How to Prevent Mould After a Flood

Flooding can happen in many different areas. It can result from large amounts of rainfall, especially during a severe hurricane or tornado, and this water can leak into your house. Besides water damage, one of the major complications of flooding is the growth of mould, which can be a health and safety hazard. The following strategies will help you to avoid mould in your home after a flood.

Get a Water Sensor

If you live around a place where flooding is more common, you may want to invest your money in a nifty water sensor. This tool will notify you when there is water accumulating in a particular room where you install this device. Knowing as early as possible about flooding will help you to be pre-emptive in your clean-up process. Since mould grows quickly in wet and damp environments, the faster you can clean up any water, the less you will be at risk for mould growth.

Survey the Area

Look around the room, try to see how long the water has been sitting for. Carefully check around to see which areas were exposed to water and you need to take action with first. In this way, you can manage your time appropriately. Remember, the faster and more efficiently you work, the less chance you have of mould spreading! If there is a lot of water you may need to shut off your power, so that there is no risk of creating an electrical hazard, and electrocuting yourself while you work on preventing mould growth in your room. If you shut off the power, bring down flashlights or open windows (if it’s dry outside) to help give you more lighting while you work.

Remove Wet Items

It’s important to relocate any wet items that can be moved. Put these items in a place where they can be dried. Outdoors, or in your garage are possible places. If the water has been sitting for a few days, it’s advised that items more susceptible to mould be thrown away, for health reasons. This could include, clothing, upholstered items, and even food that’s in cans. Other items can be cleaned, and don’t need to be thrown away.

Clean/Remove Carpets

If you have any carpets on the ground, you will either want to carefully clean them (this may need to be done by a professional carpet cleaning service). The other option is to remove and throw away the carpets. Mould spores do not necessarily disappear once the carpets have been dried. They can still spread and cause damage to your home. It is important to ensure that all mould spores are removed as soon as possible.

Eliminate any Remaining Water

If there is still water from the flood, you need to remove it. You can do this by using a sump pump. Hardware stores rent out these types of appliances, so it’s not necessary to buy one. You can also use rags or towels, or a mop and bucket to remove any remaining water that is not able to be eliminated by the pump. The goal is to dry the area as much as possible. Mould can begin to grow within 24 hours of a flood. Removing this water as soon as possible will greatly reduce your risk of mould spores growing and spreading.

Use a Dehumidifier

If you do not own a dehumidifier, buy one or borrow one from a friend. Even if there is not any water on the ground anymore, flooding adds extra moisture to the air. Dehumidifiers remove this moisture and make it more difficult for mould to spread and grow. Fans can also help to get the air moving, aiding in drying out your flooded room. You can open windows also to help with air flow.

Clean Hard Surfaces

Mould spores can spread easily, especially in humid air. Cleaning with disinfectant and drying by hand any areas that are damp will decrease the spread of the mould. This includes cleaning and sanitizing walls and baseboards. Doing this by hand can be tedious, but it saves having to deal with mould in the future.

Call an Expert

If you are still not sure what to do, or you are already seeing signs of mould in your house, you may want to call an expert. Since mould is a health risk, calling a professional when you’re not sure what to do is always the right course of action. Mould can be very damaging to your house, so calling as soon as you see signs of it is very important!

Finally, mould is a health hazard, so it’s important to ensure that you are taking the proper actions to prevent its spread after flooding. Flooding can be very devastating, but you can minimize its damages to you if you act quickly!

How to Prevent Mould After a Flood was originally seen on Edmonton Remediation Pros website

How to Clean Up After a Flood

Flooding can happen in many parts of the world, and the damages done by these natural occurrences are devastating. It is important to know what to do if you have flooding, because you need to act quickly when water damage is involved. Mould and mildew can grow when there is a damp environment for an extended period of time, so it is crucial to act quickly!

Pre-emptive Measures

If you have a flood sensor you are alerted of unwanted water where it is installed. This allows you to clean up water as soon as it enters your house, before water damages can occur. If you live in an area where flooding is common, these types of sensors are very useful. Investing in a water sensor minimizes your worry regarding house flooding. This is especially if you do not use your basement as much, and might not notice flooding occurring there. Houses can even flood if there is a cracked water pipe due to freezing, or age. You might not be expecting flooding to occur during these times, but a water sensor would alert you immediately if there is an issue!

Check for Damages

The initial step to take when clearing up a flooded area is to check where the flood damages are the most severe. Knowing what steps to proceed with first would allow you to decrease the negative impact of the flood on your home. Documenting damages can also be important for insurance purposes. Taking some photos and writing details down will help you later on to keep track of what could be covered by your insurance, if you have flood insurance.

