Why the Summer is the Best Time to Prepare for Frozen Pipes Frozen pipes cause significant headaches during the winter months. This statement is even more true if you live in DC and the surrounding areas. When the temperature begins to drop, the pipes on your property have a chance to freeze. Furthermore, when your pipes freeze, they may burst, causing water damage all over your property. Despite all the doom and gloom, there are things you can do to ensure you don’t fall victim to frozen pipes. The best season to begin work on your pipes is the summer. Working on your pipes during the summer provides several opportunities you would not have during the winter. In this article, we will go over the reasons why you should be preparing for frozen pipes during the summer. The Summer Gives You Time to Prevent Water Damage Addressing your pipes during the summer gives you more time to resolve issues. Pipes can take time to repair and even more time to replace. For example, if you notice that your pipes are beginning to crack, it is a good sign you will need to replace your pipes. Replacing pipes could take weeks and sometimes months. Doing all your inspections and repairs in the summer will ensure your pipes are ready to go at the start of winter. Indeed, pristine new pipes are less likely to freeze and cause water damage. Beat the Rush and Get Your Repairs Done in the Summer One of the busiest times of the year for a plumber is the winter. Indeed, freezing weather wreaks havoc on the plumbing in your home. This is why you want to avoid inspecting and repairing your pipes during the winter. For example, if you notice a problem like cracking or swelling, it could take weeks to get a plumber to look at it. During this time, your pipes could freeze and burst and cause damage. During the summer, plumbers will more likely have time to examine and repair the pipes on your property. Spend Time Choosing the Right Restoration Company Unfortunately, no matter how much you prepare, you can still fall victim to water damage. That is why you need a water restoration company ready to go the moment they are required. There are a few things you need to look for when choosing a water restoration company. For example, water damage can occur at any time, so you need a restoration company that will respond when you need them. In fact, the sooner the restoration process is started, the less severe the water damage will be. Also, a water restoration company needs to use state-of-the-art methods and technology. Here at DC Water Restoration, we provide industry-leading water restoration services to the DC area. If you are trying to be proactive this summer against water damage, visit our website to learn about what makes a good water restoration company.
How the Smart Home is Helping Combat Water Damage Water damage is a scenario that can wreak havoc on your property as well as your wallet. In fact, flooding and burst pipes alone cause millions of dollars of water damage every year. Fortunately, modern technology is rising to the challenge of creating technology dedicated to the reduction of water damage. Here are some ways the smart home is helping combat water damage. Also, we will show you useful devices that you can get for your property. Using Communication to Prevent Water Damage The most significant opportunity smart homes give to us is our ability to control our home from anywhere. Once you have a smart home “base” at your property, you can access your property no matter where you are. Indeed, from turning on and off your lights to turning up the heat, there are no limits to what is under your control. More and more household appliances and other devices are coming with the ability to work on smart home services. Here is a short list of just a few of the items and devices that can help you prevent water damage. Sensors Provide the Warning You Need A common and useful item many people get for their smart home is a set of sensors. Sensors can be used for many tasks. For example, you can get a sensor that detects whether your floor is flooding. Once the sensor detects flooding, it will send a notification to your phone or another device, and you can then act appropriately. Sending this notification will allow you to address possible water damage before it is too late. In fact, the faster you respond to a flooding event, the less severe your water damage will be. Never Let Your Pipes Freeze Again with a Smart Thermostat If you live in Washington DC or another area that gets freezing weather, you know how bad the winters can get. A common issue that comes with freezing weather is frozen and burst pipes. When your pipes freeze, they can burst and cause water damage throughout your property. One of the best ways to combat frozen pipes is to keep your property warm. Unfortunately, accidents happen, and you can leave your property without raising the thermostat. If you had a smart thermostat that worked with your smart home, this problem would cease to happen. Smart thermostats will warn you when the temperature gets too low at your property. Also, you can set your smart thermostat to automatically kick on the heat if the weather gets too cold. A Smart Home Allows You to Start the Restoration Process Faster The smart home is designed to give you the maximum amount of time to react to possible water damage. Once you confirm you have water damage, the next step you need to take is contacting a water restoration service. Here at DC Water Restoration, we provide industry-leading services to Washington DC and the surrounding areas. Come to our website today and learn more helpful advice to prevent water damage to your property.
