Category: Leak Prevention

How to Avoid Water Damage in the Kitchen

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There are two areas in a home which use the most water: the bathroom and kitchen. And since we’ve previously discussed preventing bathroom mold and moisture, we now want to help Dallas/Ft. Worth homeowners on preventing water damage in the kitchen. After all, kitchens are where we cook, clean, and eat, making water damage the last thing we want in there!

The experts at RestoPros have detailed a guide below on how to avoid water damage in the kitchen. Be sure to follow this guide to better protect your Dallas/Ft. Worth home.

Avoid Putting Certain Items Down the Drain

Not all organic material can go down the drain of your kitchen sink. Items such as fat, oil, and grease may seem fine at first if they’re a liquid. But once cooled down they solidify, which can clog up the plumbing and further cause leakage and eventually water damage. In general, avoid putting any oils down your drain (which includes greasy protein and vegetable scraps.

Additionally, you want to avoid putting any fibrous, starchy, or durable food waste down the drain. Items such as eggshells, pasta, rice, celery stalks, and fruit pits can all clog your drain, as well as damage your garbage disposal.

Clean Spills as Quickly as Possible

The more a spill lingers, the higher the chance it can cause water damage. If you spill any liquid in the kitchen, you’ll want to clean it up as soon as possible. Spills left unattended will begin to soak into porous surfaces such as wood and drywall. And once the surface becomes too damp, water damage can occur.

The best way to clean up water spills is by using an absorbent cleaning material such as a towel or rag. After soaking up all the water, be sure to pat down the stain with paper towels to remove any leftover moisture.

Inspect Your Plumbing Regularly

Every now and then, look at your kitchen’s plumbing for any drips, leaks or damaged pipes. Malfunctioning plumbing can be hidden, and water could be seeping into your cabinets and drawers without you even knowing. Therefore, you’ll want to regularly keep an eye on your kitchen’s plumbing, which includes your refrigerator if it has a water/ice component.

Wash Dishes More Carefully

When washing dishes, set your faucet to a lower pressure. Too much water pressure will cause water to bounce off dishes and onto other areas of your kitchen. This can lead to water soaking into walls, cabinets, and other areas.

If you use a dishwasher, remove any large food chunks and waste from your dishes before filling the racks. This helps prevent bits of food from clogging the water pipes, which can lead to a leaking dishwasher. Additionally, only use dishwasher soap for the dishwasher. Regular dish soap is not compatible with dishwashers and can also cause your dishwasher to leak.

Protect your kitchen from water damage by following these prevention tips! If you’ve discovered water damage in your kitchen, or any other part of your Dallas/Ft. Worth home, contact RestoPros for our water damage restoration services. Give us call at 855-587-3786 to have our leading experts restore your home from water damage.

Related Links:

Water Damage – Cleanup and Mold Prevention – Environmental Protection Agency

Handling Water Damage Claims – Texas Department of Insurance

6 Common Leak Causes

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Leaks in your home are one of the worst – and most annoying things that can happen. Leaks are known to potentially cause water damage and even mold growth. What makes leaks especially troublesome are their many causes. Water can leak from your roof, plumbing, or even under your home.

We all know leaks are a horrible experience for Dallas/Ft. Worth homeowners. But do you know how leaks can happen? To help prevent leaks your home, you’ll want to be aware of the common causes. The experts at RestoPros have assembled a list below!

Clogged Drains

When a drain has no clear passage for water to exit through, pressure will continually build up. Eventually, the water pressure can cause a pipe to start dripping. Although dripping may seem like a small nuisance at first, the problem will only get worse if not resolved. With enough pressure, the pipe can eventually burst, spraying water everywhere.

Drains are most commonly clogged by build-ups of grease, soap, food, and even hair. Worse, a clogged drain can cause a pipe to have multiple leaks. This increases chances of water damage and possibly mold growth.

For information on helping to treat clogged drains, click here.

