Uncategorized

As anyone who has owned a property for a prolonged period of time will tell you, leaks are pretty much inevitable. No matter how well-made the plumbing system in your office is, sooner or later some malfunction will force you to contact experts in leak detection in San Diego, CA.

Knowing why these leaks occur and how to tell when there’s a leak in your office is key to prevent severe water damage to your premises and avoid costly repairs in the future. In this article, we’ll help you do just that by discussing the common causes behind leaks and listing 5 major signs of water leakage. Keep reading to learn more.

What causes a water leak?

Unfortunately, since most components of a building’s plumbing system are located underground or inside walls, serious problems (up to and including slab leaks) can go undetected until it’s too late. Regular maintenance is therefore key to prevent greater problems down the road.

Most water leaks are caused by:

• Excess water pressure
• Old and/or corroded pipes
• Poorly laid pipes
• Clogged lines
• Rapid temperature fluctuations
• Improperly installed appliances
• Damaged pipe joints
• Tree roots interfering with water lines

How do you know if your office has a water leak?

As with most problems in life, prevention is invariably better than remediation when it comes to leaks. By being on the lookout for these 5 signs of water leakage, you’ll be able to catch and address severe plumbing issues early on:

1. Patches of greener grass

Does an area in your yard appear to be much grassier than the rest? This may be caused by a leaky water line, especially if this particular patch is located between the street and your premises. If the leak is big enough, you may even find water puddles in the same area. 

2. The water bill has skyrocketed

Monthly water bills tend to be quite predictable, so if you receive one that’s inexplicably and significantly higher than the rest, you may be dealing with a leak and should have your premises checked by an experienced plumber ASAP.

3. The sound of running water

If you hear the sound of water running, and it isn’t being made by faucets, outdoor spigots, and toilet valves, take a precise reading of your water meter and then don’t use any water for 3-4 hours. Then, take another meter reading. If the value has changed, it means water really is flowing somewhere and you’ll need to start looking for a leak.

4. Unpleasant odors

Mold, mildew, and sewage line problems can all bring foul odors into your workspace. Since these problems frequently occur as a result of leaky or otherwise faulty plumbing, it’s highly advised that you call in a professional to find and address the leak immediately.

5. Damp or wet floors or walls

If you find wet spots on your carpeting, flooring, or walls, don’t just have a janitor dry out the problem area with a towel and call it a day. Constant moisture buildup from a leak inside a wall or under the floor will eventually lead to a mildew or mold infestation, as well as extensive and costly damage to your property.

Who should I call if I need expert leak detection in San Diego, CA?

As the leading water, fire, mold, and smoke damage remediation company in San Diego, Risk Free Serv is superbly positioned to provide you with the complete range of plumbing services. Our emergency plumbers are available 24/7 and equipped with state-of-the-art leak detection equipment that enables them to quickly locate and address all types of commercial and residential leaks. Reach out to us today.

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the American way of life wouldn’t be possible – or at least would be a lot less comfortable – without the modern plumbing systems we’ve come to rely on. Properly maintaining the plumbing system in your home and promptly identifying and addressing major malfunctions is therefore key to ensure your comfort and safety.

We have previously written about the long and strange history of plumbing, listed some curious facts about plumbing, and gave you time-tested tips on how to deal with water leaks. Now we’ll show you how to detect 5 serious plumbing issues that can force you to call in an emergency 24-hour plumbing service in San Diego. Read on.

What are some major plumbing problems?

Plumbing systems can fail for a variety of reasons, many of which seem innocuous or are very difficult to spot before they occur. Being vigilant is therefore necessary to prevent costly repairs and protect your and your loved ones’ health.

Here are 5 severe plumbing issues to look out for:

1. Sewer odor

Keeping sewer gas out of our living space is just one of the many benefits we’ve come to expect from modern homes. The vents channel sewer gas out through the roof, while drain traps in our plumbing system prevent sewer smells from drifting up through the sink drain.

If sewer odors are making their way into your home, you’re probably dealing with a cracked vent line or a damaged drain trap. On top of being unpleasant, this can introduce dangerous bacteria into your home and may even lead to sewer backup, so it should be addressed by an experienced plumber immediately.

2. Leaking or burst pipes

Pipes can burst or start leaking for various reasons, including connections that have come undone, accidental damage, and regular wear and tear. Since many pipes are located inside walls, homeowners should always be on the lookout for the signs of a leak or burst.

If you notice wet spots on your walls or floor, bubbling ceiling or wall paint, or smell dampness or rot, call in emergency plumbers ASAP.

3. Overly tightened faucet handles

When turning off the faucet, refrain from cranking the handle all the way into the off position. Doing so places unnecessary wear on the washers, and causes them to start leaking and last less than they should. Apart from damaging your faucets, this can lead to severe leaks and unnecessary expenses via increased utility bills.

