Category: Bio & Trauma Cleanup

What To Do If Your Sump Pump Fails

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Your sump pump is vital to keeping you from finding yourself ankle-deep in water and the high bills from flooding damage. However, these pumps have a short life expectancy and may not always be up to the task of keeping your basement dry. With that in mind, the experts at RestoPros are here to help you prepare for such a disaster and advise you on what to do if your sump pump fails.

 Call a Plumber

The first step you should take in the event of sump pump failure is to call a plumber that can repair it. Especially if you don’t have a backup system, this should be a top priority.

 

Use a basement water pump.

While waiting for the plumber to make the repairs, you can help reduce the flooding by using a basement water pump. These can be found at any local hardware store and are able to operate continuously during the flooding event. Sucking up the water and transporting it through a hose to a bathtub or drain, a basement water pump automatically shuts off once the water stops.

 

Enlist the help of a Certified Water Mitigation Company.

Because you would only be paying them to pump out water as more enters, this should be second to having a plumber repair your sump pump. Once you have repaired your pump, contact a water restoration company that can begin the process of drying and repairing the damaged areas. This is an important step that you should not wait to take after your sump pump is repaired, as you don’t want to give mold and mildew time to grow in your house.

 

Preventative Measures to Consider:

Invest in an Alarm System

Before you worry about your course of action when your sump pump fails, you should consider how you will be alerted to the failure in the first place. Here are some options to consider:

 

Install a sump pump alarm system.

To stay on top of potential sump pump failure, you can install a sump plump alarm. There are many different types of sump pump alarm systems on the market, but here are a few of the best-reviewed options:

 

  • Basement Watchdog Dual Float Sump Pump Switch and Controller

Although not a standard alarm, this system monitors your sump pump’s viability and activates the sump pump if there is a rise in water of more than ¼ inch in the pump basin. With one float acting as an activator, a second float is included to kick in as a backup if the first float fails.

 

  • In/Outdoor High Water Warning System for Septic/Pump/Pond

Made in the US for domestic applications, this alarm system features a red LED light that flashes when the alarm sounds to alert you to rising water. With an easy installation process, this alarm system can be mounted on the head unit.

 

  • HomeSitter Power Alarm HS-700

Offering an affordable price and no monitoring fees to a third party if the alarm goes off, this is a dynamic option. Not only does this system alert you to high water, but it also warns you of extreme temperatures and power failures. Additionally, you can program this unit to call up to 3 contacts in the event of an emergency.

 

Invest in a backup system that includes an audio alarm.

Many backup sump pump models include monitoring systems that can warn you with a message and audio alarm. In addition to alerting you to rising water, these systems can warn you of pump failure. Furthermore, some advanced systems warn you of low battery fluid and corroded battery terminals.

Put a Backup System in Place

When it comes to protecting your home from flooding, you should hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Therefore, we recommend having a backup system in case the worst does happen. Here are some different types of backup systems to consider:

  • Secondary Electric Pump

Although effective in keeping your basement dry during sump pump failure, an electric pump requires power to work. Therefore, a power outage during a major storm or flooding event could render a secondary electric pump useless.

 

  • Hydraulic or Water-Powered Backup Sump Pump

This is a good option if your water comes from a municipal source, as this pump requires constant water-flow. That is to say that this backup system pushes the flowing water from a city supply through a venturi. As a result, this forms a low-pressure region. Then, as it flows through the device, gravity and flow pressure push water out of the sump pit. Lastly, the system empties the excess water. Although this is a viable backup system, a drawback is it must use a separate discharge than your primary pump.

 

  • Battery-Powered Backup System

Like your main pump, this system uses  a float switch to activate the pump when water rises in the sump. Furthermore, this system is Installed adjacent to your primary pump. Therefore, it can be plumbed into the central discharge pipe or with an independent discharge pipe. This system is a wise choice for backup in the event of power outages.

 

Let RestoPros Step In!

What is the best piece of advice for what to do if your sump pump fails? Call in the experts at RestoPros. Our team of certified water damage restoration experts are dedicated to finding fast-acting solutions for any of your problems. To tackle your household water damage with the team you can trust, call us today at 855-587-3786 or fill out a service request form on our website!

How to Clean a Blood Stain

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How to Clean a Blood Stain

You’ve checked online and in all the mail circulars. You know who has the television you want and at the price you want to pay. But there’s a problem: the store only has one left in stock, and you know there will be a hundred people waiting outside for the store to open, hoping to get their mitts on your television.

Let’s face facts, folks – holiday shopping is a blood sport – a zero sum game. If someone gets to that television before you, you don’t get that television. So, chances are good that you may come home from a shopping trip with a blood stain. Fortunately for you, the leading mold, water, and bio and trauma remediation company for the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex – RestoPros – is going to teach you how to clean a blood stain.

 

How to Remove a Blood Stain That’s Fresh

 

  1. Soak in Cold Water.

The first thing you’ll do is make sure the blood stain is still wet. If it is, then immediately soak the stain in cold water with two tablespoons of ammonia – or table salt if you don’t have any ammonia. There’s a misconception that using hot water is better for removing blood stains. It is not. Hot water will actually make the stain set.

