Recent Water Damage Posts

Common Sewage Problems

3/9/2023 (Permalink)

sewer system If a sewer problem occurs, give SERVPRO a call at the first sign of water damage

Sewer problems are an unfortunate inevitability in most buildings. The good news is that these problems are usually easy to fix, especially if you catch them early. However, if you don't find them soon enough, it's likely that your sewage system will fail and need to be replaced entirely.

Fallen Trees

If a large tree has fallen on your property and it's blocking your sewer line, you could have a big problem on your hands. The roots of the tree can grow into the sewer line and block it completely. This can cause sewage backup or overflow in your home, which can be extremely dangerous for anyone who lives there.

If this happens to you and you're not sure what to do next or how much damage has been caused by the root intrusion into the pipe system under your property, contact us today! We'll send out one of our experienced technicians who will assess all aspects of this situation so that we can come up with an action plan tailored specifically for you and your unique needs.

Toilet Overflow

The most common reasons for a toilet to overflow are too much toilet paper. If you're like most people, you've probably heard that it's better to use less toilet paper when you go to the bathroom. However, this isn't always true and can actually cause problems if done incorrectly. If your toilet begins overflowing unexpectedly after flushing, try using less paper next time until you find the right amount for your particular type of plumbing system.

Debris clogs in the pipes or sewer line outside of your house may be causing blockages in your plumbing system as well. Debris such as wet wipes and sanitary products should not go down the drain because they don't break down easily--they can clog up drains instead. When taking care of these items make sure they are disposed properly so they don't end up causing problems later on down line either by throwing them away or recycling them instead.

Old Pipe

If you're not sure how old your pipes are, get them checked. If they are older than 40 years, they may be corroded and leaking. This can cause sewage backup in your building.

If you've noticed a foul odor coming from one of your toilets or drains in the past few weeks (or even months), then it's time to call a plumber right away.

Broken Pipes

Have you noticed water in places that shouldn't have any? It could be a broken pipe or line. If you're noticing water where there shouldn't be any, there's a good chance that your building has a problem with its plumbing system. This can cause structural damage and other issues, like mold growth, flooding and more.

Sewage backups can occur when too much water enters your plumbing system at once and overwhelms it. This is more likely to happen if you have an older home or building, as well as if you live in an area that gets heavy rain or snowfall.

There are several things you can do to prevent sewage backups from happening. Check for leaks around faucets and toilets by turning off all sinks and running each fixture individually while watching for drips on the floor below each one. If necessary, replace washers with new ones where needed, you may find them at any hardware store as part of kits designed specifically for this purpose.

If you think your building has any of these problems, it's important to call a professional right away. The last thing you want is for sewage backup or broken pipes to damage or destroy your building and its contents. Give SERVPRO a call at the first sign of sewage damage to your home or business.

Signs of a Shower Leak and What to Do

11/3/2022 (Permalink)

Shower leak If you have a leak in your shower, it could be caused by any number of things. Call SERVPRO of Tri Cities West/ SERVPRO of Franklyn County.

Signs of a Shower Leak and What to Do

You've just stepped out of a relaxing shower, and the water is still flowing. You think nothing of it—it's just extra water, right? But what if that extra flow could be an indication of a much bigger problem that leads to costly repair bills and even more frustration? Read on to learn how to detect leaks in your bathroom or basement before they get out of hand.

Inspecting a Drain and Shower Pan

The shower pan is the base of your shower. It's usually made of fiberglass, concrete, or plastic. The drain and valve are connected to it so that water drains away from your house when you use the shower. Shower pans can be damaged by water, mold, or rust.

To inspect for a leak, you should start by looking at the shower drain. If you notice water stains on the ceiling or walls in your bathroom, this is an indication that there may be a leak in your drain.

If you think something might be wrong with your shower pan, it's also important to check that area as well. You can find out if there are any leaks by using a pool tester—essentially a tube filled with black dye and chalk that detects moisture when placed against an object.