Basic Household Items That Can Save The Day Experiencing water damage is never fun. You have to deal with the property damage caused by burst pipes and flooding. Also, you have to repair or replace any items damaged by water. What if there were items that could help reduce or even stop water damage from occurring? And what if you already had these items in your home? In this article, we will go over a few household items you may already have that can help save your property from water damage. Soaking Up The Water Damage With Towels It is safe to assume that we all have a stack of old towels lying around somewhere in our home. Instead of throwing these old towels away, they can actually come in handy in case of a burst pipe or flooding. In fact, when you notice that water is beginning to pool on your property, you need to act quickly and grab some towels. Use the towels to start soaking up the water. However, while towels are useful for cleaning up the water, they cannot stop water altogether. We recommend you keep some towels handy in various rooms so you can act quickly if the moment arrives. Use Your Central Heater or Portable Heater Frozen pipes are a significant issue during the winter months. In fact, when your pipes freeze, they run the risk of bursting and causing massive water damage to your property. Fortunately, there are items in your home that can help keep your pipes warm during the winter. If you live in the DC area or another city on the East Coast, you probably have central heating. Keeping your central heater on high during freezing weather will prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting. If you don’t have central heat, you can keep a portable heater close to your pipes to achieve the same goal. Get Yourself Some Sand and A Sock Sometimes floodwater can get to the point where it will spread from room to room. When this happens, you must keep the water contained in a single room. Keeping the water contained will help stop water damage from affecting other areas of your property. Fortunately, there are some great ways to block water from spreading, and they can be accomplished with simple household items. If you are in a pinch to stop flooding water, all you need is some sand and an old tube sock. Fill the socks with sand and place them at the foot of the door where the water is flooding. The water will have a difficult time passing through the sock. Also, items like rice are an excellent substitute if you do not have sand. Preparation Will Not Always Win The Day Unfortunately, no matter what you do to stop water damage, it can still cause significant issues on your property. If you live in the DC area and need water damage restoration, look no further then DC Water Restoration. Here at DC Water Restoration, we take pride in offering industry-leading services that fit anyone’s budget. Come to our website today and learn how you can save time and money in restoring your property’s water damage.
What You Can Do to Help Your Pipes Survive the DC Winter For those living in DC, you know firsthand that the winter months can get overwhelming. Indeed, DC and the surrounding suburbs are notorious for getting the worst weather during winter. A significant downside of this cold weather is the effect it can have on your home’s or property’s pipes. When the weather dips below freezing, your pipes are at a major risk of freezing and bursting. Bursting pipes can flood your home or property and cause severe water damage. However, not all hope is lost. In this article, we will go over a few things you can do to help your pipes survive the DC winter. Keep Your Pipes Warm to Prevent Water Damage The best way to prevent any water damage to your home or property is to keep your pipes warm. Frozen pipes occur when stagnant water trapped in your pipes freezes and expands. As a result, if your pipes are warm, the stagnant water trapped in your pipes will flow normally and not freeze. There are several methods you can use to keep your pipes warm. First, you can update the insulation in your walls. Insulation will wrap your pipes in warmth and make it extremely difficult for your pipes to freeze. However, this solution is expensive and can take a good amount of time to complete. Second, keeping a portable heater is a quick way of getting heat to your pipes during freezing weather. Also, portable heaters are affordable and easy to get for property owners in the DC area. Inspect Your Pipes Before the Winter Season There are also steps you can take before the winter season to ensure you are not a victim of water damage. During the summer and fall months, you need to perform a visual inspection of all the accessible pipes on your property. Look for any warping, swelling, or cracks. Next, if you notice any of these defections, you have two options. The first option is to repair the pipes on your own. Your next option is to hire a professional to either fix your pipes or replace them altogether. Whatever option you choose, they will both be effective in preventing water damage. Have A Water Damage Game Plan in Place Unfortunately, no matter how much preparation you do, there will always be a risk of water damage when it comes to your pipes. It is vital that you have a plan in place in case the worst happens and you have to deal with a burst pipe. The first thing you should do is shut off the water in your property. Next, you need to contact a water restoration company that will handle the water damage that has already occurred. Here at DC Water Restoration, we take pride in offering industry-leading services to the city of DC and surrounding neighborhoods. Indeed, we provide 24/7/365 service, and in most cases, we can respond to any emergency in as little as 60 minutes. Check out our website today and learn how our services can help prevent water damage to your property.
