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Avoid Frozen and Burst Pipes This Winter

By Flood No Comments

You endure a night of sub-zero temperature but the morning after, water isn’t coming out of the faucet. 

Frozen pipes can be a real annoyance.

The cold season is already here, and it’s time you start prepping to prevent pipes from freezing. Because trust us, frozen pipelines can cause a lot more problems than robbing you of your morning bath.

 This article has many simple ideas to prevent frozen pipes. Also, you will find actionable tips to thaw the pipes that are not working after last night’s cold spell. And lastly, we will talk about what to do if your frozen pipes have burst.

Why Are Frozen Pipes A Problem?

Generally, pipes freeze when temperatures are below 20 degrees Fahrenheit for six or more consecutive hours. When pipes freeze, water becomes inaccessible from the affected faucets, and things will remain the same – until the temperature rises again or you thaw the pipe with DIY methods or call a plumber. 

When freezing temperatures persist, pipes run a risk of bursting. If the pressure building up in pipes due to the expansion of liquid water into ice is not released somehow, it can rupture the pipe. And when water circulation eventually gets restored, the room can flood.

At the very least, you will notice the water leaking through the pipe and get it repaired. At worst, the burst might be too small to notice, and your water bills can gradually rise, and you will eventually spot signs of water damage, such as mold growth

If you ever find yourself in the tricky situation of water damage or mold infestation, you can call RainFire Restoration to help you get it fixed.

How To Prevent Pipes From Freezing

1

Let The Faucet Drip

This is the easiest step you can take to delay, if not outright prevent pipes from freezing. A dripping faucet keeps the water moving, preventing it from freezing.

However, if the temperature drops even further, it's inevitable for the water to freeze. In this case, the slightly turned-on faucet will release the pressure and allow the ice to expand axially rather than radially, saving the pipe from bursting.

2

Use Heat Tape

Imagine that you look at the weather forecast and it warns you of an approaching cold snap. You only have a few days to prepare. What do you do?

One great solution is installing heat tape around vulnerable pipes. Heat tape looks like electrical tape and works when plugged into an outlet.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions to set up the heat tape. For maximum effectiveness, install the heat tapes before the temperature plummets. The heat tape maintains a steady temperature, increasing or decreasing its heat power output in response to the ambient temperature.

We strongly advise against doing a rush job. Caution is needed to prevent it from coming into contact with flammable material.

3

Seal Crawl Spaces

Crawl spaces allow the transfer of cold from the environment to the pipes. As such, seal the crawl space with thermal barriers if you anticipate a bitter winter.

Use thermal barriers to encapsulate the crawl space. You can insert foam cuttings in the vents to seal off the space completely.

4

Keep Thermostat Consistent

Acute temperature fluctuations can weaken the pipe's structure. Materials expand in warm temperatures and contract in cold temperatures.

People lower their thermostats in the evenings or while they are out to save energy costs - which is okay. However, turning off the thermostat or setting it too low can cause the pipes to contract and expand frequently. Over time, the pipes lose their integrity due to rapid molecular size fluctuations and give way when they freeze.

If you are going out for several days, leave the heat on.

5

Stop Drafts

Drafts can enter your home through holes and cracks and cause the pipe to freeze. That’s why you should look for cracks, crevices, and cable holes and seal them. As a bonus, you will also bug-proof your house by sealing off those small entryways for cockroaches, flies, mosquitoes, etc.

6

Remove Hose from Faucets

Don't forget the faucets installed outside your home. Disconnect any hoses from the spigot to prevent them from freezing.

Hoses are at a greater risk of freezing, and when they do freeze, they put the pipe to which the faucet is attached at the risk of freezing and bursting.

7

Insulate the Pipes

Look for exposed pipes throughout your house. Check the basement, attic, crawl space, basement, under the cabinet, and add insulation around the exposed pipework.

You can buy pipe insulation at your nearest plumbing store and install it yourself.

Additionally, insulating hot water pipes can save energy costs by keeping water warmer for longer.

