Have Water Damage? Here's What to Do.

8/12/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® West Coast DRT knows the safe and best way to remove excess water and minimize the chance of mold growth.

Oh no! You notice a leaking pipe or a plumbing issue in your home or business. Don’t fret, SERVPRO® West Coast DRT is here for you. Before we arrive, however, here are some tips to safely take care of water damage. Keep in mind, these tips apply to clean water only. Sewage water causes different kinds of damage, and it is contaminated, so SERVPRO® treats that damage differently. SERVPRO® West Coast DRT is the perfect call to begin the water removal process, as our professional team will quickly and properly dry out your home or business from any water damage.

• When you notice damage occurring, immediately shut off the water source and turn off the power.
• If safe, remove as much water as possible with a mop and towels to soak up water.
• Place aluminum foil between wood furniture legs and carpet. Do not keep rugs and furniture upholstery wet against each other, as more damage will occur.

Safety is number one priority, so these steps are only recommended if they are safe to do so. Do not enter a room with standing water, as there could be a risk of an electrical shock. Ensure all power is disconnected as soon as flooding occurs. Do not use an ordinary household vacuum to try and remove water. SERVPRO® West Coast DRT knows the safe and best way to remove excess water and minimize the chance of mold growth. Call us at (818) 995-6444 to assist you today, we are 24/7/365.

What to do After a Flood

7/15/2022 (Permalink)

If you experience a flood on your property, let our experienced team of franchise professionals assess the flooding for any potential water damage.

Even while in a drought, Southern California is an area of high flood risk. Floods, when not treated properly, can potentially result in hundreds of thousands in damages. Heavy rain is just one potential cause of flooding. In reality, there are a variety of ways that your property could flood.

Top 3 Common Causes of Floods

1. Poor drainage
2. Broken pipes
3. Damaged foundations

Floodwater often becomes contaminated with sewage and chemicals, and it is unsafe to live in these conditions. It’s important to keep pipes in good condition as water damage is costly to repair.

If you experience flooding in your home perform the below actions to help keep damage down, but only when it is safe to do so:

• Stop the flooding from its source
• Turn off electricity (take extra care to avoid any moisture or collected water)
• Safely evacuate the structure affected by flooding

Once in a dry, safe location:

• Contact your insurance company
• Document the flooding (Take note of what was damaged by the water)

If you experience a flood on your property, let our experienced team of franchise professionals assess the flooding for any potential water damage. We will get your home back to pre-flood condition. Contact SERVPRO® West Coast DRT at (818) 995-6444 to begin the flood restoration, we are 24/7/365.

Mold, the Water Damage Unseen

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

Understanding the early signs of mold or water damage will help to minimize the extent damage can occur.

Mold thrives in unseen places, and less rather than more property owners are successful in identifying mold. In order to be vigilant, understand the importance of carrying out proper inspections and maintenance. Inspections should be performed at least twice a year, especially for those who live in areas where temperatures and moisture levels rise and fall frequently.

Inspecting for Mold

Check for water damage at the same time you inspect for mold growth. Water damage typically provides the prime spot for mold growth to occur. See below for the more common signs of water damage.

Bubbling walls: 

A telltale sign of mold is bubbling forming on painted walls. These are the areas contain the most moisture and are more likely to bubble up.

Musty odor:

When pipes begin to leak and mildew forms, it will create a very unpleasant scent. This is one of the first signs to check for water damage and mold. The closer you are to the affected area the more extreme the odor.

Rusting in open and/or enclosed spaces: 

Rust is the result of corrosion after the iron particles in an object have been exposed to oxygen and moisture. This can be a sign of excessive moisture in your commercial building. Humidity can also create the optimum conditions for mold growth.

Understanding the early signs of mold or water damage will help to minimize the extent damage can occur. If an inspection happens and a mold infestation discovered, reach out to SERVPRO® West Coast DRT at (818) 995-6444 to return your business or home to its preloss condition.

You Can Control Mold

3/3/2022 (Permalink)

Increase the circulation and raise the temperature of cold surfaces where moisture condenses.

There are many ways to control the internal moisture of your business or home to help with mold prevention. Review below for a comprehensive list of actions that can be taken to help prevent mold growth.

• Fix any leaks and / or seepage. If water is entering your business from outside, remediation efforts can range from simple landscaping to extensive excavation and waterproofing. Water collecting in your basement could be a result from a lack of gutters or water flowing toward the house. Water leaks from pipes or around tubs and sinks are a perfect breeding ground for microbial growth.
• Use plastic coverings over dirt in crawlspaces to prevent moisture from coming up from the ground. Make sure crawlspaces are well-ventilated.

• Exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens help to relocate moisture to the outside.
• Increase the circulation and raise the temperature of cold surfaces where moisture condenses. To increase air circulation, keep doors open between rooms, use fans to increase circulatory air, and place furniture away from corners. This promotes better air and heat circulation and carries heat to cold surfaces.

Moisture problems and their solutions vary from place to place. While the Southwest is hot and dry, the Northeast is cold and wet, the South is hot and wet, and the Western states are cold and dry. All these regions have different and complex moisture problems. The area you live will directly affect the remediation process.

