Hot Water Heater Leaked? No Problem!

11/12/2024 (Permalink)

Water Damage from Hot Water Heater Leaks Prevalent Among Many

 Hot water heater leaks are one of the most common plumbing issues in people’s homes across the country. These leaks can happen at any time whether you are away or at home. Sometimes Hot water leaks can be preventable when a homeowner notices the signs of deterioration to the tank.

Here are the Signs that your Tank may need an Inspection-

1. Rust forming at the top and or at the bottom of the tank. If you see rust on the top, bottom, or anywhere on the hot water heater... It is time to get the tank inspected for replacement. The longer you wait, the more corrosion will take place and the potential for water loss will grow.

2.Copper oxidation, which is when the copper popes that come into the tank start to turn green. This occurs because of exposure to air and water over a long period of time. This oxidation process can cause corrosion to the pipes and sprout leaks if not replaced.

3. Lack of hot water, if you are experiencing a lack of hot water from the sink, tub etc. Check the tank and the surrounding areas and there could be a flood

We are Pass the Replacement of the Tank, and the Basement is now Flooded. Now What?

1. Turn off the tank, while this may not stop all water leakage from a hot water heater it may stop some.
2. Move all contents out of the waters touch. If there is nowhere for the furniture to go, place the legs on blocks to lift it out of the water. The longer the items sit in the water the more damage occurs.
3. Don’t Panic and Call your Local SERVPRO® franchise, we are trained in water restoration of all nature. We will refer you a plumber and send out a team of trained technicians to assist in drying out your home.
4. Call that plumber, save the faulty piece or take a picture and keep it for insurance company for review.
5. Floods from hot water heaters can be expensive. Reach out to your insurance company to see if this is something they can assist you with.

You Called SERVPRO of Perry Hall, now What?

Whether you call the SERVPRO National number or the local number we are always here to help. SERVPROs’ across the country are well trained in water damage, fire restoration, Mold remediation and many more.

SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh can walk you step by step of what to do when faced with a hot water heater leak. After the plumber has been called, insurance has been called, we will head out to your home to begin the mitigation process.

     This process includes detailed documentation to the insurance company and to the homeowner.

 Documentation includes photos (before, during, and after), drying log structural materials, line item estimate that is used nationally among insurance contractors.

Our team will assess, the damage to structural materials and decide what can be dried and what needs to be demoed.

Once the demolition portion is completed, we set drying equipment to dry the structure.

After the structure has been dried, we can line up a repair estimate for your home.

Once the repair estimate has been confirmed by the insurance company, we then can schedule you for the repairs!

  So, if you do not know where to start, start with a call to SERVPRO.

Prepare for Freezing Temperatures this Season!

11/5/2024 (Permalink)

As we approach the winter season and the freezing temperatures.. Homeowners must be prepared of the impending threat of water damage from frozen pipes.

Approximately two years ago in December of 2022, there was a surge of frozen pipes that occurred all across Maryland.

  Many homeowners were not prepared for the drop in temperature in their home. The pipes   began to burst in homes and buildings all across the state.

When outside temperatures drop below 32 degrees, the pipes to your sinks and showers begin to freeze.

The main reason these pipes freeze in the home is because of the following: not enough insulation on exterior wall, garden hose not disconnected and drained properly, heat turned off to the home.

How do we prevent them from freezing?

1. maintain heat in the home throughout winter months.

-If you are leaving your home for an extended period of time during these freezing months. Please, keep the heat on! Maintaining the heat can prevent large water losses from occurring in your home while away!

2. If you feel as if a room with plumbing doesn't receive enough heat from the HVAC system. open the cabinet doors to the sink to allow the air to warm it. Also you can add a space heater to those areas to maintain temperature.

3. Please disconnect your garden hoses and shut off the hose bib.

4. Make sure all plumbing is well insulated especially along the exterior walls. Lack of insulation can cause pipes to sprinkler heads, showers, and hose bibs to burst.

If the pipes are already frozen now what?

These are the telltale signs that the pipes to your home are frozen.

• condensation on exposed pipes
• water drips from faucet when turned on
• expanded and bulging pipes

 We have passed the preventative stage and have moved onto how do we stop this from bursting?

1.  GO and turn off the water main to your home!

2. open the cabinet doors to your kitchen sink or bathroom sink and use warm wet towels and wrap the pipes with the towels

3. use a space heater and place close to direct heat on the frozen pipes as possible!

4. if you don't have a space heater use a hair dryer and blow heat onto the frozen area.

What if they already burst??

Please call SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh. We are here to help you through the steps from start to finish.

While you wait for service, we will give you a plumbing referral.

1.Call the plumber and set up service to repair

2. Reach out to your insurance company to see how to start the claim process

3. move any valuable items that are in the affected area that are wet to the side to a dryer location.

4. maintain list of non-salvageable contents. Take many photos throughout the process.

When we arrive onsite, we will assist from start to finish. From initial water loss to reconstruction turnkey repairs.

How clean is the water from the water damage? Here's how to know

2/15/2022 (Permalink)

When your home or business suffers from a water damage, its critical to know the difference between the classes of contaminated water. There are 3 classes of water: Clean, Gray and Black. Understanding the class of water is quintessential into understanding the severity of your water damage and the risk it poses on those exposed.

Clean water: Generally, clean water is usually from a broken pipe, water from a hot water heater, or sink. Could you drink this water? If yes, then your water damage is coming from a clean water source. However, if the clean water has been left untreated for over 24 hours, the class will change.

Gray water: Water that is slightly contaminated, such as water from a clean water source that leaked through a ceiling, or clean water that was left untreated. Gray water contains bacteria and is where microbes will begin to multiply. If left untreated, it could cause further damage as well as become black water.

Black water: Water that is highly contaminated with fungi, bacteria, chemicals, viruses and more. Black water is typically caused by sewage damage, flooding, or any type of natural disaster. Black water should never be handled by the homeowner and should always be handled by a trained certified professional. Despite the name, black water is not always black; sometimes it appears clear. If it comes below a drain trap in a shower, washing machine or sink, and NOT the faucet, it’s considered black with an unknown contamination time.

Have a water damage in Perry Hall or Parkville?

If so, don’t wait! If you see signs of water damage in your home, investigate the cause. If it is coming from inside of the home, such as a sump pump or toilet overflow, first call a plumber to ensure that the water stops coming into your home. Then, call your local SERVPRO! A water damage specialist will be able to dry the structure, carpet, and hardwood, and salvage contents such as clothing and electronics but not everyone is equipped to do this: we are. We can help you restore your home to the way it was before.

Remember: Water damages are expensive to treat, but it is far more expensive to wait. If the water damage in your home is not treated by a professional within 48-72 hours of the initial leak, it will cause further damage not only to the structure, but to YOU too. In only 48-72 hours, mold and bacteria will flourish and grow within the wet, moist, and humid environment of a water damage site.

*SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh is a locally owned and independently operated Franchise, nationally recognized by all insurance companies. SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh is IICRC certified, has an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, and has been offering service for 21 years. We go anywhere we are called, and we will make it "Like it never even happened."

Top Causes for Washing Machine Water Damage Floods in Fullerton Maryland home.

12/6/2021 (Permalink)

This is why your Washing machine flooded your Fullerton Maryland home.

Washing Machine: Top 10 cause of water damages in homes

One of the top 10 causes of water damages, especially in Baltimore county homes, washing machines. According to the Institute of Business and Home Safety, Half of washing machine related residential water damages are caused by damaged water supply hoses. 