How to Thaw a Frozen Pipe and Prevent Bursting

Despite all the precautions, if nature decides to freeze the pipework in your home, your next concern should be to prevent the pipes from bursting. If you find a frozen pipe, turn off the main water supply AND THEN thaw the pipe.

Turning off the main supply will reduce the chances of water damage to your house due to a burst pipe. 

When you suspect a pipe freeze, check for areas where the pipe is exposed to the environment. 

To thaw a pipe, you need a heat source that doesn’t rely on a flame to transfer heat. Fire can damage pipes and heighten the risk of bursting.

You can use a hairdryer, portable space heater, heating pad, or heating tape to warm up the pipe. If none of this is available, you can wrap a cloth or a towel soaked in warm water around the pipe. 

When the pipe thaws, pressure will build inside. Open the faucet to let the pressure escape. 

If none of this works or you can’t locate the frozen pipe, call the plumber.

What to do When a Pipe has Burst

In the worst-case scenario, a pipe can burst, even without you knowing about it. When you see the wall getting damp or the water pooling on the floor, it’s time for action. 

Shut off the main valve and call the plumber. Meanwhile, start drying the place to prevent water damage. 

1

Use Water Pipe Epoxy

Hopefully, you are reading this article before anything unfortunate has occurred. We want to advise you to store some water pipe epoxy so that you don't have to go looking for it in the cold weather when a pipe bursts. You can use it to seal the rupture temporarily until help arrives.

2

Pipe wraps and plumbing repair tapes

Pipe wraps and tape are cheap solutions for fixing a burst pipe temporarily. You can buy them at hardware stores. Wrap them tightly around the pipes, and you are good to go for another day or two in case you have to wait for the plumber.
3

Clamp, wood, and rubber

If the above products are unavailable, you can place a piece of rubber on the rupture, cover it with woodblock, and hold it together with a clamp.

Does Your Insurance Cover Burst Pipes?

Generally, most insurance plans cover the cost of burst pipe repair and water damage restoration. File a claim if the accident was unforeseeable. 

However, if the pipe burst due to negligence, i.e., it was already leaking or deteriorating, the insurance company can deny your claim. 

Some policies cover the damage resulting from a burst pipe, such as damaged furniture, carpet, drywall, paint, etc., and mold growth prevention.

Burst Pipes Cause Water Damage

1

Structural Damage

Water damage from pipes can seep into the walls, floors, and ceilings and weaken their structure. Water damage speeds up the corrosion of metal structures in buildings, damages wooden structures and furniture, and can short electrical circuits. Not to mention the damage it can cause to your valuable property and belongings.
2

Dampness

Pipe leaks behind walls remain inconspicuous until a patch occurs on the wall, or you notice a strange smell lingering in the room 24x7.

Apart from making you feel constantly uncomfortable, damp walls can introduce a graver problem...

3

Mold Growth

Mold spores are ever-present in the air. Water damage, dampness, and mold growth go hand-in-hand. Mold spores can start budding within 24-48 hours of water saturation. It can spread rapidly within the drywall and affect the air quality, triggering allergic reactions in sensitive people.

What to do in case of Extensive Water Damage from Burst Pipes?

Pipe bursts can wreak havoc if the residents spot it too late. A family returning after a long vacation, a pipe burst in an unfrequented basement, or an internal pipe leak… whatever the reason, if you find yourself in knee-deep trouble, shut off the water and then analyze the situation. 

Extricate as many belongings as you can, and dry the place if possible. Contact a water damage restoration company as they can help you contain the damage, restore the value of your property, and prevent mold infestation.  

Rainfire Restoration provides water damage restoration in Utah. We have a 24-hour emergency crew available any day of the week. No matter the extent of water damage, we will help you maneuver through this tricky situation and restore things as quickly as possible. Contact us for water damage restoration. 

 

flood with sandbags

Water Damage Prevention and Mitigation

By Flood, Mold No Comments

Water damage at a commercial site can prove to be a major setback for a business. Yet, it’s a problem that is not so rare. It can affect the smallest of salons to the swankiest of business centers. 

