Category: Water Damage

My House Flooded! Now What?

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my house flooded

There are few things more liable to ruin your week than a flooded home. It’s overwhelming to deal with so much immediate damage, and you may find that you have no idea where to begin. Do not panic – the experts at Resto Pros are here to share some important first steps you can take toward getting your flooded home back in order.

My House Flooded! What Should I Do First?

1. Safety:

You may have to vacate your home if the flooding is bad enough; upon reentering your home, wear a pair of rubber gloves and boots to avoid contact with harmful chemicals, sewage or debris.

*Pro Tip: Prepare ahead for any flooding disaster by having an emergency bag with rubber gloves and boots in a place you can easily access.

2. Find and Stop the Source of Water:

If your flooding has happened due to a problem inside your home, find the source of the water and turn it off or seal it up. The easiest way to do this is turning off your home’s main water valve.

*Pro Tip: Learn where the main water valve is in your home so you will know how to stop the water source in the event of a flood.

3. Turn Off Your Electricity:

Now that you have turned off your water source, you need to turn off all electrical sources in your home. If you are unable to reach the fuse box without walking through water call an electrician.

4. Evacuate the Property

Especially if the flooding is a result of a burst pipe or sewage leak, you should evacuate the house and property, making sure that all occupants, including your four-legged friends, are safe and accounted for.

My House Flooded! Who Do I Call?

1. If You Are a Renter:

Call your landlord and tell them what has happened.

*Pro Tip: Make sure you have your landlord’s number in your phone; you could also include a laminated card with the contacts you may need in your waterproof “emergency bag”.

2. If You Are a Homeowner:

Call your insurance company and tell them your house has suffered water damage due to flooding. Make sure to let them know if you need to wait for an adjuster to visit your home before the cleanup process begins.

*Pro Tip: Document everything – this is an important step to take before starting the cleanup process so you can show your insurer the extent of the damage. This may mean including a waterproof camera in your emergency bag, in case you are unable to access a working phone.

My House Flooded! How Do I Handle Cleanup?

1. Dry Your Floors and Air Out Your Home:

For this step, you and your family may need to stay a couple of nights with a friend or family. You will want to begin the process of drying your floors and airing out your home ASAP, so you should contact your local flood remediation experts and schedule an emergency water extraction and structure drying visit.

*Pro Tip: Local flood remediation and repair companies usually offer inventory storage and processing so you can have a safe and dry place to keep your salvaged items during the water extraction and drying process.

2. Professional Inspections

Once you have dried your floors, ceilings and walls, have your water damage experts inspect and remove any mold and test the air quality to make sure it is safe for you and your family to get back in your home. Then, you should call a contractor to inspect your home for any additional repairs that will need to be made.

3. Sanitize Everything

Everything in your house that was affected by the flood water – walls, floors, closets, shelves, kitchen contents, appliances – should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. While some of these can be done by you, you should have a professional cleaning crew do a deep cleaning and sanitization of your home, from top to bottom.

*Pro Tip: For the non-professional cleaning process, tackle one room at a time, and enlist the help of family and friends who you can assign to specific cleaning tasks. Use one bucket for the cleaning solution and another for the rinse water, changing that rinse water bucket frequently.

You are now armed with the knowledge and safety tips to say to yourself: “My House Flooded! I got this!” Don’t take these steps alone – contact the professionals at Resto Pros and allow our skilled and dedicated technicians to tackle the damage in your home!

Places You Didn’t Think to Check for Water Damage

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Water damage is one of the most devastating and expensive problems that you could encounter. While floor and ceiling damage is easy to spot, there are places that you may not have thought to look. To help you avoid water damage in your home, the experts at Resto Pros are here to advise you on where to check for hidden water damage, and to offer our professional assessment and repair services.

Spotting the Signs

  1. Mold or Mildew Odor: One of the most detectable signs of water damage is odor. If you can detect the smell of mold, mildew or other muggy odors, it is likely that you have a water damage problem in your home.
  2. Accumulation of Water: This is one of the most visible signs of potential water damage, and usually occurs as a result of malfunctioning or improperly installed appliances (such as dishwashers, tubs, showers, toilet connections, etc.).
  3. Pooling Water: This is another form of water accumulation that is easy to spot. Pooling water is usually a sign of a leaking roof or faulty drainage pipes.
  4. Discoloration: Water spots and stains are a major sign of ceiling water damage. These stains may appear wet or dry and are usually a yellow or brown color. In addition to these ceiling stains, you may observe that your wallpaper or paint is bubbling, cracking or peeling.
  5. Texture Changes: To spot floor water damage, look for warping of floorboards, buckling of wooden floorboards, Sagging or sinking, and expansion of wood and laminate floors.