Out of this half, 78% of the machines were 11 years old or less, and 54% were between 8 and 10 years old.

What you need to do Now: Address the flooding, Call for help

If you are able to do so, turn off the water to the washing machine, call SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh (or your local SERVPRO 1-800-SERVPRO). Follow steps from What to do Until Help Arrives.

Why call for help? SERVPRO can release trapped water in unreachable areas, will take action to prevent mold growth and is accepted by ALL insurance companies. All crew members are certified by the IICRC and undergo background checks. If its small (less than 9 square feet, no contents, wood, laminate, or vinyl or carpet affected). Mop the area, move both units and make sure the wall isn’t wet. If the wall is wet, its best if you call a water restoration professional. If you decide not to, keep in mind any un seen moisture may result in mold growth.

Read what the locals say about our team on Facebook and Google

How to Prevent this in the future:

Replace your hose every 3-6 years. Check hose yearly for wear and tear, as well as during extreme weather events such as storms, and Cold Snaps. Next Blog post: How to pick a washing machine hose. 

About SERVPRO of Perry Hall/ White Marsh

Since 2001 we have been serving the Perry Hall /White Marsh community. We are accepted by all insurance companies and are a locally owned, nationally recognized water fire and mold restoration franchise. Call SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh to make your washing machine flooding "Like it never even happened." 

Ice Maker Water Damage: a Silent Threat to your Perry Hall Home

11/8/2021 (Permalink)

Ice maker leaks are common and often go unnoticed. These slow leaks damage both the wall, flooring, and lower levels of homes which can lead to decay. You may have an ice maker but no signs of leaks. Keep on reading, we’re going to give you some advice on how to detect leaks and how to prevent them from happening.

Why Ice makers cause significant damage

When an ice maker is installed, an “ice maker valve," a small metal saddle is secured to a cold water pipe near the refrigerator, with a small clear plastic pipe for the water to feed into the ice maker. Pinholes form in the tubing go unnoticed during installation and remain unnoticed for years, hidden behind the refrigerator and will eventually lead to a serious water damage and create the perfect environment for mold to grow.

Over a long period of time, hundreds of gallons of water seeping from the ice maker line tubing can lead to serious structural decay and damage to the wall and floor systems around the refrigerator in your kitchen. It can take weeks for the water damage to become exposed as the water is trapped in your counters and between your walls.

If you own a refrigerator with an ice maker, periodically check behind the fridge for evidence of a leak,water damage or mold or keep an eye on your water bill for unexplainable increase in water use.

About SERVPRO of Perry Hall/ White Marsh

SERVPRO of Perry Hall/ White Marsh specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

2 Steps to take when Your Hot Water Heater is Leaking in your Parkville Carney Home

8/26/2021 (Permalink)

Two things you must do to stop water from leaking out of Your Hot Water Heater in your Parkville Carney Maryland home.

If your hot water heater is leaking, and your reading this blog right now, chances are you have no idea what to do and have a whole mess of water hanging out in your home right now. We’re going to get you started before you call your certified water damage team and your plumber.

Cut the power to the hot water heater that is leaking

The first thing you should do when you find a hot water leak is turn off the power source leading to the water heater. If you have a gas water heater, find your thermostat. You should see a little knob with three settings: ON, OFF and PILOT. Switch it to OFF or PILOT to shut off the gas and make the heater safe to work on. If you have an electric water heater, go to your breaker panel and find the breaker labeled “Water Heater”. Turn it off to cut the power to your unit.

Shut off the water to stop the leak from expanding

Time to turn off the water, this part is easy. First, you’ll need to find the cold water line leading to your water heater. There should be a valve on the line – turn it to the right until it closes. This will cut off the water and allow you to move on to the next step: calling your hot water heater company, and calling your water damage clean up team.  If you’re located in the Parkville County area in Baltimore County, then call SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh – we will set you up with a plumber. Then call your insurance if you’d like to put in a claim or wait till we arrive if you’d like to decide later.

ABOUT SERVPRO OF PERRY HALL WHITE MARSH:

SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh has been serving the Baltimore metro area since 2001. We are family owned and operated, accepted by all insurance companies and are certified in Mold, Fire, and water damage clean up for residential and commercial properties. Give us a call at 410-529-1664 if you'd like us to clean up your Parkville Carney home after a hot water heater leak.

Homeowners in Seven Courts - Here are Key Signs of Mold to Look Out For

8/12/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh understands that some Seven Courts homeowners prefer to clean water damages themselves. What many homeowners and property managers do not realize is professional, nationally ranked, water damage specialists such as SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh not only restore the water damage but take measures to prevent mold. Here are four signs to look out for if you have recently cleaned your own water damage.

• Strong musty odors
• Excessive humidity
• reoccurring water damage or signs of it
• presence of visible mold

SERVPRO of Perry Hall / White Marsh understands and we are certified to clean mold and can create a plan with a qualified indoor Air Quality/Environmental Professional, and the diligence of the homeowner to keep it from coming back.

SERVPRO of Perry Hall / White Marsh has been serving Baltimore county and parts of Baltimore city since 2001. We are certified mold remediation, and water damage restoration and we are approved by all insurance companies! We are also located right in Rosedale, off Yellow brick road!

How Water damage causes mold damage in Nottingham, MD.

7/8/2021 (Permalink)

How Water damage causes mold damage in Nottingham, MD.

Mold needs moisture to colonize

So, you have structural mold damage on your personal property, but how did it get there? Most likely answer – a previous water damage, or leak that went unnoticed. SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh understands how to clean up water damage, how to prevent mold growth and has the training and equipment to remediate whatever mold or mildew might appear in your home or business.

Treat water damages properly to prevent mold.

If untreated, a water damage forms the perfect habitat for mold growth within 48 hours of the initial loss. If any water-effected areas go unnoticed, or if the water damage isn’t treated to prevent mold, it can result in a serious mold problem… loss of contents and structural damage.

Mold Loves drywall, insulation, and flooring

Both water damages, and mold damages often require removal of the drywall or flooring. Water damage structural damage is often limited to the wet building materials and can be salvageable through special equipment.

1. Centrifugal air movers
2. Dehumidification
3. Inject-a-dry (salvages wooden floors)
4. Antimicrobial sprays

Mold however, burrows itself into porous material such as drywall and flooring, which often results in the affected area being stripped to its studs. followed by various, meticulous treatments of professional-grade anti-fungal and anti-microbial treatments are used to eliminate mold colonies (yes, colonies). Don't worry, SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh will install drywall, baseboard, carpet, and flooring when the process is complete.

Content cleaning during Water or Mold damage

Mold and Water damaged items can be dried and cleaned if they are non-porous, and if they are textiles such as clothes, they can be evaluated and restored by a textile restoration specialist (we’ve got you covered).

SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh will clean your furniture, decorative items, and curtains as well as other restore-able items affected by mold and Water damage. We have ultrasonic machines which can gently remove, kill and detail clean the nooks and crannies out of every knick-knack in your home. On top of that, we will use a variety of cleaning and sterilization techniques as well as deodorize. Anything that cannot be restored will be brought to the homeowner or tenants’ attention and the homeowner can sign off on its disposal if they choose so. If you'd rather not throw it away - don't worry, we have a form for that too.

To start the water damage or mold remediation process, please call SERVPRO of Perry Hall / White Marsh (Baltimore County, Maryland) at 410-529-1664 and we will help get you started!

How clean is the standing water in your Perry Hall water damaged home?