It’s impossible to predict a flooding event, yet you can take steps to mitigate the effects of flooding at your business premises.

Water damage comes in various forms, both big and small. Natural events like rain and storms can fill the place with knee-deep water. On the other hand, bad practices of staff and customers can clog drains and introduce complications. 

Whatever the case, here are a few steps that can minimize damage and reduce the chances of water damage at your property.

Preventing Water Damage

Water damage prevention method selection depends on your unique situation. For some businesses, it might be a matter of educating their staff, while for others; a reconstruction project might be required. Here are some tips that can help you prevent water damage in the future.

1. Keep Drainage System Maintained

A drainage system that’s working properly eliminates a lot of hassle. More often than not, water damage is caused by clogged drainage systems. 

You can educate your staff to maintain the drains by teaching these simple practices:

Do Not Sweep Debris Down The Drain

Educate your staff about not sweeping debris, small pieces of litter, torn-off plast ic wrappings, or other waste into the drain. People generally think that their waste en ds straight into the sewer, but that's not the case. Debris gets stuck in the P-trap, and eventually, the accumulated gunk clogs the drain.


Do Not Let the Drains Dry Out

When a drain is out of use, the P-trap water can dry out through evaporation. The gases from the sewer can fill the area with a foul smell. If a drain has been left dormant for a long-time, pour some water into it to prevent sewer gases from filtering back into the building.


Keep Bugs Out of the Drainage

To keep pest problems at bay, clean the drains with drain cleaners once or twice a month. Use drain stoppers or screens to stop the insects from making their way back out of the drain hole. Do not let pests breed into the drain hole because they multiply fast and can infest the entire building.


Schedule Cleaning for Drainage System

Don't wait for a major problem to occur. Schedule a day or two a month to clean all the drains on your property, whether it's dormant or active. It sounds obvious, but the drain is the last place our attention goes to unless it gets clogged and becomes a nuisance. It’s a good idea to get the drains professionally cleaned once every few years, especially if there are a lot of trees around your property, or your building has a lot of footfall.

2. Landscaping

A landscaping project involves reconstructions and repairs in the vicinity of your property to reduce the possibility of flooding. 

Your business premises will be inspected for constructions that can potentially hold water or block it from running down freely. Certain areas of your property can be elevated to direct the flow of water away from your building.

3. Employing Dry Floodproofing Techniques

If your building is in a flood-prone area, you can employ dry floodproofing techniques to protect your property. 

For example, you can use sandbags, and water-absorbent material or plastic sheets to divert the water away from the building. 

You can also use water-tight shields over doors and windows for protection. 

It might not seem like a permanent solution but it’s a fast and effective fix if moving forward with a landscaping project is not an option for you right now.

4. Raise the Electrical and HVAC Systems Above the Base Flood Level

Base Flood Level (BFE) is the elevation at which your property has a one percent chance of flooding, annually. To prevent hazards and electric malfunctions, have all your electric and HVAC systems raised above the BFE.

5. Install a Sump Pump

Sump pumps immediately start pumping out water in case of flooding. These pumps are placed in the lowest part of the building (often the basement). 

They have a float switch that activates them when the water level rises. The sump pump pumps the water at a safe distance from your property. 

Have the sump pump plugged into emergency power in case the power goes off. They work even when fully submerged in water, and thus can be of big help in a flooding event.

6. Get a Professional Inspection

If you have moved into a new building or had new construction done, you might have no idea about the areas in the building that might be prone to flooding. 

A professional inspector can identify construction faults and defects such as damaged spouts, dysfunctional drainage systems, grade sloping towards the building, damaged foundation, and areas where water can accumulate. 

Using this information, you can take preventative measures to protect your property against water damage.

Mitigating Water Damage

1

Identify The Risk

In the case of water damage caused by faulty faucets, or a leaking washing machine, you have less reason to worry.

In case of flooding and drainage overflow, plan your action steps based on the quality of water. If the water is black, chances are it's coming from the sewer and poses a health hazard. Anything that the water touches becomes a health hazard too. Decontamination is necessary in this case.

Make sure to take precautions against electrical hazards before you begin restoration.

