Does your building have any of these common sewage problems?

3/7/2023 (Permalink)

When your toilet backs up, sewer issues can arise, give SERVPRO a call today!

Sewage backups, broken pipes, and other sewer problems can happen to anyone. Homeowners and businesses alike are susceptible to these issues, but you can prevent them by taking action. If you suspect that your building has any of these common sewage problems, call in a professional plumber right away or risk having the situation get worse or more expensive.

Sewage backup

Backup is when sewage that normally goes into the sewer system gets pushed back up through your drains and out into your home. This can be caused by a variety of issues, including blockages in pipes or cracks in the foundation of your building. It's important to get these problems fixed before they lead to backups, not only because they're gross and unpleasant, but also because sewer backups can cause serious damage to your home or building if left untreated.

Cracked or broken pipes

If you notice any of the following signs, it's likely that your pipes are broken:

• Water leaking from the ceiling or walls
• A foul smell coming from one or more drains in your building

If you think your pipes might be broken, take action immediately. Call a professional plumber as soon as possible to have them repaired. If left unrepaired, this problem could lead to bigger issues such as mold growth and structural damage over time.

Leaking joints

If you notice that your building has any of these common sewage problems, contact a professional to help you identify and repair the damage.

The joints between pipes are very important because they connect two pieces of pipe together and allow for fluid flow. If there's any kind of leak in this area, it can cause a lot of damage to your home or business as well as contaminate nearby water sources. There are several reasons why joints might leak, corrosion from old age or acidic materials like bleach, pressure differences caused by changes in elevation and wear from repeated use over time.

Joints may be made out of either metal or plastic depending on what type was installed when construction began and both types can break down over time due to corrosion or wear-and-tear which leads us back around again.

Worn-out p-traps and floor drains

A p-trap is a plumbing fixture that connects the water inlet of your toilet to the waste line. It's designed to prevent sewer gas from coming up through the toilet and into your bathroom or kitchen.

In many older buildings, these traps have been worn out over time by repeated use and may need to be replaced. If you notice odors coming from your drains or toilets, or if they won't flush properly this could be a sign.

Pipes are often made of cast iron or lead, which can corrode over time due to exposure to chlorine from tap water and other chemicals. If these pipes become corroded enough that there's no longer any protection between them and groundwater below ground level, which contains high levels of bacteria. Sewage could leak into homes through cracks in foundations' basements where these aging pipes enter houses' basements.

Clogged traps and vents

A trap is a U-shaped pipe that prevents sewer gases from escaping into your building. It's located at the lowest point of your plumbing system, and it connects to your drainpipe.

A vent serves two purposes:, it allows air to enter and exit your pipes so that wastewater does not back up into them, and it lets you know whether or not there's a blockage in there by making noises when something goes wrong. If you hear bubbling sounds coming from one of these vents or if none of them are working, then your traps may have clogged up with roots or other debris, which means they need some attention before they start causing problems for you down the road.

If you have any of these problems, call a professional to help repair them before they get worse. SERVPRO has professionals trained with the expertise and experience to restore your property back to pre water conditions after a sewer backup.

How Long Does the Water Damage Restoration Process Take?

2/6/2023 (Permalink)

Experiencing a water loss on your property is hard enough. Not knowing when everything will be back to normal can cause even more stress.

Experiencing a water loss on your property is hard enough. Not knowing when everything will be back to normal can cause even more stress. You want to get the cleanup process started quickly, but you also don't want to rush into anything that could cause more problems down the road. Unfortunately, there's no way to tell exactly how long it will take for everything to be fixed -- that depends on many factors. That said, here are some things we can all agree on:

It's Impossible to Give an Exact Timeline

The length of time it takes to complete a restoration project is always going to be dependent on the extent of the damage. In some cases, the majority of water removal and drying can take place within 24 hours, while other areas may require weeks before they’re ready for repair work.

The longer it takes a home or business to dry out after a water loss event, the more extensive damage there will likely be as well. The same goes for how long repairs take; if there are multiple damaged areas in close proximity, they could all need repairing at once so that you don’t have any issues with mold growing during this process.

