What is Water Mitigation?

8/29/2023 (Permalink)

Water mitigation refers to the process of reducing or preventing the damage caused by water in a property. This can include water damage caused by floods, leaks, burst pipes, or other sources of water intrusion.

The first step in water mitigation is to identify the source of the water and stop it from entering the property. Once the source has been identified and stopped, the next step is to remove any standing water and dry out the affected areas.

This can involve using specialized equipment such as dehumidifiers, air movers, and moisture meters to ensure that all moisture has been removed from the property. It is important to act quickly in water mitigation to prevent further damage and the growth of mold and mildew.

In addition to drying out the property, water mitigation may also involve repairing any damage caused by the water, such as replacing damaged drywall or flooring.

Overall, water mitigation is an important process for protecting your property from the damaging effects of water. If you experience water damage in your home or business, it is important to contact a professional water mitigation company to help you with the cleanup and restoration process.

Why It's Important to Call the Professionals

10/11/2022 (Permalink)

Please reach out to us with questions or concerns 24/7 365 days a year (360) 254-0049

Water damage can happen to your home or business when you least expect it. Sometimes it may be as a result of leaks that you have been ignoring, or it can be an aftermath of a fire or flooding. Therefore, it might find you when you are not prepared financially to hire external help. So the first thing that will come to your mind is how to fix the water damage on your own to save money. You can do a very good job at dealing with water damage in your home in some situations, but if the damage is too severe, you will need the input of well-trained SERVPRO professionals to fix it for you. Here are the reasons why hiring professionals to do the work is the most prudent thing to do;

Once on site, professionals can quickly determine what items have been severely ruined by water damage. They will begin by getting rid of any porous items that could have come into contact with water because they tend to absorb too much water which can act as breeding grounds for harmful microbes. These items include mattresses, particle board, box springs, and pillows.

SERVPRO professionals will also identify any pockets that are holding excess moisture and remove the water. They have special equipment that they can use to measure moisture in hidden areas such as beneath tiles and other materials that do not become wet easily. When they find the hidden pockets, they will expose them to air by taking out the tile or material above it. They will also clean all areas with moisture using methods such as pressure washing with strong detergents. They will also accelerate the process of drying to prevent mold growth or any harmful bacteria. If the SERVPRO professionals discover the presence of bacteria or mold in your house, they will use mechanical or chemical methods to eradicate it.

At SERVPRO of W. Vancouver / Clark Co., we have experienced professionals who can spot compromised areas in your house and do everything possible to restore it. They are IICRC certified through a recognized organization. 

Why Hire SERVPRO for your Water Damage

6/9/2022 (Permalink)

Please reach out to us with questions or concerns 24/7 365 days a year (360) 254-0049

Water damage can happen to your home or business when you least expect it. Sometimes it may be as a result of leakages that you have been ignoring, or it can be an aftermath of a fire or flooding. Therefore, it might find you when you are not prepared financially to hire external help. So the first thing that will come to your mind is how to fix the water damage on your own to save money. You can do a very good job at dealing with water damage in your home in some situations, but if the damage is too severe, you will need the input of well-trained SERVPRO professionals to fix it for you. Here are the reasons why hiring professionals to do the work is the most prudent thing to do;

Once on site, professionals can quickly determine what items have been severely ruined by water damage. They will begin by getting rid of any porous items that could have come into contact with water because they tend to absorb too much water which can act as breeding grounds for harmful microbes. These items include mattresses, particle board, box springs, and pillows.

SERVPRO professionals will also identify any pockets that are holding excess moisture and remove the water. They have special equipment that they can use to measure moisture in hidden areas such as beneath tiles and other materials that do not become wet easily. When they find the hidden pockets, they will expose them to air by taking out the tile or material above it. They will also clean all areas with moisture using methods such as pressure washing with strong detergents. They will also accelerate the process of drying to prevent mold growth or any harmful bacteria. If the SERVPRO professionals discover the presence of bacteria or mold in your house, they will use mechanical or chemical methods to eradicate it.

At SERVPRO of W. Vancouver / Clark Co., we have experienced professionals who can spot compromised areas in your house and do everything possible to restore it. They are IICRC certified through a recognized organization. 

Don't Let A Water Damage Go Undetected

5/25/2022 (Permalink)

We're the leaders in water damage restoration, call us day or night!

When it comes to water damage, it is important to remember that it doesn’t take a major flood or a hurricane to cause severe damage to your home. Most water damage problems are actually the result of a small leak that goes undetected over a long period of time. By the time you notice it, it is too late. Your drywall can become swollen and stained, ceilings could be sagging, carpets ruined, floors warped and it could pose a threat to your home’s electrical system. 

Whether you’ve discovered water damage from a broken or leaky pipe, a sewer line break, a sink or toilet overflow, or a malfunctioning appliance like a water heater, washing machine, dishwasher or refrigerator in your home, our flood damage technicians are equipped to handle any problem 24 hours a day.

Something as small as above average humidity levels are more than enough to cause you problems, namely in the form of mold, mildew, and other potentially dangerous toxins. According to the CDC you should keep the moisture levels in your inhabitable spaces between 40% to 60%.Molds slowly destroy the things they grow on, and if left unchecked, can cause serious structural damage.

Fast Response

The key to proper restoration is fast response time. The sooner you call SERVPRO the faster our team of certified service technicians can get to work to make the water damage "Like it never even happened."

 Our water damage services include:

• Water extraction
• Structural drying
• Damage Assessments
• Mold Remediation
• Antimicrobial treatment
• Debris Removal
• Upholstery & Carpet Cleaning
• Structural Repair

We strive for exceptional customer service.

Our top priorities are safety, quality, and exceptional customer service. We are an emergency restoration company that provides service to both residential and commercial clients. If you have flooding of any kind, our trained and certified technicians can handle any and all water damage situations. We make sure that any affected area is professionally cleaned, deodorized and sanitized. SERVPRO of East Vancouver/ Clark County is available to handle any opportunity 24 hours a day.

Filing a Water Damage Claim

5/25/2022 (Permalink)

We'll help you through the process, call our knowledgeable staff!

Documentation is required to file a homeowners insurance claim for water damage. A policyholder should provide photos, videos, maintenance records, and proof of purchase to an insurer as evidence of damage caused by a pipe burst or any type of leak. Learn more about what information a homeowner should gather as he or she prepares to file a claim for water damage.

Proof of Damage

Insurers will want to see proof of the full extent of the damage. There are several types of useful documentation:

• Photographs
• Video
• Footage dated prior to an incident
  
  

These records indicate that damage was caused by the incident that led a homeowner to file an insurance claim. It is important to document damage before taking any steps toward mitigation. Homeowners may also benefit from being able to produce maintenance records indicating that the incident was not due to negligence. Even if an insurer does not cover the cause of damage, coverage should be available for the effects.

Proof of Purchase

It can also be helpful to gather receipts or other proof of purchase for damaged contents. Check your policy to ensure that the replacement cost of items is covered rather than the actual cash value. Given depreciation, the latter may not be sufficient to replace items with severe damage.

A Restoration Estimate

Insurers prefer to work with an established water damage mitigation and restoration company. Obtain an estimate for the cleanup and restoration processes by contacting a company that provides both services. This calculation may be more accurate and complete than estimates from more than one business.

All of this information can help a homeowner filing an insurance claim for water damage. Be aware that homeowners insurance does not cover any damage caused by flooding. A separate flood insurance policy is necessary for damage resulting from heavy rains or rising bodies of water in Hazel Dell, WA.

Vacation Preparation Checklist

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

If you come home to water or fire damage pick up the phone and call SERVPRO of West Vancouver / Clark Co. @ (360) 255-0049

Your vacation should be relaxing and worry-free. That’s why it’s a good idea to prepare your home before you leave on any long trip. Then, any problems on the home front are just one less thing to worry about. 

