Water & Flood Damage Archives - ServiceMaster Quality Restoration Services

Category: Water & Flood Damage

Fire and Water Damage Restoration

Written by ServiceMaster Deia on . Posted in Fire Damage, Water & Flood Damage, Water & Flood Damage Restoration.

ServiceMaster QRS Chicago Flood Restoration Experts

Looking over the fire and water damage, you’re no doubt feeling overwhelmed by the countless things that needs to be done, but there is no need to stress. ServiceMaster Restore is at your service.

We Can Bring Your Property Back To Life after Fire and Water Damage Before You Re-Enter

Fire and water damage can cause ample structural damage to your home and leave it vulnerable and risky. Not only is fire residue and excess smoke destructive for the house, but they also present substantial health risks, especially respiratory distress. Dust, soot, and ashes after a house fire can be extremely lethal. On the other hand, substantial water damage can lead to mold, fungus, and mildew problems that can entail a fortune to be spent on mold remediation to eradicate the issue.

Damage restoration is a process that must be instigated straightaway to save your house, health, and wealth. Rescue what can be rescued to avoid any further costs because the more time you leave your house defenseless, the more it’s going to lose. If your house has suffered any fire or water damage, it’s time to call a restoration team and get your home back in shape.

Fire Damage Restoration

Whether it’s a minor kitchen fire or a devastating blaze, a fire of any degree can call for a big cleanup. Speedy action is required before there’s any further loss to your house, work building, or your personal possessions. It’s essential to clean everything thoroughly, capture all small parts of remains, and debris with vacuum use. Professional damage restorers use specialized equipment to remove the fire odor, debris and make your building structurally stable again, and they further minimize the permanent smoke damage, remove any remaining ash or soot, and ventilate all the rooms to make your home safe to live in again.

Water Damage Restoration

With fire, water is complimentary. A fire of any magnitude requires a substantial amount of water to control the flames, which eventually calls for both water and fire damage restoration. Whether it’s a basement flooding, downed trees, or any other water-related damage, there’s a necessary need for water damage restoration services to prevent further damage, such as the expense and stress of mold remediation and deteriorating wood, carpet, and drywall. Whether it’s your furniture, rugs, or other possessions, the professionals can take care of it all and provide maximum recovery.

The aftermath can be devastating and disruptive, but we can help you get everything restored to normal, quickly, and professionally no matter what the disaster brings. When fire or water complications strike, contact ServiceMaster Restore– Chicago’s best in water and fire disaster restoration, recovery, and cleanup services! Getting your home or business back up and running is our priority. Call this number now to get our low-low price! 773-388-9200 or visit our website https://servicemaster-qrs.com/.

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Why is Ceiling Leakage a major concern and what should be done?

Written by ServiceMaster Deia on . Posted in Celling Leakage, Water & Flood Damage.

Celling Leakage

Ceiling leakage will always be a problem as it involves multiple complications. Be it a small apartment, a building, or a condo; ceiling leakage will always be a problem as it involves multiple complications. Be it a small apartment, a building, or a condo; leakage problem needs attention leakage problem needs attention, work, and co-operation from all concerned parties. It becomes harder when the source of leakage comes from upstairs; these are the problems that you aren’t able to fix by yourself. Leakage causes molds, raises pungent odor and leads to damages that are very unpleasing to the eye. It also leads to core structural damage that is extremely hazardous.

Sources of leakage in

  1. Upstairs apartment main source of leakage in most cases arises due to plumbing issues (faulty plumbing) or leakage from upstairs neighbors
  2. Other problems include leaky refrigerator lines,
  3. Improper water-proofing
  4. Overflowing of bath taps, sink water clogging or leaking washers.
  5. Faulty construction can also be one of the factors

 

  1. In Buildings
  2. In building, it can happen due to some structural problems
  3. Frozen or damaged pipes
  4. Leakage in the air conditioner,
  5. Breaking of fire sprinklers and
  6. Other general plumbing issues.

What steps can you take?

The very first step that is supposed to be done whenever a leakage takes place is to inform the property owner and if it is ceiling leakage it is very important to inform the upstairs neighbors to make sure that the problem is a recognized. The next important step is to move away from any furniture or electrical appliances (bulb, wires, or lamps) from the vicinity of the leakage to avoid any direct or indirect damages. If your furniture has any important photos or documents make sure you move them away. Some damages can be contained easily while some will require work and attention.

