Recent Water Damage Posts

Need Water Heater Replacement In Phoenix, AZ? Here Are Some Tips To Consider!

10/15/2021 (Permalink)

Water Damage Restoration, Water Heater Replacement in Phoenix, AZ

Many times after a water damage event, Customers are left with an important question to answer: 

My water heater went out, now what? The Government has stepped up to help you out with these important facts and tools to guide and assist you through this process. 

When selecting a new water heater for your home, choose a water heating system that provides enough hot water for your family and is also  energy efficient to save you money. Consider the different types of water heaters available and determining the right size and fuel source for your home. Check out the Energy Saver 101: Water Heating infographic to learn more about the different types of water heaters and how to select the right model for your home.

Types of Water Heaters

It's a good idea to know the different types of water heaters available before you purchase one:

  • Conventional storage water heaters offer a ready reservoir (storage tank) of hot water which is adequate for everyday use. However, there are some instances, such as when more than one use for hot water is occurring or when there are guests in the home, increasing the requirements for hot water.
  • Tankless or demand-type water heaters heat water directly without the use of a storage tank. This type of water heater is designed to provide an adequate supply of hot water without running out when adequately sized.
  • Heat pump water heaters move heat from one place to another instead of generating heat directly for providing hot water, resulting in high efficiencies and significant cost savings.
  • Solar water heaters use the sun's heat to provide hot water and also save money on energy bills.
  • Tankless coil and indirect water heaters use a home's space heating system to heat water.

Selection Criteria

When selecting the best type and model of water heater for your home, consider the following:

  • Fuel type, availability and cost. The fuel type or energy source you use for water heating will not only affect the water heater's annual operation costs but also its size and energy efficiency. See below for more on selecting fuel types.
  • Size. To provide your household with adequate hot water and maximize efficiency, you need a properly sized water heater. Visit the pages on different types of water heaters (linked above) for more on sizing.
  • Energy efficiency. To maximize energy and cost savings, check the energy efficiency of a water heater before you purchase it. Visit the pages on different types of water heaters (linked above) for more on estimating energy efficiency.
  • Costs. Before you purchase a water heater, it's also a good idea to estimate the annual operating costs and compare those costs with other less or more energy-efficient models. Visit the pages on different types of water heaters (linked above) for more on estimating costs.

Also be sure to examine ways to reduce your hot water use, such as washing clothes in cold water. You may also want to explore other options such as drain-water heat recovery to save money on your water heating bill.

Fuel Types, Availability and Costs for Water Heating

When selecting a new water heater, it's important to consider what fuel type or energy source you will use, including its availability and cost. The fuel used by a water heating system will not only affect annual operation costs but also the water heater's size and energy efficiency.

Exploring Water Heater Options by Fuel Type

Fuel type and its availability in your area may narrow your water heater choices. The following is a list of water heater options by fuel or energy source:

  • Electricity
    Widely available in the United States for conventional storage, tankless or demand-type, and heat pump water heaters. It also can be used with combination water and space heating systems, which include tankless coil and indirect water heaters.
  • Fuel oil
    Available in some areas of the United States to fuel conventional storage water heaters, and indirect combination water and space heating systems.
  • Natural gas
    Available in many areas of the United States to fuel conventional storage and demand (tankless or instantaneous) water heaters, as well as combination water and space heating systems, which include tankless coil and indirect water heaters.
  • Propane
    Available in many areas of the United States to fuel conventional storage and demand (tankless or instantaneous) water heaters, as well as indirect combination water and space heating systems.
  • Solar energy
    Available throughout the United States -- most abundantly in the Southwest -- for solar water heaters.

Comparing Fuel Costs and Water Heater Types

If you have more than one fuel type available in your area, it's a good idea to compare fuel costs, especially if you're building a new home. Even if you're replacing a water heater, you may find that you'll save more money in the long run if you use a different fuel or energy source. However, if you are converting from one fuel type to another, there are other cost considerations, such as adding a breaker or running a gas line to the water heater and venting it outside. Contact your utility for current fuel costs or rates.

The type of water heater you choose will also affect your water heating costs. One type of water heater may use a fuel type more efficiently than another type of water heater. For example, an electric heat pump water heater typically is more energy efficient than an electric conventional storage water heater. Also, an electric heat pump water heater might have lower energy costs than a gas-fired conventional storage water heater, even though local natural gas costs might be lower than the electricity rates.

Fun Facts: Water Damage Restoration In Phoenix, AZ

7/2/2021 (Permalink)

Water Damage Restoration, Phoenix, AZ

Interesting Water Damage Restoration Facts:

Did you know that:

  • 250 gallons of water can leak from a 1/8-inch pipe crack (This is almost 2 times smaller than the diameter of an eraser on a number two pencil)
  • Three-quarters of water heaters fail before the 12-year mark
  • Plumbing supply system failures are the number one source for water supply loss

What does this all have in common? Water! Water can wreak havoc on your residence or place of business... But there is hope, so lets be prepared!

