Category: Mold Symptoms

5 Signs You Need New Carpet

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You always want the best for your home, and sometimes that means replacing your old carpet. Regardless of how much you clean and maintain it, your carpet will eventually reach the end of its usefulness. However, with carpet, it isn’t always immediately evident when this has occurred. Sometimes an older carpet might not exhibit any signs of wear yet may be hiding years of mold growth or other contaminants underneath. While figuring out whether or not you need to retire your carpet might be difficult, the professionals at RestoPros are here to guide you!

Every Dallas/Ft. Worth homeowner should mindful of when their carpet needs to be replaced. There are a few common signs that signify age or damage that will help you make the best decision for your home. Below are a few that our remediation experts have complied:

  1. Noticeable Wear and Matting
  • Once your carpet is noticeably damaged, it’s difficult to save it.
  • Examine your carpet for ripples, as this can be caused by worn padding underneath.
  • Padding that loses its form also has reduced cushioning and insulation.
  • Check every area of the carpet for tears, holes and other visual clues that might indicate a replacement is needed.
  • Matted carpet, or carpet that has become frayed, can be caused by heavy traffic or improper installation.
  1. Unremovable Stains
  • Every carpet gets a stain occasionally, but once they start to stay, it’s time for your carpet to go.
  • Although most carpet designs come with stain-resistance, this often loses effectiveness with age, and stains can become prevalent.
  • Some lingering carpet stains can also soak through the carpet, harming the floor and potentially causing mold or mildew.
  • If stains are appearing out of nowhere on your carpet, then this may be mold growth. Contact RestoPros immediately for mold remediation services.
  1. Foul Odors
  • A smelly carpet is a bad carpet, and the stronger the odor, the faster you should seek solutions to get rid of the smell.
  • Foul odors in your carpet can be caused by various things including pets, foot traffic, spills, or old age.
  • Foul odors from your carpet can compromise your indoor air quality and may lead to health problems including headaches and nausea.
  • If you have had your carpet professionally cleaned and the odors remain, you should consider replacing it.
  • Foul odors that persist can also be the cause of mold growth. If your carpet is damp or musty, call the experts at RestoPros for mold remediation services.
  1. Increased Symptoms of Allergies
  • When you find yourself sneezing or coughing a lot when entering a room, your carpet may be the reason.
  • An older carpet can hold allergens and affect the health of a household.
  • Other symptoms of these allergens could include runny nose, hives, dizziness and headaches.
  • If these symptoms persist even after a professional cleaning, you should consider replacing the carpet.
  1. Older Than 8 Years
  • When your carpet is old, don’t expect the same results as when you first got it.
  • Most carpets tend to have a lifespan of about 8 years (or less), but this lifespan can be even shorter with larger families, homes with pets, and homes with leak problems.
  • If your carpet is 8 – 10 years old, consider replacing it. After the fibers have become worn and frayed, it is more difficult for it to withstand stains and other damaged caused by everyday foot traffic.

Never let your carpet be the cause of an unhealthy home. If you are experiencing any of these problems, consider replacing your carpet. And if you believe that your old carpet might be harboring mold, contact RestoPros immediately. We are the most trusted mold remediation company in Dallas/Ft Worth and can help with a variety of infestation problems. For affordable mold remediation services give us a call at 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment.

 

Fighting Winter Mold

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With the cold weather in full force, winter is wreaking havoc lately in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Although the chilly season keeps households busy, don’t let mold prevention be forgotten. Winter means increased indoor condensation, increased humidity and cloudy days, all of which are ideal for mold growth. This means homeowners should be extra cautious in older homes, where uneven insulation and foundation cracks can compound these winter issues. The professionals at RestoPros want to help keep homeowners free from a mold infestation during the coldest months of the year, so we’ve come up with some basic tips for fighting winter mold.

Keep Rooms Well-Lit When Humid

  • Mold seeks dark areas to grow and reproduce.
  • Avoid giving winter mold a home by keeping humid rooms well-lit until dry.
  • Consider placing lamps around darker areas of the room to help eliminate too much shade.
  • Keep affected rooms well-lit until moisture has been completely removed.

Utilize a Dehumidifier

  • Mold requires moisture to survive, and will actively search for it in your home.
  • Fight off the winter moisture by using a dehumidifier to reduce humidity levels in your home.
  • A dehumidifier removes moisture and offers a dryer climate, which halts mold growth.
  • Dehumidifiers also help to remove water stains and moisture in hard-to-reach areas such as ceilings and crevices.
  • Rooms that have little ventilation require a dehumidifier to give adequate moisture removal.

