of an infectious agent.
* Hepatitis – An inflammation of the liver caused by infection or toxic agents and characterized by jaundice, fever, liver enlargement, and abdominal pain. Sewage backup is reported to be related to Hepatitis.
*Occupational asthma – A respiratory disorder characterized by labored breathing, chest constriction and wheezing.
*Weil’s disease – A feverish condition marked by gastroenteritis, severe headache, pains in the back and calf prostration, and sometimes developing of mild jaundice.
*Allergic Alveolitis – An inflammation of the inner part of the lung (alveolitis). Sewage backup may be associated with this disease; nevertheless it is rarely reported with relation. It starts with fever, breathlessness, dry cough, muscular aches and malaise.
In addition, exposure to sewer backup may cause fatal damage to liver, kidney and blood disorder. Infection of skin or eyes is a sign of sewer backup related contamination.
It is an important thing to know how disease can be transmitted. Knowing the transmission pattern of sewage backup related diseases provides preventive ways for micro organisms to get in a human body.
The most common way of transmission is mouth-to-mouth contact and it happens during eating and smoking. Hand-to-mouth contact can also transmit disease. It occurs while wiping the face with something contaminated such as hand or gloves.
Another possible transmission is skin contact, when skin comes in contact with contaminated matter through cuts, scratches or deep wounds. Certain parasites can enter the body by means of entering through the surface of the eyes nose and mouth.
Inhalation of contaminated organisms is a simple way for micro organisms to penetrate the human body. It happens when we breathe aerosolized particles or contaminated dust.
A better understanding of the facts about sewer backup, potential health risks when exposed to sewage backup and its products and diseases transmission is the key to keep you and your family safe.
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: mold, mold removal, mold removal tips
Homes that have been soaked by floods or have been damaged by water for a period of time (24 to 48 hours) will most probably have molds already growing on damp surfaces. Mold growths can easily be detected because they produce discoloration and staining to the surfaces that they attached to. Also, mold colonies produce distinct musky or earthy odors. Molds when left to grow and spread the aggregate and can release spores that can cause a number of health problems to household members that are unclothed to them. These health problems range from a simple wound irritation to a non indulgent respiratory condition. Mold removal should be done as soon as possible to preclude molds from spreading.
Mold removal is the process of eliminating the existing mold aggregation by removing them in finished physical or by chemical means. Mold removal also involves the voiding of assorted factors that can attain the environment fit for mold growth.
Homes that have non indulgent mold aggregation should hire the services of a company that specializes in mold removal. However, for homes with minor mold growth, anybody can do their own mold removal by following these simple steps.
Mold aggregation is caused by high wetness content or by dampness. The first step in mold removal is to make certain that you eliminate the source of water or moisture. An example of this would be to mend every leaking pipe that produces excess wetness in the room.
Before starting to handle the items or surfaces that have molds on them, you need to make certain that you are wearing the proper mold removal gear. Rubber gloves are needed to protect the wound from the irritants that molds can produce. Masks and goggles are needed to protect the eyes and respiratory tracts from the airborne spores that are released by these molds. Separate mold-infested items that can still be restored from those that should be discarded.
Scrub away the mold aggregation using a brush or scouring pad under clean water and detergent. Make certain to scour away every the evidence of mold aggregation until the surface color is restored to its normal state. Other materials may need more than water and clean to vanish every the molds that are attached to them. The utilization of stronger, solvent-based solutions may do the trick. Make certain that the items are already free of molds before disinfecting and drying.
Disinfecting is also needed in the mold removal process. An agent solution can be made by mixing 1/4 to 1/2 cups of low case household bleach to a gallon of water. By using a water sprayer, spray the agent solution on the washed items before putting them under candid light for drying. Sunlight acts as an uncolored disinfectant. If needed, items can also be placed in face of fans or near heaters and dehumidifiers to hasten the drying process.
The last step in the mold removal process is to make certain that further mold aggregation is prevented from occurring. This can be achieved by maintaining low wetness content in every rooms of the house. Maintaining 40% wetness content in every room will ensure that the environment will not be fit for mold growth.
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: fungicide sealants, mold, mold remediation, prevent mold growth
The immediate concern of mold remediation is the removal of molds. This is done in a variety of ways including damp wiping, sanding, and use of HEPA vacuum, and application of bleach solution or disinfectant. Mold cleanup is to free homes from health risks posed by molds.
After a thorough mold remediation, surfaces may appear clean to the naked eye. However, the next concern is how re-contamination of growth can be prevented. Typically, this is done by eliminating or fixing source of moisture at home. For wooden materials and lumber surfaces, however, such as cabinets, doors, and plywood ceilings, some mold remediation companies apply fungicide sealants to inhibit or retard future re-growth of molds.
Another advantage of applying a fungicide sealant on lumber materials is that it allows a property owner or site inspector to assess how well the mold remediation was done on a material. Fungicide sealants have been created to assure property owners that the cleaning technician did not merely wipe a moldy surface. Fungicide sealants allow easy detection of missed application on wood surfaces.
Below are additional advantages of using fungicide sealants on surfaces after mold remediation clean-up.
1. They lessen chances of woods to collect moisture, making materials less likely to support mold re-growth.
2. Fungicide sealants can render mold particles trapped in crevices and other hard-to-clean surfaces immobile.
When using fungicide sealants as part of mold remediation, keep in mind the following:
1. Fungicide sealants should never be taken as substitute for actual mold removal and cleanup. It is imperative that you clean, disinfect and dry surfaces before applying fungicide sealant. If physical removal of molds and disinfecting of contaminated surfaces is not done, toxic mold particles and allergens would remain inside the property.
2. You should use only fungicides that are sealants. Non-sealants do not function in the same way sealants do. Non-sealants can’t immobile particles, cannot provide resistance against moisture buildup, and cannot eliminate mold spores completely.
3. Lastly, biocides and fungicides have chemical properties that may contain irritants. Before application of fungicide sealants, be sure to read the chemical content of the fungicide sealant that will be used. Ask your contractor to provide you with a detailed list of chemicals in the sealant as well as their possible effect on humans. Some chemicals may cause allergies and complicate certain health conditions.
No amount of sanding, scraping, surface cleaning, and disinfecting can totally eliminate mold spores from immediate environment. A “zero-mold” environment is nearly impossible. Mold spores are always around us, and they are even around surfaces like new woods. The only way to prevent mold growth is to prevent build up of moisture in materials. This is done by continually regulating moisture in your home, by preventing or fixing water leaks right away, and by preventing humidity level to exceed 55% in your property. Application of fungicide sealant after mold remediation also provides the only cost effective solution to preventing mold growths in lumber and plywood materials.