Turn off Electricity

You should turn off the power to the flooded area for safety reasons. Short circuits are dangerous, and flooded water mixed with electricity is a safety hazard. If the power has gone out, turn off the electricity to the flooded area anyways. It’s important that there will not be any risk of the power turning back on and causing a dangerous situation while you are working.

 

Clear out Valuables and Loose Items

Remove any items that are able to be relocated, and especially valuables. You can place these in a different area to dry out. You can also dry these items manually with towels, place fans near them, or let them dry outside. This gives you more space to work, and drying these items in a different area will decrease the humidity level in your flooded room. Keep in mind that depending on the item and the amount of time it has been sitting in the water, you may need to throw it away. Food items sitting in water may not be safe to eat.

Dry Out the Area

You can use a wet vacuum to clear out extra water. For larger quantities of water a sump pump can also be used. You can even use a combination of these items. If water is left sitting for too long, it can lead to mold or mildew. Damages from water can also occur if flood water is sitting in a room for too long. After clearing out as much water as you can using a pump or vacuum, use rags or other cleaning supplies to dry the floor until there is no moisture left. If you have carpeting it should be professionally cleaned and dried (it can contain mould spores) or the carpeting should be removed.

Clean up Any Debris

Flood water can contain hazardous materials. This water could contain agricultural runoff, debris or garbage. Flood water could also be contaminated by sewage.You may need to clear up any accumulated debris materials outside your house. Bacteria can easily enter along with the water, and it’s important to be aware of the increased risk of transmittable diseases from flood water. These risks are low, but it is critical to keep this in mind and carefully clean the places in your house that came in contact with this water. Using detergent and other soaps will significantly lower the risk of harm to you from the flood water, and will also decrease the chances of mould growing.

Check for Entry Point

You may know where flood water commonly enters your house, but if you do not it is important to investigate. Flooding can occur from clogged eavestroughs or even cracks or leaks in the basement walls, or cracks in your house foundation. In addition, soil saturated with water increase the risks of water finding its way into your house to cause flooding. Figuring out where your house might have some weaknesses will allow you to fix them for the future.

 

• Use a dehumidifier. To remove any excess moisture from the flooded area, a dehumidifier should be used. Moisture from the flood water enters the air and can be damaging to furniture and flooring at such a high humidity level. Windows can be opened for extra airflow, and sunlight can also help to dry moisture. However, dehumidifiers do work best when windows are closed. Once it is safe to use electricity in the area, you can use fans to also help dry out the room.
• Enlist a professional. If there is a lot of flooding and damages, it can be very overwhelming to try to tackle this issue alone. Luckily there are many experienced professionals who can help you! You can get help with walls, floors, or even ceilings that have been damaged by water. These experts can also identify any issues that you may have missed, including potential for problems with mould. Flooding can be very stressful to deal with, and having someone who is knowledgeable about exactly what to do in your particular situation can be a valuable asset.

Finally, flooding can be a difficult experience, but you knowing what steps to take will help you to clean up quickly and minimise your stress levels, and maximize your confidence while clearing up and returning to your day-to-day routines.

How to Clean Up After a Flood Read more on: Edmonton Remediation Pros Blog

Mould from Water Damage Health Risks

Mould is everywhere, it is outside when you go for a walk, or it can grow indoors in your basement or bathroom. It thrives in moist environments and can be extremely hazardous for your health. It can sometimes be difficult to determine if you have mould growing in your home, especially if it is growing in a basement or crawlspace. Knowing the negative aspects of mould can help you to determine if you are suffering from the negative health effects of having mould in your home.

Where Does Mould Grow?

Mould grows best in an environment that is dark, damp and warm. Parts of your home can contain all or some of these elements, which can put you at risk for the growth of mould. Organic materials like drywall, wood, paper, carpet, grout, wallpaper and fabrics can provide growth sources for the mould. Common areas in the house for growth are the basement, any crawl spaces that are isolated from airflow, and sometimes even bathrooms. Since baths and showers create humidity, these rooms are especially susceptible. Running a bathroom fan can help to dissipate moisture from surfaces. If flooding occurs in your home, you need to ensure that you properly clean up after it. Improper cleanup leaves behind excess water, the perfect place for mould to grow. A sump pump or wet vacuum are useful tools to clean up a flooded area.

Common Indoor Moulds

Some of the most frequently seen indoor moulds are cladosporium, penicillium, alternaria, and aspergillus. Cladosporium is a black mould. Aspergillus is found on foods and in air conditioning systems, and varies in its colouration. Penicillium can be a variety of colourations, and alternaria frequently causes allergies.

