Dispelling Misconceptions about Content Cleaning and Insurance

Dealing With Burst Pipe Water Damage at Businesses in El Dorado, AR

 Restore-It Restoration and Cleaning is dedicated to getting a business up and running as soon as possible after a burst pipe water damage disaster. Water pipes in a commercial setting are often under a wide range of stresses that can lead to a catastrophic failure of the body of the pipe, at joints, and where valves are located. Aging, negligence, accidents, vandalism, and other issues factor into the equation that adds up to a burst pipe in an El Dorado, AR, business. Once a pipe bursts, thousands of gallons of water can flood the office floor, the production area, or the warehouse.

Outlined below are six common reasons why pipes burst in a commercial setting, resulting in extensive water damage and loss if not quickly detected.

#1. Improper installation

One of the leading causes of burst water pipes is improper installation. Areas of weakness are created when pipes of two different materials, such as copper and plastic, are improperly joined. Using the wrong types of cleaners and cement when joining pipes can lead to serious water damage in the future. The installation of water pipes in such a way that undue stress is exerted on joints sets up conditions that can lead to a burst water pipe.

#2. Pressure buildup in the water pipes

A rise in water pressure in a water pipe is one of the most common causes of pipe ruptures. Often a result of clogging, the increase in water pressure continues to build as only a minimal amount of water flows through the pipe beyond the clog. The pressure will continue to increase until the pipe bursts and the pressure is relieved. 

If a faucet yields only a trickle of water when the tap is wide open, the issue may be a blockage somewhere in the line. The water release will most likely occur at a point where the pipe or a joint is compromised.

#3. Frigid weather

On February 16, 2021, much of Arkansas experienced sub-zero temperatures. Fayetteville, AR, saw a record-breaking temperature of -20 degrees Fahrenheit. The ferocious cold snap lasted for days, and thousands of people and businesses experienced both frozen and burst pipes.

Water can expand in volume by as much as nine percent and exert pressures over 14,000 psi. As long as the pipes can withstand the increase in volume and pressure, no catastrophe will occur.

A layer of insulation will prevent most pipes from freezing. Allowing water to trickle from faucets will also help avoid freezing since flowing water has a lower freeze point.

#4. Exposure to elements and other activities

Not all water pipes are buried underground. Some pipes, due to the commercial application, are exposed to the elements. Pipes for fire sprinkler systems, industrial manufacturing processes, or other applications often run along the ceiling. During cold weather, these pipes can freeze. Direct sunlight can degrade plastic pipes. When pipes corrode and crack, they are more likely to fail. Exposed pipes are vulnerable to impact damage from equipment such as forklifts, dollies, and mechanical lifts. Insulation can protect pipes from the harmful rays of the sun and harsh temperatures. Proper signage identifying exposed water pipes can increase awareness and reduce damage from human error or accidents.

#5. Pipes manufactured with inferior grade materials

Defective pipes are a liability from the moment they are installed. Careful inspection of pipes during the installation process can result in faulty materials being spotted and discarded.  Some of the issues may be directly related to inferior materials. Also, pipes may have been damaged during shipping or while in storage awaiting installation. A water damage disaster can be averted simply by visually examining each pipe before it is installed.

#6. Hairline fractures in pipes

Hairline fractures create future problems. Over time, the fracture lines enlarge until a catastrophic failure occurs. A close inspection at installation and a pressure test can reveal leaks before water is released into the pipes.

When burst pipes cause extensive water damage in a commercial environment, the business is faced with the cost of cleanup and restoration. The company must also weather the loss of revenue from the disruption of business operations. Regular maintenance and preventive measures are the best approaches to avoiding a water damage disaster from a burst pipe.

What to do when disaster strikes

When a water damage disaster occurs in a business setting, the immediate goal is to clean up the water, restore any damage, and resume normal business operations as soon as possible. The temptation is to utilize employees to do the cleanup. However, the lack of equipment, training and PPG puts employees at risk and exposes the employer to potential litigation if any personal injury occurs.

The team at Restore-It Restoration and Cleaning is well-equipped, thoroughly trained, and efficient. Restore-It Restoration and Cleaning complete the job promptly, allowing the business to resume normal operations as soon as possible.

