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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.

Mold in commercial buildings significantly increases the risk of respiratory problems among the occupants and may also cause costly damages to the property itself. While calling in a commercial mold damage remediation company in San Diego is an effective way to solve this problem if it occurs, it’s still better to prevent mold growth in the first place.

In the following article, we’ll help you do just that by providing some time-tested tips for keeping mold out of your company’s premises. Read on to learn more.

How do you prevent mold in the workplace?

Mold in a building can be extremely unhealthy. The most important aspect of mold control is moisture control. You should act swiftly when water leaks or spills indoors. Immediately clean up any water that has already entered the property. Mold will not thrive if you respond promptly (within 48 hours) and thoroughly clean, dry, or remove water-damaged materials.

Here are some mold prevention tips for businesses:

• Maintain a clean environment. Ensure work surfaces are regularly cleaned and sanitized. Make sure any spills are quickly cleaned up, and pay special care to items such as carpets and upholstery.
• Create a regular maintenance plan for your building with thorough inspections of cracks under walls, around doorways, windowsills and other dark recesses where moisture may accumulate unnoticed. Make sure your roof and insulation are inspected regularly for leaks and problems related to faulty weatherization.
• Keep humidity levels below 70% (between 40% and 60%, if possible).
• If you see condensation on the walls or other surfaces, have your premises checked by qualified experts.
• Increase ventilation by opening windows or using fans to promote airflow. Install a ventilation system to remove musty air from bathrooms and kitchens.
• Use dehumidifiers when the air feels too damp. Use an air-conditioner to control the humidity in the office.
• Use antifungal sprays to prevent or reduce the presence of mold in your workplace.
• Use antibacterial cleaners on all surfaces, which will kill most bacteria and fungi that can cause a mold problem.
• Keep storage areas dry and free of clutter so that moisture cannot linger there undetected, as this can promote mold growth and runs the risk of damaging your assets.

Last but not least, you should consider wearing a face mask or respirator if mold is present and the air quality of your workspace has been compromised. These are also effective against airborne irritants such as dust mites and pollen which can contribute to respiratory problems like asthma and hay fever.

Where can I book a commercial mold damage remediation company in San Diego?

Even if a workplace appears to be in excellent shape, there’s always the risk that damaged pipes, higher humidity, or past flooding may turn it into an ideal breeding ground for all types of unhealthy molds.

If you notice the usual signs of mold in the workplace and wonder what to do if your work environment gets moldy, don’t hesitate to reach out to Risk Free Serv. We have the tools, the expertise, and the strong work ethic necessary to remove all types of mold, water, fire and smoke damage from your commercial or residential property. It goes without saying that our services are available throughout San Diego. You can count on us to help you out regardless of whether you’re located in Kearny Mesa or at the very heart of the city. Simply call our 24/7 emergency line and we’ll promptly dispatch a team to your location. Reach out to us today.

Mold is a fungus that grows in moist environments such as basements, crawlspaces, and buildings. Mold spores are microscopic and float through the air. They may enter your workplace if you have an open door or window, or they may be tracked inside on people’s shoes. If you see mold growing in a building it must be removed by one of the professional commercial mold damage remediation services in San Diego, CA.

However, you should also know what other action to take if you see signs of mold at your workplace. Let’s discuss what to do if you notice the presence of mold in your workplace.

What to do if there is mold in your workplace?

If you’ve discovered mold at your workplace, it’s important to remember not to panic. Mold can be easily remediated by a professional who has the experience and equipment needed for larger jobs. 

• Safety guidelines: The goal of removing hazardous mold should always be complete removal with no visible residue left behind. According to OSHA guidelines, employees must have appropriate personal protective equipment available at all times during cleanup efforts. 

This includes long pants, closed-toe shoes, gloves made from materials that are resistant to fungal growths (such as neoprene rubber or nitrile rubber) along with impervious boots or coverings over street shoes when entering areas where exposure may occur. 

If the mold is growing on a surface, it should be removed with commercial-grade disinfectant cleaners and HEPA filtered air scrubbers. If the mold has grown into porous materials such as drywall or carpeting then those items need to be completely replaced after they have been cleaned.

• Important precautions: In addition to following OSHA guidelines for workplace safety during remediation efforts, there are many other precautions that must also take place before you begin any type of cleanup process. 
  • Electrical equipment: You have to turn off all electrical outlets and light switches in areas where professional cleaning will occur. Moisture can conduct electricity which leads to dangerous conditions if anyone enters the area while this work is being done. In order for dust particles not to become airborne from heavy equipment used inside building interiors, all doors and windows should be closed.
  • Air machines: If negative air machines are running at all times, place an inch or two of aggregate rock on top of flooring materials with mold so that it can’t become airborne during the cleanup process. 
  • HEPA filters: It’s also important to have special HEPA filtered exhaust units connected to the building’s HVAC system or furnace return duct. Otherwise, microscopic spores may settle deep inside your building’s insulation material otherwise. 
  • Type of mold: If the mold is a species of Penicillium, Aspergillus, Cladosporium or other types then you need to take the same precautions when removing all porous materials and closing off rooms while HEPA scrubbers run 24 hours a day for at least two weeks.
• Additional considerations: When working on any type of building remediation project it’s important to know there may be hidden pockets of moisture that can’t easily be seen by visual inspection alone. 