To help this, have a qualified professional check your appliances and water supply lines every few years. Replace them as necessary and remember to not over torque the connection between the hose and the toilet. 

Its also good to monitor your water bill to look for increases in usage or costs to ensure there are no slow undetected leaks.

However, even with quality parts and a qualified professional maintaining them, there is still an opportunity for failure. If that does happen please call SERVPRO of Paradise Valley at 602-341-6737 for all of your water damage restoration needs!

A Little Backed Up? We Can Help! SERVPRO of Paradise Valley Handles Toilet & Sewage Backup that Occurs in Scottsdale, AZ

4/7/2021 (Permalink)

Toilet & Sewage Backup, Cleanup & Restoration in Scottsdale, AZ

Sewer backup is an unfortunate incident that can cause a lot of stress and disruption to your daily life… It may not be as destructive as a fire or a flood, but it presents a variety of health hazards and sanitation issues that can result in considerable property damage and serious personal injury. 

Depending on the severity of the backup, you may be able to take some steps to mitigate the damage, save your belongings, or even handle the problem yourself. Keep in mind that sewage cleanup is a “gross” and “dangerous” job and is not for the faint of heart… But somebody’s got to do it!

Steps To Take After A Sewage Backup

Regardless of whether you intend to hire a professional or attempt to clean it up yourself, there are some important precautionary measures to take as soon as you notice the problem:

  • Evacuate children, seniors, and pets. Stay out of the affected area(s) until they have been thoroughly cleaned. Close doors or limit access to affected areas.
  • Open windows to ventilate the area.
  • Move & transport uncontaminated items out of the affected area.
  • If the affected areas OR items are bigger than what you feel you could comfortably handle by yourself, notify your insurance company. Take several pictures of the spill, as well as the water damaged items and structural materials before the cleanup begins (you could use them as proof for your insurance claim).
  • If the clog is still present, contact a licensed plumber to clear your plumbing lines.

How to Clean Up Sewage Backup

As discussed above, cleaning up sewer backup is a difficult, unpleasant, and comes as a risk to your health. Calling a professional like SERVPRO of Paradise Valley is highly recommended. Outlined below are a few basic tips we recommend you follow to assist you through this process:

  • Wear personal protection equipment (PPE) – rubber gloves, boots, protective eyewear, and a facemask. Make sure your skin doesn’t come in direct contact with the wastewater as sewage spills contain contaminants that can cause serious infections.
  • Close the doors between the contaminated area and the other rooms in your home to prevent tracking sewage water and debris into clean areas and to ensure that airborne sewage-contaminated matter won’t be blown into other spaces.
  • Remove the sewage water as soon as possible.
  • Shovel dirt, soil, and debris into strong plastic bags and dispose of them immediately.
  • Take all items from the affected area to an isolated space with a concrete or tiled floor that can be easily sanitized afterward and keep them there until the plumbing problem is fixed. Discard anything that has been soaked with contaminated water right away; (documenting with photos if filing and insurance claim.)
  • Remove any saturated carpeting, flooring, insulation, wall paneling, drywall, baseboards, etc. and dispose of them in a safe and appropriate manner.
  • Wash & wipe down all the stud walls, floors, and surfaces in the affected area. Use appropriate bactericidal disinfectants.
  • Remove any excess water and let the area air-dry (open the windows if the weather is dry and sunny or run dehumidifiers in the room if it’s cold or rainy outside). Keep in mind that it’s very important to dry out the wet area within 24-48 hours after the accident in order to reduce the risk of mold growth.
  • Take care of the contaminated items.
  • Discard any consumable goods (foods, drinks, spices, etc.) and porous materials (rugs, curtains, upholstery, mattresses, clothes, stuffed toys, books and other paper products, etc.) that have been in direct contact with sewage water.
  • Have contaminated items of high sentimental or monetary value professionally inspected – the experts have advanced equipment, specialized cleaning products, and rich experience in dealing with contaminated content, so they will be able to sanitize and restore any salvageable belongings of yours.
  • Have upholstered furniture and carpets that have been only slightly affected by the wastewater professionally cleaned.
  • Wash all affected items (including furniture and appliances) with antibacterial cleaning products, rinse them well, and take them outside to dry in the sunlight.
  • Place all items from the affected area outside to air out.

These steps are only listed as a high-level outline of how-to cleanup after a sewage backup.

For ANY questions, comments, or concern, please don’t hesitate to call or email us at office@SERVPROparadisevalley.com or (602) 341-6737.

