Common Causes of a Dishwasher Leak

9/7/2022 (Permalink)

What is the most common cause of a dishwasher leaking?

One of the most common reasons a dishwasher might leak is due to a damaged or deteriorated door seal. Also known as a tub gasket, water usually leaks from the lower sides of the door if there is a breach in the seal.

Wrong Dishwasher Detergent

Even if you're rinsing your dishes with soap prior to running them through the dishwasher, the solution on the dishes can bubble up and put pressure against the door seal, causing it to eventually leak. Avoid using dish soap when rinsing dishes to avoid this problem.

This are some of the materials that could be affected by a dishwasher leak:

• Drywall
• Carpet
• Carpet pad
• Insulation
• Baseboards
• Cabinets
• Laminate

It's always better to know what could happen and be prepared for this situation. We hope this information is helpful to everyone. Remember "Like it never even happened."

Call SERVPRO of Torrance woods for your water damage at our 24 hour, 7 days a week emergency service line, 310-320-2112.

HOW TO: Prepare for Commercial Business Fire Damage

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

Leave space for appliances

Leave some room behind appliances that heat up, like coffee machines and computers, to allow them to cool down. Keep all of your business appliances away from combustible materials, like paper or cloth. If possible, unplug these appliances at the end of the day as most business fires occur after typical operating hours.

Clean everything

All areas of the business will then need to be cleaned and deodorized, including the walls, floors, ceilings and carpets. While that might seem like the end of the process, further steps are essential to preventing additional damage that can set in after a fire. Hidden fire damages, like smoke, also need to be carefully addressed.

No matter what type of business you own and operate, you should have the appropriate insurance to cover any fires that destroy your material goods or space. In addition to having insurance to cover the costs of any fire emergencies, you should also have a backup that syncs regularly between your business’s server and cloud technology. You should also have digital copies of all important physical documents. This ensures that the destruction of any computers or materials will not completely compromise or eliminate your important documents and papers.

SERVPRO of Torrance Will Swiftly Tackle Your Water Damage Situation

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

Water Damage Management

Of all the serious emergencies, water damage can be the most damaging experience your property can encounter. The paramount rule for handling such an emergency when the problem occurs in your commercial property or home is to have a vivid implementable plan to counter the damage. Fact remains that the longer you delay managing the problem, the worse it gets. In most cases, water restoration and insurance companies will begin by identifying the water damage category at the onset of the restoration process. They customize this process based on the available information for a timely recovery.

Steps to Consider when Addressing Water Damage

 The first consideration is the safety and health of residence. Regardless of the type of water damage, it is advisable to evacuate the occupants from the property. The next step is to contain the damage by first identifying the source of the water damage. For instance, if the problem is a leak in the ceiling, it is convenient to use waterproof tape to contain the damage and avoid further damage. However, if the damage is serious, it is prudent to reach out to a water damage restoration expert like SERVPRO of Torrance to assess the true severity of the damage.

The next step is to relocate your personal belongings, such as clothing and furniture. When these items are subjected to high moisture, they can facilitate mold growth. Since managing water damage can be a difficult task, it is advisable to take action immediately to ensure that microbial growth is in check. At this point, restoration professionals should be contacted to help return the premise or home to its former state. They will also help with water mitigation and recovery from the water damage, whether it was caused by a leaking ceiling or a flood. Time is vital during this process and a swift response can make a significant difference in the scope of restoration and repairs.

Happy Easter! Ensure a safe reunion with proper Water Damage inspection

4/7/2022 (Permalink)

Life can be extremely unbearable without water. Despite all its life-giving merits, water can be a profoundly destructive force of nature. When ranking all the potential disasters that could affect your property, water damage takes the top spot. Water damage destroys buildings on multiple levels. When it creeps into your property, it could result in floor warping, discoloring painted walls, and lead to mold formation. Even worse, water damage that is not addressed on time via water damage restoration can enfeeble any building. Still, the damage is deceptively costly in terms of property destruction and restoration. Let’s look at some of the common causes of water damage and how to manage it.

Blocked Drains

The drains in your bathtub and kitchen sink clog for several reasons. Grease build-up, dirt, toiletries, and grease could hinder the normal drainage in the drainpipe. When not dealt with promptly, its air could ultimately result in flooding and damage to your valuables.

