Protecting Your Electronics: How to Prevent and Recover from Water Damage

6/11/2024 (Permalink)

Water damage can wreak havoc on electronic devices, causing malfunctions, corrosion, and even complete failure. In this blog post, we'll explore the common causes of water damage to electronics, practical tips for prevention, and steps for recovering water-damaged devices to help you protect your valuable electronics and minimize potential losses.

Causes of Water Damage to Electronics

Water damage to electronics can occur due to various reasons, including:

Accidental spills: Accidentally spilling liquids such as water, coffee, or soda onto electronic devices.

Flooding: Exposure to water from floods, leaks, burst pipes, or natural disasters.

Humidity: Prolonged exposure to high humidity levels can cause condensation and moisture buildup inside devices.

Submersion: Immersion of electronic devices in water, such as dropping a smartphone in a pool or bathtub.

Prevention Tips

To prevent water damage to your electronics, consider the following tips:

Keep liquids away: Avoid using electronic devices near liquids and beverages, and be cautious when handling drinks around electronics.

Use protective cases: Invest in waterproof or water-resistant cases for smartphones, tablets, and other portable devices to provide an extra layer of protection.

Store devices properly: Store electronic devices in dry, climate-controlled areas away from areas prone to water leaks or flooding, such as basements or bathrooms.

Use moisture-absorbing products: Place moisture-absorbing products such as silica gel packs or desiccants near electronic devices to help absorb excess moisture and prevent condensation.

Perform regular maintenance: Routinely inspect electronic devices for signs of water damage, and promptly address any issues to prevent further damage or corrosion.

Recovering Water-Damaged Electronics

If your electronic devices have been exposed to water, follow these steps for recovery:

1. Power off the device

Immediately power off the device and remove any batteries or power sources to prevent electrical shorts and further damage.

2. Dry the device

Gently blot or wipe away any visible moisture on the exterior of the device using a soft, absorbent cloth. Avoid using heat sources such as hair dryers, as excessive heat can damage sensitive components.

3. Disassemble if possible 

If the device is safe to disassemble, carefully remove any covers, panels, or removable parts to allow better airflow for drying.

4. Air dry or use a drying agent

Place the device in a dry, well-ventilated area or use a moisture-absorbing product such as rice or silica gel packs to help absorb the remaining moisture.

5. Seek professional assistance

If the device does not power on or exhibits signs of malfunction after drying, seek professional assistance from a qualified technician or electronics repair specialist for further evaluation and repairs.

Water damage to electronics can be expensive and inconvenient, but taking proactive measures to prevent water exposure and knowing how to properly recover water-damaged devices can help minimize potential losses. By following the tips outlined in this blog post and taking swift action in the event of exposure to water, you can protect your valuable electronics and ensure their functionality for years to come!

What Is Cat 3 Water Loss? What About Cat 1 and Cat 2?

3/6/2022 (Permalink)

If you experienced a natural flood or sewage break at your home, you may have been told your property sustained Cat 3 (Category 3) water damage. So what is Cat 3 water damage? And what are the other 2?

Water Damage Categories

They are classified as follows:

• Category 1 damage, also known as “white water” (clean water)
• Category 2 damage, also known as “gray water” (clean water that sat for a while)
• Category 3 damage, which is known as “black water” (usually from flood water)

Category 3 water is not only contaminated, but it can also cause damage to your home. Professionally trained technicians can, fortunately, help you clean and decontaminate the building and items after a Cat 3 water incident.

Cleaning Procedures

When facing water damage caused by a contaminated liquid, your safest plan usually involves contacting a local restoration company. Professionals are trained to arrive quickly, assess damage accurately, and work safely and efficiently to clean, restore and construct your property.

After the assessment, the following cleaning steps typically occur:

1. Removal of water
2. Humidity reduction and drying of wet surfaces
3. Sanitation and cleaning of damaged areas
4. Remediation of damaged property through deep cleaning and reconstruction

The professional you choose may also offer digitization services for wet financial documents or photographs that need to be preserved. Additionally, trained technicians on the scene may have suggestions for a preservation method or a long-term storage situation for items that are priceless and irreplaceable, yet not entirely salvageable.

Being Prepared

Help us help you persevere in the face of such a nightmare. SERVPRO of Lake Arlington is a local professional in the cleaning, restoration, and construction industry. Our technicians follow OSHA and EPA protocols to help transform an unsafe environment back into a clean, safe home or business. For a free estimate, call us today at (817) 460-7766.