Make your house look lived-in

An empty house is like an open invitation to burglars. To keep your house looking occupied:

• Stop the newspaper and mail – or ask a trusted neighbor to pick them up 
• Park your car inside the garage, if you have one
• Ask a neighbor to park in your driveway occasionally so there’s activity at your house 
• Put at least one light in your house on a timer
• Install a motion-activated sensor on an outdoor floodlight. (Burglars hate outdoor lighting – and that’s why we love it)
• Make sure your lawn stays trimmed

Take the necessary plumbing and electrical precautions

Running appliances while you’re away is not only a needless expense, it could also lead to costly problems. To avoid the possibility of an appliance breakdown while you're away:

• Unplug small appliances and electronic devices
• Put the water heater in “vacation” mode
• Turn off water valves to the dishwasher, washing machine and all sinks 
• Set your thermostat to a temperature closer to outside temps (warmer in the summer, cooler in the winter) but which still protects your plants, pets and furniture 

General home preparation

Other things to consider doing before your vacation:

• Notify your credit card company and home security company that you’ll be out of town  
• Make sure your smoke detectors are working properly 
• Leave your emergency contact information with a neighbor 
• Dispose of any food that could go bad before you return from vacation 
• Take out the kitchen trash – especially anything that might start to stink 
• Run your garbage disposal with a half-cup of vinegar and some water 

Following this home preparation checklist before you leave for your vacation could save you a headache later.

I Had A Water Damage, Will I Need to Replace my Carpet?

3/4/2022 (Permalink)

If you have questions or want one of our professionals to help assess the damage, we are open 24/7/365 just call (360) 254-0049

While there are a variety of things running through your mind after a pipe breaks or other situation has occurred in your home, dealing with the aftermath means taking quick and decisive action to save your furnishings. After all, restoration should be handled by professionals, and the faster they can stop the spread of damage across your carpet, the better. Here’s how to determine the extent of the problem and whether your flooring is going to need replacing.

Consider the amount of time that’s passed

If the water damage incident occurred within the last 24 hours, it can generally be handled fast enough for your flooring to be saved. A few fans set up around the room and opening the windows can help speed along the drying process until professionals arrive. Furthermore, if the mess was a result of a regular ground pipe break or a broken supply line running to your sink or dishwasher, your home’s rugs or flooring can often be cleaned quickly and efficiently. However, once that time period has passed or the water is deemed to be from a hazardous source, the possibility of restoring your floor becomes less likely.

Seek out the source of the water

A situation involving a clean water source, as described above, can generally be considered a non-hazardous zone when it comes to water damage. However, if a sewage line breaks or the damage was caused by an environmental flood, your carpet has been compromised due to bacteria, viruses, fungi and potential diseases. This result calls for professional help and often means your flooring isn’t going to be salvageable.

Whether you’re dealing with a pipe break or other causes of water damage, it’s always best to call on professionals to help recover your home’s furnishings. When you’re looking for clarification regarding the restoration of your flooring, follow these helpful tips to gain a better understanding of the situation and proceed from there.

Winterizing Your Clark County Property

10/13/2021 (Permalink)

Our team is always on standby with 24 hour service. Call day or night, we're "Here to help." Call (360) 254-0049

Freezing temperatures and winter weather can cause damage to your home and business if you aren’t properly protected. Freezing rain, high speed winds, sleet and snow can all cause costly damages to your home and business. We understand you can’t control the weather but you can take measures that will prepare you so you won’t feel the bite from the frost.

- Check your property for downed tree limbs and branches. Weather such as wind, heavy rain, ice and snow can cause branches to fall, which could cause damage to property and potentially cause personal injuries.

- Roofs, water pipes and gutters should all be inspected they are in proper order. Gutter downspouts should be directed away from your building. Clear gutters of debris that may have gathered during the fall. Leaves and other obstructions can lead to a damming effect, causing roof damage and interior water problems.

- Clean chimneys and exhaust systems to ensure they are free of debris.

- Test gas lines if they have been dormant to ensure they are in good working order with no leaks.

- Inspect your property, especially walkways and parking lots, for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazard potential.

- Protect pipes from freezing by allowing water to drip when temperatures dip below freezing. If pipes are under a cabinet, leave the cabinet doors open allowing warm inside air to circulate around the pipes. Make sure all exterior pipes are properly insulated.

- If the building has outdoor faucets, consider shutting water off at the main valve in the basement or crawl space. Once the valve is off, open the outdoor faucet to ensure it drains, preventing any remaining water from freezing in the pipe.

- Make sure all of your exterior doors, garages, roll-ups and windows have sufficient weather stripping.

- Ask your local SERVPRO franchise professionals about completing an emergency READY profile (ERP) for your business. The ERP is a no cost assessment to your facility, and provides you with a plan to get back in business fast following a disaster.

Is Your Water Damaged Carpet Salvageable?

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to call our office! (360) 254-0049

1. While there are a variety of things running through your mind after a pipe break or other situation has occurred in your home, dealing with the aftermath means taking quick and decisive action to save your furnishings. After all, restoration should be handled by professionals, and the faster they can stop the spread of damage across your carpet, the better. Here’s how to determine the extent of the problem and whether your flooring is going to need replacing.
   
   1. Consider the amount of time that’s passed
   
   If the water damage incident occurred within the last 24 hours, it can generally be handled fast enough for your flooring to be saved. A few fans set up around the room and opening the windows can help speed along the drying process until professionals arrive. Furthermore, if the mess was a result of a regular ground pipe break or a broken supply line running to your sink or dishwasher, your home’s rugs or flooring can often be cleaned quickly and efficiently. However, once that time period has passed or the water is deemed to be from a hazardous source, the possibility of restoring your floor becomes less likely.
   
   2. Seek out the source of the water
   
   A situation involving a clean water source, as described above, can generally be considered a non-hazardous zone when it comes to water damage. However, if a sewage line breaks or the damage was caused by an environmental flood, your carpet has been compromised due to bacteria, viruses, fungi and potential diseases. This result calls for professional help and often means your flooring isn’t going to be salvageable.
   
   Whether you’re dealing with a pipe break or other causes of water damage, it’s always best to call on professionals to help recover your home’s furnishings. When you’re looking for clarification regarding the restoration of your flooring, follow these helpful tips to gain a better understanding of the situation and proceed from there.

Will Your Flooring Need to be Replaced?

6/7/2021 (Permalink)

If your home experiences a water damage, we're ready to answer your questions and help make it "Like it never even happened."

While there are a variety of things running through your mind after a pipe break or other situation has occurred in your home in Battle Ground, WA, dealing with the aftermath means taking quick and decisive action to save your furnishings. After all, restoration should be handled by professionals, and the faster they can stop the spread of damage across your carpet, the better. Here’s how to determine the extent of the problem and whether your flooring is going to need replacing.

Consider the amount of time that’s passed

If the water damage incident occurred within the last 24 hours, it can generally be handled fast enough for your flooring to be saved. Setting up a few fans around the room and opening the windows can help speed along the drying process until professionals arrive. Furthermore, if the mess was a result of a regular ground pipe break or a broken supply line running to your sink or dishwasher, your home’s rugs or flooring can often be cleaned quickly and efficiently. However, once that time period has passed or the water is deemed to be from a hazardous source, the possibility of restoring your floor becomes less likely.

Seek out the source of the water

A situation involving a clean water source, as described above, can generally be considered a non-hazardous zone when it comes to water damage. However, if a sewage line breaks or the damage was caused by an environmental flood, your carpet has been compromised due to bacteria, viruses, fungi and potential diseases. This result calls for professional help and often means your flooring isn’t going to be salvageable.