Hidden Places to Check in Your Home

Now that you know what signs you need to look for, here are some often overlooked places in your home to examine for water damage:

Behind Your Refrigerator

Even if you do not move your refrigerator that often, over time the water line connection to the icemaker can still weaken or break. This will cause leaks behind the refrigerator that often go undetected.

Plastic P-Traps

This is an important one, because every sink in your home will have a plastic p-trap. Usually made of expanding and contracting PVC pipe, the plastic p-trap connects your sink to your home waste drain pipe. Over time, the p-trap will become loose, resulting in water leaks.

*Pro Tip: Periodically check plastic p-traps under the sinks in your home and tighten any loose connections to avoid potential leaks.

Hot Water Heater

If you have an older water heater, you will need to keep track of your overflow pan that is piped to drain outside the house. If the pan is not tilted at least ¼ inch, you cannot be ensured that the water is draining properly. For newer water heaters, you will need to periodically check and maintain the quick connectors to keep them properly tightened and lubricated. This will keep the shut-off valve from leaking.

Washing Machine Connections

Because we don’t often move our washing machines unless we are replacing them or moving in or out of a home, leaks and water damage can often go unnoticed until it is too late.

*Pro Tip: During installation process always install a new hose using the rubber washers recommended by the manufacturer. Tighten the connection with vice grips so there are no leaks or drips.

To Review:

-Pay attention to signs of potential water damage such as:

  1. The odor of mold or mildew
  2. Accumulation or pooling of water
  3. Discoloration or stains on ceiling surfaces
  4. Texture changes in your floors

Make sure to check those unexamined places in your home for leaks to stay ahead of water damage. Even though you have now learned about some of the unexpected places to look for water damage and how to detect the signs, it is always a good idea to have a professional fully assess damage that you may have missed.

If you are in need of such an expert, contact the knowledgeable team at Resto Pros to help you take the next steps in addressing your water damage.

The Facts About Raw Sewage in Your Home

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Raw Sewage in Your Home

Your home’s sewage system is probably not something that remains top of mind in the day to day. In fact, most homeowners would rather not think about it at all. But what happens when you are confronted with raw sewage in your home or yard? The devastating repercussions should be enough incentive for you to do a bit of research into the matter. Fortunately, the professionals at RestoPros have experience in dealing with a variety of water and sewage damage concerns. They have detailed the most important facts in case it happens to you.

There are a few reasons why raw sewage might flood your home. Backflow from your system, clogged or damaged plumbing, or sceptic tank issues can result in a sewage leak. In addition to expensive structural damage, the health issues that can result from exposure are myriad. Raw sewage contains harmful microorganisms that can spread parasites, viruses and deadly bacteria. Exposure to humans and animals can result in illness, some of which can prove fatal.

When dealing with raw sewage in your home, here are some facts to keep in mind:

  • When you notice a sewage leak inside your home, make sure that children and pets are evacuated immediately (or kept far away from the affected area). You will know the difference from a typical plumbing leak immediately – either by the smell or the dark color.
  • Turn off the electrical power in your home (if this can be done safely).
  • If possible, turn off the water supply to your home. Make sure that you also turn off any running water – and do not drink any water from your plumbing system.
  • Contact your local sewage department or municipal authority. Request emergency services in Dallas.
  • Wear protective equipment such as rubber gloves, protective eyewear and rubber boots before securing the affected area. This includes removing any electrical equipment and furniture that was not directly contaminated by the leak.
  • Add some chlorine bleach to any areas containing standing water. This will help a bit with disinfection.
  • Be proactive about cross contamination and close doors between rooms. Also make sure that you do not use your central air system to keep airborne toxins from traveling throughout the home.
  • During an emergency it is easy to forget the big picture. After you have made the necessary calls and secured the area, make sure that you properly document the damage with photos – and any essential notes for the insurance claim. Your insurance company should also be alerted the day of the incident.
  • Open windows and doors to get fresh air into the home – and to aid in drying out the standing water.
  • If sewage has leaked into your front or back yard – make sure that the neighbors are made aware of the problem. Consider making a sign or roping off the contaminated area if possible.
  • Seek medical help immediately if direct contact has been made with the sewage.
  • Do not attempt to clean/repair your home yourself. Make sure that you contact a reputable water/sewage restoration company with experience in all aspects of remediation.

If your home is affected by a raw sewage leak, don’t panic! Follow the notes listed above – and make sure to contact the most respected mold and water remediation company in Dallas! Call RestoPros at 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment today!