7 Steps to Preventing Water Damage While Away

3/6/2022 (Permalink)

7 Steps to Preventing Water Damage While Away

According to a study done by the Insurance Institute, homeowners' highest insurance claims are water damage. Leaky or busted pipes and appliances cause millions of dollars in damage during freezing weather and storms. Leaky pipes don't take a vacation when you do and can burst, generating hundreds of dollars of repairs. Prevent water damage while your on vacation by using this checklist:

Step 1. Check for Leaks Before Going on Vacation

Check pipes under your sinks and the water heater for any rust, cracks, or damage. You should check the seals by your windows to make sure there are no cracks. Additionally, check the exterior of your house and see the condition of your roof shingles. If any show damage, getting them replaced before leaving for vacation is a good idea.

Step 2. Inspect Your Major Appliances

You must inspect the hoses connected to essential appliances in your home, such as dishwashers, washers/dryers, and refrigerators.

Step 3. Clear Out Your Gutters

Make sure to get any debris out of your rain gutters before leaving for vacation. This way, you won't have any blockages that can cause overflows which can lead to foundation problems and water damages while you're away.

Step 4. Inspect Your Sump Pump

Make sure it is in good condition and clear any debris from clogging the pit. Run a few tests, listen to the sounds it makes, and ensure that the pump's water is going outside. Install a battery-powered backup in case there is a power outage while you're away.

Step 5. Insulate Exposed Pipes

If you plan on being away from your home during the winter, it can be a good idea to insulate any exposed pipes. This will prevent them from freezing while you are away.

Step 6. Get Someone to Check on Your Home

Call a friend or hire a professional house sitter to check on your home every week while you are gone. Instruct them to ensure that the heat is always on if your vacation is during the winter. Also, show them where the water main is in case of an emergency.

Step 7. Ease Your Mind By Turning Off the Water

Lastly, if you cannot find someone to check on your home, you should turn off the water main. Drain the pipes so that they do not freeze or burst during the colder months. To do this, run the water and flush your toilet after you turn off the water. Open the cabinets under your sink to let the warm air surround the pipes.

Prepare Your Home for Winter Weather

2/7/2022 (Permalink)

Prepare your Lake Arlington home for winter weather:

Tips to Prepare Before Winter Weather

• Don't let your leaves stay put! This can cause mildew growth and smother your yard. Rake them up and toss them or mix them into your garden beds.
• Keep your firewood stacked away from your home because creepy crawlers love cozy wooden homes! We recommend keeping your woodpiles at least 6 feet from your homes.
• Drain external water hoses and store away for the winter season so they don't freeze.
• Let the sunshine in! Opening your blinds or curtains can cut costs for electric bills. Sunshine also boosts your mood, so let the rays in!

In the Midst of Winter Weather

• BE WEARY OF ICICLES! As beautiful as icicles are to look at, they can be an indicator of a major problem. The melting of snow on your roof can refreeze in the gutter, eventually forming ice dams which prevents the draining of water. The overflow of this melting and refreezing causes icicles. The water will eventually try to find an escape and seep into small cracks in the roof resulting in water in your attic and possible, subsequent mold damage.
• DO NOT pour hot water on your frozen car windshield. This can cause your windshield to crack! Instead, use an ice scraper and a commercial de-icing spray (rubbing alcohol will work too).

If you find water or mold damage in your house this winter, call your local SERVPRO of Lake Arlington for a FREE estimate. We are Here to Help® (817)-460-7766.

4 Things to Know About Standing Flood Water

2/6/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Lake Arlington for additional information regarding storm damage.

After a flood, you may wonder what to do next. It's normal to feel lost, confused and stressed after a flood impacts your area. How do you prepare for water damage or contaminants in black water? Here are four aspects of standing flood water you should know about.

1. Water Can Be Electrically Charged

Some overflow waters can be electrically charged. If there is working power in your home, you need to take the utmost care to ensure the water isn’t pulsing with electricity. When it comes time to have flood water restoration professionals help you, your safest option is to turn off all power until you or they have finished cleanup.

2. Pathogenic Contamination

Blackwater is a major category of consideration for standing water, particularly after a backed-up sewer or storm. This floodwater occurs after 24 hours and is considered to be full of pathogenic contaminants. This water can be full of garbage, mold, and even sewage.

3. Look Out For Mold Growth

Mold can grow in as little as 24 hours and as late as 72 hours after the water has been stagnant. Warm, moist areas tend to be perfect for mold growth. After a flood, one of the most common types of damage people have to deal with is the mold that grows on everything from furniture and other items in the house—to walls themselves.

4. Get That Water Out

Removing the water should always be the first step when it comes to cleanup. It’s essential to make sure the black water is taken out as soon as possible before it ends up further damaging your home. Never let water sit in your home; use a professional to help clean it up.

The damage caused by a storm can be intense, and it can be challenging to know which steps to take when you have extensive water damage. You don't have to go through this process alone. Call SERVPRO of Lake Arlington at (817) 460-7766 for additional information regarding storm damage. Our professional team will help you every step of the way. We really are Here To Help®.