For more information about Restore-It Restoration and Cleaning’s property damage cleanup and restoration services, including water damage restoration, fire and smoke damage restoration, sewage cleanup, mold remediation, and carpet cleaning, contact the office by phone at (870) 417-4614 or visit the website to request an immediate follow-up.

Why Is There Water in the Kitchen? Identifying Common Sources of Water Damage

 Restore-It Restoration and Cleaning provides water damage cleanup and restoration services 24/7, 365 days a year. This round-the-clock service from the team of professionals at Restore-It is always appreciated and highly valued by their customers, especially when a disaster such as a burst pipe water damage disrupts activities in the kitchen.

The Kitchen: A Hub of Water Damage Hazards

El Dorado, AR, kitchens are dotted with multiple water damage hazards. A recipe boiling on the stovetop for a prolonged time, a spill during cooking and cleaning, puddled water on the floor and countertop, or a leak under the sink can develop into a water damage issue. Below is a closer look at some of the most common causes of water damage in the kitchen and what can be done to prevent them.

1. The Refrigerator

The silent giant in the kitchen is the refrigerator. The water supply line to the ice maker and water dispenser increases the risk of a water damage disaster. A broken line can spill several gallons of water per minute onto the floor. Be very careful when moving the appliance to prevent the tubing from crimping, cracking, breaking, or coming loose.

2. The Kitchen Sink

One of the most important workstations in the kitchen is the kitchen sink. The risk hazard for water damage is elevated because of the faucet, sinks, and sprayer. Maintenance and prevention are crucial to avoid damage, especially burst pipe water damage. A well-designed and properly installed backsplash will contain the water in the sink area. Pay close attention to the puddling of water in the sink work area. Frequently take a dry towel or cloth and wipe up excess moisture that collects around the edges of the sink, around the faucet, and beneath the backsplash. To avoid water damage and to prevent the spread of bacteria and germs such as salmonella, keep the kitchen counters clean. The use of a non-toxic all-purpose cleaner will promote a sanitary cooking space.

A leaky sink faucet is a common source of water damage in the kitchen. O-rings, washers, and gaskets ensure the system works flawlessly. Time is the enemy of the faucet; the components wear out or degrade over time, even if usage is minimal. The sink sprayer can also contribute to water damage. Sprayer nozzle and hose connections can spring a leak when subjected to the rigorous use or the play of small children. Damage can occur both above and below the counter. The water released under the counter can cause the most damage because it goes unnoticed. To prevent water damage, inspect the faucet, connections, and sprayer by looking and by feeling around for water leaks. A quick repair can prevent serious water damage.

3. The Garbage Disposal

One of the most appreciated kitchen conveniences is the garbage disposal tucked invisibly under the sink. The gadget is not without its potential water hazards. The points of greatest vulnerability are where the unit connects to the sink above and the drain below. The deafening roar of the garbage disposal attests to its dynamic power. The intense vibrations from its operation can result in leaks at connection points with the sink, drain, and dishwasher. The garbage disposal gives and takes a beating. Its lifespan is relatively short, and frequent inspections can help avoid leaks and water damage.

4. Dishwasher

One of the most beloved and appreciated kitchen appliances is the faithful dishwasher. If not well maintained, this time-saver can spill water onto the floor, and leaks can occur at the door or underneath the unit. Some leaks are due to wear and tear over time. However, some spills and leaks are due to human error. The use of too much soap or the wrong soap can be disastrous. A dishwasher that is overloaded or improperly loaded can malfunction, resulting in extensive water damage in the kitchen.

Loose connections, cracked hoses, or gasket failure may account for leaks under the dishwasher. These overt, or hidden, leaks can go for prolonged periods before eventually being discovered. A musty smell, warping flooring, or water seeping out from under the unit may indicate that the dishwasher has suffered mechanical failure.

Water damage is not always avoidable, even with the proper maintenance of kitchen appliances. Any water damage disaster is disruptive, inconvenient, and stressful. A 24/7/365 response can avoid unnecessary and expensive advanced secondary damage. The team of professionals at Restore-It Restoration and Cleaning is IICRC-certified and ready to provide restoration and cleaning services to El Dorado and the surrounding areas.

Contact Restore-It Restoration and Cleaning to learn more about El Dorado, AR, water damage cleanup. The team can be reached by calling (870) 417-4614.