How to Avoid Water Damage in Your Home

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How to Avoid Water Damage in Your Home

Water damage is a serious threat to you and your home, and it doesn’t take much water to do serious damage. The fact is, an undetected small leak can cause more damage than a major leak that’s detected right away. Many plumbing leaks happen in areas where they might go unseen or unnoticed for weeks. Leaks located behind walls, under floors, underground, or those that happen while you’re away can be costly to the homeowner.

What’s more, you also have to think about rain and flood damage, because while homeowners insurance will cover most sudden accidents, it does not cover flood damage or leaks caused by unresolved maintenance issues. Fortunately for you, the professionals at RestoPros – the leading mold and water remediation company for the greater DFW Metroplex – are going to show you a few things so you know how to avoid water damage in your home.

  1. Invest in a Leak Detector.

Leak detectors are a great way to ensure that you know about a possible leak before it has time to do any damage. While these gadgets used to cost a lot, they’ve come down in price over the years. Some of the most popular brands are available for less than $50 and should have enough sensors to cover your water heater, dishwasher, refrigerator, and washing machine. The sensors work by detecting moisture. If they detect moisture where there shouldn’t be any, they send a notification to your phone, alerting you to the trouble.

  1. Check Your Gutters for Obstructions.

One of the more common ways water enters you home is through the roof. Sometimes that’s because you have damage to your roof or are missing shingles, perhaps due to a storm or high winds. The other way is much sneakier in its attack. Rather than pounding its way inside the home, it reverses directions and sneaks in through perfectly good shingles. Shingles are designed to be a watershed for water flowing down your roof, but they don’t work so well if that water reverses direction. When gutters and down spouts are obstructed and clogged with debris like leaves and vermin, they begin to act like a dam of sorts. As water backs up behind this dam, it enters home by travelling in the opposite direction the shingles were designed for. This can cause major damage to walls, ceilings, and electronics.

  1. Annual Maintenance Checks.

All pipes, lines, and machines that produce or carry water need to be inspected once a year for signs of wear or damage. Think of it as your home’s annual physical. Like putting off getting a check-up from your doctor, putting off your home’s inspection can lead to more problems and damage later. Nothing lasts forever, so do yourself and your home a huge favor this year and schedule an annual check-up with a qualified professional. These inspections can detect problems to come before those problems come for you.

 

While we hope these tips will help you avoid water damage in your home, they’re no substitute for an experienced professional. The water damage 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 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!

4 Tips for Dealing With Water Damage

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dealing with water damage

If water damage has occurred in your Dallas/Ft. Worth home, it’s important to learn how to deal with it right away. The longer you let water damage persist without doing anything about it, the more the issue will exacerbate. Therefore, once you notice water damage, be ready to perform some steps to help prevent the situation from worsening. By following the right tips for water damage, you’re helping to resolve the situation as soon as possible.

RestoPros is here to inform homeowners on how to deal with water damage. We have detailed 4 tips below for your Dallas/Ft. Worth home.

Try to Find the Cause of the Water Damage

Water damage can be the result of several different causes. Whether it be roof leakage, poor insulation, faulty plumbing, or flooding, it’s important to see what may have caused the incident. Knowing what caused the water damage in your home is one of the first steps towards resolving it, as you’ll have a clearer idea on what solutions to implement.

You may be able to find the cause easier depending on the location of the water damage. For example, if the water damage is below your sink, the probable cause may be faulty plumbing or improper water pressure levels. If water damage occurs on your ceiling, the cause may be faulty insulation, damaged roof, or improper gutters.

Try to Find the Extent of the Water Damage

If you see one spot of water damage, it’s important to check around and attempt to see the extent of its size. The entirety of water damage may not always be visible at first, so you want to be sure to find as much of it as possible. This can help you determine how bad the situation may be, as well as how much planning you’ll need to do.

Remove Any Items Close to the Water Damage

If there are any items close to the water damage, remove them as quickly and safely as possible. Most household items, especially fabrics, clothing and electronics, do not fare well when close to water damage. They may be hurt beyond repair if too close to the water damaged area. Additionally, electronic items close to water damage can also be a shock risk if the moisture seeps into the components.

Consult with a Water Damage Remediation Professional

After performing these steps, your next objective is to contact a water damage professional. Consulting with experts such as RestoPros will help you determine the most cost-effective solution for your home, as well as having the restoration be done by licensed and trained technicians. Additionally, this will help resolve the situation as soon as possible, which helps to prevent water damage from spreading throughout your home.