Know your rights

Even if the leakage is minor, do not to fix it yourself, consult with your landlord first. Identifying the source should be the first task, damages caused by ceiling leakage will always be a problem as it involves multiple complications. Be it a small apartment, a building, or a condo; leakage problem needs attention leakage are covered mostly by your lease agreement, thus make sure that you are aware of your rights as a tenant. Before you execute the work, ensure to have pictures, reliable proofs, and the necessary documents. It is extremely important to notify your renter’s insurance carrier. Contact your insurance company to file for coverage or reimbursement for damages. The property manager is required to maintain individual units and is responsible for keeping the building’s water system in good working condition.

DO’S and DONT’S

  1. DO’S
  • Inform your landlord/ property owner about the problem.
  • If the source of the leakage is from you upstairs neighbors, communicate the problem to them, be wise, and polite in your approach.
  • Know your rights and responsibilities as a tenant and act accordingly, start by finding specific details in your lease agreement.
  • Inform your renter’s insurance company and keep the necessary documents and proofs ready.
  1. DONT’S
  • If either party (neighbors or landlord) seems uncooperative don’t be confrontational.
  • Don’t forget you have rights and responsibilities as a tenant help up by the state.
  • Don’t forget to inform other tenants if you encounter a structural problem.
  • Don’t start any work without getting pre-approval from your landlord for hiring an emergency service provider and be ready to pay them upfront initially.

What is covered under Renter’s Insurance?

Neighbor’s being the source of leakage doesn’t affect the coverage; you are liable to claim for all the damages to be repaired nonetheless. Your belongings and furnishings are covered by insurance, have a conversation with your agent to get all the details about the coverage policy in detail.

Have a proper discussion with your agent about all the benefits, as these kinds of damages need time (sometimes months) to be repaired, renters insurance does pay for your ‘temporary living’ until work is completed.

The regular renter’s insurance doesn’t cover the damages caused by natural rain. Besides, a ‘food insurance policy’ is required to pay for leaks and damages by natural flooding.

Some important things you should know:

Leakage leads to direct, indirect, short term, and long term damages. It can damage furniture, electronics, clothes, and worst of all, any painting or decoration work is damaged by the molds; it can affect small babies and anyone with health problems. Other belongings like photos and important documents are at risk.

‘Restoration companies don’t provide services to rental properties until directly contacted by the legal property owner, only the property owner has the authority to remove or replace structural materials affected by the leakage’ this is an important point which must be duly noted.

It is better and acceptable to have the written consent of the Landlord which can be submitted to the restoration company to start the work. Keep a hard copy of the lease to avoid unnecessary delays in the Restoration Company’s verification process.

The Aftermath

After the leakage problem is solved there are certain steps you need to take to ensure that the leakage problem doesn’t come back.

Most importantly, if there are any structural problems; pipes, ceilings, waterproofing, etc. make sure that it is done as and when recommended by your service provider.

Keep an eye for any post-work leakage problems, if any contact your service provider at the earliest. Safely store your bills, claim, and insurance documents for future needs.

Be in touch with your neighbors; make sure that you are informed about any work done in their bathroom or kitchen which has been mutually agreed by your landlord and neighbors.

Why Service Master?

Hiring a professional will be the best solution to this problem. We offer a lot of services like pre-post work cleaning, filing for insurance, consultation, and suggest further steps than can prevent such a problem in the future. We make sure that all work is done in a hassle-free way and you have nothing to worry about. So don’t hesitate, contact our team TODAY. We are here to help!!

Find and Prevent Water Leaks In Your Apartment Building

Written by ServiceMaster Deia on . Posted in Water & Flood Damage.

It can be an expensive long-term damage when you notice a leak problem in your commercial property. Apartment water leaks are particularly expensive when they flood units and soak tenants’ belongings.

Precaution procedures and strategies can have a major effect.

As a property supervisor or building proprietor, you make every possible move to be ahead of potential problems. You can’t anticipate burst pipes and plumbing leaks, however, they’re simpler to discover when you have an idea of what to search for.

This step by step guide can help.

FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS TO FIND A WATER LEAK IN AN APARTMENT BUILDING

Hidden pipes breakdowns make water bills soar. Roof leaks transform upper room spaces into a breeding ground for mold. Water in the cellar ruins stored hardware equipment and supplies.