Restoration Company Offers Tips for Addressing Burst Pipes and Water Damage

 Two of the top three leading causes of water damage in the home are related plumbing issues and appliance failures or malfunctions. About four in ten homeowners will experience some type of water damage. Recent research from a group of property management experts reveals more stunning statistics about water damage and water damage disasters. “Water damage statistics indicate even a minor leak can increase the average household water bill by 10%. The average home insurance claim for water damage is $11,098. 98% of basements experience some sort of water damage. 14.6 million U.S. homes are at risk of flooding. On any given day, home water damage emergencies affect 14,000 people. Nationwide, household water damage costs up to $20 billion annually.”

Why a Home Is Vulnerable to Water Damage

A home provides shelter from the elements. When heavy rains rumble on the roof, the family stays dry and cozy inside the house. Yet, hundreds of feet of water pipes snake their way beneath floors, between walls, and under cabinets. The water is under pressure waiting to be released. In most cases, when the water is released, it serves a purpose such as quenching thirst, cooking, washing clothes and dishes, showering or bathing, and flushing the toilet.

However, the consequences can be catastrophic when the water release results from a damaged, aging, or leaking pipe. A slow leak of two drops per second under the sink discharges over two gallons of water per day onto the floor of the cabinet. If the sink is in the upstairs bathroom, signs of a leak will soon appear on the ceiling below.

Bronze stains, peeling paint, and warped sheetrock will soon become obvious to the occupants of the home. A musty, mildewy smell will become detectable in about a day or two when the water stagnates and mold begins to grow. If the bathroom is over the seldom-used downstairs spare bedroom, the only warning sign of a leak the family receives is the sound of water-soaked sheetrock crashing to the floor. The barely audible tick-tick sound the guest thought was a clock was the drip-drip of the supply line to the upstairs sink or toilet.

A slow drip can cause severe damage fast. After a week or two, the floor of the cabinet is warped and rotting. The baseboards are swollen, and the floor outside the cabinet door is growing soft and mushy. A leak detection sensor with a shutoff valve could have prevented the problem. Ninety-three percent of water damage disasters could be avoided with the installation of this inexpensive, highly effective technology.

The thin supply lines that feed a bathroom sink, the toilet, or the icemaker can release two or three gallons of water per minute. A brief leak can be mopped up once the water is shut off, but if the burst supply line free flows for a long, three-day weekend, nearly ten thousand gallons of water will flow into the house. A 2,000-square-foot basement will become a shallow pond about eight inches deep.

If the water release stems from a burst washing machine supply line or a ¾-inch water line, that same three-day weekend water damage disaster can flood the crawl space or fill the basement with 30,000 gallons of water.

Why Do Pipes Burst?

A slow leak can gradually become a faster leak that eventually becomes a spewing fountain if not caught early and repaired. During renovations, an errant nail can sometimes pierce a pipe, flood the home, and ruin the renovation project. Also, variations in water pressure can rupture pipes. A sudden, intense increase in water pressure can damage fittings, resulting in a water release. Finally, one of the main causes of a burst water pipe or supply line is age. By replacing supply lines with the dishwasher, washing machine, ice maker, and water filter, a major water disaster can be avoided.

When cleaning under sinks, around toilets, or behind the washing machine or refrigerator, inspect the water supply lines. Check the floors, baseboards, and walls for water stains, warping, and mold stains. A moldy, mildewy smell is a sure indication of mold and mildew. Search until the source of the water damage is located. This search may require a professional with advanced water detection equipment.

How to Handle a Water Damage Disaster

Small leaks and spills can be handled by the homeowner, but large spills need the attention of water damage cleanup and restoration professionals. The team at Restore-It Restoration and Cleaning has the heavy-duty pumps to clean up the deep waters flooding the basement. Powerful wet-dry vacuums remove the remaining water. Commercial dehumidifiers and rapid-spin fans work continuously to dry out a flooded home. The team of certified professionals knows how to quickly clean and restore water-damaged flooring, carpet, upholstery, documents, clothing, electronics, and wood furniture.

Delays can complicate the cleanup and restoration by allowing advanced secondary damage to occur. Items that could have been restored now must be discarded. If the mold gets a foothold, another layer of expense and time is added to the project.