4 Items You Need to Help with Water Damage Water damage is a traumatic event that affects millions of Americans every year. In fact, whether it is through a burst pipe or a particularly bad storm, water damage can affect you at any time. If you live in Washington, DC, or another area that is prone to freezing or heavy storms, you need to take action against water damage. Heaters, dehumidifiers, sandbags, and many other items can all be useful if you are experiencing heavy rain or a burst pipe. In this article, we will go over four items that every property owner should own to help prevent water damage. Heater A heater is a great tool to not only dry any water on your property but also prevent any future water damage. Placing a portable heater next to where the water damage occurred will dry up any water that was left behind. This action will slow down the rate at which the water is damaging your property. Also, if frozen pipes caused your water damage, it may be a smart idea to keep a portable heater near your pipes. Having a portable heater close to your pipes will help keep the pipes thawed out, which in turn will prevent further water damage. Another item that acts as a portable heater is a dehumidifier. Towels Towels are going to be your cheapest option on this list for preventing damage. Having a closet full of old towels can help prevent water damage from destroying your floors, as well as preventing water from spreading. Placing towels on the spots affected by the water will help absorb any leftover water. Also, towels can stop water from traveling to other rooms. Sandbags If you live in an area that is often affected by heavy rainfall, sandbags are a great way to keep your property safe. Sandbags create a barrier that water cannot pass through. Placing sandbags outside your doors and windows will help prevent rainwater from entering your property. Also, sandbags are an extremely affordable option for property owners. You can either make your own sandbags at home, or sandbags can be purchased at most home repair stores. Tool Kit Having a tool kit at the ready can help you make quick repairs to help prevent damage. For example, you can use a wrench to tighten the pipes around your property to stop the flow of water. Also, sometimes the water shutoff valve can be a pain to turn off. Using a wrench or a robust set of pliers can help you turn off the water valve in a pinch. Contact DC Water Restoration For Help No matter how many items you have, sometimes water damage is just unavoidable. When you experience water damage, you need to hire the right people to take care of it. If you live in DC or a surrounding suburb, you need to check out DC Water Restoration. Here at DC Water Restoration, we provide industry-leading services at affordable prices. Come to our website today and learn how we can save you both time and money.
4 Water Damage Tips Every Homeowner Should Know Water damage is a traumatic event that affects millions of Americans every year. The damage that is caused by water can not only ruin your personal items but also cost you thousands of dollars in property damage. However, with that said, there are several tips that you can use to make life easier. These tips involve items you can keep around your house and steps you can take before and after water damage. In this article, we will go over four water damage tips that every business and homeowner should know. Have Supplies at The Ready The longer water is left unnoticed, the higher the chance you will have extensive water damage. However, having certain items in your home or business will allow you to reduce and, in some cases, stop water damage altogether. If the water damage is coming from a burst pipe, here is what you need. Have access to your water shut-off valve so you can prevent further water from flooding your property. Next, two supplies are essential for reducing water damage. First, a humidifier will provide a useful way for you to dry any carpet or other fabrics that have had exposure to water. Second, towels are a great and affordable way to soak up and block any water. If your property experiences a substantial amount of rainfall, there are some items you can use to prevent water damage. Sandbags are a useful item for placing outside your property to prevent outside water from coming in. Also, if you don’t have access to sandbags, towels are a great cheap alternative to help stop the flow of outside water. Keep Detailed Records Water damage causes millions of dollars in property damage every year. Having home and business insurance is a good way to reduce those costs. However, insurance companies are not going to just send you a blank check. Most insurance companies will require you to show proof of water damage, as well as prices for any damaged property. Keeping good photographic and financial records will help you stay ahead of the curve. Cameras Can Save Your Property We live in a wonderful time of technology. Nowadays, the average person can go out and get an entire camera system for their property for an affordable price. Having cameras on your property will allow you to monitor the property when you are not home. The Best Water Damage Tips The best thing you can do after experiencing water damage is to contact a water damage restoration company. Here at DC Water Restoration, we provide industry-leading services in the DC area at competitive prices. In fact, we are available 24/7 and respond to any water damage in as little as 60 minutes. No matter the extent of the water damage to your property, you don’t have to deal with it alone. Contact us today and learn other water damage tips that can save you both time and money.