For more information on handling waste for you, family or workers, please visit:

https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/emergency/sanitation-wastewater/workers_handlingwaste.html

SERVPRO of Paradise Valley - The Refrigerator Educator to Avoid Water Damage in Phoenix

2/22/2021 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Paradise Valley in the event of a refrigerator flood. SERVPRO of Paradise Valley provides high quality water damage restoration.

You may have never thought that your refrigerator could be the cause of a catastrophic flood in your Phoenix home. SERVPRO is here to make sure you know the dangers of refrigerator floods and what causes them before it is too late.

#1 - Too Much Condensation

The drain pan at the bottom of your refrigerator is there to catch condensation where it can then evaporate. However, there are cases where too much condensation can build up causing an overflow of water out of your fridge. Make sure to check your drain pan and make sure the water level is not too high.

#2 - Drain Line Clogs

Your refrigerators' drain lines are susceptible to clogs. This means little pieces of food can work their way into your fridges' drain pipes causing a build up of water. Make sure to check the fridges drain lines for clogs to avoid a potential flood.

#3 - Ice Machine Supply Line

The water supply line that connects to the ice machine has the capability of coming loose and wreaking havoc in your home. If the supply line comes loose it will let water out in inappropriate areas of the fridge causing a flood. Check to make sure the supply line that feeds the ice machine is properly connected.

Now you may know the possible dangers associated with refrigerators and how they can cause an unwanted leakage or flood of water in your home.

Call SERVPRO of Paradise Valley @ 602-341-6737 for water damage restoration.

SERVPRO Tips To Prevent Your Scottsdale Home From Flooding While You're On Vacation

2/4/2021 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO tips can help prevent your Scottsdale home from water damage and from looking like this while you are on vacation.

How devastating would it be to come home from vacation and find out that your Scottsdale home has flooded? It happens more often than you would think. Thankfully, there are actions that you can take to help prevent this common disaster. Here are some tips from USA Today.

https://traveltips.usatoday.com/prevent-water-damage-vacation-1660.htm

STEP 1

Check your home for leaks before you leave. Look at the pipes under all sinks, and check your water heater for cracks and rust. The seals around your windows must be in good condition, and check that there are no dislodged or damaged shingles on your roof. Re-caulk seals and replace shingles if needed.

STEP 2

Inspect the hoses that connect to major appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and refrigerator ice-makers. Make sure there are no kinks; replace any old or damaged hoses.

STEP 3

Clear all the debris out of your rain gutters, and check the downspouts for any blockages.

STEP 4

Examine your sump pump and check that it is in good condition and clear of debris by filling the sump pit and running the pump. Listen to the motor for strange sounds and watch that the water is going outside. Install a battery-powered backup source in case there is a power outage while you are gone.

STEP 5

Insulate exposed pipes to keep them from freezing in the winter. Hardware stores sell foam rubber or fiberglass sleeves that fit right over the pipes. Protect outdoor spigots by removing any hoses and covering the spigots with bib protectors. Leave the heat on low while you are gone to also prevent freezing pipes.

STEP 6

Ask someone to check your house periodically while you are gone. Show him where the thermostat is so he can ensure the heat is always on in the winter. He should also know where the water main is located in case a pipe leaks or bursts. The water main shut-off valve is usually in a home's basement, garage or outdoors near the foundation.

STEP 7

Turn off the water at the main if there is no one to check your house. Drain the pipes to keep them from bursting in freezing weather by running the water and flushing the toilets after you shut off the water. Leave the cupboards under sinks open while you are gone to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.

It's always good to plan ahead. However, if you do experience the unfortunate circumstance of a flood in your home, you can count on our team at SERVPRO of Paradise Valley to restore your home and your belongings.

More information and resources at:

https://traveltips.usatoday.com/prevent-water-damage-vacation-1660.html

https://www.angieslist.com/articles/6-ways-prevent-water-damage-your-home-while-you-are-away.htm

SERVPRO Tips On Water Damage And Insurance Coverage In Paradise Valley

2/4/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage can cause major destruction to your home. It's important to respond to the issue ASAP. Call SERVPRO of Paradise Valley @ (602) 341-6737

SERVPRO OF Paradise Valley

wants to make sure that you are covered if your home floods or suffers from water damage. Here's some useful information from the Insurance Information Institute. 

httphttps://www.iii.org/article/how-protect-your-home-water-damages://www.iii.org/article/how-protect-your-home-water-damage

Water damage and insurance

Different types of water damage are insured by different types of policies.

Homeowners and renters insurance provides coverage for burst pipes, wind driven rain and damage resulting from ice dams on your roof. Generally speaking, water that comes from the top down—such as rainfall and burst sprinklers—is covered by a standard homeowners policy.

Some policies cover sewer and drain backups, but many do not; however, you can purchase a sewer backup rider to your homeowners or renters coverage.