Whether you’re dealing with a pipe break or other causes of water damage, it’s always best to call on professionals to help recover your home’s furnishings. When you’re looking for clarification regarding the restoration of your flooring, follow these helpful tips to gain a better understanding of the situation and proceed from there.

Guide to Preparing Your Home Before Vacation

5/24/2021 (Permalink)

Prepare now, save later!

Your vacation should be relaxing and worry-free. That’s why it’s a good idea to prepare your home before you leave on any long trip. Then, any problems on the home front are just one less thing to worry about. 

Make your house look lived-in

An empty house is like an open invitation to burglars. To keep your house looking occupied:

• Stop the newspaper and mail – or ask a trusted neighbor to pick them up 
• Park your car inside the garage, if you have one
• Ask a neighbor to park in your driveway occasionally so there’s activity at your house 
• Put at least one light in your house on a timer
• Install a motion-activated sensor on an outdoor floodlight. (Burglars hate outdoor lighting – and that’s why we love it)
• Make sure your lawn stays trimmed

Take the necessary plumbing and electrical precautions

Running appliances while you’re away is not only a needless expense, it could also lead to costly problems. To avoid the possibility of an appliance breakdown while you're away:

• Unplug small appliances and electronic devices
• Put the water heater in “vacation” mode
• Turn off water valves to the dishwasher, washing machine and all sinks 
• Set your thermostat to a temperature closer to outside temps (warmer in the summer, cooler in the winter) but which still protects your plants, pets and furniture 

General home preparation

Other things to consider doing before your vacation:

• Notify your credit card company and home security company that you’ll be out of town  
• Make sure your smoke detectors are working properly 
• Leave your emergency contact information with a neighbor 
• Dispose of any food that could go bad before you return from vacation 
• Take out the kitchen trash – especially anything that might start to stink 
• Run your garbage disposal with a half-cup of vinegar and some water 

Following this home preparation checklist before you leave for your vacation could save you a headache later.

If you come home to water or fire damage pick up the phone and call SERVPRO of W. Vancouver / Clark Co. @ (360) 695-4418

Determining Your Classification of Water Damage

5/17/2021 (Permalink)

No matter what category your water damage falls under, call our office straight away to avoid further, more costly damages. (360) 695-4418

There are three major types of contaminated water. SERVPRO of W. Vancouver / Clark Co. will inspect that contaminated water to determine the type of water and then plan the appropriate response to safely restore your home or business.

The three types of contaminated water:

Category 1: "Clean Water"

This is water from a clean source, such as a broken clean water supply line or faucet. If left untreated, category 1 water can quickly degrade into category 2 or 3 water depending upon such factors as time, temperature, and contact with contaminants.

• Water from a clean source like a broken water line
• If left untreated, can degrade into category 2 or 3

Category 2: "Gray Water"

This water has a significant level of contamination that could cause discomfort or illness if ingested. Sources for category 2 water may include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow with some urine, but no feces; or dishwasher overflow.

• May contain bacteria and viruses
• Can quickly degrade into category 3 if left untreated

Category 3: "Black Water"

This water is grossly unsanitary and could cause severe illness or death if ingested, and any contact should be avoided. Sources for category 3 water could include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

• May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
• Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup

Preparing Your Home Before Your Next Vacation

4/4/2021 (Permalink)

Don’t forget to leave our info with your trusted neighbor for a faster response time if any problems arise!

Your vacation should be relaxing and worry-free. That’s why it’s a good idea to prepare your home before you leave on any long trip. Then, any problems on the home front are just one less thing to worry about.

Make your house look lived-in

An empty house is like an open invitation to burglars. To keep your house looking occupied:

• Stop the newspaper and mail – or ask a trusted neighbor to pick them up 
• Park your car inside the garage, if you have one
• Ask a neighbor to park in your driveway occasionally so there’s activity at your house 
• Put at least one light in your house on a timer
• Install a motion-activated sensor on an outdoor floodlight. (Burglars hate outdoor lighting – and that’s why we love it)
• Make sure your lawn stays trimmed

Take the necessary plumbing and electrical precautions

Running appliances while you’re away is not only a needless expense, it could also lead to costly problems. To avoid the possibility of an appliance breakdown while you're away:

• Unplug small appliances and electronic devices
• Put the water heater in “vacation” mode
• Turn off water valves to the dishwasher, washing machine and all sinks 
• Set your thermostat to a temperature closer to outside temps (warmer in the summer, cooler in the winter) but which still protects your plants, pets and furniture 

General home preparation

Other things to consider doing before your vacation:

• Notify your credit card company and home security company that you’ll be out of town  
• Make sure your smoke detectors are working properly 
• Leave your emergency contact information with a neighbor 
• Dispose of any food that could go bad before you return from vacation 
• Take out the kitchen trash – especially anything that might start to stink 
• Run your garbage disposal with a half-cup of vinegar and some water 

Following this home preparation checklist before you leave for your vacation could save you a headache later. If you come home to water or fire damage pick up the phone and call SERVPRO of Vancouver / Clark Co. @ (360) 254-0049

This article is compliments of Nationwide Insurance and be found here.

Don’t Let Water Damage Go Undetected

3/8/2021 (Permalink)

For commercial or residential water damage cleanup call. SERVPRO of West Vancouver/ Clark County (360) 695-441

When it comes to water damage, it is important to remember that it doesn’t take a major flood or a hurricane to cause severe damage to your home. Most water damage problems are actually the result of a small leak that goes undetected over a long period of time. By the time you notice it, it is too late. Your drywall can become swollen and stained, ceilings could be sagging, carpets ruined, floors warped and it could pose a threat to your home’s electrical system. 

Whether you’ve discovered water damage from a broken or leaky pipe, a sewer line break, a sink or toilet overflow, or a malfunctioning appliance like a water heater, washing machine, dishwasher or refrigerator in your home, our flood damage technicians are equipped to handle any problem 24 hours a day.

Something as small as above average humidity levels are more than enough to cause you problems, namely in the form of mold, mildew, and other potentially dangerous toxins. According to the CDC you should keep the moisture levels in your inhabitable spaces between 40% to 60%.Molds slowly destroy the things they grow on, and if left unchecked, can cause serious structural damage.

Fast Response

The key to proper restoration is fast response time. The sooner you call SERVPRO the faster our team of certified service technicians can get to work to make the water damage "Like it never even happened."

 Our water damage services include:

• Water extraction
• Structural drying
• Damage Assessments
• Mold Remediation
• Antimicrobial treatment
• Debris Removal
• Upholstery & Carpet Cleaning
• Structural Repair

We strive for exceptional customer service.

Our top priorities are safety, quality, and exceptional customer service. We are an emergency restoration company that provides service to both residential and commercial clients. If you have flooding of any kind, our trained and certified technicians can handle any and all water damage situations. We make sure that any affected area is professionally cleaned, deodorized and sanitized. SERVPRO of West Vancouver/ Clark County is available to handle any opportunity 24 hours a day.

6 Steps of the Water Damage Repair and Restoration Process

10/16/2020 (Permalink)

Call the company who follows protocol and has over 50 years of experience in water restoration. (360) 254-0049

1 - 24-Hour Emergency Contact

As soon as you call SERVPRO of Vancouver/Clark County, the restoration process begins. We are open 24 hours a day for any water emergency that comes your way. With water damage, an immediate response is needed. The longer the delay, the more severe the damage, even hours can be a major problem. 

2 - Inspection and Damage Assessment

Once the source is contained, our team can then check the water for any contamination. After determining the level of contamination, we can begin the restoration process using the proper guidelines and equipment for the category type. 

3 - Water Removal/Water Extraction

Water can be removed from the premises by using powerful pumps and truck-mounted vacuum units that allow for the removal of thousands of gallons of water from your property if needed.