This means that after these areas have been cleaned they must also become completely encapsulated using products that create a chemical reaction within those porous areas to stop any future mold growth from taking place.

In addition, there is equipment for remediation efforts such as thermal imaging cameras and near-infrared lighting with special filters designed to detect potential moisture issues inside building interiors. That way experts will know and be ready to act before fungus becomes fully embedded in wallboard materials. 

If you notice any usual signs that you have been exposed to mold and you don’t know what type of mold is growing on your property – it’s always best to hire experienced professionals.

Where can I book some of the professional commercial mold damage remediation services in San Diego, CA?

It is best to prevent the appearance of mold in the workplace, but if it is too late, you must know that there are certain effects that occur after exposure to mold at work. Whether your office is in Harborview or somewhere else, having the right professionals in your neighborhood is essential in order to protect your health and your investment.

That’s where Risk Free Serv comes in. We are the top provider of mold, fire and water remediation, as well as restoration services. We’re ideally positioned to make sure your property is 100% mold-free. Request your free inspection and estimation today! Give us a call now!

Mold is a fungus that thrives in moist, humid environments and it’s a common problem in the workplace. Mold can be found anywhere from carpets to walls, and it can lead to serious health problems if an individual is exposed for too long.  One of the easiest ways to solve your problem with mold is to seek the Mold is a fungus that thrives in moist, humid environments and it’s a common problem in the workplace. It can be found anywhere from carpets to walls, and it can lead to serious health problems if an individual is exposed for too long. One of the easiest ways to solve your problem is to seek the help of a professional commercial mold damage remediation service in San Diego.

However, in order to promptly contact professionals you need to be aware of all the common signs and symptoms that may indicate exposure and take action! In this article, we will discuss some of the most common signs of mold exposure in the workplace as well as what you should do about them.

What are the first signs of mold?

Mold usually begins to grow where it is moist, often on surfaces that are cool and dark, such as carpets or walls. Here are some common potential signs of mold in your office in California to look out for:

• Changes on indoor plants: If you overwater the plants, mold can start to form on leaves and roots due to excess moisture.
• Water stains on the ceiling or walls: If you have water leaks in your building, it’s important to find and fix them right away before mold has a chance to begin growing.
• Musty or unusual odor: You might notice an unpleasant smell throughout the office space due to excess humidity which can lead to mold growth.

What are some common signs of mold exposure in the workplace?

Even if you haven’t noticed any visible traces of growth, mold exposure can cause certain symptoms that your employees may not yet be aware of.

As bothersome as it is, this is a common issue. It’s just important to get familiar with all potential signs and learn what you should do if there is mold in your workspace. 

Here are a few different medical symptoms associated with exposure: 

• Allergy symptoms: A scratchy throat, runny nose, and itchy eyes are all common symptoms of mold exposure. This is because these allergens can trigger an inflammatory response in the body.
• Respiratory issues: Persistent coughing and chest tightness may also be signs that you have been exposed to high levels of indoor air pollutants such as mold spores. If the symptoms won’t go away, take them seriously and seek medical attention immediately.
• Changes on skin: Skin rash or irritation is another common sign of exposure. This includes a rash that starts to develop on different parts of the body, such as the face or hands. In some cases, the rash can grow in size and become very large. This could lead to intense itching which will result in an even larger area covered by the skin lesion. 

What to do after finding mold?

It is not recommended to work in a building with mold and if you suspect you have been exposed to high levels of mold then you should react in a timely manner. We recommend taking off any protective gear (i.e., masks) before leaving the office and properly washing all clothes you wore while at work immediately after you get home. This way your family members will not be affected by possible contamination carried back with you from the workplace environment.

Importance of a full inspection

Mold can be sneaky and hide in less obvious places, so it’s very important to have every potentially problematic area thoroughly inspected. Whether you’ve visually located growth or only got complaints about symptoms, react fast and treat the entire space as unsafe until professionals take a look and give you a definite answer.

While there are DIY test kits available, keep in mind that they can result in false negatives. If your employees are showing symptoms but you can’t visually locate growth or get a positive on this type of test kit, this doesn’t necessarily mean that your workplace is mold-free.

