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Water damage is dangerous in itself, but in order to assess its severity you need to know the type of contamination you’re dealing with. That’s why it’s important to understand the main categories of water damage. 

If you experience water damage in San Diego, CA, you should turn to water damage restoration services for professional assistance. This article will provide you with some useful tips on how to make a distinction between the 3 main categories of water damage.

What are the 3 categories of water damage?

While there are 3 categories of water damage, not all of them are equally dangerous because the source and the level of contamination vary. Here are some basic facts about water damage that every homeowner should know:

1. Category 1: Clean water 

White or clean water comes from a sanitary water source such as water supply lines, melting ice or snow, rainwater, toilet tanks and bowls without contaminants. The source can also be broken pipes, sinks and bathtubs which have overflowed and appliance issues. Since this type of water doesn’t come from sewage and is toxin-free, it’s considered “clean.” Usually all the damaged items can be dried easily and salvaged and there aren’t any side effects for the property owner.  

While most of the affected building material can be saved, there are some materials like plaster, brick and concrete which require special drying methods even if water damage is category 1. You should also be careful because category 1 water loss can deteriorate into categories 2 and 3 if the water comes into contact with microorganisms like mold which is one of the essential terms related with water damage.

2. Category 2: Gray water

Gray water originates from dishwasher or washing machine discharge or overflow, hydrostatic pressure seepage in basements, toilet bowl overflow with urine and sump pump backups. A less likely source are punctured water beds and broken aquariums.

This type of water is significantly contaminated and the waste and chemicals in it can cause discomfort or sickness if you get in touch with it. It may contain potentially unsafe levels of bacteria, viruses, nutrients for microorganisms and mold. That’s why you should remove any affected items and disinfect your home completely, and preferably use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to remove all the microorganisms.

3. Category 3: Black water

Category 3 water is grossly contaminated and comes from sewage, waste line backflows, seawater, flooding, wind-driven rain from hurricanes and tropical storms, as well as river and groundwater. Since it contains pathogenic, toxic and other harmful agents it poses a great risk to health. You should remove all affected materials such as insulation, drywall, hardwood flooring, carpets and cushions.

Since one of the reasons for water damage can be sewage backup, you should check your sewage system as soon as you notice anything unusual. Water damage insurance covers only some categories and the one caused by faulty pipes is normally not considered a valid insurance claim.

Where in San Diego, CA can I book reputable water damage restoration services?

If you need a reliable water damage restoration service that is available 24/7, look no further than Risk Free Serv. Our dedicated experts use cutting-edge technology such as HEPA filters to make sure that your home is free from all microorganisms including mold. We also provide leak detection which helps prevent water damage from occurring and escalating.

You can go on a hike and spend some quality time with your family at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve while our vetted pros carry out complete restoration of your home. Book today!

Water damage can be a huge problem and if your home is affected by it you should leave the sanitation to experts. However, if you want to facilitate the remediation process, it is advisable to learn some useful phrases related to water damage.

You can use these terms to better explain the problem to a reliable 24 hour water damage pro in San Diego, CA, when you ask for assistance. This article will help you enrich your vocabulary!

What is the vocabulary of water damage?

There are a lot of words that are connected with water damage and that can be divided into several categories:

1. Type of damage

Let’s start with the three main categories of water damage. White (or clear) water is clean and usually doesn’t pose a threat to health. However, gray water or sewage that comes from sinks, bathtubs and toilets can be heavily contaminated. The black water that comes from sewage backups and floods is very harmful. 

Water damage also causes indoor air pollution and delamination. Delamination is the separation of layers of composite materials like laminate and concrete which can ruin your floors and severely jeopardize your foundation. Gleying is a word that refers to the formation of black, gray, greenish or blue-gray color in soil after a flood.

2. Biohazard

Biohazard is used to describe any type of biological contaminants and biological waste. It includes bacteria and viruses from sewage overflow. Mold and mildew which are formed in a moist environment are one of the greatest problems caused by water damage. 

