Top Causes of Water Damage in Homes: Prevention and Solutions

8/20/2024 (Permalink)

Sometimes, home improvement comes with unexpected challenges. When water decides to make a splash, it’s time to take action and restore order.

Water damage is a common and costly problem for homeowners. It can lead to structural damage, mold growth, and a decrease in property value. Understanding the top causes of water damage and how to address them can help you prevent costly repairs and maintain a safe, dry home. Here’s a closer look at the leading culprits behind water damage and what you can do to safeguard your property.

Broken Pipes

One of the most frequent causes of water damage is broken or burst pipes. Pipes can break due to freezing temperatures, corrosion, or high water pressure. Frozen pipes are particularly troublesome in colder climates, as the water inside them expands and causes them to crack. Keeping an eye on your pipes and insulating them in vulnerable areas can help prevent this issue.

Roof Leaks

A leaking roof can lead to significant water damage, especially during heavy rain. Roof leaks often stem from damaged shingles, cracked flashing, or clogged gutters. Performing regular roof inspections and addressing issues promptly can prevent leaks from turning into more serious problems.

Faulty Appliances

Appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters can malfunction and leak, causing water damage to surrounding areas. Routine maintenance and prompt repairs can help minimize the risk of leaks and water damage from these appliances.

Clogged Gutters

Gutters are designed to direct water away from your home’s foundation. When gutters get clogged with leaves and debris, water can overflow and seep into your home’s foundation, causing damage. Keeping your gutters clean and clear is essential for effective drainage and preventing water damage.

Sump Pump Failures

Sump pumps play a crucial role in preventing basement flooding, particularly in areas prone to heavy rainfall. A malfunctioning sump pump can lead to significant water damage in your basement. Regularly checking your sump pump and having backups in place can help ensure it works when you need it most.

Foundation Cracks

Cracks in your home’s foundation can allow water to seep into your basement or crawl space. These cracks might be caused by settling soil, poor construction, or weather conditions. Addressing foundation issues and sealing cracks can help prevent water intrusion and protect your home’s structural integrity.

Understanding these common causes of water damage can help you take proactive measures to prevent them. If you do experience water damage, professional restoration services can address the issue quickly and efficiently, minimizing damage and restoring your home to its original condition.

Don't Let Water Wait

8/22/2023 (Permalink)

When a disaster occurs in your home or business, it typically comes and goes. Fires burn and then they die out, wind blows through your neighborhood and then disappears, but water works a little differently than other types of damage. Water stays, and in many cases it continues to get worse and worse.

If you find an area in your flooring, walls, ceiling, appliances, etc. that is affected by water damage, it must be coming from some source. If that water is not removed and the source fixed, then the damage caused by that water will only grow. Oftentimes, it will turn into a nasty mold problem that nobody wants to have to deal with. The longer you wait to mitigate the problem, the more of a problem it will become!

Water damage can also come in many forms such as rotting wood, rusting metal, or even something as simple as mold or mildew. Sometimes it can be very hard to spot, but if you think you’ve spotted the beginnings of a water issue in your space, give us a call for an inspection so we can help you as soon as possible! When it comes to any type of disaster in your home or business, the sooner it is caught and remediated, the better. We are here for you no matter how big or small the disaster may be!

Understanding Types of Water

8/30/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage is always inconvenient, no matter the type of water causing it; however, understand which type of water you're dealing with can be crucial to minimize destruction until our professionals arrive.

Clean water can be from a broken pipe/water source, or even rainwater. 

Clean water becomes gray water after it has been left untreated. Untreated water allows for bacteria and fungi to grow and the water then becomes contaminated. This water can become hazardous. 

Black water is typically caused by sewage damage or natural disaster flooding. Black water should ALWAYS be handled by professionals. 

How do you minimize the damage from these water types?

For clean water:

If you can, shut off the water source.

Turn off any circuit breakers to affected areas. This protects from any potential electrical shock. Do not enter any rooms with standing water because unknown shock risks could be hiding. 

Mop, blot, or wipe down any excess water.

To start drying any damage or soaked upholstery, remove and prop them up to start the drying process.

Move valuables to a safe place

Remove colored items that might bleed or run, causing stains.

Never use a vacuum to remove water. Shock risk is high!

If your ceiling is wet, don't turn on any ceiling fixtures. Don't enter the room is the ceiling is sagging from retained water.

For contaminated water:

Avoid all contact with sewage. Wash yourself thoroughly if you come into contact with contaminated items.

Do not walk through affected areas.

Do not turn on your HVAC system as it could spread contaminated air.

Do not use fans. Air flow could spread contaminants.

If food or personal hygiene products are exposed to contaminated area, discard them.

Water damage can be traumatic, but the cleanup and restoration process doesn't need to be.

Maryland Weather and Rain

8/30/2022 (Permalink)

April showers bring May flowers, right? Well when you live in Maryland, July showers can bring August flowers, or February showers can bring March flowers, or just about any combination of months can bring showers and flowers! We live in a wacky state with a lot of wacky whether, and with unpredictability comes possible damage to your homes or businesses! Water damage is not fun to deal with and can really put a “damper” on things (yes, the pun was intended).