ServiceMaster QRS Flood Restoration Roof Leak

You can’t generally stop the damage, yet you can limit it with a building water leak detection routine.

HIGH RISE BUILDING ROOF LEAKS

When water trickles through the rooftop, it is difficult to find where the leakage is coming from. These tips can assist you with finding the issue.

  • To know better about a rooftop water break’s location, start the procedure by stamping area directly under dribbles with tape.
  • Remember that water leaking through a roof frequently travels several feet before it transforms into a solid leak.
  • After the weather clears up, check the rooftop for loose flashing, blocked gutters, and awful shingles.
  • Ensure roof valleys are appropriately fixed and rooftop membrane covers aren’t exposed.

SEEPAGE IN BUILDING ENVELOPES

Water leakage in multi-story properties can be caused by issues inside the building envelope. On the off chance that you suspect water is spilling in from outside, examine these conceivable trouble spots.

  • Scalding exterior paint is often an indication of leakage inside the building envelope.
  • Spongy ground and disproportionate plant growth close to building foundations might be because of leaks in outside walls.
  • Check riser pipes for defective valves, channels, and reverse water flow preventers.
  • Throughout the winter, routinely investigate water lines and pipes that may freeze and burst.
  • Search for worn flashing or fissured caulking around defective windows and dormers.

INTERIOR BUILDING LEAKAGE

Building occupants are normally the first to spot water leaks between the floors. In rare cases, drips in hallways and stairs wells can go unnoticed. Put these leak identification tips on your checklist of preventive maintenance.

  • Look out for mold developing on common area carpets, sections of flooring and inside walls.
  • Warped baseboards are frequently caused by pipes leaking inside walls.
  • Find ceiling leakage sources by finding one floor up for broken toilets, burst pipes, or faulty sprinkler frameworks.

LEAKS IN BUILDING BASEMENTS

Multi-Story Building cellars fill in as laundry rooms, tenants stockpiling, and maintenance workspaces. Uncovered pipes make it simple to spot plumbing leaks in the cellar, yet don’t ignore these hints.

Flooded Basement Severe Water Damage

  • Basement flooding in high rise living spaces can be caused by broken pipes
  • Mildew odor or puddles around clothes washers are generally caused by broken hoses and associations.
  • White efflorescence stains on basement walls can indicate leaks in underground channels adjacent to the concrete structure.
  • Sodden areas on basement floors and walls can result from gutter, downspout, and drainage issues.

HOW THE PROS DO IT

At some point when you’re dealing with hidden water leakage in your building structure, the arrangement is practically difficult to track down. That’s when you need ensured professionals who utilize cutting edge equipment intended for hidden leak location.

Restoration experts take care of the job with precise devices that pinpoint leaks behind walls, under floors and inside crawl spaces. They utilize electronic moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to find leaks, and they handle most plumbing fixes. Industry-trained experts likewise reestablish water-damaged materials and address mold issues.

NEED HELP DETECTING A WATER LEAK IN CHICAGO?

Attempting to find apartment building leaks isn’t simple. The pieces of information aren’t generally as obvious as warped baseboards or moldy drywall. When you can’t discover the issue on your own, we can help.

Consistently, we work with property managers across Chicago, IL, and suburbia to solve a wide range of water-related issues.

Our group deals with small plumbing issues, water damage restoration and mold removal and remediation, and much more.

7 conspicuous signs that show your water pipe has burst

Written by ServiceMaster Deia on . Posted in Water & Flood Damage, Water & Flood Damage Restoration.

It’s an awkward situation where you find your carpets soaked, walls wet and for help you hurry to contact a water damage restoration expert agency. While taking a look at the damage done and in the process of initiating water damage repair most of the Chicago property owners ask themselves the same question.

How could I miss the warnings of a busted water pipe? Were there any obvious signs that I simply didn’t notice?

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF A PIPE HAS BURST? 7 SERIOUS WARNING SIGNS

Not all busted water pipes flood the house very quickly. Sometimes, a break results in a slow leak, and that, in the end, causes major water damage to your property and belongings. This sort of plumbing issue isn’t constantly emotional, but it can turn out to be an intense problem. Be on the alert and note these seven symptoms of a slowly leaking burst pipe.