Typically, water that comes from the bottom up—such as an overflowing river—is covered by a separate flood insurance policy, which can be purchased from the federal government’s  National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), and from some private insurers. 

Properly maintaining a home is one of the best ways to prevent water damage from water disasters.                                                            

Prevent basement water seepage

  • Reseal your basement. Water in the basement is often caused by cracks in building foundations or floor slabs. If you notice water seepage after heavy rain when you've never had a problem, it may mean that your once-waterproof cement floors and basement walls have deteriorated. Painting vulnerable areas with water sealant can prevent seepage.
  • Make sure water drains away from the building. Seepage is exacerbated by soil that has settled in a way to make water flow toward the building. After a storm, and especially if the ground is already saturated, rainwater that flows towards the building goes down the outside of the foundation wall potentially through any cracks.
  • Install a backwater valve. Though less common than other causes of basement water, sewer backups are messy. Learn more about your sewer responsibilities and install and maintain a backwater valve, which allows sewage to go out, but not come back in.

Maintain and understand your indoor plumbing systems

  • Inspect appliance hoses and faucets. Make it a practice every year to check hoses leading to water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines and refrigerator ice makers. You may also want to invest in a water leak monitoring and shut-off system that can alert you to any leakage issues. Immediately replace any hoses that have cracks or leaks, and replace them all every five to seven years.
  • Inspect showers and tubs. Check the seal and caulking around showers and tubs to make sure they are watertight and reseal if necessary.
  • When away on vacation, shut off the water supply to the washing machine and never leave the house while the washer or dishwasher is running.
  • Know the location of the main water shut-off valve in your home. A damaged hose or a burst pipe can send water racing into your home. Being able to locate and shut off the main water supply quickly will save stress, money and time.
  • Install an emergency pressure release valve in your plumbing system. This will protect against the increased pressure caused by freezing pipes and can help prevent your pipes from bursting.
  • Check plumbing and heating pipes. Look closely for cracks and leaks and have any necessary repairs made immediately.

Repair and protect your home's exterior

  • Caulk and seal windows to guard against water seepage.
  • Inspect your roof for missing, damaged and aging shingles and make necessary repairs.
  • Check your downspouts. Remove debris that may have accumulated in downspouts and rain gutters. Position downspouts so that they direct water away from the house.
  • Check sprinklers and irrigation systems to be sure they are not creating water damage to the walls and foundations of the house. Turn off and drain outside faucets to protect against frozen pipes.
  • Install gutter guards to prevent gutter clogs and keep water flowing away from the house instead of accumulating on the roof.

Protect your possessions

  • Store off-season and other bulk belongings in waterproof bins, especially in areas where there are plumbing pipes or that are prone to dampness, such as basements and attics.
  • Never store valuables or memorabilia where there is risk of destruction from water. Water and damp also brings with it the threat of mold damage.
  • Keep belongings stored on shelving off the floor in basements. In case of water seepage or sewer backup, they're less likely to get damaged.
  • Keep an up-to-date home inventory. Having a comprehensive list of your possessions will save time, trouble and stress in case of loss from water damage.

SERVPRO of Paradise Valley is available 24 hours/day to help restore your property to its preloss condition. We also offer reconstruction services.

Does your Paradise Valley home insurance cover ALL water damage? Ask the SERVPRO experts

10/1/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Paradise Valley if you experience a washing machine supply line failure or water damage such as the one shown above @ 602-341-6737.

The answer is – It depends! Most homeowners insurance policies help cover water damage if the cause is sudden and accidental. For example, you’d probably be protected if an upper level pipe bursts, soaking the basement ceiling below or if the washing machine water supply hose fails, damaging the flooring. However, please be aware that most policies won’t cover the source of the damage, meaning your insurance carrier wouldn’t pay to repair or replace the washing machine or the water heater pipe that had burst. Please note that your standard homeowners insurance most likely will not cover water backup from an OUTSIDE sewer/drain or flood damage but according to allstate.com, you have the option of adding water backup coverage to your policy as well as flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. This is especially a good idea if you live in a flood prone area but it’s not required to include this type of insurance. Another thing to keep in mind is that your insurance will pay for covered damages less your deductible and will only pay for covered claims up to the limit (maximum amount your insurance will pay toward a covered claim) for each type of coverage. Depending on the water damage, the two types of coverage within a homeowners insurance policy that typically apply to water damage claims are dwelling coverage and personal property coverage. Dwelling coverage refers to damage to the structure of the home and personal property coverage refers to damage to personal belongings inside the home.

To recap –
Homeowners insurance does not cover certain types of water damage, such as:

  1. Damage from Unresolved Maintenance Issues
  2. Replacing or Repairing the Source of Water Damage
  3. Water Backup from an Outside Sewer or Drain
  4. Flood

All in all, we recommend discussing your insurance policy in depth with your agent so that when disaster strikes, you are prepared and fully aware of your coverage limits. Regardless, SERVPRO of Paradise Valley is here to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our IICRC certified technicians are fully equipped to make it "Like it never even happened," and our team is willing to work with you despite any coverage denials.