We’ve had a couple flash floods recently in our county and that means we need to be ready for any degree of water damage. Make sure your gutters are in order, fix up any cracks in your concrete, and do your best to waterproof your home using caulk or other certified waterproof material! Remember that SERVPRO of Baltimore's Inner Harbor is here for you. From wood corrosion to appliance damage to a waterlogged carpet, we’re ready for any issue you may face during this rainy weather!

Flooding in the Basement

7/22/2022 (Permalink)

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your basement could flood, including:

A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
Storm sewer backup
Sanitary sewer backup
Foundation drainage failure
Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - (410) 637-3433

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Baltimore's Inner Harbor and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
Our Technicians are Highly-Trained in Water Restoration Techniques
We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help (410) 637-3433

Friendly Fun Fish Facts

7/22/2022 (Permalink)

When we purchase a brand new fish tank and stock it up with our fascinating little aquatic buddies, most of us never expect how much damage that one tank is capable of doing to our homes. A small fish tank usually holds around 10 gallons of water, and some fish enthusiasts will go much bigger - around 100 or 200 gallons!

Let’s say you get a very small, cheap 5 gallon fish tank for a single betta. Imagine you go to work one day and you come home to a leak that has sprung in that tank and water all over your wooden dresser and beige carpet. Fish tank water is full of bacteria (which is beneficial for the fish) that will help quickly warp wood and destroy your carpet or other flooring. Even a 5 gallon tank is a massive amount of water to pour directly onto your floor! So what can you do to help prevent this?

First and foremost, buy a plastic tank rather than a glass one. Although glass tanks are more transparent and more visually appealing to most aquarium owners, they have separate panels that must be sealed together, which is not nearly as secure as one piece of plastic creating the whole tank with no seals. Secondly, put some sort of dish or pan underneath the tank. Most fish tanks do not explode when they spring a leak, they drain water slowly and a dish/pan can help keep your stand/floor safe while you buy some time to clean up the mess. Lastly, remember to call SERVPRO of Baltimore's Inner Harbor if your aquarium does spring a leak! Our team is highly trained in water damage remediation and will be ready to help you any time you need us! (410) 637-3433.

Responding Fast to Your Water Damage

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Baltimore's Inner Harbor provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more. SERVPRO of Baltimore's Inner Harbor arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

Drywall begins to swell and break down.
Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
Furniture begins to swell and crack.
Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
Metal begins to rust and corrode.
Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
Paint begins to blister.
Wood flooring swells and warps.
Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Baltimore's Inner Harbor

SERVPRO of Baltimore's Inner Harbor specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

We Can Dry Anything!

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

Drying is not a process that should be based on guess work. That's why our SERVPRO of Baltimore's Inner Harbor professionals are trained in psychrometrics. This knowledge and skill set is essential for ensuring that your property dries properly after water damage, in order to avoid secondary damage and/or mold growth.

When you first spot water in your home, it is completely natural to immediately reach for a towel, mop, or a fan to handle the mess yourself. However, it is important to know, that these DIY methods might not actually solve your problem, and can even lead to more damage. Our crews follow strict industry-approved standards that make our applied structural drying process successful.

Restoration starts with your first phone call to SERVPRO. After you have reached out to us and one of our office admins have taken your info and asked you some more questions to further understand your situation:

• A SERVPRO of BIH professional will respond to your location in order to inspect and assess the damage in person. This inspection includes an estimate based on their findings. They carefully inspect your property to detect every component that is wet from the water damage
• Our crews then look to special technology to measure how much moisture is in the wet affected materials, and continuously monitor them to ensure these items and materials are drying properly
• Our professional drying equipment is utilized to speed up the process of Mother Nature, so your property can be dried as soon as possible to get you back to normal and, "Like it never even happened."

If these parts of the process seem confusing, have no fear...SERVPRO is here! Other mitigation companies might not strive to help you understand your situation or our work, but the team member on site is willing and eager to answer any and all questions you might have. We know it can be overwhelming having to deal with any kind of damage in your home, but SERVPRO always does our very best to comfort and inform you in such times.

The bottom line is that SERVPRO of Baltimore's Inner Harbor has the equipment, sensitivity, and know how to make such stressful situations feel like an absolute breeze!

Psychrometrics

8/29/2021 (Permalink)

Drying is not a process that should be based on guess work. That's why our SERVPRO of Baltimore's Inner Harbor professionals are trained in psychrometrics. This knowledge and skill set is essential for ensuring that your property dries properly after water damage, in order to avoid secondary damage and/or mold growth.

When you first spot water in your home, it is completely natural to immediately reach for a towel, mop, or a fan to handle the mess yourself. However, it is important to know, that these DIY methods might not actually solve your problem, and can even lead to more damage. Our crews follow strict industry-approved standards that make our applied structural drying process successful.

Restoration starts with your first phone call to SERVPRO. After you have reached out to us and one of our office admins have taken your info and asked you some more questions to further understand your situation:

• A SERVPRO of BIH professional will respond to your location in order to inspect and assess the damage in person. This inspection includes an estimate based on their findings. They carefully inspect your property to detect every component that is wet from the water damage
• Our crews then look to special technology to measure how much moisture is in the wet affected materials, and continuously monitor them to ensure these items and materials are drying properly
• Our professional drying equipment is utilized to speed up the process of Mother Nature, so your property can be dried as soon as possible to get you back to normal and, "Like it never even happened."