Clogged Downspout/Gutter

Much like a drain, your gutters and downspout are a main exit for water, but they collect rainwater instead of tap. Also, like a drain, they can become clogged if not maintained. A clogged gutter can be overfilled with water and possibly leak into your attic. Same problem can apply to a downspout. A clogged downspout disallows water from draining out your roof, further increasing the chance of leakage.

Leaves, dirt, and trash are known to build-up in your gutters and downspout. Fortunately, with a ladder, you can clear out a clogged gutter with a water hose and your hands – provided you wear gloves! You can also use a water hose to flush out your downspout.

For more information on protecting and cleaning your gutters and downspout, along with other rain leakage protection, click here.

Overfilled Dishwasher

Although it may seem like you’re maximizing water usage at first, stuffing your dishwasher can actually be disastrous. If a dishwasher is overfilled, the drain or valve may not seal properly. This can cause water to overflow and not have anywhere to go, except your floor!

Using dish soap instead of dishwashing liquid is not beneficial either. Dish soap is extremely foamy. The immense amount of bubbles produced can also overfill your dishwasher, potentially causing it to leak. Only use soap intended for the dishwasher!

Loose Washer Hoses

Generally, when you have your washing machine installed, two hoses are connected: drain and fill. As their name suggests, theses hoses are responsible for filling and draining the water in your washing machine. If they are not connected properly or damaged, water can leak during a wash cycle.

Damaged Piping

Piping is how water is transported throughout your home, and leaks are bound to happen. Water pressure can damage piping. High water pressure can loosen the connection of piping, which can cause dripping. If this pressure isn’t resolved, a pipe could eventually burst, spraying water everywhere!

Additionally, loose corner connections on pipes can also drip water. This can happen under sinks, as piping tends to be folded with several corners when below a faucet.

Another way piping can be damaged is by tree roots. Trees or vegetation with invasive roots can puncture underground water leaks, causing a leak. If you are wanting to plant new trees, purchase species without invasive roots.

Improper Toilet Water Levels

Toilet water is horrid, especially when it leaks! Unfortunately, improper water levels in the bowl and tank can cause water to overflow. Certain factors can cause this.

The common cause of a leaking toilet is when the flapper fails to seal the valve. Water can no longer be held in the tank and flows into the bowl. Flushing a clogged toilet can also cause leakage, as this is another way the tank will overfill the bowl.

By knowing these common leak causes, you can help to avoid them for your Dallas/Ft. Worth home. However, if a leak has already caused water damage in your home, you’ll need to contact RestoPros immediately. We help to remediate water damage while also helping to ensure no mold has grown in your home. Call 855-587-3786 for affordable water damage remediation and mold testing services.

Related Articles:

Save Forth Worth Water – Leaks

5 Tips to Avoid Garage Mold

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Mold is always looking for a place to grow, and your garage may be its potential new home. Garages are usually dark and warm, which are two of the three required conditions for mold growth. The last requirement is humidity, which is unfortunate as garages tend to also be exposed to outdoor weather conditions. Since we’re in storm season, chances of garage mold are higher than ever for Dallas/Ft. Worth homeowners.

If you want to avoid garage mold, you’ll need to take some advice from the mold-removal experts at RestoPros. Here are 5 tips for preventing garage mold!

  1. 1. Dry Items Before Storing in Your Garage

Garages are the usual storage for all your tools, cleaning supplies, and seasonal items. When you use any item from your garage, you’ll want to dry it completely before placing them back. Items such as umbrellas, mops, and bikes tend to get soaked after use. If you place them back in the garage while they are wet, you’re giving mold the chance to grow.

Wipe down any wet item with a towel before placing them in the garage. If possible, let items air dry to completely remove moisture. For metal items such as tools, wipe them down thoroughly if they are wet, but do not air dry them. A mix of oxygen and water can cause metals such as iron to rust. On the contrary, most bikes are made with aluminum, which does not rust, so you can air dry them. However, avoid doing this if they are made with steel.

  1. 2. Remove and Replace Cardboard in Your Garage

Cardboard soaks water like a sponge. If you are using cardboard boxes for storage in your garage, you are at risk of garage mold. Once water has soaked carboard, it will remain soggy and fragile for a long period of time. This can lead to mold growth, and possibly even ruin the contents inside the cardboard box.