Is There Mould?

The first sign of mould growth in your home is a musty smell. This can be good to note because areas of the house may not be visible to you, such as the attic or a crawlspace. This musty smell can be one of the only indications you may have about the mould growth, so it is important to note this and check for mould, as well as humid or damp areas of your home.  Where there is sitting water, mould will grow. Dampness and darkness are excellent environmental conditions for mould.

Symptoms of Mould Exposure

In addition to the smell of mould, you may know that there is a problem with your living space if you notice that you are having symptoms similar to allergies, or feeling generally unwell. The symptoms of mould exposure depend on the type of mould exposure, as well as the time frame which you have been exposed. Children and elderly people, or those with autoimmune issues will be more affected by exposure. Some symptoms of short term exposure include nasal and sinus congestion, cough, sore throat, breathing difficulty, headache, and skin/eye irritation. Asthma can also develop, or if you have asthma it may become worse. If you are experiencing some of these signs, you may need to check your home for mould growth. It can be frustrating to be unaware of why you are feeling unwell, and mould can hide in the dark corners of your home without you knowing. Talking to your doctor right away if you think you have mould exposure is incredibly important, because symptoms become worse with prolonged exposure. Long-term conditions can result from this. More exposure to mould, and in larger quantities can result in chronic lung infections and fever. Those who work in environments where they are exposed to mould are at a high risk for these long-term health issues as well as other dangerous health issues.

Alleviate the Problem

Some ways of fixing a mould issue are to make the environment less habitable for mould. Getting rid of any excess standing water is the first thing to do. Some areas may just be more humid, due to where in the house they are located, such as the basement. In these cases a dehumidifier is important to purchase. Find a reputable machine that dries out the air efficiently. If your house floods or has any sort of water leak, make sure to dry the area right away! Especially if any carpeting or other fibrous materials become wet, dry these off as soon as possible. To minimise the negative effects of flooding, you can buy a flood sensor. This would alert you if any water is sleeping into a vulnerable area of your house, and allow you to deal with the problem right away.

Get Professional Assistance

If mould is already growing in your home, you should seek a reputable mould removal service. A professional will know what safety gear to use, and will be able to help you to check the different areas of your house that are more susceptible to mould growth to ensure that you do not have any issues in the future. These sorts of services also help with water damage restoration, which is oftentimes linked with mould growth.

Conclusion

Finally, it is incredibly important to know the signs of mould growth, including a musty smell, visible signs, and any reactions that you are having that are not able to be explained. Taking action as soon as possible is important for your health! Dry out your house, and dry up your fears of feeling unwell due to mould.

 

The post Mould from Water Damage Health Risks Find more on: Edmonton Remediation Pros website

Water Damage in Your House? Here’s What You Do

Water is a common substance in life. We drink it, bathe in it, and it is outside, everywhere! Damages caused by water are not unusual due to all of the water we are exposed to in our everyday lives. However, it is important to address issues involving water early on to minimize damages, and for health and safety reasons.

 

Initial Inspection

Water damage usually arises from a particular issue or event. If you are not sure where the damage has stemmed from, an inspection of the surrounding area will likely give you the reason. For example, excessive rainfall and oversaturation of soil as well as cracks in the foundation of a house could cause leaking in a basement. If there is damage in a bathroom it could be due to a leaky pipe or improper ventilation during showers, causing excess moisture to accumulate. Plumbing leaks, as well as leaks in appliances and cracks in the roof of a house can also cause water damage. There can be water damages to a ceiling or a wall as well. A flooded toilet could easily cause the water damage as well. Once you know the issue, you can act to remedy the situation, and minimize water damages.

 

Prevention Methods

To avoid any future water damages, you can take into consideration the areas of the house that are susceptible to flooding. Using a flood sensor can help you to monitor any of these situations. Water sensors alert you if there is water accumulating where it has been installed. This allows a person to take action in clearing away this water right away! Any leaky pipes should also be fixed so that they do not cause a longer term water issue. If your basement, or any other rooms in your house are very humid, you may want to start using a dehumidifier to reduce the moisture in the air. Excess moisture can also cause mould and mildew issues, which is a health hazard. Preventing water damages is not always an option, but taking some of these precautions may save you a lot of time and money!