Utilize a Ceiling Fan

  • Using the ceiling fan in the Winter may not seem like the best idea at first, but it’s added benefit of reverse spinning helps fight the winter mold.
  • Set your ceiling fan to reverse, as this takes warm air and forces it back down – for even distribution throughout the room.
  • Warm air is better circulated in a reverse ceiling fan, and this helps prevent mold by removing moisture.
  • Beyond mold prevention, a reverse ceiling fan also works well to distribute heat, meaning you can save money on your heating system.

Clean Your Home Regularly

  • With winter adding humidity and condensation, expect to find more reasons to clean your home regularly.
  • Be careful not to track mud when walking inside, and clean any shoes before stepping on carpet.
  • Use a vinegar-water solution mixed with baking soda to clean any dirty walls, counters, or crevices.
  • Vacuum your floors regularly, and remove dust from furniture.
  • When cleaning your home, have mold cleaners handy in case you stumble across any signs of mold.

Fighting winter mold means being smart about the early warning signs. Condensation on windows, humid air and cracks in the walls and ceiling are all precursors to mold growth. If you are currently beyond the warning signs – and experiencing any form of mold in your home, contact RestoPros immediately. We strive to keep Dallas/Ft. Worth homeowners safe and mold-free. Give us a call at 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment and ensure this winter season is mold-free.

Black Mold: What Is It & How Does It Affect Your Home & Health?

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black mold

Black mold is a common industry term used by experts in the field and, more recently, by concerned homeowners. The name sounds threatening, like something you would hear in a horror movie. ‘Everyone get out of the theater! The black mold is coming!’ It has been the subject of erroneous internet rumors, backed by misinformation about its toxicity and its effects on a household.

While all residential mold should be taken seriously, it’s important to deal with any infestation with factual information. A good starting point is to remember to treat all mold the same. Do not attempt to clean or investigate mold without the proper safeguards – including gloves and a face mask. Always abide by safety precautions and contact a professional mold remediation company (such as RestoPros) immediately if an infestation has gotten out of control.

What Is Black Mold?

  • Stachbotrys chartarum, also known as Stachbotrys atra, is often referred to as black mold.
  • Stachbotrys chartarum is a mold that produces mycotoxins, which are toxic substances released by a fungus.
  • Houses and buildings with water damage and dark areas are the preferred locations for Stachbotrys chartarum to grow and reproduce.
  • Contaminated plant material entering your house can cause this mold to grow as well.
  • Although this mold is not as common as other household molds, it is not rare either.
  • Other molds can be black in color, but Stachbotrys chartarum is most associated with the name.

How Dangerous Is Black Mold?

  • Tons of speculation surround the dangers of black mold, describing it as toxic and sometimes deadly.
  • No scientific evidence has concluded Stachbotrys chartarum is a severe health risk to most people, but allergy and sickness symptoms may arise from the mycotoxins it produces.
  • Although there is little scientific evidence that links black mold to inflammatory responses, mycotoxins have been documented to cause headaches, nasal congestion, and chronic coughing.
  • Infants, elderly, and those with weak immune systems can have more severe symptoms from mycotoxin exposure, and should be removed from areas infected with black mold.

Can Black Mold be Identified?

  • With over 100,000 different types of mold, it’s often difficult to determine which kind is in your home.
  • Black is a very common color for all mold, making it a challenge to identify Stachbotrys chartarum.
  • Check any areas of your home that are dark and have moisture, and focus on finding all mold.
  • A single room in your house can have several types of mold living there, making it less important to identify than to remove outright.
  • All types of invasive mold should be treated and removed by mold remediation professionals.

Black mold is not the toxic horror show that many have been led to believe. However, any mold outbreak in your home should be treated with both caution and immediacy. If you have mold growing in your home, contact RestoPros immediately. We can respond quickly to mold outbreaks and mold damage and have been helping our neighbors in the Dallas/Fort Worth area for years. Give us a call at 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment with the most trusted mold remediation company in the metroplex.

Baby Safety Month

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September is Baby Safety Month and RestoPros wants to make sure that you keep your child safe from mold, mildew and other potential toxins. Certain kinds of household mold can cause illness. When this happens, most otherwise healthy people can get over it. But those who have weaker immune systems, including the elderly, children and babies, are more susceptible to negative long-term effects. According to the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Infants are particularly affected by all types of mold and, when exposed, can suffer serious illnesses. The experts at RestoPros have come up with a list of The experts at RestoPros have come up with a list of symptoms to watch out for – and places to check for hidden mold.