What is Gray Water?

2/22/2022 (Permalink)

Ceiling pipe burst at commercial residency.

What is Gray Water?

Water Damage is extremely difficult to deal with. Responding in a timely manner is important but take it a step further and prepare yourself in case something should happen to your property. Knowing how to respond is as equally important to responding quickly, prevent further problems from developing by creating an emergency plan. See below for more about where Category 2 and 3 water damage comes from and what you can do to keep your property and family safe with the following information.

How We Determine Next Steps

One of the most critical steps to recovering from water damage is determining what kind of contamination you're dealing with. There are three different types of contaminated water according to The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) which are based on:

• The source of the water damage
• The length of exposure to the structure
• The likelihood of harmful chemicals or contaminants that may be present

What is Category 2 Water?

Also known as gray water or sullage, Category 2 water damage can harbor some amount of contamination that would be harmful to humans and animals. The sources most common to Category 2 water damage are toilet bowls containing urine, dishwasher or washing machine water, and sump pump failure resulting in flood damage.

What is Category 3 Water?

Category 3 is the most extreme and should be handled by the professionals. Also referred as blackwater, this category includes sewage, rising flood waters, seawater, as well as river and ground water. When category 3 water damage occurs, often many items and materials will need to be removed from your property, then after drying has occurred your home will need to undergo significant disinfecting.

Call the Professionals

Our franchise professionals at SERVPRO® here in the Encino / Sherman Oaks area are familiar with the risks associated with water damage to your home. As a leader in the water damage disaster industry, we use proven systems to address water damage when calls come in. There may not be a single source of water damage, so using specific procedures to minimize loss is essential.

Steps To Minimize Water Damage

12/15/2021 (Permalink)

Water Damage

1. Call a professional immediately. They can coordinate your next steps best and get you scheduled for assistance. A professional will give you advice that you can trust. In addition, remember to turn off your water and power to the affected areas. 
2. Take safety precautions. Even if you are aware of the source of water it still may contaminated. Water can be clear and still contain harmful bacteria and other contaminants.
3. Protect your belongings. If you have things that have objective or sentimental value to you or your family, scoop these things up and store them away in a safe place so that they won’t be exposed to water. It can be helpful to put a dry layer (some plywood, plastic, etc.) between legs of furniture and wet ground to prevent water seeping into the legs and deforming it. 
4. Begin water removal. Follow any specific instructions that were given when you were on the phone when you called for help. Don’t do anything potentially dangerous.

SERVPRO West Coast DRT has 24-hour emergency services, so don’t hesitate to contact us. Almost everyone experiences a flood in their home at some point make sure you have a plan to address.

5 Common Causes for Bathroom Flooding

10/28/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage in bathroom

1. PLUMBING BREAKS

Pipes age over time and can rupture. Excess water pressure is the main cause and can result in a quickly flood a bathroom.

2. OVERFLOWED TOILET

Toilet overflows are common occurrences and can often be the result of blocked toilet traps or backed-up sewer laterals.

3. BLOCKED PIPES

Wet wipes down toilets and hair down sinks are a few examples of the items that we routinely find as the primary cause of loss when performing water mitigation in a bathroom.

4. DRAINING ISSUES

When your overflow drain fails, simply running your bathtub fills the tub to overflowing and can send water cascading behind the shower wall and across the bathroom floor.

5. SEWER BACKUPS

Flooding from storms will often be one of the causes of loss and can cause sewer main backups that fill the bathroom with sewage, but tree roots also can crack, clog and back up sewer lines.

Hidden Water Leak Signs

9/29/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO team members working in and near crawl space.

Leaks can lay hidden within walls and ceilings and go unnoticed for a long time. Knowing the common signs of water damage can save you time and money. Some common warning signs of a hidden leak are:

• Peeling and Bubbling Paint
  • Once drywall has absorbed too much water, the excess moisture will cause the paint to lift off from the drywall resulting in peeling or bubbling paint.

• Staining
  • Water trapped behind walls and ceilings eventually bleeds into the adjacent drywall. This is where and when a stain will occur. If you notice a stain growing larger over time it can be a sign of a hidden leak.

• Warped walls
  • Sheetrock is highly absorbent material. After its structural integrity has become compromised drywall will become soft and weak resulting in wall warping.  

• Warped and Buckled Floors
  • Hidden leaks very often come from below flooring and behind walls. This can require complete replacement depending upon the material and can become costly to repair.

• Musty Odors
  • Moisture in excess leads to mold and mildew if left untreated. Musty smells with no obvious signs of water or mold may be the result of a hidden leak.

• Visible Mold
  • Mold can grow on virtually every surface. If there is visible mold, but no visible water anywhere, you may have a hidden leak that needs to be repaired.

The longer a leak goes unnoticed the more harm occurs to your home or business. Water leaks are serious regardless of if they are hidden or not. No matter the location of water damage it is important to reach out for assistance by an experienced remediation company as soon as a loss occurs.

5 Warning Signs of a Burst Pipe

9/8/2021 (Permalink)

Burst pipe and water damage.

