by Michelle Davis | Mar 30, 2023 | Water, Flood & Sewage
A water heater leak can be a stressful and potentially dangerous situation. Water damage from a leaking water heater can cause significant damage to your home, and the water itself can pose a safety risk if it comes into contact with electrical wiring. If you notice your water heater leaking, it’s important to act quickly to minimize the damage. Here’s what you should do: Turn Off the Power and Water Supply: The first step in dealing with a leaking water heater is to turn off the power and water supply. This will prevent any more water from entering the tank and causing more damage. Be sure to turn off the power at the circuit breaker and shut off the water supply valve.Drain the Tank: Once the power and water supply are turned off, drain the tank of any water. Attach a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank and direct it to a drain or outside.Call a Professional Restoration Company: A leaking water heater is not a DIY fix. Call a professional restoration company like Savage Restoration to assess the damage and make any necessary repairs. Water damage restoration professionals have the equipment and expertise to safely remove any standing water, dry out the affected area, and make any necessary repairs or replacements.Check for Water Damage: Check the area around the water heater for any signs of water damage. Look for water stains on walls or ceilings, warped or buckled flooring, or any other signs of water damage. If you notice any damage, it’s important to address it as soon as possible to prevent further...
by Michelle Davis | Feb 24, 2023 | Water, Flood & Sewage
Water damage can be a serious issue for any homeowner. It can cause structural damage, mold growth, and a variety of other problems that can be expensive to fix. One of the most common areas where water damage occurs is in the foundation of a home. This is because the foundation is in direct contact with the ground, and if water is not properly drained away from the foundation, it can seep into the foundation and cause damage over time. In this blog post, we will explore some ways to spot water damage from the foundation. Cracks in the foundation One of the most obvious signs of water damage in the foundation is the presence of cracks. These cracks can appear in a variety of sizes and shapes, and may be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal. While small cracks are not necessarily a cause for concern, larger cracks can indicate serious damage. Uneven floors Water damage in the foundation can cause the floors in a home to become uneven. This can be due to the foundation settling unevenly, which can cause the floors to slope or dip. If you notice that your floors are uneven, it is important to have your foundation inspected by a professional. Sticking doors and windows Another sign of water damage in the foundation is doors and windows that stick or are difficult to open and close. This is because the foundation can shift and settle over time, causing the frames of the doors and windows to become misaligned. Dampness or mold If you notice dampness or mold in your basement or crawlspace, this could be...
by Michelle Davis | Nov 7, 2022 | Water, Flood & Sewage
It doesn’t have to rain for days for your home to have water damage. You could discover water problems on a beautiful sunny day! Whether it’s an overloaded washing machine, an overflowing toilet, or a leaking water heater, water damage and cleanup can be devastating and costly. These are some water damage “instigators” in your home: Water heater – Over time they can rust on the bottom, then begin to leak.Dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerators – Hoses deteriorate from the inside out. Rubber hoses consist of two layers of rubber with a cloth fiber inside that deteriorates over time. So what can you do to prevent water damage caused from inside your home? Know where the main water shutoffs are located. Install water shutoff valves on water lines under sinks and toilets and water lines leading to outside faucets.Repair small leaks around water heaters, refrigerators, dishwashers, and other appliances before they become a problem.Know and follow the recommended maintenance procedures for your appliances, such as periodically draining the water heater to clean out the sediment at the bottom of the tank.Check washing machine hoses for signs of deterioration and replace hoses that show any evidence of cracking.Before you leave home for an extended period of time, it’s a good idea to shut off the water valve leading to the washing machine.Run plenty of water when using your garbage disposal so it won’t clog and cause a leak. Don’t wash heavy-duty dirt down drains.Don’t put extremely dirty clothes in the washing machine. Instead, use a garden hose on the soiled items outside the house so the dirt doesn’t get into...