Things to Consider

As you begin the water damage repair process, consider the following questions:

• How much water leaked into your home? The more water that's been leaked, the longer it will take to clean up.
• How long has the water sat there before the cleanup process began? If the water has been sitting for an extended period of time, there could be secondary damages present on your property. Secondary damages, such as a mold infestation, will take longer to repair.
• What category of damage is present? The category of water damage refers to the level of contamination the water present has. The more contaminated the water is, the longer the repair time.

How Quickly You Start the Cleanup Process Matters

The sooner you begin the clean-up process, the better. The longer you wait to start, the more damage will occur and the more expensive it will be to clean up. We recommend starting as soon as possible after a flood or leak happens because mold can grow within 24 hours of a water disaster. It's important to call in professionals right away so that they can begin working on your recovery before additional damage occurs and before mold takes hold.

The More Damage Present, The Longer Repairs Will Take

The extent of the damage will determine how long it takes to restore your home. For example, if there is extensive damage throughout your home, a water restoration project may take longer than a project that involves only one room.

In the end, it's impossible to give an exact timeline for how long the clean-up process will take. If you're having a hard time solving your water damage problem on your own and are looking for a water cleanup expert in Prescott, AZ, our SERVPRO of Yavapai County team is here to help!

Commercial Kitchen Fire Prevention

1/9/2023 (Permalink)

Grease build-up can cause fires and other damages

Commercial Kitchen Fire Prevention

Fire is a very real danger in commercial kitchens. It's important to have a fire suppression system installed to protect your business, but there are also some steps you can take yourself. Here are some tips for preventing kitchen fires and staying safe if one occurs.

Safety Training

Train your employees on the importance of safety. Make sure that they know what to do in case of a fire and are able to use the fire extinguisher properly. It’s also important that they know how to call the fire department because you never know whether you’ll be able to make it out on your own if there’s an emergency situation. 

Ensuring Proper Ventilation

Proper ventilation is essential for preventing fires in commercial kitchens because it allows all sources of ignition—including heat sources like ovens, stoves, and grills—to burn themselves out as quickly as possible. As smoke builds up from small fires, it cuts off the oxygen supply and makes it more difficult for firefighters to access these areas. This can lead to increased damage costs, which means an even higher cost for you!

Removing Grease Buildup

Grease buildup can lead to clogged drains, which can cause water damage. Additionally, grease buildup on the kitchen equipment can cause fires and other damage. In order to prevent this from happening, it's important to clean your kitchen systems regularly.

Installing a fire suppression system

Fire suppression systems can be installed in commercial kitchens. These systems are usually installed by a professional, but they can also be installed by the owner of the business. A fire suppression system is a good investment for your business because it will help protect your property, as well as your employees’ and customers’ lives.

Have the Right Equipment 

Fire prevention is important in any commercial kitchen, but it's especially crucial that you take the right precautions. If you do have a fire, call a professional fire restoration service immediately and keep everyone out of the building until they've cleared it. 

That way, if there are any hidden pockets of heat left when you reopen your building to employees and customers, no one will be harmed.

Equip yourself with proper fire prevention equipment for your commercial kitchen. Fire extinguishers are one of the most important items that should always be accessible at all times. You should have at least one per floor (and preferably more than this) so that everyone can access them easily when needed and everyone is trained on how to use them correctly. Use smoke detectors in your commercial kitchen area, as well as carbon monoxide detectors near gas sources like ovens or stoves where carbon monoxide may leak out into other parts of a building. 

As a business owner, you have an obligation to protect your employees and customers. The last thing you want is for your kitchen to catch fire and injure someone or cause extensive damage to your property. To prevent this from happening, it’s important that you take the necessary precautions by installing smoke detectors, sprinklers and fire extinguishers in areas where they can be easily accessed by everyone on staff.

If you experience a fire in your commercial building, give SERVPRO of Yavapai a call! We will get your Yavapai county property back to normal as quickly as possible. 