Not all broken pipes cause immediate water damage. It can sometimes be a slow leak that eventually causes water damage to your home or business. Be alert to the warning signs of a broken pipe.

1. Fluctuating Water Pressure:

Don’t immediately blame the city. It may be a busted pipe. Pressure changes are hard on plumbing system and can damage pipe fittings.

2. Water discoloration and or smell:

The water has taken on a brownish or “rust” colored feature and or smells of rotten eggs. Fun fact, that rotten egg smell is hydrogen sulfide, a naturally occurring gas that can also form in sewer lines. Make sure to call in a certified technician to handle this type of issue.

3. Recurring sink puddles:

You try to stop any leaks under sinks to no avail. Inspect your home or business carefully just above pipe cover plates, additionally look for damp spots.

4. Noisy pipes/water movement sounds within walls:

If no water is running in your home, you should not be able to hear water. A single broken pipe can influence the water pressure of an entire structure.

5. Rising water bill cost:

Small drips can add up. Make sure to regular check your water bill and plumbing fixtures for leaks to lessen the chance a pipe burst will occur.

How We Dry Your Home After Water Damage!

7/27/2021 (Permalink)

First a detailed assessment must be performed onsite to confirm the extent of water damage which has occurred. Depending on the building materials that are affected our team will provide a detailed scope of work and dry out/mitigation scope of work for your review and that of your insurance adjuster.

Sometimes, the damage is minimal and the dry out plan can happen very quickly with minimal cost. If this is the case an insurance claim may not be required as it the cost of mitigation will be less than your deductible amount possibly. In other instances where the damage is more significant, we are able to communicate all aspects of the scope and cost in a timely fashion. We divide the process into (3) phases. Phase (1) initial moisture mapping, and or fire mapping, stabilization through the use of engineering controls and equipment. Phase (2) is to assess our client’s contents such as furniture, artwork, clothing. Phase (3) is a detailed reconstruction estimate itemizing the building repair scope of work and cost to be performed.  

There are many different types of equipment that can be needed for a significant loss. Some of this equipment includes:

• Dehumidifiers
• Air movers
• Water extraction vacuums
• HEPA vacuum, both backpack and canister type
• Submersible pumps
• Moisture detectors
• Hygrometers
• Infrared
• Floor mat drying system
• Desiccants

Tips to Prevent Storm Damage to Your Residential Property

7/1/2021 (Permalink)

While rain gutters are often overlooked, they actually play a big role in maintaining the condition of your home. The gutter will become heavier from the excess debris and water, potentially causing it to break. If your gutter breaks away from the house, you will have to cover the costs of a new gutter, as well as any damages done to your siding and/or windows. If the gutter is barely hanging to your roof and there is resting water, it can lead to the risk of rusting. Excess water in the rain gutter can spill over onto the house’s siding, flood in the basement, etc.  These complications and costs of repair can be avoided by keeping your rain gutters clean.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we can respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost. Give us a call if you have any further questions!

SERVPRO and Farmers Insurance

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

Do you have Farmers Insurance? Did you know SERVPRO is part of the Farmers Emergency Mitigation Referral Program (EMRP)?

That means we are here for you and on-call 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We are one call away.  We offer emergency services to mitigate the effects of damage caused by fire, smoke, and water. The goal is to prevent further damage to your home and save as much building material as possible.

We here at SERVPRO are reputable vendors who are properly licensed and insured — and have agreed to follow accepted industry standards and practices. We have the equipment, technology, training, and customer diplomacy for any size disaster. We thoroughly document and communicate each step of the restoration process, because an informed customer is often a happy one.

Water Damage: Five Things To Know

2/22/2021 (Permalink)

A pipe burst just happened in your California home and you might be wondering what to do next and how to avoid water damage. There are a few things you should know to prevent long term problems after flooding, 

1. Damage Can Happen Numerous Ways

A waterline may break, a storm could lead to flooding, or you might have a leaky seal around a window. No matter what type of water damage you could be worried about, a SERVPRO professional should still be able to help. Give us a call! 

2. Repairs Should Be Taken Care of Quickly Once Discovered

Any time you have any water damage, whether, from a pipe burst or roof leak, it’s important to make repairs as quickly as possible. A quick cleanup may help save your home from more costly problems long term.

3. Untreated Damage Can Cause Long Term Problems

Fix all the damaged areas as soon as possible. Putting off repairs can lead to additional issues like warped wood or mold growth.

4. Affected Areas Can Be Restored

Remember that no matter how bad the damage may appear at first, a restoration company should be able to conduct cleanup and repairs. With a little time and work they can soon have the space looking “Like it never even happened.”

5. A Professional Can Help

Anytime you think you may have flood water issues of any kind, call SERVPRO for details. We are here to help!