Common Mold Allergies

Common mold can trigger allergic reactions and allergic rhinitis. There are a variety of common types of mold that can be found in homes across the U.S. Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Penicillium are not generally harmful. Most households live with them and never experience any health problems. However, infants are especially sensitive to these common types of mold and can develop severe health problems as a result. Babies with allergies might be particularly sensitive to mold, but infants who are otherwise healthy can also experience an allergic reaction. If your infant has mold allergies, you might see these signs:

  • Sneezing
  • Stuffy/Runny Nose
  • Sore Throat
  • Itchy, Runny or Bloodshot Eyes
  • Respiratory Illness (Caused by Black Mold and can Include Pneumonia)

Toxigenic Mold

More severe health reactions are found with the mold categories: Fusarium, Stachybotrys and Trichoderma. Infants exposed to these mold types might exhibit these signs:

  • Acute Vomiting
  • Severe Diarrhea
  • Asthma Attacks

MVOCs

Some molds can generate Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds (MVOCs). Formed from fungal metabolism, these molds can make people very sick, especially infants. MOVCs are directly discharged into the air and can cause a variety of respiratory problems and other negative symptoms. If your baby is experiencing severe upper respiratory problems, this could be the trigger. Talk to your pediatrician about MVOCs and then have a mold assessment performed if this is a concern.

Mold Check

If you feel that mold in your home might be affecting the health of your infant, there are several places that you should check for an outbreak. Mold is generally connected to a leak or a place that is consistently wet or humid.

  • Does the nursery have a leak in the ceiling or a plumbing leak coming through the wall?
  • Are there baby toys that are usually damp from being put inside a mouth? Toys that stay damp, or have a small opening that might allow liquid inside, can easily develop mold.
  • Are there signs of mold in the bathroom? The bathroom is usually the first place that common mold types will surface. Make sure that the bathtub and sink areas are free from any signs of mold or mildew.
  • Make sure that baby bottles are properly sanitized. Mold can quickly grow in a closed bottle that has been left out for a few days.
  • Wet clothes and cloth diapers need to be washed immediately. Cloth can develop mold, which is nearly impossible to clean once it has infiltrated fabric.
  • Carpets, rugs and curtains in the nursery can very easily develop mold if left wet. Babies and toddlers are messy; urine, vomit and saliva can sometimes vanish into the surroundings. Make sure to clean up (and dry) every wet mess as soon as it is discovered.
  • Check the nursery air vents for mold – as well as the vents throughout the home. A home’s ventilation system is an ideal place for mold to grow and flourish.

If you have a baby in the house with any of the symptoms mentioned above, talk with your pediatrician about potential triggers. If mold might be the cause, investigate the common problem areas (and causes). RestoPros can help if you have found an outbreak and need professional assistance. We can help with all mold your remediation needs. Call us at 855-587-3786 to schedule an assessment today!

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Mold Awareness Month

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September is Mold Awareness Month and RestoPros wants to empower our Dallas/Ft. Worth neighbors with the latest information on its effects. Our wet and humid summer put us on alert with several blogs on the prevention and detection of mold in the home. We deal directly with mold every day, so we know how drastically it can affect both a home and a household. From the devastation that mold infestation can cause to the adverse health effects of a household, we have seen it all.

Keeping it from developing requires a combination of proper humidity and temperatures levels – as well as healthy air circulation and ventilation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a thorough review of residential mold infestation, its effects on people and how it can be controlled and prevented. RestoPros thought it would be helpful to share this information during Mold Awareness Month. While we have covered many of their findings in our recent blogs, having the CDC back up the information with their thorough research gives weight to the conversation.

This information was taken directly from their Facts about Mold and Dampness report, a thorough analysis of the subject.

Main Health Points:

Mold affects people differently – and some people are not affected at all by its presence.