If these parts of the process seem confusing, have no fear...SERVPRO is here! Other mitigation companies might not strive to help you understand your situation or our work, but the team member on site is willing and eager to answer any and all questions you might have. We know it can be overwhelming having to deal with any kind of damage in your home, but SERVPRO always does our very best to comfort and inform you in such times.

The bottom line is that SERVPRO of Baltimore's Inner Harbor has the equipment, sensitivity, and know how to make such stressful situations feel like an absolute breeze!

Checking your new Home

8/29/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage signs can be left in plain sight at times if you look. Grab a flashlight when looking at a home to buy .

Water damage can be hiding anyway but check the high risk areas at least.

Check the walls for spots and stains. Don't forget to look around doors and windows.

Check the floors for warping and buckling especially in the basement. Look for white or dark stains on wood floors, damp carpeting and a general smell of dampness and mold,

Check the piping in the kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room, and basement for corrosion around the pipe connections, leaks, or water stains. Inspect the caulking around the bathroom fixtures. Missing or loose caulking could be caused by water seepage. Look for missing grout or signs of mold. Check the water heater for wet spots on the floor and rust on the tank.

Check the attic for stains, mold, and other signs of leaks. The insulation should be dry and in good condition. 

Don't forget to check the outside of the house.  Check the roof for damaged flashing and missing, cracked, or curled shingles. If you see standing water anywhere outside the home, it could be the sign of a problem. The house should be situated on the highest point of the property, with the ground sloping away from the house.

The Latest in Water Damage Technology

7/22/2021 (Permalink)

A little water goes a long way in most cases, but especially in terms of water damage. Even the smallest drop of water left to sit after a loss can lead to much bigger problems, including mold. The key to avoiding such mishaps? Proper mitigation and drying techniques. That's why SERVPRO of Baltimore's Inner Harbor should always be your first call when you suspect your home or business has been struck with water damage. Our professionals are specifically trained to use special technology to mitigate properly and efficiently. 

Our SERVPRO trained professionals rely on special technology in multitudes of equipment to see to it that affected areas are completely dry after mitigation. The top 5 pieces of equipment we use are:

• Moisture Sensors to detect lingering moisture in carpets, baseboards, and walls
• Moisture Meters determine the actual amount of moisture in different materials. The reading these meters provide aids in the drying process
• Thermohygrometers measure temperature and relative humidity, this helps calculations for making the environment more conducive to drying procedures
• Ultra Low-Volume Foggers atomize liquid deodorizing agents which creates a mist for penetrating any odor causing sites. This tool is also useful for injecting fungicides and disinfectant into wall cavities an other hard to reach spaces
• Thermal Foggers dispense solvent-based solutions via a dense fog. The fog is made up of small particles of deodorizing solutions to neutralize any odors

If this all sounds overwhelming to you, have no fear...SERVPRO is here! Let us worry about the technicalities when it comes to drying your home or business. We have the know how AND the equipment to prevent further damage after a loss that DIY mitigation puts you at risk for.

Flooded Basement

7/22/2021 (Permalink)

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your basement could flood, including:

A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
Storm sewer backup
Sanitary sewer backup
Foundation drainage failure
Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - (410) 637-3433

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Howard County and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
Our Technicians are Highly-Trained in Water Restoration Techniques
We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help (410) 637-3433

Where is your Home Most Likely to Flood?

6/9/2021 (Permalink)

Did you take a guess? Well if you guessed your bathroom; you're right!

Bathrooms are the most likely place that flood will occur in your home. If you were like me you might have guessed laundry room or kitchen but if you think about it , I guess it does make sense. Think of all the water sources there. Sinks, toilets, bathtubs/showers. All of these features are connected to pipes and if these are clogged or leaking it could cause a flood.

The most common way a flood in the bathroom happens is from a clogged or blocked pipe/drain.

Malfunctions such as a leaking toilet or a broken toilet is a very common reason.

But guess what a very common reason is? Human error. Us, we leave the water running, forget about it, water slowly accumulates, and eventually you're home is flooded!

Life is busy and we get called away and think we will remember to be right back but that's not always what happens.

It's hard to keep on top of all your household features but take an extra moment and make sure your bathroom is in great running order and maybe leave a little note on the door for when your leaving. It could say something like , "make sure the water is off". Check under sinks once a month for leaks and ceilings under the bathroom for water stains. Staying ahead of a problem is always best.

Starting the Water Mitigation Process

1/12/2021 (Permalink)

When you have water damage the first thing you want to do is call the experts at SERVPRO of Howard County 410-465-7333

Here are some tips to do while waiting for SERVPRO.

Turn the water off. This might seem like the obvious thing to do but some people forget to do this. Water damage mitigation can't start until the water is off. 

Remove excess water.

Mop up as much excess water as possible. To speed the drying process, in cool weather, open windows. In hot weather, turn on the air conditioner.

Prop up upholstery. Any cushions on couches, etc should be propped up for more even drying.

Remove area rugs. Anything that is wet and can be moved should be moved away to dry. This includes area rugs, magazines, books, or anything that is sitting on top of the wall-to-wall carpet.