Flooded Carpet Clean Up

12/15/2020 (Permalink)

After a flood, many home and property owners may wonder if their carpet and pad can be saved as carpeting can be an expensive investment. Saving it is more cost-effective than replacing it but successful flooded carpet cleaning depends on many things. While trying to extract the water yourself has some benefits, professional carpet cleaning is a much better solution. A shop vacuum, towels, and ceiling fans are no match for professional extraction and drying equipment. Plus, an expert can evaluate the entire water damage incident and mitigate and remediate the entire loss, not just the carpet. While trying to extract the water yourself has some benefits, professional carpet cleaning is a much better solution. A shop vacuum, towels, and ceiling fans are no match for professional extraction and drying equipment. Plus, an expert can evaluate the entire water damage incident and mitigate and remediate the entire loss, not just the carpet. For any of your flooded carpet cleaning needs, call the SERVPRO professionals. Our restoration teams will provide an industry-standard estimate and create a proper plan of action to restore your carpet quickly.

How to Spot Water Damage in Your Home

11/16/2020 (Permalink)

There are many potential causes of water damage in your home.  Some sources of water damage, such as floods, burst pipes, and sewage backups, are obvious and homeowners notice them right away. 

However, there are some sources of water damage that are much more difficult to detect such as water leaks behind walls.  Homeowners typically do not notice hidden leaks until they have already caused a considerable amount of damage.

Hidden water leaks can be dangerous because they can cause structural damage and also cause microbial growth to spread undetected. While most signs happen out of view here a few to be on the lookout for musty odors, staining, peeling or bubbling wall paint, warped walls, buckled ceilings and/or floors.

All of these signs can point towards a water leak but you need to have a professional come out and take a look.

When you find a water leak always call a plumber first to stop the leak and then call SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks to come out to assess the water damage.

Trust a water restoration professional like us to remove all the affected materials and the possible microbial growth safely.

Is Water Damage an Emergency?

10/31/2020 (Permalink)

In a simple answer, yes! While it isn't a true emergency in terms of calling 911, it must be dealt with as soon as possible in order to avoid serious damage and potential health risks. The water cleanup process needs to begin as quickly as possible after the damage occurs.

Ignoring water damage has the potential to create the following problems: microbial growth, electrical issues, stains, and increased repair costs. One issue with ignoring water damage is that it can get worse, and it might happen faster than you would imagine. It might not look like much now, and you might think that it’s not going to get any worse. But if there’s an ongoing cause, which you might not know exists, you might find it’s quickly bigger. Water damage is not a DIY project and should always be handled by the professionals at SERVPRO. 

Signs To Help You Spot Water Damage In Your Home

10/10/2020 (Permalink)

Quick signs that could lead to possible water damage in your home. 

1. Check your floors.

No matter what kind of flooring you have, it will manifest signs of water damage.

2. Look for stains.

Unusual stains could indicate there is a leaky pipe or drain inside the wall. Cracks in the drywall or areas that appear swollen and are soft to touch also may signify trouble. Peeling paint is another sign of loose water within wall spaces. As the drywall gets saturated, paint can lose adhesion.

3. Inspect the outside.

What you want to look for are pools of standing water that can indicate poor drainage in the yard, gutter spouts that aren’t transporting water far enough from the house or leaky rain gutters.

4. Watch for rust and mold.

Inspect your water heater and check for rust on the tank or damp spots on the floor.

By following these tips and being aware as a homeowner you can possibly catch water damage early on and save yourself a headache in the future. 

Fire Safety Tips To Protect Your Pets From Potential Danger

9/13/2020 (Permalink)

According to the American Red Cross, home fires are the most common disaster they respond to - and also the most preventable. Planning ahead is the best way to promote the safety of the people and animals in your home. From preventative caution to making an evacuation plan which should include pet safety.

Here are some steps to protect your pets:

• They should have their own disaster supplies kit ready in advance which should include food, water, pet records, spare collars and/or leashes in case you need to control or calm them from being frightened.  
• Have a safe place for them to stay if you need to leave your home.
• Include your pets and take them with you when you practice your escape plan.  Train them to come to you when you call for them. 

Following these steps can lower the risk of harming your pets from a fire.

City of Los Angeles Certificate of Appreciation

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

We are proud to be serving our community!

It was such an honor to receive a Certificate of Appreciation for the work our SERVPRO has done for the City of Los Angeles, California. Absolutely privileged to have Councilman David Ryu to tour our facility.  We were also happy to be able to help and donate much-needed gloves, masks, and supplies to our front line medical workers that are fighting this pandemic.

We are professionals that are uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and disinfect your home or business according to the protocols set forth by the CDC. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff performs on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Fitness Equipment
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment

Area Disinfection Certification Program

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

As America gets back to business, we all have a new sense of what it means to be clean. In fact, 89% of consumers are uneasy about going back to brick-and-mortar locations. At SERVPRO, we’re dedicated to inspiring confidence in communities across the country as we find our way to a new normal. And we’re doing just that with our Area Disinfection Certification Program.

Our new defensive pathogen disinfecting program goes way beyond standard janitorial cleaning practices. This is a proactive viral pathogen disinfecting. With over 50 years of experience in biochemical spill remediation and decontamination, you can trust SERVPRO professionals to bring a higher standard of sanitizing to the places we gather.

Let us know when you are ready for us to help your facility become certified. When everyone sees our SERVPRO disinfected shield, they will enter with confidence knowing that the #1 choice in clean up and restoration was there.