2/1/2021 (Permalink)

When your home or business suffers from a water damage, its critical to know the difference between different levels of contaminated water. There are 3 classes of water, Clean, Gray and Black. Understanding the class of water is quintessential into understanding the severity of your Water or Storm damage and the risk it poses on those exposed.

Clean water: Clean water is water from a broken pipe, water from a hot water heater, or sink. If you can safely say that the water on Could you drink this water? If yes, then you have a clean water source water damage. If no, or if it’s a clean water source that has been out for more than 24 hours, read on to the next classes of water, Gray and black.

Gray water: Water that is slightly contaminated, such as water from a clean water source that leaked through a ceiling, or clean water that was left untreated. Gray water has bacteria and other contaminates beginning to grow.

Black water:  Is water that is highly contaminated, filled with fungi, bacteria, chemicals, viruses and more. Black water is typically caused by sewage damage, flooding, or any type of natural disaster. Black water should never be handled by the homeowner and should always be handled by a trained certified professional.  Black water is sometimes a misnomer, black water is not always black, sometimes it appears clear, but if it comes below a drain trap in a shower, washing machine or sink, and NOT the faucet, its considered black, contaminated water, with an unknown contamination time.

Need Water Damage repair in Perry Hall or Parkville?

Chances are, if you’re reading this now you may be in need of repair, if so, don’t wait! Call your local SERVPRO you see signs of any water coming into your home. Water damage restoration can be expensive, but it’s more expensive to wait. A water damage specialist will be able to dry the structure, carpet, and hardwood, and salvage contents such as clothing and electronics but not everyone is equipped to do this (WE ARE!). If the water damage in your home is not treated within by a professional within 48-72 hours of the initial leak, it’s highly likely you will get mold, which will cause the removal process to become more hazardous, and difficult to remove as time allows the mold to grow and spread.

*SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh is a Locally owned and independently operated Franchise, nationally recognized by all insurance companies. SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh  is IICRC certified, and has an A+ Better Business Bureau rating and has been servicing for 15 years. We go anywhere we are called and we will make it "Like it never even happened."

The codependent relationship of Water damage and mold damage

5/4/2020 (Permalink)

The codependent relationship of Water damage and mold damage

Mold needs moisture to colonize

So, you have structural mold damage on your personal property, but how did it get there? Most likely answer – a previous water damage, or leak that went unnoticed. SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh understands how to clean up water damage, how to prevent mold growth and has the training and equipment to remediate whatever mold or mildew might appear in your home or business.

Treat water damages properly to prevent mold.

If untreated, a water damage forms the perfect habitat for mold growth within 48 hours of the initial loss. If any water-effected areas go unnoticed, or if the water damage isn’t treated to prevent mold, it can result in a serious mold problem… loss of contents and structural damage.

Mold Loves drywall, insulation, and flooring

Both water damages, and mold damages often require removal of the drywall or flooring. Water damage structural damage is often limited to the wet building materials and can be salvageable through special equipment.

1. Centrifugal air movers
2. Dehumidification
3. Inject-a-dry (salvages wooden floors)
4. Antimicrobial sprays

Mold however, burrows itself into porous material such as drywall and flooring, which often results in the effected area being stripped to its studs. followed by various, meticulous treatments of professional-grade anti-fungal and anti-microbial treatments are used to eliminate mold colonies (yes, colonies). Don't worry, SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh will install drywall, baseboard, carpet, and flooring when the process is complete.

Content cleaning during Water or Mold damage

Mold and Water damaged items can be dried and cleaned if they are non-porous, and if they are textiles such as clothes, they can be evaluated and restored by a textile restoration specialist (we’ve got you covered).

SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh will clean your furniture, decorative items, and curtains as well as other restore-able items affected by mold and Water damage. We have ultrasonic machines which can gently remove, kill and detail clean the nooks and crannies out of every knick-knack in your home. On top of that, we will use a variety of cleaning and sterilization techniques as well as deodorize. Anything that cannot be restored will be brought to the homeowner or tenants’ attention and the homeowner can sign off on its disposal if they choose so. If you'd rather not throw it away - don't worry, we have a form for that too.

To start the water damage or mold remediation process, please call SERVPRO of Perry Hall / White Marsh (Baltimore County, Maryland) at 410-529-1664 and we will help get you started!

A personal account on what it's like discovering an Ice Maker leak, and how SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh saved the day.

4/15/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh knows that ice maker leaks are common, but a majority of our homeowners learn of them, only when it happens to them.

Ice water leaks come from either a small, pin-hole that form in the plastic tubing that brings water into your ice maker. These leaks are slow, and cause damage to both the wall, flooring, and lower levels of homes…and since this water is trapped behind your appliance and counters, you may have no signs of leak. Here is a personal account of one of our homeowners, discovering an ice maker leak!

“While we were on vacation the line to our ice maker burst pumping water throughout our kitchen which leaked through the floor into the basement. In addition, it caused the whole house to fill with condensation, so every wall floor ceiling was soaked.

My first call was to State Farm who had this SERVPRO on their list.

My next call was to SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh and within the hour, they had a team to our house with fans and dehumidifiers.

They removed the kitchen floor, down 3 layers that same night. It was due to their quick response and expertise that saved my house from mold and also saved many of the walls.

I can't say enough good things about Jeff C, Chelsea and Jeff M. They have continued to follow up and have been great in recommending contractors for the reconstruction. All my cabinets will be replaced along with flooring and carpets. This was a huge mess but they made it as painless as they could.  Thank you SERVPRO team!!!!”

-Sandra M.

For assistance in your Ice-Maker water damage, please give SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh a call at -410-529-1664

Yelp

Link to original review

Next: Ice maker leaks – what causes them and how to prevent them from happening in your Fullerton, MD home

Next: 6 Appliances that cause the most water damages in the Baltimore County area

How to prepare for a SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh's Arrival

4/8/2020 (Permalink)

What to do after you call SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh and what to do when the crew begins work - Fullerton, MD, USA

Call your insurance company

Ask your agent if this is a covered loss, and what your deductible will be.  This can be done before or after calling SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh as we accept all insurance plans and you can also pay yourself – whether you are covered or not, this will not affect your ability to receive service.

What to do while the Crew is at work

Once the services have been arranged, and the SERVPRO crew is at work, do your best to keep all equipment running, still keep children out of the area as well as pets and do not be afraid to ask questions. While your plumber is there ask if there are ways to prevent a Sewage back up or back flow from happening again and ask him about installing a Backflow valve.

When the work is done

First off, pat yourself on the back for making it through this turbulent time! When the services are complete, SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh will arrange to have your walls and flooring replaced and then it will be "Like it never even happened." 

What is category 2 water and what to do to protect your items until SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh arrives!

11/15/2019 (Permalink)

Water damages are categorized by the quality of the water source.

Clean water: Clean water is water from a broken pipe, water from a hot water heater, or sink. In the water damage world, this is called Category 1 water. 

Category 1 water can quickly become category 2, Grey water, if it sits for longer than 24 hours.

Here is a list of precautions to take to protect your personal belongings from a clean source water damage until help arrives.

• Shut off the water source if possible or contact a qualified professional to do so.
• Turn off the circuit breakers for wet areas of the building if access to the power distribution panel is safe from potential electric shock
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting
• remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions to allow a more even drying.
• move any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other valuable items that may be sensitive to moisture to a safe place
• Do not leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet as they may cause staining
• Do not use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water as there is potential for electrical shock or causing damage to the vacuum cleaner
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet; do not enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

When you have a water damage, don't leave your property to chance. Call SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh. We are certified in Water damage, biohazard clean up and mold remediation. We are accepted by all insurance companies, and have a 4.6 star review average across Google, Facebook and Yelp! Call 410-529-1664 for more details.