Contact Restore-It Restoration and Cleaning to learn more about water damage restoration services. The team can be reached by phone at (870) 417-4614.

Content Cleaning for Homes and Businesses in El Dorado, AR

 Restore-It Restoration and Cleaning provides advanced content cleaning and restoration for rugs, carpet, upholstery, curtains, furniture, electronics, documents, antiques, heirlooms, and other items that have been affected by a fire, smoke, water, or flood damage disaster.

When property damage occurs, the temptation is to discard damaged belongings and replace everything. Most home or business owners lack the proper knowledge, equipment, and cleaning products to salvage damaged items effectively. However, replacement is costly and may not be fully covered by insurance. If property owners attempt DIY content restoration, they might accidentally ruin priceless antiques or irreplaceable heirlooms. The best approach is to entrust the project to trained and experienced content cleaning professionals.

Instances in which property damage restoration may be needed include:

• Fire and smoke damage
• Flooding and water damage with the potential need for mold remediation
• Sewage backup
• Biohazard or trauma scene cleanup

Property damage restoration will involve content cleaning and restoration when one or more of these disasters occur in a home or business. In some cases where the damage is limited to a small area of the home or business, cleaning and restoring contents can be successfully conducted on-site. When the fire, smoke, or water damage is extensive and has affected many items, the contents may need to be moved to a safe, secure, and clean environment. Sometimes undamaged items need to be put in storage to protect them during the cleanup, restoration and rebuilding.

The Content Cleaning Process

Content cleaning is important because it often involves personal belongings with great sentimental value. Some personal belongings such as art, jewelry, antiques, sports memorabilia, and rare historical documents or photographs may be valuable or even irreplaceable. The good news is personal contents can often be cleaned and restored rather than replaced.

The contents cleaning process is highly organized, well documented, and closely managed to ensure belongings are safe, secure, and protected from further damage.

Step 1: Inventory and pack-out

Technicians list and pack belongings designated to be removed from the damaged premises. Careful and thorough documentation is an essential component of this step.

Step 2: Cleaning and restoration

This step is where the belongings are carefully cleaned, repaired, and restored. Advanced equipment, state-of-the-art technology, and advanced cleaning techniques and products restore items to their pre-disaster condition.

Step 3: Storage

Once cleaned and restored, the contents are kept in a secure, climate-controlled environment.

Step 4: Return of restored items

Restore-It Restoration and Cleaning strives to return personal belongings when the home or business is restored and ready to receive the items. If the items are returned during the restoration process, they could become soiled or damaged.

Sophisticated Cleaning Equipment and Technologies

Damage restoration professionals are highly trained and certified to provide industry-standard cleaning and restoration that uses sophisticated technologies and advanced cleaning techniques. Equipment and technologies utilized in the cleaning and restoration industry may include:

• Aqueous electronics cleaning
• High precision ultrasonic cleaning
• Scientifically advanced deodorizing
• Precision drying
• Powerful EPA-approved, human-safe, pet-safe cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing products

The cleaning professionals at Restore-It Restoration and Cleaning know what technologies are most effective for cleaning various contents. Technicians also learn how to operate and apply these technologies to correctly and thoroughly wash items. The misuse or misapplication of a technology or cleaning product can damage or ruin a personal belonging, keepsake, or heirloom. DIY content cleaning can irrevocably damage personal belongings and may put the homeowner at risk of injury if the technology or cleaning product is improperly operated or applied.

What Can Be Cleaned and Restored?

Many items can be cleaned and restored and do not have to be discarded. Rugs, carpets, curtains, and clothing are some of the textiles and fabrics that can be cleaned, sanitized, and deodorized. Photographs, jewelry, antiques, fine china, and even golf clubs can be cleaned and restored. It makes sense to clean and restore some furniture, depending on the value and condition of the piece. Advanced cleaning technology enables specially trained technicians to clean and restore electronics such as televisions, computers, printers, gaming stations, and appliances.

Financial and medical records, books, legal documents, and private journals can be restored. Decorative items, toys, cookware, and glassware may be included in the pack-out, processing, and pack-back. The professionals at Restore-It Restoration and Cleaning utilize an array of content cleaning technologies, techniques, and products to clean, sanitize, and deodorize the contents in a home or business that has suffered from property damage.

