Signs your refrigerator is leaking

3/9/2023 (Permalink)

When your supply lines leak, water damage may occur.

Are you experiencing a drop in temperature inside your refrigerator? Does it feel like there's a wet spot under the door of your fridge? These are both signs that your refrigerator is leaking. If you suspect a water leak from your refrigerator, give the professionals a call immediately.

Your refrigerator is leaking.

If your refrigerator is leaking, it could be from a variety of places. The most common leaks are from the back or bottom. The water will usually be pooling on the floor and coming from behind the appliance. If you see this happening, it's time to call in an expert!

If your refrigerator is leaking at its base (the bottom), then there may be a hole in one of its rubber feet or legs that needs replacing. It's important that you replace all four feet if they're worn out since this can cause serious damage to your flooring over time if left unseen.

Water line leak.

If you notice water dripping from the back of your refrigerator, it could be a sign that the water line is leaking. The water line is the tube that connects the ice maker to the drain. To fix this problem, you may need to replace the water line or make sure the water line is tight and secure.

Drop in the temperature inside your refrigerator.

If the temperature inside your refrigerator drops below 40 degrees, it's possible that there is a leak. If the temperature is above 40 degrees and there is no leak, then it's probably just a problem with your thermostat. If you notice that your fridge isn't cooling as well as it used to or if there is any moisture at all on or around your appliance check for water stains on the floors, and condensation on the shelves.

In order to avoid water damage in your home, it's important to know when your refrigerator is leaking and take the appropriate measures to fix it as soon as possible. A leaking refrigerator can cause serious damage if not addressed immediately. Here are some signs that your refrigerator may be leaking. If you have any questions, reach out to an appliance repair service or SERVPRO of Weston / West Davie.

Dishwasher Maintenance

2/16/2023 (Permalink)

When your leaking dishwasher malfunctions, give SERVPRO of Weston/West Davie a call today!

It's no fun to come home from work to find a damp mess on your kitchen floor. If you've been noticing water underneath or around your dishwasher, it's possible that you have a leak.

Why is My Dishwasher Leaking?

There are plenty of reasons why a dishwasher may leak. A number of factors can lead to water spilling out of the bottom, including clogged drains, damaged hoses and faulty door seals. A leaking door seal or faulty latch on the door are other possible causes for leakage. The most common reason for leakage is a clogged drain which carries water into the dishwasher and out through its bottom during operation.

What Causes a Dishwasher to Leak?

The first step to fixing a leaky dishwasher is determining the cause of the leak. There are three main reasons why a dishwasher is leaking:

• The dishwasher isn't level, causing water to pool in one side of the machine.
• The dishwasher isn't installed correctly and needs to be leveled before it can function properly.
• The drain line for your sink and air gap for your plumbing may not be installed correctly, causing water to back up into your dishwasher and leak out onto your floor.

Clean the Dishwasher Drain

If your dishwasher is leaking, the first thing to do is check for a clog in the drain hose. This is usually done by removing the hose from where it connects to the sink, turning on hot water with soap and letting it run until there's no more suds coming down. If this doesn't work, use a snake or wire hanger to clear any blockages from inside of the drain itself (you may need to do this with hot water running). If that still doesn't help, try using a small brush or sponge to clean out any debris stuck in your drain hose and make sure that it isn't damaged. Keeping the dishwasher drain clean can help prevent future water damage.

Simple Repairs

If you are experiencing a leak, it's best to troubleshoot the issue before calling a technician. You can save time and money by performing some simple repairs yourself.

To begin your troubleshooting process, check for any obvious problems:

• Check if there is anything blocking or restricting the flow of water in your dishwasher. For example, clean out any debris that may have accumulated around the pump seal or drain hose connections under the sink.
• Make sure that all hoses are fastened securely so that they don’t rub against each other when pushing in downspouts. Also look for any missing or loose gaskets on connection points like pumps and hoses where they connect together with rubber washers or clamps

There are many reasons a dishwasher can leak, from faulty installation to poor maintenance. If you’re experiencing a leak in your dishwasher, don’t panic! Just remember to start by checking for signs of water damage and then try these simple troubleshooting tips to repair the problem before it gets worse.

The Fire Damage Restoration Process

1/24/2023 (Permalink)

Fire damage can be devastating for your home or business.

Fire damage can be devastating for your home or business. It’s important to call a professional fire damage restoration company as soon as possible. We've outlined the steps we take when handling fire restoration projects, so you know what to expect.