What to do when your basement or crawlspace is flooding – Perry Hall, Maryland, USA

6/18/2019 (Permalink)

Following these steps to regain control until help arrives. 

If it can be done safely, determine the source, and stop water form coming in.

Did it rain like cats and dogs last night? Is water coming from the hot water heater? Maybe your refrigerator (sometimes, the ice maker line breaks and causes extensive flooding). Turn the water off or skip to step two if it is storm related and it’s still raining.

Move items out of the wet areas

Do what you can without hurting yourself, do not do heavy lifting or awkward bending if your doctor has instructed you not to. Start by “block” furniture (place aluminum foil under furniture legs or wood blocks, this prevents the furniture from staining the flooring, this happens often when a water damage occurs). 

Wipe water excess from surfaces after removing lamps and objects on top, and move wet area rugs away from floors, their dyes often bleed and stain wood flooring and carpet.  Perhaps the garage, or on top of a large trashbag/tarp.

The mitigation company should handle the rest, Here is how the SERVPRO System handles your contents

Remove excess water with towels, or Mop.

Blot or mop excess water from carpet with clean neutral colored towels and clean mops. (heavily dyed or soiled towels may bleed and dye the area).

Schedule repairs and mitigation services to restore your wet basement. 

If you’ve determined the source, call to schedule to have it fixed immediately, then call your insurance company to file a claim if you wish to, then call an IICRC certified restoration company. 

Not all Restoration companies are equal

Get to know your options and make sure to read reviews from their website and from review sites, inspect before and after pictures, and check certifications. This is not something that anyone can do, in fact the proper equipment and chemicals aren’t even available to those who are not properly trained, licensed and insured in this field, all of which cost thousands and thousands of dollars each year to renew not to mention the mind boggling costs to get trained. Hiring an amateur or someone who considers themselves a handyman will lead to future problems and a bigger bill in the long run, and often times these handymen cost triple what a normal emergency restoration company would charge in the first place.

How ice makers leak and how to check for ice maker related water damage - Perry Hall, MD, USA

6/17/2019 (Permalink)

Ice maker leaks are common and often go unnoticed. These slow leaks damage both the wall, flooring, and lower levels of homes which can lead to decay. You may have an ice maker but no signs of leaks. Keep on reading, we’re going to give you some advice on how to detect leaks and how to prevent them from happening.

Why Ice makers cause significant damage

When an ice maker is installed, an “ice maker valve," a small metal saddle is secured to a cold water pipe near the refrigerator, with a small clear plastic pipe for the water to feed into the ice maker. Pinholes form in the tubing go unnoticed during installation and remain unnoticed for years, hidden behind the refrigerator.

Over a long period of time, hundreds of gallons of water seeping from the tubing can lead to serious structural decay and damage to the wall and floor systems around the refrigerator. It can take weeks to become exposed as the water is trapped in your counters and between your walls.

If you own a refrigerator with an ice maker, periodically check behind the fridge for evidence of a leake, or keep an eye on your water bill for unexplainable increase in water use.

About SERVPRO of Perry Hall/ White Marsh

SERVPRO of Perry Hall/ White Marsh specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Use this App to stay up to date on SEVERE weather in Perry Hall White Marsh.

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

You never know what's going to happen when it comes to weather in Maryland; protect your business and property in nottingham MD, with the FEMA App. This App allows you to get National Weather Service alerts for up to five locations  to keep you informed on-the-go. It also has information on what to do before, during and after disasters! In the midst of an emergency, the app can give you directions to open shelters nearby, help you location someone to talk to at the Disaster Recovery Center, and let you share images of damage and recovery efforts to help first responders and emergency managers. 

This app is available for download for iOS (apple) and Android at the Apple Store and Google Play Store

The difference between Washing Machine Hoses when you need to replace yours after your Parkville Carney Maryland Flood.

2/6/2019 (Permalink)

Chances are, if you’re reading this right now, it’s because your washing machine hose broke, and caused a flood in your home or business of biblical proportions. If you haven’t gotten help yet, call SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh, or Call 1-800-SERVPRO for the SERVPRO in your area.

Let’s get started.

WASHING MACHINE HOSE

REINFORCED RUBBER:

Inexpensive, comes standard with all washing machines. It is reinforced with braided rayon or polyester mesh. These need to be changed every 5 years.

STEEL BRAIDED:

Mid-price, stainless steel braids make an encasement around a rubber hose. They are durable, more likely to not burst than reinforced rubber. However, if there is a kink or bend in the hose it will cause issues. Look for a hose with an elbow to prevent this.

AUTO SHUT OFF STAINLESS STEEL BRAIDED HOSE:

These are top of the line, Stainless steel braided hoses that has a shut off mechanism; it senses a difference in pressure and automatically shuts off, tremendously reduce the size of your flood.

Overview:

• Reinforced rubber: Replace every 3-5 years, standard with washing machines. Higher failure rate.
• Steel braided rubber hose: very strong, not very flexible, less failure rate.
• Auto Shut off Stainless Steel Braided hose: Strong, added security, most expensive, least failure rate, contains damage.

This is why your Washing machine flooded your Kingsville Maryland home.

1/23/2019 (Permalink)

This is why your Washing machine flooded your Kingsville home.

Washing Machine: Top 10 cause of water damages in homes

One of the top 10 causes of water damages, especially in  Baltimore county homes, washing machines. According to the Institute of Business and Home Safety, Half of washing machine related residential water damages are caused by damaged water supply hoses. 

Out of this half, 78% of the machines were 11 years old or less, and 54% were between 8 and 10 years old.

What you need to do Now: Address the flooding, Call for help

If you are able to do so, turn off the water to the washing machine, call SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh (or your local SERVPRO 1-800-SERVPRO). Follow steps from What to do Until Help Arrives.

Why call for help? SERVPRO can release trapped water in unreachable areas, will take action to prevent mold growth and is accepted by ALL insurance companies. All crew members are certified by the IICRC and undergo background checks. If its small (less than 9 square feet, no contents, wood, laminate, or vinyl or carpet affected). Mop the area, move both units and make sure the wall isn’t wet. If the wall is wet, its best if you call a water restoration professional. If you decide not to, keep in mind any un seen moisture may result in mold growth.

Read what the locals say about our team on Facebook and Google

How to Prevent this in the future:

Replace your hose every 3-6 years. Check hose yearly for wear and tear, as well as during extreme weather events such as storms, and Cold Snaps. Next Blog post: How to pick a washing machine hose. 

About SERVPRO of Perry Hall/ White Marsh

Since 2001 we have been serving the Perry Hall /White Marsh community. We are accepted by all insurance companies and are a locally owned, nationally recognized water fire and mold restoration franchise. Call SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh to make your washing machine flooding "Like it Never Even Happened." 

4 signs of mold to watch out for in your Rossville Maryland Home

6/13/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Perry Hall / White Marsh understands that some Rossville Maryland homeowners prefer to clean water damages themselves. What many homeowners and property managers do not realize is professional, nationally ranked ,water damage specialist such as SERVPRO of Perry Hall / White Marsh not only restore the water damage but take measures to prevent mold. Here are four signs to look out for if you have recently cleaned your own water damage.