Choosing Your Fire Extinguisher For Your Home

12/1/2022 (Permalink)

A fire extinguisher is a must-have in any home

Choosing Your Fire Extinguisher For Your Home

A fire extinguisher is a must-have in any home, but it can be confusing to choose one. It's important to consider what kind of fire you're most at risk for, whether the extinguisher is for your kitchen or garage, and how to use the product when there's an emergency. The following guide will help you make the right decision about which extinguisher is right for you!

Assess the Risk

When you’re deciding which type of extinguisher to purchase, it’s important to consider what kinds of fires you might encounter. If you live in a home with a high risk of fire (say, if there are young children or pets), then you will likely want an extinguisher that can be used on multiple types of fires—such as Class A, B, and multipurpose. However, if your home has low risks for all types of fires combined (for example, no pets or small children), then buying a class A or B unit should serve its purpose.

In addition to assessing your risk level as it relates to the likelihood of experiencing a fire at home, also consider whether any people who live in the house are disabled or elderly—if so they may need assistance using a fire extinguisher during an emergency situation so make sure yours is easy-to-use even for those with limited mobility!

Multipurpose Extinguishers

The class of the fire will determine which type of extinguisher you need to use. Class A fires are caused by flammable liquids, such as gasoline, oil, or grease. Class B fires are caused by flammable gases, such as propane or natural gas. If you're not sure what kind of fire is burning, use a dry chemical extinguisher on all types of fires until you can figure out what's happening.

If you have a multipurpose extinguisher, it can be used on Class A and B fires. This type of fire extinguisher is usually found in kitchens and garages.

Mounting Brackets

If you're like most people, you want to be able to easily access your fire extinguisher. Many models come with mounting brackets that allow for quick and easy installation to a wall or other flat surface. You'll need to make sure the bracket is strong enough to support the weight of your extinguisher and sturdy enough so that it doesn't get knocked off by everyday kitchen activities.

Consider Your Garage

If you have a garage, the first thing to consider is whether your home fire extinguisher needs to be multipurpose. For most garages, a multipurpose unit will be suitable. However, if you store flammable liquids or other chemicals in your garage and regularly work with them or drive often with them inside the vehicle, you may want to consider getting one specifically designed for fighting fires that involve those materials. Another factor to consider is the size of your garage: Multipurpose units usually come in smaller sizes than specialty ones do. Smaller homes will likely find that a 10-pound multipurpose unit is sufficient; larger houses might need more than one 10-pound fire extinguisher on hand at all times (and another one stored outside).

Multipurpose units are also inexpensive compared with specialty ones—a few hundred dollars versus thousands—so it makes sense for most homeowners who don't know what kind of risks their own homes face from fire hazards.

Knowing what kind of fire extinguisher to get for your home can help you protect the people you care about the most from the dangers of fire. By familiarizing yourself with how each type works, you can be better equipped to make an informed decision when shopping for a new extinguisher.

We hope that this article has helped you understand how to choose the right fire extinguisher for your Yavapai County, AZ home. Remember, a fire can happen anywhere and at any time. What’s most important is that you have an extinguisher close by in case of an emergency. If you experience a fire in your home, give SERVPRO of Yavapai a call, and we will be there quickly to restore your home to its preloss condition! 

How does Sewage Damage Work?

11/2/2022 (Permalink)

Sewage damage is caused by a backup of sewer water.

How does Sewage Damage Work?

When you are dealing with sewage damage in your Prescott, AZ home, you want to make sure that the job is done right. That's why we have highly trained technicians who will assess the damage and determine whether you need to call your insurance company. We will remove any damaged materials and contents that are non-salvageable while our crew is drying out the area. We use fans and dehumidifiers to completely dry out the affected area as quickly as possible so that mold won't grow.

What is Sewage Damage?

Sewage damage is caused by a backup of sewer water. This can be caused by several things. One of the most common causes is tree roots that have built up over time and are clogging up your sewer line. Other materials such as grease or food particles can also cause blockages in your pipes, causing sewage damage to your home.

Where does it come from?

Sewage damage can occur in your home, basement, or garage. When you have a sewage backup, it's called sewer backup. Sewer backups happen when water enters your pipes and mixes with the waste that is waiting for the sewer service to collect it.