What Are the Different Types of Water? It’s no secret that water damage in DC is no laughing matter. However, the population at large is still not adequately informed on the details of water damage and how to better understand it. For example, knowing the type of water that has damaged your property will help you understand the damage that occurred and other potential issues. In this article, we will go over the different types of water and what they mean for your property. Clean Water Clean water is the most basic water that can cause water damage in DC. Clean water can come from the various pipes and faucets around your property. Due to the high pressure in pipes when they burst, the clean water can spread far and fast. Also, the mineral and contaminant count is usually low. The low contaminant count means the water damage is easier to clean up, and it will be easier to restore your property from the damage. To prevent water damage from clean water, you need to inspect all the pipes and faucets in your property for cracks or warping. Additionally, in the winter, you need to keep your pipes warm to prevent pipe bursts. Greywater Basically, greywater is the used or leftover water in your sinks, baths, and toilets. Greywater has more contaminants then clean water, which means it has the potential to cause more water damage. These contaminants can cause odors and stains to linger after the initial water damage has occurred. To prevent water damage from greywater, you need to perform a few tasks. First, make sure your, baths, sinks, and toilets are working properly. Second, keep your various appliances up-to-date by upgrading every so often. Finally, seal any cracks that you may find where greywater can leak out. Rainwater Rainwater has the potential to cause massive amounts of water damage in DC. For the most part, rainwater causes very little water damage to property. However, if you have a weak roof, rainwater can spell disaster. Depending on the severity of the storm, rainwater could very quickly inundate your property. If you have an outdated roof, any high-speed rainwater could cause cracks in the roof or even a complete roof collapse. Keeping your roof maintained will drastically reduce the chance of your roof experiencing any damage from rainwater. Boiler Feedwater One important type of water to mention on this list is boiler feedwater. Boiler feedwater is the water stored in your boiler or hot water heater. After your water heater experiences a leak or a burst, the water that is expelled will cause damage to the surrounding area. However, because boiler feedwater has the potential to be extremely hot, you run the risk of severe burns to yourself or your property. Basic maintenance of your boiler or water heater will help prevent any water damage. Getting Rid of Water Damage In DC No matter the type of water that causes water damage in DC, the fact remains that it can be devastating. However, you can relieve some of that stress by calling DC Water Restoration and letting us do the heavy lifting for you. With 24/7 emergency response service, we are prepared for any challenge, no matter the time.
Fire Damage in DC? Here’s What You Should Know Fire Damage in DC Having a fire is one of the most devastating events that can happen to a family. Not only could you be out thousands of dollars in lost property, but you are also putting your health at risk. Washington, DC, experiences thousands of fires a year, and the fire damage in DC costs home and business owners millions. In this article, we will go over the dangers of fire damage. Also, we will cover ways you can prepare your home and methods to clean up after the fire. The Structure of Your Property Matters A significant way a fire can cause severe damage is through structural damage. Structural damage occurs when a fire begins to eat away at the foundational skeleton of your property. Indeed, this eating away causes collapsed walls and structures and, in some cases, the complete collapse of the property. Fast response is key to preventing structural damage. We recommend having reliable smoke alarms and having a sprinkler system throughout your property. Water Matters One problem many people don’t think about is water damage. Indeed, water damage can cause a massive list of problems. For one thing, water can cause damage to property, including furniture, floors, and clothing. Also, water can cause mold to grow in your property, which can lead to a multitude of health issues. If you experience water damage due to fire damage in DC, give us a call at DC Water Restoration. Here at DC Water Restoration, we provide industry-leading service when it comes to fire damage. No matter what day or what time, we can offer emergency services in as little in 60 minutes. Smoke Kills After the firefighters extinguish the fire, your problems are only beginning. Smoke is dangerous to you and anyone that comes to your property. For instance, prolonged exposure to smoke can cause lung irritation and pain. If you have asthma, prolonged smoke can cause severe damage that will lead to hospitalization. Also, smoke can cause eye and skin irritation that leads to itching and inflammation of the affected area. An important thing to note is the irritation generally won’t be relieved through lotion or drops due to the presence of smoke particles. Asbestos Fire damage in DC may sometimes come with some different consequences. Washington, DC, has hundreds of buildings built before the 1980s. These buildings could have been constructed with asbestos. Asbestos is a compound the makes up materials used in buildings. Scientists then discovered asbestos could cause cancer. When a fire strikes a building, asbestos particles spread throughout the home and can affect you or your friends and family. Don’t Let Time Get Away from You The best way that you can prevent property damage and avoid occurring massive costs is speed. The faster you can respond to the damage to your property, the less there will be. If you experience fire damage in DC, be sure to give us a call at DC Water Restoration.