Open storage containers. Open any boxes, suitcases, etc that may contain moisture to let them dry.

Protect furniture.Place plastic bags between the legs of your furniture and the wet carpet. This will keep the pain and lacquer on the furniture from bleeding down into the carpet and ruining it permanently. Also, open any drawers or cabinet drawers to allow them to dry.

Protect your valuables. Remove any valuables from the affected area. This includes, paintings, papers, computers, etc. Drying out an area creates heat and humidity. Anything that can be affected by this should be move away.

Dry clothing. Dry all of your clothing as soon as possible. Hang furs and leather somewhere to dry. If necessary call a garment restoration professional. Our technicians can give you referrals to good, reputable companies who can help.

Water Damage - It's not your Fault!

8/31/2020 (Permalink)

Sometimes, water damage isn’t your fault at all. And by sometimes, we mean oftentimes. Water can seep into your home or business from all sorts of outlandish sources! From a freak accident in your pipes involving an unknown wild animal, to a neighborhood wide pipeline-burst all the way down the street. Just because we do everything right and take all the necessary precautions doesn’t mean that water can’t find a way to make our lives difficult.

The tricky thing about water damage however, is that if left alone for a period of time (which is different depending on the severity of the damage), it can continue to get worse. Water damage is not the kind of damage that likes to come and go, it would much rather come and stay! So even if you’ve cleaned out your gutters, sealed all the joints in your pipes, and double checked the strength of that 55 gallon fish tank in your living room, you should still be ready to eliminate the damage as soon as possible if it ever occurs. SERVPRO of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is ready to help 24/7 and will be there whenever you need us! Don’t let unexpected water damage continue to deteriorate your space, give us a call! (410) 637-3433.

Don't Let Water Stay Stagnant

8/31/2020 (Permalink)

Mitigation companies talk about how water damage typically gets worse and worse if left untreated, but what exactly does that mean? How can damage that’s already so bad get any worse? For starters, water damage is not like fire damage. Once a fire is completely put out, the damage is what it is (in most cases). When water soaks into your floor or floods your home, it continues to deteriorate whatever it is touching. Even if you think that you’ve sucked up all the water and your carpet is dry, there is mostly likely trace amounts of water keeping your foundation damp and causing further issues underneath your home.

If left untreated, water can lead to mold and mildew growth. This is an entirely different kind of damage that can lead to major health effects and needs to be removed by separate means. Additionally, as water stays stagnant in an area and continues to dilapidate your foundation, it can make parts of your home unstable and unsafe. Rotted wood is not stable and as we all know, water can very easily cause wood to rot.

If you think there may be water in your home, call us for an inspection! Our team is here for all of your water removal needs, so don’t hesitate to contact us so you can relax knowing that your space is safe and dry.

The Problem with Water Damage

7/24/2020 (Permalink)

The problem with water damage is that it’s not like most other damage. When a fire ignites in your house, there are many signs that your house is burning. When an earthquake shakes underneath your office building, you know there is something going on. Most damage happens suddenly and will cause immediate damage.

Water damage can create a sudden, major disaster, or it can sit places for a long time and become a slow moving, silent destructive force. Water will find its way just about anywhere, and when the quantity of water and the force behind the water is great enough, the chance of it causing a disaster sooner or later can be very high! With all the storms and flash flood warnings happening recently, we must all stay vigilant and protect our homes!

If you need an inspection of your home or office to prevent water damage or if you need restoration work done on your space, you know exactly who you can trust. SERVPRO of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is here for you 24/7, and we are ready to take on any mitigation task!

Giving you Peace of Mind

7/24/2020 (Permalink)

With all these crazy flash floods (or flash flood warnings) happening in the Baltimore area recently, it’s hard to know whether your home or office is safe from water damage. Water can get into places that you would never expect and can cause damage that you never even knew existed! Damage over time can sometimes be worse than immediate damage because it becomes deep-rooted and can harm the actual foundations or supports of certain structures.

Don’t let something as simple as water affect your daily routine. The last thing we ever want to see is anybody suffering from water damage (or any damage for that matter) during this coronavirus pandemic. We care about our city and we care about you, that’s why SERVPRO of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is dedicated to giving you peace of mind through our 24/7 restorative services. Feel free to give us a call any time and we will be ready to send out a crew of our professionally trained staff members to inspect or restore your home or office! (410) 637-3433.

Water damage is a problem in many ways.

6/15/2020 (Permalink)

Water damages thousands of homes and properties each year due to floods, extreme weather events and plumbing disasters. The problem with water inside your home, besides from damaging your home and contents, is the fact that there are a variety of environmental concerns that can affect your health.

Here are some water damage tips:

Find the source of water leakage. If your problems result from plumbing pipes, then you should turn off the main water valve and seek help from a professional.

Lower humidity levels in your home by removing wet items such as rugs, carpets and furniture. Use a large fan to keep air moving inside your home.

If flood waters enter your home, you should immediately vacate the area. Plan ahead for natural disasters by packing important papers inside waterproof bags.

Most areas of the country that are prone to flooding have warning systems in place. Listen carefully to the news when heavy rains are headed into your area.

Flood waters are almost impossible to remove without consulting a professional service. You really shouldn't try to mitigate yourself without training. 