If you have a leak in your shower, it could be caused by any number of things: a cracked floor tile; corrosion on piping joints; or maybe even a burst pipe! If you suspect there's an issue with your plumbing system in your Franklin County home, call SERVPRO of Tri Cities West/Franklin County today!

Calling a Professional

If you're not sure whether or not you have a leak, don't be afraid to call a professional. Your first step should be to take your time and look around the room. Look for small puddles of water on the floor and feel along walls for dampness and mold growth. If this doesn't work, it's time to call in an expert.

There are many reasons why a professional damage restoration expert or plumber may be needed:

  • if you can't find the leak
  • if there is a leak coming from behind a wall
  • if there is no visible evidence of where the leak is coming from
  • if your attempts at fixing it yourself have failed (or are too difficult)

Act Quickly

If you ignore the problem, it can lead to serious consequences. Water damage is one of the most common results of a leaky shower. The constant moisture can cause mold growth and insect infestation, as well as wood rot or rust on fixtures like pipes and faucets. If you notice any water damage around your house, it's important to get it addressed immediately so that it doesn't become an even bigger issue down the road!

Tips for Preventing Shower Leaks

To prevent leaks in your shower, you should:

  • Perform regular maintenance on your shower pan. This includes checking for any cracks or chips in the tile and fixing any that are found.
  • Make sure you have a drain cover designed to fit over your drain. A good choice would be a grated drain cover made out of stainless steel or fiberglass, which will help prevent clogs from hair and soap scum buildup while also allowing water to flow freely through the grate without damaging it or causing other problems with drainage flow rates and pressure levels when used as directed by manufacturer recommendations (i.e., keep at least 1” away from walls).
  • Make sure that your drain is properly aligned. This will make sure it drains correctly, leading away from where water could leak into another part of your house.

Water Damage Can be Expensive

Water damage caused by a leak or malfunctioning drain or valve can be expensive to fix. If you ignore a leak, it can cause more damage than if you had fixed it right away. This is why it’s so important to know what to look for when inspecting your shower pan. Look at the floor around the base of your shower curtain rod. If there is any evidence that water has seeped through the subflooring and onto the carpet underneath, there may be a problem with your drain assembly or some other system in place below your shower pan.

The most important thing to remember is that your home is your castle. If there’s something wrong with it, you want to know about it before it becomes a serious problem. Don’t put off investigating any signs of water damage—it could lead to much more expensive repairs down the road!

Tips for Sewage Cleanup

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

Overflowing broken toilet No one expects to find their home flooded from a simple flush of the toilet, but occasionally such problems do occur.

Sewage Cleaning Suggestions

No one expects to find their home flooded from a simple flush of the toilet, but occasionally such problems do occur. Sewer cleanup experts in Kennewick, WA, assess the problem in your home and take the appropriate steps to get it back to normal again.

Identify the Source

The source of the water informs the entire cleaning process, so identifying where it came from is typically the first objective. Water from a sewer backup requires a more intense cleaning process because it is likely contaminated with various substances that you don't want to remain in your home:

  • Bacteria or other microbes
  • Feces
  • Harsh chemicals

Remove Water and Materials

Before they can disinfect the area, technicians must remove the excess water and any materials that it has destroyed. This may include tiles, drywall or any other porous materials that cannot be salvaged. It's important to tear out damaged materials so that secondary problems such as further saturation or mold growth don't set in and spread.

Disinfect Affected Spaces

A key step in sewer cleanup is making sure the bacteria from the backup are eradicated. Specialists use strong cleaners to get rid of any microorganisms that remain. To get the cleaning solution into some of the smaller cracks and crevices, they may need to use special equipment. After a thorough cleaning, the specialists test the area to ensure that the microbes are gone.

Restore the Room

The whole area around the flooded toilet must be cleaned and dried, but the remediation process isn't complete until everything is back in place. New walls and flooring that match the existing patterns are installed. The issue that caused the toilet to back up in the first place must be resolved so that there are no more issues.