• Strong musty odors
• Excessive humidity
• reoccurring water damage or signs of it
• presence of visible mold

SERVPRO of Perry Hall / White Marsh understands and we are certified to clean mold and can create a plan with a qualified indoor Air Quality/Environmental Professional, and the diligence of the homeowner to keep it from coming back.

SERVPRO of Perry Hall / White Marsh has been serving Baltimore county and parts of baltimore city since 2001. We are certified mold remediation, and water damage restoration and we are approved by all insurance companies! We are also located right in Rosedale, off Yellow brick road!

7 ways your Towson Maryland Basement can flood and 6 reasons to call SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh to restore.

5/7/2018 (Permalink)

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why yourTowson Maryland basement could flood, including: 

1. A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
2. Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
3. Storm sewer backup
4. Sanitary sewer backup
5. Foundation drainage failure
6. Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
7. And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - 410-529-1664

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help 

410-529-1664

Rossville: This is what happens within the first 4 hours of SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh beginning work in your water damaged basement

5/2/2018 (Permalink)

The first 24 hours following a water damage are the most important in preventing secondary or permanent damage. Within 4 hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO franchise professional will be on site to help ensure water damage is handled by completing the following steps

1. Inspection – SERVPRO of Perry hall will inspect affected areas to determine the extent of water damage and will review the inspection with you to answer any questions before beginning work.
2. Emergency service- SERVPRO of Perry hall will take steps to help protect your home (or business) as well as personal belongings and other contents from further damage, by extracting the excess water and preparing the area for drying. They will explain the needed emergency services to you step by step
3. Monitoring-To help ensure your home(or business) and belongings are dried to appropriate industry standards, SERVPRO will monitor the drying process, and updates will be consistently communicated with you
4. Restoration- SERVPRO will reinstall carpets, and clean affected areas of your property as well as arrange for reinstallation of walls and baseboard. A final walk through will be conducted with you to help ensure the property was restored to pre loss conditions

About SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh

SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

9 ways a sump pump can fail and flood your Loch Raven Maryland home

3/5/2018 (Permalink)

9 ways a Sump pump can fail and flood your Loch Raven Maryland home

A ‘sump pump’ is ‘a pump used to remove water that has accumulated in a water collecting sump basin, commonly found in the basement of homes’. For the most part, sump pumps are relatively ‘unnecessary’, but when an emergency arises, you’ll be grateful you had it. A sump pump can easily avoid the crisis of having a flooded basement by draining all excess water back outside. However, when it fails, it’ll cost you a basement and thousands of dollars in water damage.

How does a sump pump fail?

1. improper Installation or the size of the pump is too small.
2. Power Failure
3. Problems With The Switch (stuck from debris)
4. The Discharge Lines Are Frozen Or Clogged
5. Age (to prevent, replace every 7-10 years)
6. There Is no Air relief hole in discharge Line
7. Gravel or Dirt is interfering with the sump pumps switch and float arm.
8. Lack of Maintenance
9. Defective Product

About SERVPRO of of Perry Hall/White Marsh

SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Why fast response is important to your Baltimore County water damage

2/5/2018 (Permalink)

Why fast response is important to your Baltimore County water damage

Fast response is important to your perry hall water damage claim because it places the homeowner at ease and reduces the severity of the water damage claim.

Benefits of Immediate response

• Takes less time and effort to achieve “dry”
• The drying project is less complicated when drying occurs before microbes can multiply
• Lowers the cost of drying
• The longer an item is exposed,
  the greater the chance of
  additional damage.
• The more you restore, the less
  that has to be replaced.

• Immediate Response Lessens Damage
  • Delamination
  • Furniture stains
  • Rust stains
  • Warping floors
  • Mold/mildew
  • Swelling

Decreases or eliminates risk Secondary Damage:

Examples of Secondary Damage:

• Deterioration of structural components and contents                                            (delamination, etc.)
• Excessive water and humidity can result in microbes multiplying
• Category 1 can deteriorate to                 Category 2 or Category 3
• Increases the chance for preserving irreplaceable valuables

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 410-529-1664

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh

has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh

SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Water Damage from Busted or leaking pipes Statistics: From SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh

1/16/2018 (Permalink)

Water Damage from Busted or leaking pipes Statistics:

Water damage from busted or leaking pipes is very common and can cause a lot of damage if gone unnoticed. Here are 5 surprising statistics to consider when buying homeowners insurance coverage.

Busted or leaking pipes

1. Broken water pipes rank second only to hurricanes in terms of both frequency and severity in regards to annual claims resulting from water damage.
2. According to the EPA, 13.7% of all water used in the home today can be attributed to plumbing leaks.
3. 250 gallons of water that can leak from a 1/8-inch pipe crack in a day.
4. 1,000,000,000,000 Water leaks from U.S. homes can exceed 1 trillion gallons in a year. That’s equal to the annual water use of Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami combined
5. 10% of homes in the U.S. have leaks that waste at least 90 gallons of water per day.

The cost of cleaning up busted or broken pipe damage can vary but the best way to reduce cost is to call your local SERVPRO immediately. Time will save you money (link to timeline of water damage). Rest assured all SERVPRO billing is scrutinized and pre-approved by your home owners insurance; and if the loss is not filed through insurance we use a program called Xactimate. Xactimate generates pricing based on the local averages. This program is only used by industry certified, insurance approved Restoration Company, so our prices are the same if not less than our competition due to our ability to minimize water damage impact on the home.

About SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh

SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Why fast response is important to your Baltimore County water damage

1/16/2018 (Permalink)

Why fast response is important to your Baltimore County water damage

Fast response is important to your Perry Hall water damage claim because it places the homeowner at ease and reduces the severity of the water damage claim.

Benefits of Immediate response

• Takes less time and effort to achieve “dry”
• The drying project is less complicated when drying occurs before microbes can multiply
• Lowers the cost of drying
• The longer an item is exposed,
  the greater the chance of
  additional damage.
• The more you restore, the less
  that has to be replaced.

• Immediate Response Lessens Damage
  • Delamination
  • Furniture stains
  • Rust stains
  • Warping floors
  • Mold/mildew
  • Swelling

Decreases or eliminates risk Secondary Damage:

Examples of Secondary Damage:

• Deterioration of structural components and contents                                            (delamination, etc.)
• Excessive water and humidity can result in microbes multiplying
• Category 1 can deteriorate to                 Category 2 or Category 3
• Increases the chance for preserving irreplaceable valuables

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 410-529-1664

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh

SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

How to Protect Your Pipes From Freezing and flooding your Baltimore County Home.

11/7/2017 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh if your Baltimore county home is affected by Burst pipes or for any of your Fire, Water and Mold Clean up needs

Frozen pipes cause large water damages all over the baltimore county area. When temperatures drop below 20 degrees for more than 3 days SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh becomes inundated with water damages from burst pipes. 

#1: FOAM

#2: DOME

#3: DRIP

FOAM: Insulate pipes exposed to the elements or cold drafts. By keeping your water warmer, you reduce the risk of frozen pipes - not to mention the second hand bonus of saving on energy costs during the winter months.

DOME: Place an insulating dome or other coverings on outdoor faucets and spigots to reduce the likelihood of water pipes freezing, expanding and causing a costly leak.

DRIP: Allow a slow drip from your faucets to reduce the buildup of pressure in the pipes.

-OR-

If you are going out of town and suspect the temperature will drop, turn off the water and open all of the taps to drain the water system. This way pipes won’t
freeze and you won’t return home to a mess.