Make sure you have flood coverage on your homeowners policy. If you live in a flood zone, then you should prepare in advance.

Your home can fast become flooded even from running your washing machine. Never leave your home while your washing machine is running.

Wet floors and carpeting must be completely dry to prevent mold and bacteria from forming.

A professional service will remove the wet items and dry your floors. Check your homeowners policy to ensure your furniture, carpets and other items are covered. Planning ahead for natural disasters is the key to reducing costs.

Prepare an emergency strategy with all members of your family that include severe weather events and flooding.

Our technicians are highly trained and experienced with every type of water damage, situation from sewage damage clean up, mold removal, smoke damage repair, fire damage repair, flooded basement, wet carpet, wet walls, carpet water damage, basement water damage, flooded crawl space, sewer backup and sewage removal.

Call the professionals of SERVPRO of Baltimore's Inner Harbor if water damage happens at your home. 410-637-3433

Did you know?

1/16/2020 (Permalink)

Did you know wet materials start developing very serious problems, under the right conditions, in as little as 24 hours? Mold being one thing that can happen.

Did you know there are 3 types of water?

Clean water= this is usually from rain, condensation, leaking pipe to name a few. This water poses very little health problems with the clean up.

Grey water= this is slightly dirty water. Some examples are water from dishwasher, washing machines, and  clean toliets. You would want to wear protective gear to sheild you when cleaning up.

Black water= This water can be from sewage, flooding from rivers etc. It does not have to be black in color as the name suggests. This type can pose serious health problems when cleaning it up. This clean up should really be left to professionals. 

Did you know that if you find mold, whether it's been growing a short time or a long time, you need to be careful. Shut down any air flow and call a professional. If it is a small area, you can try to cut it out, bag it, and throw it away immediately.

Did you know that getting the water out is just the beginning. You need to also have the area dried right away using fans and or large capacity dehumidifiers. 

Did you know that porous materials, like carpet,insulation, carpet padding, fabric and similar items more than likely have to be thrown away. Water will permanently damage many of these things. 

Did you know that SERVPRO of Baltimore's Inner Harbor is an expert in water clean up. Call us if you have a water loss. We are here to help 24/7.

410-637-3433

Make the fall your prep time for winter.

9/4/2019 (Permalink)

September is a great month for preparing for winter. It's not too hot or cold to check some areas of the house that need attention.

Check the roof for any loose or missing shingles. This should be repaired before winter hits.

Ducts should be checked. Over time the seal can come loose.This can let heat into the attic causing snow to melt and refreeze causing ice dams on your roof.

The end of Fall is a great time to drain your water heater. This should be done once an year. Do it now before you find out your only have really cold water in your house. 

 If you have a chimney, make sure you sweep it (or have it professionally swept) before lighting any fires for the season. Removing the excess soot, as well as the birds and animals that made their homes in chimneys throughout the year, will help prevent fires and smoke damage. Also, examine the damper to make sure it’s still looking good. If it’s bent or warped, warm air will be able to escape through the chimney.

If you have ceiling fans, now is the time to reverse them. Putting them in reverse will help blow down warm air that would otherwise be stuck near the ceiling, which will likely mean you can turn your heat down a degree or two. 

Enjoy the fall weather but also make it a time to check your home for the winter. 

Water damage doesn't always come from the weather.

9/4/2019 (Permalink)

If you are like a lot of people you might think of water damage to your home being caused by weather; maybe a hurricane or heavy rains. 

In reality most water damage comes for non-weather conditions. This might mean a plumbing issue such as pipes, drains and valves failing. It could also be many times from an applicance. This is something that most people don't think about.

Appliances do not always offer warning signs until the damage has already occurred. That is why it is important to check them regularly.  

First, know where the main water supply is located in case of emergency.

If you will be away from home for an extended period, shut off the water supply and drain the pipes.

Exceptions might be if your home is heated with steam system or your fire spinkler system so consult with a professional if you can turn this supply off when leaving.

Consider having your air conditioning system inspected regularly by a professional. Check the drain lines annually and clean them if they are clogged.

Inspect water heaters, showers, tubs, toilets, sinks and dishwashers annually, and have them repaired if there are any signs of leaks or corrosion. When possible, install water heaters in areas with floor drains to minimize damage if leaks should occur.

Check caulking around showers, bathtubs, sinks and toilet bases, and make repairs as needed.

If your refrigerator has an ice machine or water dispenser, the hose between the wall and the refrigerator should be made of braided copper. 

Check pipes for cracks and leaks. Have pipe damage fixed immediately to prevent more costly repairs in the future.

Check appliance hoses and plumbing fittings for breakage, crimping or bending. 

You can't always prevent water damage from happening in your home but may times prevention is your best friend in avoiding water damage from happening. 

Prepare your house to leave it.

7/9/2019 (Permalink)

Summertime is a great time for relaxation and travel for most. It's also a good time to get your house checked for leaks etc so you can take a vacation with a good piece of mind.

Check your home for leaks at the pipes under the sinks and check the water heater for cracks and rust.

Look at the seals around your windows and make sure their in good condition. If you have any shingles dislodged on the roof, now is a good time to have them replaced. 

All the hoses that connect major appliances, such as washing machines, dishwashers and refrigerator ice maker lines need to be checked for kinks, cracks etc. 