Fun Fact: A ½ inch broken pipe will expel at 7 gallons per minute. Do the math… If left unchecked in one week’s time, 70,560 gallons of water could easily flood your home or business.  

Removing the water right away is necessary, as this helps reduce drying time. The quicker the drying process takes, the less likely your home or business will experience permanent water damage, mold or bacterial growth. 

In this stage, belongings will be packed and moved if needed. Carpet and padding are inspected to determine if it needs removal. 

4 - Drying and Dehumidification

There is a science to the drying and dehumidification process. Proper training and experience is required. Our team uses room measurements, temperature, and humidity levels to dictate the equipment to use and how the equipment will be used for the task at hand.  We monitor the drying process using moisture meters and dehumidifiers to ensure the area is dry enough before proceeding to the next step. 

5 - Cleaning and Repair

Professional cleaning is most likely needed at this point. Walls, flooring, ceiling, furniture, upholstery, clothing, and even other belongings may need attention in the cleaning or repair process. When there is flooding, and water damage odor removal and deodorization are needed too.

As leaders in the water damage industry, SERVPRO of Manteca and Modesto has advanced training, expertise, and a vast amount of hands-on experience to handle your water damage concerns. We will dry your home and restore it to pre-water damage conditions. We will ensure to document the drying process and validate to your insurance company that the work is complete.

 6 - Restoration

SERVPRO of Vancouver/Clark County’s goal is to have your home or business in the same shape, or better, it was before. 

Emergency Building Services

With water damage, immediate concerns are taken care of first. Emergency building services are often needed to temporarily to protect the area and to stop more damage from happening. Protecting the area can be as simple as placing a roof tarp, board-up, temporary fencing, move-out / pack-out, temporary warehouse space, repairs, and minor building services. The goal is to protect and preserve what we can. 

Repairs and Minor Building Services

Repairs may be needed, depending on the damage caused. To get your home or building back to pre-water damage condition drywall removal and installation, hardwood floor repair, tile floor repair, painting, carpet repair and installation, building services and reconstruction may be needed. 

Building Services and Reconstruction

SERVPRO simplifies the restoration process . We offer mitigation and rebuilding services. Being qualified and experienced in the entire process can save time and keep costs low for you. 

24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

9/4/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Vancouver/Clark County provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Southwest Washington and surrounding areas.

SERVPRO of Vancouver/Clark County is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help

Call Today – (360) 254-0049 - We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Vancouver/Clark County has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Bay County

SERVPRO of Vancouver/Clark County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Have Water Damage? Call Us Today (360) 254-0049

We Ask Questions So We Can Better Serve You After A Water Damage

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

Call the professionals here at SERVPRO, we have drying down to a science. (360) 254-0049

SERVPRO of Vancouver/Clark County is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help

Call Today (360) 245-0049. We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Vancouver has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed. Other questions we will ask to get started are... 

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

What is a Flood Cut and When is it Necessary?

5/26/2020 (Permalink)

Trust the leader in restoration. SERVPRO of Vancouver/ Clark County is here to help and answer any questions you may have about the process.

A flood cut is when the water restoration contractor has to cut out the drywall from your property.  The cut is made 12-18 inches above where the flood damage stopped. It is done so that we can remove the drywall and address any moisture issues behind the actual wall.

Is a flood cut always necessary?

Not necessarily. In fact, if the water damage is clean water (a category 1), that is water that doesn’t contain bacteria or harmful pathogens; our goal is to save the wall. But if the affected wall has been tainted by sewage water from a backed-up sewer line (a category 3) and your home requires sewage backup cleaning, the rule is whatever it touches, must be removed.

How can you save my water damaged walls without removing the drywall?

If  the wall is not insulated, and the water source was clean water, we can attempt to dry out behind the walls using a minimally invasive system called Injectidry. Injectidry allows us to drill very small holes behind the baseboard of your wall and insert airtight hoses.  These hoses pass warm, dry air behind the wall itself, drying the studs and any drywall from behind.

If  the flood damage has occurred to a wall that has insulation, unfortunately a flood cut is necessary.  Insulation cannot be properly dried and still maintain its integrity, meaning it won’t work any longer as an insulation system.

Every job is unique!

While we try and give you a clearer understanding for what things mean, at the end of the day, you have a highly trained team backed by over 50 years of experience. We will determine the best protocol to follow to get your water damage fixed quickly and with as little headache as possible.

When Water Damage Occurs in Your Salmon Creek Home

5/18/2020 (Permalink)

We Provide 24/7 Emergency Service. Call today! 360.254.0049

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• Highly Trained Water Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Water Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated

When dealing with a water damage timing is crucial. Basement flooding or storm damage doesn't wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Vancouver professionals respond immediately and efficiently to your residential or commercial water removal or clean-up needs. Our professionals use advanced equipment and techniques to begin the mitigation process and remove the water quickly. Our fast response time and advanced drying methods help prevent secondary damage and mold. SERVPRO of Vancouver professionals closely monitor and verify our customers property is dried thoroughly and properly. Our professionals are trained to know how to use our equipment from dehumidifying, deodorizing and disinfecting. Our professionals restore your business or home with minimal disruption to your life and quickly make it "Like it never even happened." When a water damage takes control of your life, nobody helps take it back like SERVPRO of Vancouver.

Clark County Washington Commercial Water Damage

4/24/2020 (Permalink)

We're here 24/7 to help you take back control after a water damage!

Getting a water damage at your place of business is never convenient. Business owners know the likelihood of dealing with a water damage but the question then becomes, how do I keep my business open while the emergency is handled? Fortunately, this is SERVPRO of Vancouver/Clark County's area of expertise. We take special care so that if it is possible to keep your place of work open, we help you to navigate the obstacles and keep your doors open.  

A local insurance agency started work on a Monday morning and found that the carpet and drywall were soaked from the business above flooding. The owner of the agency made the right decision by calling SERVPRO of Vancouver/Clark County and asked if there was a way to keep their office open while we did our work.  The office had an open layout and they feared the noise from our equipment would be too loud and would blow away their paperwork.  Our talented crew immediately went to work setting up a full floor-to-ceiling opaque containment which kept our equipment out of sight and noise to a reasonable level.  The containment served double-duty by reducing the volume of air in the area of the water damage which helps to speed up drying time.

In the end, the Fishers Landing agency was able to keep working and the water damage was dried without major interruptions to the business.  If you see water damage at work, contact SERVPRO of Vancouver/Clark County any time at (360) 254-0049.

5 Ways to Prevent Spring Thaw Flooding

3/10/2020 (Permalink)

For all of your water damage repair and restoration needs, contact SERVPRO of West Vancouver/ Clark County today at (360) 254-0049

In the Pacific Northwest we know springtime as being stormy and just plain wet. Heavy rains, combined with thawing snow from nearby mountains, carry the risk of sudden and severe flooding. If you live in a flood zone, here are a few simple steps you can take to protect your home from springtime floods:

1) Check Your Drainage Systems

All modern homes are built with water drainage in mind – but if the water has nowhere to go, it’ll back up right into your house. Check the nearby flood drains for any signs of blockages, as well as any floor drains you may have indoors (in the garage or laundry room, for instance). If your home has rooftop drains, don’t forget to take a look at those too.

2) Clear Out Your Gutters & Downspouts

Gutters and downspouts are also important parts of your drainage system – they prevent water from collecting on the roof, and route it away from the house’s foundation. And although you should check them at least a couple of times each year, it’s after autumn and winter that most blockages occur. Fallen leaves, twigs, snow, and ice chunks can all cause water to pool and seep into your home if not removed.

3) Install a Sump Pump

When water enters your basement – whether through an obvious flood or through slow leaking underground – there’s no time to waste in getting rid of it. Sump pumps protect your home by automatically activating when water is detected, and pumping it safely out of the area.