Benefits of calling professionals

The proper way to handle the inspection is to call a reliable commercial mold damage remediation service in San Diego. The pros know how to identify mold and have the skills and equipment to do so. They won’t just give you a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer, you can count on them to inspect the air and surfaces thoroughly, locate all traces of growth, pinpoint the underlying issue, advise you on how to address it, and more. It’s the only way to completely eradicate all growth and prevent it from reappearing.

Why is mold remediation important?

If you even suspect you have mold growth in your office, you should react as soon as possible and have the issue addressed. Here are the most important reasons why:

• Health concerns: As mentioned, exposure to spores can bring on several health concerns. If the exposure is prolonged, this can even lead to some severe issues, like long-term respiratory problems, especially in sensitive individuals. 
• Property damage: This growth can also cause significant damage to the space or the entire building’s surfaces and materials and even compromise its structural integrity. It can weaken walls, ceilings, and floors. The longer you wait to react, the bigger the extent of potential damage and the cost of repairs.
• Legal issues: When it comes to mold in the workplace, employee rights protect workers from working in hazardous conditions. This means that aside from being a major health concern and potential structural problem, mold can be grounds for legal action against the employer if they don’t react quickly and properly.

Remember that, while this issue can appear anywhere, a quick and proper reaction is key. If you notice any signs or symptoms, call a trusted commercial mold damage remediation service in San Diego as soon as possible and leave it to them to thoroughly inspect the area, locate all traces of growth, remove them, and help you prevent the issue from coming back.

Where can I find a reliable commercial mold damage remediation service in San Diego?

Mold can appear in any office regardless of whether it’s located near Balboa Park or in Downtown San Diego. Since it’s difficult to control, it’s best to prevent the development of mold in the work environment.

It occurs slowly and toxins can remain in your property for months. Infestations, if not dealt with promptly, may result in significant property damages, poor indoor air quality, and decreased health.

Risk Free Serv is a locally owned and operated remediation company that specializes in mold, water, fire, and smoke restoration. We have the experience and equipment necessary for any type of damage to be fixed quickly! Call us today!

If your business in San Diego has suffered a sewage backup, major leaks, burst pipes, or a similar issue, having the right commercial water damage restoration services on your side can keep the problem from escalating to the point where it severely impacts your bottom line or even poses a health hazard to you and your employees.

There are several things that can cause water damage and it is good to be prepared and know how to properly and effectively handle commercial water damage. In order to help you out, we have prepared a short explanation of what commercial water damage restoration entails and how it benefits your business. Read on to learn more.

What does commercial water damage restoration entail?

Commercial water damage restoration can be a very challenging process. The amount of effort it takes to complete commercial water damage repair has been one of the most frustrating aspects for many people who have been through this experience.

Commercial water restoration can be broken down into four steps: 

Step #1: Emergency detection

This first step includes calling for help, notifying your insurance company, and evacuating your staff from the affected area. If you can, find the source of water damage and stop it to prevent it from causing further damages until the emergency team arrives. 

Step #2: Mitigation

Next, a team of water damage restoration professionals will work to contain the issue and mitigate further damages. They may set up temporary power sources if necessary or use a portable engine-generator to provide electricity while addressing all wet areas of the building as quickly as possible.

Step #3: Assessment

Once further damage has been prevented, your restoration specialists will determine what needs to be done in order to get things back into working condition, such as by replacing carpets and other flooring materials. They will evaluate any damages on walls and ceilings and decide whether reconstruction will be necessary.

Step #4: Dry out

The last step is the “drying out” process, which includes removing any remaining moisture and restoring electricity. You can start the drying process for wet areas by using a fan or air conditioning unit in order to circulate and remove moisture from walls/ceilings (or other surfaces) that were affected by the water damage.

Make sure all items are 100% dry before moving them back into their original position after they’ve been cleaned up. Ideally, they should be left to dry for at least 24 hours. In case the water damage was caused by sewage backup, you may also need to have the area thoroughly disinfected to protect yourself and your staff from dangerous bacteria, parasites, and the like.

Where can I find the best San Diego commercial water damage restoration services near me?

If you’re in need of a long-standing company that specializes in providing all types of restoration services, including water, fire, smoke, and mold remediation, look no further than Risk Free Serv. Our team of IICRC-certified professionals boasts the experience, expertise, and best-in-class equipment necessary to deal with all types of water damage in a highly effective and professional manner.

It goes without saying that we serve the entirety of San Diego. It’s all the same to us whether you’re located near the Maritime Museum of San Diego or out at the edges of the city: you can still rely on us to quickly arrive at your location and provide effective solutions to your problem. 

What’s more, we have emergency plumbing teams that are available 24/7, so don’t hesitate to give us a call at any time of day or night. Contact us today if you’d like to book our services or learn more about who we are and what we do.