Better protect your home from the dangers of water damage by following these tips when the situation occurs. And contact RestoPros if you believe water damage is in your Dallas/Ft. Worth home. Give us a call at 855-587-3786 for our water damage restoration services.

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

Rain Leakage Protection for Your Home

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With spring approaching, along comes increasing chances of severe storms and heavy rain in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Although the intensified precipitation seems like a welcome change from the bitter cold, the associated rain leakage can be a detrimental issue, leading to the likelihood of water damage and mold.

Without rain leakage protection, you may be spending your spring cleaning wiping up mold and contacting a water damage restoration company. RestoPros recommends every Dallas/Ft. Worth homeowner to make ample preparations against rain leakage. Follow these tips below to ready your home for spring!

Maintain Your Foundation

  • Check along the foundation of your home for any cracks, chips, or any other degradation, as these problems can lead to leaks.
  • If cracks are larger than a hairline, clear out any debris using a screwdriver, and use an adhesive patch to seal the crack (Polyurethane, silicone, or latex concrete caulk is available at almost any department store).
  • Be sure to monitor the bricks and concrete around your doors and windows as well, as these are especially vulnerable to rain leakage when surrounding foundation is damaged.

Monitor Your Exterior Paint

  • After examining your foundation, you’ll want to monitor your home’s exterior paint for additional cracks and deterioration.
  • Receding exterior paint offers little defense against rainwater seeping into your home and should have a new coat added if in poor condition.
  • Generally, wood siding requires new coats every 3-7 years, while aluminum siding lasts about 5-6 years. Additionally, painted brick has a much longer lifespan of 15-20 years, but can still require the occasional touch-up depending on its condition.

Clear Your Downspout and Gutter

  • Rain leakage is no different than winter leakage when it comes to gutters and downspouts, as blockage and clogs can cause the same kind of damage.
  • Flush out any clogs in your downspout using a water hose or drain cleaning tool, and make sure your downspout has a clear passage before cleaning your gutter.
  • When cleaning your gutter, be sure to practice ladder safety: keep ladder legs on solid and level ground, never use the top step, and dry your feet before stepping on the ladder.
  • Using a water hose or drain cleaning tool, unclog any blockage on each of your gutters. Be sure to test your gutters with a pitcher of water after cleaning to ensure they have a clear passage towards your downspout.

Inspect Your Roof

  • While you’re up next to your gutters, be sure to give a quick examination of your roof to avoid rain leaking into the attic.
  • Your roof should be examined once a month for any damages or loss of shingles. Doing so will help you act accordingly to avoid an issue becoming too severe over time.

Seal Windows and Doors

  • Using weather stripping, seal any open cracks on your doors and windows to avoid moisture seeping into your home.
  • Weather stripping can be found at almost any department store and are used on both doors and windows to prevent drafts and moisture.
  • Additionally, you can purchase insulated covers for your windows, as well as door seals to maximize moisture protection for your home.

Rain leakage protection is important as we enter spring and should be practiced by every Dallas/Ft. Worth homeowner. However, do be aware if rain leakage has occurred to contact RestoPros to assess your home for any water damage or mold. Our water damage restoration and mold testing services help to guarantee safety and comfort for your home. Give us a call at 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment and get started.

The Importance of Fixing Water Problems

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When it comes to owning your Dallas/Ft. Worth home, there are few problems that can escalate faster than that of a water problem. What might seem like a simple leaky faucet could be the beginning of a very costly pipe repair if not tended to with the utmost urgency. Things like weather, broken pipes, or ruptured water lines from household appliances can all cause significant damage. The tricky thing about water problems is that the longer the water sits in place the more damage it can cause to your home. If you address your water problems head on you can save yourself thousands while also reducing the chances of hazardous mold growth in your home.

Here are just a few of the costly consequences of not fixing your water problems right away.

Water Problems Can Decrease Your Home Value

Ignoring a water problem can cost you big in the long run. A water leak that goes unchecked can over time result in major water damage by impacting drains and other pipes throughout the home. The piping in your home is all interconnected, so the effect can quickly become widespread throughout the system. Your plumbing system actually runs through your walls, so a leak or burst pipe can damage or in some cases destroy walls entirely. Your floors are also susceptible to damage from even a minor leak. The quicker you call in a professional to help, the more likely they will be able to preserve your walls and floors.