Contact Genna Grinblat, Executive VP at (818) 730-1434, or email at genna@SERVPROwestcoast.com

Are You Experiencing Water Damage?

5/29/2020 (Permalink)

If you are experiencing water damage you are going to need more than just a mop and a bucket to clean up.

The Institute of Inspection and Cleaning and Restoration Certificate (IICRC) advises that ever water damage be treated the same as soon as it begins, regardless of the size of water in your home.

SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks provides fast and reliable water damage restoration services to homeowners and business owners.

We are available on-call 24/7/365 and will start work immediately in your home or business with the proper drying tools used to stop microbial growth, wood rot, and other unforeseeable damages if the water loss is not properly taken care of.

Water damage can be an expensive setback, call us, the restoration professional, to take care of the problem and take some of the stress off of you.

What Should I Do When My Water Heater Leaks?

2/24/2020 (Permalink)

There are a few reasons a water heater would leak. Here are five things to look for when finding the source of a leak:

Leak at The Water Supply Lines.

It’s always important to check above the water heater first because you want to check the plumbing pipes.  A drip from the top can easily leak down making it look like it’s coming from inside the tank.

Leak at The Water Heater Nipples.

These are located at the top of the water heater.  The water heater nipples connect the water heater to the cold water inlet pipe and the hot water exit pipe.  This is another common area to find a leakage.

Leak at The Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve.

It is more serious when there is a leak coming from the T&P valve because it can be a few causes in itself to figure out.  For example, the leaking t & p may point out the overall water pressure in your home is too high, and that the pressure regulator is not working properly.

Leak at The Drain Line.

This is located a the bottom of the water heater and it is common for the drain valve to fail to close completely after draining or flushing.

Leak in The Tank.

If you’re unable to find the leak from any of the four above, it is likely the tank inside the water heater has gone bad and will need to be replaced. 

A leak will not fix itself. If you do not feel comfortable fixing it yourself, the best thing to do is to not wait for it to get worse. Call SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks here in Southern California to find and fix the source of your leak, so you can avoid dangerous damages and expensive repairs.

The Science Behind Your Water Damage

10/17/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know there is actually a science behind the process of drying? The knowledge of psychrometrics 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 of Encino/Sherman Oaks professionals are trained in the science of drying and follow strict industry-approved standards to help lower the chance of any secondary damages. If your business suffers from water damage, your local SERVPRO professionals 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 that materials are drying
• Speed up Mother Nature by using professional drying equipment.

What exactly does “speed up Mother Nature” mean? A wet building can often dry naturally because the environment always seeks equilibrium. When materials are wet, moisture will naturally move to drier air at the surface of the material- but only if the air is, indeed, drier. The only problem is, nature often takes too long and secondary damages may occur while the building is drying out. For this reason, the professionals at SERVPRO have been trained to use top-of-the-line equipment to help Mother Nature along, including equipment to help dry hardwood floors, tough-to-reach spaces inside walls, and much more. SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks has state of the-art monitoring equipment and a proven scientific process to help speed the drying of your home or business.

The bottom line? Your local SERVPRO have the training and equipment to help make it “Like it never even happened.” 

Tips From The EPA About Mosquitos and Water Damage

10/14/2019 (Permalink)

We only see mosquitoes every few months a year but they can can huge problems. 

https://www.epa.gov/natural-disasters/flooding

Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes can breed. 

Mosquitos can sharply increase after a flood, due to the sudden availability of standing water which they require for breeding -- even very small amounts of water. As flood waters recede be sure to drain, overturn, or empty areas -- no matter how small -- to reduce mosquito breeding areas and help reduce the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.

• Get rid of standing water in rain gutters, old tires, buckets, plastic covers, toys, pools, or any other containers.
• Empty water from damaged materials that aren't usually outdoors, such as discarded furniture, household items, bookshelves, building materials, trash, etc.
• Drain wet areas and puddles of water, or fill them with dirt.
• More ideas for controlling mosquitoes
• Why? The importance of controlling mosquito-borne diseases, such as West Nile Virus or Zika

Water Damage Laws in California

9/13/2019 (Permalink)

Every winter Southern California always receives a crazy amount of rain that we never seem to be prepared for. If you’re a renter in California, you may have been displaced during these storms, or perhaps in another instance where water intrusion from rain, a broken pipe, or a faulty drain damaged your home. You may not know where to turn, but you have legal rights. According to California Civil Code section 1941, the landlord is responsible for providing tenants with habitable living conditions and repair any problem that makes the property uninhabitable, including water damage, with the exception of problems caused by the tenant, guests, children, or pets. It is, however, up to the tenant to report damages and repairs needed diligently. This information should be included in your rental agreements. If your landlord does not have a specific water damage company you should refer them to use SERVPRO as we partner with my landlords and understand from both sides of the party and want to help everyone.