Move all the valuables and important documentation out of the building and instruct your staff to vacate if necessary.

2

Don't Wait for the Water to Dry Out by Itself

Water damage is often followed by mold and mildew growth. The longer you let the water stand in the building, the higher the chances of a mold infestation.

Standing water can also decay your furniture, walls, doors, and other belongings beyond repair.

Don't wait for the water to dry out by itself, begin the drying process as soon as possible.

3

Call a Water Damage Restoration Company

A restoration company can assist you with reversing the effects of extensive water damage. If applicable, the restoration company can also help you claim insurance money.

Restoration companies can salvage your belongings and restrict water damage by preventing the water from spreading. If the situation allows, you can operate the business while the restoration goes on in the background.

The speedy restoration will stop the problem from growing further and keep your expenses as low as possible. Soon, your building will be looking as new as ever, and you can resume business.

Harmful Effects of Water Damage:

Water Damage is not only restricted to wet floors and furniture. It can cause other damages such as:

Mold Growth
Stagnant water promotes mold growth. If left unattended for a period, mold growth can infest parts of the building that are not in direct contact with the water. Apart from being an ugly sight for the customers, mold growth can cause other problems such as structural damage, reduced air quality, and musky smell. You might need to hire a mold remediation company to eliminate mold and stop it from reoccurring.

Structural Damage to the Building
Flood and water damage compromises the integrity of the building. Standing water can eventually be absorbed in the foundation and weaken its composition. It also puts wooden furniture, doors, and windows at risk of decaying. Water damage to the roof, walls, and foundation speeds up the aging of the building.

Promotes Pest Growth
Stagnant water is a breeding ground for harmful insects like mosquitoes, drain flies, and cockroaches. These insects can multiply and infest other areas on your property and live rent-free. It can put everyone on your property and nearby at the risk of contracting diseases and allergies.

Can Require Costly Repair
You can avoid paying a hefty fee for water damage restoration by taking preventative measures early on. Often, neglect is the reason behind water damage, and a simple landscaping and repair project can easily fix it.

Electrical Hazard
On large properties, leaks can be too small to be noticed by your staff but can annoy your customers. However, if unattended, leaks in pipes and appliances can create an electrical hazard that can be lethal for your customers and staff. Taking prevention is the best measure against electrical hazards, otherwise, it might be too late before it comes to your attention.

Call us for Water Damage Restoration

Rainfire Restoration offers flooding and water damage restoration services. Our team can reverse the water damage and make things look as good as new.

We have a 24-hour response team to aid you in an emergency and minimize the damage to your property and business. We can also help you recover your belongings and property, and restore its value.

Our team is certified by the IICRC to perform flood and water damage restoration services. Though water damage and flooding is an unfortunate affair, Rainfire Restoration will make things as smooth as possible for you. If you have any queries or want our immediate support, call us now!

water problems

Flood in the Kitchen! Now What?

By Flood No Comments

These 3 steps will save you time and money

Most of us never think of dealing with water problems in the house (other than the dog running inside and shaking off after getting hosed down). Until the day you step onto what has always been a stable, dry floor and you hear that sickening ‘squish’ and feel the cold trickle leaking into your shoes. It’s a heart-stopping experience.

You’re in a disaster. So, what do you do? There’s no 911 for a broken pipe in the kitchen or leaking fridge line or toilet.

That first call is the most crucial to getting things resolved right.  And the wrong call can add distress to disaster.

Ask Mark & Cynthia Dayton, homeowners in Orem, UT. Mark recently walked into his kitchen one morning for a drink of water. But the water wasn’t where he expected it.

I stepped onto the kitchen floor and nearly lost my balance,” he recalls. “The hardwood floor was so warped and buckled, it was like walking on rough cobblestones.” Water from a faulty reverse osmosis system had leaked under the floor (and into the basement), buckling the floor, damaging the cabinets, and creating havoc downstairs.

His call to the insurance company resulted in a disaster cleanup stopgap that stopped the leak, but left them wondering what to do next. “I talked to the insurance company, and they offered me a quick settlement to make the repairs,” said Mark. “It turned out this original offer was 1/10th of the eventual cost of the restoration.”