Adverse Weather

Hurricanes, thunderstorms, and other natural disasters do not occur daily, but when they do, it makes your building and property susceptible to water damage. Heavy downpours and strong winds can damage your roof, releasing a considerable amount of water into your business or house. Adverse weather can also cause flash flooding, particularly when your property is in a flood-prone region.

Washing machine water supply line leak

The water supply lines in your washing machine are always under constant pressure. If the lines are not made of braided stainless steel, there is a need to worry. Also, the issue will be if your machine has PVC supply lines as they can easily wear out and then burst. This means that the whole laundry room will be flooded within minutes if the water source is not shut off in time.

To ensure that your home or business is water damage free, it is important to reach out to your local restoration company, like us here at SERVPRO of Torrance. Our experts will assess your structure and recommend the necessary measures to renovate and repair areas that could lead to disasters.

The Easter holiday is here, and family and friends may be visiting. Ensure that your home is friendly and conducive to a happy reunion.

Happy Easter Holidays!

Confront Water Damage With Confidence by Following These Guidelines

3/20/2022 (Permalink)

More often than not, damage from water occurs when a fault goes unnoticed. It may take a while before the damage occurs. Therefore, time is crucial when dealing with any damage caused by water, Not only can it destroy furniture and ceilings, but also irreplaceable personal items and family possessions. In most cases, one may need to leave their home/premises during repairs. This may disrupt the normal routine and can have a significant impact on one’s way of life.

Responding to Water Damage

The sooner you respond to water leaks and damage, the better the results. Ignored water leaks worsen, causing further damage and higher costs. Thus, the problem should be addressed by hiring a company like SERVPRO of Torrance that is readily available with the proper experience to prioritize your needs. SERVPRO will review and assess the level of damage at your home and determine a proper plan of action. Meanwhile, it is important to remove salvageable valuables, take pictures of the damage, turn off electricity in the affected areas, check for molds and attempt to dry your home. It is important to follow instructions provided by the water restoration company to ensure that the damage is minimized.

Restoration is an overwhelming task, although our trained experts here at SERVPRO of Torrance can return your home to its previous state swiftly and effectively. We will ensure that the damaged site is clean and disinfected, particularly in cases where there is sewage backup. Considering the potential hazards, our trained professionals with appropriate equipment will assist in preventive plans of action. Better yet, SERVPRO will prioritize your family’s interests and will work with an insurance company to minimize disruption and costs. The cost of repair depends on your insurance policy and the local area. Therefore, you should review your homeowner’s policy to decide your coverage for the water damage. Notably, flood insurance has a distinct policy.

For more information, call SERVPRO of Torrance at (310)320-2112.

What to Remember About Water Damage in the Winter Season

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage can destroy your personal belongings and make your home feel like a horror movie. One of the worst attributes of water damage is its hazards on your safety and health. It is important to keep in mind that other water damage is high-risk and should be dealt with immediately by your local repair and restoration company, like us at SERVPRO of Torrance.

Water damage is dangerous, mainly because it can happen without warning, leaving you with no time to protect your loved ones and possessions. Also, the damage varies in severity and can remain undetected for a long time. Sewage backups are the most dangerous type of water damage. Sewage water damage are categorized as black water cases. The smells and contaminants can seep into multiple levels of your subflooring and flooring which can cause other issues in future.

Leaky pipes can be detrimental as they have the potential to eat away subflooring and cause rot. After a while, this can compromise the structural integrity of your home, developing a huge safety problem. Sometimes leaky pipes go unnoticed because people do not always look under sinks or cloaked recesses in walls. Stagnant water and basement flooding can be dangerous if water levels rise quickly. Flooding in an unfinished basement causes a greater risk of damage. It is advisable to waterproof your basement and identify early indicators of basement flooding that can help avoid water damage in the future.

If your home has sustained any degree of water damage, call SERVPRO of Torrance restoration services today. We have highly trained professionals who can handle water damage of any type.

