Amerestore Restores Flood Damage in Homes and Commercial Buildings
When heavy rains arrive, are you ready for the potential of water damage? It may seem unlikely, but there are a lot of reasons to be informed. In this blog, we’ll cover how to check a sump pump, why it’s important and the flood and water damage restoration process.
One of the most important points to know, however, is if you experience water damage, you have the choice of restoration companies. You are under no obligation to use a company your insurance company suggests. It’s not like in network or out of network healthcare. It’s always your choice.
How to Check Your Sump Pump
Once the water reaches a certain level, the pump kicks on and begins pumping the water from the pit away from the foundation. If your basement or lower level is finished, it’s best to have a backup sump pump as well.
Locate your sump pump pit in the lower level of your home or building. You should be able to see the sump pump inside the pit. Make sure there is no debris in the pit. Debris often impedes the float switch that operates the pump.
There are several different ways to activate the pump. One way is a float that rises with the water and at a certain height, turns on. When the water level falls, the pump shuts off.
If the float is attached to the pump and slides up and down, make sure it can move freely. Make sure rust does not keep the float from sliding. Fill the sump pit with water to confirm the pump activates if water is not coming into the pit. If it removes the water, it is working. Call a plumber immediately if it does not operate.
If your pump is over five years old or you have no idea how old it is, it would be a great idea to replace it with a licensed plumber.
Why It’s Important to be Prepared for Water Damage Risk
Sump pumps are inexpensive compared to the expense of water damage. Most insurance deductibles, for example, are a minimum of $1000.00 and some do not cover all of your belongings. At renewal, your rates are likely to go up or they could cancel your insurance.
Depending on the type of water and furnishings, some may be salvaged. Otherwise, you might have to replace drywall, flooring, baseboards and furniture.
What will the water damage that can not be replaced? Many people store memorabilia, business records and other content that might not be replaceable in lower levels and basements.
If you own a business where’s your server? On the lower level? If it’s not, is it protected from a water leak from above? Water heaters, HVAC and other expensive appliances are often found here as well.
Probably the most important thing lost is your time. Time spent going through contents, time lost by not having the space or the need to stay at or run your business at another location. Water damage is a disruptive hassle. According to WaterDamageDefense.com, 98 percent of basements in the U.S. experience some type of damage during their lifespans.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, homeowner claims due to “water damage and freezing,” which includes damage from mold, averaged $10,234 during the years 2013-2017. These figures are based on materials and material possessions.
Businesses average higher based on electronics, equipment, loss of business and productivity, among other things.
Again, sump pumps and backup sump pumps are inexpensive but most people do not think about them until they step in water. Do not be that person, check your sump pump and replace if needed.
Water Damage Sources
Water damage comes from many sources. It’s produced from sump pump failures, broken water lines, washing machine hoses, and toilet supply lines, or sink, toilet or tub overflows. In some cases, it’s a broken water heater, dishwasher or water line to the icemaker. Or it’s simply flooding from heavy rains.
So, what to do if you experience water damage? Let’s review the steps a property owner should take to handle it.
Water Damage Restoration Process
Step One: Survey and Call Helpers
- If the water damage source is from a plumbing issue, your first step is to stop it. Shut off the water. Call your plumber.
- Call a reputable restoration company, like Amerestore. They assess the water damage and determine the scope of work based on guidelines set by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, Restoration Certification (I.I.C.R.C.).
Amerestore also works with ALL insurance companies and adjusters. Our team uses insurance industry pricing guides and pricing program Xactimate (R).
This is important – you can use any restoration company you want. Choosing a restoration company is YOUR CHOICE. There is no rule saying you have to use a specific company suggested by an insurance provider.
Ask yourself if you want a restoration company that works for someone else or one that works for you? Amerestore works for you.
Step Two: Water Removal
It’s critical water removal is handled correctly and quickly. Removing the water correctly greatly reduces the drying times and the cost of the dry out. Experts and reputable restoration specialists like Amerestore know how to do this.
If handled correctly, very little repair, if any, will be necessary. If the removal of building materials is needed, the restoration company handles it. In more severe cases, drywall, carpet, carpet pad and baseboards may need to be removed. It’s important to prevent mold growth or spread.
Step Three: Dry Out
Did you know there’s a big difference between what “feels” wet and an acceptable level of moisture? Throughout the process, Amerestore uses tools called moisture meters.
Porous materials often appear dry to sight or touch. More often, however, their moisture levels are off the charts! It’s critical to monitor moisture levels because it’s confirmation the job is finished.
To dry out water damage, Amerestore uses industrial air movers strategically placed inside the rooms. Your Amerestore rep checks in once a day or every other day to verify the drying.
Avoid the temptation to move the air movers yourself. Their locations are carefully planned. Let the Amerestore rep move the air movers, dehumidifiers and other equipment.
Step Four: Finishes
Once it’s determined the area is back to normal moisture content, the repair process begins.
Heavy Rains Often Bring Water Damage – Be Prepared with Amerestore
In conclusion, it’s best to be prepared and test your sump pump regularly. Otherwise, after water damage, follow the steps to mitigate it to get back to normal as soon as possible.
Call your plumber, if applicable, and call a tested restoration company like Amerestore. We’ve served people in their time of need for more than 30 years. We’ll be there for you with a quick response.
We take our work seriously and give every job 100 percent, whether at home or responding to a disaster states away from our own beds. When you have a need due to water damage, fire and smoke damage, storm or hurricane damage or mold remediation, call Amerestore.