When this happens, the water will push all the waste up through your pipes until it comes out onto your flooring or even into walls/ceilings.

The possible causes of sewage backups include:

• A broken pipe allows water to fill up these areas of your home.
• A storm or heavy rainstorm causes an overflow.

How do you clean it up?

To begin the cleanup of your flooded home, you will need:

• Remove all damaged materials. For example, if drywall or insulation is stained by sewage water, remove it, and dispose of it properly. 
• Remove non-salvageable items such as carpeting/flooring and cabinets in order to give yourself more space for clearing out excess moisture from your home's structure.

First, our highly trained technicians will assess the damage.

Our technicians will:

• Check the area for any additional damage.
• Check for signs of mold and mildew.
• Check for signs of water damage, including standing water, pools, or puddles of water.
• If there is evidence of sewage backup, we'll recommend that you contact a plumber to fix your plumbing system before we proceed with cleanup services.

Then we will determine whether you need to call your insurance company.

If you have insurance, it is best that you call your agent and let them know what has happened so they can help with the claim process. If you don't have a policy, we can help find one that fits your needs and budget.

If there was sewage damage in your home because of someone else’s negligence or carelessness, then the person responsible should pay for any damages caused by their negligence. 

While our crew is drying out the area, you should turn off the power to the room.

• While our crew is drying out the area, you should turn off power to the room.
• Turn off power at the circuit breaker or fuse box, not just at a single switch.
• Do not use the room until it is completely dry.

We will shut off the water valve to prevent sewage backup.

The first thing we will do is shut off the water valve to prevent sewage backup. We can then shut off power to affected area. After that, we'll remove all contents from affected area and clean up any sewage backup before using fans and dehumidifiers to dry out the wet area.

We will remove any damaged materials and contents that are non-salvageable.

Our technicians will carefully remove all items from the affected area, including carpets and pads if necessary.

Our crew will use fans and dehumidifiers to completely dry out the affected area.

The fan will be used to circulate the air and help dry out the carpet faster. In addition, we will place a dehumidifier inside your home to remove excess moisture from the air. This prevents mold growth and mildew growth that can occur when there is excessive moisture in your home.

By using fans to circulate air throughout your home and dehumidifiers to remove excess moisture from it, we can prevent bacteria growth, mildew growth, or other types of unhealthy conditions that may occur if left untreated after sewage damage has occurred.

SERVPRO of Yavapai County is here to help you with any sewage damage, so feel free to give us a call at any time. Our team can be reached 24/7 by phone or e-mail.

Who Pays for Fire Damage in a Rental Property?

10/21/2022 (Permalink)

Make sure your rental property is covered by the appropriate policy.

Who Is Responsible for Fire Damage in a Rental Property?

If you've ever experienced a fire in a rental property in your Prescott, AZ area, you know it can be incredibly stressful. It's not just the potential loss of your belongings that worries you—you also must consider how the landlord will respond and what they're liable for. But what is your legal responsibility as a tenant? And how do insurance laws affect things like who pays for repairs, cleanup, and relocation costs? Here's what you need to know about dealing with fire damage in rental properties:

A landlord is responsible for providing a safe, habitable living space.

This means the landlord must take care of structural damage to the property and make sure it is up to code. For example, if there's faulty wiring or plumbing that causes a fire, then you will not be held responsible for the cost of repairing it.

Tenants are responsible for content damage in their rental unit (such as furniture or clothing). However, if you have renter's insurance and file a claim after an incident like this occurs in your apartment building, then you can get reimbursed by your insurer.

But what happens when a fire destroys your home?

If you're unfortunate enough to experience a fire in your home, you'll need to be aware of how fire damage is categorized. That's because the costs for repair or replacement of your property depend on whether the fire caused structural or content damage, or both.

Structural damage is caused by the fire itself—it's what makes things like walls and floors unsafe to use after a blaze has been extinguished. Content damage includes anything that was inside the building at the time of the fire—like furniture, clothing, appliances, and other belongings. Structural and content damages are often grouped together under one category called "casualty," but each type has its own implications for liability payments and insurance claims.