What is Fire Damage Restoration?

Fire damage restoration is the process of repairing damage to property due to fire. It can include anything from cleaning up soot and smoke stains to repairing or replacing damaged walls, ceilings, and floors. Fire damage restoration does not only apply to homes but also to businesses, vehicles, and other types of structures.

It is a multi-step process that begins with extinguishing the fire, followed by removing debris from the scene of the incident. This includes broken glass and other items that may be hazardous if left unattended at your property. Next comes drying out areas affected by water used during extinguishing efforts or during initial cleanup attempts.

Then, the next step in this process involves restoring your home or business back to pre-fire condition through reconstruction and repairs.

First Step: Calling the Experts

The first step in the fire damage restoration process is to call a restoration company. The sooner you call, the sooner you can begin to get your life back to normal. 

The second step is getting an estimate from that company so that you can compare costs and decide which company is best for your needs. You should ask for references from people who have used them before, as well as any other information that will help you make an informed decision about whether this particular firm is right for you. Make sure they are licensed and insured before making a final decision!

Finally, once everything has been finalized with the chosen service provider, it's time to begin work on restoring your home or business back to its former glory!

The Cleanup Process

After a fire, you need to get your life back on track—and fast. When something as destructive as a fire strikes, it can take a toll on your entire home. Not only do you have to replace the things that were damaged or destroyed, you also have to deal with smoke damage and other cleanup concerns.

The fire damage cleanup process is usually handled by professional contractors who specialize in this kind of work. They'll remove any moisture present with water extraction equipment. Then, they’ll remove damaged materials, such as carpeting or drywall, and then thoroughly clean the affected areas. They may also use deodorizers and disinfectants to ensure that there is no residual smoke odor left behind after the cleaning process is complete.

The Restoration Process

After cleanup comes rebuilding—this can take anywhere from a few days up to several weeks depending on what needs to be done. This can involve anything from replacing damaged items such as flooring or walls to replacing any broken windows or doors that were damaged during the fire.

Call SERVPRO for Fire Damage Cleanup & Restoration

If you need fire damage restoration help, don't hesitate to call SERVPRO of Weston/West Davie. We are available 24/7 and are happy to assist you with the entire process. Our professionals have the training and equipment necessary to remove smoke, soot, and other contaminants from your home or business. We're also licensed and insured, so our team can always be trusted in your home or business.

How To Repair Laminate Flooring Water Damage

12/9/2022 (Permalink)

Wet damaged flooring

How to Fix Water Damaged Laminate Flooring

If you’re reading this, it’s likely because you have some water damage to your laminate flooring. It doesn’t matter whether that damage is new or old; we're going to give you all the information you need to get started with repairing your laminate floors.

Preparing the flooring.

To prepare the flooring, first remove any loose debris and wipe the laminate with a damp cloth. 

Next, set up fans if you are drying the flooring in a room. Fans will help dry out your laminate more quickly than other methods, which can help prevent permanent damage from occurring due to prolonged exposure to moisture over time (which would cause mold). If there is no way for natural air flow into or out of this area due to walls being built around it, then consider placing an air conditioner under or near where it sits so that hot/cold air won’t mix, creating condensation on both sides of where they meet at each end point.

Assessing the damage.

First off, is your flooring damaged in one area or many? If it’s only one small section of your flooring, chances are that won't be too much of a problem and may just require a bit more time on your part. However, if there are multiple areas of laminate water damage throughout your home or office space then repairing those areas all at once can be quite overwhelming (not to mention costly).

Second: how deep into the wood did the water get? The deeper into the wood it gets, the harder it will be for you to fix this issue yourself without having some professional help. This could mean hiring someone or at least making sure they know what they are doing before starting any repairs yourself! You don't want them ruining an entire room worth of laminate flooring because they didn't know how far out into each plank they should go while working on fixing whatever caused this mess in first place.

Repairing water damage to laminate flooring.

When water damage occurs in laminate flooring, it is important to act quickly to prevent further damage. The moisture from the water will enter the core of the laminate flooring and cause it to warp, cup, become brittle and crack. If you do not fix this type of damage immediately, then it will get worse over time.

When repairing your wet laminate flooring, you have two options: use an electric heat gun or hair dryer on high heat. With either one of these tools, hold them over the damaged area until they are completely dry (this may take several minutes). Once they are dry, they should be fine again.