  • Exposure to damp and moldy environments can cause a variety of health problems (or effects) or none at all.
  • Some people are sensitive to mold and can develop nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing or wheezing, eye irritation and (sometimes) skin irritation.
  • People with mold allergies can have more severe reactions. Immune compromised people and people with chronic lung illnesses can get serious infections in their lungs when exposed to mold.
  • According to the Institute of Medicine (IOM), there is sufficient evidence linking indoor exposure to mold with: upper respiratory tract symptoms including coughing and wheezing in otherwise healthy people; asthma symptoms in people with asthma; and with hypersensitivity pneumonitis in individuals susceptible to that immune-mediated condition.
  • The IOM also found limited or suggestive evidence linking indoor mold exposure and respiratory illness in otherwise healthy children.

Mold Control and Prevention:

If mold is growing in your home you need to clean up the mold and fix the moisture problem.

  • You can help control mold by keeping the humidity levels in your home at a healthy percentage (around 40 – 50%). An air conditioner or dehumidifier can help you keep the level low.
  • Promptly fix leaky roofs, windows, and pipes so mold does not have the moisture to grow.
  • Thoroughly clean and dry rooms (within 24-48 hours) after flooding.
  • Make sure that your home has enough ventilation. Ventilate bathroom, laundry and kitchen/cooking areas.
  • Add mold inhibitors to paints before painting.
  • Clean bathrooms with mold-killing products.
  • Remove or replace carpets and upholstery that have bene soaked and cannot be dried promptly. Try not to use carpet in rooms like bathrooms or basements that may have a lot of moisture.

The EPA’s A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home

If you are dealing with a mold problem in your home, simply cleaning up the evidence is not sufficient. While certain molds may not be as destructive as others, its presence means that there is a moisture source in your home that needs to be fixed. RestoPros can help with all facets of a mold infestation including testing and remediation. Call us at 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment today!

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Areas in the Home to Check for Mold

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It’s been an uncharacteristically wet summer in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area this year. With all the rain, flash flooding and humidity, the possibility for mold growth in (and outside) of the home has dramatically increased. Leaks in the roof and cracks in the walls can easily be compromised by the humid weather, allowing mold to infiltrate and proliferate inside a home. Even without leaks, your home and its exterior are more susceptible to a mold outbreak due to the humidity in the air. Because of this, it is important to know where the major areas for mold growth can be found. Being proactive before a potential outbreak can get out of hand will save you a lot of time and money in remediation and foundation repairs. This weekend, go through the following list and check your home for signs of mold.

Attic

If you have had problems with roof leaks, this is the first area to check for a potential mold infestation. Mold thrives in damp, humid spaces and Dallas/Ft. Worth attics without fans or climate control should be a major concern. If there doesn’t appear to be any mold, but the ceiling or walls exhibit signs of water leakage, consider drying the area out by moving air through with a fan. Have a licensed roofer check for leaks immediately.

Ventilation Ducts

Ducts are another problem area for mold growth. Ventilation ducts and, to a lesser extent, HVAC ducts often contain the right combination of warmth and vapor to compel cold growth. Checking them for mold can be tricky, but removing vents and grilles and exploring the attached vent with a flashlight is a good start.  Mold inside ductwork is very difficult to fins and contain. If you see signs of an outbreak, contact a specialist to test or treat the area.

Windows

Older windows that have cracks in the framing or damaged jambliner/weather stripping are easy targets for mold growth. Do a thorough check of all the windows in your home, opening them to check for contamination in the jambs (vertical areas). If there is furniture obscuring part of the window or areas close to it, move it out of the way. Mold can grow around window areas, especially window panes that are often affected by outside humidity. The water that collects on them can run, compromising the wall area below.

What to do About Mold Growing on Windows

Bathrooms

These are the rooms that are most frequently compromised by mold. The constant use of the bath or shower in an enclosed space, even with strong ventilation, can promote an outbreak. Check every corner of the room including cabinets – and look behind artwork on walls. Make sure that after a bath or shower that the ventilation stays on with door open until the humidity has been removed from the air.

Doors

The wet summer can be especially hard for doors in Dallas/Ft. Worth. Wood doors and doors with wood framing can very easily warp, leaving small cracks for the humidity to infiltrate the home. Check for mold on all the doors to house and any hinged garage or utility doors outside.

A/C Window Units

If you live in a home or apartment with an A/C window unit, give it a thorough inspection – both inside and out. Units that “sweat” or constantly leak are prone to mold growth. A rainy, humid summer only exacerbates the potential for an outbreak inside the unit. Cleaning mold from a window unit can be very difficult, sometimes it is easier (and cheaper) to simply replace the model.