That’s why air testing and source sampling are vital after flooding. These enable you to check the level of contaminants such as dust, allergens and mold on surfaces and in the air.

3. Remediation

Remediation is the process of cleaning a contaminated area. You should start with water extraction, for which you can use wet/dry vacuum cleaners. Dehumidifiers are very helpful as they pull the moisture out of the air.

Then begins abatement, which is the process of minimizing the presence of hazardous materials like mold and biological contaminants. You should use sporicide to kill the bacteria and fungi. Workers normally wear powered air-purifying respirators when they remove these pollutants.

4. Prevention

Sanitation doesn’t necessarily mean that there can be no further or latent damage. Mold infestations, deterioration of wood, and structural damages can occur after some time, even though they’re not visible at first. To avoid this, technicians use a borescope, which is a device that performs non-destructive inspection of wall cavities, ceilings and crawl spaces. You can use anti-fungal solvents and chemicals to prevent mold growth.

Impervious covers stop water from going into the surrounding soil and spreading pollution and waste. Besides this, you can use sump pumps to keep water away or remove it from basement areas in case of a flood.

5. Estimation

After sanitation, you need to carry out a loss assessment and evaluation and check what your insurance policy covers. You can hire an expert to estimate the damage and the presence of mold in your property. 

Access flooring, a raised area of a floor that allows access to the space below the primary floor, should be checked first. Air sampling is a great method for determining the actual scope of damage.

Where can I find a reliable 24 hour water damage pro in San Diego, CA?

Water damage remediation is a very complex procedure that calls for expert assistance which can be hard to find especially since this is always an emergency. Luckily for you, Risk Free Serv is available to help 24/7. Our seasoned specialists provide comprehensive restoration, leak detection and mold remediation. 

You can treat yourself with a walk down the Mission Beach while we whip your house into its original shape. Give us a call and we’ll do the rest!

Water damage can be caused by a minor leak or battered pipes which results in flooding. There are several negative effects of water damage that homeowners should be aware of. Learning about them can help you prevent or minimize the loss in most cases.

Since risk assessment is very complex, people often count on a trustworthy 24hr San Diego, CA water damage pro for help. The following article outlines the top 5 reasons why you should ask experts for assistance.

What is the biggest concern about water damage?

Water damage poses a risk to your health, property, and finances. Here is a comprehensive list of the problems that it can cause:

1. Water waste

According to recent research, 10% of households with leaks waste 90 gallons of water per day, which equals 270 loads of laundry, 600 showers, and 1200 loads of dishes to name a few. This can significantly increase your utility bill while also being bad for the environment.

2. Health risks

There are a lot of health problems that this type of damage can cause. Mold and mildew tend to form in moist areas, and if exposed to them you can experience allergies, coughing, difficulty with breathing, headache, and fatigue. Since water is an excellent conductor of electricity it puts you at risk of electrocution, which can cause serious injuries, bodily harm, and even death.

Water damage can also lead to chemical hazards. Depending on the place of leakage water can be contaminated with toxic chemicals. This is usually the case with flood residue, but sewage overflows can be equally harmful.

3. Different contamination levels

There are three main categories of water damage: white, gray, and black. While the first category implies clean sources, gray and black points to sources that can be highly contaminated. Different measures of sanitation need to be taken according to the type of contamination.

4. High costs of sanitation

If you’re dealing with water damage in your house, repair costs can quickly add up as it affects various parts of the property in different ways. While you may be able to salvage concrete and hard surfaces, building foundations often feel the impact and begin slowly deteriorating. Carpets and furniture get wet, begin to stain, and may start to leach. 

Wood absorbs moisture and tends to swell, which often means you’ll need to replace carpets and furniture. Since tiles can become contaminated, they should be replaced, and the ceiling may need repainting. You can also count on the costs of mold and mildew removal. Mold can develop within 24 to 48 hours, which is why you should take care of moisture, humidity, and excess liquid immediately.

5. Insurance issues

Not all insurance policies cover sudden problems of this kind, and some of them don’t reimburse the costs of flood sanitation. That’s why you should get informed about what water damage insurance implies. Regardless of the policy that you choose, it’s better to check for leaks regularly than to deal with their potential aftermath.

