water damage removal

Water Damage Restoration in Greater Pittsburgh | Main Categories of Water Damage Restoration

Posted on by Matt Nelson

Water damage restoration is the process of repairing and restoring a house or building that has been flooded. It intends to restore the home to its pre-damaged state. Floods, broken water supplies, and leakages can cause water damage. No matter the cause, responding to water damage as quickly as possible is crucial to avoid further damage.

What are the main categories of water damage?

Category 1 Clean Water Damage

This is the least severe form of water damage. It mainly results from broken water supplies and overflowing pipes. This category is less potent because it involves water free from sewage and toxins.

Category 2 Grey Water Damage

This category of water damage involves grey water. This is water from fixtures such as toilets and pumps. It requires more attention than category 1 water damage Consumption of grey water is harmful to human well-being. ServiceMaster helps to clean and disinfect appliances affected by category 2 water damage.

Category 3 Black Water Damage

This is the most extreme form of water damage. It involves damage caused by water from fecal matter, sewages, groundwater, seawater, flood, and river water. ServiceMaster provides immediate action to help alleviate severe health conditions that could result from black water. We provide water restoration services to help you curb respiratory issues, diseases, and infections caused by frequent exposure to black water. 

 

 

Are you in need of water damage restoration services in Greater Pittsburgh? Our experts at ServiceMaster are just a call away. Our team offers general cleanup for the three main categories. We are available 24/7 to provide quality services that will exceed your expectations. Visit us at ServiceMaster Greater Pittsburgh today to schedule an appointment and learn more about water restoration services.

Water Disaster Restoration Services in Greater Pittsburgh | How to Acquire Restoration Equipment

Posted on by Matt Nelson

With the right skills, you can perform DIY water disaster restoration; however, you may not have the right tools for the job. The easiest way to go about this would be to hire equipment, even though it is advisable to seek professional help in such instances.

 On this note, if you need water disaster restoration services in Greater Pittsburgh, ServiceMaster is a reliable company. Our team is trained and equipped for any damage.  

If you hire equipment for restorations, here are the tools you need to keep in mind. 

 

Water Damage Dehumidifier

 Dehumidifiers are designed to suck up moisture from water-damaged items and surfaces. When renting out one, make sure it is designed for commercial use to ensure it can handle extensively.

Air Scrubbers

 Also called HEPA filtration/negative air machines, air scrubbers are used to filter and get rid of airborne particles. They are essential for cleanup and can help eliminate mold spores in a water-damaged area.

Drying Fans

Your regular fan at home might not do the job in a water disaster. Commercial-grade fans are designed to circulate air in small to large areas while ensuring the effective removal of moisture in the process.

These are commonly used tools for DIY water removal in a water disaster. They can be helpful; however, you might not get the most use out of them, especially if they are all new to you.

 

At ServiceMaster, we advise letting professionals handle water disasters not only for your safety but also to prevent further damage to your home.  Our team provides water disaster restoration services in Greater Pittsburgh and comes with the right tools for effective and prompt restoration.

Water Damage Cleanup in Pittsburgh | 4 Essential Components to Waterproof Your Home

Posted on by Matt Nelson

The cost of water damage restoration can be higher than that of waterproofing your home. If you notice water damage signs and need a quick water damage cleanup in the greater Pittsburgh area, Demand the Yellow Van, and call ServiceMaster of Greater Pittsburgh. 

But, for a long-term solution, consider waterproofing these essential components of your home. 

Roof

If your roof is leaky or broken, your house may not survive water damage when it comes. Run regular inspections of the roof and its components, ensuring timely repairs if anything is broken. You may need to cover your roof with a waterproof roof cover, especially if your area is expecting storms. 

Foundation

Small cracks in the foundation can cause water damage over time. Inspect the condition of your foundation walls and repair any cracks you find. Also, direct water away from the foundation by installing proper downspouts. 

Plumbing System

Faulty plumbing systems are a major cause of water damage in most homes. Conduct regular inspections of your water line to ensure all pipes and taps are functioning correctly. If you notice a leak, consult ServiceMaster for a water damage cleanup in Greater Pittsburgh area. 