 

Excess Water

If flooding has just occurred, it is imperative that you remove any excess water straight away using a wet vacuum, sump pump, or another method. This includes removing any loose items that have become wet, such as blankets or carpets. Carpets attached to the floor should be cleaned and dried. If the water that has spread is sewer water, water from a toilet, or river, carpets should be torn up because bacteria can spread and cause illness. Standing water in fibrous materials like carpets can cause mould and mildew issues. Drying out the area as much as possible is important. Water evaporates into the air of the affected area, thus can cause water damage issues even when superficial water has been dried up. A dehumidifier will remove excess moisture in the air. Fans can assist in drying out an area as well. Drying up the area quickly will go a long way to minimizing damages!

 

Insurance Claims

If you have house insurance it may cover flooding. You need to call your insurance company right away. Taking pictures and notes on the damages could also help you get some of the repairwork covered by your insurance company. You can take pictures of the source of the flooding, if there is a specific source. You can take pictures of any flooding itself, as well as after excess water has been cleared up. In these digital ages it is easy to take pictures, so it is better to take too many than too few! Taking pictures will allow you to start clearing up water before the insurance agent arrives, to minimize water damage. They can inspect any remaining damages, and you will have a record of what happened during the event because of your documentation.

 

Professional Services

Not all water damages can be resolved at home. Some need to be handled by a professional. Research to see what range of repairs this person could do for your home. You can call them in for an estimate. It also helps to look at online reviews to get an idea of how reputable the repair person is. Damages to flooring, or ceilings can be quite dangerous. Someone who is trained in these types of damages have the skills necessary to properly repair this water damage. When waiting for a professional to repair a ceiling or other risky area, ensure that you are avoiding walking there, as to not exacerbate the problem or cause danger to yourself. Dealing with flooding and water damage can be very stressful, especially if you do not know what to do. On top of that valuables and other items can need repairs. Calling an expert will minimize these stresses, so you do not feel so burdened with the situation.

 

Conclusion

Water damage can be a stressful occurrence, but if you know what steps to take after it has happened, then you can proceed in the right direction to repair your home to its former glory. You can follow some steps yourself to help prevent water damage, and other steps you can call in an expert to minimize your worry!

The blog post Water Damage in Your House? Here’s What You Do is available on http://www.edmonton.localremediationpros.com

Water Damage Restoration Tips

Water damage can occur for a variety of different reasons. There can be a leak in your plumbing, or water can seep into your house from oversaturated soil due excessive rainfall. Standing water can cause issues such as mould and long-term water damage to your house, so it is imperative to begin the cleanup process as soon as you notice flooding in your house.

Assess the Situation

You first decide which aspects of the flooding problem need to be addressed first. Check the room and see where the extent of the damage is. Two important details to note are how far the water has spread and how deep it is. It is good to take a few pictures of the scene as well, for insurance purposes. In addition, if you have someone clean the area later, it will give them a better idea of how much area was affected by the flooding. If there is less water a wet vacuum will suffice to clear it up. For greater quantities, a sump pump can be used. It is crucial to dry the area as much as possible to minimize damages that can occur from the water. In this assessment, it is important to locate what the source of the flooding is. Once you know the source you can determine how contaminated the water is, so you can gather information about how this situation could have occurred. If the water did not come from an external flood, the water the flooding happened internally in the house, from a running on toilet, water pipes, or other leaks inside.

Contamination

The water can be clean, “grey water” or “black water.” Grey water is from spills like from dishwashers, or toilet overflow including urine. It could also be from leaky appliances, water heaters, or issues with plumbing. These sources can make a person sick if ingested, but are not incredibly harmful and can be cleaned with disinfectant to dissipate any risks correlated with the flood. Black water can be toxic and is from sewage or floods from external water sources such as rivers or streams. It is riskier to come in contact with or to ingest. Using gloves and other forms of protection while dealing with these floods is important in order to protect yourself from harmful bacteria and toxins. Once you know the type of water that has flooded your home, you can determine the amount of care you need to take during cleanup. However, in any of these cases there can be issues with mould or mildew if the water is left standing, so even if the water is clean to begin with, you need to be careful of water that has not been dried up promptly. Mould can be removed later, but taking action before its growth begins and spreads can save you a lot of time and headache.

Carpets

Drenched carpets from a flood can be difficult to deal with. Now that you know what kind of water has flooded your house, you can begin to clean up. You don’t necessarily need to pay for a professional carpet cleaner, especially if there is a only a small area that is affected. If it was black water that flooded your house, you should remove your carpets for safety reasons. Carpets attached to the floor should be ripped up. With clean or grey water, you can still clean and dry your carpets, to salvage them. You can make a homemade cleaning solution by mixing 2 tablespoons of liquid bleach with 1 gallon of water. This solution can be used to clean dirty carpets, and help prevent the spread of mould and mildew. After the carpets have been cleaned with this mixture, or another cleaning mixture, you should set up fans to dry them. This is especially important to do for carpets that are not able to be removed from the floor. You can also call a professional carpet cleaner to disinfect them for you. Removing excess water first is always still important to do, to decrease mould growth before you get your carpets cleaned.