What are you and your landlord responsible for?

Your landlord is responsible for many aspects of fire damage repair, but there are some things that you should take care of as well.

If you're the tenant, here's what you can do:

• Make sure that all electrical appliances are properly grounded and use a surge protector.
• Keep flammable objects away from heating equipment and open flames.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month to make sure they're working properly. If the alarm doesn't work when tested, replace it immediately! 

In addition, not all states (or even individual counties) follow the same insurance laws.

If you're a landlord, you'll want to make sure that your rental property is covered by the appropriate policy. In some places, landlords are held liable for damage caused by their tenants; in others, they aren't held responsible at all.

It's important to note that there are no blanket rules regarding property damage cases—they vary from state to state and county to county. Some states have laws that favor landlords; others favor tenants; still, others protect both parties equally. The best way for you to know what kind of laws apply in your area is by contacting an experienced insurance agent or attorney who can inform you about how things work locally.

Conclusion

As you can see, fire damage in a rental property is complicated. If you’re in the middle of your own dispute over who pays for fire damage, it’s important to understand your rights—and those of your landlord. If you believe that he or she isn’t living up to their obligations as spelled out by law, contact an attorney and set up a consultation. They can help ensure that both parties are on equal footing when decisions are made about how best to move forward. 

How To Estimate Commercial Fire Damage

8/28/2022 (Permalink)

How To Estimate Commercial Fire Damage

A commercial fire is devastating, and after a fire, you may feel confused, frustrated and scared. In many cases, the insurance companies have adjusters that will do the actual calculations, but you still need to tell them exactly what was lost in the fire. After contacting your insurance agent, you will need to estimate what was lost. This may seem like a difficult task, but there are very basic things that you can do to make it easier.

Take an Inventory

The first thing you want to do is take an inventory of everything that is damaged. Write it all down, even if it seems inconsequential. You should write down:

• Damage to the exterior and interior of the structure
• Inventory loss
• Equipment loss, particularly electronics
• Supply loss

Knowing what you lost is the first step in getting an accurate estimate of the damage caused by the fire and firefighters. Fighting the fire sometimes causes more damage than the fire itself.

Evaluate Structural Damage

You should only enter the structure when it is safe to do so. If the structure is damaged beyond repair or the damage is extensive, you can use the formula, square foot cost to rebuild or repair multiplied by the total square footage of room or structure to approximate the cost of rebuilding or repairing the damage. You will also need to add in the cost of water damage and fire damage restoration in Prescott, AZ for your calculations to be accurate.

Approximate Equipment Loss

Approximating damages in a commercial fire also includes damage to equipment, inventory, and supplies. You can do this by performing a reverse inventory. Take an estimate of what you had before the fire and subtract what you have now. This is what you lost. It is particularly important in a commercial fire where inventory and supplies are damaged.

Remember, insurance companies have adjusters that use formulas to estimate the value of what was lost. You should only need to give them an accurate picture of what was lost.

How To Remove Mold From Your Company's Carpets

8/23/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage in Prescott Valley, AZ

When businesses suffer an infestation of mold, it often gets inside walls and ceilings. It may also appear within carpeted flooring, in which case a carpet cleaning specifically targeted at killing spores is required. What follows is the proper procedure for getting rid of foot-level fungi in Prescott Valley, AZ.

Carpet Mold Removal Safety

Any form of contact with mold contains risk. Protect yourself by using the following equipment:

• Rubber gloves
• Safety goggles
• Respirators
• Hazard suits
• Disposable foot and head covers

Besides the possible effects to one’s health, eliminating carpets of mold spores can be time-consuming and laborious. An alternative to handling the task on your own is hiring a team of mold remediation specialists to tackle the job for you.

Carpet Mold Removal Procedure

To execute a proper office carpet cleaning, start by increasing the room’s ventilation. Open windows and doors near the affected area. Additionally, you want to quarantine the contaminated zone, preventing others from accidentally exposing themselves to mold’s potential health effects. Use plastic sheeting and floor signs to signal that the space is temporarily off-limits.