What to Look for Going into Southern California's Winter Season

12/22/2021 (Permalink)

Southern California is the envy of the rest of the United States during winter. The weather never gets oppressively cold, but cool to mild apart from the high mountains. Winter in Southern California is also a rainy season, although you will experience the rainfall based on your immediate location. For instance, in San Diego or Los Angeles, the rain showers are likely to occur in short and sturdy bursts with sunshine in between. The climate in Southern California can be defined as Mediterranean climate, although it is in an entirely different part of the planet, and is featured by very mild winters and warm summers.

If you are planning to visit or relocate to Southern California, it is important to keep in mind that winters vary from cool to warm. Temperatures rarely drop below 40 degrees, although frost is not entirely unheard of, particularly further inland. During winter, you will also experience the Santa Ana winds which can cause a considerable temperature decrease up to 3-5 degrees. Therefore, it is advisable to pack clothing such as sweaters, long-sleeve tops and jeans for layering. The following are some tips to help you stay warm and save money in Southern California.

• Decide what you are willing to pay for

If a warm house with a higher temperature is vital to you, it is advisable to wash your dishes and laundry in cold water. 99 % of all energy costs for those two chores emanate from heating water. Consider heating yourself instead!

•  The Thermostat and Humidifier

It is wise to use a humidifier if available because humid air retains heat, allowing you to lower the thermostat. Also, for every degree you turn down your thermostats, you save a percentage of your energy bill. In case you turn it down to 72 degrees, use an energy efficient space heater in the house, you could save a lot of money.

Water Damage Prevention Essentials

8/4/2021 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO today for an inspection to prevent detrimental water damage!

There are specific forms of natural disasters that result in severe water damage to private and public property. These natural disasters include severe weather storms and floods that may result in weakened roofs, busted pipes, HVAC leaks, sewage backup, and overflowing appliances in residential and commercial buildings. Evidently, extensive water damage to property is highly distressing and threatens the value and safety of the property. As such, it’s vital to address such emergencies with expediency to prevent further property damage. Organizational readiness is an important requirement that is proven to help both our residential and commercial clients in handling water property damages.

Prompt Decision Making

The most crucial aspect of action during water damage emergencies is the presence of a clear action plan that provides a way to address property damage and to stop it as soon as possible so that life resumes back to normal. It is naïve to hesitate at this juncture as water damage results in progressive deterioration of property values. It is encouraged that property owners make wise decisions ahead of time designed to mitigate property damages during emergencies such as natural disasters. Your aim should be focused on a speedy restoration of property in a painless fashion on the onset of water damage.

Essential Steps to Keep in Mind when Addressing Water-Related Disasters

It is essential to begin the building process once the process of water damage has run its course and it is safe to resume life as it was once before. At this point, it is prudential for heads of families, or organizational leaders, to ensure that everyone is safe. Water damage, in all its forms, has the potential to affect a person’s health and safety as a result of contaminated water, mold growth, and flood dangers. Simple steps, such as shutting off electricity through switching off the circuit breakers and evacuation of flooded areas can help prevent further damage to property and human lives. Even though one may not have enough time, it is encouraged for people to rescue the most important equipment and documents before evacuation is complete.

Subsequently, the source of the water problem must be identified and stopped through proactive and mitigation measures that focus on both the present and future scenarios. It is also advisable to contact your insurance company to help you navigate emergencies through effective claims. Calling immediately and at the onset of the emergency gives the best chance to professionally navigate the water damage problem. It also helps with the documentation process that outlines the extent of water damage. Finally, property owners can start drying out their property within 24 hours so as to mitigate against the growth of mold and mildew, especially wood and other sensitive material and fabric.

It is also advisable to turn to experts in water damage repairs to assist in other technical aspects of property restoration. We can help deal with issues such as insulation, drywall, baseboards, and carpeting restoration. It is also recommended to seek advice on the damaged property such as electronics and documents.

What to Know About the Categories of Water Damage

4/16/2021 (Permalink)

When SERVPRO is confronted with a water damage job, there are many things to consider to make sure we move forward with the best plan. One of the things considered is the category of water damage we’re working with. Not all water damage jobs are equal, and each category is met with different precautions and procedures to yield the best outcome. It is also important for you as a homeowner to understand the category of water damage your property is facing to make sure everyone is safe and at a proper distance from any dangerous areas. Here’s some insight on the categories of water damage:

Category 1- Clean Water

These types of situations are leaks and floods of water that are not hazardous. This includes overflowing bathtubs, defective appliances like refrigerators, or a rainwater leak in the home. These are category 1 because the water poses no health risk.