Cleaning the flooring and removing any mildew or mold.

Cleaning the flooring and removing any mildew or mold:

• Use a vacuum to remove any dirt or debris that has settled on your laminate flooring.
• Buy a mildew remover from your local hardware store or use a solution of 50% water and 50% vinegar (we recommend making enough for both sides of your laminate if you're working with two-sided flooring). Apply this mixture directly onto the area where there is mildew, let set for 10 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water until all traces are gone.
• If you find any mold growing on your laminate, scrub it off using bleach diluted in water. Once again, make sure that all areas have been thoroughly cleaned before proceeding further into repairs!

Dealing with cupping and warping of laminate flooring.

To straighten warped boards, place a flat board on top of the flooring and press down firmly. You can also use a damp cloth to wipe away any dirt or dust that may be preventing the flooring from lying flat.

Cupping is another form of laminate water damage that can occur when moisture penetrates through your laminate flooring’s protective layers, causing it to bow downward in ridges like waves along its surface. To prevent cupping, you should place heavy objects (like books) on top of your flooring as soon as possible after it's been exposed to water. This will help weigh down the warped boards until they're dry enough for you to repair them with new adhesive strips, or another type of adhesive known as T-peel tape

Knowing how to deal with laminate flooring water damage, especially when a leak occurs can help you fix it yourself before it gets worse.

Water damage can cause laminate flooring to warp and cup. It's important to know the signs of water damage so that you can do the necessary repairs before too much damage has been done to your floors. Here are some steps that you should take if you have noticed any signs of water damage on your laminate flooring:

• Inspect the room for moisture stains or discoloration on the surface of the flooring in high traffic areas such as doorways and closets.
• Check all seams, joints, around skirting boards and under furniture if possible - look out for any telltale signs like buckled floorboards (caused by expansion) or warping (due to contraction).

The best thing you can do is to keep an eye on the flooring, especially if you have a large leak or flooding event. If it doesn't get fixed quickly enough, then you may end up with mold or mildew growth that can ruin your material and make it harder for you to repair later.

Will the Insurance Company Cover My Broken Pipe?

11/5/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage in a Davie, FL home.

Will Insurance Cover the Repairs of Water Damage

Water damage can happen to anyone. It’s one of the most common household disasters, and it can be caused by a number of things. The good news is that homeowners insurance can cover water damage—but only if you act fast. Here are the top insurance claims for flood damage.

We know that in an uncontrollable and unexpected event like water damage, your first call is to the insurance company. In addition to paying for the cost to replace items damaged by the water damage (if there are no other options), your insurance company will also cover any personal belongings lost or damaged in this type of situation. The source of the flooding will make a difference in how insurance handles the claim. 

Broken Water Pipe / Water Heater

Broken water pipes and heaters can become a problem in your home or business. Insurance claims will be different depending on why they broke. To help make sure you can get an accident covered, make sure all of your pipes are in good condition and regularly checked for leaks. Preventative maintenance on appliances such as the water heater is often required by law; make sure you are doing this regularly!

Household Appliance Malfunction

If you have a household appliance that has broken and needs to be repaired, your insurance company will cover it if the cause was an appliance malfunction. It is important to note that there are a few instances where you would not be covered for these repairs. For example, if the damage was caused by your pet or someone else in your home, it will not be covered by your policy.

Sump Pump Failure

If you have a sump pump and it fails, your crawl space will fill with water. Sump pumps are used to remove water from the lowest point in a house. They're often installed in crawl spaces, though they could be anywhere that needs to be protected from flooding.

If your sump pump fails, you might want to replace it with one that's more durable and reliable. The best ones come with backup batteries so they'll keep working even if there's a power outage or something else goes wrong.

Backed Up Sewer Drain/Septic Tank System

A backed-up sewer drain is when sewage flows backward through your plumbing system and into your home. The problem can occur for many reasons, including:

• Inadequate drainage in the soil surrounding the pipe leading to your septic tank or wastewater treatment plant. This can be caused by poor soil compaction and /or overuse of water causing excessive runoff into your pipes.
• A broken pipe inside your home that allows sewage to flow backward into your house.

If left untreated, a backed-up sewer drain can cause major damage to floors, walls, and ceilings of the area where it originates (i.e., where it enters the home).

If you have a leaking or broken pipe in your Davie, FL home or business, call SERVPRO of Weston/West Davie. We are a trusted company with experience in water damage and insurance claims. Our team is available 24/7 to help you get water damage restoration started!