For more information, please visit your insurance carrier's website.

Toilet Supply Lines, how to minimize your risk of water damage with SERVPRO of Paradise Valley

6/24/2020 (Permalink)

Leaky supply lines can cause water damage. SERVPRO of Paradise Valley specializes in water damage restoration.

Most everyone in the Phoenix metro area has never had to use an outhouse. Unless you are out hiking on one of our wilderness trails or visiting a ghost town, most places have indoor plumbing.

While we may now take the luxury of never having to go outside for granted, it still has it disadvantages. The chance that bringing that water inside can cause damage to your home or business is the biggest drawback.

First, think of how fast the water flows back into your toilet after each flush. Now, think about how much water would come out of that hose if it wasn't attached to the toilet tank. In under an hour, it could possibly flood your entire house.

To help this, have a qualified professional check your supply lines every few years. Replace them as necessary and remember to not over torque the connection between the hose and the toilet. 

However, even with quality parts and a qualified professional maintaining them, there is still an opportunity for failure. If that does happen please call SERVPRO of Paradise Valley at 602-341-6737. 

Water Damage Mitigation From SERVPRO Of Paradise Valley in Phoenix

3/18/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Paradise Valley offers water damage restoration in Phoenix and Scottsdale!

Overview of Water Damage Mitigation

A residential or commercial property owner must have reliable, reputable professional assistance in the aftermath of water damage. When seeking a reputable water damage mitigation specialist, there are a number of key factors that a home or business owner must keep in mind. In addition, a home or business owner is best served by considering these factors, and identifying appropriate service providers before the need for emergency water mediation services exist.

Remediation  in Home


When a person faces water damage in a home because of a flood, or some other reason, it is best to remediate  the situation by immediately calling upon a professional. The reality is that there are experts who have specific experience in addressing water damage, mitigation, and restoration in a residential environment. These professionals understand the unique needs of addressing water in home issues.

A key element to consider when seeking a water in home recovery specialist is emergency response. A home owner must be able to access a water and flood damage specialist that can be at a residence immediately.

Remediating Water in Business

The reality is that dealing with water in business differs significantly from addressing water in home. A business owner manager must have access to a water clean up professional with specific expertise in water cleanup, restoration, and mitigation in a commercial setting.

Not only does water in business present truly unique challenges, time truly is of the essence. As is the case with residential water damage restoration, a business must be able to get immediate emergency response when flooding, or some other type of water damage, occurs. However, a business oftentimes is unable to operate in the aftermath of a flood until the aftermath is remedied. Therefore, a business must have professional assistance with a proven track record for rapid drying, water cleanup, mitigation, and restoration.

Comprehensive Drying

A key to limiting the extent of water-related damage is comprehensive and thorough drying. With this in mind, not only must the premises themselves be thoroughly dried but so do the contents and personal belongings that were affected by the water event.


When seeking a water recovery specialist, attention must be paid to the type of equipment a professional service provider utilizes in the drying process. In addition, a consideration must be made of the experience and background of the water damage specialist that will oversee the drying process.

Restoration Services

Not all water damage recovery specialists are created equally. For example, there are professionals that are well-equipped to address water cleanup and mitigation. However, they may not have the background necessary to appropriate address restorative efforts.

Ideally, a water recovery professional can provide comprehensive services, that include full-scale recovery efforts. By engaging a professional that can provide comprehensive services, a home or business owner is in the best position to ensure an effective and efficient water recovery effort.



A key consideration when seeking professional assistance for everything from water cleanup to restoration is the background and experience of the team of professionals assigned to a project. A home or business owner needs to select a service provider with a team of specialists that are duly licensed, certified, insured and bonded.

If you are need of a professional restoration company SERVPRO of Paradise Valley is a full service company that is family owned and operated. 

How To Deal With A Sewage Backup And Water Damage In Your Home According To SERVPRO of Paradise Valley

2/26/2020 (Permalink)

If your home in Arizona has suffered a water loss, consider calling SERVPRO of Paradise Valley. SERVPRO specializes in water damage restoration.

If your home in Paradise Valley is your castle – a place of safety and comfort where you can spend time with your family in learning, loving and relaxing – the last thing you want to think about is a backed-up sewer. The contamination and odor are bad enough, but resolving the problem can be complicated and cleaning a sewer-flooded basement can be a nightmare.

What Causes a Sewer Backup?

There are several things that could cause a sewer back up – some reasons are due to people’s actions, some are due to natural causes. Continue reading to learn about some of the possible reasons. 