Category 2- Grey Water

Grey water is when the water may contain some pollutants like urine, mold, or dirt that can be of a health risk if exposed to us. Leaks from a washing machine, clogged toilets with only urine or overflowed aquariums can yield this category of water damage. This type of damage is recommended to be responded to immediately because this water can leave lasting effects on your home if not tended to quickly. 

Category 3- Black Water

This type of water damage contains very hazardous contaminants in the water requiring our workers to wear special protective gear to deal with these jobs. Clogged plumbing systems, flood runoff from lakes, oceans, or rivers and sewer backups are all examples of black water category damage. In the event of this damage, it is imperative action is taken immediately and everyone is evacuated from the affected areas. 

If you are ever confronted with any of these categories of water damage, call SERVPRO of Torrance at our emergency service line to get help in making your property “Like it never even happened.” We are here to assist you in unpredictable events like this, and will guide you through every step of the way. To learn more about water damage, check out our other blogs.

Confront water damage with the attitude of Darth Vader!

2/24/2021 (Permalink)

We should thank Star Wars for providing us with Darth Vader, one of the most unforgettable villains in science fiction. If you’re struggling to cope up with the disastrous effects of rain, including terrible water damage, you should take some inspiration from this character. Think of how Darth Vader never feared the dark side and always believed in his powers. His ice-cold demeanor is what we all need to emulate when we face unexpected stressful situations such as heavy rainfall.

In case of unexpected heavy rainfall and storm, you should focus on staying safe and keeping everyone else safe too. Rainwater can cause a lot of damage to your property and if it mixes with the electrical system of your house, it can end up taking your life. You need to have faith in yourself and take control of the situation. Lord Vader would “...find your lack of faith disturbing” and wouldn’t hesitate to show you its consequences. Hence one should believe in themselves and remain strong during tense situations such as a heavy storm. Do not fear the Dark Side and dive into these tips to live through rain fearlessly.

Turn Off Electrical Appliances

The first thing you should do when it’s raining cats and dogs is to turn off all electrical appliances present in your house. If possible, turn off the main breaker so that there is no electricity running through your house. This will make sure that nobody has to experience an electric shock if the rainwater enters the electrical system of your house. 

Use a Mop to Clean Wet Floors

Rainwater can enter your house and flood your floor as well as your furniture. When it rains, you should remain alert and use a mop to dry excess water inside your house. It will save your expensive flooring and furniture from getting ruined and reduce the chances of your family members slipping while walking on a wet floor.

Keep Doors and Windows Tightly Shut

To make sure that rainwater does not enter your house, close all doors and windows. If there is a space between the bottom of your door and the floor, cover it up so that water does not enter through it. Moreover, look for leaks in walls and ceilings. If you find water seeping inside your house, follow the next tip.

Call a Professional Rain Damage Restoration Company

A professional rain damage restoration company can save you from the disastrous aftermath of heavy rainfall. Water seeping into your house through walls and ceilings can leave permanent marks on your walls which make your house look unappealing. Moreover, the water can mess with the electrical wiring of your house. A professional restoration company will restore the pre-rainfall condition of your house and save you from the terrible effects of unexpected rainfall.

“When I left you I was but the learner. Now I am the master!” –Darth Vader’s famous dialogue for Obi-Wan now holds true for you as well. You’ve learned everything and you’re ready for the battle against the aftermath of rainfall. Follow these pro tips and believe in yourself so that you can deal with the consequences of heavy rainfall.

Rain is Coming! What to do to prepare, and who to call.

2/2/2021 (Permalink)

Winter is strengthening its force. The rain, winds, and chilly days are here to temporarily rattle us Southern Californians. These feats of nature have the potential to do a number on your home. But, we are here to help you do everything you can to prepare for the season ahead. Here are some things to do to make sure your property is ready for the rain:

Check your Gutters, Soffits, and Fascias

This is one thing many property owners mistakenly look over. When fall sheds the husks and leaves of plants, and whisks them away into the air, oftentimes they will end up in your rain gutters. If unkempt, this could cause them to flood or break, causing further damage from undirected water. Make sure before it rains that the gutters are cleaned out and mounted firmly to your property. Also, check the soffits and fascias for any dents, cracks, or chips. This may be a sign of water damage within the structure, potentially caused by a problem with the above gutters.