Restoring Your Lake Arlington Property After a Water Damage

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

Whether you come home to a large leak or a small one, there is cause for concern. While the apparent and obvious water damage is troublesome on its own, the water damage that is unseen is the most concerning.

In tough situations like water damage, SERVPRO of Lake Arlington can help. We have highly trained technicians with knowledge and tools to make sure your property is cleaned efficiently and well. We work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. From ongoing training to regular IICRC-industry certification, our staff is equipped and qualified to restore your property.

Not a DIY Project

We suggest you avoid cleaning the mess yourself to avoid improper drying and potential mold problems. Flooding and water damage events are often complex with issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. There are some preventative measures you can and should take, though.

Protect you home from leaks:

1. Maintain roof repairs and regular maintenance. Clean gutters and spouts twice a year to maintain drainage, and install gutter guards to keep unwanted foliage out.
2. Keep up with HVAC maintenance.
3. Monitor your water bill. If your bill seems higher than normal, you may have a slow leak in a common place like an indoor or outdoor faucet or appliances. Give your home a quick look. If you do not find a leak, call an expert to inspect hidden water lines you may have missed.
4. Re-caulk cracks in and around your house. Check windows, as they are culprits for water collection.

Why SERVPRO of Lake Arlington?

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your home or business, give us a call and we'll be there with the help you need.

If you experience water damage while you are away from your home, contact SERVPRO of Lake Arlington as soon as possible at (817) 460-7766.

What to Do If You Suspect Mold in My Home or Business?

1/31/2022 (Permalink)

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

Do:

• Avoid affected areas as much as possible.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact a professional for mold remediation services.

Don’t:

• Don’t touch, disturb, or blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold—it doesn’t remove the mold, it only removes the appearance of it.

Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Lake Arlington specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business. Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today at (817)-460-7766!

Mold Remediation Procedure in your Texas Home

When a homeowner encounters a problem with mold growth in their Texas home, they should call a mold inspection service to administer air quality testing, which will determine the severity of the problem. After the inspection, a mold remediation can begin. 

Initial Assessment

When a mold remediation procedure is started, an initial assessment is administered. This should be done by a specialized technician not affiliated with the mold remediation company for the client’s protection. This service detects mold spores and growth in an area. Once the air quality test has been finished, a homeowner will be given a set of written instructions for proper mold removal called a protocol. The mold removal protocol encompasses specific guidelines and should be given to a mold remediation company, like SERVPRO of Lake Arlington, to execute the mold removal, cleaning, and cleanup. 

Mold Removal

To ensure mold spores do not spread, our mold remediation technicians will establish barriers throughout the home. The technicians will then remove any porous surfaces that have tested positive for mold, which could include drywall, carpet, carpet padding, and insulation. Mold remediation specialists will then clean and sanitize all surfaces followed by an application of an anti-fungal paint or product.

Air Scrubbing and Clearance Testing

Air scrubbing and clearance testing are the final steps in the mold remediation process. When all of the contaminated materials have been removed from the home, the technicians will reduce mold spores in the air by using air scrubbers which effectively restore healthy air levels within the home. After the process has been completed, the technicians will perform a final clearance test to the home. A SERVPRO technician then will sign a document that certifies the mold remediation has been administered and was successful, which is the final step in the procedure.  The homeowner can safely return to his home and enjoy the fresh, clean air.

Mold Removal in Midland Texas: A Success Story

1/31/2022 (Permalink)

How We Removed the Mold in Midland Texas Home

A pipe burst through a multi-million dollar Texas home while a family was on vacation. The flooding caused category 3 water damage that led to mold. Our team was there for about 3 weeks as we began the mold remediation processes.

We began the process by packing out all contents of the affected rooms in the house and moving them to an unaffected area.

Once all of the contents were squared away, our team began the demo. Our team pulled and saved granite countertops, cabinetry, and doors. Our crew also saved all of the hardware in the home to be reused. We then pulled all of the floorings from the affected areas and cut the walls to pull drywall, insulation, and foam.

Our team cleaned up after the demo and HEPA-vacuumed all surfaces until it was clean from dust, dirt, mold spores, etc.

Lastly, our crew sprayed anti-microbial on all surfaces and fogged the home. We passed the mold test and were able to say our work was complete. The homeowner was very happy with the hard work from our team and was most impressed we were in and out in under 3 weeks!

Do You Have Mold In Your Home?

There are many mold scares in the United States because it can cause health effects, destroy a house, and be very hard to remove. The way mold spreads is through spores in the air, which does not always mean it will lead to a mold epidemic in your home. Mold can not grow on dry surfaces, the only way it can spread is on wet surfaces. Keep your home dry and you won't have a mold problem—although, it is not always that easy!