Why Water Damage & Flood Damage are Different

9/8/2019 (Permalink)

Contrary to popular belief, water damage and flood damage are two different insurance claims, and they even require different insurance policies Research says the state of California falls at #10 for states with the most flood damage and #1 for the most water damages in a state! That’s a lot of water damage. Simply put, the main difference between a flood claim and a water damage claim is where the water comes from. With flood damage, the water comes from a natural source. And under most policies flood damages are not considered water damage and standard insurances will not cover it. California might not be considered a state with much weather but you should consider looking into insurance coverage for both water damage and flood damage.

We Are Your Water Damage Experts

7/1/2019 (Permalink)

You will never be a problem to us.

An influx of water into your home or business can happen for any number of reasons; a burst pipe, a washing machine malfunction or a toilet overflow. Regardless of the cause, excess water can have serious adverse effects and cause water damage very quickly. Water damage can cause wood floors to rot, destroy furniture and personal belongings, and even compromise the structural stability of a building. We understand that water damage is not an every day occurrence for most people but for SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks it is our specialty. Every single one of our technicians and office staff goes through training to understand what goes on in the field. You'll never have to be stressed with SERVPRO even though dealing with water damage is one of the most stressful situations. We know how to take care of you, your family, your possessions, and most importantly your home. 

Minimizing A Water Damage

5/8/2019 (Permalink)

A basement filled with water.. your worst nightmare.

Basements are typically the primary culprit for water damage and microbial growth, if the initial water damage is not handled properly. Humidity and water in a bathroom can also generate moist, stagnant air, and this air makes for a perfect breeding ground for mold. Attics, laundry rooms and wall cavities are also prone to water damage. Where there is moisture or condensation, water damage and microbial growth can occur. Getting ventilation into the structure and removing furniture away from saturated surfaces helps reduce water damage. You should never take any chances when thinking about calling on professionals, by getting help to clean up your water damage you can minimize any further damage that could potentially happen. SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks technicians are certified water damage repair experts and we are just one call away.

Diagnosing a Shower Leak

4/10/2019 (Permalink)

If you have a shower head leaking in your Encino, CA bathroom it is time to replace it

Amidst the many aspects of maintaining your home in Encino, CA, attending to a bathtub leak can be frustrating without an idea of what to look for. It is important to remember that some signs of damage are easier to distinguish than others; however, confirming the occurrence of a leak is possible with a keen eye and a thorough bathroom inspection.

Check for Telltale Signs

Identifying any immediate indicators of a leak can help determine how best to handle the situation. Giveaway signs may include the following:

• Pooling water near the shower pan. This is often the result of a shower door with a poor-quality seal and is one of the simplest leaks to repair.
• Wet spots and dampness on any walls near the shower. If the leak is occurring within the plumbing system, the pipes behind the wall may expel water, thus leaving visible wetness.
• Water leaking from the shower head. When lime scale and other minerals accumulate in the spray holes, water may leak from other parts of the fixture. Cleaning the shower head and replacing the O-ring may solve the issue.
  
  

Scratch Beyond the Surface

Unfortunately, a bathtub leak may cause damage that is not as apparent and may require a more in-depth analysis. One critical factor to be aware of is the presence of mold or mildew anywhere in the bathroom; this includes any odors that occur. The flooring underneath and walls connected to the shower should be examined for breakages, moisture, loose tiles, and stains. Finally, any crawl space area underneath the bathroom should be investigated for moisture, dripping, or mineral buildup. Typically, these signs indicate a leak that may need to be addressed by a professional.

Determine the Best Course of Action

Generally, a shower pan leak with telltale indicators can be repaired without the need for professional intervention. For more internalized leaks, it is wise to consider contacting a water damage repair specialist for further analysis.

While diagnosing a shower or bathtub leak can be challenging, an informed approach can simplify the process. Understanding what to look for and when to contact a professional can make all the difference in preserving your home.

Some Reasons You Need to Stop Stressing About Water Damage Remediation in Encino

4/10/2019 (Permalink)

Rapid Solutions for Standing Water in Your Encino Home

When water loss incidents threaten your Encino home, getting the right professional assistance responding quickly to the disaster is critical to protecting both your property and its contents. Effective solutions for removing standing water and drying out saturated elements is only the beginning to fully recovering your property exposed to higher volumes of spreading water. Our team has a 24/7 response to these emergencies, arriving with the full measure of our recovery equipment and experienced technicians to begin effective mitigation tactics right away.

There are many steps to water loss recovery in your Encino home, but water removal is among the priorities for technicians responding to the emergency. Standing water can pose significant risks to exposed materials including flooring, walls, and ceiling spaces. Without adequate removal and drying techniques to follow, you can find this water damage continuing to spread throughout your home and degrading construction materials, weakening structural elements, and facilitating the growth of hazardous secondary effects like mold.

From the time that our SERVPRO professionals first arrive at your home, we work to establish the full scope and spread of the water damage. We can utilize moisture detection equipment for areas difficult to see clearly. We must gain a fast understanding of affected materials and determine when flood cuts and other controlled demolition techniques are necessary to gain access to damp or highly saturated areas of your property.