Inspect the state of your Roof and Ceiling

This feature goes over a lot of property owners’ heads. The property may be new, but that does not make it an exception to the natural forces of nature. Check your roof and ceiling to make sure there are no open areas where water could potentially come through. For example, a missing or broken shingle. If this task is too difficult or inaccessible to you, call us at SERVPRO to schedule an inspection of your home.

Look for stains on Ceiling and Walls

Check for water damage that may already be there. Soft spots in the ceiling or wall are vulnerable when ignored during a storm. These should be fixed right away to prevent further damage like mold growth. These spots can also jeopardize the structural integrity of your property. Also check for any paint chips or cracking. This can suggest there may be further water damage behind the wall.

Assess every Window

Make sure all windows on the property are properly sealed. Cracks or fractures on the glass may be okay or the moment, but are vulnerable areas for further damage. Also, cracked or damaged frames can lead to problems if not taken care of as soon as possible. A storm can cause debris to fly aimlessly in the air. If a cracked window or frame were hit by that debris, it could cause the damage to spread. 

We hope these tips will help you prepare for the coming rains. Call us at (310) 320-2112 to book an inspection for your property. Do not fear the storms, for SERVPRO will make it “Like it never even happened.”

What we look for when inspecting water damage

10/22/2020 (Permalink)

When water damage strikes your home, the effects can be seen in many different ways throughout your property. There are so many things that go into building a stable structure for humans to live/work safely in. When water gets in sensitive places, it can be a threat to the safety of the occupants and to the owner's pocket! But, there is no need to worry, here at SERVPRO we inspect each water damage case thoroughly and take immediate action to prevent further damages to save your dollar. Here are some things we look for when inspecting water damage:

Paint Condition

When moisture is absorbed into the walls, it can be noticed in the way the paint behaves. In water damage cases, the paint will usually bubble, or peel off. This is how you know unwanted moisture is in the walls that needs to be dried. To find the content of moisture in the affected areas, we use a moisture meter that measures the percent moisture in a given substance/area. To dry the moisture, we use air movers and dehumidifiers that helps the water evaporate quicker.

Floor Condition

When water enters your property through flood or a heavy storm, it seeps under the floor and lifts the boards, indicating water damage. If the water under the floor is not dried, it will make your property prone to microbial growth and end up costing you even more. Mold grows in places that are wet and dark, so any part of your property that has those conditions after water damage need to be inspected and dried. To dry the moisture under the floor we use the same air movers and dehumidifiers that help the water evaporate at a quicker pace.

Dry Rot

Dry rot happens in the case of long-term water damage. Sometimes a pipe can be leaking for weeks before it is noticed, and the long-term effects of the damage have already happened that must be dealt with. Dry rot is when wetted wood starts to decay over time. For your property to have structural integrity, the wood must be in good condition, but water exposed to the beams for a long period of time lead to dry rot and a weak foundation. Dry Rot cannot be repaired, it must be replaced to ensure your property is in safe condition.

Mold

Mold is also in the case of long-term water damage. Mold growth is prone to wet and dark places. The pipes running through your property to transport water are in places like these, and when they leak it is very likely that mold will be the result of this damage. Mold cannot be repaired, it must be removed and remediated to ensure a safe environment on your property.

These are a few of the most common damages that can affect your home in the case of water damage. For every job we inspect these things to get a thorough understating of your property’s water damage situation so we can create a plan to make your home/commercial property “Like it never even happened.”

Don’t DIY Water Damage Repair- And Here’s Why.

8/29/2020 (Permalink)

Water dripping inside your house can cause a whole lot of problems. Read on to know why you should call a professional to fix water damage and not attempt to do it yourself.

Water can enter your house either through faulty plumbing lines, leaky roofs, broken foundations, malfunctioning HVAC appliances, or as a result of natural disasters such as a flood or a heavy storm. Whatever the source is, unwanted water entering your house leads to a lot of heavy damage.