How can you tell if your house has water damage?

Water damage can be subtle, but if you know what to look for, you can catch it before it gets out of hand. Keep an eye out for these clues:

Walls & ceilings

Take a close look at your walls and ceilings. Discoloration or stains, especially in shades of yellow, brown, or even darker, usually signal water damage.

If you notice paint or wallpaper bubbling or peeling, it’s also a strong sign that excess moisture is trapped beneath the surface. These visual cues are early warnings that a professional should investigate further.

Unusual odors

If you notice a particular musty odor in your home, especially in areas like basements, bathrooms, and around windows, it’s a likely sign of water damage. This unpleasant smell often shows that there’s mold or mildew, both of which thrive in moist conditions. Even if you can’t see any visible mold, the odor alone suggests hidden moisture buildup that needs immediate attention.

Floors

Look out for signs of water damage under the floor like, for example, warping, buckling, or areas that feel soft or spongy when you walk on them. These issues usually happen when the liquid seeps into the subflooring and weakens the materials. Try to identify these signs as soon as possible to prevent more extensive damage to your home’s structural integrity.

Utility bills

If you haven’t increased your water usage but noticed a sudden spike in your utility bill, it may be a sign that you have a hidden leak somewhere in your house. Even if the spike isn’t that dramatic or costly, keep in mind that the underlying issue can wreak havoc on your property. It’s best to monitor your utility bills regularly so that you can notice any irregularities on time.

Mold & mildew

Whether it’s black, green, or white and patchy, mold and mildew are clear indicators of moisture problems and potential water damage. Mold can grow alarmingly fast in damp, poorly ventilated areas. In as little as 24 to 48 hours, growth can form and begin harming your home’s finishings, surfaces, structure, and most importantly – your health. If you spot any mold or mildew, react immediately or call in 24hr San Diego, CA, water damage pros to handle it for you.

What should you do first if you see water damage?

If you’ve spotted the signs or if it’s clear that you have water damage in your house, knowing what to do can help stop things from getting worse and keep you safe. First of all, stay calm, and try to get in touch with 24hr San Diego, CA, water damage pros as fast as possible. However, here are some things you can do, though it all depends on the situation:

Call the professionals: Contact a reputable company immediately. Professionals have the expertise and equipment to assess the situation, extract any free liquid, dry affected areas, and prevent mold growth.

Stay safe: Always prioritize the safety of your family and yourself, even if it comes at the cost of more harm to your home’s structure. If the issue involves electrical systems or similar potential hazards, don’t try to mitigate it alone. Quickly evacuate the area and wait for professionals.

Stop the source: If it’s possible and safe to do so, locate the source of the water and stop the flow. This may involve turning off the main supply or shutting off a specific valve. Only do this if you already know how and if there’s no danger involved. As devastating as structural problems can be, your well-being is still a priority.

Document the damage: As soon as you can, take photos and videos of the affected areas for insurance purposes.

Which 24hr San Diego, CA, water damage pro can I call in case of an emergency?

No matter how cautious you are, things can always go wrong. In case of an emergency, don’t hesitate to turn to Risk Free Serv to provide assistance.

We can deal with any situation from wholesale flooding, to bursting pipes, to leaking faucets.

Our vetted experts offer comprehensive water damage restoration, leak detection, and mold remediation.

Instead of stressing out about the disaster, spend a day at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park with your family and leave the renovation to our dedicated specialists. We’re at your disposal non-stop. Call us today!

When people renovate their office or apartment they rarely pay attention to the sewer. Old and clogged pipes can cause an accident that has a detrimental effect. That is why it is important to keep your draining system up and running at all times.

That’s why it comes as no surprise that the increasing number of people in San Diego, CA, relies on the help of a reputable commercial sewage removal company. This article deals with the scope of damage that sewer backup can cause in commercial buildings. Let’s learn how to exercise some damage control!

What damage can sewer backup cause to commercial buildings?