  1. Apply Hydrogen Peroxide.

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an oxidizing agent. Peroxide reacts with enzymes in blood, causing an exothermic reaction and resulting in the breakdown of enzymes in blood. Apply the peroxide to the stain using a cotton swab. You should begin to see bubbling or foaming on the stain. This means the peroxide is working. If your fabric is dark colored and want to avoid bleaching, rub the stain with a bar of soap.

  1. Launder with Enzyme-Based Detergent.

You’re now going to machine-wash the article of clothing in cold water using an enzyme-based laundry detergent. Most big-name brands of detergent are now enzyme-based, but check the box to make sure. Once the cycle is complete, make sure the stain is gone before putting the garment in the dryer. Remember, heat will cause the stain to set.

 

How to Remove a Blood Stain That’s Dry

 

  1. Soak in Cold Water.

The first step is basically the same. Soak the fabric in cold water so that the fabric and stain are both wet.

  1. Pre-Treatment Laundry Spray.

If you have a spray bottle of stain remover, spray that on the stain and let it sit. If you don’t have any, you can mix some laundry detergent and water and apply that to the stain instead.

  1. Apply Ammonia to the Stain.

Using a cotton swab, apply some diluted ammonia to the stain. Make small circles with the cotton swab over the stain. Do this at least twice.

 

  1. Launder with Enzyme-Based Detergent.

Same as with a fresh blood stain, you’re now going to machine-wash the article of clothing in cold water using an enzyme-based laundry detergent.

 

While these tips should give you the knowledge to get most small blood stains out of your clothes, they are not comprehensive by any means. The fact is, bio and trauma cleanup are not for the faint of heart and can often be extremely dangerous for those without the proper training, gear, and clothing required. The bio and trauma cleanup experts at RestoPros have a long-standing reputation for expertise, professionalism, and hard work.

If you’re looking for a skilled and highly trained technician for bio and trauma cleanup, mold testing, mold remediation, water damage restoration, or HVAC duct cleaning anywhere in the Dallas Metroplex, call us at (855) 58-RESTO (855-587-3786) to schedule an appointment today!

8 Facts About Bio and Trauma Cleanup

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Bio and trauma cleanup is a bleak topic, but knowledge of the service is necessary. Dallas/Ft. Worth property owners should always have comprehensive guidance about the facts of bio and trauma clean-up, and we at RestoPros are here to provide this valuable information. As your trusted choice for bio and trauma clean-up, we know essential information that the public should understand. We’ve compiled the basic facts for our Dallas/Ft. Worth neighbors:

There is No Official Regulation for Crime Scene Cleanup

Believe it or not, no current official regulation exists for crime scene clean-up. Instead, other agencies such as OSHA and the EPA provide guidelines and legislations. Local and state government guidelines must be complied with as well. Having no official regulation does not mean anyone can perform bio and trauma clean-up services. Instead, this leads to our next fact:

Cleaners Often Go Through Several Training Courses

Although there is no official legislation, companies themselves require several training courses and certifications to be obtained before performing any service. Desired qualifications could be OSHA certifications, blood pathogen training, waste transportation permits, and much more. RestoPros hires only certified professionals who must go through continued training to ensure we provide quality bio and trauma clean-up services.

Bodily Fluids are Classified as Hazardous

In bio and trauma cleanup, a body is considered hazardous. No matter what fluid it may be, if it came from a body, it is considered and handled as hazardous material. Disease from contaminated fluid is always a concern. The risks associated with contacting germs and bacteria from bodily fluids is enough reason to label them as hazardous.

Supplies are Never Used Twice

Bio and trauma cleanups involve potentially hazardous materials. This means whatever tool, supply, or gear that goes into a clean-up is disposed of immediately after. Each time a service is performed, new gear and supplies are issued to perform the task.

Crime Scene Technicians and Biohazard Technicians are Different

Although their titles sound similar, they have very different job duties. Crime scene technicians essentially manage the crime scene, processing and documenting all materials and possible evidence. Biohazard technicians come after the Crime Scene Technicians finish their job and perform the cleaning service, properly disposing of all bio and trauma waste and materials in the area.

Toxic Substances Come from Seemingly Harmless Materials

Much like bodily fluids, hazardous substances can come from materials that, at first glance, look relatively harmless. Something as simple as a shoe within the infected area can be full of disease-carrying bacteria. Dead animals produce toxic fumes as well, and can cause serious illness if inhaled.

Biohazards Lead to Higher Costs than Housefires

Although a housefire may cause more damage, biohazards have exponentially higher costs for cleanup services. Several reasons contribute to these high costs. For one, insurance companies tend to not have any substantial plan or focus on these types of claims. Additionally, the service itself can fluctuate in price depending on the type of clean-up, when it happened, and the area infected. Furthermore, the cleanup process itself is lengthy, with problems such as the smell taking considerable time to remove.

Unqualified Biohazard Cleaning Services Pose a Greater Risk

Like most professional services, never go with an amateur. Unprofessional work leads to higher risks to your health, and higher costs to your property. When choosing a company for bio and trauma clean-up services, RestoPros is your quality-focused and trusted option.

Having some knowledge on bio and trauma clean-up will help you find the right solution if the need ever arises. RestoPros provides quality bio and trauma clean-up services throughout the Dallas/Ft.Worth area. Give us a call at 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment and consult with your local clean-up specialists.