4. Lush area in the yard

Is one part of your yard considerably more green and lush than the areas around it? This is a frequent sign of a sewer problem, especially if it occurs in the area between the street and your home. This is not only an indication of a major plumbing issue, but may even result in parts of your yard becoming sunken and deformed.

5. Cloudy tap water

The water coming out of your taps should be clear. If it’s not, that’s a sign of a serious problem such as rust in the pipes, extensive corrosion, and more. If the water coming out of your taps is yellow or brown, you should have it looked at as soon as possible to prevent even more severe malfunctions from occurring.

Who provides professional 24-hour plumbing services in San Diego?

As the leading plumbing and fire, water, mold, and water damage remediation company in the area, Risk Free Serv is supremely qualified to assist you with all types of plumbing problems. Whether you’re located in Egger Highlands or at the very center of the city, you can count on our crew to quickly arrive at your place and resolve any issues. Get in touch with us today!

Plumbing is one of those things we rarely think about unless we have a faulty boiler or a burst pipe that requires us to immediately call in an emergency plumber in San Diego. And yet, plumbing is a lot more interesting than most people think.

In previous articles, we discussed the incredible history of plumbing and explained how professional plumbers detect and fix water leaks. Now we’ll show you that plumbing can be fun as well by taking a look at 6 fun and incredible facts about plumbing. Read on.

Why is it called plumbing?

The term “plumbing” comes from the Latin word “plumbum”, which means lead. This is because the first truly effective plumbing pipes were made of lead. The term is also used to describe the supply and waste system of a building, and set it apart from the sewage systems and water supply that serve a larger area.

Like many Latin words, “plumbum” eventually made its way into the English language and became its own specialized term.

What’s interesting about plumbing?

Plumbing has been around in one form or another for a very long time. So it’s no surprise that it has accumulated its own set of crazy myths and even had an effect on popular culture.

Here are 6 cool facts about plumbing you probably didn’t know:

1. It’s older than you think

Many people think plumbing is a decidedly modern invention, or they may believe it was invented by the ancient Romans. While it’s true that huge leaps were made in plumbing technology during the Roman era, the earliest examples of standardized plumbing are actually 5000 years old. They were found in the Indus River Valley, and consisted of earthen pipes that transported water and drained waste from the local cities.

2. Toilets in the Southern Hemisphere aren’t actually different

There’s a myth that toilet water in the Southern Hemisphere flows the opposite direction when flushed. This isn’t true, as water can flow in either direction in either hemisphere.

3. The world’s most famous plumber doesn’t exist

By far the most well-known plumber in the world isn’t actually real. His name is Mario, and he’s the main character of the popular Super Mario video game series. It’s safe to say that his brother, Luigi, is the second most popular.

4. There’s a 2000 year old toilet in China

It’s widely accepted that this is the very oldest toilet in the world to still be in one piece.

5. Dripping faucets are a huge problem

A faucet that drips twice per minute is nothing to stress about, right? Wrong! A single leaky faucet that drips two times per minute will waste more than a gallon of water in just one week. This can significantly affect your utility bills, not to mention seriously damage your plumbing system. If you have dripping faucets, get them fixed ASAP!

6. Falling off of a toilet can be deadly

King George II of Great Britain perished in 1760 as a result of a toilet-related accident. Apparently, he fell off of a toilet to his death.

Where can I find an expert emergency plumber in San Diego?

Risk Free Serv is an acclaimed provider of emergency plumbing and water, fire, smoke, and mold damage remediation services. Whether you’re situated in Miramar or at the very heart of San Diego, you can count on our team to quickly show up at your property and address your problem in the most effective and timely manner possible.

Reach out to us today if you’d like to book our service or ask further questions about why we’re the best.

Did you know that even a small burst pipe can fill a swimming pool in just a few hours? Yes, that’s how devastating water leakage can be to your commercial property. In addition to costly repairs, a serious leak can easily cause equipment damage and staff displacement, which will disrupt your operations and force you to call in an emergency plumbing crew in San Diego.

Unless the leak is easy to spot, it’ll most probably go undetected. That’s precisely why creating a water leakage prevention plan is crucial to protecting your assets. In the following article, we’ll help you do just that by answering some common questions about leaks. Read on to learn more.

How do plumbers detect water leaks?

Finding and stopping a leak is what trained plumbers do best. No matter where these leaks first occurred, they know exactly how to locate the source in underground pipes and plumbing. To do this, dependable plumbing companies use modern leak detection equipment, such as:

• Acoustic monitoring devices
• Thermal imaging camera
• Portable pipe video inspection
• A tracer-gas leak test 
• Electromagnetic pipe locators

How can leakage be prevented?

Signs that you have water leakage in the office building may not be so obvious. To minimize potential damage, it’s vital you check the plumbing system regularly and make sure everything works as expected. 