Heating/Cooling Appliances

Refrigerators, washer/dryers, water heaters and other appliances that produce cold, heat or create condensation can create opportunities for mold growth. If it is possible, pull out the appliance and inspect it thoroughly, then check the wall and floor around it.  Certain appliances like water heaters and dishwashers are not as easy to inspect, but are also magnets for mold and should be investigated as well.

Don’t let the humid weather wreak havoc on your home. Check for mold in all these common areas – and stop an outbreak before it has a chance to harm your home and family. If you discover mold and feel that it needs to be handled by professionals, contact the experts at RestoPros. We can schedule a technician to make an assessment of the problem and offer solutions for remediation. Call us at 855-587-3786 to make an appointment today!

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Summer Project: Searching for Mold

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Do you think there might be mold in your Dallas home? If you suspect that your home may have a mold problem, a good time to investigate is over an extended summer break. Recent spring storms, humidity and any structural problems can create areas that are prime for mold. If your Dallas home is susceptible to mold, or already has mold growth, this is an ideal time to root it out and make a plan for removal.

However, finding it and removing it is just half of the battle. Once mold is discovered, it is important to find the cause for the growth and then make the appropriate changes or repairs to ensure it doesn’t return. Having an extended break to deal with all aspects of the problem will enable you to fix this potentially dangerous situation quickly; ensuring both a healthy home and household.

Signs of Mold:

Unpleasant Odors – The first sign of a mold problem is a musty, unpleasant odor in the home. Because mold isn’t always visible, a strong, persistent smell is usually a telltale sign. Follow the odor to the strongest point and investigate the area. If there isn’t an obvious sign of infestation, the problem might be behind a wall or ceiling. The best course of action in this case would be to call a mold removal specialist.

Removing Musty Odors from Your Home

Condensation – During the recent storms, was there condensation on your windows? If you have noticed condensation on windows or walls, your home has a problem with humidity. A moist, humid home in the summer is the ideal breeding ground for mold. The ideal level of humidity for both health and comfort is 45 – 50% – anything higher will promote the condensation on your windows and walls. A modern HVAC system can be programmed for lower humidity, but several factors can prevent a healthy level. Some homes might benefit from a dehumidifier, especially in older residences that have structural problems.

Leaks and other Water Problems: If your home has leaks in the roof or the foundation, the odds are good that you have mold. Anywhere in your home where water has an opportunity to collect and sit is a prime area for mold infestation. The best way to deal with this problem is to get the leak fixed as quickly as possible. Simply removing the mold will not help if the area is likely to leak again. Cracks in the foundation that invite water also need to be fixed. Anywhere in the home that water can infiltrate will need to be repaired before the mold problem can be beaten.

Discolored Areas – Discolored areas on the ceiling or walls can indicate that colonies of mold are growing directly behind it. Bubbles in paint or wallpaper are also telltale signs of a mold infestation. When you discover these discolored or damaged areas, the best plan of attack is call a mold specialist. An invisible leak is more than likely the cause – and will require a professional to assess the situation and provide solutions.

Allergy Triggers – Are there people in your household who have allergic reactions when they enter the home – or when the central air system comes on? Sneezing, coughing, post nasal drip and sinus problems are often symptoms of mold allergies. Some people suffer from skin allergies when exposed to certain kinds of mold. Breaking out in hives during a rainstorm can indicate a mold problem in a home. If there is a definite cause/effect with allergies and your home, mold could be the trigger. An infestation in your central air system or your leaky roof can greatly affect the quality of life for those who suffer from mold allergies. The root cause needs to be investigated and dealt with quickly.

If you come across any of these signs, or have seen the actual presence of mold in your home, the next step is to call a professional for an assessment. The experts at RestoPros can help determine the extent of the infiltration, the damage and the cause. Use this summer break to take charge of the issue and fix it before it leads to expensive repairs. Ensure the health and comfort of your family with complete mold remediation in your Dallas home.

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Preventing Mold in an AC Window Unit

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Though the calendar might not reflect it, summer in Dallas has already arrived. Oppressive heat and humidity has become a regular occurrence, which means that area HVAC systems are running constantly. Because of the intense heat and humidity, residents with an AC window unit will want to be mindful of mold. Window units are especially susceptible to mold propagation – and in areas where high humidity is the norm in the summer, the threat is increased.

A window unit that is several floors high can make the detection and cleaning of the contamination even more difficult. The best course of action is to take steps to keep mold from forming in the first place. To accommodate this need, the professionals at RestoPros have come up with a list of tips to help prevent mold from forming in Dallas window units.