by Michelle Davis | Feb 16, 2022 | Water, Flood & Sewage
Water damage in your home can happen when you least expect it, leaving you caught off guard. When it comes to water damage cleanup, falling victim to these three common myths could actually make the damage caused even worse. Cleanup Can Wait When dealing with water damage, speed is critical. Water can soak into your floors, walls and furniture, and the longer it sits, the worse damage can get. The longer materials in your home are exposed to water, the odds of saving them are greatly decreased. And within 24 hours following water damage, mold growth can begin. The best way to minimize damage and avoid the risk of mold growth is to respond to water damage immediately. The Musty Smell Will Go Away When materials in your home like carpets, drywall and furniture are exposed to water and become saturated, they will hold on to an odor unless treated properly. And as mentioned above, within 24 hours following water damage, the growth of mold can begin. Mold will produce a musty smell which will linger in the affected area and can eventually spread throughout your home. Without proper water extraction, drying and sanitation, these odors can linger in your home and won’t disappear on their own. If The Water Isn’t Visible, It Must Not Be There Water damage that you can see may be the least of your problems. It may not look bad yet, but what is behind walls, in the ceiling, under floors or anywhere else hidden, can be worse than expected. These materials are all porous and will absorb water that you may not see. Even...
by Michelle Davis | Jan 11, 2022 | Water, Flood & Sewage
Preparing your home for winter is an important annual ritual for homeowners. For instance, did you know that adding insulation in your attic could help prevent ice dams this winter? And don’t forget that tuning up your heating system ahead of time can help prevent more costly emergency repairs at the height of a storm, when it can be difficult to find supplies and licensed contractors. The following winter maintenance tips can help you prepare your home to withstand another cold season and avoid the disaster frozen pipes can bring. Which Pipes Are Most At Risk Pipes that are the most exposed to the elements, including those outdoors and along the exterior walls of your home, may need extra protection during winter months. These include the following: Outdoor hose hookups and faucets.Swimming pool supply lines.Lawn sprinkler lines.Water pipes in unheated, interior locations such as basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages and kitchen and bathroom cabinets.Pipes running against exterior walls with little or no insulation. How to Prevent Frozen Pipes Before the winter: Check your home for areas where water pipes are located in unheated or poorly insulated areas. Be sure to check your basement, attic, crawl space, garage and within cabinets containing plumbing. Hot and cold water pipes should both be insulated. During the winter: Close inside valves supplying water to outdoor faucets and hookups.Open outdoor faucets to allow residual water to drain; be sure to keep them open during the cold weather months, while the water supply is turned off.Keep garage doors closed to help protect water pipes located in the garage.Open the doors on cabinets where plumbing is...
by Michelle Davis | Nov 10, 2021 | Mold, Water, Flood & Sewage
Floods, sewage backup, plumbing issues or a broken washing machine hose can mean water in your home where it shouldn’t be. Whatever the cause of water damage in your home, it’s important to take necessary steps to prevent further problems. Structural Damage Ignoring signs of water damage for too long can lead to structural damage to your home. Cracks in walls or foundation of your home can become bigger problems down the road. Health Problems Lingering water damage in your home can create the damp environment needed for mold to grow. Inhaling or touching mold spores can lead to health risks for you and your family. Mitigating water damage immediately is your best chance to prevent the growth of mold. Bad Odors Lasting water damage in your home can lead to musty odors, which can also be a sign of mold and mildew growth. Don’t just try to cover it up, address the damage to prevent further issues. Electrical Damage If you don’t address water damage in your home, it can lead to electrical damage which can be a threat to your home and your family. Increased Repair Costs Addressing water in your home right away can help keep damage to a minimum. Ignoring signs can lead to further damage which means higher repair costs in the future. Insurance Coverage Could Be Affected Home insurance can help you cover the costs of damage due to water in your home. If damage is neglected for too long, it can lead to difficulty when making a claim. Unseen Damage Water damage that you can see may be the least of your problems. It...