Someone nearby flushed something that created a major clog, such as a diaper or a toy, for example
Roots have grown into the main line, constricting the flow
Water has backed up into the sewer lines due to storms  causing a flooding
A line may have broken 

What Should You Do?

If you see water coming up out of a floor drain or backing up in your toilet, call for help immediately, as it could be something serious requiring special equipment. Try to barricade the flooding if possible with rolled up towels or even sand bags in order to contain the contamination. Sewage contains not only human waste, but can also carry chemicals and toxins, so special care should be taken to keep it from spreading.

Proper Cleanup

Get help from a sewage and water restoration company in  Paradise Valley, AZ to use appropriate disinfectants, dispose of contaminated materials and make sure that things are safely clean. Any carpet, rugs or upholstered furnishings that were exposed to sewage water will likely need to be disposed of. Non-porous surfaces may be cleaned and disinfected.
A backed up sewer is no laughing matter, but understanding how to safely clean catastrophic. Act quickly and get help as needed to minimize the damage.

YOU FOUND A WATER LEAK! NOW WHAT?

1/29/2020 (Permalink)

Unexpected water leaks can cause thousands of dollars of damage to your home in a short time. Be prepared if an unformante event happens.  When you notice a water leak call a professional immediately to mitigate the loss. 

What can you do to minimize water damage in your home while waiting for the restoration company to arrive?

1.  Look for the water source

2.  Shut of the water supply at the source

3.  If you can't find the source shut off mail water supply

3.  Place containers where there are active leaks

4.  Shut of electricity

5.  Move valuables to a safe place

6.  Place a piece of plastic between legs of wooded furniture and water to protect wood.

Call SERVPRO of Paradise Valley 

https://www.SERVPROparadisevalleyaz.com/

When Is It Time To Replace A Toilet?

1/29/2020 (Permalink)

A leaking toilet in your Paradise Valley home doesn’t necessarily mean its time to head to the hardware store for a replacement. If it is newer, a simple toilet repair may do the trick. When it comes to aging toilets, besides their inefficiency, they are more prone to problems that could result in needed repairs beyond the bathroom that require a specialist.

Signs a Replacement Is Needed

An old toilet has been used a lot through the years. All that work it has done eventually leads to issues that are sure signs that it’s time for something new.

Clogging – While some clogging is normal, consistent clogging may indicate a hidden issue. If it needs to be unclogged weekly or it abnormally backs up, it is probably time to replace.
Cracks – These are the main culprits of a leaking toilet both on the interior and exterior of the toilet. If the crack spreads, it can quickly lead to water  and mold growth.
Constant Repairs – If seals, gaskets, flappers and other elements seem to always need to be fixed or tweaked, it can begin to make a more noticeable dent in your wallet than buying a new one.
Instability – Wobbling may indicate a loose screw. If tightening a bolt doesn’t do the trick, there could be damage to the flooring under the toilet.
Flushing Issues – High water bills are an indicator that the toilet isn’t functioning properly.
Surface Damage – Cleaning the toilet is not usually the most enjoyable a task. If your toilet is older, it can seem like a never-ending battle. Surface scratches can begin to deteriorate the porcelain, allowing for more buildup.
Mineral Deposits – If you have hard water issues, minerals eventually buildup in a toilet’s components, as well as in the pipes. Once there is too much, getting rid of it is difficult.

If you have a leaking toilet, quick action is the key to keeping further problems at bay. When addressing the issue, consider the above factors to determine if it’s time for a fix or a replacement.

Re-Flood In Paradise Valley

9/13/2019 (Permalink)

Extracted, Set Equipment and Next day unit Re-Flooded!

One of the most common water loss occurrences is because of the toilet supply line. That is why we recommend replacing them every few years and to get an excellent quality one rather than the cheapest you can find. Spending the extra 15 dollars is well worth spending (in my mind) to prevent a water loss in your home. Although, a water loss certainly isn’t the end of the world, but it can cause a lot of stress, sadness (if something gets ruined), and sometimes maybe even anger. In the picture you are looking at our portable water extractor. This job was an emergency call that came in around 8 pm on a Saturday night. We extracted as much water as we could, removed the carpet pad, placed equipment, and removed toe kicks. These are all necessary steps to limit the damage the water can do and prevent the growth of mold. There are multiple types of ways to extract water. There are extractors to extract the standing water in carpet, tile, wood surfaces and etc. While dehumidifiers are used to reduce the excess moisture from the air.