Water Problems Will Increase Your Water Bill

A water leak or change in water usage is most often the culprit of an unusually high water bill. Common water problems that can raise your bill include leaking toilets, dripping faucets, or a broken water pipe. Having a technician out to inspect for leaks is a great way to avoid a small problem becoming a huge pain, plus you can avoid out of control water bills. Unseen and unfixed leaks can waste hundreds to thousands of gallons of water. It’s important to have your plumbing routinely checked for leaky faucets, toilets and problems with irrigation lines to prevent costly water bills and larger problems down the road.

Water Problems Can Cause Mold

If you have water leaks in your home the potential for mold is very real. Mold is a dangerous problem and can cause health issues not only by touching it, but also by breathing in mold spores, as it is also an airborne threat. If you have discovered a water leak, let a skilled professional from RestoPros assess the damage and determine the next steps to remove mold from your home. We offer mold testing services as well as mold remediation. We have the expertise to make your home a safe place again where you can relax and we will remove any mold in a safe and controlled way.

Don’t wait until your water problem is catastrophic to get an assessment. If your home has sustained water damage of any kind, RestoPros can address your problems immediately and help prevent further damage from occurring. We employ a network of highly trained professionals who are skilled at assessing the unique needs of your problem. We have the expertise and are skilled in determining the classes and categories of water damage and to ensure the proper restoration of your home and possessions. If you need professional water restoration, call us at 855-587-3786 to schedule an appointment today!

 

 

National Preparedness Month: Floods

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While our neighbors in Houston continue to recover from the devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey, we reflect on the ways we can protect ourselves from similar disasters. September is National Preparedness Month, which encourages every household in America to develop an emergency plan in the event of a disaster. Though Dallas is not in imminent danger of a hurricane, we have experienced firsthand the effects of flash flooding, tornadoes, ice storms and other natural disasters. RestoPros is focusing on flood preparation this month, which is something we know quite a bit about.

Flooding usually happens in Dallas/Ft. Worth during a sustained rain shower or after several days of rain. The last significant flooding occurred last summer, when Dallas was hit with a particularly hard rain storm. Several streets were flooded, but fortunately homes and businesses were not directly affected. But regardless of the threat, it’s always good practice to have an emergency plan in place. The American Red Cross has established some important procedures that everyone should take into account when putting together a plan for your household.

Flood Watch/Warning

Know the difference between a flood watch and a flood warning. When a flood watch is issued, it means that people in the designated area should be on alert. Make sure that you have access to a live weather forecast.  A flood warning means that flooding is imminent in your area and you should evacuate immediately. Seek higher ground or go to the nearest shelter.

Assemble an Emergency Preparedness Kit

Put together a kit with the proper supplies you’ll need in case of an emergency. The Red Cross has a list of essential items to pack (which includes a  first aid kit).

Create an Evacuation Plan

Have a family meeting and discuss how you would respond to a variety of possible emergencies. In the best-case scenario, everyone will be together during an emergency, but that won’t always be possible. Discuss different evacuation scenarios – and alternate meeting places. Make sure that there is a copy of the evacuation plan notes in an easily accessible area.

Community Safety Plans

Keep informed about local and statewide information on proper safety procedures. The Texas Division of Emergency Management is a great resource for information, education and contacts.

NOAA Broadcasts

Make sure that you have access to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for the latest information on weather-related emergencies. NOAA has a website and radio presence and can be easily accessed in a variety of platforms.

Emergency Shelters

Finding the closest shelters should be a part of your evacuation plan. A flood shelter might be located in a different area than other destinations, so be mindful of the difference. Flood shelters will be located on higher ground, though the services will be the same. You can open Red Cross shelters here.

Water Preparation

Keep a stock of empty plastic bottles to fill with clean drinking water. You will also want to fill bathtubs and sinks up with water for washing clothes or flushing the toilet in case the local water supple is affected by the flood.

Outdoor Furniture

Bring patio furniture and any other outdoor belongings inside to keep them safe from harm. Large items like tables and chairs could cause damage to your home or hurt people if swept up in a flood.

Secure Home Interior

Limit the damage of your home’s interior by moving furniture and anything of value to a second floor or a higher level of the home. Unplug appliances and turn off power at the source if flooding inside your home is a possibility.

Pet Safety

During a flood watch, make sure that you bring all your companion animals inside. Have pet carriers, collars and leashes packed if you are planning to evacuate. The Red Cross has notes for putting together a pet emergency kit with several ideas for cats and dogs.

RestoPros hopes that your family never has to deal with the damaging effects of a flood. But if you ever need assistance with water damage and its various effects on your home, our professional technicians can help. We’ve been the leading water damage restoration service in Dallas/Ft. Worth for years. Call us at 855-587-3786 to set up an appointment – 24 hours a day!

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