Call a Professional Service

Ceilings that are sagging or wooden floors may not be able to be fixed by yourself. Some of these issues should be handled by a trusted professional. Calling the right person for the job is important. When you are dealing with water this should be done as soon as possible, before mould can start growing, and before any water damages become more extreme. Sagging floors due to internal flooding can be dangerous as well. Staying clear from the affected area and calling someone who has experience with issues involving these more severe types of water damage can be very helpful. Flooring can be tricky to fix without experience, so calling someone who has done it before would be extremely helpful in getting your house back to its original shape.

Conclusion

It can be difficult to know what to do in the case of flooding, but following these steps will help you on your way to restoring your house to its original condition, while staying safe and healthy at the same time.

The above article Water Damage Restoration Tips is republished from The Edmonton Remediation Pros Blog

Commercial Water Damage Restoration

Going into business for yourself can be a highly rewarding experience. Not only do you get to fulfill your dreams, but you also get to be your own boss. However, there are responsibilities you must face that employees don’t, and one of those is the general upkeep and maintenance of your commercial property.

While there are many things that can go wrong with your business structure, one of the most devastating is flood water damage, and this can occur in a number of unanticipated ways. From heavy flooding to plumbing leaks and more, the results can be devastating. You have a lot on your plate as a business owner, and it can be difficult to find the time to deal with these kinds of issues on your own. That’s where we step in. Here at Edmonton Remediation Pros, we have the tools and knowledge to get to the root of the problem no matter how big or small it may be.

Overview of Our Commercial Flood Damage Services

When water damage strikes a business, the entire daily operations can be thrown out of balance. Unlike residential damage where only the homeowner is impacted, your situation makes a difference for you, your employees, and your valued customers. Not to mention, you can stand to lose daily revenue if the damage is extensive enough to cause you to have to shut down operations.

Our staff certainly understands your predicament. After all, we’re in business too, and we understand how important it is to be up and running functionally. That’s why we take your situation personally. We understand that these types of occurrences can arise at any time, and that’s why we make ourselves available to help 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to come to your aid. When you rely on us to get your business back up and running, you can take advantage of:

• Quick response to any-sized disaster
• A highly trained IICRC certified mitigation specialist experienced in commercial flood restoration present during every step of the process
• Locally owned and operated, giving you peace of mind in knowing you’ll be working with a team that truly cares about their clients and the community in which they serve
• Certifications you can rely on as we are registered with both Homestars and the BBB

Water damage spreads quickly, and even a seemingly minor problem can quickly get out of control. When you rely on our staff for services, you don’t have to wonder any more if trouble may be on the rise. That’s because we also offer free initial inspections. That means, even if you aren’t sure whether or not a problem exists, you can achieve peace-of-mind without incurring unnecessary expenses.

Understanding the Commercial Flood Cleanup Process

Let’s face it. Commercial flooding can and often does come as quite a surprise. On a busy schedule, this can leave you feeling helpless. That’s why our specialists are here to take the added stress off your agenda. We have years of experience working with even the largest of water damage situations, and we have developed a time-tested process in order to best ensure we are able to restore as much as possible to keep your costs low. When we come to the site of your problem, we will:

• Perform a complete flood damage assessment, during which time we will identify the source of the problem as well as pinpoint the various areas of the commercial structure that’s impacted that aren’t visible.
• Cover any exposed areas to ensure further damage isn’t sustained as well as to protect them as we begin the restoration process.
• Remove any building material that is too heavily damaged to be adequately restored
• Begin applying the needed repairs to get your commercial structure functional again
• Clean up the area completely to ensure you and your employees are able to enjoy a comfortable and aesthetically-pleasing work environment

We understand the importance of providing a pleasant space for both your employees and clients in order to promote productivity and your overall bottom line. While we work with expedience, we don’t compromise when it comes to quality. You can rely on the state-of-the-art equipment at our disposal as they help us perform the level of work you expect at a price you can afford.

Steps to Take If You Have Sustained Commercial Water Damage

As you very well may know, water damage can come on quickly and with a vengeance. When this happens, it’s very common for business owners to panic. After all, these situations can become highly expensive, and you’re in business to make money, not lose it. Not to mention, your employees and customers rely on you to provide a space for them to make a living and acquire the products and/or services they need. If you suspect you may have sustained water damage, it’s important to remain calm and go through the following steps:

• Call our professional staff. We make it a point to get to your location as quickly as possible and are typically able to be there in less than an hour within city limits.
• If you are able to determine the cause of the flooding is because of internal plumbing, shut the water main off.
• If you are safely able to do so, remove any electrical appliances and other valuables away from the damage area.
• If you own a sump pump, begin extracting water to help the process go more quickly when we show up with our advanced equipment.
• Ensure employees are able to evacuate to avoid injuries.