If you or anyone you know does experience frozen pipes, be sure to turn off your water, and call SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh 410-529-1664 or your local SERVPRO Franchise.

https://protect-your-home.org/2015/11/12/foam-dome-drip-tips-for-preventing-frozen-pipes/

Two things you must do to stop water from leaking out of Your Hot Water Heater in your Rosedale Maryland home.

8/8/2017 (Permalink)

Two things you must do to stop water from leaking out of Your Hot Water Heater in your Rosedale Maryland home.

If your hot water heater is leaking, and your reading this blog right now, chances are you have no idea what to do and have a whole mess of water hanging out in your home right now. We’re going to get you started before you call your certified water damage team and your plumber.

Cut the power to the hot water heater that is leaking

The first thing you should do when you find a hot water leak is turn off the power source leading to the water heater. If you have a gas water heater, find your thermostat. You should see a little knob with three settings: ON, OFF and PILOT. Switch it to OFF or PILOT to shut off the gas and make the heater safe to work on. If you have an electric water heater, go to your breaker panel and find the breaker labeled “Water Heater”. Turn it off to cut the power to your unit.

Shut off the water to stop the leak from expanding

Time to turn off the water, this part is easy. First, you’ll need to find the cold water line leading to your water heater. There should be a valve on the line – turn it to the right until it closes. This will cut off the water and allow you to move on to the next step: calling your hot water heater company, and calling your water damage clean up team.  If you’re located in the Baltimore county area, then call SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh – we will set you up with a plumber. Then call your insurance if you’d like to put in a claim or wait till we arrive if you’d like to decide later.

ABOUT SERVPRO OF PERRY HALL WHITE MARSH:

SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh has been serving the Baltimore metro area since 2001. We are family owned and operated, accepted by all insurance companies and are certified in Mold, Fire, and water damage clean up for residential and commercial properties. Give us a call at 410-529-1664 if you'd like us to clean up your home after a hot water heater leak.

Water Damage Timeline: What happens to your Nottingham Maryland home after a water damage.

7/11/2017 (Permalink)

When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. More often than not, homeowners choose to haphazardly clean up water damage, or do not even notice the water damage until days after the water entered their home. We are going to tell you what happens to your home from the minute a water damage occurs, to a weeks after the incident.

Water Damage Timeline:

WITHIN MINUTES OF THE WATER DAMAGE

1. Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path


2. Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings


3. Furniture finishes may bleed, causing staining to carpets


4. Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp 

HOURS 1-24 AFTER THE WATER ENTERS THE HOME

• Drywall begins to swell and break down


• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish


• A Musty odor appears

48 HOURS TO 1 WEEK AFTER THE WATER DAMAGE

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread


• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp


• Furniture warps and show signs of mold


• Paint begins to blister


• Wood flooring swells and warps

MORE THAN 1 WEEK AFTER THE WATER DAMAGE

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated and structural rebuilding may be extensive


• Structural safety, mold growth, and bio hazard contaminants pose serious risk to occupants 

Always always ALWAYS! Address water damage the moment it occurs, and always use qualified IICRC professionals. Use a house sitter when going out of town, and always check your elderly families home periodically to save them the hassle of dealing with a dramatic water damage.

Ice maker leaks - what causes them and how to prevent it from happening in your Fullerton Maryland Home.

5/9/2017 (Permalink)

Ice maker leaks are common and often go unnoticed. These slow leaks damage both the wall, flooring, and lower levels of homes which can lead to decay. You may have an ice maker but no signs of leaks. Keep on reading, we’re going to give you some advice on how to detect leaks and how to prevent them from happening.

When an ice maker is added to an existing home, the installer will use an "ice maker valve," a small metal saddle secured to a cold water pipe near the refrigerator, with a small clear plastic pipe for the water to feed into the ice maker. The plastic tubing will most likely be the cause of an ice maker leak. Pinholes form in the tubing go unnoticed during installation and remain unnoticed for years, hidden behind the refrigerator. Over a long period of time, hundreds of gallons of water seeping from the tubing can lead to serious structural decay and damage to the wall and floor systems around the refrigerator. You can detect this if you have a water bill, by seeing if it suddenly increases without any reason why. Or by periodically checking behind the fridge…this is hard to do though depending on where your fridge is located.

Modern homes usually have a shut-off valve installed in a wall panel behind the refrigerator where soft copper tubing is used to connect the valve to the refrigerator. Pinhole leaks or fractures of copper tubing are possible, but not as likely as in the plastic tubing. If your home is not modern, use the copper tubing for connection and install a battery operated flood alarm. Doing this before a problem occurs will reduce your risk for a costly water damage in the future.

About SERVPRO of Perry Hall/ White Marsh

SERVPRO of Perry Hall/ White Marsh specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Continue: 4 Things to do in 4 Hours of Discovering your Wet Basement

SERVPRO's Water Damage Repair Process

Toilet: Flooding caused by clogged toilet in Nottingham, MD USA.

4/12/2017 (Permalink)

Toilet: Flooding caused by clogged toilet

1/3 of toilet related flood damages are caused from a clogged or overflowing toilet. A toilet can be clogged or blocked from impassible things being flushed down the toilet by anything other than toilet paper and human waste. (However if it’s happening to many toilets more than once then it might be a plumbing problem or a sewer back up). Here are a few basic steps to keep everything under control until the plumber arrives, and then your water restoration team if the flood is significant

A few basic steps can keep the situation under control until a plumber arrives.

1. Locate your water shut off valve near the base of your toilet. Turn the valve until the water shuts off to prevent additional overflow. If your toilet does not have one, open the tank and rig the float to stay in its position and not let any more water fill the tank. Do not do this barefood, or with open cuts on your body. Always wear Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
2. While wearing PPE, Remove water using towels to clean up a small amount or a Shop-Vac to help with larger spills or to soak water out of carpet and other fabrics. Be sure to wash and disinfect all surfaces that were dampened by the toilet water.
3. If its clogged, grab a toilet plunger and try plunging it free. A sink plunger could work if you do not have a toilet plunger, but it likely won’t be as effective. You can also try using a plumbing snake if you have one accessible.
4. If you know there’s a foreign object preventing the toilet from flushing, get some rubber gloves and try to remove it.
5. If you have NO idea what’s causing it, just keep water contained until plumber arrives. SERVPRO of Perry Hall white Marsh can refer a plumber to you if you need one.

To prevent future clogs:

• Try using less toilet paper. If you need to use more, flush multiple times.
• Never flush feminine products down the toilet. Even if the products claim to be flushable, always throw them in the nearest trash receptacle.
• Keep the counter space around the toilet and the back of the tank clear of small objects that could easily fall in. Smaller objects might fall in without notice and be accidentally flushed, which could create a clog. By keeping the space around the toilet, you decrease the chance of this happening.

If water did get into lower levels, wick up the walls, or spread throughout the house then you need to have it professionally cleaned by a certified professional to prevent mold, and to save on re-building cost.

ABOUT SERVPRO OF PERRY HALL WHITE MARSH:

SERVPRO of Perry Hall/ White Marsh specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

When you have a water damage, don't leave your property to chance. Call SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh. We are certified in Water damage, biohazard clean up and mold remediations. We also accept all insurance companies.   Call 410-529-1664 for more details.

Sump Pump Failure or Malfuction: why your Parkville Maryland basement flooded and 3 tips for preventing it next time.

4/12/2017 (Permalink)

Sump Pump Failure or Malfuction: why it flooded your Parkville Maryland basement.