Water Extraction in Paradise Valley

6/12/2019 (Permalink)

One of the most common water loss occurrences is because of the toilet supply line. That is why we recommend replacing them every few years and to get an excellent quality one rather than the cheapest you can find. Spending the extra 15 dollars is well worth spending (in my mind) to prevent a water loss in your home. Although, a water loss certainly isn’t the end of the world, but it can cause a lot of stress, sadness (if something gets ruined), and sometimes maybe even anger. In the picture you are looking at our portable water extractor. This job was an emergency call that came in around 8 pm on a Saturday night. We extracted as much water as we could, removed the carpet pad, placed equipment, and removed toe kicks. These are all necessary steps to limit the damage the water can do and prevent the growth of mold. There are multiple types of ways to extract water. There are extractors to extract the standing water in carpet, tile, wood surfaces and etc. While dehumidifiers are used to reduce the excess moisture from the air.

Potential Flooding

6/10/2019 (Permalink)

With monsoon season just 5 days away it is time to start prepping for potential flooding now. Flooding is the covering or submerging of normally dry land with a large amount of water. More importantly the way most if not all insurance carriers see flooding is water coming into your house on the ground level. This is why in most policy's you will need to get an addition flood coverage.

How can you prepare yourself?

Know your coverage! If for one reason or another your home floods you need to know if it is insured or not (or you will be paying out of pocket to remove any damage). If your home has had a flood in the past from the monsoons taking extra precautions could avoid some if not all damage. Some of those precautions are getting sandbags, digging trenches to catch water/pull the water away from your home, and sealing all doors/windows with proper sealant.

If you need more tips on how to protect your home call us today and ask us about our Emergency Ready Plan (ERP).

Fire Sprinkler Systems in Paradise Valley

5/14/2019 (Permalink)

Lately a lot of our water loses have been from a fire sprinkler system. Fortunately, it is not because a fire was started but instead someone either bumped into it to break the sprinkler head, or some sort of other malfunction. These systems even with their flaws/malfunctions can be extremely helpful to avoid serious fire damage or injuries from fire. The only difference in having a fire system installed in your home is you will need to be mindful of them when installing a new fan/light, working in the attic (do not want to step on the supply lines), or if you have kids whom love to play ball in the house no matter how many times you tell them no. Of course, they could naturally wear down and cause a leak but majority of the time we find the leaks from theses sprinkler systems are from accidents. If your fire sprinkler system has sprung a leak we are here to help!

Slab Leaks in Paradise Valley

3/19/2019 (Permalink)

If your water bill spikes for no apparent reason you should probably call a plumber out before the damage becomes worse. If there is no probable cause like a dripping faucet, running toilet, or a teenager who took an hour-long shower, you might have a leak that is underground, behind a wall, or anywhere you cannot detect. Not only will a leak spike your water bill it can also do severe damage to your home. If the leak is being a wall you are guaranteed to have mold, if it is under your home you will most likely have foundation issues if the leak persists. Either way having peace of mind is always better. Would you rather pay a plumber to tell you nothing is wrong, or wait until something becomes a major problem and pay then? I am not saying if your bill goes up 5 dollars to call a plumber out every time but if it goes up a substantially noticeable amount. The picture shown is one of the many times we have worked on a "slab leak." Slab leak in everyday terms is a leak under the house that is coming through the concrete causing damage to the home. We are here for you 24/7 and we are always willing to answer any/all questions.

Costco 85260

9/21/2018 (Permalink)

Costco is one of the best places to shop, why? They have everything that usually comes at an amazing price! That is why when we received a call from Costco we were glad we could finally help them instead of them helping us! Unfortunately for them they had a sewage over flow that was causing problems in the tire shop and break room. We removed all the standing water and began removing the affected drywall. Why did we have to remove the drywall instead of dry? Whenever there is a sewage issue it is always considered CAT 3 water no matter how “clear” the water is. What is CAT 3? CAT 3 is how we describe water that contains chemical, physical, or biological contaminates. For example, think about your toilet. We must use the restroom, in order to keep our toilets clean we use bleach or other chemicals, does that sound like water you want flowing through your home? Of course not! All those pollutants can easily lodge themselves on drywall, carpet, wood flooring and any porous material. That is why we recommend removal instead of drying. If you have been to the Costco off Hayden, you can probably see where we were/are working. We removed anything that may have had Cat 3 water on it and are now in the process of rebuilding.

Open 24/7 to better serve YOU!

9/8/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Paradise Valley 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 are available 24 hours on weekends, holidays, Super Bowl, and every other day of the year. We are truly 24/7/365!

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today (602) 341-6737

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 Paradise Valley 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 like:

  • 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 Paradise Valley

SERVPRO of Paradise Valley 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.

A/C leak in Paradise Valley 85253

6/8/2018 (Permalink)

Sometimes what may look like a roof leak turns out to be an A/C condenser line leak. This was the case for this Paradise Valley home. There was staining on the ceiling in their home, so they requested our help in finding the problem. That meant going into the attic. Upon first inspection while using the FLIR we saw colder temperatures on the ceiling(pictured with the FLIR). We placed one dehumidifier in the room that had the water staining to try and eliminate the growth of mold because we were waiting for approval to remove the wet drywall. Why were we waiting to remove the drywall? This home was built before 1980 so we had to have asbestos testing done to the home. If you have a suspected roof leak, we are here for you 24/7/365 to find the problem and fix it!