For more information about property damage cleanup and restoration, including water damage, fire and smoke damage, sewage backups, mold remediation, and carpet cleaning, contact Restore-It Restoration and Cleaning by calling (870) 417-4614.

El Dorado Restoration Company Explains How to Protect Homes from Fire Damage

 If a fire starts in a home and is not immediately extinguished, the small flame can grow into a life-threatening blaze, causing extensive fire damage and possibly personal injury. By implementing a few practical safety precautions, the homeowner can protect the home against fire.

1. Install several smoke alarms throughout the home.

The following findings from the National Fire Protection Association highlight how having working smoke alarms in the home saves lives: “Smoke alarms were present in three-quarters (74 percent) of reported home fires in 2014–2018. Almost three out of five home fire deaths were caused by fires in properties with no smoke alarms (41 percent) or smoke alarms that failed to operate (16 percent). The risk of dying in reported home structure fires is 55 percent lower in homes with working smoke alarms than in homes with no alarms or none that worked. When present, hardwired smoke alarms operated in 94 percent of the fires considered large enough to trigger a smoke alarm. Battery-powered alarms operated 82 percent of the time. Power source issues were the most common factors when smoke alarms failed to operate.”

Test the home’s smoke alarms at least once a month. Perform regular maintenance, including installing fresh batteries on an annual basis. When a unit makes a chirping noise, replace the battery.  Conduct a test to ensure proper installation has been achieved. Replace a smoke alarm after ten years.

2. Identify and eliminate fire hazards in the kitchen.

The majority of house fires originate in the kitchen during the cooking process. The stovetop is the most at-risk part of the appliance. Unattended pots and pans on a hot eye are particularly dangerous. When cooking, frying, or grilling on a stovetop, stay in the kitchen and keep a close eye on the dish. A pan can erupt into flames in an instant. Flammable items such as hand towels, napkins, curtains, and paper towels should be kept away from the stovetop.

If surrounded by counter clutter, a microwave can present a risk hazard. Make sure the microwave vents are not obstructed. Keep a fresh fire extinguisher in a visible and easily accessible location in the kitchen.

Many cooking fires start in overheated frying pans. If a pan erupts into flames, cover the pan with a lid. Very carefully remove the pan from the hot burner and turn off the stove burner. Allow the pan to cool before removing the lid.

3. Exercise caution when using space heaters, a wood stove, or a fireplace.

Keep any flammable materials at least three feet away from a space heater, wood stove, or fireplace. Avoid overloading an electrical circuit with too many space heaters. Maintain a wood stove according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Do not place flammable items on the mantle above the fireplace.

It is recommended that homeowners invest in a metal or glass fireplace screen to improve safety around the fireplace. The screen should be large enough to prevent hot embers from escaping.

Douse a fire in the fireplace and extinguish any burning candles before leaving home. Also, unplug heating appliances.

4. Keep the clothes dryer clean.

Dryers are involved in ninety percent of appliance fires. Clean the lint screen after every load of clothes. It may be necessary to clean the lint screen during the cycle if new towels or fleece blankets are being dried. Have a professional thoroughly inspect and clean the dryer and dryer exhaust vents annually.

5. Inspect and repair electronics and outlets.

Repair or replace electrical outlets that are wearing out. Include light switches in the inspection. As much as possible, have a dedicated outlet for each major appliance. Safety trumps décor. Avoid running extension cords under rugs. Hire a licensed electrician to install GFCI outlets in the bathrooms, kitchen, laundry room, and garage to prevent electrocution.

Most electronics should be unplugged when not in use. Computers and televisions require a certain amount of space for heat dissipation and for cooling fans to function properly.

6. Declutter the basement, garage, and backyard storage shed.

Old newspapers, books, clothing, solvents, paint, aerosol cans, and plastics are highly flammable and pose a significant fire risk. The safest and best solution is to discard items that are not being used. Avoid using a grill, fire pit, or any other open flame or heat source near these flammable items. When the grill is in use, keep it at least ten feet away from any structure.