To put it simply, you know your sump pump is failing to operate properly when water gets where it shouldn’t. Sump pumps are used to remove water that has accumulated in a water-collecting sump basin, commonly found in the basement of homes. This is why Sump Pumps work hard during heavy rains and during snowmelt. SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh is going to tell you about the ideal sump pump for flood prevention and 3 tips for preventing Sump Pump failure and malfunction.

The Ideal Sump Pump

The best primary sump pumps are high capacity, cast iron models, with a battery backup and a secondary pump. The most common issues with sump pumps that fail to operate properly is power outage or being overwhelmed with a high volume of water. Sometimes a single pump isn’t enough to handle large amounts of water, especially during periods of heavy rain when your power is most likely to go out.

Make sure you have a drain tile or gravel surround that’s installed along the perimeter of your basement. This drain tile works to collect ground water from around your foundation and funnels it into the sump pump. Older homes may have a French Drain that operates in the same fashion as a drain tile or gravel surround. Not having this channel at all is an obvious issue, but it could also be clogged or sitting at an angle that cannot properly route water where it needs to go.

Check for debris in your pump. If your sump pit doesn’t have a solid lid, it will inevitably fill with debris and dirt, clogging your unit. If your pump or any of its mechanical parts are exposed to substantial debris, your system will fail to run properly or shut down altogether. If switches become jammed due to dirt buildup, they may get stuck in the “on” position regardless of the inner water levels of your pit, which will cause your unit to run nonstop.

Discharge lines that are clogged or frozen will shut down your system as well. If you’re experiencing frozen lines, it’s best to contact a professional for repair and installment of preventative maintenance fluids and guards.

SERVPRO of Perry Hall was founded in 2001, and is located in Rosedale, Maryland. We specialize in Fire water and storm clean up and we also remediate mold. Call us at 410-529-1664 if you need help with water clean up from your sump pump failure In your Baltimore county basement

Types of water: Water Damage Clean-up

2/17/2017 (Permalink)

When your home or business suffers from a storm, its critical to know the difference between different levels of contaminated water. There are 3 classes of water, Clean, Gray and Black.

Clean water: Clean water is water from a broken pipe, water from a hot water heater, or sink. 

Gray water: Water that is slightly contaminated, such as water from a clean water source that leaked through a ceiling, or clean water that was left untreated. Gray water has bacteria and other contaminates beginning to grow.

Black water:  is water that is highly contaminated, filled with fungi, bacteria, chemicals, viruses and more. Black water is typically caused by sewage damage, flooding, or any type of natural disaster. Black water should never be handled by the homeowner and should always be handled by a trained certified professional.

Precautions to take before help arrives to clean up your clean water water damage

2/17/2017 (Permalink)

When your home or business suffers from a storm, its critical to know the difference between different levels of contaminated water. There are 3 classes of water, Clean, Gray and Black.

Clean water: Clean water is water from a broken pipe, water from a hot water heater, or sink. The time frame for a clean water water damage is limited as if it sits for longer than 24 hours it is then considered gray water. 

Here is a list of precautions to take to protect your personal belongings from a clean source water damage until help arrives.

•  Shut off the water source if possible or contact a qualified professional to do so.


• Turn off the circuit breakers for wet areas of the building if access to the power distribution panel is safe from potential electric shock


• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting


• remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions to allow a more even drying.


• move any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other valuable items that may be sensitive to moisture to a safe place


• Do not leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet as they may cause staining


• Do not use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water as there is potential for electrical shock or causing damage to the vacuum cleaner


• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet; do not enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

When you have a water damage, don't leave your property to chance. Call SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh. We are certified in Water damage, biohazard clean up and mold remediations. We also accept all insurance companies.   Call 410-529-1664 for more details.

Contaminated Water Damage Clean up precautions for flooded basements

2/17/2017 (Permalink)

Here is a guide on what to do if you have a flood damage from a contaminated water source also known as gray or black water. When your home or business suffers from a flood, its important to know what type of water contamination you have so you can make decisions and take precautions for salvaging your belongings while staying safe until help arrives:

Gray water: Water that is slightly contaminated, such as water from a clean water source that leaked through a ceiling, or clean water that was left untreated. Gray water has bacteria and other contaminates beginning to grow.

Black water:  is water that is highly contaminated, filled with fungi, bacteria, chemicals, viruses and more. Black water is typically caused by sewage damage, flooding, or any type of natural disaster. Black water should never be handled by the homeowner and should always be handled by a trained certified professional.

What to do until help arrives:

• avoid all contat with sewage, and items contaminated by sewage. Wash your hands thoroughly if you come in contact with contaminated items


• do not walk through contaminated areas, as you could spread damage to unaffected areas


• do not turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air


• do not use household fans to dry the structure; air flow could spread to contaminants


• discard any food and/or products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas.

When you have a water damage, don't leave your property to chance. Call SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh. We are certified in Water damage, biohazard clean up and mold remediations. We also accept all insurance companies.   Call 410-529-1664 for more details.

Sump Pump Failure in Nottingham Maryland.

10/14/2016 (Permalink)

Sump Pump Failure

 A ‘sump pump’ is ‘a pump used to remove water that has accumulated in a water collecting sump basin, commonly found in the basement of homes’. For the most part, sump pumps are relatively ‘unnecessary’, but when an emergency arises, you’ll be grateful you had it. A sump pump can easily avoid the crisis of having a flooded basement by draining all excess water back outside. However, when it fails, it’ll cost you a basement and thousands of dollars in water damage.

How does a sump pump fail?

It’s Installed Incorrectly

Instructions administered by the manufacturer must be followed diligently in order for the sump pump to be installed properly. Another issue is the size of the sump pump; while a small one can work just as fine as its larger counterpart, you must install the right size in order for it to function properly.

There Was A Power Failure

This is the most common cause of a sump pump’s failure, which renders this devise useless. A backup generator is always a good investment to make.

Problems With The Switch

This is the most common mechanical problem: a stuck switch. Debris can jam it and render it useless, or the pump can shift and the float can get stuck. A little cleaning and some adjustments to the sump pump’s position can go a long way to prevent this.

The Discharge Lines Are Frozen Or Clogged

Debris can clog the discharge lines, cause flood water to retreat back into the basement (to prevent this, be sure to install a grate at the opening of your pipe, preventing debris and even small animals from entering).

Prevention of frozen pipes is practically impossible. However, you can install an additional discharge line that continues to perform the original discharge line’s purpose when it is ineffective.

 Age

Sump pumps can be worn down over time and cease to work after 7-10 years of use. It’s best to replace your sump pump every ten years.

 There Is No Air Relief Hole in Discharge Line

 Gravel or Dirt?

Gravel and dirt can interfere with your pump’s switch and float arm. If you are unsure about your pump’s installation, contact a professional.

Lack of Maintenance

Clean your sump pump occasionally to make sure that it’s operational.

You Might Have A Defective Product

It’s rare, but you could have had a defective sump pump. It’s best to test it upon installation to be assured that there are no defects.

Fullerton, Maryland: 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Clean Up

8/11/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Perry Hall/ White Marsh is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

 We Answer the Phone Ready to Help

Call Today - 410-529-1664

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Perry Hall/ White Marsh has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect When You Call SERVPRO

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Perry Hall/ White Marsh

SERVPRO of Perry Hall/ White Marsh specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Continue: 4 Things to do in 4 Hours of Discovering your Wet Basement

SERVPRO's Water Damage Repair Process

BALTIMORE COUNTY: How to Find Undiscovered Leaks Without Opening your Walls

4/6/2016 (Permalink)

Undiscovered leaks are a Baltimore homeowner’s worst nightmare. It will cost you time and money and create an environment for mold growth if left untreated (or, maybe mold has already started growing, read about the effects of mold here). Leaks can cause damage to many elements of your home including

• Foundation
• Brick exterior
• Basement
• Sillplate
• Floor joist
• Sub floor
• Bottom wall plate
• Carpet padding
• Baseboard
• Drywall
• Interior area
• Wall stud

These areas can warp, crack, and grow mold from an undiscovered leak, if you suspect your home is leaking, here are some simple ways to check without opening your walls:

1. Analyze your water bill

Are you using more water than usual? Compare your water bill to previous months (or even the same month a year ago) is it about the same or does it indicate that you are using way too much?