Tips to keep your home dry to avoid mold: 

• Before taking a bath, shower, or cooking a meal on the stove, turn on your exhaust fan. This will suck up any moisture and send it wherever the pipe leads which usually directs to your attic or out of your house through an external vent.
• Dry wet areas immediately! Ventilate, ventilate, ventilate!
• Monitor your humidity levels indoors with simple monitoring devices similar to thermometers. Use a dehumidifier to keep moisture levels between 30-50% which tends to be comfortable for most people.
• Clean and repair roof gutters to keep water flowing where you want it to go.
• Direct water away from your home by landscaping. Install a sump-pump in low-lying areas.

If you suspect mold in your Midland Texas home, contact SERVPRO of Lake Arlington today. Call us at (817) 460-7766. We are a local cleaning, restoration, and construction business in Lake Arlington, TX., and we specialize in mold remediation.

What to Expect When You Call SERVPRO

3/11/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lake Arlington is here to help! Call us today.

SERVPRO of Lake Arlington 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 significantly increase the severity of the water damage.

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 Lake Arlington has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration. 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)?
• What year was the structure built?
• What type of foundation does the structure have?
• What type(s) of flooring is in the affected area(s)?
• Have you experienced a previous water loss?
• Is there any visible growth (mold, mildew, etc.)?

IICRC Certified Firm

3/10/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lake Arlington is here to help!

SERVPRO of Lake Arlington is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the restoration industry standards and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
•  Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.
• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes and accept arbitration's conclusions and recommendations.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration, and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

About SERVPRO of Lake Arlington

SERVPRO of Lake Arlington 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, and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO™ corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Winterize Your Home

3/10/2021 (Permalink)

Winter in Texas can be a gamble. Some years are mild and warm, while others leave us iced in for days. Nevertheless, it's essential to take a few preventative measures to protect your home through the chilly months. Winterizing is generally a task that can be done relatively inexpensively, will make a big difference in how comfortable your home is, help prevent fire and water damage, and could even save you money on those utility bills!

Here is some way you can get a jump start on winter weather conditions:

• Clean gutters and downspouts in mid-fall and double-check them before winter.
• Replace the filter in your furnace.
• Close any vents in your home that may have been opened for the warm weather.
• Disconnect hoses from outside faucets and turn off the water.
• Buy a snow shovel and other winter supplies before the messy weather hits.
• Keep extra water and canned food in storage just in case.
• Test your heating system so that you know it will work properly when you need it.
• Give your deck a fresh coat of sealer to protect it from the winter elements.
• Keep outside faucets covered when not in use.
• If it's below freezing, leave kitchen cabinets open and water dripping to avoid a pipe freeze.

My Floor is Wet & I don't Know Why

2/5/2021 (Permalink)

If your floor is damp and you can't see where the water is coming from, you may have a slab leak. Early detection is key when it comes to a leak in your home’s slab foundation. If left undetected and unrepaired, a slab leak can eventually lead to thousands of dollars in water and structural damage to your home.

Signs that you have a slab leak include:

• A sudden, unexplained spike in water bills
• Water pooling where it shouldn’t
• Damp carpet or warped hard flooring
• Mold or mildew (visible or just the smell)
• A decrease in water pressure
• A water heater that’s constantly running
• Areas of the floor that are suddenly hot

If you have experienced a slab leak or any water damage, call SERVPRO of Lake Arlington at 817-460-7766

Faster to You Lake Arlington Water Damage Event

2/2/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. Lake Arlington provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

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

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 817-460-7766

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 Lake Arlington

SERVPRO of Lake Arlington 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.

Lake Arlington 24 HR Emergency Water Damage Service

2/2/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Lake Arlington 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 - 817-460-7766

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 Lake Arlington 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 Lake Arlington:

SERVPRO of Lake Arlington 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.

Meet Our Crew:

http://www.SERVPROlakearlington.com/employee-photos

Lake Arlington Certifications:

• ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician
• ECTP - Employee Certification Training Program
• FSRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
• IICRC Certified Firm
• RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation
• WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician

Frozen Pipes Can Lead To Water Damage

1/27/2021 (Permalink)

While the winter of 2015-2016 was relatively mild in Lake Arlington everyone who lived in the area at the time remembers the brutal winter of 2014-2015.

Some of the details:

• 40 days with the low temperature at or below freezing, this is well above average
• 6 of 7 days with at least a trace of snow, sleet, freezing rain, or freezing drizzle from February 22-28
• Up to 7 inches of snow accumulation reported during the Winter Storm of March 4-5

Freezing temperatures can lead to frozen pipes which can lead to water damage.

If this happens to you SERVPRO of Lake Arlington is here to help. Call us at 817-460-7766

Tips to help you avoid having your pipes freeze are:

• Keep your home at a minimum of 68 degrees
• If you're away on vacation, shut off water supply valves to major appliances
• Remove hoses from and cover outdoor faucets