Here’s a short list of steps to follow: 

1. Keep tabs on your water pressure

Excess water pressure is one of the major plumbing issues that can cause joints and seals to wear out. An effective way to avoid expensive repairs down the road is to install a pressure-reducing valve in your commercial building. 

2. Have your roof checked regularly

Running for a bucket every time it rains certainly means there’s a roof leak in your building. To prevent this from happening, you’d better check the roof regularly and save your investment. This is especially true during winter months, when inadequate vents and clogged gutters cause ice dams to form. 

3. Fully insulate your pipes

Low temperatures can be rough on your plumbing system. Being exposed to exterior walls, they quickly freeze and, most often, crack. Calling on a professional plumber to insulate your pipes is the key element to winterize the plumbing system properly. This has the added benefit of making your building more energy-efficient.

How much does a plumber cost to fix a leak?

The price will differ depending on the leak’s location and the extent of the damage. For instance, getting a minor leak repaired, such as dripping taps or linking sinks, is less challenging and cheaper than dealing with sewer line leaks outside the building. 

However, don’t underestimate the impact of water leakage, no matter how small it is. Noticing the problem early on and calling for plumbing emergencies directly can prevent extensive damage to your office and save you a lot of money in the long run.

Where can I find reliable emergency plumbing in San Diego?

Are you in need of a team of reliable plumbing specialists who can keep the essential systems in your residential or commercial property operating properly? Or perhaps you’re looking to learn more about plumbing and how it got to where it is today? Here at Risk Free Serv, we can assist you with all that and more.

As a trusted plumbing company in San Diego, we’re here to provide you with the full range of plumbing repair, mold, fire, and water remediation, as well as restoration services. Reach out to us today and enjoy a relaxing afternoon at Balboa Park with your loved ones while we keep your commercial property safe!

It’s very easy to take contemporary plumbing systems for granted. After all, they’ve been an integral part of our residential and commercial buildings for such a long time that modern society wouldn’t really work or even exist without them.

However, like many technologies we depend on on a regular basis, plumbing didn’t get to where it is today overnight. To give you an idea of how far we’ve come and provide you with a new appreciation for these crucial systems, we’ll take a look at the long and storied history of plumbing in the following article.

Read on to learn more about a time before the people of San Diego had to worry about calling in experts in emergency plumbing to fix leaky pipes and other problems, and were the worst off for it.

What is the history of plumbing?

Although it may not seem that way, the history of plumbing is full of unusual facts and dedicated inventors who had to work hard to solve the many difficult problems plumbing systems of old had to overcome.

Here’s a brief timeline of the history of plumbing:

• 4000-3000 B.C. The earliest discovered plumbing systems were found in the Indus Valley. The cities Harappa and Mohenjo-daro both had fully functioning plumbing that included sitting toilets, sewage systems, drainage, and other types of running water.
• 2500 B.C. Egyptians believed the dead required food, clothing, and other basic necessities in the afterlife, so they installed bathrooms inside tombs. To make these bathrooms work, they had to invent copper pipes and complex sewage and irrigation systems. 
• 1500-1000 B.C. In Crete, extensive drainage and sewage disposal systems with underground channels were invented. 
• 500 B.C. – 455 A.D. Advanced plumbing systems that included underground sewers, lead and bronze piping, aqueducts, marble fixtures, and public baths were invented and became the norm in the Roman Empire.
• 1596 A.D. Sir John Harrington devised the first flushing toilet for Queen Elizabeth I. This early device included a bowl, a seat, and a water cistern.
• 1775 A.D. Alexander Cummings added an S trap to Sir Harrington’s toilet. This made it so that a bit of water always stayed in the bowl, eliminating unpleasant smells and making it easy to clean the toilet after each use.
• 1804 A.D. The city of Philadelphia was the first major community to construct a new water delivery system based entirely on cast iron pipes.
• 1810 A.D. The first shower was invented by the English Regency.
• 1829 A.D. Up until this year, only luxury hotels or rich homeowners had indoor plumbing. This all changed when the Tremont Hotel of Boston introduced indoor plumbing for guests.
• 1833 A.D. The White House received indoor plumbing.
• 1891 A.D. Thomas Crapper invented a valve-and-siphon design, which revolutionized modern plumbing.
• 1910 A.D. The elevated water tank gained widespread use and became the most popular toilet water tank design of all time.
• 1966 A.D. Plastic piping was first introduced and soon became the norm for toilets.
• 1986 A.D. The Japanese invented a sensor-flushing technology for toilets.

Who in San Diego and the nearby communities provides reliable emergency plumbing services?

Risk Free Serv is a reputable provider of water, mold, fire, and smoke damage restoration and remediation services. Our crew of emergency plumbers is available 24/7 to address any plumbing issue you may have in a timely and effective manner.