Continuous Air Cycle – In the heat of the summer, it is best to leave the window unit on “auto” mode when no one is home. When you shut down the AC and leave the house without any air flow, moisture can steadily grow. This is especially problematic during extended summer vacations. Dallas residents should make sure that their units are continuously cycling air – even when they are not home. Air circulation is a good deterrent against mold growth in a wall unit.

Humidity Control – Many modern AC window units are designed with humidity control. If your current unit does not include this feature and has a mold problem, consider purchasing a new model that does. Humidity control helps to regulate the moisture level in the air, which helps to keep the formation of mold in check.

Dusting – Dusting your home or apartment thoroughly is a good way to keep mold at bay. Mold devours dust and dander and a high rate of contaminated air cycling through a wall unit can provide enough “food” for mold to grow. Investing in a vacuum with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter will help catch the smallest of particles that might contribute to mold growth. HEPA filters are also ideal for home/apartment owners that struggle with asthma and severe allergies.

Maintenance – While AC wall units require yearly maintenance from a professional technician, many of them are not serviced until they need repair. Just like a central air system, wall units need to be cleaned and tuned-up before the summer. DIY maintenance will also help in the fight against mold growth. Cleaning it on a regular basis and removing any signs of moisture will go a long in keeping mold from forming and flourishing.

Store it Away – When the temperatures in Dallas become reasonably cool (which is generally around October), it is best to remove it from the window and store it in a dry, secure area. Leaving the window unit exposed to the elements throughout the fall and winter will keep it vulnerable to mold. If it isn’t realistic to remove it for storage, getting a unit cover will help keep the rain and ice from compromising the interior.

Keep your AC window unit free from mold this summer with these straightforward tips on usage and maintenance. We guarantee it will help keep mold and mildew from forming and growing. RestoPros hopes that you never have to deal with a mold problem in your air conditioning unit (or home), but if you ever do – we are there for you. We are the leading mold damage restoration and remediation company in the DFW Metroplex. If you have a mold problem, call us at 855-587-3786 and we’ll schedule an appointment today!

Don’t forget to follow RestoPros on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+ for new Updates, News, and Discounts.

Slightly edited Photo Source Courtesy of Jason Eppink

Protecting Against Flooding Dangers

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The rainy season in Texas can be difficult to predict.  With sudden flare-ups of flash flooding and jumps between clear skies and hailstorms, dealing with a storm is less about responding to the weather forecast and more about general preparation for storms.  Still, in the event of a flood, as most residents are going to face one at some point or other, knowing how to respond to protect yourself, your home, and your belongings is essential.

Dealing with a Flood

We’ll start with the most urgent, what to do when your home is already being flooded.  Regardless of whether your home is being flooded by a burst pipe or excessive rain, the response is roughly the same.  The main difference is, if the flooding is due to a pipe, turn off the main shutoff valve first.  Then:

  • Turn off the circuit breaker to the flooded areas
  • Do not enter the water without protective clothing if a black- or grey-water line has broken
  • Use a shop-vac to begin pumping water out of the room
  • Remove water-logged items for drying immediately
  • Dry carpets, walls, and furniture immediately, seek professional drying services if needed
  • Have your home inspected for mold after the flood has been cleaned up and all areas are dry
  • Repair any damages to pipes, walls, roofing, or foundation

Once a room has been flooded, it’s a race against time to save as much as possible.  Especially during the rainy season it’s always a good idea to store valuables and items that cannot be replaced on high shelves where they’re less likely to be affected by flooding.  This kind of preventative step is essential to dealing with any kind of storm damage or flooding.  What follows are some other prevention measures you can take to deal with flooding before it starts.

Know Where Your Shutoffs Are

Make sure you know how to access all the water shutoff valves in your home.  The most important of these is, of course, the main water shutoff valve.  For any major leak or burst pipe, the first thing you should do is shut off water to the problem area, so know where your shutoff valve is located.

You should also remember to turn this valve off when you go on vacation.  First, this helps reduce water consumption if there are any drips or leaks.  Second, it will prevent an uncontrolled flood of water if something does go wrong while you’re out.

Appliance Maintenance

So many appliances in our homes use water.  The ice machine in your fridge, your instant coffee maker, the washing machine, and the dishwasher are all appliances with direct connections to a water source.  Ignoring basic maintenance for these devices and their connections is a recipe for disaster.  Water storage units like your water heater should be drained and the sediment removed regularly, while water hose connections (such as the one on your washing machine) should be inspected for signs of aging, wear, or seal damage.