When water accumulates in your house and sits there for 24-72 hours, it serves as a breeding ground for numerous bacteria as well as mold spores. The water ruins your rugs and carpets and seeps into all of your expensive wooden furniture.

You might think that you can handle the water damage yourself, without calling a professional water damage restoration company. That’s certainly not true. Why would people opt for water damage restoration companies if the problem could be handled easily? 

Here are the top three reasons why you should call the professionals for water damage restoration instead of dealing with the mess yourself.

1. You're Not an Expert!

Water damage restoration companies have qualified professionals who are trained specially for restoring water damage at home. On the other hand, you’re a person who knows nothing about the techniques and expertise required for restoring water damage. You will end up stressing yourself unnecessarily if you try to fix water damage at home. An expert will deal with the damage without thinking twice and save you from worrying.

2. You Don't Have Necessary Equipment

When you call a professional water restoration company for help, they will send their trained staff along with all the required equipment such as moisture meters, dehumidifiers, drying fans, chemical sealers and other required tools. On the other hand, if you decide to remove water yourself, you would need to either buy or hire the required equipment and tools. So, calling a professional water damage restoration company will save your money and also save you from the hassle of using equipment that you’re unfamiliar with.

3. You're Not Safe

Standing water inside your house can be dangerous due to electrical faults. Professionals who visit houses for water damage restoration wear special PPE gear that keep them safe from these hazards. The trained staff members know how to deal with the dangers associated with standing water. Therefore, you can save yourself from those dangers by calling a professional.

If your property has been struck with water damage, it’s best to call a water damage restoration company instead of fixing the mess yourself. The professionals will handle everything and leave your house as it was before the damage.

CALL SERVPRO of Torrance for your water damage at 310-320-2112.

Home Suffer From Water Damage During Quarantine?

8/6/2020 (Permalink)

We Can Help!

It looks like the current state of things is not changing anytime soon. COVID precautions are now a part of our everyday life. Most of us are staying home more often, and engaging in contactless services to fulfill our everyday needs. With so much time spent in the home, it is only likely that your home may face some water damage. This could come in the form of a leak, minor flood, or some hidden mold that creeped up in the walls of your home. In any case, the damage must be remediated, to make sure for the remainder of our society's distancing you have a comfortable and fit home to remain safe in.

SERVPRO is in service during the pandemic. Only a phone call away at (310) 320-2112, we are able to inspect, plan, and repair any damages done to your property by natural, inevitable circumstances. And when any contact needs to be made in order to repair your property, our technicians are equipped with CDC certified PPE to keep us and you as safe as possible. For any more questions, don't hesitate to call, and make sure to take a look at other blogs for more information about the services provided by SERVPRO during COVID-19. 

Bored in Isolation? Inspect Your Home!

4/16/2020 (Permalink)

Be like this guy and check your sink drain and disposal!

You may be sitting on your couch right now, isolated at home feeling as if you have run out of things to do. Los Angeles County has been in quarantine due to the Coronavirus for several weeks now. But, it has done us well compared to other parts of our beloved country that are experiencing hospital overloads and death tolls in the thousands. But aside from all of the information we know and read about everyday, what is something you can do at home during isolation? And something that will make you feel accomplished, and like you’ve done a good task for the day?

In theme with SERVPRO, the best thing we can suggest to do at home is to inspect your property for any type of hidden damage or appliance parts/equipment in need of repair or replacement. Some things to check are pipes under the sink for leaks, behind the toilet, and around the corners of your bath or shower. These places are prone to mold growth, which happens over time. If these commonly neglected areas have not been checked, quarantine is the perfect time to do so! And while you’re at it, consider the maintenance of these things by cleaning the pipes with chemical drainers that can be ordered online. Check the pipes in your kitchen and the appliances’ functioning to prevent home fires, which are most often caused by cooking equipment. 

If you are inspecting and happen to come across something suspicious, call us here at SERVPRO to come and formally evaluate the situation for you. Our 24 hours 7 days a week emergency service line is (310) 320-2112. We will pick up and answer to any question or predicament you may have. Stay healthy!