Reasons to replace your supply lines.

3/8/2023 (Permalink)

Replace old supply lines to help prevent future water damage.

Water lines and pipes can be a homeowner's best friend or worst enemy, depending on how well they are maintained. It's important to know that even if your water supply line doesn't look like anything is wrong with it, it could be at risk for breaking and causing costly repairs and water damage. If you find that you have a broken supply line, it's best to replace it right away so that your home doesn't experience any further problems.

Wear and Tear

As you know, the supply lines that bring water into your home are often not visible. This means that they can break without you knowing it, causing costly repairs and water damage. In addition to this, older supply lines are more likely to break than newer ones because of their age and material (plastic).

If you have an older home with plastic piping, it's time for a change. The good news is there are many options available for replacing your old pipes with PVC or copper piping systems that have been designed specifically for homes like yours.

Overlook Damage

A supply line is the pipe that connects your home's plumbing system to the city or town's water main. The supply line is what brings fresh, clean water into your home. If a broken supply line isn't fixed quickly and properly, it can cause extensive damage to your property and lead to costly repairs.

Replace quickly

If you find that you have a broken supply line, it's best to replace it right away. Broken supply lines can be a fire hazard and can also cause water damage. Additionally, they could lead to mold and mildew growth on your walls or ceiling if not addressed immediately. Replacing the entire faucet system is expensive, but replacing just the supply lines will help prevent these issues from occurring in the future!

Even if it doesn't look like anything is wrong with them, your supply lines should be checked at least once a year. Your local SERVPRO professional can help you determine if you need new supply lines or if it's time for other maintenance such as cleaning and flushing your system. If you're unsure if your supply lines need to be replaced, contact your local SERVPRO of Campbell professional. They can help you determine if it's time for new ones or if other maintenance is needed.

5 Types of Damages from a Storm

2/11/2023 (Permalink)

When your property suffers roof damage, give us a call.

You've probably seen the news and thought to yourself that it would be pretty bad to have a storm come through your town. But did you know that storms can cause significant damage to buildings and property? There are several types of damages caused by storms, including roof damage, broken windows, water damage and debris littering the premises.

Roof damage

If you’re dealing with a roof that has been damaged by a storm, it can cause structural damage to your house and lead to interior problems problems. It can also lead to electrical problems. The most common types of roof damage include:

• Water damage – water leaks into the ceiling and walls, causing mold and mildew.
• Electrical problems – lightning strikes during stormy weather could cause your electrical system to fail or start fires.

Broken windows

Broken windows are a common occurrence during storms. Broken windows can cause water damage, which can lead to more damages in your home if a professional is not called immediately. Broken windows can also be dangerous for pets, who could get stuck or injured by broken glass shards.

Water damage

Water damage is one of the most damaging types of storm-related damage. It can be caused by broken pipes, burst water heaters, and flooding. Water damage can cause mold and mildew to grow in your home. Wood will rot if you don’t address it quickly after the storm has passed through your area. Electrical systems may fail due to water damage as well as flooring that warps from being saturated with too much moisture from rainfall or floodwaters

Debris littering the premises

Debris is one of the most common damage caused by storms, and it can be dangerous for you and your property. Debris may include tree limbs, roofing materials, doors, tables and furniture. Each piece of debris can cause injury to people or damage to property. Additionally, they create a fire hazard if they are left in place too long after a storm has passed through an area. It is important that these items be removed as soon as possible so they do not present additional risks to those who live in the area or visit it after the storm has occurred.

Commercial and Residential Property

In addition to causing damage to houses and other residential structures, severe storms can also cause damage to commercial buildings. The same forces that cause roof shingles and siding to blow off a home will also rip the roof off of a commercial building, or even completely destroy it. Since most commercial buildings are constructed with concrete walls and steel beams, they don't have much flexibility when they're hit by strong winds—and this means that if you're living above a strip mall or shop in an area that's prone to severe weather, there's a good chance your building could be damaged by high winds.

Inspect Your Building for Signs of Damage  

In order to get an idea of what kind of repairs might be necessary after the storm passes through your area or if it hasn't passed through yet, take some time before the storm arrives so that you can inspect any problems areas on your property where water may leak inside during heavy rains or floods such as around windows.