Frozen Burst Pipes Damage

  1. Water Pressure Goes Up And Down:

In a situation when you notice that water pressure begins to fluctuate don’t assume this to be the city’s fault. They might be unnoticeable busted pipe somewhere in the home. Pressure changes are hard for your home’s pipes framework, and they can harm your pipe fittings.

  1. The Water Doesn’t Look Right:

After a time, a latent burst pipe starts to rust. Even the damaged PVC and PEX throws out tiny rust particles that give water an earthy tint. Additionally, the unhealthy biofilm sets up a breeding ground for bacteria.

  1. Water Smells Like Rotten Eggs:

This busted pipe symptom is a consistent cause for concern. Even the faint odor of rotten egg is the major sign of sewage leakage. In some cases, you will smell hydrogen sulfide which is naturally occurring gas that forms in sewer pipelines. We recommend never to attempt to take care of this sort of plumbing issue by yourself. We here strongly suggest to call experts who can deal with this situation.

  1. Consistent Forming Of Puddles Under Sinks:

You’ve done everything you can to stop leaks in pipes under a sink, yet puddles keep returning? Cautiously inspect the wall just above the cover plates, and search for sodden spots. Burst pipe water leaking through these regions can gather and give off an impression of dripping from uncovered pipelines.

  1. You Can Hear The Water Running:

If it isn’t running someplace in your house, you shouldn’t hear the water. On the off chance of that you notice hissing and gurgling sounds inside the walls, and this is because water reacting to fluctuating pressure in leaky pipes. The sounds tend to be stronger in pipes with small diameters.

  1. Pipes Making Noises:

A busted pipe influences the water pressure throughout the entire house, and that generates movement in the pipeline framework. Pipes Start to rub and bang at the pressure point, and that causes grinding and clanging sounds behind the walls. The friction in the long run can cause more breakage.

  1. The Water Bill Is Too High:

Small drips from faucets can squander over 100 gallons of water a year. In the event that you increase that misfortune by slow leakage from a busted pipe, you begin to see disturbing spikes in the month to month water bill.

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN A WATER PIPE BURSTS?

Before you pinpoint the problem and begin cleaning up the water leak, you have to make sure that you stop the stream. Finding the burst pipe can be challenging so start by killing the water supply at its main shutoff valve. Drain water and pressure from the water pipe framework by opening up all the faucets.

In most cases it recommended to appoint the restoration contractor immediately. In severe scenarios you need professionals who handle plumbing repairs, water damage clean-up, and offers mold remediation services. If you are knowledgeable about the repair process or comfortable with DIY plumbing projects, find and fix the breaks. These tips can help.

  • Whether you’re dealing with frozen burst pipes or a summertime break, make sure you turn off your home’s power at the breaker box before starting any busted pipe restorations.
  • You need to defrost frozen channels before you begin, be cautious while doing it. Play it safe to protect yourself and your property.
  • If the busted pipes are behind a kitchen wall, you make sure all adjacent cabinets and drawers are completely dried out, post repairs and clean up.
  • Document water damage to property and belongings by taking pictures. This soothes out the process when you’re ready to file your property insurance claim.

WE’RE HERE 24/7, WHENEVER YOU NEED US

Once you are in a situation and you know what to look for, it is quite simple to find a burst pipe leak before it causes severe damage. Knowing how to deal with this pipe issue can keep the bad situation from getting worse.

Sometimes, fixing a burst pipe break can turn into a major DIY headache. We’re here for you with a full line of water damage and home restoration services, and we answer our telephones 24/7. At any point when you feel the need emergency water leakage repair in Chicago or suburbia, simply call us here at ServiceMaster-QRS.

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How to Prevent Water Damage

Written by ServiceMaster Deia on . Posted in Water & Flood Damage.

Flooded Basement Severe Water Damage

Water damage hits at your house’s core strength, consequently causing severe structural damage. Damp wood results in carpenter ants and termites and, along with this, it causes mildew and mold.

Always remember that water damage is not always caused due to dramatic events such as floods and hurricanes. Houses usually are ruined through pinhole-sized pipe leaks, blocked gutters, the sump pump that won’t turn on or the poorly graded soil.