The sewer cleanup process is pretty straightforward, but it's important that no step is skipped. Experienced specialists complete the process as efficiently as possible.

5 Steps To Clean Your Personal Items After Water Damage

3/4/2022 (Permalink)

Carpet Removal After a Water Damage SERVPRO has team members ready 24/7/365 to assist you after any kind of water damage. Call us!

Following These 5 Steps Will Help You Clean Your Personal Items After Water Damage

Few things cause more destruction than water in a home, and your entire structure, along with many of your personal belongings, can be affected. The good news is that emergency restoration services are available to help you with the cleaning and drying process. If your home in Kennewick, WA, has suffered water damage, there are steps that can help you save furniture, clothing and other valuables while you wait for the professionals.

1. Safety First

Whether you are experiencing damage from a broken pipe or a natural disaster, standing water in the home can be contaminated and dangerous. Wear protective clothing and footwear to avoid exposure. Disconnect power if water is present near any electrical appliances.

2. Lower the Humidity

Mold and mildew thrive in damp conditions, and you can combat their growth by reducing humidity. Open all the doors and windows, and utilize fans and dehumidifiers to circulate air.

3. Move Items to Higher Ground

Relocate any movable objects, such as furniture, clothing, carpets and rugs, to a dry area. Rinse any items that are still wet with clean water, and gently wipe them free of dirt and debris. Dry cleaning for upholstery and fabrics may be necessary.

4. Care for Fragile Belongings

Pictures, books and documents should be handled with care. Try to avoid touching wet surfaces as much as you can, and allow items to air-dry if possible. You can place books and photographs in a freezer to avoid further deterioration until they can be professionally treated.

5. Preserving Antiques

When it comes to expensive antiques or other collectibles, consider the worth of each piece before deciding whether to care for it yourself or to take it to a professional. Items made of wood or leather will likely need to air dry naturally, as heat can cause further damage.

When you are dealing with water in the home, time is of the essence, so act quickly to clean and salvage your items while you wait for professional assistance.

Watch For the Hidden Signs of a Leaky Bathtub or Shower

1/13/2022 (Permalink)

Keep An Eye Out For The Signs Of A Leaky Bathtub Or Shower

If you are like many citizens of Finley, WA, you love to take a relaxing bath or shower. If you have a leak, however, your otherwise calming bath could turn into a nightmare. Fortunately, you do not have to wait for a shower or bathtub leak to sneak up on you.

Understanding the Consequences of a Bathroom Leak

As you probably know, bathroom leaks can cause a mess. You may not realize, though, that leaks often contribute to extensive damage inside your home. Specifically, following a bath or shower pan leak, you may notice damage to the following areas:

  • Tile
  • Drywall
  • Fixtures
  • Subflooring
  • Paint
  • HVAC systems

Finding Hidden Bathroom Leaks

When there is water on the bathroom floor, a leak can be easy to identify. Hidden leaks, however, often take weeks, months or longer to show themselves. As such, you must watch for some warning signs to know you may have water in place it isn’t supposed to be. Specifically, keep an eye out for the following:

  • Mold growth
  • Musty odors
  • Floor weakness
  • Stains

You may also not realize you have a shower or bathtub leak until you open your monthly utility bills. If your water bill spikes despite normal usage, you could have a hidden water leak somewhere in your home.

Repairing Water Damage

If you catch a bathroom leak immediately, you may only need to stop the leak and wipe up excess water. For leaks that last more than a few hours, however, damage may be extensive. To be certain your bathroom returns to its pre-leak condition, consider working with an experienced flood-mitigation technician. Specialists have the knowledge and equipment to identify leaks, clean belongings and repair damage.

You don’t want to ignore a shower or bathtub leak. While finding hidden leaks can be challenging, watching for their warning signs is usually worth the effort. With a bit of work, you can likely repair leaking fixtures and mitigate water damage.