Paradise Valley Business 85253

5/18/2018 (Permalink)

Renovating is a stressful joyous process in any home or business. You feel joy because well who doesn’t like new? You may feel stress because it does come at a price, sometimes an unexpected price. That is what happened at the business pictured. They began renovation and shortly after things took a turn for the worst when the toilet supply line broke which started leaking water throughout the building. We were called out and our production crew extracted as much water as they possibly could before setting up air movers and dehumidifiers. With the equipment running we were able to remove excess moisture and avoid any mold problems that could have occurred if not treated. If your Paradise Valley Business has more water inside than what Arizona has outside, give us a call!

Slab Leaks in Paradise Valley 85253

3/16/2018 (Permalink)

The loss pictured may look like it was a leak from the water heater however, it was a slab leak. What is a slab leak? It is a leak that occurs under the foundation of your home. How do you detect a slab leak? There has been a blog already on how to detect leaky pipes throughout your home (not just under your home) which is a similar process. Some of the key detections are huge water bill spike, have water in your home and you cannot find where it is coming from, and limited water pressure. Detecting a slab leak sooner rather than later can save you money and a headache. If you have any questions or concerns about your home potentially having a slab leak we are available 24/7!

Save the Fishies

9/28/2017 (Permalink)

Owning a fish can be relaxing, enjoyable, and entertaining (depending on what fish you have and if you have cats who try to get to the fish). What is not relaxing about it is when your tank begins to leak! What is even worse, not knowing your tank is leaking! We recently had a call about someone discovering their tank had been leaking and they requested that we come have a look of the extent. It ended up being something they could handle on their own as there were no signs of mold/carpet was simply damped not soaked. I personally have a fish tank with many different fish and I am actively checking for leaks. Checking it often is mainly since I bought my tank used. I have no idea how it was taken care of prior to owning it. Be sure to check your fish tank often for even the tiniest of leaks. You do not want to put your fish at harm, turtles, or your living space.

Don't Pop the Bubble!

9/12/2017 (Permalink)

I know it may look tempting to see what is happening on the inside of the bubble but most the time you do not want to starting messing with it. Usually it is/was just water buildup that started pooling and making the paint start to sag. Not every time is someone lucky like that! I have personally seen someone tear open a bubble like that causing rats, rat feces, and dead rats start falling to the ground. It is safe to say the rats won that battle until we could get an exterminator out. Maybe this was just an extreme situation but I have learned my lesson. The lesson learned would be to find the source of the problem first and then move on from there! If you do not want to do it call someone out to assist you. It is always better to be safe than sorry (in my opinion at least)! If you discover one or multiple of these “bubbles” chances are it is just a water issue that can easily be fixed. If you need someone to fix/find the problem we are here to help!

Toilet Disaster

6/5/2017 (Permalink)

Broken toilet lines are easily our most common water loss source. The picture shown shows how much water can spew out of the line even with the tiniest of cracks. This picture was taken only 45 minutes after it happened but you can still see about a centimeter of water on the tile. That was even after it traveled everywhere it could in the house. In this case the water had traveled to every room except the kitchen because the kitchen was higher up compared to the other rooms. After we took necessary photos of the damage and the source we got to work extracting the water. Once we were done with that we set up fans and a dehumidifier to help prevent mold growth. Be sure to check your toilet supply line consistently especially if it hasn’t been replaced for a number of years.

Checking your water heater

3/7/2017 (Permalink)

Unfortunately our most prized possession for taking an enjoyable bath or shower gives out on us. The water heater is something that is often times overlooked and not well maintained. If something is out of sight, it can definitely be out of mind. A leaking water heater can cause serious damage to your home/office. It is recommended that someone checks it at least once a month. If you detect a leak early enough the only services that need to be done is fixing the water heater and having SERVPRO of Paradise Valley set up fans to prevent mold. Even the smallest amount of water can wreck havoc on your home or office if it is left untreated. We are here for you 24/7, do not hesitate to call as it is always "better safe than sorry."

YOU FOUND A WATER LEAK! NOW WHAT?

11/10/2013 (Permalink)

Unexpected water leaks can cause thousands of dollars of damage to your home in a short time.  When you notice a water leak call a professional immediately to mitigate the loss. 

What can you do to minimize water damage in your home while waiting for the restoration company to arrive?

1.  Look for the water source

2.  Shut of the water supply

3.  Place containers where there are active leaks

4.  Shut of electricity

5.  Move valuables to a safe place

Call SERVPRO of Paradise Valley 

https://www.SERVPROparadisevalleyaz.com/