Fortunately for the Daytons, they contacted RainFire Restoration, and the whole picture changed. “They are experts in restoration, and especially dealing with insurance companies,” Mark said. “Their thorough, persistent interaction with the insurance company secured 10 times the original amount, and resulted in rebuilding the kitchen of my wife’s dreams.”

Dayton’s Flood Experience

Call the Experts First

In retrospect, the Daytons would have had a much happier experience following this simple checklist:

  1. Get the water stopped. Turn off the valve to the faucet or source of the leak. (Find out now where the main water shutoff is in your house so you can shut it off quickly in case of an emergency).
  2. Call a reputable flood restoration company. This is the crucial next step. As the Daytons pointed out, companies with extensive insurance-interface experience can save thousands of dollars and days (or months in the Dayton’s case) of headaches. They can also advise you on how best to interact with your insurance carrier in filing a claim.
  3. Consider all your options. A good restoration company will help you explore the best way to restore your home. This may include putting it back the way it was, but could include changes or additions that make for an even better outcome – all within your time and budget constraints.

“RainFire Restoration was a god-send for us,” said Mark. “They were responsive, professional, and handled all the details of working with subcontractors, specialists and insurance adjusters, so we could focus on getting our lives back to normal.”

“RainFire Restoration was a god-send for us”

Hopefully, you’ll never have to deal with an unplanned flood in your home. But knowing where the water shutoff is, and having a reputable restoration company’s information in your contacts will at least answer the question, “What do I do now?”

Why not put Rainfire Restoration in your contacts right now? (385) 336-7246.

You’ll be glad you did.

5 Things To Do Immediately When Your Basement Floods

By Flood, Mold No Comments

You walk down to your basement expecting to see nothing abnormal but instead, you are met with water. Your basement has flooded! Flooding can leave any homeowner feeling overwhelmed and helpless but it’s not something you need to worry about if you take the right steps and call in the experts. Here are the 5 most essential things to do immediately after discovering your basement floods.

 

1. Turn off Electrical

It’s important that you turn off your electricity and gas before walking into the flooded area. It can be dangerous to enter the water while these are still on. If you are unsure how to do this you will want to call a professional before entering the flooded area. 

 

2. Determine the Source of the Flooding 

Next, you’ll want to figure out where the flooding is coming from. Once you identify the source, you’ll be able to shut it off to prevent future flooding. Flooding can occur from rain, burst pipes, and a variety of other sources. You may be tempted to start cleaning up immediately but you’ll want to do this first so you can prevent future damage.

3. Get Water Out When Your Basement Floods

The next most important thing to do is get the water out. This can be done in a variety of ways. You may choose to use a pump such as a pool pump or you may to use a traditional mop and bucket. The tools needed to remove water will depend on the severity of the flooding. 

4. Prevent Mold 

The worst result of flooding is mold so you’ll want to work to prevent mold right away. This can be done more easily in spaces with tile or hard surfaces by spraying the area with warm water and bleach. However, the only thing that can be done to prevent mold in carpet is to dry the area as fast as possible. You will want to set up fans blowing on the affected area and open windows and doors to increase ventilation.

5. Call the Professionals 

After you take care of these immediate essential steps, you’ll want to call the professionals. Professionals know how critical when your basement floods and how to restore your flooded area so that people will never be able to tell it was previously flooded. 

 

We Are Here For You When Your Basement Floods

 

Rain Fire Restoration offers flood restoration services. Our team is trained, experienced, and certified to handle any job. We guarantee satisfaction and provide excellent customer service on all our projects. We’re here to help you feel empowered as a homeowner and feel at home in your house again. Call us today at (385) 336-7246 to get a free quote

Burned home

Utah Flood and Fire Damage: 5 Ways to Recover From a Disaster

By Fire, Flood No Comments

Disasters have a way of striking unexpectedly like flood and fire damage. The simple truth is that much of the time there is no way to predict with water or fire will damage your home, which is why it’s excellent to have a reliable Utah flood and fire remediation service in your local area.