What To Do After a Fire

10/11/2022 (Permalink)

Fire in a home

After the Fire

If you've been through a fire in your home, you might be wondering what to do next. The good news is that fires are very common and the insurance companies have gotten pretty good at handling them. Here's what you need to know:

Call Your Insurance Company

If you've been in a fire, it's important to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. This will get the ball rolling on getting your home back up and running again.

It's also important to get an estimate for fire restoration services, smoke cleaning services, and building repair services if needed.

Document the Damage

If your home has been damaged by fire, you'll need to document the damage before any repairs can begin. That means taking photos of all damaged areas and video of any smoke or fire damage. You should also keep your photos and video in chronological order as they're taken so you can easily reference them later.

Don't forget that if there's a lot of smoke or water damage, you may want to keep some clothes in plastic bags until it's been thoroughly cleaned by professional restoration services.

One last thing: don't touch anything that is damaged until the fire restoration team arrives—you could potentially make matters worse!

Keep Accurate Records

When you are cleaning up after a fire, it is important to keep track of all costs associated with the cleanup and replacement. You may need this information in order to get reimbursed by your insurance company.

Keep receipts for any expenses that you incur during the cleanup process. Record the date, time and amount spent on each receipt (e.g., “10/24/2018 at 12:00 pm for $25”). Make sure you keep a record of how much time you spent on each task. For example: “Cleaned bathroom from 10/24/2018 at 5:00 pm until 10/25/2018 at 4:30 pm = 3 hours 30 minutes.” If there were additional expenses related to your cleaning efforts, make sure that these are also recorded in detail; for example: “Took a taxi from 10/25/2018 at 6:15 pm back home = $50."

The right fire restoration service can take care of a lot of these details for you.

In addition to helping with insurance claims, documentation, cleanup, and replacement services, a professional fire restoration company can also provide you with smoke cleaning and board-up services. If you’re looking for commercial building fire damage repair or restoration in any part of the country, a professional fire restoration company is likely to be well-equipped to handle your needs.

• If you need help after an accident or other disaster strikes your home or business—don’t hesitate to call a professional company like SERVPRO of Weston/West Davie has been providing superior service for years. We are available 24/7/365! 

Tips to Protect your Business During a Severe Rain or Thunder Storm

8/30/2022 (Permalink)

Maintain the landscape in your business property

Tips To Mitigate Potential Damage From A Severe Storm

You can minimize rain storm damage to your Weston, FL, business by cleaning your gutters, inspecting your roof and installing a backflow valve. When a storm brings high winds with thunder and lightning, you will need to apply additional measures to protect your employees and property from harm. 

Stay Away From Doors and Windows
Destructive wind can accompany a severe storm and shatter glass windows, skylights and doors with heavy debris that it carries with it. In addition to instructing employees to remain inside during a severe storm, be sure they know to keep away from all glass windows or doors that could pose a danger if they shatter.

Install a Lightning Rod
Lightning poses a significant danger to your business during a severe thunderstorm, including:

• Fire or explosion
• Short-circuiting of electronics
• Damage to building structure
  
  

Install a lightning rod to prevent lightning from striking your business. The rod will absorb and divert the flow of electricity into the ground, preventing it from targeting your business.

Maintain The Landscape
Significant rain storm damage cleanup is often due to a poorly maintained landscape consisting of overgrown trees whose branches collapse under the weight of heavy, rain-soaked leaves. Keeping trees well-pruned can prevent limbs from falling and damaging your building's structure. Preparing your landscape for a storm by removing signs and moveable objects and debris can reduce the risk of strong winds carrying and depositing them where they can damage your facility.

Keep a Well-Stocked First Aid Kit
Taking measures to keep your employees and customers safe can't always prevent injuries. Taking a periodic inventory of your first aid equipment will ensure you can appropriately treat any injured employees and customers until help arrives.
If you own a business in Weston, FL, you can take preventative measures to protect your property and employees from the damage caused by a severe rain storm, with thunder, lightning and other dangerous conditions.

How To Deal With Water Damage in Your Place of Business

8/25/2022 (Permalink)

Extracting standing water from commercial building

Anyone who has had to deal with pipe burst cleanup knows water damage can be a serious business. Have you recently had a broken pipe in your office in Weston, FL? The severity of the water damage and how much of the building was affected can determine whether you should handle the job yourself or if you should call a professional restoration company to help.