If you already have a sump pump at home, this is a great time to make sure the intake valve is clear and that the pump is working properly. You can test it by removing the lid, pouring some water into the crock, and ensuring that the device turns on and begins pumping.

4) Set Up a Water Alarm / Flood Sensor

This isn’t something a lot of people think about, but any homeowner would do well to install a water alarm, sometimes also referred to as a flood sensor. They work much like a fire alarm, alerting you immediately when unwanted water is detected in your home and before the damage can spiral out of control. These devices usually start at a very affordable $10-15 – a small price to pay for peace of mind.

5) Purchase Flood Insurance

When it comes to water damage, an ounce of prevention is worth a gallon of cure. But everyone gets caught off-guard sometimes, and having sufficient insurance makes the cure a lot easier to swallow. Make sure your home insurance policy covers flooding, especially if your home is in a flood-prone area.

Fast Water Removal Will Save Your Vancouver Home

10/21/2019 (Permalink)

Vancouver residents know that the greater water threat to their homes is the outdated and rusted plumbing inside. If left untreated, the property can be just as damaged from a failing water heater as a severe storm.

It is common for a flood to start off the communities fall and winter season in the North West. With a town full of daylight basements, second-floor bathrooms prone to overflowing, and leaky roofs, we are here to help with it all.

At a home in Brush Prairie, a leaky roof caused damage, and puddling in the ceiling. The water dripped down into the other stories of the home, causing multi level damage. Our team went through, and did their best to exceed expectations for the family.  The home used drywall for the walls and ceilings, so team members replaced half the ceiling and one wall on the second floor. They used fans to dry out the wall frame before hanging the new panels. Other technicians performed the same work in the kitchen, removing half the ceiling and two panels on an interior wall.

At SERVPRO of W. Vancouver/Clark Co, we carefully examine each home to determine which methods and tools can best help us return it to the owner in a dry condition, safe to live in again. If your home here, Ridge Field, Battle Ground, or as far as Fishers Landing needs our services, call us today at (360)254-0049

Have you Checked on your Toilet Lately?

9/9/2019 (Permalink)

The question we are sure that most of you were hoping to be asked today. But we are here to ask the tough questions. Many times, people do not think of their toilets as a possible liability. Unlike a fine wine, they do not get better as they age. Infact, parts of the plumbing within the fixture can deteriorate as time goes on. 

An unchecked toilet can go from, fine, to funky incredibly quickly. An easy example of this, is your toilet overflowing. This can happen from a reservoir issue, or something as simple as a clogged pipe. The tile, or laminate flooring within your bathroom will also be affected, and saturated. Protecting your floor from severe water damage is likely to be tricky if not acted upon almost immediately. 

Our SERVPRO of W. Vancouver/Clark Co will arrive guns-ablazing with the best equipment for your severe damages, or smaller damages. We will also set up our advanced drying equipment to protect and preserve exposed cabinetry, fixtures, and flooring. In turn making your bathroom look like no toilet issues ever even happened.

Why Fast Water Extraction is Necessary for Vancouver Homes

8/29/2019 (Permalink)

We had to remove drywall to extract water from this home's structure. Fortunately the damage was small and the home was restored in no time.

Managing Water Removal on Behalf of Vancouver Residents

Wet rooms can quickly cause problems to your upper floors and lower ceilings. The source of the problem could be a backed or blocked pipe or the deterioration of vital sealing materials. The outcome is nearly always the same, migrated water that takes passage either through electrical outlets like ceiling lights or onto the upper levels, weakening carpets and other areas. When you face this situation, you should first attempt to shut off the water outlet, as well as any electrics. Next, contact both your insurance adjuster and a professional restorer.

Even relatively small quantities of moisture may require professional water removal for your Vancouver home to return to normal.  Drying the surface texture alone can often lead to problems further down the line if the partition between your floor and ceiling holds onto moisture. Over time, the prolonged exposure to moisture can cause floorboards to warp, buckle, or cup. Equally, temperature changes can affect indoor humidity levels, and cause condensation on surfaces causing discoloration and yellowing.

SERVPRO technicians are trained to remove and restore parts of your home's water damaged structure safely. These activities may include temporarily removing floorboards or tiles to allow airflow into the cavity. We can speed up drying time by using heated air-circulation, as with an air mover, or by using non-heated circulation by placing box fans. During this procedure, we can also deploy dehumidification equipment to prevent overnight microbial growth issues.

Often structural contents, like hardwood floors, need to be treated separately by a SERVPRO technician. Woods holds a natural moisture content of around 12%, any more than that and the woods could expand, buckling under the pressure of their fittings. We monitor the moisture content using moisture meters and ensure the drying procedure does not reduce moisture content levels too low.  Moisture levels too low could result in further damages to your flooring. Once the property is dry, we can begin restoring floorboards by sanding them down and refinishing them to a like-new condition.

Do not let prolonged exposure to moisture ruin your upper floors. Contact SERVPRO of W. Vancouver / Clark Co. at (360) 695-4418.

More about Vancouver.

Contact SERVPRO For Your Water Damage Remediation Needs In Vancouver

6/15/2019 (Permalink)

A slow leak in a pipe in your home can cause this type of water damage. Contact SERVPRO today for remediation assistance.

Water Damage Remediation in Your Vancouver Kitchen

The cleanup of water damage incidents in your home should never be a DIY event when the scale of the damage could compromise other areas such as subflooring or in wall cavities. If inadequate cleanup or drying measure occurs, the excessive moisture has the potential for mold growth or foul odors.

SERVPRO technicians answered a call from a Vancouver homeowner with a water damage issue in her home. There was a slow leak for a while with a supply line connection, and it finally burst under her kitchen cabinets. She cleaned up what she could, had the leak repaired and then was advised by her adjuster to call us. We drilled weep holes in the wet sheetrock to assist for faster drainage and because of the elevated humidity levels in this area of Washington State, checked for signs of mold growth. Fortunately, we found none.

We then used our moisture detection equipment to track the migration pattern of the water in the kitchen. The homeowner did an excellent job removing the water she could see; however, our equipment showed excessive moisture levels remained under the cabinets where the leak occurred. SERVPRO technicians go through extensive training to become certified in different restoration science, among them Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT) which gives them the expertise to diagnose and clean up damage from water loss events which results in more contents and building materials saved through restoration.

Because water remained under the cabinets for a few days, a strong odor remained in the room after the water extraction and drying. We needed to apply odor control techniques to neutralize the odor. 

The control of odors is often a multi-layered process that requires more than a single approach. Gels pellets cover pungent scents, but in the case of water odors, these sometimes need more robust applications. We have equipment such as hydroxyl generators that neutralize airborne particulate at the molecular level. We chose to use ultra-low-volume fogging to eradicate the remaining odor under the cabinet area.  

SERVPRO of W. Vancouver / Clark Co. stands ready to assist property owners with water damage 24/7. Call us at (360) 695-4418 for fast remediation against water loss to make it "Like it never even happened."

Click here to see more about Vancouver.

Is Your Business Prepared For Potential Water Damage?

4/18/2019 (Permalink)

Contact you insurance company to know if you are covered.

Are You Adequately Protected For Potencial Water Damage?

Owning a business in Hazel Dell, WA, is a big responsibility. Safeguarding your building, equipment and inventory from water damage and other potentially costly perils may be a top priority. Although taking a proactive approach is often helpful, unforeseen situations can arise. For this reason, it’s important to possess business insurance and understand key provisions of your policy to ensure you are adequately protected.

1. Burst Pipes

Insulating exposed supply lines can prevent frozen and broken pipes during the winter. Most coverage does, however, usually include provisions to cover damage resulting from pipe bursts.