It is important to know what kind of damage your building has sustained and how you can mitigate it. Give the professionals a call to quickly assess the damage of your home or business property to help reduce doors closed or excessive expense to your pocket book.

How Does An Electrical Fire Happen?

12/5/2022 (Permalink)

Electrical fires can be caused by short circuits.

What Causes an Electrical Fire and How To Prevent Them?

The fact that electrical fires happen more often than most people think makes it even more important to be aware of what causes them and how to stop them. By understanding what an electrical fire is, you'll be able to spot potential problems before they start.

Electrical fires are the third most common cause of house fires in the United States.

Every year, there are over 100,000 electrical fires in homes and buildings that result in more than 400 deaths. In addition to these dire statistics, electrical fires also cause thousands of injuries every year.

The majority of electrical fires start due to wiring issues. This includes shorts or loose connections as well as faulty extension cords and power strips. Other causes include overloaded circuits, damaged cables/connectors, overloaded outlets and frayed wires on appliances or lamps.

What is an electrical fire?

An electrical fire is a fire that starts because of electricity. Electrical fires can be caused by short circuits, overloaded circuits, or overheating. Electrical fires can start in your home or office in Saratoga, CA and spread quickly. The flames from electrical fires are often very hot and may cause damage to the building's structure and contents. If you have an electrical fire, you should leave the building immediately! Then call 911 to report it.

What causes an electrical fire?

Electrical fires can occur when an electrical circuit is damaged or worn out. This can happen when wires are frayed or bent, or if the insulation is damaged on a wire. Electrical fires may also start as a result of poorly installed wiring that has not been put together correctly. In these cases, there may be exposed metal parts where they shouldn’t be, and this can cause a short circuit and fire.

Short circuits are usually caused by an electrical device that has been plugged in incorrectly or plugged into an outlet with too low of voltage for it to work properly. Another common cause of short circuits is water damage to the wiring, which causes corrosion and results in loose connections between wires inside your home's walls. 

What should you do if you have an electrical fire?

If you notice an electrical fire, it's important to act immediately:

• Call 911. Electrical fires are extremely dangerous, and they can spread quickly. It's best not to attempt to put out the fire yourself in these cases.
• Stay out of the room—and keep children and pets away as well. Electrical fires release toxic fumes and may cause injury if you try to fight them yourself or if they ignite nearby objects such as carpeting or furniture that could burn through walls into other parts of your home.
• Have a fire extinguisher handy.

A final reason why an appliance might catch fire is because its internal parts have become exposed due to damage caused by normal wear-and-tear over time; this type of malfunction should always be addressed quickly so as not interfere with daily life too much since it could cause major problems down the road."

Conclusion

Electrical fires can be scary and dangerous, but they’re also preventable. If you know what to look for and how to prevent them, you can keep your home safe from electrical fire damage. The best way to avoid electrical fires is by being aware of what causes them in the first place: using extension cords or power strips that aren’t meant for high-powered appliances; overloading outlets with too many things plugged in at once; placing items on top of electrical outlets where they could potentially encounter moisture or other moisture-producing elements like basements and bathrooms.

Making a Water Damage Claim

11/7/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage in a home in San Jose, CA

Dealing with Water Damage

The moment you realize that water is making its way into your home is a scary one. It doesn't matter if the flooding came from rain or burst pipes—the damage can be devastating and costly. Whether the water was caused by an accident or just bad luck, you'll need to act fast to get things under control. We've put together this guide to help you handle the situation and make sure your insurance company covers all of your losses.

Shut the Water Off

First, you'll want to shut off the water at the main. If you're not sure how, call a plumber—or look online for instructions on how to shut off your water supply.

The second thing is that you need to get it fixed as soon as possible. If possible, find a business in your area that specializes in repairing pipes and getting them back up and running again so that they don't burst again in the future (or worse).

While you wait for the repairman, call SERVPRO of Campbell and your insurance company, and follow these steps until help arrives:

Remove as much water as you can.