Examine your sump pump and check that it is in good condition and clear of debris by filling the sump pit and running the pump. Listen to the motor for strange sounds and watch that the water is going outside. Install a battery-powered backup source in case there is a power outage while you are gone.

Turn off the water at the main if there is no one to check your house. Drain the pipes as a precaution and flush the toilets after . 

If possible have someone check on your house while your away.

Have a relaxing Summer but nothing is more relaxing then taking the time to prepare your house for your absence. 

SERVPRO of Baltimore's Inner Harbor will be there if you need us of course if anything goes wrong. We are there 24/7 and we don't take a vacation. 

Check for water damage before buying.

7/8/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage signs can be left in plain sight at times if you look. Grab a flashlight when looking at a home to buy .

Water damage can be hiding anyway but check the high risk areas at least.

Check the walls for spots and stains. Don't forget to look around doors and windows.

Check the floors for warping and buckling especially in the basement. Look for white or dark stains on wood floors, damp carpeting and a general smell of dampness and mold,

Check the piping in the kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room, and basement for corrosion around the pipe connections, leaks, or water stains. Inspect the caulking around the bathroom fixtures. Missing or loose caulking could be caused by water seepage. Look for missing grout or signs of mold. Check the water heater for wet spots on the floor and rust on the tank.

Check the attic for stains, mold, and other signs of leaks. The insulation should be dry and in good condition. 

Don't forget to check the outside of the house.  Check the roof for damaged flashing and missing, cracked, or curled shingles. If you see standing water anywhere outside the home, it could be the sign of a problem. The house should be situated on the highest point of the property, with the ground sloping away from the house.

There is more than one type of water.

6/18/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage is always inconvenient, no matter the type of water causing it; however, understand which type of water you're dealing with can be crucial to minimize destruction until our professionals arrive.

Clean water can be from a broken pipe/water source, or even rainwater. 

Clean water becomes gray water after it has been left untreated. Untreated water allows for bacteria and fungi to grow and the water then becomes contaminated. This water can become hazardous. 

Black water is typically caused by sewage damage or natural disaster flooding. Black water should ALWAYS be handled by professionals. 

How do you minimize the damage from these water types?

For clean water:

If you can, shut off the water source.

Turn off any circuit breakers to affected areas. This protects from any potential electrical shock. Do not enter any rooms with standing water because unknown shock risks could be hiding. 

Mop, blot, or wipe down any excess water.

To start drying any damage or soaked upholstery, remove and prop them up to start the drying process.

Move valuables to a safe place

Remove colored items that might bleed or run, causing stains.

Never use a vacuum to remove water. Shock risk is high!

If your ceiling is wet, don't turn on any ceiling fixtures. Don't enter the room is the ceiling is sagging from retained water.

For contaminated water:

Avoid all contact with sewage. Wash yourself thoroughly if you come into contact with contaminated items.

Do not walk through affected areas.

Do not turn on your HVAC system as it could spread contaminated air.

Do not use fans. Air flow could spread contaminants.

If food or personal hygiene products are exposed to contaminated area, discard them.

Water damage can be traumatic, but the cleanup and restoration process doesn't need to be.

Water Damage-Be Prepared.

1/7/2019 (Permalink)

When we think of water damage to our business or home, many owners think of water damage happening from mother nature. Rain and flooding to which they have little control. So why worry about what they can't control right? The fact is that they are more likely to have water damage from things they can try to control or at least prevent. 

For example; the roof is one of the most common places to cause water damage. Owners should make sure the roof is checked regularly. One inch of rain weighs about 5 pounds. This can cause a lot of strain on a roof and can lead to leaking. 

Pipes and drains seem like they would be checked but most aren't checked regularly. A crack as small as an eight of an inch can dump 250 gallons of water per day. 

Sprinklers are great if you have a fire but not so great if it malfunctions. Sprinklers should be checked for updates but also signs of rust or damage. 

Appliances should be checked regularly ; water heaters, air conditioners, etc. can cause a lot of water damage if things break on them.

We can't stop all water damage but we can try to do as  much preventative care as we can. SERVPRO of Baltimore's Inner Harbor is here to help when the unexpected happens. Just give us a call 410-637-3433. We are there for your business 24/7.

Rain Belongs Outside Not in Your Home

1/7/2019 (Permalink)

Rain is great for your yard but not to get inside your home.

Many people wake up from a rain storm to a wet basement. It may be from the foundation or could be a pipe leakage, sub pump failure. Many things could have happened and you will want to determine how it happened to get the right person out to repair.

In all the cases though you are going to want to call an expert in helping you to dry out your basement. That expert would be SERVPRO of Baltimore's Inner Harbor.

We can get right to work in getting the water up , drying the structure etc. SERVPRO has the knowledge as to what can be dried and saved and what is better off being throw away. 

Did you know that organic materials like paper, fabric, wood, leather can start to grow mold in as little as a day? Let SERVPRO help you save as much as possible of your things.

SERVPRO of Baltimore's Inner Harbor is here to help 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

410-637-3433

Who Are You Gonna Call?

1/4/2019 (Permalink)

Your water damage is new; who do you call? If I were you I wouldn't call a new company, call one that's been around and has the experience your looking for.