Watch For the Hidden Signs of a Leaky Bathtub or Shower

1/13/2022 (Permalink)

A plumber is checking a bathtub leak SERVPRO is your local water, flood, and fire damage restoration professional. Call SERVPRO today to learn more about how we can help!

Keep An Eye Out For The Signs Of A Leaky Bathtub Or Shower

If you are like many citizens of Finley, WA, you love to take a relaxing bath or shower. If you have a leak, however, your otherwise calming bath could turn into a nightmare. Fortunately, you do not have to wait for a shower or bathtub leak to sneak up on you.

Understanding the Consequences of a Bathroom Leak

As you probably know, bathroom leaks can cause a mess. You may not realize, though, that leaks often contribute to extensive damage inside your home. Specifically, following a bath or shower pan leak, you may notice damage to the following areas:

  • Tile
  • Drywall
  • Fixtures
  • Subflooring
  • Paint
  • HVAC systems

Finding Hidden Bathroom Leaks

When there is water on the bathroom floor, a leak can be easy to identify. Hidden leaks, however, often take weeks, months or longer to show themselves. As such, you must watch for some warning signs to know you may have water in place it isn’t supposed to be. Specifically, keep an eye out for the following:

  • Mold growth
  • Musty odors
  • Floor weakness
  • Stains

You may also not realize you have a shower or bathtub leak until you open your monthly utility bills. If your water bill spikes despite normal usage, you could have a hidden water leak somewhere in your home.

Repairing Water Damage

If you catch a bathroom leak immediately, you may only need to stop the leak and wipe up excess water. For leaks that last more than a few hours, however, damage may be extensive. To be certain your bathroom returns to its pre-leak condition, consider working with an experienced flood-mitigation technician. Specialists have the knowledge and equipment to identify leaks, clean belongings and repair damage.

You don’t want to ignore a shower or bathtub leak. While finding hidden leaks can be challenging, watching for their warning signs is usually worth the effort. With a bit of work, you can likely repair leaking fixtures and mitigate water damage.

What To Do When a Toilet Overflows During a Shower

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

 Leakage of water from a toilet due to blockage of the pipe If you have water damage in your home, you can count on SERVPRO, we offer our cleanup and restoration services around the clock, 7 days a week

When A Toilet Overflows During A Shower, What Should You Do?

A toilet overflow that occurs during a shower is a clear sign of a clogged pipe. If you own a toilet snake, you may be able to clear the clog. Otherwise, it will be necessary to call a plumber. Use the following sewage cleaning methods to clear clogs that form between the toilet and sewer.

1. Snake the Toilet

Use an auger or snake designed for use in toilets. Models are available with hand cranks or adapters that fit a power drill. Depending on the severity of the clog, you may want to run the snake through the toilet or remove the toilet and insert the snake directly into the floor drain.

2. Clear the Drain Cleanout

If snaking does not work, try clearing the clogged pipe at the drain cleanout. This cap on the main drain is located in the basement or crawlspace of a home. Use a long pipe wrench to remove the cap. Keep in mind that sewage cleaning may be necessary if the backup flows out of the uncapped cleanout. Run the snake through the cleanout opening.

3. Call a Plumber

If snaking the toilet, floor drain, or drain cleanout does not clear a clog, it will be necessary to call a plumber. Professionals have tools that can reach further than consumer-grade snakes and can also help with issues such as a sewer line that has become blocked by tree roots or that has collapsed.

The best way to test whether each measure is working is to run the shower and see if another toilet overflow occurs. If you are not sure how to use a snake, you may want to call a professional as soon as you notice the toilet overflowing during a shower. If your residence sustains sewage damage, you should also call a sewage cleaning and water damage restoration service in Kennewick, WA.

My Toilet Leaks Every Time It Is Flushed

11/17/2021 (Permalink)

Overflowing broken toilet If you have problems with a leak in your house, call SERVPRO. We are specialists ready to help you with any water damage in your home.