Storm Doors and Windows

Damaged frames, loose weather-stripping, and sticky doors are all signs that it’s time to fix your home.  Sticky doors are usually caused by wood that swells due to higher humidity (or a cracked foundation).  When it comes to water ingress, making sure that your windows and doors are sealed against the weather is essentially.  Check the edges of each, making sure that both the frame and the door or window are making a firm seal.  Examine any weather-stripping to make sure it’s not worn away or damaged, and replace as needed.

Protect your Foundation

Always protect your foundation.  The concrete slab beneath your home needs some water in the surrounding soil to keep it from cracking, but too much water will lead to seepage.  Concrete is mildly porous and when water pools next to your foundation it will, eventually, find a way in.  Make sure that gutters are draining away from your foundation, that the ground is always sloped away from the edge of your home, and that bushes and flowerbeds are far enough from the edge to prevent water from pooling.

You should also take care of cracks in your foundation immediately.  Water will cause more damage if it’s able to enter your foundation and will eventually seep into your home as well.  Repair cracks and have your foundation resealed or lined to prevent future damage.

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How to Clean Drains and Clogs

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How to Clean Drains and ClogsWhether you’re on a septic system or the city’s main sewer system, drain clogs, broken garbage disposals, and sewer backups all have the same effect: pooling water.  Unlike a burst high-pressure water line (the pipes flowing to a faucet or fixture), low pressure black- and grey-water lines don’t typically burst from overpressure.  Additional debris or garbage that is flushed or drained can cause backups that force water to flow back out of the drain, sometimes even filling their basins and causing overflow.

Dangers from Backed-Up Drains

Damaged pipes and water leaks can lead to mold growth or damaged walls, ceiling, and insulation.  A backed-up drain can cause all of these things by raising relative humidity and it adds in the dangers of dirty water.

While most water lines carry grey-water (used water that is no longer potable) from washing machines and sinks, other water lines carry hazardous human waste.  Still worse, common chemical drain cleaners are caustic and, when they fail to clean out a deep clog they aren’t designed for, flow back up the pipe along with all the other hazards, slowly eating away at pipes and leaving a caustic danger for you to deal with.

While these problems are lessened by a simple drain clog, sewer line stoppages are more dangerous since they backup slower and contain water feeds from multiple sources (if your sinks and bathtub backup or gurgle whenever a washing machine drains, then you likely have issues with a sewer pipe).  Common household-drain cleaners are not designed to clean out sewer lines and can be hazardous to septic tanks in the first place.  If a sink, toilet, or sewer line is ever backed-up enough to overfill and spill out, take care to avoid getting any water on your skin.  Use rubber gloves, a mask, and goggles during cleanup.

How to Clear a Clogged Drain

Bent wire hangars and chemical cleaners are not the best way to clean out a clogged drain (and definitely not going to help you with a blocked or broken sewer main).  Natural cleaning with vinegar or knowing how to unstop a drain using a plunger are the best ways to clean out a drain, and will work better on deep clogs which chemical cleaners won’t alleviate.

Natural Drain Cleaner:

  • Remove all water from the tub or sink, either by allowing it to drain slowly or by using a wet-dry vac.
  • Pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain (make sure it goes into the drain).
  • Pour boiling water (not just warm, but boiling water) down the drain. Don’t overfill the drain, roughly 2-3 cups of boiling water should do.
  • Wait a few minutes to let the baking soda clear out the drain.
  • Add another cup of baking soda and follow with a cup of white vinegar, then plug the drain.
  • Wait until the bubbling and fizzing has died down, then run boiling water down the drain.
  • Repeat until the sink drain is clear.

If the drain remains clogged after repeated cleanings, try clearing the drain with a plunger.

Clearing a sink drain using a plunger and warm water.
Proper Plunger Technique

How to Plunge a Drain:

  • Remove the stopper from the sink.
  • Place a wet rage in the sink overflow to prevent air from escaping.
  • Place the plunger over the drain.
  • Add enough water to the sink to cover the rubber cup of the plunger.
  • Move the plunger up and down rapidly, do not break the plunger’s seal with the sink.

Your goal is to use pressure to break up the gunk that has been loosened by the baking soda/vinegar mixture from before.  Rapid up and down motions with the plunger will force the clog free and allow the water to drain out.  Rinse with warm water then sterilize the sink before use.

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