1. Certified and Quick Remediation

Having a certified and speeding remediation service is important for two reasons. First, a certified team is well-trained in making the repairs you need, which means having your repairs done correctly the first time. A quick team also means you’ll be able to return to your home sooner.

 

2. Repair and Restore

A skilled team knows how to repair and restore. Although your home may be damaged by flooding or fire, there is sometimes part of the original architecture that can be restored to good-as-new condition.

 

3. Smoke Odor Removal

A fire has a habit of leaving the scent of smoke behind, but skilled teams know how to remove smoke odor from the wood and insulation of your home.

 

4. Identifying and Removing Mold

Flooding inevitably creates the perfect environment for mold to grow. However, expert eyes know how to identify multiple types of mold and remove that mold from your home permanently.

 

5. Treat Water Damage

Water damage, such as warped wood or water-logged sub-floors, needs to be removed before repairs can begin, which is why expert teams with specialized equipment will find, treat, and remove water damage.

Damage caused by flood and fire can be difficult to overcome: unless you’re using the right remediation company. Contact RainFire Restoration  to learn more about Utah flood and fire damage – and rest assured your disaster can be repaired.

What to Do Immediately After You Discover Water Damage

By Flood No Comments

Water damage can happen in many ways and at any time of the day or night; A busted pipe in the basement, water stains on the attic ceiling, or area flooding can cause serious damage if not properly cared for quickly.

Three Steps to Take to Repair Water Damage

While standing water, water stains or leaking water can seem overwhelming, there are a few easy steps to take immediately after discovering the water damage.

Play It Safe

If water is still rising, or if the basement is already filled with water, don’t go into it. If the breaker box is located somewhere other than where the flooded area, turn off the main breaker. This step should only be done as a way to prevent plugged in appliances or items from creating a dangerous situation.

Remove Standing Water

This step is critical and should be started as soon as possible. The quicker the water can be removed, the less damage will be left behind. Using a wet/dry shop vac or a bucket, try to remove as much water as possible while waiting on members of the RainFire Restoration team to arrive. However, take no chances: if you’re not sure about the state of the electrical current or don’t know what might be on the floor, don’t venture into the water. If any sewage is involved, avoid the area entirely.

Call the Professionals

As soon as the water damage has been discovered, give RainFire Restoration a call. We are available 24/7 and will quickly access the damage. We will do a walk-through to ensure all areas affected are found and included in the repair plan.

Once we arrive, our team will access the damage and start the cleanup process immediately. It is the goal of RainFire Restoration to restore each property and make it better than it was before the damage.

While water damaged areas are noticeable, other damage can be harder to see. Our friendly and knowledgable staff are available to provide solutions for the obvious, and not-so-obvious problems. Reach out to RainFire Restoration today!

Water Remediation: 4 Steps to Get Your Home Back to Normal

By Flood No Comments

Standing water can result from both a natural event and other reasons, such as a pipe burst. It can be devastating to your morale and your home. It requires immediate action to contain the water damage. At RainFire Restoration in Sandy, UT, we have a professional team available around the clock to take care of water remediation needs.

You may need water restoration services if you have standing water because of an event such as a storm, pipe burst, or backed up sewer lines. Standing water can affect your air quality and cause mold growth. It is important to begin the restoration process immediately. Here are the steps to get your home back to normal:

 

1. Call a Professional Water Damage Restoration Company Immediately

The restoration process begins with a walk through to access the damage in the affected area. The damage restoration team is trained to look for damage in unsuspecting areas.

2. Begin Water Remediation By Removing Standing Water

Removing standing water is the most critical part of the process. It is a race against time to remove the water. The longer you have standing water, the more damage it is doing to your home.

3. Dry the Affected Area

The next step is to make sure the area is clean and dry. The team will use industrial-sized humidifiers and fans to dry the area to minimize mold growth and to prepare the area for restoration.

4. Begin the Restoration Process

The restoration process will not begin until after water remediation. During this final step, damaged flooring, sheetrock, and any other damaged building material are removed. Once completed, the team will begin the restoration process so that your home is back to its original state.