Instead, switch to using plastic totes. Plastic containers are much more resilient to water than cardboard, as well as being easier to clean. They protect your items much better as well.

If you have no other choice than to use carboard, then keep the boxes above ground as much as possible. Avoid stacking boxes and ensure their area is kept dry.

  1. 3. Seal Your Garage Door

Your garage door offers little protection against weather conditions. Water can seep through the bottom, sides, and top of the garage door. To combat this, you’ll need to conceal these openings with seals and weather-strips.

Garage seals and weather-strips are available at almost any department store. You can find variants that go along the bottom of the garage door, as well as the floor of the garage itself. Seals and weather-strips can also be placed along the sides to further prevent water leaks.

  1. 4. Maintain Humidity Levels in Your Garage

Humidity is the missing piece that gives mold the chance to grow in your garage. To combat humidity, a dehumidifier is recommended. Dehumidifiers reduce humidity levels within their nearby area. You can run one during or after every rain occurrence. Doing so will help prevent moisture from soaking the garage walls and ceiling. This will also help prevent any fragile items such as books being damaged by moisture.

  1. 5. Remove Standing Water in Your Garage

Whether it’s a spilled drink or a parked dripping car, a puddle of water can form in your garage. As soon as it happens, you’ll want to remove all the standing water, as well as dry up any wet spots along the garage floor.

Most garage floors tend to be a higher level than the driveway. This gives you the ability to flush out standing water with relative ease. Using a squeegee, push out as much water as you can. After which, use a dry mop along with paper towels to soak up any leftover moisture. Once cleaning has finished, use a dehumidifier to ensure moisture has been eliminated.

Garage mold should be avoided at all costs, but don’t avoid contacting a mold professional if your garage has been infested with mold. RestoPros provides the mold remediation services that can restore your garage, or any part of your home, back to a safe condition. Call us at 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment with Dallas/Ft. Worth’s leading mold removal experts.

Don’t Let Water Damage Break Your Heart (This Valentine’s Day)

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Water damage can be a serious problem for Dallas/Ft. Worth homeowners, and with Valentine’s Day right around the corner, it’s last thing you want to see. Even though our winters are relatively mild, freezing temperatures are still an occurrence. Having your pipes freeze can cause them to crack and burst – and the occasional ice and snow can contribute to roof and foundation leaks. Water can ruin metal, damage drywall, and lead to mold growth.

Luckily, RestoPros is here to help those winter leaks from damaging in your home. Don’t let water damage ruin your home this Valentine’s Day, or any day for that matter. Instead, work to prevent it and live comfortably with the winter weather. As the water damage experts, we have compiled a list of tips for prevention:

Monitor Your Sinks

  • Watch what goes down your disposal, as certain organic detritus can clog your pipes, causing water pressure to increase and burst your plumbing.
  • Fatty and greasy substances such as lard, cooking oil, and bacon grease can harden and clog your pipes, regardless of the water temperature.
  • Soap scum and starchy food residue can also be lodged inside your drain.
  • If your sink is clogged, use a sink plunger to remove any initial build-up (kitchen sinks most commonly experience clogged garbage disposals).
  • Use a drain snake to remove clogs lying deep within your pipes.

Protect Against Winter Leaks

  • With Valentine’s Day residing in winter, Dallas/Ft. Worth residents are still at risk for winter leakage.
  • Be sure to clear you gutters and downspouts, along with sealing your doors and windows.
  • More info about preventing winter leaks can be found here.

Examine Major Appliances Regularly

  • Refrigerators and washing machines should be maintained regularly – and inspected closely for leaks.
  • On the back of these major appliances are hoses connected to the water supply; these hoses should be examined every few months.
  • Examine each hose for dripping, tears, loose connections, or knots.
  • After an examination, be sure each hose is hidden and not at risk of being stepped on or tripped over.