Drainage system overflows can cause an array of problems and the sanitation can be very costly. Here are some of the perils to look out for:

1. Health risks

While you may not always be able to spot that the sewer is backing up in time, you should take action to minimize the damage in case of an emergency. If the draining system collapses, it can pose a serious threat to your health.

When the toilet overflows the water filled with fecal material and bacteria and viruses can expose people to sanitary hazards. As a result, people can contract various infectious and respiratory illnesses.

Damp toilets are prone to mold which can create great health hazards and should be removed immediately. You can spray a hydrogen peroxide solution on contaminated surfaces, let it kick in for ten minutes, and scrub the mold away. Make sure to use protective gloves and a hand sanitizer after removing the mold to prevent infection.

2. Destruction of personal property

One of the reasons for sewage line backups are battered pipes. If you don’t provide regular maintenance and replace the pipes in a timely manner, the sanitation costs will escalate. You will need to clean the office thoroughly, disinfect it and probably renovate it.

The renovation of your office can include the replacement of laminate or parquet and carpets since they can be easily destroyed when they are soaked in water. You will probably need to change the tiles and the majority of furniture.

You should repaint the office on top of that. That’s why it pays off to invest in the upkeep of the draining system, as it is definitely less costly than office remodeling.

3. Electrical malfunction

Water and electricity are a lethal combination, which is why you should unplug all the electrical devices in case of sewer backup or water leakage to eliminate the risk of electrocution. In case of some extreme weather conditions like rainstorm draining system blockage can escalate and cause flooding. If that happens you should leave the premises immediately.

It’s advisable to keep the sensitive files and their backup in a waterproof container. That way you will save the data even if your computers malfunction because they were in touch with the dirty water.

Where in San Diego, CA, can I find a reliable commercial sewage removal company?

While accidents can always happen, there are ways to prevent extensive damage caused by sewer backup. If you want to avoid a potential disaster with the help of experts, you need to look no further than Risk Free Serv. 

Our experienced specialists will deal with any crisis caused by the clogging of your draining system. The cutting-edge equipment that we use enables us to minimize the damage caused by the spillage and keep contamination under control. 

There is no need to despair. You can let your hair down and explore Little Italy while we restore your property’s original state. Call us today and leave everything else to us!

Sometimes it can be hard to detect that the sewer is backing up in commercial buildings simply because people don’t spend the whole day in the office. If you want to reduce the risk of drain blockage you should pay attention to the signals outlined in this article.   

However, even if you notice that your drains are blocked, you shouldn’t unclog them yourself.  Instead, you can make a smart choice and turn to a renowned commercial sewage removal company in San Diego, CA, for help. Continue reading to find out when you should make the call!

How do you know if sewer is backing up in commercial property?

There are numerous reasons why sewage backup occurs. While we can’t predict the blockage in every situation, it is important to identify some of the most common indicators of problems with the draining system. Here are some of them:

1. Unpleasant smells

If you detect the stench of rotten eggs or the mixture of garbage and sewage water, your draining system is most likely clogged. You should deal with this problem immediately, as exposure to toxic matter that evaporates can cause various health problems like asthma, shortness of breath and bacterial or viral infections.

2. Simultaneous blocking of several drains

If multiple drains are clogged at the same time, this indicates that the sewer is backing up. Slow draining pipes can also signal the blockage. If the water in the washbasin, sink or tub is draining slowly, this means that you should act quickly to prevent sewage backup. 

One way to mitigate the damage that can be caused by sewer backup is to pour some boiling water down the drain. Next, you should pour a cup of baking soda and one cup of water and vinegar solution and cover the drain with a plug for 5 to 10 minutes. Finally, pour another cup of boiling water.

3. Toilet overflowing

This indicator of drain clog is the most obvious and easiest to detect. On top of putting you at great inconvenience, the fecal material that gets out with the overflowing water can pose a threat to your health, whereas the moisture can create a suitable environment for mold.