2. Water Leaks

Water leaks can also develop from aging infrastructure and equipment failures. Although it may be difficult to find compromised pipes hidden behind walls, performing routine maintenance on your building’s fire suppression and HVAC systems can help prevent some water damage. While every policy is different, most plans cover leaks and subsequent water cleanup requirements, offering some peace of mind.

3. Overflowing Toilets

While many companies encourage proper waste disposal, clogged and overflowing toilets are another common commercial problem. Because not all policies include sewage damage protection, you should carefully examine your plan. To avoid expensive out-of-pocket sewage cleanup costs, you may need to purchase supplemental coverage.

4. Storm Damage

A strong storm can damage your roof and break windows, allowing destructive water infiltration. Flooding can also occur. While storm damage may be covered, flooding is usually excluded from most business insurance plans. To protect your company’s financial security, you should discuss these topics with an insurance agent who can help you assess your risk and purchase flood insurance.

Water damage can result from a variety of scenarios, some of which may not be covered under many business insurance policies. Because water cleanup and restoration costs can be costly, inadequate coverage can result in significant financial losses. For this reason, it’s crucial for every business owner to analyze their situation and prepare for potentially destructive events.

A Non-Plumber's Guide to Assessing a Leaky Toilet

3/14/2019 (Permalink)

Leaking toilet in a Ridgefield, WA home

Assessing a Leaky Toilet 

Household repairs can be overwhelming for anyone, and leaks can be downright frightening if you’re not handy. It’s understandable if you don’t want to deal with a leaking toilet. However, if you’re noticing water on the floor every time you flush, it’s probably time for an assessment.

The good news is you don’t have to be an expert to make some initial determinations. Here are some easy steps that anyone in Ridgefield, WA, can use to evaluate a bathroom leak.

1. Observe the Leak

A good first step is to determine where the leak is coming from. You’ll want to study whether the seepage happens after flushing, if water is coming out from the floor, or if it’s a drip coming from a cracked bowl.

2. Make Sure the Tee Bolts Are Tight

You may not have known what they were called, but you’ve definitely seen tee bolts. Tee bolts are located on both sides of your toilet’s base and they’re covered with simple plastic caps, which can be easily removed. Use a standard wrench to gently tighten the bolts, but don’t over tighten as that can crack the pedestal and worsen your leaking toilet situation.

3. Replace the Wax Ring

If your toilet continues to leak after the tee bolts are tightened, you might need to replace the dry wax ring on the underside of the toilet. You will need to remove the toilet completely to do this, so if you’re not skilled in repairs you may want to call a professional.

4. Check the Tank Flange

The tank flange is simply a connector that attaches the water pipe to the toilet tank, and these can break. If you’ve determined you have a leak, tightened the tee bolts, and replaced the wax ring and still have a leak, you may need a new tank flange.

If you still have a leaking toilet after conducting these easy assessments, it’s possible that your toilet wasn’t installed properly, and you should contact a professional to re-install your toilet as soon as possible. However, you don’t need to be an expert to determine what kind of bathroom leak you have.

What Do You Need To File a Water Damage Claim?

1/18/2019 (Permalink)

Water loss in a bathroom in Hazel Dell, WA

Documentation is required to file a homeowners insurance claim for water damage. A policyholder should provide photos, videos, maintenance records, and proof of purchase to an insurer as evidence of damage caused by a pipe burst or any type of leak. Learn more about what information a homeowner should gather as he or she prepares to file a claim for water damage.

Proof of Damage

Insurers will want to see proof of the full extent of the damage. There are several types of useful documentation:

• Photographs
  
• Video
  
• Footage dated prior to an incident
  
  

These records indicate that damage was caused by the incident that led a homeowner to file an insurance claim. It is important to document damage before taking any steps toward mitigation. Homeowners may also benefit from being able to produce maintenance records indicating that the incident was not due to negligence. Even if an insurer does not cover the cause of damage, coverage should be available for the effects.

Proof of Purchase

It can also be helpful to gather receipts or other proof of purchase for damaged contents. Check your policy to ensure that the replacement cost of items is covered rather than the actual cash value. Given depreciation, the latter may not be sufficient to replace items with severe damage.

A Restoration Estimate

Insurers prefer to work with an established water damage mitigation and restoration company. Obtain an estimate for the cleanup and restoration processes by contacting a company that provides both services. This calculation may be more accurate and complete than estimates from more than one business.

All of this information can help a homeowner filing an insurance claim for water damage. Be aware that homeowners insurance does not cover any damage caused by flooding. A separate flood insurance policy is necessary for damage resulting from heavy rains or rising bodies of water in Hazel Dell, WA.

No, Your Leaky Toilet Is Not Normal

12/24/2018 (Permalink)

Air mover on a water loss in a Vancouver,WA bathroom

To get the most out of your Vancouver, WA, home, you need a functional, attractive and comfortable bathroom. Few things can ruin its condition faster than a leaking toilet. If your commode leaks every time you flush, you may have a bigger problem than you think.

Water Leaks Cause Significant Damage

A bathroom leak is not something you can take lightly. In fact, even a small leak can cause serious damage. If you have a leaky toilet, you may find damage to the following:

• Toilet
  
• Tile
  
• Carpeting
  
• Subfloor
  
• Baseboard
  

Toilet Leaks Are Common

Leaky toilets are a common occurrence. Generally, assigning blame for a leaking toilet is not difficult. In many cases, a dry wax ring is the culprit. To seal properly, rings must remain moist and pliable. As the ring ages, cracks and brittleness can encourage a leak to form. On the other hand, improper installation may be the reason your toilet leaks. Either way, you should not ignore the problem.

Leaks Often Require Remediation

When you have a leak in your bathroom, you must take certain steps to deal with it. While repairing the toilet may stop the leak, it is still possible that you have serious secondary damage. Specifically, you may need to remove and replace damaged fixtures, flooring and other items. You may also need to address mold and mildew growth. Since containing mold requires specific equipment, knowledge and skill, it’s often a good idea to leave the job to a reputable mold remediation service.

If your commode leaks when flushing, you may think a leaking toilet is normal. It isn’t. Your toilet should not spill water onto the floor, but a leak can also cause significant damage. By understanding the typical causes of toilet leaks and knowing how to prevent them, you can keep your bathroom in tip-top shape.

Prevent Water Damage by Caring for Key Home Systems

10/8/2018 (Permalink)

Home water leak in Grove,WA

When you get water in home building materials, the damage is unavoidable and costly. Most materials swell or breakdown, and mold can become a secondary problem if water is not dried thoroughly. While water damage is a common problem that many homeowners experience, most of it is preventable. Here are some key systems, in and out of your home, to check right now to reduce your chance of water damage:

Pipes and Plumbing.

Inspect pipes, hoses and connections in your search for drips and leaks since even the tiniest of these can develop into a significant pipe cleanup job. Sometimes you may not see leaking water, so you need to look for clues: rust, mold, stains, and damaged materials that peel or buckle.

Roof and Water Drainage

Check inside your attic and look for stains in the ceiling for signs of rain water in the home already. Check outside, during or after rain, to make sure gutters and downspouts flow freely. If you see areas that pool around your foundation, consider lengthening the end of your downspouts, adding French drains or grading the land away from your house.

Basement Pump System

Whether you have a storm or a broken pipe, the first line of defense in the basement is the sump pump. Clear debris from the pump so that it is ready for action. Periodically check your sump pump, by adding a little water to the sump pit, to make sure it works.

Septic Tank

You may think your tank doesn’t need pumped because you never have problems, but all that wonderful microbial digestion happening inside your tank still results in a byproduct of sludge that takes up valuable capacity and must be removed with periodic pumping. Check with your local extension in Grove, WA, for recommendations on septic pumping based on the size of your home and number of occupants.