How Can Water Damage Your Home Residential Water Damage Water damage to your home can occur quickly and lead to numerous problems. It’s important to know about the various ways in which water can damage your home in order to prevent against them. Here are some ways in which water damage can arise. Water Entering the Home Rainwater can enter the home through leaks, typically via the roof or basement walls. This may occur slowly and go unnoticed at first causing interior damage to walls and flooring. This type of damage can be particularly severe, as it damages the interior structure of your home. Roofs that have asphalt shingles can be prone to leakage. The shingles tend to curl up and tear as they get older allowing rainwater to enter the home. In addition, roof flashing that is bent or pulling away is often a cause of leaks. Rainwater can also seep into your basement at weak spots during a storm. This seepage may go unnoticed for a long time. You may initially discover that your basement is leaking because you smell mold and mildew. It is important to do periodic inspections to make sure you do not have any leaks. Appliances Not Working Appliances, especially the washing machine, water heater, and kitchen sink, may develop leaks during usage. These leaks may start out small, from an ill-fitting washer or gasket at a joint. Or they may be larger, from a compromised or weakened pipe that has a hole. When you’ve experienced this type of water damage, it’s important to service the appliance to make sure there are no wet electrical wires that could cause a short or shock to the user. Secondary Damage One of the biggest impacts of water damage is what happens after the fact. Secondary water damage occurs from residue water that has not been properly cleaned or high levels of humidity that are impacting drying. Drywall that has absorbed water will often grow mold or other fungus. Molds and mildews start to grow in only 24 – 48 hours and, when left unaddressed, can cause unhealthy respiratory distress. What To Do if You Have Water Damage When you’ve experienced water damage, it’s important to get the issue addressed as soon as possible. Over time, damage can lead to structural, health, and safety issues. DC Water Restoration serves clients in the greater Washington DC area and knows that you need help to arrive quickly. We will assess the damage and start removing water right away to minimize home damage. If you need water damage restoration, call us at 1-202-792-7445 or contact us on our website.
Dealing With Summer Storm Damage Summer Storm Damage Storm damage can happen in any season, but summer storm damage can feel especially brutal. Not only is summer the hottest time of the year, but it’s a time when people are planning trips, dreaming up adventures, and generally not thinking about having to repair their homes. While Washington D.C. doesn’t often have tropical storms, the area is still affected by adverse weather. If you’ve been struck with summer storm damage, here are some tips for dealing with the aftereffects efficiently and effectively. Assess the Damage When water or storm damage occurs, the first and most important step is to assess the damage. While some of the damage can be monitored and assessed by regular individuals and homeowners, it’s always advisable to call a professional. They can help you fully determine the scope of the damage and create a plan for how to handle it. Document Everything Always make sure that everything is documented thoroughly in the wake of storm damage. Recording and verifying all damage is pivotal to the successful completion of repairs. This step, along with assessing the damage, is important for insurance purposes. A professional can help make sure you are gathering all the information you need for an insurance claim. Water Removal Summer storm damage can mean a number of things, including flooding and water damage in your home. If you have standing water in your home, it’s advisable to call a professional and experienced removal crew as soon as possible. Floodwater can carry contaminants and cause other dangers. In addition, water damage can put the structural integrity of your home at risk. Mold Remediation If you’ve experienced water damage, your home is at risk of mold and mildew growth. It’s important to remove water as soon as possible as well as dispose of any items that are waterlogged beyond repair. To decrease the risk of mold growth, you should also dry out the affected area as soon as possible. Summer storms can bring a lot of damage with them, and it’s not always safe to handle the clean-up alone. The experts at DC Water Restoration are here to help if you find yourself facing storm damage and are unsure of where to begin the clean-up process. If you’ve experienced summer storm damage in the DC area, give us a call at 1-202-792-7425, or contact us on our website.