 2. Analyze your water meter when it is turned off.

Make sure no water is being used, turn off the water and watch the meter, does it continue to move? Then you have a leak, if it hasn’t moved, wait a couple hours if you can and then check again. If it moves, go ahead and call your plumber, if it hasn’t moved and you’re not convinced, check outside for signs of leaks in the water line away from the house.

 3.  Look for Greener grass patches growing faster than other areas, muddy spots and puddles that never seem to dry.

If you suspect a leak, it could be in a water line in your yard. You’ll notice areas of grass growing much taller than other areas, muddy patches, or a puddle that never seems to dry.

4. Call your plumber, and then call SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh.

If you don’t have a plumber, then call SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh and we will refer one to you. Undiscovered leaks need to be fixed before SERVPRO can begin services, but calling and getting the process going will help you get your life back in order after something so disruptive as an undiscovered leak.

6 Plumbing Appliances that cause the Most Water Damages in the Baltimore County Area

3/31/2016 (Permalink)

Top 6 Sources of Water Damage

Water damage to your home can be a real headache. It’s not something most homeowners think about until they experience a home flood for themselves. We’ve made a list of the most common plumbing appliances that cause the most damage.

Need Help Now? Call 410-529-1664

What to do until help arrives

Toilet

1/3 of toilet related flood damages are caused from a clogged or overflowing toilet. A toilet can be clogged or blocked from impassible things being flushed down the toilet such as but not limited to paper towels, facial tissue, baby wipes, napkins, sanitary napkins, diapers or anything other than toilet paper or human waste. However if it’s happening to many toilets more than once then it might be a plumbing problem.

Washing Machine: Top 10 cause of water damages in homes

One of the top 10 causes of water damages in homes, washing machines. According to the Institute of Business and Home Safety, Half of washing machine related residential water damages are caused by damaged water supply hoses.  Out of this half, 78% of the machines were 11 years old or less, and 54% were between 8 and 10 years old.

Dishwasher

Debris from dirty dishes and detergent can collect around the seal of a dishwasher, causing the door to not completely seal and cause major flooding.

Hot Water Heater:

69% of Hot water heater related water-losses are the result of a slow leak or a sudden burst. Hot water heaters require consistent inspections and maintenance, and often have leaks or bursts as a result of corrosion or age.

What Perry Hall residents say about Us!

Ice Maker

Ice maker floods are extremely common, we would estimate that 1 out of 15 water losses in the Perry Hall Nottingham area are caused by ice makers. Ice makers flood when the icemaker tubes (often made of thin plastic) become worn and damaged. This causes a small leak that can go unnoticed for months or years until the tubing completely breaks.

Sump Pump

A sump pump is a device that is planted in the lowest part of your house, and is then dug into the ground and pumps water out that gets built up under the house. Sump Pumps can last anywhere between 3-20 years, many things can cause them (wrong size, improperly installed) to fail but the number one thing is power outages. 

Water Damage: 4 things to do within 4 hours of discovering your wet Parkville/Carney basement

3/8/2016 (Permalink)

It’s 7am and your basement is flooded; you’re panicking. This is the first time this has ever happened to you. You’ve got to leave for work and you’re maybe already running late. “Do I handle this now or later?” Here are the 4 things you must do within 4 hours of your basement flooding.

Take a few deep breadths, call your boss/roommate/spouse/kids and get to work:

1. If it can be done safely, determine the source, and stop water form coming in.

Did it rain like cats and dogs last night? Is water coming from the hot water heater? Maybe your refrigerator (sometimes, the icemaker line breaks and causes extensive flooding). Turn the water off, or skip to step two if it is storm related and it’s still raining.

2. Move items out of the wet areas

Do what you can without hurting yourself, do not do heavy lifting or awkward bending if your doctor has instructed you not to. Start by “block” furniture (place aluminum foil under furniture legs or wood blocks, this prevents the furniture from staining the flooring, this happens often when a water damage occurs). 

Wipe water excess from surfaces after removing lamps and objects on top, and move wet area rugs away from floors, their dyes often bleed and stain wood flooring and carpet.  Perhaps the garage, or on top of a large trashbag/tarp.

The mitigation company should handle the rest, Here is how the SERVPRO System handles your contents

3. Remove excess water with towels, or Mop.

Blot or mop excess water from carpet with clean neutral colored towels and clean mops. (heavily dyed or soiled towels may bleed and dye the area)

4. Schedule repairs and mitigation services to restore your wet basement. 

If you’ve determined the source, call to schedule to have it fixed immediately, then call your insurance company to file a claim if you wish to, then call an IICRC certified restoration company. 

Not all Restoration companies are equal

Get to know your options and make sure to read reviews from their website and from review sites, inspect before and after pictures, and check certifications. This is not something that anyone can do, in fact the proper equipment and chemicals aren’t even available to those who are not properly trained, licensed and insured in this field, all of which cost thousands and thousands of dollars each year to renew not to mention the mind boggling costs to get trained. Hiring an amateur or someone who considers themselves a handyman will lead to future problems and a bigger bill in the long run, and often times these handymen cost triple what a normal emergency restoration company would charge in the first place. 

IF this is a storm situation, be prepared to be put your name on many waiting lists. During the Polar Vortex, we averaged at about 15 new calls per hour for 3 days, Hurricane Sandy we received 120 calls in 4 hours; this is a standard circumstance for storm situations for Disaster recovery specialists.  Lucky if you call us, we will have “Storm Teams” come to our area from other states to help with disaster recovery.

If it’s not a storm situation, they will likely be able to begin services at your soonest convenience if the water has stopped coming in, and when a crew or manager is able to be dispatched.

Water in your basement can be scary if you don’t know what to expect, and not knowing what to do when flooding happens makes it all that more intimidating. Following these steps will let you regain control until help arrives. 

With any leak, IT IS THE WATER you do not see that CAUSES THE MOST DAMAGE

5/7/2013 (Permalink)

There's no such thing as a small disaster. Especially when the water you don't see contains bacteria or causes mold, rot and other unseen damage. Water damage can affect the value of your property. So before you get out the mop, bucket, and box fan to try and clean it up yourself, consider how this will affect your property.

A mop and common cleaning products may not be enough for serious water intrusions. Your local SERVPRO® of Perry Hall/White Marsh is trained to safely clean and RESTORE your building, utilizing the following procedures:

• Identify the Source/Type of Water


• Measure Temperature and Humidity for Drying Analysis


• Survey the Extent of Damage and Inspect the Premises


• Perform Emergency Water Extraction


• Apply Necessary Treatments


• Utilize Drying Equipment and Monitor Drying

So, before you risk further damaging the value of your home or facility by attempting to clean up the mess yourself, call your local SERVPRO® of Perry Hall/White Marsh water damage cleanup and restoration specialist at 410-529-1664 or  Email us. We look forward to restoring your property "Like It Never Even Happened"