4. Strange noise

While it is hard to hear anything in a busy office, you should pay attention to the bathroom and kitchen and check if there are any unusual noises. When pipes are clogged they produce a gurgling or bubbling sound and if you hear anything like this call a plumber immediately.   

5. Use of one fixture causes the backup of other fixtures

This problem can be noticed most easily in the bathroom. If your toilet starts to overflow or the washbasin gets clogged when you use the tub that indicates that your draining system is in jeopardy. Since pipes are connected if one of them is congested the others will be affected, too.

In order to minimize drain blockage you should restrain yourself from flushing diapers, wet wipes and similar waste down the toilet because it can’t dissolve properly. This creates the inner layer of dirt around the pipes and eventually leads to their clogging.

Which commercial sewage removal company can I count on in San Diego, CA?

Although it’s hard to see all of the above mentioned indicators, if you notice any changes don’t hesitate to call Risk Free Serv to come to the rescue. Our seasoned professionals will provide thorough inspection of your office, carry out regular maintenance and restore your property completely in case of a hazard. 

You can watch the sunset and enjoy the breathtaking view of San Diego’s skyline at Point Loma while we whip your sewage system into shape. Book an appointment today!

A sewer backup is one of the most unpleasant things that can occur on any property. While there are many causes for it, it most frequently happens during heavy rainstorms. In order to be prepared, a lot of people in San Diego, CA rely on commercial sewage removal services, to keep their drainage systems running perfectly at all times.

Before you call professionals to sort out the issue on your commercial property, you should first become familiar with the main causes of sewage backup. Keep reading to learn more!

What could cause a sewage line to backup in commercial buildings?

A big part of being prepared to deal with plumbing issues in your office building is prevention, so here are the most common causes of such issues:

1. Municipal sewer problems

Most sewage problems happen outside of your control, and municipal sewer can be the main cause of it. If it’s not addressed or detected as soon as it happens, the wastewater backs up into all the properties around the affected area. Unfortunately, there are no warning signs that you can keep an eye out for, as this occurs slowly.

The best thing you can do if you notice a sewer backup caused by the municipal sewer problems is to report the problem to the local public works office. If they take care of the issue immediately, this will reduce the damage caused by the sewage backup.

2. Tree branches and roots

Sometimes the problem with the sewer is caused by the tree roots and branches accumulating inside the pipes. This can cause blockages and significant damage to the pipe joints. In case this is the main issue that created the backup, the only thing to do is to cut the roots and replace the pipes.

3. Sump pump malfunction

If you use a sump pump to keep the water out of the lower floors of your property, regularly check the battery and always have an extra one handy. Sump pump malfunction can usually happen due to a power outage or a mechanical failure. Keeping a spare battery nearby can prolong the durability of a sump pump from a few hours to a couple of days.

4. Old sewer systems

Most sewage systems are made of cast iron, PVC, Orangeburg, or even clay. These materials can be quite durable, but that doesn’t mean that they’ll last forever. As time passes, the pipes age and can start to deteriorate and collapse. Almost all of the sewer lines across the USA are at least thirty years old. Therefore you shouldn’t be surprised if there’s a sewage backup caused by broken pipes in the system.

5. Grease and paper

Grease is every pipe’s biggest enemy. It accumulates on the walls and can create a thick layer that the water can’t go through. This can happen via improper food disposal whether by washing the greasy plates or blatantly pouring cooking oil down the drain. The most common places where it happens are restaurants and fast-food chains.

On the other hand, paper can be just as dangerous as grease. People usually think that, if the toilet paper is flushable, other types of paper are as well. However, that is not the case, as there’ve been found various forms of paper blocking the sewers and causing the backup. Instead of flushing it, put it in a designated recycling basket. Nature will be grateful!

Do you have a property in San Diego, CA that could benefit from commercial sewage removal services?

While all of these causes can be difficult to notice right away, giving a call to Risk Free Serv can help you prepare for a potential sewage backup. We will provide you with a professional inspection, regular upkeep, and damage assessment in case you’ve had troubles with your sewer. So you can go and relax at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park with your loved ones and leave your drainage system to us. Contact us today!