Use a wet-dry vacuum on any carpeted areas, and remove excess water with a mop. Never use a broom or brush, as they can damage the surface of your flooring. Never use towels to soak up water—they can leave lint behind that will attract dirt and bacteria in the future. Never leave fans running in your home after a flood event, because they may cause moisture damage to your ceiling or walls.

Remove the Items from Harm’s Way

When dealing with water damage, it's important to remember that your property can be replaced. Your home is not the only thing that needs to be protected; any valuable items in the area should be removed immediately and placed out of harm's way. This includes clothes, furniture, electronics, and anything else you may have in the vicinity.

If there is any damage done to your possessions - even if you aren't sure if there is or not - make sure to document as much as possible before removing them from the affected area. Take pictures of all areas where damage has occurred so that you have a visual record for insurance purposes later on when filing a claim. If there are any services required from companies like plumbers or electricians in order to fix those problems after taking out the damaged goods from their compromised areas (e.g., fixing water leaks), keep receipts for these purchases as well so that they can be added into your insurance claim if necessary

Living Arrangements

If your home in San Jose, CA is considered unlivable due to water damage, ask if your insurance will cover the cost to stay at a hotel while repairs are being made. This can be for up to 10 days if you live in an area that has been declared a disaster area by FEMA.

It's important because you don't want to return home only to see more damage happening because of lack of electricity from flooding or mold growth from not having proper ventilation and drying out time.

Don’t Wait to Call the Experts

Don't try to repair the damage yourself, and you don’t have to wait until the insurance company sends someone. You can call SERVPRO of Campbell the moment disaster strikes, and we will be out quickly to help clean up the mess and put your property back together. 

The most important thing to remember is that every water damage claim is different. The process can take time and may require multiple phone calls or emails to your insurance company. If you have any questions, contact us today

What Should I Do If My Roof is Damaged in a Fire?

10/5/2022 (Permalink)

Tarping your roof after a fire will protect it from water damage

What Must I Do If a Fire Causes Damage to My Roof?

After a fire, it's common for your roof to sustain some kind of damage. While you may not need to replace the entire roof, there are certain steps that can be taken to ensure that your home in Los Gatos, CA is safe from further damage and that it will remain standing for years to come.

Tarp Your Roof After a Fire

Tarping the roof after a fire is one of the most important things you can do to protect your home. The tarp will keep water and other elements out of your house and prevent it from leaking, which could damage the structure of your home.

The tarping process should be done correctly by professionals who know how to properly protect your property from water damage during this delicate time.

Why Tarps are Necessary After a Fire

You should be aware that tarps are necessary for a number of reasons. First, and most obviously, tarping your roof after a fire will protect it from water damage. This is important because once the rain starts up again (and it will), any exposed wood on your home's exterior will begin to swell and warp in the wetness, eventually causing significant structural damage to your house's framework. Tarping also keeps out animals and debris like leaves or twigs that can cause additional problems with erosion over time; as well as keeping out heat or cold depending on when you choose to cover up your home's exterior after a fire has occurred.

It is Important to Have a Professional Tarp Your Roof

A professional will understand the best process for tarping your roof as well as the importance of doing it correctly:

• Roof tarps will keep the elements out and prevent further damage to your roof.
• Roof tarps are necessary to keep the roof watertight, which is important for preventing further damage to the interior of your house.

Tarping your roof after a fire can be an expensive and time-consuming process. However, it is an important one that should not be taken lightly. The last thing you want to happen is for water damage or mold to start growing because the tarps were not installed correctly or were left off for too long. If you are dealing with this situation, please contact us right away so we can help!

3 Tips For Reducing Candle Fires in Your Home

8/29/2022 (Permalink)

It is best to either avoid using candles while kids or pets are present

Three Ideas to Cut Down on Candle Fires in Your Home

Many people use candles in their Saratoga, CA, homes. They can help you achieve a certain atmosphere or add a pleasant aroma to a room. There are, however, some risks when you are using fire in your house. Following proper safety measures can reduce the chances of a candle fire.