If you have standing water in your home, don’t let it go untreated. At RainFire Restoration, in Sandy, UT, we offer services you need to take care of and recover from a flood. Call us today at (385) 336-7246.

couch in flood

What To Do in Case of Flood

By Flood No Comments

What To Do in Case of Flood

Call your Insurance Company

It’s important to call your insurance company as soon as possible.  Ask them what you need to do to ensure that you can receive coverage.  Don’t start cleaning anything up until you have spoken with your agent

Take LOTS of Pictures

It’s important to document everything that you can. Take a video and do a walkthrough of the home.  Try to show everything that was damaged, both on the interior and exterior of your home. Take as many close-up pictures as you can as well of items that were damaged in the flood.  It’s important to have ample evidence of the water damage before you start removing items or cleaning up.

Meet with Adjuster

Make sure that you keep written proof of any interactions you have with the adjuster.  Keep records of all the paperwork or emails you have with the adjuster and insurance agent.  Before they come you should prepare yourself with your insurance information and your pictures of the damaged property.  The adjuster will also take photos and measurements and will provide you with a Proof of Loss which you will then submit to your insurance company.

Contact your Flood Repair Company

At Rain Fire Restoration, we have a 24-hour Emergency Restoration Crew available any day of the week to help with your disaster cleanup. Your problem is our priority, no matter the size of the flood.  Call us at (385) 336-7246

flood with sandbags

Minimizing Damage From Flooding

By Flood No Comments

Minimizing Damage From Flooding

 

Flooding strikes sometimes when we are not prepared, but if you’re lucky you can minimize the damage from the flooding. Here are a few tips to help save you money and protect your property:

1. Identify the problem:

When you notice your home might be having a flooding problem, the first step is to see if the source of your flood is something you can stop. Is the flooding coming from your plumbing?  Answers to these questions can help with step 2.

2. Solve the problem:

When your pipes are leaking or some other plumbing is causing your flooding, then shut off the water. If it is an external source, utilize sandbags to prevent more water from entering, and make sure all the potential drainage points (like gutters) are free and clear of debris.  

3. Protect Belongings

Now that you have done everything you can to prevent further damage to your home, now is the time to protect all precious items and other belongings from water damage. Don’t forget decor such as rugs.

4. Dry it out

As soon as there is no threat of rain damage, open up all windows and doors to allow airflow through the room so as to dry out damaged areas and prevent mold growth.

Sometimes problems are too urgent to seek professional help immediately and these steps are for those situations, however, professional disaster services can help and potentially save you money of further damages, so once your initial steps are taken, give us a call.

 

Wasatch Valley

Snow-melt and Rain Levels in Utah Raises Concern for Potential Flooding

By Flood No Comments

Snow-melt and Rain Levels in Utah Raises Concern for Potential Flooding

 

Spring and Summer are teasing us here in Utah, but the rain and snow just keep on coming.  As it does start to grow warmer, the snow is beginning to melt and you know what that means – potential flooding! After last year where Utah had its driest year on record, we’re all very grateful about how much rain and snow we’ve gotten, but we do need to be cautious!

“Right now, there is well over the volume in the snowpack that would fill that reservoir, even if it was empty,” says Scott Paxman, Assistant General Manager of the Weber Basin Water Conservancy District according to the Salt Lake Tribune.  

This means we have much more snow than we anticipated!

Floods can be unpredictable but there are a few things you can do to be more prepared in case of this unfortunate event!

  • Check with your local council to go over local flood plans and to see if you are in a problem area.
  • Make sure to have those emergency kits on hand!
  • Make a flood plan with the members of your household.
  • Check your insurance policy to see if you are covered for flood damage.
  • Make sure to keep important personal documents or valuables in a waterproof container or safe.

And always remember, if you do need any flooding repair in Utah, at RainFire Restoration we are equipped to repair your home professionally, and efficiently.  We have the best equipment, and our technicians use standards established by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification), to ensure that you receive the best services possible!