SERVPRO has been around since 1967 with over 1500 franchises. To say SERVPRO knows " a little bit about water damage" is an understatement. 

SERVPRO is an expert in water damage. Our professionals go through extensive training and certification to make sure your getting the most up to date techniques available.

SERVPRO's leadership has earned the trust of the insurance industry, homeowners, commercial property managers and even the Pentagon.

Make sure you have SERVPRO of Baltimore's Inner Harbor's number for when you have a problem. We can service your loss with using SERVPRO's 40 years of knowledge and training to help you quickly recover. 

410-637-3433

Taking a vacation? Tips before you leave.

7/9/2018 (Permalink)

We think about shutting off water lines in the winter to avoid freezing pipes when we are away but we don't think about doing the same in the summer when we go away, but we should.

Many people don't think about it but pipes leak and break all the time in the summer.

If you are going away you might want to close the main water valve off to water in the house. It won't affect your water sprinkler system outside if that may be of a concern.

Instead of thousands of gallons of water spilling in your home you might only get a few gallons. To be even safer, drain the lines before you go. Open the faucet in the bathroom after you have shut off the valves and drain the water out of the pipes and flush the toilet.

The last thing you want is to come home from a relaxing vacation to have water in your house.

Some other great things to do before you leave :

Turn the air conditioner up but not off. You want to have air circulating because the heat can affect doors and flooring and you don't want it to have time to collect condensation.

Unplug your electronics. If they are connected to a surge protector just turn that off. You will save money while your away.

Put your lights on a timer to make the house less appealing for robbers.

I hope these help. Have a great vacation and great "welcome home" from your house.

Stay ahead of the mold.

7/4/2018 (Permalink)

When you have a flood in your home mold can start to develop in as little as 24 to 48 hours. Your going to want to start to be activewith the clean up as soon as possible. SERVPRO of Baltimore's Inner Harbor is available 24 hours a day, everyday of the year.

Here are some things you can start to do before SERVPRO arrives:

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

SERVPRO uses advanced equipment and techniques to remove the water quickly and properly dry out your home or business.

Let us help you stay ahead of the mold if possible but rest assure if the mold follows the water damage SERVPRO can handle it . We are here for any type of problem.

24 HOUR EMERGENCY WATER DAMAGE SERVICE

6/13/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Baltimore's Inner Harbor is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

WE ANSWER THE PHONES READY TO HELP!

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Howard County has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

WHAT TO EXPECT.

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

SERVPRO of Baltimore's Inner Harbor specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Be Prepared

5/15/2018 (Permalink)

Heavy rainfall can cause some pretty annoying issues for your property. A flooded basement is commonplace when it comes to problems in your Howard County home. There are a number of reasons why your basement could be susceptible to flooding, including:

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• ...and many more

We know we say it often, but it really is so true that if flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety. Standing water not handled right away can potentially cause even more severe damage to your home’s structure. The longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Howard County and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

Why should we be your go-to for flooding situations in your HoCo home or business?

• We are available 24/7 days a week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many national insurance companies
• We bill the insurance directly – one less thing for you to worry about
• Our technicians are highly-trained in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards,
  advanced inspection and extraction equipment

Basement flooded or questions about flooding?

Feel free to call us ASAP – 410-637-3433

Flood water from a storm is the same as rain water , right?

1/5/2018 (Permalink)

By the time that flood water gets to your living room it may  have picked up some bad baggage along the way.

There can be pathogens, parasites and chemicals to name a few.

You need to be very careful to protect yourself when cleaning up during these conditions.

SERVPRO makes sure they have the right protective gear and clothing when working during these conditions. Many people can get lung infections or infections in a cut or abrasion from the contaminated water. 

Be careful when trying to mitigate this yourself. If you are trying to get the water out please make sure you realize that it is not clean water and take the right precautions. You have enough to worry about without worrying abut your health.

SERVPRO of Baltimore's Inner Harbor is hear to help.

Water Damage doesn't take the weekend off.

1/4/2018 (Permalink)

Flooded Business site.

Many business's close for the weekend. The owners may decide to turn the heat down or even off (yikes), No one is there right?  Well the pipes are still there and boy do they need heat when the weather gets cold. 

A cold wind will make matters even worse.  Maybe what's even worse is that no one is there to see a pipe break; no one is there to turn off the water and help to stop things from getting worse.

So if you have a business , remember, keep the heat on to help with pipes breaking. 

A little money spent on heat is better than a lot spent on water damage later, not to mention loss of work while getting repairs done. 

Disaster does not wait to happen 9-5 Mon-Fri. 

High Quality Service Powered By High Quality Technology

6/22/2017 (Permalink)

A little goes a long way in most cases, but especially in terms of water damage. Even the smallest drop of water left to its own devices after a loss can lead to much bigger problems, including mold. The key to abating such mishaps? Proper mitigation and drying procedures. That's why SERVPRO of Baltimore's Inner Harbor should always be your first call when you suspect your home or business has been struck with water damage. Our professionals are specifically trained to use special technology to mitigate properly and efficiently. 