Every Time I Flush My Toilet, It Leaks.

Nobody wants a leaking toilet. The biggest problem is that the leaks can be difficult to find. However, if a toilet leaks when flushed, that narrows the possibilities considerably. There are three toilet components that need to be examined on a toilet that leaks when flushed. They are the:

  • Flange that is attached to the drain.
  • Closet bolts that secure the toilet to the floor.
  • Wax ring that seals the connection between the toilet and the flange.

Try the Simplest Fix First

For the wax ring to do its job, it needs to be tightly compressed between the toilet and the flange. This compression is delivered by the closet bolts that attach the toilet to the floor. If these bolts are loose, water can leak around the wax ring when the toilet is flushing. You can tighten the bolts as follows.

1. Remove the caps covering the bolts.

2. Tighten the first bolt a little and rotate through the rest of the bolts doing the same. Repeat the process until all the bolts are snug. Do not overtighten the bolts or you may crack the toilet’s base.

3. Place the caps back on the bolts.

The Next Step Requires Removing The Toilet

If tightening the closet bolts didn’t stop your leaking toilet, the next step is to remove the toilet and examine the wax seal, the flange and the toilet. You are looking for:

  • A broken Flange.
  • Toilet damage where it meets the flange.
  • A dry or damaged wax ring

If the toilet and flange seem undamaged, replace the old wax ring and reattach the toilet to the floor. Hopefully, the new wax ring eliminates the leak.

Leaks You Don’t See

The only thing worse than a leaking toilet is a toilet where the leak is out of sight. By the time such a bathroom leak is discovered, the damage can be significant. That’s when you call in water and sewer cleanup specialists located in the Finley, WA, area.

How To Handle a Flood in the Basement

9/17/2021 (Permalink)

A flooded basement SERVPRO can help you to handle any flood damage in your home.

How To Handle A Basement Flood

There are many factors that can contribute to the flooding of your home’s basement. While there are some things you can do to lower your risk of damages, at some point in the life of your house in Richland, WA, the presence of unwanted water in your basement is almost inevitable. When it happens, experienced water restoration specialists can help get it dry and functional again.

Causes of Water in the Basement

No matter how vigilant you are to waterproof your basement, you may still find the occasional puddle or even standing water on the floor. Excess water can have myriad causes:

  • Rising water table after a heavy rain
  • Cracks in the foundation that allow groundwater to seep in
  • Intense runoff from gutters and downspouts
  • Broken or leaking pipes
  • Overflow from appliances
  • Malfunction of sump pump or flood control devices

The first thing restoration technicians will want to do is find the cause of the flooding. They may have to perform pipe repair or some other task to keep the water from entering. Once they have taken care of the source, they can begin the repairs.

Dealing with Damage

When you experience a basement flood in Richland, WA, it is important to take the advice of the professionals you hire. Once they have removed the excess water and repaired or replaced the flooring and walls affected by it, they can finish with the drying process. These technicians can also be rich sources of information on how to control the humidity level in your basement so you can avoid mildew or mold problems.

While flooding in your basement is likely to occur at some point, do not let the threat of floods stop you from maximizing the space. As long as you keep a watchful eye on it and call experienced professionals when you need water restoration services, you can enjoy your basement for years to come.

Best Ways To Drain a Flooded Basement

7/15/2021 (Permalink)

Repairing a sump pump in a basement with a red LED light illuminating the pit and pipe work for draining ground water A sump pump can get volumes of water out of your home.

How Do I Stop My Basement From Flooding?

In some settings, water offers the perfect opportunity for fun, games, play and relaxation. Of course, it’s never good to find it on the floor of your Finley, WA, home. A basement flood can cause severe problems, and these incidents can start from many sources. No matter what the culprit may be, it’s essential to get rid of the water as soon as possible so you can avoid further health and safety issues.