Where To Begin

First, make sure the place is evacuated. Don’t have customers or employees in the building until after the affected areas have been cleaned and inspected. Take safety precautions before you start the pipe burst cleanup process:

• Turn off the power to the building.
• Unplug all electrical cords.
• Remove appliances and electronics from the area.
  
  

How To Clean Up
Once you have taken the necessary precautions, begin to clean the mess. Start by removing any soaked items such as area rugs and carpeting. Then mop up the water or soak it up with old towels and rags. Try to air the building out by turning on fans and opening all windows and doors to get a cross breeze. Use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air.
After you clean up the excess water, check for damage. Look at the floors and walls to see if water has soaked through. If you see signs of water damage, it is best to call a sewer cleanup company to come help. Mold can begin to grow if any moisture is not properly cleaned. If mold has already begun to grow, it is even more vital to call professionals.
Pipe burst cleanup can be a real hassle. Fortunately, there are services available to help. The sooner you begin the process of drying things up, the better. Don’t wait for mold to develop before you have the area cleaned. Be proactive in these situations to avoid preventable issues.

Lesser Known Ways To Get Rid Of Cigarette Smoke Odors In Your Home

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

Ozone can be an effective tool for home deodorization

Unknown Techniques For Eliminating Cigarette Smoke Smells in Your Home

The smell of cigarette smoke is probably not welcome in your Weston, FL, home. Even when the smoke has been eliminated, the odor tends to be consuming. Most people know to open windows and get rid of cigarette butts, but these methods aren't fully effective. So, here are some lesser-known ways to get rid of cigarette odors.

Steam Deodorization
If you're partial to natural remedies, smoke-based home deodorization could be the right method for you. It may not completely fix the problem, but it can help. Simply boil water and add in pleasant-smelling ingredients. These are a few substances to try:

• Essential oils
• Fruit
• Sweet-smelling extracts (such as vanilla or orange)

Let the steam waft through your house for about a half-an-hour.

Activated Charcoal
Setting charcoal near areas with strong smoke issues can be very effective. This substance takes in odors from the air around it. You can technically use a regular kind of the black carbon residue, but activated charcoal is more efficient overall.

Change Your Air Filter
Your furnace filter may often be at fault for smells throughout your house. Its function makes it draw in air that contains odors. Not just that, it also filters the air back out with these smells in it. Changing your filter, particularly after a large amount of cigarette smoke has entered your house, can help to prevent this issue.

Ozone
Ozone can be an effective tool for home deodorization. It has an additional oxygen atom in its molecules. This atom tends to latch onto other molecules by breaking away. Therefore, remediation experts may use an ozone generator to get rid of the odor. Be sure to call these experts if the problem is long-lasting.
Cigarette-based odors can be a pervasive presence in your house, but virtually none are impossible to get rid of. If you try multiple methods and stay vigilant, your home deodorization may be one step closer to being completed.

Potential Damage to Solar Panels After a Storm

7/30/2022 (Permalink)

Broken solar panel

Elements That Can Cause A Panel Damage

If you have a solar panel on your roof in Weston, FL, you may be worried about the products getting damaged by a storm. There are a variety of elements that can cause panel damage, including the following:

• High winds
• Heavy rains
• Flying debris

Many panels are designed to withstand bad weather. However, some strong storms may still cause damage to the most durable panels on the market.

Wind

High winds can rip solar panels off of your roof. Most panels are designed to withstand winds of up to 140 mph, but this can vary by state. In areas where tornadoes or hurricanes are common, panels may be made with stronger material to ensure they do not get damaged except in the worst storms. In some cases, the winds may only affect small sections of the panels on your roof.

Water

Heavy rains can cause serious panel and roof damage. If the structure of your roof is weakened, the panels may fall through the deck. If this happens, you may need to hire a storm damage service to fix up the damage done to your roof. Most panels are designed to be watertight, but rain may still make its way into the panels themselves. The insurance policy on your panels may cover water damage.

Impact

Storms can also cause impact damage. This type of solar panel damage can be caused by flying debris or hail. Most panels have a glass surface that can be cracked by stones, branches or hail. However, it usually takes a strong impact to cause any damage because the panels are designed to withstand heavy blows.

Solar panels are a great resource for your house. Because they can be a big investment, they are designed to withstand the negative elements of a storm. If you notice any panel damage after a storm, you may need to assess what caused the damage to figure out how to fix the issue.