With industry-leading extraction equipment like our extractor trucks, wet-vacs with wands, and portable submersible pumps, we have a variety of options to handle standing water we encounter in your home. Our SERVPRO professionals can work quickly to remove all excess water to ensure that we can get to critical drying efforts as promptly as possible.

While standing water might be difficult to see in your home, our SERVPRO of Encino professionals have a broad inventory of recovery equipment designed to reduce this threat quickly. You can count on our IICRC-certified professionals to respond 24/7 to this water loss emergency and make it “Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at (818) 995-6444.

Encino/Sherman Oaks Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

10/8/2018 (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 Encino/Sherman Oaks 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 – (818)995-6444

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 Encino/Sherman Oaks 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 (818)995-6444

Faster to your Encino/Sherman Oaks Water Damage Event

10/3/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Encino/Sherman Oaks

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks 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 the floors, walls, furniture, and more. SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. The immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (818)995-6444

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 Encino/Sherman Oaks

SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks 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.

Encino/Sherman oaks 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

9/25/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks Provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Encino/Sherman Oaks

SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks 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 - (818)995-6444

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 Encino/Sherman Oaks 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)?

About SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks

SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks 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.

Water Damage

6/11/2018 (Permalink)

A bathroom hallway affected by a bathtub overflow.

Water damage comes in many shapes and sizes, and the source of origin is almost always different. Wether it comes from a broker water supply line that burst, the dishwasher overflowed, the water heater burst, etc. SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks are your water restoration experts. We have a team that works 24/7 around the clock in case of any emergencies that may happen in either your home or in your place of work. We are able to get crews out immediately to place equipment and start the drying process to ensure that no further damage occurs. An ignored water damage can cause microbial growth and if we can take care of it in the first place we should always be your first call.

Back to Basics

5/1/2018 (Permalink)

An after picture that shows a home that suffered a large water loss.

Water damage, something SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks is well immersed in. Over 80% of damages we receive from clients are water related, and they come in all shapes and sizes. All of our technicians are IICRC trained to understand different categories and types of water damages. This way they can best assess the damage and know where to place equipment, where to perform moisture readings, and how to effectively dry the space in the most efficient way possible. Insurance agents, as well as brokers, are also trained in our "world" to understand water damage this way we can work hand in hand in helping home owners, property managers, business owners in dealing with a water loss. We all understand the high pressure you can feel from dealing with something uncommon such as a water loss but SERVPRO will always make it "Like it never even happened."

Back to Basics: Water Damage

4/4/2018 (Permalink)

Containment in a home to keep the water damage from spreading.

Water damage is not a foreign term to our teams at SERVPRO. All of our technicians are IICRC trained and are equipped with the best equipment to remediate any and all water damage situations. We service from Ventura County to Los Angeles County and are available 24/7 for all emergency calls. Our team will come in remove the water from the structure or business. After the structure is dry we will clean up and repair damages brought about by the excessive water. It is our role to take care of all of the contents that are in the building and do provide content restoration as well as protection and moving. We have our own large warehouse space that allows us to store all clients’ items, safely. A typical water removal process can take a couple days to complete and in this time you can rest assured that SERVPRO will take care of everything and get you back to normalcy.

How to Identify the Different Categories of Water Damage

4/4/2018 (Permalink)

These windows have been contained to keep rain water from coming in and damaging any more of the home.

There are varied types of damage that water can cause to the home, and to repair different categories of water damage one has to first identify the damage category.

Category 1: comprises of water damage caused by overflowing water outlets like broken taps, leaky sink or bathtub. It is easier to repair as it does not pose any health risks though it can cause formation of mold in the bathroom or kitchen. 

Category 2: damage that poses health risks to people in the nearby vicinity like crack in sewer line or water supply pipes and even leaking roof that can cause damage to furniture and people in the house. 

Category 3: this type of damage has to be attended to immediately by a remediation specialist. In this situation excess rains or blockage can lead to stagnant water from drains and toilets backing up into the house that can damage drinking water and people’s health due to foul odor. Action has to be taken immediately for removal of this filthy water.

Faster to Any Size Disaster

11/1/2017 (Permalink)

There's no such thing as a small disaster, especially when the water you don't see has bacteria or causes mold. Water damage can and will affect the value of your property. Before you try and take care of it yourself consider how the damage can affect your home, SERVPRO professionals know how disruptive water damage can be for anyone. Our technicians are trained and equipped to manage the drying process by using equipment and moisture measuring devices. Your home or building will be quickly and thoroughly dried to industry standards. Which, in turn, will prevent secondary water damages. With rapid response time SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks can and will help you regain control and make sure your property is protected. Never put anything you love at risk and let your franchise professionals handle it. 

Flood Insurance 101: What Homeowners Need To Know

10/19/2017 (Permalink)

Homeowners had about 3in of water flood their house after the washing machine not being plugged in properly

The fact is any property can flood. Your home doesn’t have to be under five feet of water from hurricane flood surges to suffer flood damage. Normal amounts of rainwater can drain under your home, and flood your basement or the lowest floor level, causing flood damage. This kind of flooding can cause mold, increase the risk of termites and cause electrical problems. But the good new is that SERVPRO is able to take care of all your flooding problems with our prompt response and quick timing. 