1. Extinguish Unattended Flames to Avoid Candle Fire
If you are leaving the room for an extended period of time or you are going to bed, always extinguish your candles first. Even if it seems unlikely that something will catch fire, accidents are always possible. For example, a draft could cause the flame to grow or the candle could burn too low and shatter the container. To prevent this, never leave a lit candle unattended.

2. Keep Candles Out of Reach of Children and Animals
Children and pets often have a lot of energy and may not be aware of the dangers present in their surroundings. If they accidentally knock over a candle, it could quickly turn into a much larger candle fire. It is best to either avoid using candles while kids or pets are present or to keep a very close eye on them.

3. Remove Flammable Items From the Area
Your home is most likely full of items that could easily catch fire if they came into contact with a candle. Flammable liquids, bedding, curtains, paper and similar items should be kept out of the immediate area where the candle is in use. If you are using multiple candles, they should be spaced at least a few inches apart.
You don’t have to stop using candles, but you should be aware of how you use them. Fire and smoke cleanup and restoration can be a lengthy process. Using candles more safely can help you prevent fires and keep your home and family safe.

3 Kinds of Hidden Damage to Watch For After a Partial-Loss Fire

8/20/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial fire damage in Campbell, CA.

After a Fire with Partial Loss, There Are 3 Types of Hidden Damage to Look Out For

Any type of fire loss can cause a major disruption to your Campbell, CA, business. However, things can get particularly complicated in the event of a partial loss. In the insurance world, the term partial loss refers to a situation where a fire occurs but does not destroy the entire building. A partial loss fire often causes unseen damage, which results in insufficient insurance claims and, consequently, inadequate fire restoration work. Be wary of these three commonly overlooked sources of hidden property damage after a partial loss fire.

1. Smoke Damage
Where there's fire, there's smoke and in a business fire, smoke, soot, and ash usually spread much farther than the flames themselves. In most cases, nearly every interior surface will need to be cleaned and deodorized to eliminate soot stains and smoke odors. This type of cleanup should only be done by a professional remediation company, using specialized cleaning agents and techniques. Some items may be too damaged to restore and will need to be replaced. Porous surfaces, such as carpet and upholstery, are at a higher risk of total loss from soot and smoke damage.

2. Water Damage
A common side effect of fire loss is water damage, usually caused by the high pressure and large volume of water used to put out the fire. Mold growth often begins within the first 24 hours after a fire and can spread through the building's air ducts to areas beyond the fire-damaged zone. Unchecked mold growth can cause serious property damage to your building. A certified industrial hygienist should conduct a full mold inspection after any fire.

3. Heat Damage
The intense heat produced by a fire can cause significant damage to your building. At extreme temperatures, the glass may warp, and window or door frames may blister or melt. Iron or steel can transfer heat to other areas, causing structural instability. An engineer's inspection is often the best way to detect this damage.
A fire loss doesn't have to destroy your entire building to cause widespread property damage. Checking for these damage sources will ensure that your insurance claim and restoration measures are adequate.

Signs That You Need A Hot Water Heater Repair

8/15/2022 (Permalink)

It’s important to have your water heater repaired as soon as you see these signs.

What Are The Signs Of Hot Water Heater Going Bad?

Water heaters are essential elements of our home. We use them in daily activities such as taking a bath, using the dishwasher and using the washing machine. But because we use them frequently, it’s sometimes easy to take them for granted and forget that they need to be maintained. Failing to do so will result in malfunctions and problems and eventually, replacing your water heater. Taking notice of the first signs of a problem can help you repair your water heater before it becomes worse.

You don’t have to be an expert to spot the first signs of trouble. All you need to have is a keen sense of observation so that your water heater can be repaired.

1. Hot water has an off smell or off-color. The first instance that you notice your hot water has an off smell or has a rusty color, that’s something that you need to check out. The smell could be the result of a rusty anode rod in the water heater. There is no need to worry since the anode rod can be replaced which will then eliminate the bad odor. Bacteria growth also causes bad smells. This happens when the hot water has not been used or has been turned off for quite some time or when the thermostat is set at a very low level.

2. Corroded pipes can also cause an off-color in your water. This can be solved by installing a water softener or by replacing the plumbing. If you also see a lot of sediments in the water, it’s time to have the water heater repaired.