Take a stiff brush and sweep away as much mold as you can into disposable bags. Vacuums outfitted with HEPA filters can be used for an even deeper clean. Follow this step by scrubbing the area with a non-bleach cleaner and then allowing the carpet to dry. Once your rug has been de-moisturized, run your vacuum over the carpet one more time to rid yourself of any remaining spores.

Anti-fungal coatings can be sprayed to aid in the prevention of mold problems from reappearing. These helpful deterrents can be found at hardware stores or purchased online.

Steam cleaners may likewise be employed to rid carpeting of mold, although the level of success this method achieves varies. If musty odors linger, applying a mixture of vinegar and baking soda is a good strategy for ridding your company of unpleasant smells.

A thorough carpet cleaning is required wherever mold appears. When embarking upon the task, follow these comprehensive steps to thoroughly defeat the problem.

Important Information on FEMA Payments

8/11/2022 (Permalink)

Anything that is not covered by your insurance company could be paid for by FEMA disaster assistance programs

Information on FEMA Payments

If you have recently experienced a flood, you will have a lot of expenses, from finding a remediation company to renting a home. The good news is that anything that is not covered by your insurance company could be paid for by FEMA disaster assistance programs.

Making a Claim
After registering with FEMA, you need to start the claim process for your home in Prescott Valley, AZ. Here are the steps you must take:

• Contact your insurance company and file a claim
• Take photos of the damage to your property
• Meet with your insurance agent
• Collect documents related to your damaged property
• Get proof of loss
• Fill out your application for relief

Average Claim Payments
The amount of relief you receive is based on your individual loss. However, you can expect to receive several thousand dollars from FEMA if you do not have adequate insurance.

Eligibility Information
If you have the ability to acquire temporary housing on your own, you will not be able to receive a place through the program. However, if you cannot afford a hotel or rental property, the relief program can offer you temporary housing. Additionally, if you do not have enough insurance to replace all of your home and personal belongings damaged, you can receive funds through the program.

Waiting Periods
Before you can get paid, you will need to provide adequate documentation of your losses. Once you have turned in your proof of loss and finished your application, your information will be reviewed. This process can take a while and is known as the waiting period.

If you have recently experienced flooding or another natural disaster, you may want to know more about the disaster relief programs offered by the government. If you are eligible for relief and have made a claim, you will likely receive a chunk of money to pay for disaster-related expenses.

Is Mold Covered by Commercial Insurance?

7/23/2022 (Permalink)

Mold damage in Prescott Valley, AZ

What Is Covered In Your Commercial Insurance

Mold growth can cause major damage to your Prescott Valley, AZ, business. Understanding how commercial insurance addresses mold is key to protecting your property.

Mold Insurance Coverage
Most commercial policies do not cover mold damage in most circumstances. Many policies include a fungus exclusion, which specifically states that damage is not covered if it is caused by the following:

• Fungus (including mold and mildew)
• Bacteria
• Wet rot
• Dry rot

Some policies do, however, state that mold damage is covered if it is caused by certain specified events, such as fire or lightning. Make sure that you read and fully understand your policy. Speak with your agent if you have any questions.

Mold Prevention

Because most commercial insurance policies do not cover mold, the best way to protect your business is to prevent the mold from growing in the first place. Mold needs three things to thrive: warmth, food and water. Most indoor locations are sufficiently warm and have multiple food sources available. The presence of moisture is the variable over which business owners have the most control. Keep indoor humidity below 50%. It may be necessary to run dehumidifiers in particularly humid areas of the building. Clean up spills and repair water damage as soon as possible. An experienced restoration service can help ensure the property is fully dry after flooding.

Another tactic for reducing the likelihood of mold growth is minimizing the number of spores present. Mold spores are invisible to the naked eye and present almost everywhere. Air purifiers with HEPA filters can trap a significant number of these spores before they have a chance to colonize. HEPA filters can also be installed in the HVAC unit. If your building has carpet, routine deep cleaning kills the spores that get trapped in the carpet fibers.
Commercial insurance generally does not cover mold damage in commercial buildings. However, understanding your policy and taking steps to prevent fungal growth in the first place are important steps you can take to protect your business.