Public Works and Government Services Canada offers a number of helpful tips for business owners on their website. Here, you can review their infrastructure continuity plans and get helpful tips on how to best ensure you sustain as little damage as possible.

Precautions to Keep In Mind

When water damage is present in a commercial building, there are a number of dangers that are introduced that you must be aware of. After all, you don’t just have your own safety to keep in mind but also that of your employees and customers. We want to ensure you understand some of the less known hazards to beware of so you can both restore your building as well as stay safe. Among some of the important precautions you need to keep in mind once you realize a problems exist include:

• Cordone off the impacted area to ensure employees and customers are not able to enter.
• Since mold can develop within 24 hours of a flooding incident, be sure to do what you can to prevent it. This can be achieved by removing susceptible items such as furniture. It’s also a good idea to photograph or videotape the damaged items before discarding to help your case with the insurance company.
• Call your local health department so they can help you analyze your water supply. Following a flooding incident, it’s common for contamination to occur which could put the safety of you and your employees in jeopardy.
• If you store food in your facility, check to make sure nothing is contaminated as even canned items submersed in water are no longer safe to consume.
• Make sure if you need to enter the impacted area that you use the proper safety gear such as:
  • Face mask
  • Long sleeves
  • Gloves
  • Proper footwear
• If you smell gas or see damaged electrical wires, make sure you, your customers and employees evacuate the building.
• Be aware that water damage causes areas of weakness to the structure of the building. It’s not uncommon for the roof or floors to collapse.
• If the flooding was due to heavy rain, be aware that this means wild animals will be displaced. Be on the lookout for poisonous snakes and other wildlife that could attack.
• Even after the source of the flooding is controlled, be aware that entering a flooded area presents a number of dangers. Until you have been informed by an official source that it’s safe to reenter the building, it’s in your best interest to keep the structure empty of any occupants.

After everything you’ve been through, it’s only natural that you’d want to personally assess the damage. However, we’ve been in the business long enough to understand the many hidden dangers involved with water damage. The best action you can take at the onset of this type of situation is to call a professional mitigation company and city officials to have the commercial structure properly cleared of any major safety hazards before re-entrance.

Tips for Getting the Financial Help You Need

As if dealing with commercial flooding weren’t enough, you’ll also have to go through the insurance claims process, and this can be daunting. While the ads we see all around us would imply that your insurance company is happy to pull out their wallet and help out in a time of need, the truth is that they are a business in the market to make money, not give it back. In order to make your dealings with them smoother and best ensure you can be fully compensated for your loss, the following tips should be followed:

• Understand that there is a difference between water damage and flooding. For example, an insurance company often won’t consider a burst water pipe a flood, and if you describe your situation as one, it can end up delaying the process, leaving you to cover bills in the meantime. Just be straightforward about the cause of the problem, but be careful using verbiage such as “flood” or “flooded” unless the situation occurred due to natural flooding events.
• If you choose to do any cleaning before our reliable staff arrives, make sure you don’t remove any damaged materials before first taking photographic evidence. Otherwise, it’s your word against theirs when it comes to receiving compensation. When you work with our staff, we can help you document evidence to help prove your losses in the event items must be removed prior to the arrival of an insurance adjustor.
• If the damage was incurred by the negligence of another person, make sure you document their information. Pieces of information such as their name, address, phone number, insurance company name and policy number, contractor license, etc. are important to have on hand to speed up the process. This can also save you money if they have insurance as you’ll be better able to get your deductible back from your provider.

This is obviously a very trying time for you and your company, and our staff understands the various loopholes you must go through in order to get from where you are back to a functionally-operating business. We do what we can to help you document your losses to best ensure you’re able to get the compensation you deserve.