Call a Trained Professional

A flooded home can be a daunting task to tackle. Luckily, you don’t have to combat it on your own. If you’ve had water damage, you need to contact a qualified restoration specialist right away. The professionals have the knowledge and tools to remove the water.

  • The pros will use a heavy-duty pump to remove standing water.
  • For saturated carpets and for smaller problems, the technician will use a wet vac.
  • The professional will then thoroughly dry the area to prevent mold growth.

Pump Method

If your basement flood has brought a significant amount of water into your home, you’ll need more than a simple water extractor to get rid of it. This is why the professionals use waterproof pumps to get large volumes of water out of your home. The technician will use different sizes of hoses, depending on how much water is in your home. The person will pump the water out of your home so it will slope toward the storm drain outside.

Wet Vacuum

Even minor floods require intervention. If you neglect this step, mold could grow in your home, and you may have a problem with insurance coverage as well. Wet vacuums are easy to operate and can suck out up to 5 gallons of water per tank from your floor.

As basement flood is nothing you should take lightly. Make sure you hire competent help that will use these effective methods.

Flooded Basement? Here Are Some Key Tips

6/24/2021 (Permalink)

Basement flood in Kennewick, WA We can dry your basement quickly

A basement can flood at any time; although this is the season we see the most flood damage because flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall and snow melt. Basements are naturally prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a structure and are generally built partially or completely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Kennewick, WA basement could flood, including:

  • A blocked or failed sewer pipe
  • Heavy rain causing exterior water to collect near your structure
  • Storm sewer backup
  • Sanitary sewer backup
  • Foundation drainage damage
  • Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
  • And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - (509)943-9290

If flood water is not controlled rapidly and correctly, it can endanger your health and safety, and cause extreme damage to your building. Remember, If you act fast then there is a good chance you can restore the property and damaged materials instead of replacing them; saving you money and time.

KEY SAFETY TIPS:

  1. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
  2. Do not walk through moving water. Even six inches of moving water can make you fall.
  3. Use no open flames (there may be gas escaping from ruptured mains).
  4. Avoid floodwaters. Water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged.
  5. Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by flood waters
  6. Return only when authorities indicate it's safe.

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 Tri-Cities West/Franklin 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 and we are confident that we can earn yours too.

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 (509)943-9290

What To Do Before an Insurance Adjuster Arrives at Your Home

3/10/2021 (Permalink)

Man wearing a white helmet while writing on a clipboard The insurance adjuster works closely with our team from start to finish.

Follow The Below Steps

If your Kennewick, WA property suffers water damage following a storm or plumbing issue, you should file an insurance claim right away. A home adjuster will then come to your house to assess the loss. To ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible, follow the below steps.

1. Identify the Damage
The inspection will go much more quickly if the adjuster knows where to look once he or she arrives. You should thus walk around your home and note any damage ahead of time. Do not forget about exterior structures such as the pool and garage.

2. Get Proof of Your Losses
Your word alone is not enough to substantiate your losses. Make an inventory of everything that was damaged and locate the receipts for those items. You could also take videos or photos of the destruction and show them to the adjuster.

3. Understand How Claims Are Determined
The home adjuster may give you an estimate that is lower than you expect. This could lead to tension or a fight with the insurance company. It thus helps to know before the adjuster's visit what factors he or she will use to calculate the value of claim.
The details of your policy will play a big role. Find out if your policy includes replacement costs or actual cash value. Replacement cost policies do not deduce for depreciation when giving you money to replace damaged items.
If you have an older home, it may not be up-to-date with the latest building codes. When cleanup and restoration professionals rebuild your property after the loss, they will have to comply with these codes. This extra cost is not always included in homeowners' policies.
Before the home adjuster arrives to your property, make note of all the damage that occurred. You should also read over your policy so you will know exactly what is covered. This way, you should not be surprised by the adjuster's estimate.

How To Avoid Secondary Water Damage

2/10/2021 (Permalink)

Mold growth on ceiling Take quick action and call professionals to avoid the expense and inconvenience of secondary issues.