Make flood water in the home an unlikely problem by routinely inspecting key home systems, and by doing maintenance routinely. You know you can count on professionals, day or night, to minimize damage by removing water fast.

3 Types of Contaminated Water

8/14/2018 (Permalink)

Water loss on a bathroom in a Felida, WA home

Water damages are a frustrating and time-consuming problem. When you take into account the risks associated with contaminated water and the possibility of secondary water damage, the entire situation can be very overwhelming. It's important that you identify the type of water you're dealing with before you decide to handle any repairs on your own. Sewer backups, for example, contain black water and should only be addressed by a Felida, WA, professional.

1. Clean Water

Category 1 water is safe to handle. During a flooding situation, clean water may come from a leaky faucet or a break somewhere in the supply line. Unfortunately, if the situation isn't resolved, clean water can become contaminated and turn into category 2 or 3 water. Work quickly to thoroughly clean up and dry out your home when it is affected by clean water.

2. Gray Water

This contaminated water may cause trouble, but isn't as hazardous as black water, unless left untreated. It may carry viruses, bacteria, or urine, but it doesn't contain any feces. Overflowing toilets, dishwashers, and washing machines are some sources of gray water. Depending on what's in the water, it may be safe for you to handle this type of flooding on your own. If you aren't sure, contact a water damage specialist.

3. Black Water

The most serious of the three categories of contaminated water is black water. This type of contamination often contains untreated sewage, bacteria and viruses, chemicals, and microbial growth. Any contact with this type of water could lead to severe, lasting damages. Any water entering your home from the sewer system or from outside your home should be treated as black water.

Water damage is assessed to ensure the well-being of your family and home. Work closely with professionals who have the right training and equipment to deal with a flooding situation. You'll have lasting peace of mind, knowing that flooding has been dealt with appropriately.

Inspect and Respect Your Bathroom Supply Lines

6/21/2018 (Permalink)

Warranties are there to cover any water supply line leak.

A leak in any plumbing connections to your bathroom in Vancouver, WA, is worrisome. Supply line damage is often a source of flooding and costly repairs if untreated. To be proactive, it is beneficial for homeowners to know what to check and when to replace a supply line.

Know the Different Types of Warranties

Knowing what type of supply line is in your bathroom allows you to understand what warranty is offered if you find any damage. Most pipes have typical warranties depending on their material and the specific manufacturer:

• Plastic: five to eight years
• Copper: fifty years
• Steel braided: lifetime

Check the Valve Nut of the Supply Line

It’s important to identify exactly where the water is coming from. In the case of a toilet or sink leak, there are a few locations of where potential failure can happen. This involves checking if the connections are snug.

The nut holding the supply line to the valve may be loose and need tightening. If you find the nut is broken, it was probably overtightened and now needs replacement. If the bathroom leak doesn’t stop after tightening, you probably have supply line damage that requires a new line.

Evaluate the Water Line Valve Connection

After checking the smaller nut, there is a larger one to also tighten and check. While working on this one, water must be turned off to the bathroom to prevent flooding.

If the connection is threaded, the supply line needs to be removed before working on it. Using pliers and a wrench, the valve should be secured as gently as possible. The water should be turned back on and checked for leaks. If the leaking stops, reattach the supply line if it was removed.

Seek Help If the Leaking Won’t Stop

Warranties are there to cover any water supply line leak. It’s advised to check with the manufacturer of the connector for warranty details and reach out to your insurance for repairs or replacement. Damage caused by supply line damage, while unfortunate, can be offset by industry-standard procedures used by an expert bathroom water damage cleanup crew. Regardless of how far the water gets, it can be remedied. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROwvancouverclarkco.com/.

Hidden Water In Vancouver

5/31/2018 (Permalink)

Here to Help.

It's the water that you don't see after a leak that causes the most problems. 

It could contain bacteria, mold and other unseen damage. Before you risk further damaging the value of your facility or home by attempting to independently clean up the mess, call the SERVPRO professionals to ensure all aspects of your water damage are addressed properly. ensuring that further damage is not caused from hesitating to take action. SERVPRO professionals are trained to clean and restore your facility or home by identifying the water source, measuring the temperature and humidity for drying analysis, surveying the extent of the damage, performing emergency extractions, applying necessary treatments, utilize drying equipment and monitor drying, and disposing of all refuse.. We work closely with most all insurance carriers making the process run smoothly. "Like it never even happened." 

Please call SERVPRO of W. Vancouver/Clark Co. as soon as possible 24 hours a day 7 days a week service and response.

Wiki Water Damage Information

5/31/2018 (Permalink)

Water Damage Extraction

Did you know that drywall exposed to standing water can wick up the wall at a rate of one inch per hour for the first 24 hours? 

If untouched for a few days it will eventually make it all the way up to the seam at the four foot mark of the wall. This has the potential to create serious problems.  Extracting standing water immediately stops the wicking and can reduce your drying time by more than a day.

It is 1,200 times easier to physically remove water than it is to evaporate it! This is why thorough professional extraction is the best approach and can reduce drying time and reduce further mitigation damages.  Why take the risk? 

Let the professional access the situation and begin the process. We work closely with most Insurance Carriers for your protection.

Call a SERVPRO franchise professional and let us make it..."Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of W. Vancouver/ Clark Co. @ 360-254-0049

Water Damage Prevention

5/1/2018 (Permalink)

We can help! Call SERVPRO of W. Vancouver & Clark Co. today! (360) 254-0049

Burst Pipes in the water system is one of the most common plumbing problems both in the home and the public system. Several things can cause Burst Pipes, the main one been freezing conditions.

The pipe can be put under a great pressure through the system and any fault in the piping will be exposed over time and broken down. The effects of burst pipes can be dramatic and devastating all at the same time. A burst pipe on the main system can cause damage to property, put people out of homes and even close an entire area of a town and roads for a number of days. This can leave people without water and even homes for days.

We have integrated such complicated plumbing systems in our homes such as waste disposals, boilers and even garden features. Burst pipes within the home is simply the worst thing that can happen to your plumbing system. It is not the cost of the repair of the pipe or even the loss of the water whilst it is fixed, but the sheer amount and cost of the damage water can do.

If a pipe bursts in the ceiling or floor it can be some time before you notice and all too often the first you know is when the bulge appears or the water flows in a torrent.

The potential water loss from burst pipes in your house can be as much as 400 litres, that’s 2 full baths an hour. This means if you were away for a full day you could have up to 9,600 litres of water or 48 full baths of water in your house from burst pipes. If you were away for the week you could lose 47,200 litres of water in that week. The amount of litres lost is the equivalent to 336 full baths of water running through your house. 

If you do occur a water leak in your home or business call  SERVPRO of W. Vancouver / Clark Co. immediately! (360) 254-0049

4 Top Checklist Items for Plumbing Maintenance Inspections

4/23/2018 (Permalink)

Plumbing problems can happen in any building. Normal wear and tear, plumbing age and quality of a system’s construction materials all have an impact on plumbing performance. Being proactive in keeping a Vancouver, WA, commercial building’s plumbing system in good operating condition is a great way to protect your investment. It can also help you avoid a much more inconvenient and costly plumbing emergency in the future. Scheduling regular plumbing inspections may help identify small problems to be addressed before they become large. These four top checklist items for a plumbing maintenance inspection cover areas generally considered critical to proper operation of a plumbing system.

1. Fixtures

Quiet leaks and drips from fixtures such as toilets and faucets can waste thousands of gallons of water annually. Fixtures are typically tested during a maintenance inspection. Repairing these silent leaks may save a lot of money on future water bills.

2. Pipes

A visual inspection of pipes can be done to uncover evidence of leaks and signs of corrosion. When significant visible corrosion is noted, it may be a signal that the pipes are close to the end of their useful life. This can give you the opportunity to make a plan before the aging plumbing causes a bigger problem, such as a broken pipe.