3. Water is not hot enough, too hot, not strong enough or there is none at all. When there is no water, check first that your water heater has power and is working fine. If it is, have it inspected by a plumber. If water is not enough, this could be due to an undersized water heater and is a common situation when a lot more people are using the water heater. This could also be caused by the presence of mineral deposits inside the water heater tank. When water is too hot or not hot enough, you may have to adjust the temperature dial of the water heater. If there is no change in temperature, have the water heater checked and repaired.

4. Strange noises and leaks. Leaks coming from your water heater could lead to flooding. In the same way, strange noises like pops, bangs, gurgles, and the like are clear indicators that something is wrong with your water heater. This is usually caused by a buildup of sediments inside the tank. A boiling sound, however, could mean the water heater is overheating or that pressure is building up inside the tank. All these have to be addressed immediately to prevent further problems.

It’s important to have your water heater repaired as soon as you see these signs. This will help you save on costs, prevent further damage, and avoid an untimely replacement of your unit.

What To Do After Flooding If You Don’t Have Flood Insurance

7/29/2022 (Permalink)

FEMA can provide four types of assistance.

What to Do If You Don't Have Flood Insurance After a Flood

Homeowners insurance policies typically exclude damage caused by flooding. Residents of flood-prone areas should obtain a separate flood insurance policy, otherwise they will have to pay for damage restoration out of pocket or obtain relief through a federal program. Here are four types of assistance that may be available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

1. Transitional Sheltering and Temporary Housing

After the president declares a federal disaster area, Transitional Sheltering Assistance can lower the cost of staying in a hotel during the days or weeks immediately following a disaster. Homeowners can also seek Temporary Housing Assistance for a period of one month up to 18 months.

2. Grants for Cleanup and Restoration

A homeowner may want to apply for a grant to fund the restoration of a residence located on a flood plane. Grants can be used for repairing structural damage or replacing other losses.

3. Repair and Replacement Assistance

If the location of your home is declared a federal disaster area, you may be eligible for a one-time payment for Repair and Replacement Assistance. This option will not cover the costs of flood damage, and is intended to supplement a flood insurance policy.

4. Low-Interest Loans

It may be possible to obtain loans that have low interest rates to finance residential flood damage repairs. These loans are usually capped at $200,000 for a primary residence and $40,000 for property including renters' losses. Annual interest rates may be as low as 1.75 percent for a 30-year period.

After a federal declaration of emergency, homeowners may benefit from these and other services administered by FEMA. If you obtain flood insurance, you should seek an estimate from storm and water damage restoration experts and make a claim. Professional cleanup and rebuilding services can reduce the likelihood that secondary damage will result from primary flood damage at a residence in San Jose, CA.

4 Steps for Writing a Business Continuity Plan

7/24/2022 (Permalink)

Business Continuity Plan

Planning for your business in Santana Row, CA, is always a good idea, especially in an emergency. Find out below how to make an emergency plan and why you need one.

How Do I Create a Business Continuity Plan?

It is like working on a giant puzzle: you already know some important details; the process will help you fill in the rest.

1. Make a Business Impact Analysis
A BIA shows how various scenarios will impact the essential functions of your business. Think about supply chain disruptions and other external consequences as much as internal ones like loss of revenue.

2. Decide on Recovery Options
You should know what it will take to recover and what is currently available. Strategize your recovery methods and select the best to implement.

3. Team Up
Create a team to help develop your plan. You will also have to create an emergency personnel structure showing roles and responsibilities. Also, think about running operations manually if your IT department is offline.

4. Test and Exercise Your Plans
You need to test your plans to know if they will work. Testing might mean running your fire alarms or tornado sirens. Full-scale exercises like tornado drills ensure everyone knows where to go and can include timing them to see how long it takes.

What Is a Business Continuity Plan?
It is a plan for what you and everyone that works for you need to do to keep the business running as normally as possible in case of an emergency.

Why Do I Need a Business Continuity Plan?
Without continuity plans, as many as 75% of companies fail within three years. Having a plan means your company is more likely to recover when a disaster strikes.
Having an emergency response plan is crucial for your business when disasters happen.