Windows and Doors

Small cracks and broken caulking around your windows and doors can let in water and cause damage to the walls and floors. Leak-proof your windows and doors by applying caulk on both sides of the window. 

You could use weather-stripping to seal your doors and windows that do not close properly, especially during the rainy season. During the rainy season, you may need to install storm windows to provide an additional layer of protection. 

Weatherproofing your home is the best way to prevent water damage. But, it could still occur with unforeseen signs. If you suspect water damage, schedule a call with ServiceMaster of Greater Pittsburgh. Our team provides water damage cleanup in Pittsburgh, taking the burden off your shoulder.

Water Damage Cleanup in Pittsburgh | How to Prevent Water Damage

Posted on by Matt Nelson

Timely cleanup and restoration after water damage are necessary to curb extensive damage to your valuables. If you are looking for water damage cleanup in Greater Pittsburgh, Service Master can come to your rescue. 

Below are tips to prevent water damage; all helpful whether or not your property has a history of water damage. 

Inspect your Roofing Components

If your roof is not weather-tight, your house will suffer water damage. Check the quality of all your roofing components, including the roof, gutter system, and chimney. Get rid of overgrown moss and repair any broken parts to prevent water damage. 

Maintain the Plumbing System

Check all your pipes, sinks, and tubs for any leaks to prevent water damage. If not repaired on time, water can collect in your cabinets, behind walls, or floors, causing extensive damage to your property.  

If the damage is beyond your control, ServiceMaster of Greater Pittsburgh will provide water damage cleanup in Greater Pittsburgh area and restore your home. 

Manage Your Water Pressure

You can check signs of water loss by installing an electronic water leak detection system. You can install this directly on your main supply and monitor water flow, temperature and pressure. With this, you can catch leaky pipes and repair them before water damage occurs. 

Maintain Caulking

Leaks around the windows and doors cause water damage to the adjacent walls and floors. Make sure the caulking is in its best state by repairing any broken or missing parts. Check around all your windows and doors to find areas that need repair. 

Maintain Downspouts

If you have not maintained the downspouts, water may come down walls and access the foundation. This could cause extensive water damage that would eventually cost you a lot of money to repair. Make sure the downspouts drive water away from the edge of your wall. 

There are ways to prevent water damage, but the most essential action is to clean up any water damage as soon as possible. ServiceMaster of Greater Pittsburgh provides water damage cleanup in Pittsburgh, helping you restore your home. Their professionals have the skills to manage the situation.

Water Damage Restoration | Who is Responsible for Sewage Cleanup?

Posted on by Matt Nelson

When homeowners encounter a sewage backup in their homes the situation should always considered an emergency that must have professional remediation. A company that does water damage restoration will always need to be one of the first phone calls you make when you have a sewage mess in your home because the waste is hazardous and can pose major health risks. Luckily, these cleanup companies can get your home safe for moving back in quickly.

Who is Responsible for Sewage Cleanup?

Depending on the cause of the sewer backup in your home, the city may be partially or fully responsible for fixing the sewage damage. However, the in-home water damage restoration usually lands on the homeowners. Sometimes your insurance company will cover these costs so make them your first call.

Steps to Sewage Cleanup

Water damage restoration companies will all complete similar steps to completing your sewage cleanup, but the process will also depend on the extent of damage.

  1. Removal of Black Water- The sewage cleanup companies will start with removing the black water (sewage) from the home. Water damage restoration professionals have commercial suction machines that can drain the waste from the home in a safe and sanitary manner.
  2. Drying Out- After all water is gone from the property the walls and floors will need to be completely dried out. Commercial fans and dehumidifiers will speed up the process along with open windows.
  3. Deep Cleaning and Sanitizing- After the room is dried, deep cleaning and sanitizing will need to happen including carpet cleaning, walls disinfection, and cleaning of furniture and personal belongings. Mold and mildew remediation as well as deodorizing will also happen during this step.

After the sewage cleanup is completed the homeowners can move freely about their homes or move back in. However, they should continue to watch for signs of mold or mildew and contact the water damage restoration company again immediately if they notice anything.

If you need water damage restoration, you can call us at (412) 528-6077, visit us online at ServiceMaster of Greater Pittsburgh or visit us on Facebook.