3. Drains

A test of drains can uncover any blockages that need to be cleared. Slow draining sinks or toilets that require regular plunging may indicate a blockage. If allowed to persist, blockages can lead to backups and overflows with accompanying water damage.

4. Valves

Testing valves for proper operation may help prevent valve failure. Broken or faulty valves can add challenges to water main maintenance and repair. A simple check of a valve’s ability to open and close can be all that is needed to avert larger plumbing problems in the future.

While some plumbing problems may be unavoidable, it is generally much easier to make preventive plumbing corrections based on recommendations from a routine maintenance inspection than defer routine repairs.

For more information, please visit us athttp://www.SERVPROwvancouverclarkco.com/.

2 Methods Professionals Use To Handle Your Wet Building Materials

3/29/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage in your Vancouver, WA, home can lead to extensive issues with the building materials in your living space. Anything from swelling wood to deteriorating insulation can occur as a result of a supply line leak or a pipe burst within your walls or under the floorboards. Therefore, it’s important to not only seek professional help for water pipe repair but to ensure that your property’s structural work is safe and intact. Here’s how the professionals can handle your building materials if they’ve been compromised by water damage.

1. They replace the swollen wood from any affected areas.

Whether you’ve sustained water damage to your kitchen cabinets, your living room floor or elsewhere, trained technicians are likely to replace any wood that has swelled to prevent any structural issues in the future. If the leak was bad enough and the spread of damage carried on for some time, tearing apart your carpets or floorboards to reach and replace the subfloor could be a necessity. Thankfully, for situations that aren’t dire, any drywall or real wood materials can often simply be dried and saved, preventing you from receiving a larger bill down the road.

2. They remove any wet insulation in the walls.

While swelling wood is a problem in itself, having untreated wet insulation in the home can become an even bigger problem. Therefore, water damage professionals will often remove damp areas of insulation to determine any stud damage that may be hiding behind the wet material or to simply replace the insulation altogether to prevent disintegration or mold growth.

When water damage has occurred to your Vancouver, WA, home’s building materials and you need water pipe repair, it’s important to call upon the help of trained technicians. With their help, your residence can be cleared of any swelling wood or other hazardous materials or waste, and you can gain peace of mind knowing your home is safe again for you and your family.

For more information, visit us at http://www.SERVPROwvancouverclarkco.com/.

Water Damage Caused by Ice Dams

9/27/2017 (Permalink)

If you encounter water damage this winter pick up the phone and call SERVPRO of Vancouver 24/7 365 days a year! (360) 695-4418

An Ice Dam is a hump of ice that forms at the edge of a roof under certain wintertime conditions. An ice dam can damage both your roof and the inside of your home. It will put gutters and downspouts at risk too.

There are several things you can do to avoid getting an ice dam or to reduce the risk of damage after one has formed, but there’s really only one cure: a combination of better sealing, insulation, and venting in the attic and eaves.

HOW DO ICE DAMS FORM?

An ice dam forms when the roof over the attic gets warm enough to melt the underside of the layer of snow on the roof. The water trickles down between the layer of snow and the shingles until it reaches the eave of the roof, which stays cold because it extends beyond the side of the house. There, the water freezes, gradually growing into a mound of ice.

The flatter the pitch of the roof, the easier it is for an ice dam to get a grip. Gutters at the eaves can also trap snow and ice. If snow and ice build up high enough in the gutter, it can provide a foundation for an ice dam.

WHAT DAMAGE DO ICE DAMS CAUSE?

When an ice dam gets big enough, melted water backs up behind it and seeps underneath the shingles. Eventually, it will drip into the insulation and down into the ceilings and exterior walls beneath the eave, ruining sheetrock and paint. If the ice dam breaks free, it can pull shingles and gutters off with it, and it will damage anything it falls on: shrubs, windowsills, cars, pets, and people. If the roof sheathing stays wet, it can form mildew and start to rot.

HOW CAN YOU DEAL WITH AN ICE DAM?

There are two avenues of attack: dealing with an existing ice dam and preventing one in the first place.

DEALING WITH EXISTING ICE DAMS

1. Remove the ice dam by breaking it free in small chucks. Do NOT use an ax or other sharp tool! You’ll cut through the shingles. Instead, tap lightly with a blunt mallet. This is slow, dangerous work, so hire someone experienced at roofing. Even if you do it safely, the chunks of ice can take pieces of shingle with them.

2. Clear out gutters and downspouts. Again, this is ladder work and an easy way to damage either plastic or metal gutters and spouts.

3. Melt troughs through the ice dam with calcium chloride ice melter. Do NOT use rock salt! It will damage paint, metals, and plants beneath the eave and wherever the salty water drains.

A good trough-maker is a tube of cloth (a leg from an old pair of panty hose works well). Fill it with calcium chloride, tie off the top, and lay it vertically across the ice dam. It will slowly melt its way down through the dam, clearing a path for the underlying water to flow free.

PREVENTING ICE DAMS

You can scrape snow from the roof whenever it falls, using a snow rake from below or a broom or plastic shovel from above. BE CAREFUL: The first method can bury you in snow, while the second can send you slipping off the roof. Hire someone who knows how to use a safety line.

You can replace your shingle roof with standing seam or other metal roof. Or you can replace the bottom three feet or so of your shingle roof with a wide metal drip edge. Whatever you do, install a water-repellent membrane under any new roofing.

NOTE: If your roof is not very steep, an ice dam can still form on metal roofing and drip edges.

THE CURE

All of these methods treat the symptoms, not the underlying problem, which is the warm roof, caused by poor insulation and venting of the space under the roof. We have found that the only way to cure an ice dam – and prevent one in the first place – is to:

1. Seal all points where warm air leaks from the living space into the spaces immediately below the roof sheathing.

2. Insulate the living space well enough to prevent conduction and convection of heat through the ceiling.

3. Vent the space between the insulation and the roof sheathing, so any heat that does leak through is carried away.

Why Hire Your Local SERVPRO Professionals

6/26/2017 (Permalink)

Please reach out to us with questions or concerns 24/7 365 days a year (360) 695-4418

Water damage can happen to your home or business when you least expect it. Sometimes it may be as a result of leakages that you have been ignoring, or it can be an aftermath of a fire or flooding. Therefore, it might find you when you are not prepared financially to hire external help. So the first thing that will come to your mind is how to fix the water damage on your own to save money. You can do a very good job at dealing with water damage in your home in some situations, but if the damage is too severe, you will need the input of well-trained SERVPRO professionals to fix it for you. Here are the reasons why hiring professionals to do the work is the most prudent thing to do;

Once on site, professionals can quickly determine what items have been severely ruined by water damage. They will begin by getting rid of any porous items that could have come into contact with water because they tend to absorb too much water which can act as breeding grounds for harmful microbes. These items include mattresses, particle board, box springs, and pillows.

SERVPRO professionals will also identify any pockets that are holding excess moisture and remove the water. They have special equipment that they can use to measure moisture in hidden areas such as beneath tiles and other materials that do not become wet easily. When they find the hidden pockets, they will expose them to air by taking out the tile or material above it. They will also clean all areas with moisture using methods such as pressure washing with strong detergents. They will also accelerate the process of drying to prevent mold growth or any harmful bacteria. If the SERVPRO professionals discover the presence of bacteria or mold in your house, they will use mechanical or chemical methods to eradicate it.

At SERVPRO of W. Vancouver / Clark Co., we have experienced professionals who can spot compromised areas in your house and do everything possible to restore it. They are IICRC certified through a recognized organization. 

Please reach out to us with questions or concerns 24/7 365 days a year (360) 695-4418