It goes without saying that we serve the entire San Diego area, so you can depend on us regardless of whether your residential or commercial property is located in Chollas View or at the very epicenter of the city. Call us today.

Mold is a naturally occurring organism that can be found in many places, including homes and office buildings in San Diego, CA. While mold itself isn’t toxic to humans, it can cause various health problems when its spores are inhaled or ingested. If you suspect your premises may have a mold problem, you should schedule commercial mold damage remediation services immediately.

But why is this so? Why is it so dangerous to work in a building with mold? We’ll be answering that question in this article by listing the top 8 problems a mold infestation can cause. Be especially mindful of these 8 symptoms if you notice any common signs of a mold problem in your premises. Read on to learn more.

Is it safe to work in a building with mold?

Absolutely not. Mold exposure has been linked to chronic respiratory issues, like asthma. Some people may also experience allergic reactions to mold, causing skin irritation or rashes. Finally, mold can ruin furniture and even damage the structural elements of your building.

You need to make sure your office space is safe for all employees by hiring professional mold remediation technicians. This will get rid of the mold, so no one has to work around it anymore. Mold can also be prevented from growing too quickly by controlling indoor humidity. However, this isn’t something every company knows how to do successfully. 

When you’re working in a building with mold, these side effects could show up on their own without you knowing what’s causing them at first. So make sure to address any air quality or water leak problems before they can get worse. If you find mold in your workplace, immediately contact a professional commercial mold damage remediation service.

What happens if you work around mold?

When there’s mold in the workplace, there are several symptoms that can be attributed to having been exposed to high levels of it, including: 

1. Headaches;
2. Fatigue/exhaustion;
3. Congestion/chest congestion;
4. Watery eyes/itchy eyes; 
5. Skin irritation and rash(es). 

If these symptoms don’t go away when you move out of an environment where you’ve been exposed to mold, it is important to see your doctor. Your physician will be able to determine whether there are any toxins present that may have come from being around this type of fungus.

In addition to the above list, it’s important for those who have been around certain types of mold in their work environment not to ignore any strange physical changes they may be experiencing such as:

6. Weight loss/gain without dieting/change in appetite; 
7. Swollen face or eyes; 
8. Difficulty breathing (shortness of breath) when at rest and increased difficulty breathing with exercise.

If you experience any symptom that does not go away and/or seems unusual after working near molds, then please seek medical attention immediately.

How long do you have to be exposed to mold to get sick?

How quickly mold affects your health depends on your individual allergies or sensitivities to it. If you’re allergic, have any respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma, or have a compromised immune system, you may experience symptoms immediately after you’ve come in contact with mold spores. However, if you’re not sensitive to it and your immune system is strong, symptoms may not appear for a long period of time. 

What are the standards for mold exposure?

While there are standards that address mold for different industries, there are no current OSHA mold regulations regarding the concentration of airborne spores and research on the relationship between the exposure and health effects is still ongoing.

However, according to some sources, a normal amount in a room is from 200 to 500 spores, and up to 1500 is considered safe as long as there isn’t any water damage and there are no visible colonies growing.

Can you sue for working around mold?

Employers should provide a safe and protected working environment for their employees, by law. This means that an employee can sue their employer if they fail to do the following:

• Install HVAC systems to properly regulate indoor humidity
• Check the building for any form of dampness
• Have in place an appropriate strategy for recording and responding to any complaints regarding air quality
• Respond to any safety or health concerns that an employee may report
• Create an efficient response plan for the appropriate action
• Verify that the applied action is successful

Luckily, most employers in San Diego, CA, act promptly and hire dependable professionals to secure normal business operations as they carry out their commercial mold damage remediation services. 

As for the legal theories regarding mold in the workplace and the adverse health symptoms it may cause, negligence is the most common one. Negligence means that the responsible party, in this case the employer, has failed to act with the degree of care that a reasonable person would apply under the similar or same circumstances. For instance, an employer may be negligent if they didn’t apply reasonable care in addressing the moisture within the building. 

Litigation vs settlement

Suing for mold exposure at work typically includes scientific questions regarding wrongful acts related to dangerous chemicals. Therefore, many lawsuits require expert testimony on toxins which can be costly. In this regard, a settlement is usually less expensive, but if you decide to take your case to trial, you may enjoy a larger recovery.

Where can I book a truly in-depth San Diego, CA commercial mold damage remediation services?

Whether your business is located in Hillcrest or at the very heart of San Diego, you can count on Risk Free Serv to meet all your mold, water, smoke, and fire damage remediation needs in a highly precise and diligent manner.

Our emergency hotline is available 24/7, and our expert technicians are equipped with the very finest remediation tools available today. You can count on us to address any problem with maximum care and efficiency. Get in touch with us today.