After a pipe breaks or the toilet backs up, your first efforts will involve cleaning up the water and then cleaning and drying your home. Sometimes, however, those initial efforts aren't enough to prevent secondary damage. The best way to avoid black mold and other trouble related to the initial water damage is to clean as thoroughly as possible, sometimes with the help of South Highlands, WA, professionals.

Understand the Damage Possibilities

There are several types of secondary harm that can cause serious damage:

Mold growth is one of the most common types of damage after you've had water damage in your property. The high humidity that develops during flooding allows moisture to develop behind the walls, and this creates a welcoming environment for black mold.
Water damage also invites intruders such as insects and rodents. A small drip of water moistens building materials enough that it is easy for mice or insects to chew their way inside.
Dry rot happens when wood holds onto moisture for a prolonged amount of time. This weakens the integrity of the structure.
If moisture is allowed to rest on metal pipes, nails, and other building materials, it isn't unusual to find signs of rust or corrosion.

Other types of damage could include vinyl peeling up from the floor and swollen walls. Unfortunately, this damage may not be covered by your insurance.

How To Avoid Secondary Issues
It is possible to avoid secondary damage. Start by opening windows for ventilation and removing water as quickly as possible. Move any furniture, rugs, and other water-logged items outside or into a dry room. Next, contact water damage and restoration professionals. These crews of technicians have specialized equipment to dry your building thoroughly, sanitize building materials and furnishings, and test for hidden pockets of humidity and potential damage.
Don't wait until you notice black mold before you get help after a burst pipe or other water-related emergency. Take quick action and call professionals to avoid the expense and inconvenience of secondary issues.

Secondary Damage is a Sign of Underlying Concerns

1/18/2021 (Permalink)

Peeling paint from wall Water damage in a Kennewick, WA home

Secondary Damage is a Sign of Underlying Concerns

When your body suffers from a cold, you develop outward symptoms. You may cough or sneeze. Fevers might develop. Congestion sets in. A home is no different. It too shows exterior signs of something being wrong. Black mold, peeling paint, unusual smells, and rusty pipes are indicators that the property has an underlying condition. Known as primary damage, something is off, allowing moisture to penetrate into the building. Homeowners must tend not only the visual signs but also the source. Only then can the premises get back to proper order.

What Causes the Trouble?

Your residence's high humidity or dampness is arising from something. Ask a water restoration company in Kennewick, WA, to investigate. Their team of knowledgeable crew has the technology and testing ability to determine what is off. It could be any of the following:

  • Broken pipe
  • Appliance malfunction
  • Sewer backup
  • Air conditioner leak
  • Irrigation trouble
  • Missing Shingles


Locating this problem is important and must be done to stop the overall harm.


Are Secondary Concerns Really Important?
Water, while quite good for the body, is not beneficial to the house. When it lingers, various conditions may occur. Black mold, a lover of moisture, may set in. The flooring can become ruined. Drywall may be drenched. These are usually more expensive and time-consuming to fix because they mean an overhaul of the space.
Secondary damage requires tearing out saturated materials and drying out procedures. Porous objects are hard to sanitize. If they become soaked, the team often resorts to removal. That means drywall and carpeting are pulled out and belongings must be evaluated. Left alone, the situation could exacerbate.
When your eyes begin to see something is wrong, act quickly. Delays can complicate cleanup, permitting other complications to arise. Black mold and expensive repairs may be prevented when you fix the primary source and react swiftly to the secondary conditions.

Why You Want To Use A Water Restoration Company

1/14/2021 (Permalink)

Air movers set up on the floor of a bedroom in a Kennewick home that experienced water damage. The water removal and water cleanup process is completed by our highly-trained technicians.