In the event of a house fire, entrust the cleanup and damage restoration to the seasoned professionals at Restore-It Restoration and Cleaning. The certified professionals understand the need to quickly clean up and restore a fire and smoke damage disaster so life in the home can return to normal. They have the latest equipment and utilize the best cleaning and deodorizing products to ensure the home is safe and odor-free.

For more information about fire damage restoration in El Dorado, AR, contact the Restore-It Restoration and Cleaning office by phone at (870) 417-4614.

How to Protect the Home from Water Damage While the Homeowner Is Traveling

Water damage is not an experience any homeowner wants to face after arriving home from a long trip or an extended vacation. However, life happens, and sometimes life includes a property damage disaster. In that situation, contact the professionals at Restore-It Restoration and Cleaning for a rapid response and reliable customer service that will return life to normal as quickly as possible.

When the topic of water damage comes up, most homeowners think of storm-related water intrusions. However, most water damage incidents experienced in and around the home result from leaks in pipes and connections that need maintenance. A water leak that occurs while the homeowner is on vacation or an extended business trip is a recipe for a very unpleasant homecoming surprise.

The water damage prevention tips listed below will help homeowners avoid damage to or the loss of their property.

Tip #1: Consider utilizing leak detection devices.

Affordable leak detection technologies provide homeowners the early warnings they need to avert serious water damage in those high-risk areas of the home, such as under sinks. Some models require technical expertise to install, while other types can be easily installed by the homeowner. Place the devices in areas where a water release is more prone. Real-time alerts can be sent to a smartphone when a water leak occurs.

Tip #2: Only operate appliances that use water when someone is present to keep an eye on the situation.

Appliance failure can occur at any time. When the supply line to the washer or dishwasher fails, as much as seven to nine gallons of water per minute can flood onto the floor. An hour’s trip to the mall could lead to 500 gallons of water spilling into the kitchen or laundry room, adjacent rooms, and possibly even the basement.

Tip #3: Install automatic valve shutoff devices.

More sophisticated leak detection systems can automatically shut off the water flow when the system senses a leak.

Tip #4: Locate shutoff valves and be familiar with how they work.

Create a simple map of valve locations, and include operating instructions with the map. Post the map in key places around the home, such as near the main electrical panel box, inside the cabinet above the washing machine, in the garage, and on the cloud where it can be accessed by a smartphone or computer.

Store the water meter shutoff curb key in an easily accessible location in the home. Include a note about the location of the shutoff tool on the maps strategically located throughout the house. This tool alone can prevent thousands of dollars in water damage. Shutoff keys are less than $20 at the local big box hardware store, and a spare key could prove useful if the main tool is misplaced. Be sure to test each tool on the main valve to ensure the key works. Use bright orange paint to carefully mark the valve inside the meter box so that the valve can be seen in low light.

Tip #5: Consider shutting off all water in the event of an extended absence.

Consult a professional before shutting off the main valve for an extended period. If shutting off the main valve is not advisable, consider shutting off the supply lines to major appliances, toilets, and faucets. Consult a professional regarding the proper protocol for dealing with the water heater. A cold shower after a long trip is not a good scenario.

Tip #6: Keep the home at 55 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer if the vacation or trip is during the winter months.

This strategy will prevent most interior pipes from freezing. Open the cabinet doors under the sinks. If frigid weather is in the forecast during the homeowner’s absence, have a friend or family member inspect the residence for water leaks and water damage.

Tip #7: Properly maintain appliances, faucets, and toilets.

Older homes and plumbing systems increase the risk of a leak. Replace shutoff valves, supply lines, and faucet washers as prescribed by the manufacturer.

Tip #8: Conduct frequent inspections of high-risk areas.

Drips, moisture, or a mildewy smell may indicate a plumbing issue. Cracks, dislocations, corrosion, and deposits on exposed pipes and plumbing are indications that a plumbing professional may need to assess the situation.

A water damage disaster is disruptive, inconvenient, and stressful, and homeowners who have experienced a water intrusion understand the importance of hiring a dependable service provider for water damage cleanup. The professionals at Restore-It Restoration and Cleaning are IICRC-certified and ready to serve the restoration and cleaning needs of El Dorado and the surrounding areas.

Contact Restore-It Restoration and Cleaning for more information about water damage restoration services. The team can be reached by phone at (870) 417-4614.