Our SERVPRO trained professionals rely on special technology in multitudes of equipment to see to it that the affected areas in your Baltimore area home/businesss are completely dry after mitigation. The top 5 pieces of equipment we use are:

• Moisture Sensors to detect lingering moisture in carpets, baseboards, and walls
• Moisture Meters determine the actual amount of moisture in different materials. The reading these meters provide aids in the drying process
• Thermohygrometers measure temperature and relative humidity, this helps calculations for making the environment more conducive to drying procedures
• Ultra Low-Volume Foggers atomize liquid deodorizing agents which creates a mist for penetrating any odor causing sites. This tool is also useful for injecting fungicides and disinfectant into wall cavities an other hard to reach spaces
• Thermal Foggers dispense solvent-based solutions via a dense fog. The fog is made up of small particles of deodorizing solutions to neutralize any odors

If this all sounds overwhelming to you, have no fear...SERVPRO is here! Let us worry about the technicalities when it comes to drying your home or business. We have the know how AND the equipment to prevent secondary damage after a loss that DIY mitigation puts you at risk for.

Water Water Everywhere, We Just Want It To Dry!

6/15/2017 (Permalink)

There is a method to our madness when it comes to extensive applied structural drying. Let us take it from here!

By now, we're sure you've heard us talk about how there is an exact science when it comes to structural drying. That's why our SERVPRO of Baltimore's Inner Harbor professionals are specifically trained to dry your property to such standards. When you come across water damage in your home or water damage in your business, it's common to think you can clean it up yourself. In smaller cases this is likely true; however, in cases with more water and more extensive damage, DIY drying can potentially worsen the extent of the damage itself. When water is dried improperly, you run the additional risk for mold growing. 

Still need some other reasons to leave the drying to the professionals? Well, SERVPRO of Baltimore's Inner Harbor will:

• Inspect the property to find everything that may have been exposed to water to prevent that secondary damage
• Measure how much moisture is in the wet materials affected by the water loss and monitor their drying
• Use professional drying equipment to speed the drying process along

The bottom line is that while DIY drying might seem easier and faster, it is usually far less effective and can leave you with more damage than what you started out with. Our SERVPRO pros have the equipment and the training to move the process along as quickly as possible! 

Back From Vacation and Flooded with More Than Just Warm Welcomes

5/31/2017 (Permalink)

When it comes to water, usually a dab will do ya, but in terms of water damage, a dab is enough to harm your home or business. Even the smallest drop of water left to sit after a leak or loss can cause much bigger problems, including mold.

The key to avoiding such mishaps? Proper mitigation and drying techniques.

That's why SERVPRO of Baltimore's Inner Harbor should always be your first call when you suspect your home or business has been hit with water damage. Our professionals are specifically trained to use advanced technology to mitigate your damage properly and efficiently. 

Our trained professionals rely on this special technology in our multitudes of equipment to completely dry affected areas after any kind of damage or loss.

The top 5 pieces of equipment our crews use are:

• Moisture Sensors to detect lingering moisture in carpets, baseboards, and walls
• Moisture Meters determine the actual amount of moisture in different materials. The reading these meters provide aids in the drying process
• Thermohygrometers measure temperature and relative humidity, this helps calculations for making the environment more conducive to drying procedures
• Ultra Low-Volume Foggers atomize liquid deodorizing agents which creates a mist for penetrating any odor causing sites. This tool is also useful for injecting fungicides and disinfectant into wall cavities an other hard to reach spaces
• Thermal Foggers dispense solvent-based solutions via a dense fog. The fog is made up of small particles of deodorizing solutions to neutralize any odors

If any or all of this sounds overwhelming to you, have no fear...SERVPRO is here!

Let our team worry about the many technicalities when it comes to drying any unwanted water or flooding in your property. We have the know how AND the equipment to prevent further damage after a loss that DIY mitigation can put you at risk for.

Water Damage: Contaminated or Clean?

4/17/2017 (Permalink)

Water damage is always inconvenient, no matter the type of water causing it; however, understand which type of water you're dealing with can be crucial to minimize destruction until our professionals arrive.

Clean water can be from a broken pipe/water source, or even rainwater. 

Clean water becomes gray water after it has been left untreated. Untreated water allows for bacteria and fungi to grow and the water then becomes contaminated. This water can become hazardous. 

Black water is typically caused by sewage damage or natural disaster flooding. Black water should ALWAYS be handled by professionals. 

How do you minimize the damage from these water types?

For clean water:

If you can, shut off the water source.

Turn off any circuit breakers to affected areas. This protects from any potential electrical shock. Do not enter any rooms with standing water because unknown shock risks could be hiding. 

Mop, blot, or wipe down any excess water.

To start drying any damage or soaked upholstery, remove and prop them up to start the drying process.

Move valuables to a safe place

Remove colored items that might bleed or run, causing stains.

Never use a vacuum to remove water. Shock risk is high!

If your ceiling is wet, don't turn on any ceiling fixtures. Don't enter the room is the ceiling is sagging from retained water.

For contaminated water:

Avoid all contact with sewage. Wash yourself thoroughly if you come into contact with contaminated items.

Do not walk through affected areas.

Do not turn on your HVAC system as it could spread contaminated air.

Do not use fans. Air flow could spread contaminants.

If food or personal hygiene products are exposed to contaminated area, discard them.

Water damage can be traumatic, but the cleanup and restoration process doesn't need to be.