SERVPRO works closely with insurance companies to ensure that your home and your insurance are both taken care of correctly. We are on multiple preferred vendors list as a corporation with insurance companies such as State Farm and Farmers insurance. 

Restoration VS. Replacement

8/4/2017 (Permalink)

Packing items that were able to be saved and restored and stored during the loss.

After a water and/or fire loss replacement may seem like the easiest and quickest option. We are a business of restoration rather than replacement. Some of the pros to restoration include: being more cost efficient, it helps our carbon footprint by limiting what we put in landfills, and saving many items with sentiment cannot be replaced. SERVPRO Encino/Sherman Oaks works seamlessly with insurance companies nationwide, providing them with restoration budgets that not only meet their stringent guidelines, but provide the homeowner with the best possible outcome. After the classification, cost effective remediation methods are tailored to the expected condition of the items in each conditional area. The professionals at SERVPRO will always do their best to act quickly and restore what they can.

The Dreaded Water Loss

5/1/2017 (Permalink)

Drying equipment helping to dry out an affected kitchen.

What do you do when you experience a water loss? The obvious answer should be: call SERVPRO. But that might not always be on the forefront of people’s minds. We understand the panic most people feel because they are worried about their items and probably the expenses that might come with everything they are experiencing. We want to let all current and future customers to know that our technicians and office staff are fully prepared to handle anything that has happened. SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks is the franchise that you can trust with any of your water needs. This isn't something that everyone experiences and most people might not know where to begin, and it can be a lot to deal with in the beginning. We are here to make everything easy and "Like it never even happened."

Little But Mighty Water Damage

3/29/2017 (Permalink)

Little water damage, big problem.

Even the smallest water damages need to be treated as if they are the most important thing right then. Because if not treated it's possible that even more damage can or will occur. This homeowner almost didn't call SERVPRO when he noticed the damage because he didn't think it would be a big deal. However when our technicians arrived the problem was bigger than what could be seen in plain sight. Once the scope of work was done it was determined that the entire underneath of the sink would need to be removed and treated so that no mold growth would be possible. Once the job was done what was originally supposed to go as unnoticed revolved into a near kitchen remodeling. 

Experts in Water Damage

3/24/2017 (Permalink)

This apartment suffered serious water damage.

Eliminating the causes of a flooding event requires trained and IICRC certified professionals like us at SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks the water damage experts in the area.                   Why you should call us now if you have any type of water damage incident happening:

1. When a water damage scenario happens, it moves quickly, and to combat this effect our teams come prepared, always, for any size water damage.
2. Our teams provide this level of heightened alert because we truly care about the people and homes of the valley and the surrounding areas we service.
3. Our staff has been responding to these challenges for years, and this increased level of familiarity is what gives us the ability to be at the site of any event because we are available 24/7/365.
4. Because we respond quickly we are able to save the insureds both time and money as well as letting them begin the healing process of experiencing a loss.

We are always here for you.

Air Conditioning Blow Out

3/24/2017 (Permalink)

Cleaning up water condensation from an A/C unit leak.

Summer is quickly approaching, this means upping the use of our air conditioning units. Making sure that your A/C unit is properly working could actually save you from water damage in the future. Because there is nothing worse than your air conditioning not working in the dead of the summer. Whether you knew it or not A/C units can leak into your house through your vents and damage your home. A clogged condensate drain line is the most common cause of water leaking from your AC into your home. If the drain line gets clogged with dust, dirt, sludge or mold, that water backs up into your home. If you experience any of this always call your neighborhood SERVPRO to come out and help.

Water Damage Caused by Water Heaters

3/16/2017 (Permalink)

Water heaters can either be your best friend or worst enemy.

Everyone has a water heater in their home here are some helpful tips: 

1. Check your water heater's age. Once your water heater reaches it's life expectancy it is much more susceptible to a leak or burst.

2. Clean out your water heater regularly. This includes removing sediments and flushing the tank regularly every 6 months. 

3. Placement matters. Most people store their water heater in the garage because it is "out of sight" which also means it is "out of mind". The biggest mistake made is waiting for your water heater to start showing troubling signs, such as leaking, before people replace or try to fix them. 

In case of an emergency, you don’t want to feel trapped or out of options. If you experience a water leak call the professionals of SERVPRO Encino/Sherman Oaks. 

Water Damage 91316

3/16/2017 (Permalink)

These floors must come up! Beautiful hardwood floors damaged from a leak under the house.

SERVPRO Encino/Sherman Oaks is one of the leading water damage restoration companies in the Encino/Sherman Oaks area. You can always expect services that are 24/7 as well as office staff and highly trained technicians that are prepared to help. No matter the size of the job you can always feel comfortable making the call about your water damage. Whether the damage is from a flood, leak, or spill SERVPRO can cover both commercial and residential losses. Water damages are always an unwanted headache and make your wallet sad, but that doesn't mean you have to go through it alone. When dealing with a water loss you might want to try and clean it up yourself but sometimes jobs are too much for a single person to handle and that is when you can call SERVPRO for a helping hand.