Looking Out for Mold

Most of us are aware that where there’s water within a structure, there could be mold. That’s because it thrives in moist, dark environments. If mold has developed, there are a variety of health issues you, your employees, and your clients may face such as:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Increase in asthma symptoms for those who suffer with the condition
• Nasal congestion

Even if you aren’t aware of a water damage issue, there are some signs that mold has developed, and this typically indicates there is hidden damage that needs to be addressed. The following are common warning signs that you may want to call our office for a free inspection:

• Musty odor
• Small areas that appear to be dirty as mold typically starts small and expands quickly
• High levels of condensation in the building
• Presence of a leak

Tips for Preventing Future Flooding Issues

Whether you have just overcome a minor leak or had to have complete commercial water damage restoration services provided, chances are you’ll now be more likely to take measures to prevent this from ever disrupting your life again. When you work with our company, you’ll find that your contractor will be very helpful in providing advice on how to better prepare for this type of situation. Just a few tips to keep in mind include:

• Ensure downspouts are directed five to 10 feet from the building.
• Clean debris from gutters.
• In order to ensure rainwater flows away from the building, check the gradient near your home or have a professional landscaper perform the job.
• Check regularly for leaky pipes
• Repair old caulking
• Be mindful of unusual spikes in your water bill

For more information, the City of Edmonton provides prevention advice as well as information on reporting problems on their website.

There is a Light at the End of the Tunnel

We’ve worked with enough clients to tell you with confidence that there is a light at the end of this seemingly endless tunnel, and our staff is here to help lead you there. We have the years of experience you need to ensure your flood water extraction process is a smooth one. When you work with our company, you’ll get the peace-of-mind in knowing that we offer a five year guarantee on all our work, and you can even take advantage of senior discounts. It’s the primary goal of our staff to get your business back up and running properly, so pick up the phone and get a hold of one of our friendly representatives today to schedule your free inspection.

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Commercial Water Damage Restoration was originally published to The Edmonton Remediation Pros Blog

Basement Sewage Backup Repairs and Cleanups in Edmonton

All homes in Edmonton have a sewer service pipe that removes wastewater from your home to the main sewer line. When floods or blockages occur, the consequences can include extensive water damage to your property and pose health hazards in many cases.

If your property has a problem with a basement sewer backup, the huge mess you’ll have on your hands is the least of your worries. You might require extensive repairs and a professional clean up service to recover your home’s integrity, and that means you’ll need a certified restoration specialist.

 

Call (587) 410-5962 For Immediate Service

 

Our Services and Why Choose Us

Edmonton Remediation Pros are experts in home restoration and remediation. Our top tier services include mold removal, asbestos remediation and water damage restoration, and that means you can trust us to return your sewage-damaged basement to its former condition.

Our trained professionals service Edmonton and the surrounding areas, available 24 hours a day to make sure we’re there when you need us. If you experience a sewer backup in the Edmonton area, we’ll arrive at your property within 45 minutes to fix problems with maximum efficiency.

Edmonton Remediation Pros partner is registered with the BBB and Homestars, and IICRC Certified. We’re happy to give you a free inspection with no obligation, and we offer discounts to senior citizens.

What Causes Sewage Backup

It’s usually difficult to detect what problem is causing sewage backup. There are a multitude of pipe blockage causes, and you’ll need to utilize professionals for a correct diagnosis and remedy. Here are some of the most common culprits for sewage backup in your basement.

Backwater Valve Failure

That backwater valve inside your sewer service pipe is purposed to prevent water from flowing in the wrong direction. The problem occurs when the valve fails to allow wastewater to flow through the pipe and into the main sewer line.

While a valve is unlikely to seal completely shut, solids such as hair and toilet paper can eventually conjugate around the valve and block the wastewater from flowing. In turn, that results in a sewage backup that can enter your home through the lowest portal, usually your basement.

Heavy Rain

Many communities in the Edmonton area are prone to flooding as a result of heavy rain or thunderstorms, and it’s one of the biggest causes of basement sewage backup. Gravity is the main force that moves water away from your property, down your sewer pipe to the main sewer line.

However, heavy rains can cause main sewers line to overflow. This overflow often results in visible street flooding and can cause a flood of city sewer into your basement.

Plugged Internal Plumbing

Oversized objects that make it into your sewer pipe or drainage system can result in plugs, and those objects include children’s toys, towels, wipes, congealed hair, a build-up of grease and toilet paper.

Anything that causes the flow of wastewater to either stop of slow down poses a risk of resulting in flooding. The good news is that this kind of problem is unlikely to result in required pipe replacements, but it’s still an issue that needs dealing with promptly to prevent further damage.

Tree Roots

Pipes can often tolerate small cracks for years, as long as they still prevent anything from entering. Cracks can grow larger, and tree roots can then tunnel their way into the pipe. This blockage essentially results in a narrower pipe which can then slow the flow of wastewater.

Tree roots also provide objects such as toilet paper the means to become stuck on their journey through your pipe which further exacerbates the problem. Rodding equipment can be used to remove a significant portion of the roots and herbicide can be applied to inhibit future root growth temporarily, but pipe replacements may be required.