Safeguard your residential/commercial property against the problem of water damage through the best insurance coverage as well as these useful tips – 

  • Clean Downspouts and Gutters – Make sure to clean the gutters at least twice a year for avoiding ice dams and blockage.
  • Inspect water leaks and fix them – Check for the dark spots under pipes, under the sink cabinets, toilets that rock, stains on the ceilings, and drips.
  • Monitor the water pressure for any leaks – A more credible tactic is to buy an electronic water leak detection system which directly installs on the main water supply line to the house. The sensors monitor water pressure, temperature, and flow.
  • While on the vacation, make it a point that you shut off the water supply to your washing machine as well as never leave the home while the dishwasher or washer is running.
  • Install the gutter guards – Gutter guards are attachments utilized for preventing clogging of roof gutters so that water from the roof can easily flow away from the house.
  • Examine showers, water heaters, toilets, showers, sinks, dishwashers, and tubs annually, as well as have them repaired in case there are signs of corrosion or leaks.
  • Maintain vegetation and trees – It is imperative for minimizing landscaping near the utility pipes or, if needed, removing shrubs and trees which have grown too big.
  • Switch to PEX pipes from copper pipes – Changing out the copper pipes for the plastic corrosion-free PEX pipes makes sure that no pinhole leaks will destroy your home.
  • Inspect the roof for damaged, aging, and missing shingles as well as make the necessary repairs.
  • Change the soil grade – Add soil around the foundation for creating the downward slope away from your house of at least 6 inches covering the 10-foot span.

In case your fridge has a water dispenser or an ice machine, the hose between your refrigerator and the wall must be made of the braided copper as it has greater corrosion and cracking resistance.

Monitor the Water Bill

At times, the single way to know that water is leaking is by taking a closer look at the water bill. In case the usage relevantly jumps from one month to another without any solid reason, put your hat of “water detective” on. Is there any leak in the crawlspace? Or, is it the pipe in the front yard? Ensure the fact that no mystery leaks stay unattended.

Needless to say, water damage comes under the category of the most expensive and common disaster a building can experience that might cost you billions of dollars annually. Follow the above-mentioned tips for preventing water damage and adding years as well as lower maintenance charges to your residential/commercial buildings.

How to clean your basement after a flood?

Written by ServiceMaster Deia on . Posted in Water & Flood Damage.

Flooded Basement Severe Water Damage

After a flood, the task of basement cleanup is always considered as the most dreaded one.

However, it is important to get started as soon as possible because it is not only effective but also relevant from a health standpoint.

After you are assured that the flooding is settled, now it is time to begin thinking about the cleanup procedure.

There are a lot of hazards coming up with the cleanup process of a flooded basement, such as gas leaks, electric shock, structural damage, and raw sewage.

Irrespective of the amount of water in the basement, flooding can cause serious safety and health risks for you as well as your family and that is why they should be taken care of as soon as possible.

  • There are several water removal services accessible to hire, but, in case there is the widespread problem of flooding in the area you live, they could not be capable of getting to your house for some days.
  • In case you are prepared to do it by yourself, make sure to get yourself equipped with the important equipment which is not highly expensive as well as is generally available for the temporary utilization from the construction rental store.
  • Those floods which are less than 1 inch deep as well as cover the small amount of space can be dealt with through using a dry/wet vacuum.
  • Large and moderate floods will be required to be dealt with through using the sump pump, or a submersible pump.
  • After the removal of water, it is significant to start the basement cleanup job as quickly as possible so that you can prevent mildew and mold.
  • Always put the safety first as a flooded basement can bring a lot of health dangers into your house.

Wear protective clothing, like rubber boots, overalls, and gloves. In case sewage water was involved, do not forget to wear face masks as well as protective eyeglasses for safeguarding yourself from dangerous gases.

Remove personal belongings damaged by the flood

Remove all the furniture as well as other basement objects which were destroyed by the floodwater. Take all of them outside and then clean the salvageable items. However, most things must be thrown away in case they were in contact with contaminated water.

Remove Basement Sheetrock if contacted the flood water

Now the basement must be empty and that is why you should remove all the basement carpet. Tear out all the paneling or sheetrock damaged by the floodwater.

Disinfect as well as sanitize

Thoroughly disinfect as well as sanitize the entire basement and any articles that you are attempting to save. Be careful while working with the bleach as well as other cleaning supplies as basements generally have the problem of poor ventilation and also, the fumes can turn out to be dangerous.

In case you are searching for an organization to supervise the entire procedure beginning to end, get the help of restoration experts and enjoy peace of mind in terms of managing the flooded basement situation.

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