Maintain Outdoor Plants and Trees

  • Although they seem harmless, plants and trees with invasive roots can burrow towards your plumbing and potentially cause unsuspecting damage.
  • Trees such as willows, birches, and poplar all have invasive roots, and plants such as boxwood shrubs and ivy follow suit.
  • Plan where you plant your vegetation and avoid having these close to your plumbing.

Monitor Your Water Bill

  • Since your plumbing system is complex, identifying a burst pipe or water damage may seem difficult at first, but your water bill can be a notification.
  • An high increase in your water bill may mean your plumbing is losing water in a certain area, and this lost water may be affecting an area you can’t see.

Prevent water damage for Valentine’s Day and avoid the broken heart that comes with expensive repairs. If you are experiencing water damage in your home, contact RestoPros immediately. Being the leading water and mold restoration company in Dallas/Ft. Worth, our water damage services ensure your home is restored to a safe and quality condition. Give us a call at 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment and meet your local professionals. Happy Valentine’s Day!

 

 

Keeping Your Home Free from Winter Leaks

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With winter coming fast in Dallas/Fort Worth, expect to see higher chances of rain, ice, and possibly snow if we’re lucky (or unlucky depending on your preference). For some, cold winds and frozen precipitation are just general nuisances, but don’t let your concerns stop there. Rain, ice, and snow all have chances of leaking into your home, which if left unattended can cause water damage and mold growth. Although winter is supposed to be a season of relaxation and comfort, don’t let water get cozy inside your home.

RestoPros knows that a homeowner should be prepared for potential winter leaks. Our experience as water damage and mold remediation professionals has given us extensive knowledge on how to prevent it in your home, and with winter bringing a higher chance of precipitation, practicing this knowledge will keep your mind at ease during the cold season. Thus, we have provided some tips and guidance on keeping your home free from winter leaks.

Downspout

• Clogged downspouts lead to fast build-up on your gutters as there is no passage for water and debris to escape.
• Make sure you clean your downspout before cleaning your gutter, as this allows mud and debris from your gutter to safely flush through your downspout.
• Place a water hose inside the downspout from the bottom to flush out any clogging.
• You can use a screwdriver to take apart the bottom of your downspout for easier access to clogged areas.
• After you flush out and unclog your downspout, reattach any parts you removed and begin cleaning your gutter.

Gutters

• Brisk and cold winds add both excess rain, mud, and leaves to your gutters, and less space for waterflow means water can spill around the gutter and even leak into your walls.
• Clogged gutters also begin to deteriorate if left unattended, and prolonged build-up may even cause your gutter to break from being unable to support the weight.
• Make sure to practice ladder safety when cleaning gutters: keep ladder legs locked and stable, have someone supervise the bottom, and never go more than three steps from the top.
• Clear the debris from gutters using your hands, and use a water hose to flush out mud and other debris.
• Be sure to check the corners of your gutters, as they easily become clogged.
• If you don’t want to use a ladder, there are gutter cleaning wands that allows you to unclog gutters.

Doors

• Rain, ice, and snow can enter in through the small cracks of your home, and your door has many openings for unwanted precipitation.
• Weather stripping can be bought at your local department store, and is used to seal the sides and bottom of your doors to prevent cold air and precipitation from coming in through the cracks.
• Place doormats on both sides of a door to act as a shield from water and mud from shoes and paws.
• Equip your door with door bottoms to further prevent water coming from underneath.

Windows

• Windows have as much potential for leakage as doors, and with more windows in your home than doors, protecting and sealing them is a must.
• Weather stripping can be used to seal the sides of your windows, and this will help stop cold air and unwanted precipitation from entering in.
• Water resistant blinds and shades are available at your local department store to place over your windows.
• Water resistant curtains are available as well, and help add further protection from winter leaks.
Never let your home go unprotected from winter leakage. If you are experiencing winter leaks, water damage, or mold growth in your home, contact RestoPros immediately. Our dedication is for a safe home, and we provide expert water damage and mold remediation services to ensure your home stays protected for the winter season. Contact us at 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment and meet your trusted mold and water experts.