Sagging

Sags are usually a result of pipe bedding failures, and the dip created in the affected part of the pipe can become a resting point for solid objects that have failed to make it past the sag. While the sag itself doesn’t usually have a noticeable effect on the flow of liquids, a build-up of solid objects can eventually cause a blockage that prevents wastewater from reaching the main sewer line. This blockage then results in wastewater overflowing into your basement.

Broken Pipe

While small cracks can sustain functional pipes for many of years, the cracks are likely to grow wider arising from further degradation. When cracks allow backfill material such as surrounding earth to enter the pipes, blockages will likely occur.

Unfortunately, it’s the waste water from your home that will probably be forced back up through your basement drains, and that means you’ll have a sewage backup problem on your hands that you’ll need the professionals to fix.

What To Do If You Have A Sewage Backup

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKLJNILLJSs

If you have sewage backed up in your basement, you should immediately discontinue using your plumbing facilities until you resolve the issue. Sometimes, the problem is small, but continued use of amenities such as toilets, washing machines and sinks could make matters worse. When you notice sewage backup in your basement, it’s best to call professionals who promise to arrive at your property quickly.

If you call our friendly staff at Edmonton Remediation Pros, we’ll arrive at your property within 45 minutes. Until we reach your property, you should take the following precautions:

• Keep family members away from damaged or affected areas
• If applicable, report a claim to your insurance provider
• We advise against attempting to clean affected areas by yourself due to health risks
• Leave any items in the affected area where they are until help arrives
• If the problem has resulted from the main sewer line, contact the local government authorities
• Get in touch with our crew of professionals to come to your home and resolve the problem as quickly as possible.

The experienced staff at Edmonton Remediation Pros will be able to diagnose the problem promptly. We’re happy to provide you with an honest quote before any payment exchanges hands, and with our five-year guarantee, you can be rest-assured our repair work will survive well into the future.

How to Prevent Future Sewage Backups

Given the fact that you cannot avoid natural torrential rains and thunderstorms, backup sewage can sometimes be unavoidable. However, you can help to prevent basement floods caused by other issues by taking a few precautions, some easier than others.

Only Flush The Toilet When Necessary

It might sound unhygienic, but only flushing the toilet when necessary means less wastewater will enter your pipes within a short timeframe. That reduces the risk of a quick build-up of solid materials from causing blockages.

Use Disposable Cups, Plates And Other Kitchen Utensils Where Possible

We can all be guilty from time to time of draining solid pieces of food down the sink’s drain rather than ensure all waste food goes into the bin. However, a build-up of solid materials – including food – is a common cause of blockages.

Clean Dishes By Hand As Often As You Can

In addition to the last precautionary step, you should make sure that waste food is disposed of responsibly to avoid your drain backing up in the basement. If you need to use the dishwasher, you should make sure there is nothing on your used dishes that could cause pipes to block.

Do Not Run The Taps Excessively

You can take small steps to avoid running taps for a prolonged period, such as only running water when you need to rinse your mouth after brushing your teeth.

Take Your Laundry To The Laundromat

Forgetting to empty pockets can result in small solid objects entering your sewer line when washed, but bits of dirt and mud can also contribute to problems in the long-term.

Avoid Disposing Oils And Fats Down The Sink

You might think that fats and oils would have no problem entering through your sewer line into the main sewer system, but they can become quite solid when they congeal. To help prevent blockages, you should pour oil and fat waste into covered containers and dispose of them via garbage collection.

In General, Use Your Plumbing System As Little As Possible

As an additional benefit, you’ll see your energy bills and carbon footprint reduce by taking the steps above.

You should also remember to check for leaks regularly with all the pipes you can easily see. Don’t try to check pipes that aren’t visible, as you run the risk of making problems worse or creating new ones.

Conclusion

Sewage backup in your basement is unpleasant, and the resulting water damage can lead to mold and mildew growth which carry potential health risks, from allergies to lung problems. While there are precautionary steps you can take to avoid issues, you still need a company that can be trusted to be on hand whenever you need.

We’re here to provide you with the peace of mind that should problems occur; we’ll be able to get them fixed for a reasonable price as quickly as possible. We possess the tools and expertise you need to diagnose and repair any cause of sewage problem, and our 24-hour call out service means you never have to panic about the consequences of neglecting an issue.

If you have any questions of further assistance, or if you need us for sewage cleanup in Edmonton, contact the professionals at Edmonton Remediation Pros. We’ll get your home back up and running again.

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Basement Sewage Backup Repairs and Cleanups in Edmonton is courtesy of The Edmonton Remediation Pros Blog