When you suffer flood or fire damage

it is time to think about the Water Damage restoration. This is a multi-faced task and it involves drying the excess water in your home/business while at the same time repairing the water damaged material. It is important that you should start with restoration, repair and clean up as soon as you can after the damage so that you can prevent further water damage, mildew and the mold growth. It is recommended that it should take place in 24 hours after the event.

The best way to deal with the water damage is to call the water damage restoration company in your area. They will get rid of the water in effective and safe manner and it is the best resources without damaging the property further.

You should consider the SERVPRO of Tri Cities West because they will be able to do the restoration, repair and the clean up fast and thoroughly. The water damage restoration company has trained employees, moisture sensing equipment that can sense if studs and insulation are wet, and a team who will work together to ensure that they get rid of the problem as fast as they can and prevent the problems of secondary water damage to the home.

The companies will also help you prevent the growth of the mildew and mold in the home by making sure that there is no excess water. When there is mold in the home, SERVPRO of Tri Cities West will also use industrial grade disinfectants with cleaners to make sure that it does not pose any secondary damages.

SERVPRO of Tri Cities West is the best source if you want to restore your Kennewick home without putting your home/business or family at risk. When you get the services of this company, you will be able to move back into your home faster since the company has the right tools to make sure that they get rid of all the water

Tri Cities West 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

1/13/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO equipment set up on a carpet in a Kennewick, WA house to dry the water damage When your Kennewick home has water damage from flooding or leaks, we have the expertise and equipment to properly restore your property.

Water Damage Restoration

SERVPRO of Tri-Cities West provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Tri-Cities, WA.

SERVPRO of Tri-Cities West 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 Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 509-943-9290

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 Tri-Cities West 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)?

Call Us Today! (509) 943-9290

Water Damage? A Quick Response Is Crucial

12/26/2020 (Permalink)

A man sitting at a kitchen table casually reading the newspaper while water rains onto him from the ceiling A Slow Reaction To Water Damage Can Cause Irreparable Damage. Don't Wait. SERVPRO Will Help 24 Hours A Day and 365 Days A Year.

SERVPRO of Tri-Cities West provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Tri-Cities, WA, 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 Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 509-943-9290

We understand that when you call us after a water damage, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Tri-Cities West 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 to serve you.

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)?
  • Is there standing water?
  • Number of floors/rooms affected?
  • Type of floor affected?

Call Us Today! (509) 943-9290

The Science of Drying

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the science, equipment and technology to help you after a water damage incident.

Did you know there is actually a science behind drying out wet material after a water damage or flood mishap? Having the knowledge of physychrometrics is essential to restoring a water damaged structure to its preloss condition. While your initial reaction may be to grab a few towels to mop up the mess and place a fan or two around the damaged area, SERVPRO professionals are trained in the science of drying and follow strict industry approved standards to help lower the chances of any secondary damages like mold or mildew. If your home or business suffers a water damage, SERVPRO will:

  • Inspect the building to detect every component that is wet to help prevent secondary damage from happening
  • Measure how much moisture is in wet materials and monitor whether are drying properly.
  • Speed up Mother Nature by using professional drying equipment.

What exactly does it mean to help “speed up Mother Nature”? A wet building can often dry naturally because the environment always seeks equilibrium. When materials are wet, moisture will naturally move to the drier air in the surface of the material – but only if the air is drier.  The only problem is, nature often takes too long and secondary damages may occur while the building is drying out.

SERVPRO of Tri Cities West has the tools, training and equipment to help Mother Nature along, Including equipment to help dry hardwood floors, tough-to-reach spaces inside walls, and much more. SERVPRO also uses state-of-the-art monitoring equipment and a proven scientific process to help speed the drying of your home or business.

It’s not only the equipment but the technology too! SERVPRO has developed DryBook™, a proprietary tool that provides real-time documentation and updates on the drying process and helps ensure industry drying requirements are met. With DryBook™ Mobile, you have the ability to know where your property is at in the drying process.

The bottom line? SERVPRO of Tri Cities West has the training and equipment to help make water damage “Like it never even happened.”